Jan. 26: Parental Advisories, Breaks for Volunteers and More Things to Know TODAY

Find out what stories people will talking about and events that are on the agenda today. Every weekday morning Malverne-West Hempstead Patch will give you the top five things happening for that day.

Here's what you need to know for Jan. 26.

1. Firefighter Tax Relief: At the December business meeting of the West Hempstead Board of Education, it looked like the firefighters of Lakeview and West Hempstead could not catch a break - on their taxes. The board had serving in both departments a 10 percent exemption on school taxes that many other districts around Long Island offer, but just over a month later, the volunteers had their wishes granted. The board reconsidered the motion during a special business meeting last night and passed the statute. Learn more about it .
2. Parental Advisories: The West Hempstead School District will be holding Kindergarten Orientation tonight at the for parents beginning at 7p.m. Malverne-West Hempstead Patch yesterday that we will be launching some new features and columns next week to cater to a special group of our readers, our local moms. To help us serve you best, we're also inviting local mothers in Malverne and West Hempstead to get involved. We'll be selecting a handful to serve on an advisory board called the Mom Council in the next few days. Learn more about it and to get involved, e-mail Tara.Conry@Patch.com. We'll also make sure to keep you informed about events that pertain to you as parents. Another local group catering to the needs of mothers is also meeting today. The 's Moms group gathers at 9:30am - as it does every Wednesday morning - in the sanctuary. The group focuses on helping moms find strength and support through worship and interacting with other members. They will also discuss practical, parent-focused topics, which are used as themes to help encourage young moms. To learn more about the group, click
3. Dueling Politicians: Patch received op-ed submissions from both Nassau County Democratic minority leader Diane Yatauro and County Executive Mangano discussing the budget and local politics. Yatauro takes a look at Mangano's past year in office and points out areas where she says he has failed taxpayers in her opinion piece. (Click to read it.) Mangano rebuffs her statements, reflects on his first year and comments on what changes will be necessary in 2011. Read his letter .
4. From Storytime to Simply Stronger: The will be hosting a storytime for 1-year-old's at 10am and one for kids ages 3 through 5 at 3:30p.m. today. After the kids are taken care of, moms and other residents can do something for themselves by heading back to the library to break a sweat. Marilyn Bunger continues her low-impact exercise class. The 10-session program costs $30 and is open to registered participants. For more information, see the attached flyer or contact the library at 516-481-6591.  
5. Where Have YOU Seen This? Test your knowledge of local sights by guessing exactly where in Malverne and West Hempstead we snapped this week's photo. The new photo will be revealed at 2p.m.today. See who was the and be the first to correctly answer the latest photo hunt contest to win a prize.

Have an event happening in Malverne and West Hempstead? You can add it to our community calendar by filling out this form.