Representatives from nine chapters and the union’s retiree contingent left the Spring Delegate Assembly a little heavier than when they arrived. But the extra weight was a burden they were willing to bear.

Several UUPers were awarded wooden plaques and certificates for outstanding writing, editing, design and websites in the annual UUP?Journalism Contest.

“Our chapter newsletters editors, contributors and webmasters do a superb job of keeping their colleagues informed,” said UUP?President Phil Smith. “We are proud of the work they do to help spread the message that UUP is the union that makes SUNY? work.”

Judges in the competition are professional journalists and graphic designers. Their comments follow the winning entries. Receiving recognition were:

• Albany Forum—Honorable Mention for Best Editorial/Column by Candy Merbler; and Honorable Mention, Best Website, webmaster Michael Knee.

“The information is factual, accessible and useful.”

• Buffalo Center: UUP?News—First Award, Best Layout/Use of Graphics; and Honorable Mention, Best Website, editor/webmaster Mike Behun.

“Confrontational but light-hearted visual pun on the cover (Furlough YOU) gets your attention. … Capitalization, color and font size effectively convey a more direct and intense message.”

• Cortland Cause—First Award for General Excellence, editor Karla Alwes; and Awards of Merit for Best Feature Story by Jen Drake and Teri Vigars, Best Editorial/ Column by Craig Little, Best Layout/Use of Graphics by Boodie McGinnis and Marc? Dearstyne; and Best Website by McGinnis.

“Well-organized content, solid writing, concise layout combine to provide useful information in a vibrant way.”

• Empire State—Honorable Mention, Best Website, webmaster Jacqui Berger.

“Good information is provided in a logical, easy-to-navigate way.”

• Farmingdale Unifier—First Award, Best Editorial/Column by Yolanda Pauze; Award of Merit, Best Website; and Honorable Mentions, General Excellence and Best Layout/Use of Graphics, editor/webmaster Margaret Porciello.

“Clean design. … The sassy column conveys important information with wit and directness. … A good website with useful information.”

• Oneonta Sentinel—First Awards, Best Feature Story by Jen-Ting Wang, and Best Website, webmasters John Chiang and Alex Jean-Charles; Award of Merit, General Excellence; and Honorable Mention, Best Layout/Use of Graphics, illustrator Fred Miller.

“An insightful explanation on comparing teaching effectiveness, fully backed up by copious sources. …. A very good website with a professional look; a blueprint for all UUP?chapters to follow.”

• Retirees, The Active Retiree—Honorable Mention, Best Editorial/Column by Judy? Wishnia of Stony Brook.

“A clear-eyed look at the trend of demonizing government. … This column faces the elephant in the room and bemoans it.”

• Stony Brook Insight—Award of Merit, General Excellence, editor Pam Wolfskill.

“This is a well-written, interesting newsletter that benefits from a variety of voices on a variety of topics. … Well laid out, tasteful design.”

• Stony Brook HSC Bridges—Honorable Mentions, General Excellence, editor Pam White, Best Feature Story by Steven Jonas, and Best Editorial/Column by Kathy Southerton.

“A good mix of information, advice and events. … An interesting first-person account of 40 years as a UUP?member. … A good message about a relatively new but crucial topic in all work environments (workplace bullying).”

• Upstate Medical Advisor—First Award, General Excellence, editor Dawn Leadley.

“Best looking package in this year’s competition. … Very sophisticated name- plate and font choice. … Liberal use of photos, and a wide variety of topics and housekeeping information, too.”

Judges were Sherry Halbrook, editor of the Public Employees Federation newsletter The Communicator; Mark Hempstead, illustrator and a former editor at the Albany Times Union; and Kevin Mattison, executive editor of The Recorder in Amsterdam.

– Karen L. Mattison