Letters to the Editor

Dec. 17, 2008 — Official GED testing explained

Editor,

Our adult education center has received several calls recently regarding GED testing and GED preparation. Obviously, from the content of the calls, there are some misconceptions about the cost of preparing for and taking the Official GED test.

Each county in Kentucky has at least one adult education center. Preparation for the GED (study, classes, the Official Practice Test) is FREE at any adult education center. For first-time testers, the full battery of the GED (5 subjects) costs $40. There is a proposal to raise the cost of taking the GED to $60 as of July 1, 2010. If this proposal is adopted, as of July 1, 2009, the full battery will be $50.

For those who are having to retest on one of the subjects, the cost is $10 per subject. If the previously mentioned proposal is adopted the cost of retaking a subject will go to $30 as of July 1, 2010 ($25 by July 1, 2009).

Parents, grandparents, students and those who are helping someone to get their GED-please do not be taken in by any online scams or give money to anyone who is trying to tell you that it costs $200-$300 dollars to prepare for or take the GED. Call your local adult education center and get the correct information, or call Kentucky Adult Education, 1-800-928-7323.

Cindy L. Maggard

East Carter County Adult Education Center 520 E. Main St. Grayson, KY 41143 606-474-9375 cindy@eccaec.org



Fourth Annual Christmas Drive

Editor,

Cari and Carol at Cash Express on Carol Malone Blvd. would like to thank each and every person who helped with their Fourth Annual Christmas Drive. Thank you to the following businesses for your donations: Reefs-n-Reptiles, Fantastic Sams, Pizza Hut, City Florist, Fields Flowers, Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, HealthPark Pharmacy, Video-n-More, 1st Stop Games, Wendy’s, Toro Loco, Family Fun Arcade, Giovanni’s, Merle Norman, Subway, Rupert’s, Ralph’s Foodfair, Grandview Weekend Outlet, Vogue Salon, HomeSpun Sisters, Fantastic Sams, Rent-2-Own, James Family Outfitters, Horton Bros. and Browns, Global Tanning.

We would also like to say a very special “Thank You!” to Tammy Shasteen, who went above and beyond to help us get it all together. Another special “Thank You” goes to Randy’s Roadside Market and Family Dollar for allowing us to put drop boxes in their stores. This year’s Christmas Drive has been a huge success. We’ve collected more donations than any previous year. All the donations we’ve received are staying local. Everyone who has donated can feel good knowing that they have helped their community have a wonderful Christmas.

Thanks and Merry Christmas,

Cari and Carla, Cash Express



Carter County Cares

Editor,

Thank you so much to all of those who volunteered Saturday for the food basket distribution. I really appreciated how they worked hard and also their patience. We asked some churches and local organizations to help us find and meet the needs of families who may be having a difficult time. We ended up with 100 families, which equaled 418 people. Our food donation was cut in half so we asked God to multiply what we had so that the needs would be met. The churches stepped up and said they could add some things if needed, I was really happy to see everyone working so well together fulfilling the needs. We distributed over 800 lbs of meat, pasta, produce, juice, frozen and canned foods, fresh veggies and snacks.

CCC also has been working with the E KY Holy Rollers to help provide toys to the Carter County inmates’ children. We have donated around 375 new toys and will also help in supplying coats and stocking stuffers.

The coats will not only help our residents but will help the homeless in Huntington WV as well. Thank you to all those who donated coats, gloves, scarves, caps and blankets.

If your church, group or office isn't partnering with us in some manner please consider doing so. We plan to open our office in January, which is located on the 3rd floor of the old courthouse. The Kids BackPack Club will also start in Jan we are so excited about this!!! We will add other programs as funding allows. Food drives are always going on, fundraiser ideas are always needed as well as volunteers and grant writers. If you'd like additional information on our program please don't hesitate to call or e-mail. Thanks so much for your support, please keep CCC in your prayers that we would be able to work with other agencies to meet the needs of our community.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

Vicki Gilbert, CCC Secretary is also available to answer any questions. She can be reached @ 474-5464.

Marsha McDavid, 474-6445

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