Columnist Takes Top Award for Writing About Lemon Grove

For the second year in a row, Lemon Grove Patch contributor Helen Ofield has been honored by the San Diego chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists for her weekly column, “The Way We Were.”

Ofield, president of the Lemon Grove Historical Society, took home the first place prize in the non-daily column category at the organization’s annual banquet held Thursday night at the Bali Hai restaurant in San Diego. Chris Jennewein, Patch associate editorial director, Southern California, accepted the plaque on Ofield’s behalf as she was not able to attend the event.

"Patch is grateful to Helen for researching and writing such a compelling history column," Jennewein said. "She makes old Lemon Grove come alive!"

Carlos Davalos of The Star News was awarded second place for "From the editor," and Laura Walcher earned honorable mention for "What Now?" in the Presidio Sentinel.

[Read the awards story here.]

In an email to Patch, Ofield expressed delight that her work focused on the life and good times of Lemon Grove—past and present—had received the recognition, and offered congratulations to colleagues Ken Stone and Chris Stone, who also pick up awards for Patch.

Ofield said she leaped at the chance “to write about our wonderfully idiosyncratic, historic, always fascinating town and its institutions and people” two years ago when the column was suggested to her.

The column is based on snippets taken from archived editions of the old Lemon Grove Review, and published each Monday on Lemon Grove Patch. Her peek at the past rounds up the town’s history and people with heartfelt charm and flair. 

Last year, her column earned second place in the contest’s non-daily reporting and writing category.