We're continuing our spotlight on the folks who make make Free Day Popcorn possible. It's fitting to share this on Arbor Day, as Lonny's Uncle Orin had a deep focus on conservation and being a good steward of the land - goals we strive to continue today.
We also rent ground from Leta, Shanda and Deb, or as we affectionately refer to them - “the Freitag girls”. They are the cousins of Nate’s dad Lonny. Their father Orin and Nate’s grandfather Verdell were brothers. Orin owned a farm nearby. The sisters share:
“Our dad grew up on the farm, and it was always an important part of his life. Though he had his brother and nephew farm some of the land, his deepest focus was on conservation and being a good steward of the place that meant so much to him.
“For us, his three daughters, some of our fondest memories are from trips to the farm to plant trees, native grasses, and wildflowers with him. We remember walking the land as he proudly showed us his shelterbelts, the pond, and the many birdhouses he built and carefully placed around the farm.”
Deb, Brant, Shanda, Dean & Lauren on one of the many trips to the farm.
Deb and Leta made special trips to the farm to choose their Christmas trees—some of which were the very ones their Dad had planted. “These experiences hold so much joy for us, and they are inseparable from the time we spent with Dad.”
As a tribute to his legacy, his daughters recently made a trip back to the farm together and planted a tree in his honor. “It brings us comfort to know that the land continues to be farmed within our family, and we love being able to share the popcorn that still comes from our farm—a small but meaningful way to keep his spirit alive,” they said.
Planting a tree at Orin’s farm.