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.
“This profile was a delight from start to finish, with a great local profile on an influential and inspiring senior,” the judges wrote. “The writing is particularly engaging.”
Read “Still Making Waves at 100” by Estelle Rodis-Brown.
First Place: Front Cover Photography
Northeast Ohio Thrive captured first place for its Summer 2025 cover, featuring a striking original photograph of a line of rowers taken by Kim Stahnke.
“This front cover is dynamic and inviting,” the judges noted. “The color contrast is excellent, and the line of rowers across the front page is balanced by the typography.”
The category honors original cover photography that draws readers into a publication while demonstrating skillful use of typography, space and production details. The cover was designed by Art Director Laura Chadwick.
First Place: Table of Contents
The magazine’s Table of Contents received first-place honors for giving readers a well-organized, easy-to-use and visually appealing guide to each issue.
Judges praised its “great use of space and design hierarchy with clear navigation.”
The award-winning Table of Contents was designed by Art Director Laura Chadwick, who is responsible for the graphic design throughout Northeast Ohio Thrive.
First Place: Digital Newsletter
Northeast Ohio Thrive’s weekly email newsletter, The Beat, took first place in the Digital Newsletter category.
Judges called The Beat “well organized with short, catchy lead-ins, illustrations and links to their website.”
Delivered every Wednesday, The Beat keeps subscribers connected to local events, helpful resources, lifestyle stories and the latest happenings throughout Northeast Ohio.
Subscribe to The Beat and the Northeast Ohio Thrive digital magazine.
First Place: Historical Feature Writing
“Memphis Kiddie Park: Joy Rides for Generations,” written by Northeast Ohio Thrive Editor Marie Elium, earned first place for Feature Writing on a Historical Topic.
The story explores the rich history and enduring appeal of Memphis Kiddie Park, the beloved Brooklyn landmark that has entertained Northeast Ohio families for generations.
Judges called it “a great piece on a small theme park that ties past to present.”
Read “Joy Rides for Generations at Memphis Kiddie Park” by Marie Elium.
Celebrating the Thrive Team
These seven awards reflect the creativity, talent and dedication of the entire Northeast Ohio Thrive team — including its writers, editors, photographers, designers, sales consultants and community partners.
Special recognition goes to Editor Marie Elium, writer Estelle Rodis-Brown, Art Director Laura Chadwick and photographer Kim Stahnke, whose work contributed directly to this year’s award-winning entries.
More importantly, the honors reinforce the publication’s mission: to help adults 55 and older remain informed, active, connected and inspired throughout every stage of life.
Congratulations to the entire Thrive After 55 team on this exceptional national recognition!
