For East Williston School District residents on May 20 we need to make a tough choice between two individuals on who is the better person to represent us on the School Board.

I believe that Sigi Huhn is the better choice.

School District finances because of the various accounting rule changes and increased governmental oversight has become very complex over the last few years and this trend is continuing. Sigi is a CPA and with his financial expertise is familiar with these rules and is much needed on the Board.

Sigi has two school age children, thus he has a vested interest in bettering our fine schools for his children.

Commencing with Mr. Huhn's involvement even before he was on the Board he has literally spent thousands of hours poring over the District's finances. Through his efforts, money was made available for new education and athletic programs such as Full Day Kindergarten, new math books, many new courses, new sports programs and funding reserves for much needed repairs and capital improvements. Much of these have been funded by finding and eliminating waste, asking the correct questions on spending issues and bringing a common sense approach to the job.

Next fiscal year the school taxes that we pay will increase approximately 5 percent. Nobody wants to pay more but with Mr. Huhn's assistance the District will be getting far more for our money than we otherwise would have.

We also have an opportunity to receive over $500,000 from New York State in EXCEL funds if the community votes yes for these funds. The money will be used for school capital projects.

Once again please vote yes and keep Sigi on the job asking the correct questions and also vote yes for both the budget and EXCEL Funds.

Alan Goldstein

It is with a very heavy heart that I find myself writing about Mrs. Helene Fisher who passed away this past winter. I felt compelled to write about Mrs. Fisher because my daughter, Ali, considers her one of the "most influential people" in her life. It is easy to understand why.

Helene had a way of "eeking" out every bit of creative and intellectual "juice" available in her students. She did this in the most unobtrusive way making the child feel that it was their own idea, and making them feel very special along the way. Differences amongst children were embraced, there was no tolerance for rude or selfish behavior and everybody got a chance at expressing their creative talents. Acting, reading, writing, researching and figuring out historical events were a part of everyday "life" in Mrs. Fisher's class. Does it sound like an ideal classroom? It was.

Mrs. Fisher had the most understanding and nurturing way of working with her students (and parents) - always looking for maximum results and spending time with every student who needed extra help and as well as those who didn't necessarily "need" time, it was always her pleasure. When there were issues amongst her students, they were spoken about in an up-front, respectful manner. She understood and loved her students, and they in turn, loved and trusted her.

Ali and I are forever grateful to have stayed in touch with Mrs. Fisher for the 12+ years since Ali was her student. She was Ali's teacher, mentor and friend. Ali and I were given a "gift" when we met Helene Fisher and we believe that when you are given a "gift" in life, you should reciprocate. In tribute to Helene Fisher, people who may wish to contribute to a memorial to be installed at the Bryant Library, a place that was dear to Helene's heart, should send a check, payable to the Friends of the Bryant Library to:

Ms. Rona Rappe, 18 Church Street, Roslyn, NY 11576. If you have any questions, please email Sheila Elbogen at hfmemorial@yahoo.com.

Anita and Alison Goldstein