The North Carolina Society of Historians awarded the Garland P. Stout Publisher’s Award to Imaging Specialists on Saturday, October 10 at their annual banquet held this year at The History Place in Morehead City.
In a complete surprise, Imaging Specialists also received the President’s Award for the array of historical projects we’ve generated this year, mainly, for the Sesquicentennial. The President’s award is only given to one (unknowing) recipient each year by the NC Society of Historians and we were proud to accept it.
Along with these, we received awards for the Alleghany Historical-Genealogical Society web site, ahgs.com, the Alleghany County Sesquicentennial Committee web site, the Alleghany Map jigsaw puzzle, the Aerial photos puzzle, the Sesquicentennial Schedule of Events brochure, and the Alleghany Star Vol. 1, No. 1 reprint in the Paul Green Multimedia Award.
The Historical Society also won an award for their newsletter which we publish. Other Alleghany winners included Avin Joines for his artwork and June Furlow for her quilt, both depicting typical Alleghany County scenes on jigsaw puzzles, Janice Alexander for her puzzle featuring the Alleghany Star Vol. 1, No. 1, and Ernest Joines for his 4-CD collection of traditional Alleghany music. Alleghany County Commissioner, Ken Richardson and his wife, Betty, made the trip to the coast to accept for those who couldn’t attend. More information on the winning pieces can be found here, and they can be purchased at The Sparta Store.
Imaging Specialists performed prepress work for all projects and Napco in Sparta generated the puzzles and CD case.
Judges’ Comments for the the awards we received:
Imaging Specialists, Inc.
Entry for Publisher’s Award
Judges’ Collective Comments: “NEVER have we seen such an array of wonderful items created by a publisher! We often think of a publisher as a printer of newspapers or books; however, this publisher has opened our eyes. When we received this work for judging, we thought it was Christmas!
“Oh, how we were tempted to grab the items and run! However, realizing the importance of our duty, we examined each item thoroughly and came to this determination…can we grab the items and run and not get caught! Exceptional entry!
“Let’s take each item separately. We had magnets that promoted the 150th Anniversary of Alleghany County, from 1859-2009. They clung to metal very well, were colorful and would help those owning one to remember the year the county was formed. One small step to remembering a historical fact…but impressive, no less. A button of the same design however sporting a “pin” back. Anyone seeing this pin will know the formation year of Alleghany.
“A postcard; pamphlet; “Kickoff” booklet and program card to officially open the sesquicentennial celebration; a reprint of the Alleghany Star, the county’s first newspaper…with additions; development of the Alleghany Sesquicentennial Logo; letterhead; a copy of the Alleghany Historical-Genealogical Society, Inc. Newsletter; colored signs; black and white signs; advertisements, Deputy Stars; raffle tickets; permits, a schedule of events; event programs…and this only touches the tip of the proverbial iceberg!
“We were in total awe of this most impressive selection and variety of published works…each so professionally produced.
“For instance, if color was applied, they were the most vibrant, eye-catching colors. The finest quality paper was used. The perfect font was used for easy reading and to where no information provided could be misconstrued.
“The layout and design of each piece of work was impressive. We were experiencing “true talent.” If only every county in NC had such as this! Her past would live yet again in all 100.
“History can be promoted in so many different way; however, in order to promote, one has to draw people in. Every item we examined from this publisher did just that…drew us in. We realized very quickly that, without a doubt, Imaging Specialists, Inc. would win by unanimous decision.”
(1A) Judges’ Collective Comments: “Yet another fabulous puzzle promoting the history of Alleghany County! In absolutely beautiful colors, the vintage map (puzzle picture) zooms in on the town of Sparta and names all the major surrounding mountains, gaps, knobs, swamps, and other interesting areas. It also sports the North Carolina flower and tree, along with the Alleghany County Sesquicentennial ribboned seal. So educational, so much fun to put together, such a classic!”
(2B) Judges’ Collective Comments: “We believe this rounds out the set of 4 puzzles that we’ve been asked to judge. It is, as the other three have been, of the finest quality and will last a lifetime. If you can get past the front of the box, which is black and imprinted with the county sesquicentennial seal, below which it states, Alleghany County Sesquicentennial, in gold letters…you’ll be on your way to a historical adventure. Though the picture is challenging to put together, it depicts four separate aerial views of Sparta, all taken from an airplane. We are sure that these scenes will bring back many memories to the older residents in the county, thus probably generating conversation geared toward history. Masterful job!”
Alleghany Historical – Genealogical Society Website
(3C) Judges’ Collective Comments: “This is an impressive website that looks very professional, is tremendously informative, has some marvelous links, keeps the membership, along with visitors to the site, up-to-date with any ongoing projects or current events; and provides the viewer with a list of all of their publications that are for sale. Even though we were only given a copy of the first page of the site for examination, we each visited it and took personal tours. We all found it to be of the highest quality, from creativity to content. Exemplary job!”
Alleghany County Sesquicentennial Website
(4D) Judges’ Collective Comments: “Imaging Specialists generously donated the site and space in order for the Alleghany County Sesquicentennial Committee to advertise their year long celebration. It is a wonderfully eyecatching site that promotes the event in the utmost way. It provides visitors with entry forms for contests, contact information, links to various repositories, Le. the Sparta Alleghany Chamber of Commerce, Alleghany County, Town of Sparta, Alleghany County Public Library, and the Alleghany Historical-Genealogical Society. The site fulfills its purpose in two important ways: a. it inform the public about any and all events being planned or taking place in the county connected to this celebration; and, b. it tempts the visitor to WANT to attend these events! My goodness, after visiting the site, we all want to LIVE in Sparta! Riveting website!”
Alleghany County Sesquicentennial Schedule of Events Brochure
(SE) Judges’ Collective Comments: “This is one of the most remarkable Schedule of Events we have ever had the pleasure to judge! It is perfect…and we do not say that often. It is the consummate source of information for anyone wanting to attend any event connected to the Alleghany County Sesquicentennial Celebration. The schedule houses some thrilling vintage photographs, exquisite and colorful scenic mountain pictures. It is sturdy, has an eye-catching layout, text is in a legible font… in fact, to sum it up…this schedule is a KEEPER!”
Alleghany Star Volume 1 Number 1 Reprint
(6F) Judges’ Collective Comments: “We really enjoyed judging this unique entry. Most ‘reprints’ and just that…a reprint of the original only. Through the creativity of Imaging Specialists, more information has been added and yet still you get the sense that it’s an 1889 issue. Adding to this paper has not taken anything away from it… it has enhanced it. The paper has been wonderfully reproduced and while many, including us, get carried away with the information contained therein, we must never forget the technical skills it takes to add new information to an old entity. While Imaging Specialists seem to have made it look somewhat easy…from experience we know the level of skill is remarkable.”
Alleghany Historical – Genealogical Society Newsletter
Judges’ Collective Comments: “Spectacular newsletter! Far exceeded our expectations in that it included colored pictures and photographs. Magnificent layout and design.
“Exceptional choice of fonts, paper quality, use of space. Great headers and footers/page numbering. We have absolutely no negative nor constructive criticism for this entry…none. If this newsletter remains at this high quality level in the future, we can see it being an award winner for many years to come. With regard to content, the newsletter definitely keeps its membership informed about society events, and any other event taking place in the county that refers to history or genealogy.
“Since this is Alleghany County’s sesquicentennial year, the editor has included a detailed calendar of events in the first issue beginning with the month of February and ending with June. They also provide a website address so that members/readers can visit and find out more about the county’s celebratory plans.
“The President writes a message in each issue, correspondence is answered in another section, then it’s followed by an extensive list of Items for Sale, then membership information; then a ‘feature’ story or stories, replete with historical or genealogical information. This newsletter is the epitome of what a society newsletter should be, and it was a pleasure to judge.”
