The Northeast Ohio Thrive team earned seven national honors — including the coveted first-place award for General Excellence — at the 2026 North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA) conference held in Memphis in August 2026.
The awards recognize the publication’s outstanding journalism, graphic design, photography and digital content, along with its commitment to serving adults 55 and older throughout Greater Cleveland and Akron.
First Place: General Excellence
The General Excellence category recognizes publications that demonstrate strong editorial balance and planning, high standards in writing and editing, and a clear understanding of the issues affecting their local senior communities.
Judges praised Northeast Ohio Thrive as a “beautifully designed publication with relevant columns, community events, local features, vacation advice and even fashion.”
They added: “Well written and a joy to read.”
Editorial content is under the direction of Editor Marie Elium and Digital/Associate Editor Estelle Rodis-Brown. The publication’s visual identity and award-winning layouts are created by Art Director Laura Chadwick, who handles all graphic design for Northeast Ohio Thrive.
Second Place: Senior Issues
Northeast Ohio Thrive received second place in the Senior Issues category for “A Place for Us,” written by Estelle Rodis-Brown. The series examines housing choices, affordability, aging in place and other important considerations for older adults.
Judges described the series as “important information on housing, from staying in place to rentals,” adding that it was “chock full of facts and statistics” that can help older adults make informed housing decisions.
Read “A Place for Us: Housing — Too Expensive & Scarce” by Estelle Rodis-Brown
and “Aging in (the right) Place” By Estelle Rodis-Brown
First Place: Personal Profile
“Still Making Waves at 100,” written by Estelle Rodis-Brown, earned first place in the Personal Profile category. The story profiles Rose Marra Scotland, who retired at age 100 after spending 20 years as an arthritis water-fitness instructor at the Hillcrest Family YMCA.
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