Week in Review

The week was full of highs and lows for residents of Malverne and West Hempstead.

Malverne celebrated the holiday season and further strengthened its community ties with a spectacular  at the  Restoration House, followed by the festivities of the Lighting of Malverne. Don't miss Patch's  from the big event.

There were plenty of Santa sightings throughout the weekend, as the big man sat down for  and in Malverne. He then headed to West Hempstead, where he checked in with the local children there as they were enjoying a holiday party hosted by the West Hempstead Community Support and Civic Association. Check out thefrom these events to see if Patch captured your child's visit with Santa. Later that evening, West Hempstead residents also gathered outside to light a large menorah and bless a creche placed outside to continue a tradition despite the fact that the park has been closed off due to construction. Watch the  from the ceremony.

While many celebrated the holiday season, one family found themselves caught in a nightmare, as their in Ocean Avenue, critically injuring their 3-year-old daughter.

Malverne residents were reminded to secure their vehicles this week, when that had been parked in the driveways of homes in the village. The perps made off with residents' valuables, including expensive electronic devices and Christmas gifts that had been left in one car.

The Rams also enjoyed some high points and disappointments. The boys varsity basketball team  in their season opener, but then against a big Hawks squad. The Lady Rams also kicked off their basketball season, but lost their first match to Port Washington. They then suffered two defeats at the hands of Valley Stream North and Locust Valley in non-league games.

The Malverne Mules will finally start their basketball seasons this week and the team's line-up and expectations as they prepare for their first tip-off.

In school news, administrators for Malverne, West Hempstead and dozens of other Long Island districts have to create standardized foreign language exams to fill the void left behind when New York State decided to no longer provide this testing. This week, the in West Hempstead officially opened its new library with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony and in Malverne, students showcased their talents in a holiday concert.

Residents also learned that it may lose many of the services provided by Nassau County if a $ and the County announced plans to increase fines on violations caught by .

Patch also provided you with several ways to celebrate the holidays, simplify your life and cross off some tasks on your to-do lists. We introduced out , and offered up an easy  for Chanukah and  to do with your kids. Plus, we gave you guides for ,  and  to charities and volunteer groups in your community.

Don't forget to  by uploading a snapshot of the outside of your decked-out house. The winner will be crowned at the end of the week and win a $100 Amex gift card.

Remember to check Patch daily, follow us on Facebook and sign up for our e-mail alerts to stay up-to-date on all the news in Malverne and West Hempstead no matter where you are. And if you have a story this week that you think Patch should cover, e-mail Tara.Conry@Patch.com and add your events to our community calendar.