A different kind of crazy gala for encouragement and joy with proceeds going to the World’s Children. The evening’s theme was imbued with a sense of the American South. Guests were welcomed to ’Luciana’. This year, for the fifth consecutive year, the Count’s Gala took place at Smålandsgården with the aim of spreading the festivities to the whole county. ”The theme made us correct the gala and add a different ending,” says Elisabeth Magnusson, one of the organizers. The Count’s Gala has previously taken place at Ribbagården (now Grenna Hotel) and 4 years in a row at Gyllene Uttern. Smålandsgården was taken over by Tamara and Joakim Lorentzon just over a year ago, who have built up the business to become an active place for both local residents and long-distance guests. 
The guests were welcomed by a pleasant atmosphere with bales of hay piled high and lovely autumnal aromas from the grill. Chef Peter Ottosson offered a pre-drink Alabama Slammer & snacks from Hugos – Cajun style. Then the Luciana Buffet was served consisting of Jambalaya, Gumbo, Chicken ram stick, Barbecue ribs, Chili paste with shrimp & lime, sweet potato mash, grilled corn on the cob and fried green tomatoes… For dessert, Southern Comfort Pecan Pie was served.
The Sheriff, Hans Lugn, awarded the following prizes with pomp and circumstance:
Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 in Gränna 
Share Music
Sophia Alexandersson and your Share Music Sweden show an ability far beyond the ordinary, creating together with world musicians live music that in various forms is a delight to many around the world. We don’t really know how good and famous you are! The fact that you chose Gränna as your headquarters is a real bonus for us. Good luck in your future endeavors.
Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 on Visingsö 
Playland
With vision and ideas, the company has developed and by offering excellent service and cooperation with local businesses, they have promoted Visingsö in an exemplary way. The company has created jobs for young people and promotes a vibrant countryside. The company shows an entrepreneurial spirit that is so important for the future of Visingsö.
Gränna resident of the year 2014 
Carl Wisborg
For his never-ending dedication, his infectious positive personality and skill, he attracts many national and international celebrities to the area and thus carves the concept of Gränna in the minds of the people for the benefit of all of us who live our daily lives here. Thank you Calle!
Visingsöbo of the year 2014
Susanne Svensson 
A person who works voluntarily and with great commitment to the development of Visingsö. This person is passionate about a more vibrant business community and creating conditions for year-round operations. A person who fights for the future of Visingsö.
In the evening, the group Jump 4 Joy entertained the audience.
Closing the evening’s tribute to Polar Prize winner Chuck Berry – local stars Eric Morau, Elisabeth Magnusson and Calle Wisborg.
By Pen and Photographer
Caisa Björndal
Initiator and organizer of CountessGalet 2014
070-9541480
bjorndal@caisa.nu 
Tickets for the Count’s Madness 2014 are almost sold out. Take the opportunity to grab your tickets. Available at Lagos and the tourist office in Gränna.
Saturday, October 25 at 19.00 at Smålandsgården in Öreserum. An opportunity for joy and encouragement. Award ceremony, food and entertainment. A crazy party to raise money for the World’s Children. In the fb group ”GrevskapsGala” you can follow what is happening in the planning, where, when and how. Join us and invite your friends and colleagues. You are welcome.
In previous years, we in Grevskapet have collected over 150,000 SEK for Världens Barn – the money goes to clean water, homes and education. Our goal this year is to raise at least as much, and preferably more, by joining forces from different activities. This is where you come in. By purchasing a sponsorship package for the Count’s Gala, you are making a major contribution to achieving our goal. So get involved for a good cause.
Plus, you get a wonderfully crazy party night with good food, entertainment and dancing!
My questions concern how you see the availability of payment services in Gränna – i.e. the possibility of depositing daily takings, depositing and withdrawing cash for associations and private individuals, and the possibility of paying bills via an agent (over the counter).
I and my colleague Emanuel Schmit, from the Regional Development Unit at the County Administrative Board, monitor payment services annually. Gränna has several service points for payment services today – an ATM, two payment agents and two services for daily cash deposits. Without this service, the journey would be much longer for individuals, associations and businesses.
Do you in Gränna Näringsliv see any risks that the current level of service would deteriorate in the future? What would they be and how could they be solved? Do you see any particular opportunities/challenges for older people or people with disabilities?
I am happy to receive your comment(s) by email or phone! If you prefer the telephone, you can call at any time between 08:30 and 16:00 this week on 010-22 36 263 or switchboard 010-22-36 000. Or you can email me a time when it is convenient for me to call you and we can discuss the issues.
With kind regards,
Leida Sergo, Administrator Rural Department Unit for Regional Development County Administrative Board of Jönköping County 551 86 JÖNKÖPING, Sweden
www.lansstyrelsen.se/jonkoping and www.lansstyrelsen.se/jonkoping/framtid enslandsbygd
Tel. 010-22 36 263 Switchboard. 010-22 36 000
You can also fill in the form below, either anonymously or, if you want us to contact you, by filling in your name and email address.
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