Snuff mill story lands reporter NJSPJ award

JessicaSmith

Jessica Smith, a staff writer for Greater Media Newspapers, has been honored with a second-place award in feature writing from the New Jersey Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

The award recognized Smith's story, "Buildings provide snapshot of town's first 116 years," which was published in the Sentinel and Suburban newspapers on Dec. 7. In covering the story of the impending redevelopment of the historic snuff mill in Helmetta, Smith walked the buildings with local historians and offered the reader a glimpse into an era gone by.

"The story was interesting because I was given the opportunity to tour this historic place that the public has not had access to, and was soon to be drastically changed," Smith said. "As I was walking through the buildings, I tried to figure out how what I was seeing could translate into a story. The images were really fascinating, so I had to find a way to bring the pictures in my mind to readers. Also, the mill has a rich history, with generations of Helmetta residents having worked there, so I knew it was important to capture some of that."

The reporter credited local historian Joe Sapia, whose family worked in the mill over the years, with providing insight on the history of the mill, around which the town was built.

A graduate of Rutgers University with a degree in journalism, Smith has worked for Greater Media Newspapers since September. She covers Milltown, Monroe and Old Bridge.

"I enjoy keeping residents of the towns I cover informed on what is happening in their government and community as a whole," she said of her reporting. "It's also nice to let people's voices be heard on various issues that concern them, and to get their stories out there. With community journalism, you have the ability to get to know the areas you cover inside and out, and develop relationships with the people who live in them."