Feb. 9: Bleak Budget, Boy Scouts, Moms Talk & More Things to Know TODAY

Brown water, budgets, basketball, Black History Month and more - there's much going on this week in Malverne and West Hempstead.

Take a look at the top stories and events happening today, Feb. 9:

1. Bleak Budget Revealed: The Malverne School District revealed its presentation on the 2011-2012 budget to the Board of Education and the public for the first time Tuesday night. The administrators painted a bleak financial picture, including a 10 percent cut in personnel across the board, which they attributed to drops in state aid, increases in expenses and several other factors that will make this year's budget process one of the most difficult ones the district, like others throughout New York, have faced in years. Patch will have a full recap of the Feb. 8 meeting at 4 p.m. today, including an in-depth look at the proposed budget, an update on the and photos of several students that were honored last night.
   
2. Moms Talk: Today marks the debut of our Moms Talk column, a forum for local mothers (and fathers) to discuss important parenting topics and local issues related to raising a family in Malverne and West Hempstead.  Meet the members of our Moms Council, read their thoughts on this week's questions, which will post at 1 p.m., and join in on the conversation by adding your comments.
3. Cub Scouts Cross Over: Nine local cub scouts, from Pack 240, crossed over a small bridge on Saturday, leaving behind their days as Webelos to join the ranks of the Boy Scouts. Check out the photos from the ceremony on Patch today.
4. Join the Lions' Pride: Moving from the Cub Scouts, the next item on today's agenda is the meeting of the local Lions Club. The West Hempstead chapter will meet tonight at 6:30 p.m. at They are always seeking new members. To learn more about the Lions, the work they perform for the community and how to join, send an e-mail to Elizabeth Mandara at eam917@aol.com.
5. Sacraments, Strategic Planning: In West Hempstead, there will be two meetings tonight. At 7 p.m. members of the Strategic Planning Council will hold another session in the cafeteria. (To learn more about what this group has been working on, click .) On the other side of town, parents of eighth graders at who will be making the sacrament of confirmation will meet at 7:15pm. 

Check back tomorrow morning for the Daily Five list for Thursday and remember you always view our community calendar to see what local events are planned and even add your own. Click here to access it.