To the editor:
Aroostook County is unique — it’s a special way of life. If you don’t think so, just ask some of these people who have moved here from other states. Harvest time is a reward for all our efforts and it takes teamwork to get the crop out of the ground. These three weeks that these children are out of school has got to be a great learning experience — they learn responsibility, self-discipline and perhaps it introduces them to a real world. There seems to be a great pride that goes with being self-supportive. For those who don’t get involved, it could be their loss.
Maybe this should be looked upon as a privilege. Where else can children in this beautiful state be let out of school for three weeks and have the opportunity to earn approximately $1,200 or more and also be able to play such a contributing part to an industry. School survey showed that 141 students worked in harvest-related jobs — earning $171,449. This must be a big boost to these students and you can be sure that most of this money will be spent right here in the county and hopefully, some saved for college. One hundred forty-seven students worked at other non-harvest related jobs earning $76,656. I’m sure that the school farm also needs and uses these students during this time.
Farming is a mighty big and expensive business. It takes a person of special character to be willing to take that risk of putting thousands of dollars into the ground and not being guaranteed of anything. Surveys show that less than 3 percent in the U.S. are farmers and they are trying to feed the other 97 percent. Bottom line — no farms, no food.
Agriculture provides open space which contributes to Maine’s attractiveness to tourists and citizens. This land is used for recreation, hunting and fishing and snowmobiling. This land generates large taxes to help support our town and the economy.
I cannot understand why the big concern of having the schools all start at the same time and then close for three weeks. Other towns do not seem to have a problem with this. What better time to have a break and for those who wish to take a vacation — it’s certainly a beautiful time of year.
Mapleton
