To the editor:

An Historic Moment!

Almost everyone has their favorite sports moment. The quarterback sneaking into the end zone to win the big one. The base-runner stealing home with the score tied in the ninth. The miler breaking the ribbon and dropping to the ground to win the meet. Memorable moments all. However, there was a moment at the Jeffersonville-Youngsville Athletic Awards Ceremony recently that proved that defining moments do not always come on the playing field. Sometimes they come where least expected.

After two long, hot hours the awards ceremony was almost over with only the two big trophies to be awarded. Namely, most valuable senior boy and girl athlete. These awards are given to the two young people that have most consistently demonstrated superior sportsmanship, dedication and determination in overcoming any and all obstacles during their school years to become as good as they can be.

Beth Fanning was a popular choice for the girls award as was Brandon Rose who was chosen for the boys.

Here is where the proceedings ceased to be just a ceremony and became a bit of sports history. Brandon Rose in accepting his award, paused, and called Meaghan Mullally, a fellow track teammate, to the stage and re-presented the trophy to her because, in his words, he wanted to share it with her because she had worked as hard as he and she deserved it.

An historic moment, you bet it was! I won't forget it.

John Niflot

Long Eddy

To the editor:

I am writing this letter in response to "Sister Samantha" Inison's letters.

First of all, no Catholic religious takes the name of Samantha. Secondly, after investigating parishes in Sullivan County-- no such "religious" exists. This woman, if she even exists, is totally off course on her beliefs and her bogus Bible quotes. It is sad that we, as Catholics, have to once again bear the responsibility of such abuse.

As for the 10 year old who wrote...may I tell him that when a woman enters a religious community, she does so solely to prepare herself to go out and serve the community in which she lives. She gives up much of the things we hold as "important and treasured". She leaves family, gives up the gift of motherhood, so that she can be a mother and friend to anyone who needs her. Her life is to serve-just as all mothers.

I have gone, as many thousands of others have, all through parochial school. I stand here today as a well educated person. I am not, in any way, scarred or mutilated. My memories are of discipline, yes, and respect for authority. According to today's beliefs, sometimes they were too strict. My answer, is to, sincerely, look around and see the thousands of successful well adjusted people who were taught by Catholic Nuns.

As for Mr. Layman, I know everyone I have spoken to (which are many) have accepted his apology and welcome him as one of us. Who of us has not spoken without full consideration of what we say? I certainly have.

There are many wolves in sheep's clothing-let's not be deceived.

Anne M. Murphy

Welcome Lake

To the editor:

Morton Sunshine is right to rail against the money grabbing tactics of big business, government non-action to defend the public and the surging cost of gasoline at the pumps.

However, it is not " government " that is to blame for all these conditions. It is the American people with the " I don't care so long as the economy is good " attitude that is to blame. What has happened to the old-fashioned American spirit and the old-fashioned American sense of decency?

The interest rates have been increased by the Federal Reserve-which, by the way, is not a government agency-to cool the economy. No matter how high the rates are raised, the economy will not cool because there are 80 MILLION baby boomers who are at the age where they want to spend money. The high interest rates are hurting the young and the poor, who will never be able to own their own home-which may be a blessing due to the ever-increasing property taxes.

With the proposed increase in the minimum wage, joblessness will be a common condition as employment opportunities will dry up because nonessential jobs will no longer be available for the young teenager who wants to earn money over the summer. Besides, higher wages will just be another windfall for the government-higher wages mean higher taxes.

The draft-dodger in the White House , who himself refused to serve in the American military, does not hesitate to commit American troops to far-flung places to "keep the peace" without the benefit of approval of the Congress who are elected representatives of the American people and by the Constitution are supposed to approve American involvement in these little wars. American soldiers now fight under United Nations command, and yet the majority of the American people say nothing.

We do not need oil to run our machinery-alternate technology has been available for centuries, yet the American people continue to rely on oil and oil products because it takes less effort on their part. Alcohol is an excellent non-polluting and environmental friendly fuel and is totally renewable. It also would help our mid-western farmers who wanted free trade with China in order to sell grain. If Americans used alcohol as a fuel, the farmers couldn't grow enough corn and grain to keep up with the demand (and yes, there are combustion engines that do run on alcohol). Fine grade oil can be grown-we use it in our shampoos and hair conditioners-ever hear if jojoba oil which is produced from a scrub bush that grows in our own western states?

Years ago there was a comic strip called Pogo-and one statement made by Pogo stands out above all the rest...WE HAVE MET THE ENEMY, AND THE ENEMY IS US.

Sondra Bauernfeind

Mongaup Valley

To the editor

Recent news stories have expressed concerns about potentially skyrocketing electricity prices during this summer. However, NYSEG customers need not worry!

Regardless of what happens to New York State's newly deregulated electricity markets this summer NYSEG customers will not see price increases. In fact, electricity prices for all of our customers remain frozen or reduced through this year and next. An additional 5% decrease is scheduled for all electricity customers in 2002.

We've also secured adequate supplies of electricity to meet anticipated demands during this summer and inspected our facilities to assure the continued reliability and safety of our delivery system.

Gerald E. Putman

Senior Vice President

Economic Development & Public Policy

NYSEG