May 11, 2021

Grey County Reads ends another successful year

BY SOUTHGREY.CA STAFF — Escaping the difficult reality of a global pandemic has become an illusive pursuit for many of us. Even if it’s only a temporary fix, reading a good book can be a great way to distract your brain and reset your priorities. Choosing one from the list of six readily available titles promoted in our Grey County Reads contest helps our local libraries in many ways.

For one, it has helped raise the Grey Highlands Public Library to top spot in the race for $200 worth of books from our sponsor Speaking Volumes Books and Audio in Flesherton. Over 1,500 votes were cast from February to the end of April, the majority of which chose Grey Highlands to receive the award.

During the final two weeks of voting, semi-finalist books advocated by Grey Highlands Chamber of Commerce champion Shawn Ankennman and Blue Mountains Chamber of Commerce champion Kaitland Murray fought a very close battle. But in the end, our congratulations go to The Overstory by Richard Powers, advocated by Kaitland Murray who squeaked out the win.

Three lucky voters were also chosen at random to win Speaking Volumes Books and Audio gift certificates:

Michelle Patey of Markdale wins a $50 certificate
Holger Majorahn of Flesherton wins a $30 certificate
Jennifer Stenberg of Flesherton wins a $20 gift certificate

Many thanks go out to all of our readers in this year’s competition:

Shawn Ankenmann, owner of Highland Grounds Fair Trade Coffee Shop in Grey Highlands, representing Grey Highlands Chamber of Commerce read Son of a Trickster by Eden Robinson. Shawn has chosen to accept a Grey County prize package which includes $50 in Hanover Chamber Bucks as well as a $25 gift certificate for Queens Bush Pub in Hanover.

Sydney Austin, General Manager of Staples in Owen Sound, representing Owen Sound District Chamber of Commerce read Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Sad has chosen to accept a Grey County prize package which includes gift certificates for The Thornbury Bakery Café and The Cheese Gallery in the Town of Blue Mountains, as well as a gift certificate for Queen's Bush Pub in Hanover.

Norma Graham, Assistant Librarian for the Hanover Public Library, read From the Ashes: My Story of Being Métis, Homeless, and Finding My Way by Jesse Thistle. Norma has chosen to accept a Grey County prize package which includes a $50 gift certificate for Staples in Owen Sound as well as a gift certificate for Queens Bush Pub in Hanover.

JD Moffat, Morning Show Announcer for Jewel 99.3 in Meaford, representing Meaford Chamber of Commerce read The Company We Keep by Francis Itani. JD has chosen to accept a Grey County prize package which includes $50 in West Grey Chamber Bucks as well as a gift certificate for Queen's Bush Pub in Hanover.

Kaitland Murray, Administrator for the Town of Blue Mountains Chamber of Commerce, representing Town of Blue Mountains Chamber of Commerce, read The Overstory by Richard Powers. Kaitland has chosen to accept a Grey County prize package which includes gift certificates for Chez Gilles Fine Dining and Catering and Simply Unique Flowers & Gifts in #Meaford as well as The Garafraxa Cafe in Durham and Queens Bush Pub in Hanover.

Amanda Bible, leader of the Bible Team for Rock Capital Investments, The Mortgage Centre, representing West Grey Chamber of Commerce, read Women Talking by Miriam Toews. Amanda has received a Grey County prize package which includes gift certificates for the Bicycle Café and Highland Grounds Fair Trade Coffee Shop in Flesherton as well as a family pass for Grey Roots Museum and Archives in Owen Sound.

We also want to thank everyone who participated in this year’s contest including all seven Grey County Public Library Boards and especially visitors to South Grey News. Together, you have made this our most successful competition to date.

Lastly, but certainly not least, we want to thank all of the Grey County Reads advertisers, without whom we could not publish this event:

Bayview Escarpment Fine Furniture and Cabinetry
The Bicycle Café
The Bookstore
Chapman's Ice Cream
The Colour Jar
ColourPix Graphic Design Services
Graciela Robertson, Grey County Real Estate Inc. Brokerage
Grey County Apparel/Hello Country Magazine
Grey County Public Libraries
Grey Roots Museum and Archives
John Tamming Law
Alex Ruff, MP Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound
Lyn Grant Financial Services Inc.
Mullin Bookkeeping
Nature's Path Osteopathy and Alternative Healing
The Restaurant - Leela's Villa Inn
Speaking Volumes Books and Audio
Bill Walker, MPP Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound

Remember to shop local!

 

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