April 5: Associated's Grand Opening, Students Help Japan, School Budget Input and More

Moving forward. That's what residents in Malverne and West Hempstead are doing this week.
School officials are continuing to work through the difficult budget process, village leaders start a new term, and our youngest humanitarians are doing their part to help the victims of the disaster in Japan recover and take the next steps in rebuilding their lives.
Take a look at the top headlines and events for today, April 5, to learn more about these stories.

1. School Budget Forum: Residents in the Malverne School District have a chance to ask questions and voice their opinions on the proposed 2011-2012 budget tonight to members of the school board. The open forum will start at 7 p.m. in the Malverne High School library. To learn more about the budget
2. Students Help Japan: After learning about the devastation in Japan follow last month's natural disasters, students at George Washington School in West Hempstead stepped up to help. Together they donated hundreds of dollars, and one little girl and her family had a special gift to give. Get the story later today.
3. Associated's Official Opening: Malverne residents and other locals have already been shopping at the Associated supermarket in the village for weeks, but the store owners made it official on Saturday. Check out the video report from the grand opening event and hear what customers are saying about the new store so far.
4. Baseball Season: Who needs the Yanks and the Mets when you have the Rams and the Mules. West Hempstead and Malverne varsity baseball went head-to-head last week. Check out the story and game photos here to see both hometown teams in action and find out which one prevailed this time.
5. Village Officials Take Oath: In a special ceremony Monday night, the re-elected incumbents for the village of Malverne were sworn in before their constituents and a slew of well-known politicians. Former New York City Mayor Ed Koch administered the oath of office to his long-time friend, Mayor Patricia Norris McDonald. Several residents were also appointed to positions in the local government. Patch will have the full story, plus photos and video later today.