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From Black Thumb to Abounding Bushels
When Denny Stucky's sister mentioned he and Emily should purchase the orchard and they'd come over and help out, that planted the seed for the idea of owning the Community Orchard. After consideration and a few conversations with then-owners Greg and Bev Baedke, the wheels came to be in motion for Denny and Emily Stucky to become Community Orchard's new owners.
Of about 100 acres, 38 produce contain nearly 6,000 apple trees that produce apples for the Community Orchard's business, according to Owner Denny Stucky. Other interesting facts shares include:
- The orchard was started in 1952 by Dr. Otto. He had grown apples in Minnesota, and decided to plant some trees in Iowa.
- Apples were sold from a roadside stand originally. He and his wife bought the property and converted the dairy barn for orchard use.
- Because there is an orchard, a gift shop, a cafe, and the Back 40, it feels like four different businesses.
- Skills learned from past employment have benefitted both Denny and Emily in this business venture.
- Some of the original equipment purchased in the late 1950s to early 1960s is still in use.
- Apple trees are pruned every winter, from late January to March.
- The Stuckys are working to expand apple production through high-density planting, which involves irrigation.
- Nearly 100% of what the orchard grows is used by the orchard.
- Cider is produced by the orchard and taken to Soldier Creek where they make a hard cider.
- Cider is produced by the orchard and taken to River Hops where it is made into "Dale's Apple Ale."
One of the funniest points mentioned is that, prior to owning the orchard, the Stuckys claim to have had bad luck growing things. Rotary wishes them well as they work to increase apple production and increase their product line.
On Thursday, December 14th between 43:00 and 6:00 Daniel Pharmacy will be holding an open house and ribbon cutting in celebration of 60 years of business within Fort Dodge. Please come and help long-time Rotarian John and his family celebrate this monumental milestone.
istmas events in the Downtown. Once again, the programming committee has put together an excellent program.
tarlite from 11:30am-1pm in a format very similar to last year. The guest speaker this year is retired Astronaut from Nebraska, Clayton Anderson. The attached flyer contains a log-in to register your attendance. 
Rotarian Tofilon announced at the October 30th meeting that Rotary will be serving the MANNA meal on December 16th. Ann Meyer will again be serving her marvelous Lasagna to the approximate 60 persons attending. For many this is the major hot meal they will receive that month. Rotary will be providing the salads and drinks to accompany the meal. First Methodist Church provides the kitchen, location, cleaning materials, and prizes for a fun hour for the attendees. What Joe asked for is volunteers to help cook, prepare salads, and clean-up after the meal. Please contact Joe if you will be willing to help our involvement in this event. Please say YES if Joe contacts you for help.
