Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 14, 1993 TAG: 9310130345
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
When the kettles have been cleaned, and what's left of the apple butter is cleared away, John Rader always feels a certain relief.
At 84, Rader and his wife, Martha, have been hosts to their share of apple-butter brewings for the Troutville Lions Club - the past 10, to be exact. And even though each year is rumored to be the last at the Raders' home, John Rader always gives in.
As a charter member of the club - he joined 52 years ago - Rader feels responsible for making sure things run smoothly. After all, the Lions count on him to oversee the cooking of nearly 700 quarts of apple butter that usually is sold out each year before the cooking even begins.
The Troutville Lions Club sells about $3,000 worth of apple butter each year, enough to make sizeable contributions to projects for the blind and youth. Apple butter is considered the group's main fund-raiser each year.
"We have a reputation for making good apple butter," Rader said. "There are many repeat customers - more each year - and we cook until the orders are filled."
The Raders' home on U.S. 11 is convenient for making apple butter. Lions assemble for several days to cut, peel and process the apples. Cooking begins at 5:30 a.m.
"It's a day of fellowship and hard work," John Rader said. The club's 40 members, and others who volunteer to help make apple butter, work in shifts. Many bring covered dishes for lunch.
The club uses Rome and Golden Delicious apples from local orchards. Canning jars are bought in bulk during the summer. Sugar and spices are purchased wholesale.
"About three-fourths of what we sell is profit. That's pretty good," John Rader said.
The Lions will peel apples today and Friday and cook throughout the day Friday and Saturday.
"Apple-butter making always seems to fall on our anniversary," Martha Rader said. As this year's apple butter is distributed, the Raders celebrate 60 years of marriage.
Which explains why they may be reluctant to play host to apple-butter cooking indefinitely.
by CNB