^opinion

Herald A lantern 25 November $1

Ruth Fisher's doorway, Delsea Dr. ti South Dennis

DORIS WARD

New Jersey’s Rich Harvest

by Phillip AlampT l/Ct Ms never forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. —bANtf.i. wRAster]

The preparation of a Thanksgiving feast usually leaves little time for reflection It is only after the flyrry of kitchen activity has quieted and the family gathers at the Iwliday table, that we can relish those tranquil moments or rpmerpbrance and offer our thanks for the year’s blessings. ' ' ' This year, however, I suspect the New Jersey residents got a headstart on Thanksgiving They acknowledged the importance of the "cultivation of the earth." and revealed their sense of gratitude and their appreciation of tradition more than three weeks ago. They signaled to their state leaders that New Jersey agriculture is important to them and they recognized the contribution the New Jersey farmers make towards the quality of their lives and lives of all rftate residents •# . BY APPROVING THK FARMLAND Preservation Bond Act Nov. 3, New Jersey citizens demonstrated their understanding of New Jersey agriculture and the ability of the rich* fertile soil to provide the^tate witto 54 percent of its vegetables, 25 percent of its fruit, 24 percent o^ts milk, 19 percent of its eggs arid five percent of its meat and. perhaps, the .turkey on theThanksgivingitable.. • Throughout my travels I* the state thid fall, I was gratified to learn that even our urban dwellers are aware of the acres and acres of farmland that stretch to their

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west and south. 'They are conscious of the crop infestations that have occured elsewhere, and they are concerned that New Jersey’s farms continue to flourish and re.mairi an important partner in the slate's industry. These urban dwellers were, however, often surprised at the diversity of the Garden State's farm products^which includes nursery products, horses, Christmas trees, orchids, sod and even wine, but they rareljr needed a reminder of the fresher by miles taste of a Jersey tomato. frCsh blueberries or peaches, or a hefty tilefish dinner at the New Jersey shore. THE PLEASURE OF GOOD EATING and the abundance of fresh farm products are easy to take for granted, but New Jerseyans have said they aren't about to lose their local sdbree of food. Their dedicated farmers arid their agricultural heritage will not be allowed to disap^ pear Centuries may have passed since a 1964 poster circulating in Scotland encouraged farmers’ migration to "The Garden of the World," and its been 200 years since Gen; George Washington thanked New, Jersey residents for sending the bounty of their farniSv orchards and gardens to the Morristown encampmeijltduring the terrible blizzard of 1779 which blocked roads mid nearly caused the starvation of the American Army. W But, with two-thirds of the state in farm and woodland, New Jersey is still the Garden State. Our conspicuous urban landscape may shadow the green agricultural lands in those less traveled corners, but New Jerseyans have acquired a renewed awareness of the farm and the farmer, and are committed to the continued revitalization of the ^)art of their state that often escapes the outsider's line of. sight WHEN YOU GATHEK AROUND your taj>le with family and friends, I hope you would join me in giving thanks to the New Jersey farmer that helps laden our tables with the turkey and cranberries, swe^t potatoes, white potatoes, com. onions, and green vegetables, homemade breads, rich butter, cheese and fresh milk and the pumpkin and fruit pies that make Thanksgiving so fullfilling — and filling! While the feast may be consumed rather quickly, the future of Jersey agriculture is just beginning. For the Garden State, the nostalgia of its past is also the vitality of its tomorrow. Our commitment to the garden that covers much of the Garden State will provide us with a bountiful harvest for years and years to come. Phillip Alampi is N.J. Secretary of Agriculture.

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WHEREAS: The Mayor and The Lower Township CommKtee realize the uniqueness of Thanksgiving Day In these United States of America, and WHEREAS, Thanksgiving Day brings to mind football games, parades and other S orms of recreation and the true meaning If Thanksgiving Is forgotten, and WHEREAS, We recognize the bounties of our fields, streams and Oceans are all horn God, and WHEREAS, our first Thanksgiving was a religious festival celebrated by our pilgrim forefathers with the help of the original settlers of this Country, the. Indians, let us remember how thankful we ought to be lor the use of our live senses which brings us the delights of sight, sound, taste, smell and touch; and WHEREAS, let Thanksgiving neither be a quickly forgotten memory nor a reluctant Jbllgatlon but celebrated in the spirit of its true meaning, that of gratitude from our hearts; NOW THEREFORE, In the Spirit of Thanksgiving, I, Thomas H. Clydesdale, Mayor of The Township of Lower do hereby proclaim fo each one In .Lower Township, as wqll as all our neighbors In Cape May County, best wishes for a joyous and safe holiday. Given under my hand and the seal of the Township of Lower, County of Cape May, State of New Jersey. fhis 26th day of November/1981.

THOMAS H. CLYOriSDALE., MAYOR