It was sad to hear the election results for the Village of Oyster Bay Cove, because of knowing the people involved. We had decided to cover the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Board of Education meeting which unfortunately is always in conflict with the OBC meetings.

We saw the election results announced on Channel 12 and heard Mayor Peragine graciously accept his win. Carla Rosen was quoted as saying until the contested elections residents didn't know each other and now living in the lovely Village of OBC is even better. It has been interesting reporting on what is happening in the village and we appreciate the work Mayor Peragine has been doing.

What was embarrassing to this newspaper were some of the letters to the editor criticizing George O'Neill, when he has been so kind to the community. One letter in particular came with a headline asking what Mr. O'Neill had done for Oyster Bay Cove.

He had been recently thanked by the Matinecock Lodge for his and his wife's generosity toward the community and the O'Neill home was the location of the Community Foundation of Oyster Bay garden party. Mr. O'Neill is the president of that board.

Since there are a great many residents in OBC who may not know the scope of the Community Foundation of Oyster Bay which supports the Youth & Family Counseling Agency of OB-EN, we thought it might be well to mention that residents of OBC are also helped by the O'Neills' work.

It is not only the recognizable poor and disenfranchised that need help on occasion. Upper middle class families and middle class families too have times when they need a little help to get over a financial hump. During the stock market drop and the down-sizing years OBC families found their way to YFCA for the gracious, anonymous help they offer.

During the holiday season Newsday often runs heart breaking stories of families who need help. The stories from families in need in Oyster Bay-East Norwich don't get into the press because of the thought for other people's feelings that is always considered paramount.

Giving in Oyster Bay is always done in a way, not to hurt or embarrass the recipient. Consider the Annual Toy Drive where the parents receive wrapping paper so that the gifts will come from them and not a group.

So, come the next election - let's try to keep the same kind of civility toward others that the O'Neill's have in creating the organizations that help the whole community.

If you live here and need help, you will be treated with kindness and warmth. That's what George O'Neill has done for Oyster Bay Cove.