Contacts:
Catherine Stevens, (802) 899-9926

Monday, March 17, 2008

Underhill Center—Vermont maple syrup producers are each being asked to donate one gallon of syrup in order to send a taste of Vermont springtime to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. For the fourth year, the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association is organizing “Operation Vermont Maple Sweetness 2008” which will package the donated syrup into one pint containers and ship them to bases in Iraq. Over 800 gallons of syrup were sent in 2007.

The syrup sent last year resulted in numerous heartfelt e-mails from the troops. “Thank you for the effort that people in Vermont went through with Operation Vermont Maple Sweetness.” “Thanks for the reminder of good things from back home.” “The syrup was on the breakfast line and was a big hit with my friends and me.” “Thanks for thinking of us and please let the rest of your co-workers know that their actions are appreciated here.”

“Operation Vermont Maple Sweetness 2008” is a real team effort between Vermont maple producers, the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, Vermont Maple Foundation, Vermont Industry Council, Vermont Maple Festival, Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing, and Vermont Agency of Agriculture. We want to thank the many other individuals and businesses who supported this project last year and are seeking sponsors for this year’s project.

The deadline for donations of syrup is April 30 in order to have the syrup in the soldiers’ hands by Memorial Day. Maple Syrup producers are encouraged to donate one gallon of their best Dark Amber or lighter syrup and take it to the locations below. For more information about sponsorships call Sam Cutting IV at (802) 425-3971 and for syrup donations call Rick Marsh (802) 644-5482. Anyone wishing to may send a donation to: Mary Croft, Treasurer, Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association, 491 East Barnard Road, S. Royalton, VT, 05068.

Drop Off Points for Syrup: (Please note some have specific days and times)

Addison County
• Dakin Farm, Ferrisburgh
• Rheaume Kitchen & Flooring Center, Inc., 2106 Rte 7, South Middlebury

Bennington County
• Dutton’s Farm Stand, Manchester
• Merck Forest, 9am-4 pm, Rupert
• Whitman’s, Bennington

Caledonia County
• Keith Gadapee - Danville
• Gordon Goss - Barnet
• Jeff Goodwin - E. St. Johnsbury
• Marc Luneau - Hazen/GMTCC Forestry, Hardwick
• Jerry O'Meara - Lyndonville
• Maple Grove – St. Johnsbury

Chittenden County
• Depot Home & Garden, Essex Junction
• Peter Purinton, Huntington

Franklin County
• VMSMA's Booth at the Vermont Maple Festival - St. Albans
• CDL/Maple Pro - St. Albans
• Leader Evaporator - Swanton
• Lapierre – Swanton
• Dominion & Grimm - Fairfax

Lamoille County
• Vermont Maple Outlet - Jeffersonville
• UVM Extension Office - Morrisville (Open Monday - Friday 8am - 4pm)
• Butternut Mountain Farm Store, Johnson

Orange County
• Roger Palmer - Randolph Center

Orleans County
• Couture's Maple Shop - Westfield
• Farm Yard Store - Derby
• Desmarias Equipment - Orleans

Rutland County
• C.H. Grimm – Rutland
• Richard Green--Poultney

Washington County
• Goodrich Maple Farm – Cabot
• Morse Farm—Montpelier

Windham County
• Franklin Geist - Saxtons River
• UVM Extension Office - Brattleboro (Open Monday Friday 8am - 4:30pm)
• Bascom Maple Farms – Alstead, NH

Windsor County
• Gateway Motors - White River
• Mary Croft - East Barnard
• Green Mountain Sugar House – Ludlow
• Bob Barlow - Springfield