Search For The Greatest Grandma

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. — They’re looking for a few good grannies.

Big Y Supermarkets and the Washington State Apple Commission are co-sponsoring a contest to find an on-the-go grandmother from the Northeast whose lifestyle personifies the healthful attributes of Washington State’s famous Granny Smith apples.

Claire D’Amour-Daley, vice president of corporate affairs for Big Y Supermarkets, said the retailer is looking for help to find a special grandma who, like a Granny Smith apple, has “a-peel.”

“We’re looking for grandmothers who are outgoing, live life to the fullest, and are active in their communities,” she said. “We’ll be choosing a winner from the Northeast in April, who will win an all-expense paid trip to the finals in Washington State in May.”

Ms D’Amour-Daley said the winning grandma will also be able to bring a companion on the trip, all expenses paid.

At the Granny Finale in May, an overall Granny Smith winner will be selected. She will be the apple commission’s official “spokes granny” for the next year, appearing on supermarket posters and traveling the U.S. and Canada to promote apples and healthy lifestyles.

Ms D’Amour-Daley said Big Y’s 45 stores, located throughout western Massachusetts and Connecticut, will have contest entry forms available through April 7. People can also write, in 100 words or less, what makes their nominee special, and send it along with a non-returnable photo to: Granny Smith; 340 Cooley Street PMB #514; Springfield, MA 01128. The deadline for receiving entries is April 7, 2000. Information is also available on Big Y’s Web site at www.bigy.com.