Sports Feature Picture Story 1st place Eric Sucar Greater Media Newspapers scored big in winning 15 awards in the New Jersey Press Association’s 2013 Better Newspapers Contest.
Greater Media Newspapers Publisher Ben Cannizzaro, who is a member of the board of directors of the New Jersey Press Association, called the Feb. 11 notification “great news” and sent congratulations to the staff.
Greater Media Newspapers Executive Editor Donna Kenyon said, “I couldn’t be prouder of our award-winning staff. They certainly deserve this recognition.”
Winners in the Editorial Department included Staff Photographer Eric Sucar, who took two first-place awards and a thirdplace award for his photos in the news and sports divisions.
First-place awards went to reporters Nicole Antonucci and Greg Kennelty for their interpretive writing about abandoned and foreclosed homes, and the effects on municipalities.
Boys from Monmouth County schools wait to compete in the pole vault during the Monmouth County Track and Field Championship on May 8. Reporter Andrew Martins won second prize in the business category for a story about local gun retailers and the impact of last year’s gun-control discussion. Reporter Jack Murtha took second place for a heartfelt column he wrote about the death of his cousin.
Reporter Keith Heumiller took second place in coverage of government for a story on flood protection and the aftereffects of superstorm Sandy.
Photo freelancer Scott Friedman won second place for his images of veterans.
Greater Media Broadcast News took top prize for innovation, with credit going to Production/Systems Director Gene Lennon, Broadcast News Anchor and Copy Editor Suzie Xie, and Copy Desk Chief and News Editor Brian Donahue.
The Long Branch Junior Lifeguard Tournament, held on July 16 on the beaches of Long Branch. NJPA awards also went to Greater Media Newspapers Advertising Director Kate Rochelle, Advertising Manager Lauren Simons and to advertising consultants Anthony Naturale and Joseph McCaffrey.
Winners in the Production Department included Harvey Hersh, Diane Avery and Joan Fruchter.
The awards will be presented to Greater Media staff members at the NJPA ceremonies in the spring.
Funeral service for Red Bank Police Chief Stephen McCarthy in Long Branch on Sept. 27. 
Area veterans gather at Sayreville Borough Hall for a service to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the start of the Vietnam War on Oct. 20.