FIRST CROP
by John Anton

If you want to be assured a bright sunshiny day, the annual fall tour was the place to be. For the umpteenth consecutive time the last Saturday in September proved to be another beautiful day as the membership enjoyed a tour of the maple industry in the West Branch/Rose City area. This years host was Ron Thomas who said that he actually ordered the nice weather some time in the spring. We want to extend a special thanks to the following who opened their facilities to us; Ron & Debbie Thomas, Sean Delaney, Ike Rosebrough, the Fritz Family and Bill & Bob Britt.

The 40th Annual meeting of the Michigan Maple Syrup Association will be held on Saturday, January 22nd, 2000 in Clare at the Doherty Hotel. We have made plans to better organize the displays and exhibits this year. Marv Besteman is coordinating the activity this year. If he has not contacted you by now and you want to exhibit get in touch with Marv. Our format for the meeting will be similar, with the business meeting in the morning and a number of presentation and breakout sessions; including information on the Long Horned Beetle, which seems to be a serious threat to our industry. We expect our video to be completed by then and ready for viewing at the meeting.

Don't forget to bring your very best syrup and participate in the third annual maple syrup contest. In addition to the syrup contest itself, Steve Youdes has added another contest. With more syrup being marketed through further processing Steve has added a confectionery contest. Details and rules are published elsewhere in the Newsletter.

The Board feels that it is important to recognize those whose contribution to the Michigan Maple industry has been significant. The Board, at their fall business meeting, approved the following for the special honorary membership in the Association:

LeRoy & Charlotte Worden of Bulah -Past editor of the Michigan Maple Syrup Association Newsletter, member of the Board and long time producer.

George & Helen Fogle of Mason -Active producers of Maple products, owners of Sugar Bush Supplies, Inc and Board member of Leader Evaporator Company.

Frank & Sally Majszak of Maple City -The largest producer in the State of Michigan when they were actively producing. Recently retired from active production. Served on the Board and acted in the capacity of President of the Michigan Maple Syrup Association for ten years.

Amos (deceased) & Joyce Haigh of Charlotte -Active producers for over thirty years and members of the Vermontville Association.

Claude & Beth Esch of Fairview -Producers for sixty years, who recently retired from active production.

This special recognition carries a lifetime membership in the Association. We welcome these special people into this category of membership and sincerely thank them for their many years of support and contribution to the Michigan Maple Industry. A special presentation will be made at the winter meeting recognizing the recipients

Michigan Maple lost a longtime producer and supportive member of the maple community with the passing of Amos Haigh. Amos produced maple for most of his lifetime. The Haighs hosted the fall tour at their farm last year. I can not remember Amos ever missing a meeting and he was always there to help out. He helped Larry with the registration at the winter meeting and assisted with the National meetings a few years back. You could tell his location by the colored light in pint syrup jugs strung around the table. A donation by the Association was made to the charity designated by the family in the memory of Mr. Haigh. We will miss Amos as he always had a smile and good word for everyone.

John Anton, President
Michigan Maple Syrup Association
Wednesday, December 01, 1999