Mercer Co. couple honored by Grange

MERCER, Pa. – Joel and Christie Straub, of Greenville, Mercer County, were thrust into the spotlight at the Pa. State Grange Young Adults/Young Marrieds’ Weekend held in State College.
The pair was selected as the 2007-2008 Pa. State Grange “Young Couple of the Year.”
Criteria. Couples competing for this honor must have been Grange members for a minimum of two years and neither partner may have reached their 35th birthday. Contestants are judged on an interview, ambassadorship qualities and a written test of Grange knowledge.
The selected young couple helps to promote and generate enthusiasm for the youth department programs and contests. The couple will also serve on the State Grange Youth Committee for one year during their reign.
Their history. The Straubs met through the Grange and were married on May 8, 2004. Joel, 34, is a graduate of Commodore Perry High School and Grove City College. Christie, 32, graduated from Oley Valley High School and Orlando College. They are both members of Stony Point Grange #1694 in Mercer County.
Joel joined the Grange at the age of 5 and has been a lifelong member. He was past State Junior Prince and Youth Ambassador. He is the current Lecturer/Program Director for Stony Point Grange.”
Christie joined the Virginville Grange #1832 in Berks County in 1999. She was the public relations director for Berks County Pomona Grange #43. She is the current Ceres for Stony Point Grange #1694. She also served as the Pa. State Grange youth director from 2003-2005.
The couple lives in a 200 year-old farmhouse in Greenville, Mercer County.