May 4: D-Day Set for Courtesy Hotel, Kids Helping Kids, Blogging and More

Get ready Malverne and West Hempstead.

In less than two weeks, you'll vote on your school budgets (But you'll need to register today if you haven't yet!). In nine days the Courtesy Hotel will finally come down. And starting today you can access a new tool to get to know your community even more and make your voice heard - if you so choose to.

Find out more in our list of the top stories for May 4.

1. Courtesy Hotel Coming Down: In just over a week, the infamous Courtesy Hotel in West Hempstead will finally fall. A source close to the situation says the property developer has scheduled a date and time for the demolition. Click here to learn more.
2. SEPTA Meets: Parents, teachers, administrators and students in the West Hempstead schools can come together tonight to discuss important issues that affect the education in the district. The meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. in the library of All are welcomed.
3. Parents Talk Breaking Bad News: The death of Osama bin Laden, the tsunami in Japan or even local tragedies...the devastating news can be nearly impossible to conceal from kids today with cable TV, cell phones and most of all, Internet access. Do you educate or shield your child from the scary, sad and violent news? How do you respond when they have been exposed and start asking questions? Weigh in on this topic with other local parents in this week's Family Forum starting at noon.
4. Kids Helping Kids: A group of West Hempstead teens are helping local kids with disabilities develop, exercise and experience what it feels like to be part of a team. Get the full story and photos later today.
5. Blogging Launches: Starting today you'll see a new feature on Malverne-West Hempstead Patch that will introduce you to some of the interesting voices in your local community. Our blogging tool launches today. Read some of the posts from writers in your neighborhood as they talk history, food, parenting and more. Want to blog on Patch too? Email Tara.Conry@Patch.com to learn more!