Kutztown Grange presented Andy Schlegel, Kutztown, with the 2018 Community Citizen Award, recognizing Schlegel for his contributions to the Kutztown community during its annual Community Night on April 12.
“We pick somebody who has done things for the community and it’s a surprise,” said Kutztown Grange Master Kenneth Dietrich. “We try to pick someone who helps the community… He’s done quite a bit for the community.”
“He is known for his good nature and those one-line zingers that never fail to amaze you,” said Darlene Dietrich, Lady Assistant Steward, during the award presentation. “He is also known for his community service.”
Schlegel’s community service dates back to his youth as an Eagle Scout. Currently he is manager of the Kutztown Bottling Works and is a member of the Kutztown Municipal Authority, member of the Kutztown Transportation Authority, and chairman of the Kutztown Day Committee. A certified trainman, he is chairman of the Kutztown Historical Society train crew and volunteers for Allentown & Auburn Railroad. A member of the Kutztown Optimist Club, he has served as past president twice and assists with the Fools Run, Easter Egg Hunt and Senior Christmas Dinner, to name a few events he is involved in.
“Thanks everybody,” said the surprised Schlegel, thanking the Grange for the recognition, as well as his parents, brother and the Optimist Club. “I knew something was up when my family members all started showing up, other Optimist members and my Dad’s reaching for his camera.”
The 2018 Granger of the Year Award was presented to life-time Grange member Nick Sattazahn, Hamburg, for recognition of service to the Grange. He continues to serve Grange along with his wife, Nancy. His son Josh Sattazahn, Grange Assistant Steward, presented the award to his father.
“I was surprised. I’m just a guy who likes to stay in the back and do all of the support work,” said Nick Sattazahn, who thanked the Grange members for the recognition. “I’ve been in Grange since I was 5 years old. My parents took me as a youngster and grew up in Grange and I’ve gone all over the country through the Grange… It’s just something I’ve done ever since I was a little youngster.”
The 2018 Community Service Award, which includes a monetary donation, was presented to Friend, Inc. Community Services. Previous award recipients were Kutztown Borough in 2017 and Kutztown Area Historical Society in 2016.
“What is community service? It is giving of your time, your service and your self,” said Darlene Dietrich.
She said the Grange has given monetary donations, gave meals to a family in need, volunteered at Berks Heim Nursing Home, and donated to the fire company, police department and for the park.
“There are a lot of things you can do. This year, our community service project is Friend Inc. which provides services for the Northeastern Berks County,” said Dietrich.
A donation check was presented to Friend volunteer Laura Moyer on behalf of Friend.
“This money really helps us to be able to support those in need and the community so we really appreciate it,” said Moyer.
Membership Awards were also presented to Grange members who celebrated anniversaries: Fern Kerchner for 70 years, Linda Fritch for 55 years and Carl Rabenold for 50 years. They were not able to be present to receive the awards.
Community Night included a living history presentation by Guy Bieber who portrayed Buffalo Bill Cody, taking the attendees on a trip into the past through storytelling as a famous historical person.
“Make the past part of the present,” said Bieber after telling Buffalo Bill’s story.
The evening concluded with refreshments. The public was invited to attend to see what the Grange does, which is community service through projects, donations and scholarships, to name a few things.
