The year 2006 ended with the sad news of the passing of Marguerite (Peg) Swiader. The length of her 35 years of service as Clerk of the New Hyde Park-Garden City Park School Board was outweighed only by the quality of her service.

She was available not only at meetings of the board, but also at anytime when questions required answers or its members needed information. There were many changes in the makeup of the board of education during those 35 years. Peg had no problem adjusting to the personalities and work habits of new board members and treated them all with the respect she felt their office required.

She took extra time and patience to advise and help new members adjust to their responsibilities. I know because I was one who benefited from her help. She made my change from PTA president to member of the board a lot easier than the transition would have been without it.

She was there, too with support, when a board member made an unpopular decision or vote that brought down the wrath of the public. I know that from experience too.

I am privileged to have known her and to have had a friendship develop that lasted through the years. I will miss her.

Peg Fumante