Northern Notes: Boys and Girls Clubs embraced
Sara Weatherholt, executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Grand Traverse, wrote on behalf of the staff, the board of directors and the members of the club to thank the organizations and companies that were so generous during 2008. (Plus more good news from around our community.)

Kiwanis clubs plan new year of projects
REDLANDS - Redlands Kiwanis clubs work separately and together to enrich the lives of people in Redlands. This will be an even bigger year for some of the clubs, with every club seeing new plans and changes in 2009.

Jack Allen Pemberton
Jack Allen Pemberton passed away peacefully on Dec. 18, with his family by his side. We will miss him and his infectious smile. Jack was born to his parents, Charlotte G. Owen and George Pemberton on Oct. 2, 1923, in Long Beach. He was one of five children.

Lions clubs and other service-oriented groups in jeopardy due to lack of volunteers
The Nazareth Lions Club had 154 members when Charles Roth joined back in 1954. Now the president, Roth is among 16 active members today. The nearby Bushkill Township Lions Club was forced to disband two months ago due to a...

Strip mauled
Mariachi bands. Roller derbies. Wigs. Hookahs. Gay cowboys. Japanese karaoke singers. Golf clubs. S&M harnesses. Thai food. Salvadoran food. Live sex clubs. Pentecostal churches. Diamonds. Kimchee. Elegant past, eccentric present and redeveloped future. All this and more can be found in Commercial Center, the sprawling foursquare strip mall between the Strip and downtown.

Better chance for Pa. small games bill
The retirement of Pennsylvania state Sen. Gib Armstrong could bode well for local organizations that raise money through raffles, bingo and other small games of chance.

Calling all Jewish bikers
If you're Jewish, love to ride motorcycles and live in Connecticut, the Jewish Motorcyclists Alliance (JMA) wants you. Formed nearly five years ago, the non-profit JMA has already grown to include 1500 members spread out among the 24 clubs worldwide that fall under its umbrella.

Woodside students embrace service projects
Their desire to be part of a larger community is the biggest reason for successful charity work. ? Woodside High School calls itself the home of the Wolverines, but the proliferation of service clubs and projects might mean an addition to that moniker: home of charitable giving and community service.

The ever changing world of music sharing
In the early days of the Web, the mantra "information wants to be free" made the rounds. In music circles now, "music wants to be shared" seems to be the idea.

Little Leagues, other groups face loss of online payments
About 220 Little Leagues and other sports organizations in the United States face losses after an online payment company stopped handing over dues and other funds that it was collecting.

Governor Livingston High School Super Saturday Jan. 17
Governor Livingston Super Saturday 1/17, 8am at Governor Livingston High School . There will be over 40 Vendors, an Arcade for the kids, Cake Walk where everyone wins and Athletic Match-ups throughout the day.

Highlander Booster Club Super Saturday Event Jan. 17
Governor Livingston Super Saturday Jan 17; 8 a.m. at Governor Livingston High School . There will be over 40 Vendors, an Arcade for the kids, Cake Walk where everyone wins and Athletic Match-ups throughout the day.

Jockstrip: The world as we know it.
Son surprises mom from 12,000 miles away ? Lost dog found family 2 miles away ? Sox workers first to marry in Chicago ? More than 200 join mud race across river ? The world as we know it from UPI.

Hoover To Drop Marching Band
Hoover High School has dropped marching band in a move that saves money and has more students interested in band.

OCEANSIDE: Big numbers add up to success for city treasurer
OCEANSIDE ---- Amid all the attention garnered by the November election, one bit of information escaped most people's notice. Rosemary Jones was re-elected to her fifth term as city treasurer.

Martha Swain Reed: 1930-2008
She was just as likely found in Communist China as a Plumwood or Eva Maude Garden Club meeting, and though she?s passed, the legacy of Baytown?s Martha Swain Reed (formerly Martha Hemphill) endures.

Video poker fees raised in Sanford
SANFORD (Jan 2, 2009): Local clubs and organizations in Sanford will have to pay an additional $100 each year to operate video poker machines. The Sanford Town Council approved a new ordinance Dec. 30 raising the annual fees from $50 to $150.

Financing for retail doesn't just walk in the door
Prospective owner of a dive shop may garner funds from family, angel investors, public agencies and others. Dear Karen: I'm seeking investments to open a dive shop. I'm attempting to raise funds via traditional loans, but in the worst market possible I'm not confident. The investment groups I find locally are focused on technology or a mass-manufactured product. Can I find an investor open to ...

More than 200 join mud race across river
MALDEN, England, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- The Mad Malden Mud Race justified its name Sunday, as more than 200 costumed competitors staggered across the River Blackwater in eastern England.

Club One Selects A10 Networks AX Series to Scale Web Application Delivery for Fitness Centers and Partners
SAN JOSE, Calif.