TO THE EDITOR: THE NORTHFIELD NEWS IFIND IT TO be disheartening that people would assume that a certain person that has happened to have spent a lot of time and money on a program and has strived to be successful. It is more important for people to know that not only is someone in the Northfield Community lying but also trying to make themselves look good and potentially ruin the lives of others by trying to accuse them of things that are very untrue. It was in no way to hurt or accuse anyone of having stolen a rink or even using a rink at their own home for personal use. The question asked was "where is the rink that these kids deserve to skate on and when will it be put up". However the accusations that are being brought up are extremely uncalled for considering the fact that these people have donated many hours and time away from family to keep this committee going.

I do in fact remember a time growing up and looking up to my Dad because he simply wanted to encourage Northfield kids to be inspired and want to join such a wonderful program. Joining NAHA at such a young age is something that was a wonderful and joyous time in my life. I couldn't imagine being apart of any other organization that was so supportive of the fact that girls wanted to play hockey. I have been blessed with a family that is above all supportive and very dedicated to this community. My father has given many years and time away from family and family events to try to make NAHA a program that kids would be encouraged to join and want to stick around for. I find it very disheartening that people would have the audacity to write that there was no time being put into the local rink down in the Northfield Falls.

I do recall being home for only a few days from my study abroad trip to Spain and joining my father at 9:30pm (over the winter break for all the local kids in town) being called by two individuals to come down and plow off the rink. My father was very adamant on going and making sure that if it was supervised (which it was by an adult) that he would be down in a hurry and he was. We were down there in no time clearing off the rink and making it accessible to the three boys that wanted nothing more than to shoot around and have some fun on there vacation.

I find it amusing that people can sit here and write to our local paper accusing that no one would volunteer or join in to help Lisa DiLena or Paul Clayton put together the rink for the 2008- 2009 season. I really think that it was a matter of where the rink was and not accusing Paul of having the ice rink that he has had for 4 years. I find it exceptional that he has been able to build a rink and enjoy it with family and friends. However with that said there is still the question of where the rink that was for the kids that was in the Falls was and why the president of the NAHA committee was told it was ruined without him even being able to see the rink or know where it was being held. As the President of an organization you would question the same things and hope that people would be able to understand and not constantly talk about you behind your back even when you are trying to not only help their children but other children in the organization and community. With that said it hurts not only a reputation of a name but also the integrity of an individual.

I am sure by now you do realize that this individual is someone very close to my heart (Kenneth Goslant) and I do hope that you would do the same and stick up for your family members and make sure that people know the truth about situations before others start making accusations.

Since I am writing this from Boston, MA, as I am away finishing school and working. I not only welcome all responses but encourage all to share your thoughts because I do feel very strong about this and feel that not only should my father not be put in this type of situation but I would hope that no ones' father or family members would have to be looked upon in such a microscope for the life that they live.

With lots of love to the Northfield town & hockey program.
STEFANIE GOSLANT.
Northfield