Crawford County woman receives top Grange award

WEST MIDDLESEX, Pa. – Susan Tau, a Grange member of the Hayfield Grange No. 88 in Crawford County since age 5, received the 2005 state Granger of the Year award Oct. 23 at the 133rd annual Pa. State Grange Session in West Middlesex.
She becomes a second generation award winner, as her mother, Margaret, earned the same award in 2003.
Lifelong commitment. Tau, who lives in Saegertown, Pa., joined the Hayfield Grange as a junior member when she was 5 and became a subordinate member in 1965.
She has held the offices of lecturer, lady assistant steward, family activities chairperson and publicity director at Hayfield Grange.
She has also been the secretary (for 25 years) and flora at Crawford County Pomona and presently is its master (president).
She is also the immediate past lecturer of the State Grange.
In addition to the Grange, Susan is a member of the Hickernell United Methodist Church, the Crawford County Fairground Building Association and the Crawford County Fair Board.
The State Granger of the Year award is given to the Grange member who best exemplifies the Grange and its motto, “In essentials unity – In non-essentials liberty – in all things charity.”
State resolutions. The Grange delegates concluded their annual state session Monday afternoon, after more than two days of work.
The final action of the Grange before the closing, was to install newly elected executive committee member Barbara Gross from Venango County, who was elected to a four-year term.
The session was attended by 255 delegates and 136 guests representing 107 local community Granges and 35 pomona (county) Granges from throughout the Commonwealth.
Delegates took action on more than 80 resolutions dealing with topics ranging from legislative pay raises, to high-speed Internet access and eminent domain.
The annual resolutions set the legislative policies for the state Grange for the coming year.
Resolutions that deal with national topics are also forwarded to the National Grange office in Washington, D.C. for action.
Other events. During the long-weekend conference, an annual talent show, public speaking and sign-a-song (deaf signing) contests are held as well as various breakfasts and luncheons for the Grange departments: juniors; youth/young adults; deaf and community service; and family activities.