Gurwin Of Suffolk Taking Entries For 32nd Annual Photo Contest

COMMACK, NY — Gurwin Jewish Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is issuing a "last call" for submissions for its 32nd Annual Photo Contest, with a deadline of Tuesday, the healthcare system announced.

Amateur photographers, including students, are invited to submit their best photos for a chance to win a recognition award and cash prizes — and the opportunity to have their work permanently displayed in the Center’s renowned Helen and Nat Tiffen Gallery for the enjoyment of residents, staff and visitors.

"We are impressed each year by the talents and artistry of the participants," said Stuart B. Almer, president and CEO of Gurwin Healthcare System, in a news release. "The artwork chosen not only beautifies our community, but also it serves as inspiration and motivation for residents, making this contest truly special and unique."

Nearly 1,000 submissions are received each year from across the globe and are judged by a panel of professional photographers who choose the winners based on clarity, composition, subject matter and suitability for display at the Center. A Best-in-Show and Runner-Up will be chosen by the judges, as well as Grand Prize and Honorable Mention winners in each of 12 categories:

• Action/Sports
• Altered/Enhanced
• Children
• Landscapes
• Long Island/ New York
• Nature
• People
• Pets
• Still Life
• Student
• Travel
• Wildlife

Gurwin residents and staff also weigh in on their favorites in an additional "Resident/Staff Selection" category. Winning photos are enlarged to 20×28 prints and then framed and displayed throughout Gurwin’s 460-bed nursing and rehabilitation center in Commack, as well as at Island Nursing and Rehab Center, Gurwin’s affiliate skilled nursing facility located in Holtsville.

Photographers may submit up to seven photographs — color or black and white — for a nominal $5 fee per photo. Contestants should send their 8”x 10” or 8” X 12” printed photos along with a check payable to Gurwin to Corporate Communications at 50 Hauppauge Road., Commack; attention: Gurwin Photo Contest. Participants are asked to include the application form located here or by calling the Gurwin Corporate Communications office at 631-715-2757.

Photos not selected for an award are repurposed as reminiscence aids, visual stimulation and art therapy, "providing a source of comfort and inspiration," specifically for residents in the Center’s Memory Care Unit and Adult Day Care Programs, making each photo submission a "winner," according to Gurwin.