Dear Friends,

In my experience, grass roots initiative and leadership are the essential qualities for the development of our communities and our state. When local people get together behind a project-- whether it's the Downeast Heritage Center in Calais, the re- development of the Bates Mill in Lewiston, or the renewal of the river front in Bangor--good things happen, often beyond the impact of the project itself.

I understand from my friend Brandon Bouchard that such an effort is underway in Caribou--to build a music building at Caribou High School. In a time of tough budget choices, often the arts are the first to suffer, and yet, they add so much to the depth of education and to the livability of our communities.

We are even learning that the arts and the arts facilities can be powerful economic development tools in that they contribute to the general attractiveness of a community-the Farnsworth Museum in Rockland and the Maine College of Art in Portland are proving that everyday-and thereby help in holding on to (and gaining) jobs and people.

Caribou High has consistently provided its students with an exemplary education that includes a top-notch arts curriculum; the problem, as I understand it, is that there simply is not enough room to accommodate the needs of the many students involved in one way or another in music programs. This project will remedy that and allow the music program in Caribou to reach levels previously unattainable.

To my knowledge, this is the first time in Maine that a project of this magnitude has been led by students-and their vision and dedication are truly astounding. They have already met with a wonderful reaction from the community and are determined to make this project one which will benefit Caribou and the surrounding communities for years to come.

The people of Aroostook County have always impressed me with their initiative and can-do attitude--and this is the latest example. I sincerely hope that you can help--and look forward to seeing the results.

With my best,

Angus S. King, Jr.
Former Governor of Maine