Lara Walker is the owner of TwoTails DC, a boutique dog-walking service. Check out their gorgeous Instagram feed for more information.

Photo courtesy TwoTails DC/Lara Walker

Following is my annual reminder that more pets get lost on the 4th of July than any other day in the US. July 5th is the busiest day for animal shelters.

For your pets safety, please keep them safe inside with relaxing music or ambient noise.

Fireworks terrify many pets, dogs and cats: Create a safe haven for your pets in a sheltered, escape-proof part of your home w/ plenty of water. Turn on soothing music or ambient noise to help mask the fireworks with familiar sounds. The TV is another option, although its not ideal if the programming becomes loud or violent, or news programs replay fireworks displays.

If you have a ThunderShirt for your dog, this is the ideal day to use it! (If your dog has thunderstorm, fireworks, or other noise related anxieties and you have questions about the ThunderShirt, let me know. Contact info above.)

Trumpets, drums, sirens, prop guns, canons, fireworks, poppers All these loud sounds can terrify your pets. If youre thinking of taking your dog to a parade this weekend, please think twice. But if you must, please: Bring lots of water and make sure its not too hot and humid (your dog would be happier at home in AC) Be sure to keep your dog on a secure lead with a well fitting collar or a slip-proof harness. Make sure your dogs ID tags and online chip info and photo are up to date. Even the calmest and most well-behaved dog can be startled and bolt if surprised by a loud noise. It only takes a second for something to go horribly wrong, so best to be prepared to keep your fur babies safe.

Happy 4th! All my best, Lara

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Pet Safety Tips for the Fourth of July - The Hillishome

Former nurse plays healing music

Bradley Blackburn, WFAA 6:38 PM. CDT June 27, 2017

After decades spent helping patients as a registered nurse, Diane Michal found a new way to care for patients. (Photo: WFAA)

GRAPEVINE, TEXAS - They say music has the power to heal, and it's the reason one Grapevine nurse is starting a new career.

After decades spent helping patients as a registered nurse, Diane Michal found a new way to care for them while following a lifelong passion for music.

"When we play for patients, it's not performance. It's service," said Michal. "We're looking at where they are in the moment, and what their needs are."

Michal still works as a nurse, but she's now pursuing a career as a certified music practitioner. She plays the flute weekly in the lobby of Baylor Grapevine, in addition to other Baylor hospitals.

"We are just there providing the music with no real expectations from the patient," said Michal.

She played songs ranging from classical to pop, rendered in the peaceful tone of the flute.

"Beautiful music, and it's really relaxing," said Emile LeBlanc, who was listening in the lobby as she cradled her 2-week-old baby. "She's sleeping right through it, so I think she's doing good. She likes it."

Michal is a volunteer, but there are several staff music practitioners. It differs from music therapy, where music is actually prescribed. This, Michal said, is less clinical but still with a purpose.

"They may have needs for comfort. They may have needs for distraction," she said.

Michal has loved the flute since she first picked it up in the fourth grade, and through high school, she thought of pursuing music as a career. Her parents suggested otherwise.

"My parents really discouraged me from going into music. I think they had this image of a starving musician," she said.

She largely gave the up flute as she focused on medicine. She served 20 years as a nurse in the Navy before moving to civilian work. But five years ago, she rediscovered her love of the flute when she began playing at her church.

"I started in the orchestra, picked up my old, old flute from high school," Michal said.

Now, after private lessons and a certification program, she is close to achieving her goal of becoming a certified music practitioner and hopes to do the work full time. She'll still be serving patients, but with renewed passion.

"To me, it's a blessing to play for them," she said.

2017 WFAA-TV

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Medicine & Music: Grapevine nurse pivots careers, picks up flute - WFAA

The Inn at Crestwood is a beautiful venue in Boone that can provide residents and guests of the High Country with a wide array of accommodations. Not only does The Inn offer rooms for people to stay inbenefitting from its stunning environment and viewsbut The Inn also acts as a venue for spas, romantic getaways and weddings.

With amazing rooms, and some of the most awe-inspiring set-ups for weddings, its natural to assume that The Inn also provides delicious food at The Table Restaurant, where everything is served fresh in a memorable atmosphere.

This summer, The Inn at Crestwood is opening its welcoming arms to the community of the High Country to join it for the summer music series that is currently in full-swing.

Every Thursday from 6-9 p.m., there will be a different local musical artist to perform for those currently staying at The Inn or those simply passing through or stopping by to listen to some great music in a relaxing setting. It doesnt matter who you are, everyone can find a place at The Inn for these musical performances.

Theres a wide variety of music from Southern Rock to Brazilian, said Hannah Woodard, The Inns Marketing Manager.

This Thursday, June 29th, you can see Jimmie Griffith, a Brazilian singer, composer and guitar player, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Other performers that are part of the series include Folk & Dagger, Redleg Husky, The King Bees and Handlebar Betty. While there you can also enjoy The Inns seafood boil for $20 an amazing price for some of the most delicious food in the High Country!

Its a good time. You get to sit outside with great views, and its a really talented show,said Woodard. Everything is very local local bands and local breweries sponsor bands, so we have pint specials.

Who could ask for more? Local music, local people, pint specials and incredible deals on seafood it sounds like the perfect combination for a beautiful summer evening in the High Country.

The Inn is located at 3236 Shulls Mill Rd. in Boone.

For reservations or more information, call 828-963-6646 or visit The Inn at Crestwoods website.

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The Inn at Crestwood Brings the High Country its Summer Music Series, Every Thursday Until October 19th - High Country Press

Credit: Stephen Bondio/Insomniac

EDC 2017 is over, and with it were 400,000 EDM fans, 8 stages, over 230 artists, 18 carnival rides, and 10 art installations. Each year is a spectacle, and 2017 is no different.

As my colleague JR and I are in a car headed to Las Vegas for EDC 2017 on a Sunday morning, I look at the thermostat and am surprised at the rising temperature. It was a whopping 115 degrees! And it is only going to rise once we arrive in Las Vegas. Even though I was shocked, I wasnt worried about my EDC experience. Sooner or later, I know well besweating it up anyway with lots of dancing and jumping up and down.

Youre probably wondering why were going to EDC for just one day. Well, I had a prior engagement the day before shooting a pre-wedding video for JR and his fiance. Duty calls.

As we arrive in Las Vegas, the first thing we had to take care of is getting our wristbands. We headto the Mandalay Bay, and it was smooth sailing with no lines in sight. Thats what I like to see. (Plus, we got it on a Sunday afternoon.)

We then met up with our other crew in Las Vegas at the Luxor. Of course, the night hasnt started yet so we had time to go to one of my favorite taco joints, Tacos El Gordo. I usually get tacos with carne asada and al pastor, but this time the gang treated me with carne asada fries. It was so delicious, and my only regret was eating the whole thing. (Its so worth it.)

After filling my belly, its finally time for the long ride from the Vegas Strip to the Vegas Speedway. With many people trying to get there when the gates open, traffic would be inevitable. Bumper to bumper traffic does suck, but we get ourselves hyped with loud EDM music and bobbing our heads up and down with other fans passing by in their cars.

We parked our car, and then proceed to the gate!

There was trouble at the gate. A fan decided he didnt need to be checked at the security checkpoint and started to bypass all of that by running. This led to the security team sprinting after the man. Other fans cheered him on as he tried to escape into the crowd, but he was soon apprehended. EDC can get a bit crazy.

EDC 2017 is a huge music festival filled with lots of activity. The main eventis, of course, the artists. And I was excited for the chance to check out their sets including Madeon, Seven Lions, Flux Pavilion and Chet Porter. If you need a breather, theres plenty to do like going on the carnival rides or resting in the many areas with food and refreshments all around.

There are many spots for emergencies and medical aid, so one should feel very safe. Its also important to stay hydrated, and EDC has many waterstations for guests at no extra cost. Simply have the attendant fill up your water backpack or Insomniac bottles.

One of my favorite activities during EDC is creating Kandi, and the VIP areas have plenty of Kandi stations. The EDM community is so welcoming, and Kandi helps bring people together. If youre hanging out with someone and are digging their vibe, you can give them your Kandi via the PLUR handshake (Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect). This is what its all about, and its such an important part of what makes EDC so special.

Weve met some wonderful fans and have exchanged Kandi. I remember a guest next to me who was super niceand made me feel at home by offering me Kandi on the spot.

In addition, theres a story of someone I know who has been picked on at school. It was a pretty sad life, but that all changed when she went to EDC. And it was there where she met a group of friends who didnt care about what shes like back home and embraced her for who she is. The friendship would grow and continue to this day.

There are so many artists performing all over at the same time, and its impossible to not have a good time. If youre not digging one artists set, simply move on to the next one. When you do move about, dont forget to stay safe and to regroup with friends if youre lost. Always have a spot for meeting up if your phone dies or if you cant get in contact with anyone.

EDC is a high energy event, and one would think that listening to soothing and relaxing music would be out of the question. Wrong! There are many artists that will get you so pumped that you cant resist shaking your body. And then there are those who will make you feel like youre running across a grassy field with the sun shining brightly behind you. With this in mind, I was ecstatic for Chet Porters set at the end of the night. He performed on the cosmicMEADOW stage, an area with bleacher seats thats perfect for relaxing and taking in the music.

All in all, EDC 2017 is a wonderful and magical experience filled with new friends, music, and fun.

All EDC 2017 photos by JR Cajigas unless noted otherwise.

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Our EDC 2017 is filled with memories, dancing and PLUR - Nerd Reactor

Evening Bell will perform from 7-8:30 p.m. on Aug. 17 at Mercerdale Park as part of the Mercer Island Arts Councils annual summer concert series Mostly Music in the Park. Photo courtesy of eveningbellmusic.com

It seems that the ear plays an important role in the awareness of the world around us. With the negativity that we have been hearing lately, it might be wise to treat our auditory senses to some entertaining and relaxing music. One way to maintain mind-soothing harmony this summer would be to enjoy selections of comforting music.

What if these musical opportunities were free and outdoors? The answer to that question is easier than you might think. Communities on the Eastside of Lake Washington offer the opportunity to enjoy music without cost at a variety of venues.

These free summer concerts offer an assortment of musical styles, including singer-songwriters, cover groups and symphonies. They are family friendly with opportunities to picnic, dance and meet others who enjoy music. Some sites have refreshments available for purchase.

Even though the concerts are free, sometimes there is an opportunity to put some money or bread in the performers jar, basket or a repurposed guitar case. If you truly enjoyed the show, often the performers have CDs for sale usually at a reasonable price.

The following is a list of the various shows to enjoy this summer. Each venue has a website that you can visit to check locations, dates, times and whos performing.

In Mercer Island, there is Mostly Music in the Park, from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays nights July 20-Aug. 24 at Mercerdale Park.

In Sammamish, Concerts in the Park take place Thursday evenings at Pine Lake Park. The weekly outdoor concerts happen from 6:30-8 p.m. between July 13-Aug. 31. Bring your own picnic or purchase dinner on-site. Parking for this event is available at Pine Lake Park, Discovery Elementary School and South Sammamish Park and Ride. Note that parking at the Pine Lake Park is extremely limited and fills up early in the day. There is a free shuttle that runs between the South Sammamish Park and Ride and Pine Lake Park before and after the concert.

In Issaquah, there are two weekly events: Tuesdays Concerts on the Green are held at the Issaquah Community Center lawn. This series runs from 7-8:30 p.m. July 11-Aug. 28. Spectators often start gathering as early as 6 p.m. for community picnicking. On Thursday nights, the Downtown Issaquah Association, in partnership with the Washington Blues Society, presents the Gas Station Blues at the Historic Shell Station on Front Street from 7-9 p.m. July 13-Aug. 24.

A very ambitious offering is presented by the Bellevue Downtown Association through its Live at Lunch concert series. These performances take place at various downtown Bellevue venues every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 12-1:30 p.m. July 11-Sept. 14.

Redmond has Thursday Nights Rockin on the River Concerts (6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.) at the Redmond Senior Center Garden Plaza, July 13-Aug. 10.

Newcastles concert series happens at Lake Boren Park from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday evenings July 19-Aug. 9.

Kirklands Summer Concert Series are held from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday nights, July 6-Aug. 17 at Marina Park.

A special shout goes out to the sound crews who keep the music clear and properly amplified. Most importantly, the opportunity to hear free music this summer is made possible by sponsors as well as different city organizations that provide funding and staffing.

Look for the opportunity locally to allow your acoustic perception to provide you with some free and fun relaxation. It has been stated that many times we do not hear the melody or the lyrics until we need the song. This may just be the chance to tune in and enjoy music and put your troubles aside.

Sammamish resident Larry Crandall is a retired educator and serves on the citys Planning Commission.

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Maintain mind-soothing harmony with summer music concerts | My ... - Mercer Island Reporter (subscription)

Contemporary Christian bands and soloists will fill GAR Park with music when New Life Christian Assembly of God presents "Hillstock 2017."

"Hillstock is a celebration of praise and evangelistic music and arts designed to lift up and promote the lordship of Jesus Christ in private and public settings," said New Life Pastor Rick Amendola.

The celebration is at June 30 at 7 p.m. in GAR Park, with performances by Christian bands, rappers, and soloists. Thepublic is invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the festivities.

The July 1 event at GAR Park is from noon to 5 p.m. and will feature live music, human videos, rap, Christian bands and soloists, and a special puppet show for children. There will be special activities including face painting, pony rides, dunk tank, snow cones, popcorn, hot dogs, refreshments and a high striker all for free. There will also be free raffles of items such as bicycles, school back packs and CDs.

Sunday services on July 2 are at New Life Christian Assembly at 10:45 a.m. and will feature the Teen Challenge Choir from Brockton. Events conclude at 12:30 p.m. with an all-church picnic on the church grounds.

IF YOU GO

What: Hillstock 2017

When:June 30 at 7 p.m. and July 1 from noon to 5 p.m.

Where: GAR Park

More information: Call 978-373-1379. Visit online at http://www.newlifechristianag.com.

Here are activities and events going on around Haverhill:

Vietnam on display: A display of military artifacts from the Vietnam War and the War on Terror is on exhibit at the Buttonwoods Museum through July 8.

The exhibit features the collection of Richard Barbato, a veteran who served as a paratrooper on the battlefield in Iraq in 2003. He is a graduate of Bradford College.Barbatos exhibit was chosen from many entries for this years Curate Your Own Exhibit contest.

For more information and museum hours, visit http://www.buttonwoods.org. The Buttonwoods is at 240 Water St. Please enter through John Ward Avenue off of Water Street.

Antique Appraisal Roadshow planned:The Groveland Historical Society will host an Antique Appraisal Roadshow on June 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. at historic Washington Hall, 101 Washington St.

Antique appraiser John Crowder of Haverhill, who has more than 50 years of experience in the antique and old book business, will be conducting appraisals. Crowders experiences consist of appraising, buying and selling.

He will be assisted by Elaine Drinkwater, owner of Vintage View Antique Shop at 371 River St. in Haverhill. Her shop features 20 different dealers and encompasses more than 5,000 square feet in one of Haverhills former factory buildings.

There will be a $5 charge for each appraisal, with a limit of three items per person. Admission is free and the program is open to the public. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Groveland Historical Society.

More information is available from Claire Walsh at 978-376-6779 or clairew1401@aol.com.

Free screening of recent movie: The public library will have a free showing of recent films on July 1 and 22 at 2 p.m., and July 27 at 1 p.m.

Check http://www.haverhillpl.org or call 978-373-1586, ext. 508, for specific title.

Calling all knitters and crocheters: The public librarys Knit and Crochet Group will meet on July 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. and July 18 from 7 to 8:45 p.m.

Talk about your favorite books, yarns and patterns. Bring your knitting and/or crochet project and make some progress while we chat. No registration is necessary.

Dance party for senior citizens:Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley along with Fallon Health Care and the Haverhill Council on Aging will host a Latino/Hispanic dance party for the entire senior community on July 7 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St.

Festivities will include Latino music and food from Villa Mar Caribbean Restaurant in Haverhill. Tickets are $2 per person and all are welcome. More information is available from Kathy Bresnahan or Rita LaBella at 978-374-2390.

Learn about streaming services: On July 10 at 7 p.m. at the public library, learn how to use Hoopla, a free streaming service for e-books, movies, music and graphic novels.

Attendees must have a Haverhill Public Library card. Register at http://www.haverhillpl.org or call 978-373-1586, ext. 608.

Coloring club for adults: Join fellow adults for a relaxing hour of coloring on July 11 at 6 p.m. and July 29 at 2 p.m. at the public library.

No registration is necessary. All materials are provided. Call 978-373-1586, ext. 608, for more information.

Brown Bag distribution date changed:Due to the Fourth of July holiday, the Citizens Center Brown Bag Program will happen on July 11 at 10:30 a.m.

This once-a-month program supported by Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and the Boston Food Bank provides qualifying senior citizens with a bag of groceries.

Holistic health discussed: Andrew Morris, owner of a Better Life Hypnosis & Reiki, will discuss holistic health and healing onJuly 13 at 7 p.m. at the public library,

Topics covered include relaxation exercises, hypnosis, EFT, suggestibility tests and group meditation. Register at http://www.haverhillpl.org or call 978-373-1586, ext. 608.

Trip to Maine: The Council on Aging is offering a trip to Maine on July 15.

Enjoy a Lighthouse Lovers Cruise and lobster bake at the York River landing. The trip also includes a stop at When Pigs Fly bakery. Cost of this trip is $97. To register, call Kathy Bresnahan or Rita LaBella at 978-374-2390.

Free showing of Spanish language movie: The public library will have a free showing of a Spanish film with English subtitles on July 15 at 2 p.m.

Check http://www.haverhillpl.org or call 978-373-1586 for specific title.

Talk on hydration planned:Marsha Davis of Assurance Homecare will be at the Citizens Center, 10 Welcome St., on July 17 at 10 a.m.to discuss the prevention of dehydration.

Dehydration often happens partly due to inadequate water intake, but can also happen as a side effect of medication. As we age, people become less aware of thirst and fluid balance can become a problem. Davis will discuss the signs of dehydration and explain how to stay hydrated.

Call 978-374-2390 for details.

Photographers to meet: Join fellow photography enthusiasts at the public library for its Photography Group on July 17 at 7 p.m.

Meet fellow artists to share your passion for photography, trade tips and techniques. No registration is necessary. The group is open to everyone.

Healthier snacking discussed: Chef Liz Barbour will discuss the pitfalls of snacking at work, how to recognize when we are mindlessly eating, and how to change the way we eat so that snacking at work becomes what it should be a healthy part of your day.

Her presentation is July 18 at 6 p.m. at the public library.

Following a slide presentation, Barbour will prepare two snack recipes for everyone to sample. Space is limited, so please register in advance by calling 378-373-1586, ext. 608, or online at http://www.haverhillpl.org.

Bird Walk planned: Tattersall Farm will host a Bird Walk on July 22 at 8 a.m.

Audubon representative Dave Williams of the Joppa Flatts Education Center and Brookline Bird Club will be the group leader. The walk will consist of a 90-minute trek of the Tattersall Farm property. As they walk, participants will be introduced to the birds that are nesting on the property, looking for adults and any young that are still begging to be fed. The group will also check the nesting boxes that have been put up by volunteers. Wear long pants to prevent exposure to ticks.

A $5 donation is suggested. Contact Kathy Bresnahan at 978-374-2390, ext. 11, to register for this walk.

Church to host free Health Fair: The Haverhill Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church at 346 Broadway will host its first free Health Fair on July 23 from 1 to 5 p.m.

The public is invited to learn about and participate in basic preventive medicine, medical screenings, nutritional advice, exercise training advice and health advice for the body and mind. Participants include dentists and doctors in different areas of health and physiotherapies as well as trainers and nutritionists and other services.

Other churches in Haverhill are expected to participate along with vendors in the community, for whom the event will be free of charge with the expectation that vendors will provide their services for families in the community free of charge as well.

Vendors are asked to bring their own tables and chairs, but if they cannot bring their own, please inform organizers in advance.

For more information, contaristict Can J Borbon, senior pastor, at 859-221-4161 or cborbon@aol.com.

Enjoy a lobster buffet: Life Long Journey Haverhill, in partnership with the Council on Aging, will host a trip to the Indian Head Resort in Lincoln, N.H., on July 25.

Haverhill senior citizens will enjoy a lobster all-you-can-eat buffet which includes carving stations, dessert, coffee and two cocktails. Dancing and two floor shows are included. Cost of this trip is $87. Contact Darlene Sutton at 978-476-4677.

National Night Out:The city will host National Night Out on Aug. 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Swasey Field on Blaisdell Street. Rain date is the following night.

This free event is open to all residents and will feature free hot dogs and hamburgers cooked by members of the Haverhill Police Department, face painting, a magician, music, inflatable amusements, a smoke house and a water park.

This community-police partnership has been held the first Tuesday of every August since 1984 and is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch in the United States and Canada. The event aims to increase awareness about police programs in communities, such as drug prevention, town watch, and other anti-crime efforts.

Community groups, service groups and other organizations that might have something to offer the community are invited to set up a tent to promote their services. More information is available from Officer Paul Malone, deputy director emergency management and community policing at 978-722-1565.

Trip to Connecticut planned: Groups Inc. in partnership with the Council on Aging is planning a trip to Connecticut on Aug. 19.

Visit New London, Connecticut, and the Cross Sound Ferry docks where travelers will board the comfortable Sea Jet catamaran. Once on board, travelers will enjoy a two-hour lighthouse tour. After the tour there will be a stop at the Ocean Pizza Restaurant for a meal of pork chops, chicken Parmesan, or fish and chips.

Cost of this trip is $99. Contact Groups Inc. at 978-372-8080 or contact Kathy Bresnahan or Rita LaBella at 978-374-2390.

Golf tournament planned: The Arc of Greater Haverhill-Newburyport will hold its 13th annual golf fundraiser on Aug. 21 at Haverhill Country Club.

Registration and lunch are at 11 a.m. A shotgun start is at 12:30 p.m. Dinner and auction is at 5:30 p.m. Fees are $200 for a single player and $750 for a foursome. The early bird special cost is $175 per player or $650 for a foursome if you register by June 15.

To register for the tournament or for sponsorship opportunities, call 978-373-0552, ext. 220 or email bianca.gill@thearcofghn.org.

Class reunion planned: Haverhill High School/Haverhill Trade School Class of 1957 will hold its 60-year reunion on Sept. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. at DiBurros Function Facility, 887 Boston Road.

Guests will have a choice of roast beef or fresh haddock. Social hour is from noon to 1 p.m., followed by the meal and more opportunities for socializing. Dress is informal.

Tickets are $40 per person. Mailing to individual classmates will take place July 24. Bina Beauregard, Theresa White Jesionowski and Joanne Accardi Duchemin are actively looking for missing classmates via Facebook. Classmates are encouraged to visit their individual Facebook pages to see whos missing and to reach out with any information. Call Joanne Accardi Duchemin at 978-374-1500 or Tom Behan at 978-372-9734 for more information.

Tour Marthas Vineyard: Groups Inc. in partnership with the Council on Aging is offering a day trip to Marthas Vineyard on Sept. 17.

Travelers will visit Woods Hole for a 45-minute crossing to Vineyard Haven, and a motor coach will accompany passengers on the ship. A Vineyard Haven tour guide will lead the group in their motor coach to Edgartown for two hours of shopping and a Dutch treat lunch. From there, travelers will go to Aquinnah for photo opportunities, and then Oak Bluffs and Methodist Campgrounds. Along the way the guide will share stories of the history and culture of the area.

Cost of this trip is $89 per person. Contact Groups Inc. at 978-372-8080 or Kathy Bresnahan or Rita LaBella at 978-374-2390.

Class reunion announced: Haverhill High Schools Class of 1981 will hold a reunion on Sept. 23 at Palmers Restaurant, 18 Elm St., Andover.

A reception is at 6 p.m., followed by a buffet dinner at 7 p.m. The event will include a cash bar, raffles, and music. Tickets are $60 per person.

For more information and payment options, email brownandgold81@gmail.com.

Museum trip planned

The Council on Aging is offering two new museum trips this summer.

Senior citizens will travel to the Cape Ann Museum, Gloucester, on July 19. This museum specializes in beautiful 18th Century Seascapes and ship models by Fitz Henry Lane and others. Cost of this trip is $40.

More information is available from Kathy Bresnahan or Rita LaBella at 978-374-2390.

Museum trip planned:Haverhill senior citizens will travel to the JFK Library and Museum in Boston on Sept. 14 to visit the special exhibition celebrating John F. Kennedy's 100th birthday.

Cost of this trip is $40. More information is available from Kathy Bresnahan or Rita LaBella at 978-374-2390.

The rest is here:

Christian music coming to GAR Park - The Harvell gazette

This week Apple is beginning to roll out the first new personalized playlist under Apple Musics For You section. The playlist, entitled Chill, is muxed based on editorial curation and algorithmic interpretation of your musical tastes.

A small number of test users got the new playlist yesterday evening. An updated Chill playlist will be delivered every Sunday to users who join the test group, which will roll out through the summer.

Its focus, unsurprisingly, is chill-ass music. A base layer of editorial curation will be used to determine what music gets included in the Chill playlist, which will then be augmented using the App Music algorithm. Theoretically, this should show you music you may not be familiar with that fits the category, while simultaneously being music that you like and actually care about.

While the 27 million Apple music users listen to a lot of different kinds of music, one of the prime themes is apparently that they all like to relax and they use music to do it.

This is where it gets tricky, because one person could consider Motorheads Burner the ultimate in smooth jamz, while another person might think that John Teshs Roundball Rock is the pinnacle of repose.

So the Chill playlists will take into account the music and genres you most enjoy and build the chillest set of tracks out of those genres. My mix prominently features Drake, Outkast, Ashanti, Trey Songs, Beyonc, Jeremih and Kehlani so we know where Im at on the spectrum. But it also picks from those artists most chill tracks according to editorial choice, and some general music genomic smarts like tempo and categorization. Its about 25 tracks and an hour and a half or so of music.

If you suddenly took up a liking for EDM over the next month or two, you would see that music get mixed into your playlist at the track level. With the hope that the music would still fit your taste and have a down-tempo relaxing energy to it.

Theoretically I could have an R&B-focused Chill list while you could have a rock or jazz rendition that met the same basic goals: help you relax.

At the moment the algorithmic tweaks being made are coming from inside the Apple Music universe. How you use the app, what you put into your library and listen to are all factors in how Chill (and the other two playlists, New Music and My Favorites) gets composited.

Currently, there will not be any spoken word content mixed in its all music. So if youre one of the millions that use ASMR and other soothing spoken word compositions for relaxation, youll have to wait it out.

Relaxation is a broad, fat target for Apples first new playlist in this model, but Id expect to see more that could apply across a wide swath of users. Thinking big means considering workouts, commuting, focused efforts like studying and more for inclusion.

Because this is brand new, Im interested in seeing what your playlists look like. Hit me up on Twitter or in the comments with a screenshot or link. Heres mine:

Continued here:

Apple Music Personalized Playlist Chill, Algorithmic And Editorial - TechCrunch

Former nurse plays healing music

Bradley Blackburn, WFAA 6:17 AM. CDT June 28, 2017

After decades spent helping patients as a registered nurse, Diane Michal found a new way to care for patients. (Photo: WFAA)

GRAPEVINE, Texas -- They say music has the power to heal, and it's the reason one Grapevine nurse is starting a new career.

After decades spent helping patients as a registered nurse, Diane Michal found a new way to care for them while following a lifelong passion for music.

"When we play for patients, it's not performance. It's service," said Michal. "We're looking at where they are in the moment, and what their needs are."

Michal still works as a nurse, but she's now pursuing a career as a certified music practitioner. She plays the flute weekly in the lobby of Baylor Grapevine, in addition to other Baylor hospitals.

"We are just there providing the music with no real expectations from the patient," said Michal.

She played songs ranging from classical to pop, rendered in the peaceful tone of the flute.

"Beautiful music, and it's really relaxing," said Emile LeBlanc, who was listening in the lobby as she cradled her 2-week-old baby. "She's sleeping right through it, so I think she's doing good. She likes it."

Michal is a volunteer, but there are several staff music practitioners. It differs from music therapy, where music is actually prescribed. This, Michal said, is less clinical but still with a purpose.

"They may have needs for comfort. They may have needs for distraction," she said.

Michal has loved the flute since she first picked it up in the fourth grade, and through high school, she thought of pursuing music as a career. Her parents suggested otherwise.

"My parents really discouraged me from going into music. I think they had this image of a starving musician," she said.

She largely gave the up flute as she focused on medicine. She served 20 years as a nurse in the Navy before moving to civilian work. But five years ago, she rediscovered her love of the flute when she began playing at her church.

"I started in the orchestra, picked up my old, old flute from high school," Michal said.

Now, after private lessons and a certification program, she is close to achieving her goal of becoming a certified music practitioner and hopes to do the work full time. She'll still be serving patients, but with renewed passion.

"To me, it's a blessing to play for them," she said.

2017 WFAA-TV

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Medicine & Music: Grapevine nurse pivots careers, picks up flute - KHOU

It seems that the ear plays an important role in the awareness of the world around us. With the negativity that we have been hearing lately, it might be wise to treat our auditory senses to some entertaining and relaxing music. One way to maintain mind-soothing harmony this summer would be to enjoy selections of comforting music.

What if these musical opportunities were free and outdoors? The answer to that question is easier than you might think. Communities on the Eastside of Lake Washington offer the opportunity to enjoy music without cost at a variety of venues.

These free summer concerts offer an assortment of musical styles, including singer-songwriters, cover groups and symphonies. They are family friendly with opportunities to picnic, dance and meet others who enjoy music. Some sites have refreshments available for purchase.

Even though the concerts are free, sometimes there is an opportunity to put some money or bread in the performers jar, basket or a repurposed guitar case. If you truly enjoyed the show, often the performers have CDs for sale usually at a reasonable price.

The following is a list of the various shows to enjoy this summer. Each venue has a website that you can visit to check locations, dates, times and whos performing.

In Sammamish, Concerts in the Park take place Thursday evenings at Pine Lake Park. The weekly outdoor concerts happen from 6:30-8 p.m. between July 13-Aug. 31. Bring your own picnic or purchase dinner on-site. Parking for this event is available at Pine Lake Park, Discovery Elementary School and South Sammamish Park and Ride.

Note that parking at Pine Lake Park is extremely limited and fills up early in the day. There is a free shuttle that runs between the South Sammamish Park and Ride and Pine Lake Park before and after the concert.

In Issaquah, there are two weekly events: Tuesdays Concerts on the Green are held at the Issaquah Community Center lawn. This series runs from 7-8:30 p.m., from July 11-Aug. 28. Spectators often start gathering as early as 6 p.m. for community picnicking. On Thursday nights, the Downtown Issaquah Association, in partnership with the Washington Blues Society, presents the Gas Station Blues at the Historic Shell Station on Front Street from 7-9 p.m., from July 13-Aug. 24.

A very ambitious offering is presented by the Bellevue Downtown Association through its Live at Lunch concert series. These performances take place at various downtown Bellevue venues every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, from 12-1:30 p.m., from July 11-Sept. 14.

Redmond has Thursday Nights Rockin on the River Concerts (6 p.m.-8:30 p.m.) at the Redmond Senior Center Garden Plaza, from July 13-Aug. 10.

In Mercer Island, there is Mostly Music in the Park, from 7-8:30 p.m. Thursdays nights, from July 20-Aug. 24 at Mercerdale Park.

Newcastles concert series happens at Lake Boren Park from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday evenings, from July 19-Aug. 9.

Kirklands Summer Concert Series are held from 7-8:30 p.m. on Thursday nights, from July 6-Aug. 17 at Marina Park.

Look for the opportunity locally to allow your acoustic perception to provide you with some free and fun relaxation. It has been stated that many times we do not hear the melody or the lyrics until we need the song. This may just be the chance to tune in and enjoy music and put your troubles aside.

Sammamish resident Larry Crandall is a retired educator.

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Maintain mind-soothing harmony with summer music concerts | My Turn - Bellevue Reporter

Photo:R. Bernard

Patron, Hennessy, Alize, and Cristal have all been named dropped in hip hop songs, but one liquor you rarely hear in a rap rhymeis whiskey.

Rapper G-Eazy is hoping to change that with a unique collaboration withStillhouse, thebreakout spirits company best known for its award-winning clear American whiskey that comes in ared, stainless steel can.

G-Eazy, theOakland-bred multi-platinum rapper, producer, and Forbes 30 under 30 entrepreneur (real name Gerald Gillum), has been named Partner and Co-Creative Director and will work tumbler-in-hand withStillhouse CEO & Founder Brad Beckerman, who has a background in music as theformer Chief Creative Officer at Live Nation.

Spirits companies had approached me with endorsement deals but that was just money, says G-Eazy in a press release. I kept running into Stillhouse everywhere and fell in love with the brand not to mention its smooth whiskey.

G-Eazy, who has been named to Forbes 30 under 30 list, seems like the ideal frontman for a top-shelf whiskey brand with his slick, bad boy look and pop culture hooks so its not a matter of if, but when we will hear him slip inStillhouse in an upcoming rap verse.

Stay connected with Stillhouse by visiting http://www.Stillhouse.com and follow along @StillhouseUSA.

The rest is here:

For Relaxing Times, G-Eazy Makes it Stillhouse Time - Crave Online