Honorary Lifetime Membership Award

Several years ago, the Board of Directors established a Life-Time Membership Award. These awards have been given at the Annual winter meeting in January. At the meeting on January 19, 2002, this award was presented to Sophy Carpenter.

Leonard and Sophy Carpenter were charter members of MMSA. Planning meetings were held at their home. Leonard served as Vice-President from 1966-69, and President in 1970.

They bought their first evaporator, a 2'x 6' for $248.00 then eventually bought a 5'x 16' At one time they had 4000 taps and didn't own any maple trees. They rented and paid by the tap hole. Although Leonard has passed away, Sophy continues in the maple business. She no longer makes syrup but purchases from a local producer and sells the syrup at Bluff Gardens in Harbor Springs.

Sophy was presented with a plaque, which expressed the appreciation of the MMSA for her dedication to Maple.