On May 5th at Smolak Farms, the North Andover Historical Society honored Michael with the Society’s Lifetime Preservation Award. The Lifetime Preservation Award was established in 2014 to honor North Andover residents who have shown an exemplary commitment to the preservation of the town’s historic heritage and/or open spaces.

Here is what the North Andover Historical Society said about Michael’s impact on the local community.

“Michael lives at the family farm acquired by his grandparents in 1927. After his father’s death in 1971, he ran the farm with his mother part time while in college. He has run it full time since then. Located on 130 acres in North Andover, the farm was transformed over many years to a very diversified and integrated operation which includes agriculture, education and entertainment. Smolak Farms, LLC is recognized as a leader in the farming community for innovation and creative business development. In 1983 it became part of the APR Program, preserving over 100 acres.