Greetings from your President

We would like to extend a special thanks to Terry DeLoughary and Craig Arnold for organizing the fall tour in September. Although we had rain on and off over 80 people visited eight sugarbushes during the two day tour. Lunch on the two days was provided by the Bark River-Harris School Bandboosters. They did a great job. We also need to thank Terry DeLoughary, Eugene and Carol Draze, Mike and Melanie Jasper, John and Kristine Blahnik, Robert and Nancy Scott, Mark and Susan Majszak, Thorvid and Linda Strom and Mike and Joyce Ross for opening their maple operations for the tours.

In October, about 25 MMSA members traveled to Nova Scotia (20 went by train) for the NAMSC and IMSI meetings in Truro. There were two days of meetings and one day to tour sugarbushes and other sites. During the meetings a tour of Halifax or shopping were also provided. I attended the meetings as your Michigan delegate and Larry Haigh was the alternate delegate.

The NAMSC conducts a syrup contest. MMSA was very proud this year to have a member take third place in the extra light category. Rett and Jeanne Humke reside in St. Charles, Illinois but their sugarbush is in the U.P., in Watersmeet. The have 150 trees and boil on a 2 1/2 x 6 Waterloo evaporator. This year they made 18 gallons of syrup. Also, recognition was given to Mary Douglass for her years of service to IMSI, especially as President, Mary was given a souvenir gavel.

The 2004 NAMSC and IMSI meeting will be held in Lake George, New York. Debbi Thomas is anxious to make travel arrangements for this meeting; Deb deserves a big round of applause for all her work in arranging the train trip this year.

On January 17, 2004 the MMSA annual meeting will be held at the Doherty Hotel in Clare. As you will see from the enclosed agenda, we are looking forward to a great program. Glenn Goodrich, from Cabot, VT, will be our keynote speaker. Steve Youdes will again be in charge of judging the syrup, cream and candy contests. Bring your best products for judging by our panel of “experts”. Each year three members are elected to the Board of Directors. Fred Bates is the chair of the nominating committee. If you are interested in being a candidate or would like to nominate someone, please contact Fred at (231) 845-6902. I hope that everyone has a happy and blessed holiday season. We look forward to seeing you in January.

Jean Maday,
President
Michigan Maple Syrup Association