June 29: Callahan Fundraiser, Bids Approved, Fire Drill Tourney and More

The community comes together tonight to rally around the family of deceased Malverne Deputy Mayor Jim Callahan. One local school district takes a step toward improving its athletic facilities, and we look at some recent celebrations of history, education and equality within Malverne and West Hempstead.
Here are the top stories for June 29.

1. Callahan Family Fundraiser: A fundraiser will be held tonight to benefit the children of Jim Callahan, who served as Malverne's deputy mayor and commissioner of Nassau County's Emergency Management before last month at the age of 42. Patch spoke with Callahan's wife, Patricia, and brother-in-law, Joseph Canzoneri, to learn how the family is coping with their loss and how this event will help support Jim's greatest legacy. for the story.
2. Bids for Bond Work: The Malverne Board of Education voted last night to accept two bids for work to be performed at the high school and middle school as part of Proposition #2 of the bond that residents passed in November. Get the full story today.
3. Fire Drill Tournament: More than a dozen area fire departments including Malverne and Lakeview competed in an old fashioned drill team tournament hosted by the Malverne Volunteer F.D. on June 24. Check out the photos here.
4. Same-Sex Marriage: The recent passage of a marriage equality bill in Albany has many New Yorkers, especially gay couples, glowing with pride, celebrating this landmark decision and some even setting wedding plans. Patch caught up with two Malverne men - one already happily married to his partner and another who is close to announcing his engagement - about what the legislation means to them. Get the story later today.
5. Moving On Up: It wasn't just the senior students of Malverne and West Hempstead who celebrated a big step in their educational journey this month, even the smallest ones donned caps and gowns. Check out the photos from the Kindergarten graduation at Chestnut Street School and other moving up ceremonies that were recently held in West Hempstead.