Published: April 27, 2009 10:06 am      

Letters to the Editor

April 22, 2009 — Soccer boosters say thanks

Editor,

The officers of the ECHS Girls Soccer Booster Club want to thank all of you who supported our program with your donations during the Bucket Brigade April 4. We know times are tough and money is tight right now and we are overwhelmed by your generosity. We want to give a special thank you to Grayson City Council and Mayor George Steele for allowing us this opportunity. We look forward to seeing you at our games this fall!

2009 Officers

President: Donnette Bondurant; Vice President: Aimee Cover; Secretary: Francie Shaffer; Treasurer: to be elected; Publicity: Angie Vincent; Concession Stand: Gretta Hensley.

ECHS Soccer Booster



Tax Tea Party

Editor,

Just recently, I found out that I am considered to be Un-American, a right-wing wingnut, a teabagger and a threat to National Security!!!!! Gosh… Who knew??

I, along with thousands of other concerned American citizens, Democrats, Republicans, Liberals, and Independents alike, have been called this because we were part of the TEA Party Protests that were held all across this great country on April 15. There were over 1,000 protests being held. We were protesting against the massive government spending and the trillions of dollars of debt that is piling up and going to be left for our children and their children. We were using our constitutional rights to be heard.

Unfortunately, the main stream media deemed it unworthy to cover. What little coverage the protests had, the media made it out to be a bunch of Republican extremists that were crying because they were sore losers. Well, tell that to the Americans that were there, that weren’t Republican. This was a non-partisan protest. It had nothing to do with political parties. It had everything to do with America!! People are angry, myself included. We don’t work for the government, (not yet anyway) they work for us! They are our representatives and its time they remember that. We should all be very concerned. If your not outraged about all that has been going on up in Washington, then you are not paying attention. They are counting on this! They are taking full advantage of the fact that people aren’t watching the news not that the elections are over. If your watching NBC, CBS, or ABC, your still not watching the news. Your only hearing what they deem worthy. I’ll bet most of you know, that the President has a new dog. Wow! Big news! Wake up America! Start paying attention. Your freedom, liberties, and America’s way of life depend on it. The fact that thousands and thousands of people’s voices were stifled just recently should be enough. If it had been anti-war, gay marriage, or PETA protests, you would still be hearing about it, even if it had been only a few people protesting.

What should you know is that, you too, might be Un-American or a threat to National Security, according to a nine page assessment, issued by the Office of Intelligence and Analysis at the Department of Homeland Security titled, “Rightwing Extremism” on April 7, eight days before the TEA parties. It is full of warning about American citizens who care about the economy, increasing higher taxes, illegal immigration, soaring unemployment, oppose abortion, Christianity and many other things. It vilifies those of us in the category, by calling us Neo-Nazis, racists, militia or hate groups. We need to know what’s going on with our government especially a government that promised us transparency.

By the time most people wake up and realize what is happening, it’s going to be too late. Wake up America! It is time to speak out before that right is taken from you!

Vanessa Gearhart

Olive Hill



March for Babies

Editor,

I would like to thank all the people that helped with the March for Babies Golf Tournament Saturday April 18th at Carter Caves Golf Course, and sponsor my team in the March for Babies walk Saturday April 25th.

Special thanks to: John McDavid, Jewell McDavid, & Gator Prater, for the lunch, Kendall Steel, Albert Parson, Bill Callihan, Adam Collings, Barney Phillips, Pat Thompson, Coy Anisley, Terry Knipp, Melvin Kelley, Brandon Kelley, Steve Johnson, Bill Parker, Matt Logan, Steve Roe, Randy Blevins, Travis McCleese, John Goodman, Josh Wickers, Justin Wolf, Micheal Hollingworth, Kansas Cox, Jim Armstrong, Shay Armstrong, Shawn Armstrong, Tommy Rupbert, Casey Lowe, Justin Dixon, Ryan Howell, Enell Thomas, Jarred Flannery, Brian Buck, Terry Marshall, Kyle Sergent, Grant Harper, James Carper, Barrett Bush, Brad Carper, John Cherry, Jackie Wolfe, Denise Schiebly, Chris Perry, Randy McDaniels.

Sponsors for the walk: Eastern Ky. Holly Rollers, Carter Caves Homemakers, Paul & Gerlene Fitch, Carter Caves Team, Hope for Babies, Patricia McCleese, Beth Bair, Rhonda Patton, Pam Burton, Gerldene Fitch, Front Desk Carter Caves, Donna Lee, Kelly Popplewell, Terry Popplewell, Kendall Steele, Trish Tharp, & Jackie Wolfe

One day all babies will be born healthy; we need to walk to get there. Come join us on Saturday April 25th at Center Park in Ashland to make a difference.

Thanks,

Marilyn Haney - Team Captain



Animal abuse trial

Editor,

I just want to inform the public that the trial related to the starvation/ death of horses in Rowan County is scheduled for April 22, at 10:30 in Morehead.

There was food on the farm, the horses simply were not fed or watered.

A lot of people are very interested in this animal abuse case. I hope people will attend the trial to see how this case is handled in court.

The only question is “can animals suffer?” Imagine how long it takes a horse to starve to death.

Animal abuse has got to stop. You can help by watching these cases.

Sincerely,

Patricia Needham

Morehead



Upper Tygart tour

Editor,

On Friday, April 17th I was privileged to take a fishing/discovery tour of the Upper Tygart gorge because I was chosen as winner of the contest sponsored by WGOH-WUGO radio. I must say I was a little apprehensive at first but was surprised by the number of people who told me of their trips down the gorge. My guide was Mr. Tom Clay and I must say it was quite an adventure (I had never been is a canoe before). Mr. Clay's expertise explaining all the beautiful flowers, trees and animals we saw was very impressive. The fishing part of it I'll leave to another day - I'll just say Tom was a lot more successful than I was. I want to give a big "Thanks" to GO-Radio and all the sponsors who made this day possible. I would encourage anyone who has never been on this excursion to make it a point to do so soon. This is a beautiful part of God's world in our own neighborhood and it goes un-noticed by most. Again, a big thanks to all who made this day possible.

Boyce Lester

Webbville



Carter County CAReS

Editor,

Carter County CAReS would like to thank Keith Hill, auctioneer; Cindy Hill, Marlene Stewart and everyone @ Union Depot for making our first annual auction a success. We appreciate the donations from businesses, friends, volunteers and family members. Proceeds will be used to support the Kids BackPack Club as well as other programs offered through CCC. We have begun collecting items for next year’s auction. For additional information please contact Marsha or Vicki @ 474-0313 or cartercountycares@yahoo.com.

Thanks again,

Marsha McDavid - Director



Carter Christian Academy

Editor,

Thank you Carter County, especially to all who have already donated to the Carter Christian Academy Building Fund.

As most of you know the Campbell Family donated 10 acres for C.C.A. to build their own school building on a few years ago.

However, due to the availability of a building with several acres on Midland Trail (formerly Community Presence, Inc.) which is already on the Grayson sanitary sewage system, the C.C.A. board and the Campbell’s have agreed that the best thing to do is purchase this building and sell the 10 acres on Campbell’s farm.

We currently have a purchase contract for the Midland Trail building and already have $28,000 committed toward a 20% down payment of $46,700.

C.C.A. is very thankful for 12 years using facilities of 1st Baptist Church and 3 of those years also using facilities of Freewill Baptist. Although we have not been asked to move, we believe the above opportunity is too good to pass up.

Therefore, we invite anyone who would like to help with this project, which is a very positive asset for Carter County, to send donations for the Building Fund, to: C.C.A., P.O. Box 490, Grayson KY 41143.

This is also a good opportunity to donate as a memorial in honor of someone. All gifts are deductible for income tax purposes.

Anyone interested in more information, please call C.C.A. at 475-1919 or C.C.A. School Board at 606-255-0172.

Jim Buhr, president

C.C.A. School Board



4-H at Heritage

Editor,

Just incase you missed the last PTA meeting at Heritage Elementary, I thought the parents of the 25 current 4-H members and every other 4-Her in Carter County might like to know, that some people think “4-Her’s don’t count,” “they don’t matter” to our school!!!

At this meeting a motion was made to purchase the 4-H cooking club t-shirt for their upcoming officers competition – this being the first time Heritage has ever sent a club to this competition, and our children along with Tiffany Waugh and Missy Lowe have all put a lot of work and time into it.

A purchase like this is common practice being that the PTA buys the academic team new shirts every year, but when the request was made it was quickly shot down by the majority of our elected officers (not all) and when someone ask why not the PTA officer said “4-H does nothing to benefit this school, they don’t matter and they don’t count!”

The last time I checked all our children count, they all matter, and the PTA are supposed to be the very organization to stand up and give a helping hand to our families.

PTA is not supposed to help only a hand picked select few that they deem worthy, it’s not personal feelings, it’s what’s best for the children. I am very proud of these other children and know they’ve worked very hard this year, but 4-H teaches leadership, patriotism, community service, life skills, and honors all of which are as important as lets say “academics”, if not even more important because you can be the smartest person in the world, but without these other traits what good can you possibly do for yourself, your school, your community and your world.

Kentucky has always been a leader and groundbreaking in the history of 4-H for 100 years, how embarrassing that this centennial year some very narrow-minded people at Heritage school think 4-H doesn’t matter.

I know everything I am or even hope to be is because of my years in 4-H and I matter. I know people like Ron Arnett, Rebecca Konopka, Missy Lowe, and many other volunteers and the thousands of children who have been involved in 4-H over the years and now, matter.

If this sad turn of events upset you like myself please feel free to contact the PTA officers at Heritage Elementary and let them know, that 4-Her’s do count and do matter!

Good Patriots “show up” but they don’t all count?

Crescent French Holbrook



CCC volunteers

Editor,

Carter County CAReS would like to recognize volunteers during National Volunteer Week, April 19th – 25th.

Volunteering is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to look for ways to connect and make a difference in their community. It’s about working together, facing challenges and accomplishing goals. Volunteers take action by encouraging individuals to be a part of social change. They are an example of wonderful hearts and hands that make a difference and truly do unto others.

I would like to personally extend my gratitude and thanks to our volunteers who so willingly give their time and talents to local residents throughout Carter County. CAReS, a “Community Assistance and Referral Service” is a non-profit agency that coordinates, identifies and provides direct services to individuals and families living in Carter County. Our office located at New Beginnings Celebration Center officially opened April 2009, but has been working behind the scenes since May 2008, participating in outreaches such as toy, coat and food drives, Kids BackPack Club; a program that supplies snack / food items to children throughout the local schools, and direct services such as emergency food, personal hygiene and utility assistance as funding allows.

Upcoming programs include RX Assistance, Cooper Clayton Tobacco Cessation Classes and Angel Food Ministries.

I feel very honored to work along side this group of volunteers who so willing extend their time, efforts and encouraging words to those in need. I would encourage everyone to volunteer through a non-profit agency; it is so rewarding to help meet the needs of your neighbors. Your community needs you and you will make a difference in someone’s life.

For volunteer opportunities, program information or an appointment please contact Marsha McDavid @ 606-316-3503, 474-0313, Vicki Gilbert @ 474-5464 or cartercountycares@yahoo.com. Office hours are Thursdays from 10 – 4 pm by appointment only.

Marsha McDavid

Grayson