Bettyann Hardy Named Apple Harvest Festival's 'Granny Apple'

She's a dedicated grandmother, always there when her granddaughter needs anything. She's active in the community and encourages her grandchildren to learn and regularly takes an active role in making sure they grow up healthy and happy.

For Bettyann Hardy, it may just seem like something she is supposed to do, but it makes a world of difference for her granddaughter, fifth-grader Kate Hardy.

Bettyann Hardy was named the 2012 "Granny Apple" on Thursday, Apple Harvest Festival Committee Chairman Christopher Palmieri said. The selection was made based on an award-winning essay submitted by Kate Hardy, a student at the St. Dominic School.

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"There were many compelling essays this year, but this one stood out," Palmieri said. "The pasion that Kate Hardy showed for her grandmother made her a natural choice to be selected as the winner."

Both Bettyann and Kate will be at opening ceremonies on Friday and appear in the parade on Sunday.

For more on the Apple Harvest Festival, including a complete list of events and festivities, click on the link provided.

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