Grand Valley wins gold Townie Award

When it comes to area colleges and universities, you can't beat Grand Valley.

That's the sentiment from West Michiganders who voted in On-The-Town magazine's 2004 Townie readers' poll, which gauges residents' preferences for local shops, eateries, salons, pubs, parks, and about 75 other categories. For the 'best or favorite' Local College/University category, Grand Valley won the top award -- the gold Townie Award -- hands down, said On-The-Town editor Joanne Bailey. Calvin College came in second for the silver award.

Grand Valley's Eberhard Center earned a silver Townie for Place for Reception, following that category's winner, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

About 500 people voted in this year's poll. The write-in ballot may be unofficial, said Bailey, but over the years the annual poll has become a popular indication of what local people value in their community.

'It's an opportunity for readers to express their opinions about what they like best. It's our people's choice award,' Bailey said.

All Townie Awards will be announced in the April issue of On-The-Town, West Michigan's arts and entertainment magazine.