Nov. 28: Crimes Nearby, Holiday Event Previews, Register for Budget Meeting

Deck the halls...

Can you believe the holiday season is already here?  This weekend, several local groups decorated the village of Malverne, and throughout both communities you can see residents took advantage of the 60-degree weather by putting up their lights and other flair.

And some of the most anticipated events of the season - the Holiday Gala, Lighting of Malverne, Holiday at Halls, Breakfast with Santa and the West Hempstead Kids Holiday Party - are all happening this weekend.

Find out more, along with other top local news for Nov. 28.

1. Holiday Event Previews: Each day this week, we'll be giving you a preview of one of the exciting holiday events planned for this weekend in Malverne and West Hempstead. We'll start today with one of the biggest ones - the Lighting of Malverne. Get the full schedule of festivities, plus video highlights from last year's extravaganza.
2. Crimes Nearby: It's time for our weekly round-up of the top crime stories that happened close to Malverne and West Hempstead. Read about a strange incident at a local Starbucks, a stabbing and more this morning.
3. Register for Budget Talk: The West Hempstead school district is taking a new approach to drafting and discussing its budget for 2012-2013. (.) It will hold its first conversation with the community on the budget this Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 p.m. To get a better idea of how many people will be attending and their affiliation to West Hempstead, the school district is asking those interested to pre-register here.
4. Talent Show: Check out the talented local kids who participated in the Malverne Public Library's talent show this month. We'll have video highlights and photos this afternoon.
5. Black Friday Poll: Did you hit the stores on Black Friday (or Thanksgiving night) or did you sleep in (like this reporter)? And if you did brave the crowds, how were the deals this year? Tell us in