Dear Editor:

The Mingo County Extension Service would like to go on record and say that we support the Excess Levy.

During the summer many children lack adequate nutrition, structured learning opportunities and chances for positive socialization with peers.

Energy Express is a six week summer program that promotes the school success of children living in rural and low income communities across West Virginia. Energy Express:

• Provides summer learning experiences focused on reading

• Serves two nutritious family-style meals each day

• Engages college students in community service

• Develops strong partnerships involving parents, school, communities and state agencies and organizations

• Provides six take home books to each participant and

• Provides ample time to engage in expressive art activities

Without the Excess Levy, Energy Express will not be able to continue in Mingo County. Energy Express is very important to our future and to the students of Mingo County. Mingo County participants gained 3.5 months in broad reading scores in 2008.

Energy Express totals for 2004 – 2008 include 18 sites, 196 employed during the summer months, 533 participants, over 1,066 meals served to youth and 3,198 take home books.

Energy Express is not the only program that the Mingo County Extension Service will not be able to continue without the Excess Levy. Monies from the excess levy helps us to provide programs such as Career Education, Nutrition and ATV Safety.

We have been in four of the elementary schools teaching fourth, fifth and sixth graders about ATV Safety and the importance of safety gear, riding the right size machine and not riding double. We hope to have this program in all elementary schools by the end of this year.

The last thing that I would like to tell you about is Mingo County 4-H Camp. Every year we take around 80 youth, 15 teen leaders and 15 adult leaders to Cabell County 4-H Camp where these children build self esteem, learn life skills and make friendships that they will never forget.

In closing, the staff of the Mingo County Extension Service strongly encourages you as a parent to please get out and vote in support of this excess levy. Without the excess levy we are in dangers of losing many of these activities that your child looks forward to.

Sincerely,

Mark Whitt

Assistant Professor

Mingo County Extension Service