Nearby things to do this week in Malverne, West Hempstead

A Night at the Races
It’s not exactly the Belmont Stakes, but residents are invited to cheer on horses during A Night at the Races at Malverne Post 44 on Saturday, Nov. 3, from 6 to 9 p.m. Hosted by Malverne’s Sons of the American Legion, the annual event is a fundraiser that supports the organization. Tickets are $10. Includes entry, dinner and dessert. Info: malvernesal@gmail.com.

Turkey light ceramic craft
Thanksgiving is coming up in a few weeks! Get started on preparing your own Thanksgiving decorations at the Malverne Public Library on Monday, Nov. 5, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Join Rosemarie for a relaxing night out chatting and painting a lighted turkey ceramic piece which measures 7” x 6” x 6”. $14 materials fee in cash at registration. Info: (516) 599-0750.

National Novel Writing Month for teens
Take part in National Novel Writing Month at the West Hempstead Public Library on Monday, Nov. 5, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The goal is to write 50,000 words on your own novel or fan-fiction story in the month of November. Make the pledge to write in this judgment-free zone, share and be an inspiration for four weeks of writers’ workshops and turn your idea into a book. For grades 9 to 12. Info: (516) 481-6591.

Party on, Mardi Gras-style
Enjoy the foot stompin’ feel-good tunes of the Hoodoo Loungers when they perform as part of Planting Fields Arboretum’s “Music at the Mansion” series at Coe Hall, on Friday, Oct. Nov. 2, 7 to 9 p.m. The band’s sound encompasses traditional New Orleans jazz, Brass Band, classic R&B and funk — blending original music and re-arranged New Orleans classics. Info: (516) 922-8600 or www.plantingfields.org.

Wild and woolly
Visit Sagamore Hill, the Oyster Bay summer home of President Theodore Roosevelt, to celebrate National Bison Day with a special appearance from lovable woolly mascot Buddy Bison, on Saturday, Nov. 3. The many activities include a guided walk around the grounds, bison craft workshop following the hike, along a performance by the Long Island Vegetable Orchestra at 2 p.m. Info: (516) 922-4788 www.nps.gov/sahi.