The Pennsylvania State Grange has recognized Tammy Schaeffer of Pioneer Grange #1777 in Topton as Granger of the Year.
The recognition, presented at the 153rd State Session of the Pennsylvania State Grange, is the highest awarded by the Pennsylvania State Grange, officials said in a release.
The Pennsylvania State Grange has recognized Tammy Schaeffer of Pioneer Grange #1777 in Topton receives the Granger of the Year award from Matt Espenshade, president of the Pennsylvania State Grange. (Courtesy of Pennsylvania State Grange)
Schaeffer of Longswamp Township, affectionately known as “Nurse Tammy,” received recognition in 2025 for 50 years of Grange membership and is a member of Pioneer Grange #1777. Schaeffer had a successful career as a nurse.
She has been active with St. Peter’s UCC in Topton where she serves as council president, sings in the choir, served as a Sunday school teacher and volunteers with fundraisers. She also volunteers at the Brandywine Food Pantry.
Schaeffer received numerous letters of recommendation that included glowing praise of her years of service as a camp nurse for the Junior Grange Camp and during Family Festival. One recommendation recalled an instance when she stayed overnight at the hospital with a woman who fell ill during the festival.
She has been active in all aspects of Grange life. Tammy served on the Lecturers Committee for six years, helped with Junior Grange activities, and has been very active in her local and Pomona Grange.
Pennsylvania State Grange Vice President, Philip Vonada, wrote: “In her nearly two decades as camp nurse, Tammy has touched the lives of roughly 500 individuals through her dedication to the Junior Grange. Her commitment to Junior Grangers has left a lasting impact not only on the children she has mentored, but also on the volunteers and leaders who serve alongside her. She models the values of the Grange through her kindness, service and willingness to give of herself for the betterment of others.”