Week in Review

It was a festive week in Malverne and West Hempstead filled with menorah and tree lightings, visits from Santa and volunteer projects to bring some cheer to others this holiday season. The winter sports kicked off their seasons too.

, which knocked out traffic signals and power lines, did not stop residents in both communities from celebrating the start of Chanukah by . Patch also a West Hempstead artist and children's author that uses her talents to teach kids about Jewish history and teachings, including the significance of Chanukah.

Malverne held its annual village lighting, which included a pack schedule of fun events for residents, especially the kids who decorated cookies, danced around Frostyland and enjoyed breakfast, a free movie and Stay tuned for more coverage of the Lighting of Malverne festivities.

Our local volunteers really captured the holiday spirit this week. from the Malverne Bible Church helped bring millions of gifts to children overseas. Members from the American Legion Posts in West Hempstead and Malverne went holiday shopping for our veterans staying at the VA hospital in Northport. for the vets to give to their loved ones, and did the wrapping, packing and shipping for them. We also highlighted the work of one young man from Malverne, who is a chance to avoid wrapping presents this year while support a great charity. He also has an impressive collection of prizes he is raffling off, which includes a signed New York Rangers stick and celebrity meet-and-greets.

The Rams and the Mules also started their winter sports seasons, beginning with a between West Hempstead and Malverne on the bowling lanes. Patch also looked at the and teams and spoke to their coaches about their challenges and goals for this season. Check Patch tomorrow for coverage of their first games and a look at Malverne Mules basketball.

It wasn't all fun and games this week. In West Hempstead, the Strategic Planning Council continued to work hard on for the school district and the Community Support and Civic Association, to improve the neighborhood. They spoke about the demolition of the Courtesy Hotel, tweaking the name of West Hempstead and other business matters.

Then, in Malverne, turned out to the village board of trustees meeting to voice their outrage to officials about the roadwork being done on their block and the notices they've received ordering them to fix their sidewalks.

In other government news, Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy of legislation that would require schools to serve healthier lunches. Other top stories included a look St. Thomas the Apostle School is teaching its students about space exploration and the in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, which will finally enable handicapped individuals to attend services. Patch also shared a great way to stay in shape with around the neighbhorhood and we announced the start of , which will award $250 to the person with the best decked-out home.

Another week is done, but the coming days are sure to bring more exciting news for Malverne and West Hempstead. Visit Patch daily to stay connected with your community.