Lifestyle & Trends - Community

New hope for old malls

There is new promise for the nation's malls. A fixture throughout America's cities and towns for decades, the conventional mall is in a state of decline. It is possible to rethink yesterday's malls with a creative vision that will return them to their prominent place in communities and realize lasting social, cultural and economic value. For example, just this summer, the former Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, Calif., was transformed into a new center that, while operated like a mall, feels and functions like a part of the city. Read More

Nonprofits leaning on individuals and corporations in tough times

A new study released by the Corporation for National and Community Services reported that the number of volunteers in America rose 1.6 million in the past year. The dramatic increase ultimately demonstrates that people are contributing to their communities at an increasing rate, even during financially challenging times. Read More

Drivers: 10 things you need to know about sharing the road with motorcycles

Anyone who rides a motorcycle knows it comes with risks. The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) estimates that 4,762 motorcyclists died in accidents in 2009. Now for the good news: It was the first time in 12 years that motorcycle fatalities decreased. Read More

Wanted: a new generation of lifesavers

Less than 8 percent of victims who suffer cardiac arrest at home, at work or in other public places survive. And fewer than one-third of cardiac arrest victims gets CPR from a bystander. The American Heart Association wants more people to take action and help cardiac arrest victims. Read More

Five everyday items to donate instead of recycle

Wouldn't you like to go "green" and help provide deserving individuals with everyday items that can help improve their lives? Many charities collect and refurbish used items some find necessary for everyday activities, like eye glasses and hearing aids, as well as monetary donations. Read More

Teens: Join Twilight's Nikki Reed to 'do something' good this summer

Are you a teen that is going to camp, hosting a neighborhood block party, or playing baseball this summer? Are you a parent who wants to encourage your child to do something good for others or get more involved in their community? This summer, join the Do Something 101 school supply drive: www.dosomething101.org. Read More

Social media: The best advertising money can't buy for your small business

Used to be, a diligent small business owner with a great idea and plenty of gumption could grow a business through word of mouth alone. In many ways, that's still true. Yet today, much of the "word of mouth" conversations and recommendations, which can make or break a business, are happening online, not face to face. Read More

Volunteering: Helping others could actually help you

The health benefits of volunteering are well documented and include reduced stress and risk of disease, an increased feeling of self worth and possibly even increased life expectancy. It is no wonder that for many people with chronic conditions, volunteering can even help maintain or improve one's physical health. Read More

Small clubs and organizations need to get savvy to stay afloat

Times are tough and budgets are tight for everyone, including small organizations and clubs. Membership is more and more difficult to cultivate, which stymies the group's income. Existing members, who sometimes end up picking up the financial slack, are often forced to choose between participating in something that's meaningful to them and simply getting all their household bills paid. Read More

What you need to know to prepare for natural disasters

Whether it's a wildfire, hurricane, tornado, flood or another natural disaster altogether, your family should know what to do when in danger. Read More

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