The communications efforts of UUP’s two Stony Brook chapters, as well as the union’s retiree contingent, picked up a total of seven awards in the annual journalism and website competition sponsored by NYSUT United.

Stony Brook HSC’s Bridges earned three awards, while the chapter website added a fourth.

Bridges received Awards of Merit for: Best Feature Story, “Stony Brook home,” by Ian Hu; Best News Story, “President’s message” on bullying, by Kathy Southerton; and Best Opinion Writing, “Flu vaccines: The choice is now yours,” by Southerton. Pam White is the newsletter editor.

Judges had only good things to say about the publication.

“The story of the clinic is well written and gives readers a good look at the facility; the message on bullying is an excellent, well-written report that provides useful information in an easy-to-read format,” according to the judges. The opinion piece on flu vaccines “is a very complete, detailed and nontechnical explanation of the facts surrounding this important and timely issue.”

The chapter also picked up an Award of Merit for Best Website. Bruce Kube is the webmaster.

“The site is comprehensive and user-friendly,” the judges wrote. “It’s good to see video being used.”

Stony Brook’s Insight earned an Award of Merit for Best Publication. The chapter newsletter is edited by Pam Wolfskill.

“This is an excellent publication that truly gives its members a clear vision of the chapter’s mission, activities and interests,” the judges wrote. “The articles are well written and full of information, while the layout is attractive and easy to read.”

The Active Retiree picked up a first-place award for Best Publication and an Award of Merit for Best News Story in the retiree competition.

The judges were impressed with the overall publication. “Great layout, newsy content and nice graphics. A first-class publication.”

Stony Brook retiree Judy Wishnia wrote the winning article, “Service Corps ‘re- imagines’ SUNY retirement,” on the inaugural conference of the SUNY Retiree Service Corps.

“Great job on the establishment of a retiree service corps. Fine detail and great layout,” according to the judges.

Judging the contest were Eric Krieger and Howard Healy, former editors for the Albany Times Union; and Elaine Cape, former assistant editor for the Daily Gazette.

— Karen L. Mattison