Friends of the Orchard
To our surprise, ever since we have moved here we are routinely approached and asked if we would like some help. At first, we understood this to be an offer to help with “testing” our 20+ varieties of apples for taste and quality. Boy, were we mistaken.
On countless occasions, we have had friends, family, and neighbors pop over with gloves in tow to provide us with real, tangible help and support. Without them, our orchard and market would not be the success it has been!
The Stille Family
Hard working to the end, the Stilles are an amazing addition to the work crews at the orchard. The family of 14 is always ready to speed pick the trees and pack apples! THANK YOU!
The Court Family
A family of 11 and our close neighbors, the Courts are an asset to the orchard. It’s always great to see the community kids come and chip in. THANK YOU!
The Garrett Family
The Garrett family is a close neighbor and they have helped tremendously with packing apples and the store. THANK YOU!
The Strasburg Family
The Strasburgs have come out to the orchard to pick thousands of apples off the trees and to fill deer apple bags for our venison-loving customers. THANK YOU!
The Elsbecker Family
The Elsbeckers have been a steadfast support throughout the years in many ways. From AppleFest to apple packing, they have always been there when we need them. THANK YOU!
Johanna K
Always ready to jump in with a smile on her face, Johanna has been a valuable member of our AppleFest volunteer crew for many years. THANK YOU!
Nick V
Nick has helped us several times with AppleFest and is always an awesome addition to the team. THANK YOU!
Linda D
Linda is always there willing to lend a helping hand. She has helped us with the store, AppleFest, and has been a huge support through the years. THANK YOU!
Ellen A
Ellen always whirlwinds through whatever task we give her. She has been an amazing help at AppleFest, in the store, and at various other times. THANK YOU!
Maralee M
Maralee has been an amazing helper through the years at the orchard. We love it when she brings her bubbly personality and bright smile. THANK YOU!
The Kiley Family
From tending to gardens, picking apples, washing apples, taking care of our kittens, and more, the Kileys have been an invaluable asset to life at the orchard. Cana Lawrence and her sisters also makes the aromatic goat soap you can find in our store—thanks for sharing your talents! THANK YOU!
The Rocke Family
From picking apples to packing and delivering, the Rocke family has been an invaluable asset to the orchard. Without them who knows how we would have gotten all those apples off the trees! THANK YOU!
The Prewitt Family
Another neighbor, the Prewitt family has helped us with gardening, apple packing, AppleFest, and much more. THANK YOU!
The Meidam Family
The Meidam family has been another amazing support throughout the years. They are always there ready to help. THANK YOU!
The Lawrence Family
Throughout the years, the family next door has helped in countless ways. Now they are officially part of our family as well since Christina married the boy next door. THANK YOU!
The Nelsons
Our neighbors are the best, putting up with our many bonfires, a lawn that isn’t even close to the fairway-style turf they keep, and generously sharing some of their land for tasty produce. THANK YOU!
The Nelson Family
Cheryl and Larry have cleaned and packed thousands of apples on the orchard. They also volunteered to help out with AppleFest and met many of you with cheery enthusiasm. THANK YOU!
The Marhold Family
The Marholds have helped tremendously with cider. We always appreciate the whole family jumping in with enthusiasm wherever they are needed. THANK YOU!
The Williams’ Family
The Williams’ family is always there helping out with something, whether it’s AppleFest, some sort of cooking venture, or anything else we need. THANK YOU!
The Vandenberg Family
The Vandenbergs have been a huge help throughout the years. Whether it’s packing apples or volunteering at AppleFest, they’ve always been there. THANK YOU!
Lawrence Christian Fellowship
In the past, students from Lawrence University have volunteered at AppleFest and packed apples, helping with everything including parking, serving food, doling out samples, tending the store, and more. THANK YOU!
The Kehn Family
When the Kehn boys are at the orchard, we know apples are going to get picked, cleaned, and packed. They have always been ready to dig in whenever needed. THANK YOU!
The Tanglin Family
Tim and his kids have braved cold temperatures and rain to press some of the best apple cider on the planet. They have also helped many times with other odd jobs around the orchard. THANK YOU!
The Bricco Family
When the Briccos are here, weeds shake in their boots. And besides that, all kinds of odds and ends get sorted. THANK YOU!
“Being at Apple Blossom is a bit like being in paradise. On sunny days the place abounds with amazing sights, smells, and sounds on the outside and no matter the weather there is sunshine inside as you are greeted with a smile, great service, and delicious items. We love it there!”
Last but not least, we thank the many of you that have provided prayers, moral support and a strong back. Our heartfelt thanks to ALL of you.
Want to be a Friend of the Orchard? The only qualifications include the willingness to work for food and a pair of work gloves. :)