LETTERS; SETTING RECORD STRAIGHT ON HOSPITAL RETIREMENT PACKAGE.

Because of the misinformation contained in the ``news conference'' held by (Antelope Valley Hospital board member Steve) Fox I want to set the record straight. I want the voters to know the truth and to know that I was an honest and dedicated employee, and I bring the same ethic to the board position I now hold.

When I retired from Antelope Valley Hospital over five years ago, I chose to receive a cash payment instead of monthly checks. The cash payment came from four sources: a one-time buyout from the hospital retirement plan, reimbursement for unused vacation time, 50 percent reimbursement for accrued sick time and the cash retirement incentive. All four sources were available to all retirees, and the cash value to me was figured as it would have been for any other employee. There were two significant differences: At retirement I was a 34-year employee, and during those 34 years, except for a maternity leave, I probably took a total of only 10 or 12 days of sick leave. I was, therefore, credited with a lot of unused sick leave. AVH has good employee benefits. No benefits were available to me that weren't available to all other employees. This payout is the main source of my income from 1993 for as long as I live. Mr. Fox's attempt to make this sordid is an insult to all AVH long-term employees.

I was a 150 percent employee. My usual workweek was 60 to 70 hours, to which my husband and co-workers can attest. For the 13 years I was on the administrative staff, almost every weekend I was engaged in some type of activity for AVH, from teaching CPR for junior volunteers to representing AVH at civic or social events.

Without financial help from AVH or scheduling consideration from the hospital, I returned to school and earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree.

I did all this because I wanted to know more about hospital and nursing administration and because I wanted to make more of a positive difference at AVH. Antelope Valley Hospital was a good place to work, and I was willing to put in whatever effort was needed to help make it a success.

I have brought that same interest, energy and effort to my position on the board. AVH is financially strong and is doing an incredible number of things to benefit the community and to assure that AVH will remain a community-owned hospital. I ask you to see Mr. Fox's statements for what they are: mud-slinging and nothing else. I ask for your vote in November.

- Shirley Sayles

Lancaster

Sayles is a member and candidate for the Antelope Valley Hospital board of directors.

Thanks to all who helped

I cannot begin to express my gratitude to the over 200 volunteers, churches, businesses, individuals and city officials who helped make the Convoy of Hope the tremendous success it was.

Because of your selfless giving of time, services, goods and sometimes invaluable instruction, we were able to provide 3,400 people with free food, medical care, fun and hope.

A double portion of blessing and thanks to Palmdale First Assembly of God, Quartz Hill Assembly of God, Westview Assembly of God, and Win Our City Ministries. You good folks were there from the beginning and hung in there all the way through. There would have been no Convoy without you. Thank you for your prayers and faithfulness.

Thank you also to the following churches and congregations: New Beginnings Church of the Open Bible, First Missionary Baptist, Living Faith Christian, Lancaster Assembly of God, Highlands Foursquare, Shekinah Worship Center, Universal Truth and Enos Ministries.

In addition, I'd like to thank Grace Resource Center, Riverside Teen Challenge and Salvation Army. A very, very big thank you goes to Sommer Haven Ranch for adding so very generously to our event with a full truckload of food and wonderful volunteers on site to help.

To the multitude of businesses including Balloon Factory, Palmdale Disposal, Los Angeles County Raceway, High Desert Revolution Antelope Valley Jump Rope Team, Aerotech News and Review, Daily News, KPAL-TV, KAVC radio, KHMS radio, Xerox Palmdale Service Team, Hinkley Schmidt Water, Project Teen Reach, Kent H. Landsberg Co., Air Liquide, Antelope Valley College Job Placement Center, Ola Kayode, Gator Steel, U.S. Rentals, Kid Biz Balloons, Party World, Antelope Valley Ford, Sky Blue Environmental, Staples, Kinko's, Art Harris, Desert Christian High School, Advantage Home Health Care, Los Angeles County High Desert Hospital, Tarzana Regional Medical Center, Antelope Valley Pregnancy Counseling Center, Visiting Nurses Association, WIC (Palmdale and Lancaster), Project Rachel, Ralphs, Max Foods, Antelope Valley Neuroscience, Big Wheel Donuts, Supercuts, Checker Schuck's Kragen Auto Parts, Rite Aid, Longs Drugs, Chuck's Donuts, Taco Bell, Donut Inn, Donuts Plus, Del Taco, Wienerschnitzel, Andy Gump and, God forbid, any I might have missed.

There were so many of you who donated at the last, that I may miss someone, but please don't feel slighted. You are as important to us as the first, and our gratitude is abundant toward you. God saw and will always remember.

To the people of the Antelope Valley and surrounding areas, thank you for coming and allowing us to serve you in this way.

You blessed my socks off.

- Peggy Mills

Palmdale Convoy Coordinator