David McClendon of Littleton, Colorado boarded a Southwest jet Monday morning in Dallas, Texas. Upon taking his seat, he felt that things were a little different from the usual procedure of a simple fly-away.

I noticed that there were a lot of pictures being taken, and everyone seemed to know each other, McClendon told Sounds Like Nashville. I started asking questions, and was told I was getting a surprise and nothing more. It was a lot of fun.

That surprise was a live in-flight performance from Dot recording artist Drake White, as part of Southwests Live at 35 series. The singer, who performed several songs from his Spark album, said it was an experience that he wont soon forget.

It felt good. There were a lot of people that were surprised about it, he shared. I think that music lives in that spontaneity and that quickness of getting out there and doing your thing. At the end of the day, I just want to make people have a good day, and a good experience, I think that was one.

Drake White; Photo Courtesy of Dot Records

Of course, one of the biggest obstacles for the energetic performer was that space was very much limited. It was challenging, he admitted. Im glad I stretched this morning, and got my little workout in. Its definitely tight quarters, for sure.

There were other differences in playing live at 35,000 feet. Obviously, theres not a lot of acoustics on there. Its more of a nostalgic thing. Peoples ears are just now getting acclimated to being up in that space. Its more of a wow factor that somebody is actually trying to put this on and get it done. I think it sounded pretty good.

The flight to Nashville was part one of a busy week, with Fridays performance at the Country Radio Seminars New Faces Show also being a highlight, for the singer, who said he relishes the blessing of a busy schedule. You have to be a chameleon. I used to think If I only had a chance to be that busy. My buddies would be flying all over the world playing, and they would always talk about being slammed. I would think Theres no way they are that slammed. But, you do get busy. This week is a very busy one.

Monday night, White played a private performance for radio contest winners at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Anytime you get to play that stage, its an absolute honor. Im going to get to play solo acoustic. Thats a very huge deal.

The performance was also sponsored by Live In The Vineyard, a concert series that White is a huge fan of. This was the brainchild of a couple of ladies. They love wine, and they love the landscape of Napa. They started bringing music into the vineyards, and for all the people who like partaking of the wine, music goes with that. They just made this concept, and its an amazing experience. You talk about being laid-back. It was something Ill never forget. I love the landscape out there, as well as the geography.

The musical experience likely over Arkansas was one that passenger McClendon wont soon forget. It was like winning the lottery, he beamed. It was an awesome experience. Id never seen anything like this before. It was nice and relaxing, and made the flight go by faster. After the performance, he lamented that he didnt request Freebird.

White, an Alabama native, says he has done that song before for a very special crowd. I played Freebird with a ukulele in front of Lynyrd Skynyrd on the bus to start their cruise. Ive only done it that once, but it was something, for sure.

Continued here:

Drake White Takes His Music to the Sky for Surprise In-Flight Concert - Sounds Like Nashville

J-14 Magazine

Ed Sheeran Reveals New Details About Harry Styles' Solo Music J-14 Magazine He is set to make his acting debut in the war movie, Dunkirk. Not only that but it seems like he's been having a super fun time relaxing and hanging out with family and friends. There's no doubt that Harry was going to create some solo music and now we ... and more »

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Ed Sheeran Reveals New Details About Harry Styles' Solo Music - J-14 Magazine

"My decision was, however, made simple by the fact that my church, the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, is within walking distance from here.

"But then, more wealthy black people got to know about this area, and they also moved in and bought land, pushing the prices up over the years. I have since bought more neighbouring plots, and now my land is 6ha.

"I started to build this place in 2010 before the Soccer World Cup. Being in construction myself, everything you see here, I built," Mohlala says.

She also owns resorts in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

Molobane Estate Lodge and Spa has all the amenities for a relaxing stay a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, spa, lapa and six chalets.

A standard room costs R500 per night, and executive rooms are available at R1,200 a night.

The resort has a conference centre that can accommodate up to 200 delegates. Other amenities include a dining hall and a kitchen available for hire for events such as weddings and company functions.

The spacious garden area with well-manicured lawns can be used for music concerts.

"Even though we started building this place in 2010, it is only now that we are concentrating on marketing Molobane Resort Lodge and Spa, with discussions going on with [the] Virgin Active group of gyms to try and get them to operate one of their franchises from here. We have so many guests and residents who need a gym facility here," Mohlala says.

"This place is also very close to other tourist attractions in Soweto the famous Vilakazi Street is only a few minutes drive from here.

"When tourists visit any country, they like to go to where ordinary people live. With Soweto and other townships such as Bekkersdal on our doorstep, we are well-situated to host tourists, with the added advantage that we have created a rural atmosphere that is not that far from the big city."

The lodge provides tours of local townships for its guests.

"Molobane Resort Lodge and Spa is also safe as we have security 24 hours a day, complete with cameras that can reach as far as a kilometre away, to make sure that our clients have a relaxing retreat here," says the resorts operations manager, Terry Mokoena.

Mokoena organised a belated Valentine Days event, dubbed Valentine Garden Picnic, on February 19, with couples that were promised an afternoon of relaxation on the day.

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Spa offers relaxing time out with tours to nearby Soweto a special treat - Business Day (registration)

Kevin Markham assesses the European Tours innovations designed to sex up golf.

Brett Rumford plays his tee shot on the 18th on his way to winning the ISPS HANDA World Super 6 Perth in Australia. Picture: Paul Kane

The Kaiser Chiefs are probably not words you expect to see in a column about golf.

The band famous for I Predict a Riot, Ruby, and Oh My God does not contain any passionate golfers but, as the last putt rolls it at the BMW Championship this year, the boys will be tuning up for a celebratory gig in the exclusive setting of the Wentworth Golf Club.

Thumping out their tunes amid the multi-million pound homes of Surreys stockbroker belt might seem an oddity for golf and the European Tour, but this is a new age.

Ill promise to not play golf if Rory McIlroy promises not to sing, though if he wants to get up and join us hes more than welcome, said Chiefs frontman, Ricky Wilson.

With the important business of the golf out of the way, hopefully everyone will be in the mood for a bit of a party on the Sunday night.

Yes, the European Tour is rattling the cage when it comes to fan engagement. A live gig by The Kaiser Chiefs is just one step in a new direction for the tour, now under the guidance of chief executive Keith Pelley.

Pelley has only been in the role since April 2015, but the changes he has been instrumental in introducing are stirring new conversations in clubhouses around the world.

In Ireland, we might look on with some bemusement at these efforts to attract fans. The Irish Open has lured large crowds in recent years.

The events at Royal Portrush (2013) and Royal County Down (2015) were sold out. Indeed, the Royal Portrush event was attended by over 112,000 and was the first European Tour event to be sold out.

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, now in its third year, is proving to be a well-orchestrated and well-oiled machine. As part of the new Rolex Series, this years event at Portstewart will also see an already impressive prize fund (4m in 2016) rise to an even heftier 6.6m.

That purse is sure to attract many more of the worlds best as part of a three-week links swing, which culminates with the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Yes, it is more than likely that the 2017 Irish Open will be sold out, too.

Elsewhere on the European Tour, however, the crowds and prize funds are not as impressive and especially when they move outside Europe.

The recent events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi cannot hope to lure the same number of fans the audience simply isnt there but that doesnt mean the European Tour and Pelley arent going to try some innovative ideas to make golf more entertaining for fans and for players, too.

Throughout the week at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, music was played on the range. The Pros seemed to enjoy the experience:

It keeps you kind of relaxed, said Dustin Johnson.

Having a little music going kind of keeps the mood light. Hopefully, it will attract some other people to come out and watch and enjoy the game.

There are plenty of pros who hit the range wearing headphones to help them cut out the noise and distractions and/or to help them relax, but they have selected music to suit their tastes.

It certainly suggests that the variety of music (from Calvin Harris to the Red Hot Chili Peppers) pumping out of the speakers on the driving range is aimed more at attracting fans.

Not every pro was enamoured, however.

I didnt like it on Tuesday, said Paul Lawrie, the 48-year-old Scot who won the Open in 1999. When they turned it down it was fine, but, before that, you couldnt hear your caddie.

As part of the European Tours committee, Lawrie actually approved the music on the range.

You need to try [these ideas] to see if they work or not, he said.

Everyone seems to quite like it, but Im just old.

A further step might see music being played on the walkway to the 1st tee. There is room for all sorts of fun with this idea, as each golfer could find themselves assigned a signature tune. How about Eagles Take it Easy for Ernie Els, or Boom, Boom, Boom, by the Outhere Brothers for Rory McIlroy, or Abbas The Winner Takes it All, for Jordan Spieth.

And on the matter of all things Swedish, Henrik Stenson could be accompanied by Europes The Final Countdown infinitely more desirable than Abbas Dancing Queen, which is often played as the walk-on tune when he arrives on the 1st tee for exhibition matches.

Im all for it, said the 2016 Open champion.

Im sure not everyone is going to be delighted, maybe, but I would imagine the majority of players and the majority of the fans will like it. It creates a nice atmosphere, and I think that could be a good way going forward.

Whether this boxing match type atmosphere of having competitors arrive to music will catch on remains to be seen. Much will depend on whether it distracts players on the course.

Music on the driving range will continue, with Pelley targeting the European Tours Rolex Series (a minimum of seven events), which includes Portstewart (July 6-9). As long as Thin Lizzys The Boys are Back in Town is played, Irish fans will be happy.

The BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, in May, is the first Rolex Series event of the year and music is now seen as an important part of the fun factor. Driving range music will, in Pelleys own words, become synonymous with golf.

It is easy to applaud (or despair at) these efforts to make golf tournaments more vibrant affairs, but there is an important underlying motive. The number of golfers around the world has fallen dramatically. You only have to look at Ireland to see a decline that is mirrored elsewhere.

From a peak of 209,000 club members in 2007, membership now stands at 167,000. Despite snazzier clothing and, for the most-part, the relaxation of strict clubhouse policies, golf is still seen as elitist, expensive, and a game for the elderly.

Many pounce on issues such Muirfield voting to refuse female members as an example of how golf has failed to move with the times. This refusal saw Muirfield struck off the list of Open Championship venues, though a second vote has just taken place with the results due in mid-March.

The European Tour is attempting to lighten the mood, to make golf more relaxing, fun and attractive for everyone. Such efforts may attract more young people to the tournaments and, eventually, the game itself.

Of course, this is not specifically the responsibility of the European Tour thats for the unions but it is about altering perceptions and music is not the only change being introduced.

Tournament format is also being experimented with and last weekends ISPS HANDA Super 6 Perth saw something very different.

Following three days of stroke play, the top 24 golfers qualified for a final day of matchplay. It made Saturdays moving day an interesting affair, as golfers threw caution to the wind to be among the top 24.

The final day then presented a matchplay shoot-out, with each match contested over six holes. The eventual winner, Brett Rumford, had to win four matches to claim the title.

Another six-hole event will be held at The Centurion Club, outside London, in May. It is a very different format, being a fourball greensomes (Scotch foursomes a team event where both partners get to hit a tee shot, while only one tees off in foursomes, with tee shot duties alternating from hole to hole), with teams from 16 countries being represented.

All competitors will wear microphones during play, which will make things interesting on snap hooks and bladed bunker shots, but it is further evidence of an experimental approach.

All in all, Pelley sees these changes as the most significant advancements in the Tours 44 years.

It really has been a fun exercise to sit in a room and think about where this could go, he says. This is created for a younger audience, for people who havent necessarily experienced our game as much. We want to get them engaged.

No doubt there will be the naysayers who see these innovations as making change for changes sake, but our sport is combatting a decreasing relevance and shaking things up is no bad thing.

Now, if only we could do something about slow play I predict a riot.

Kevin Markham assesses the European Tour innovations designed to sex up golf

Having a little music going kind of keeps the mood light. Hopefully, it will attract some other people to come out.

Irish Examiner Ltd. All rights reserved

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Swing to the music of golf - Irish Examiner

The first Wednesday of every month brings Texas Americana, Folk, and Country Blues by singer-songwriter Hank Erwin to Vino Di Sedona, March 1, 7-10 PM. Hank has an incredible history of life experiences that have resulted in a collection of songs that tell his story.After five years as a merchant marine he logged over 1,000 days at sea, traveled over 200,000 nautical miles, was US Coast Guard certified as an Able Bodied Seaman, and delivered roughly 10 million tons of cargo. He made more money than hed ever seen, blew more money than hed ever seen, and lost all control of his life off the boat which included any hopes of a music career. He stepped off of theSS Wilfred Sykes on January 10, 2014, and he never went back. He had no way of knowing that day that music would soon become his focus again, and that he would spend most of the following year on tour, or that hed spend the year after that fighting cancer...and touring, or that hed become the first member of his family to survive cancer. His gentle, but strong, soulechoesin his melodies, and he shares lifes lessons when he plays guitar and sings.

Local favorite, singer-songwriter, David Harvey performs classic rock covers and originals, including songs from his CD Ten Years Running at Vino Di Sedona on Thursday March 2, 7-10 PM. Harvey always delivers quality entertainment that keeps his audience toes tapping. According to Harvey, Music is a catalyst of expression, it can touch you, but you cannot touch it. Experienced only through the moment of sound. What music means is still yet to be discovered.

International singer-songwriter Darius Lux performs music live at Vino Di Sedona on Friday March 3, 7-10 PM. Darius is an award-winning artist who specializes in classic, uplifting pop with soulful vocals. Lux plays classic covers from Van Morrison to John Mayer, and his original songs connect with the heart through inspiring themes that range from empowerment to romance. His smooth voice and looped guitar stylings create an earthy blend of popular music, rock and reggae that you can relax or dance to.

Darius life has been one of expansive adventures. Originally hailing from London, hes been creating music almost as soon as he could talk. His influences range from Sting, Otis Redding, U2 to OneRepublic, Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz.

Darius went to school in NYC, after which he worked for Sony/Warner Chappell writing songs for artists such as Daryl Hall and Jennifer Lopez. After living in New York, Darius travelled the world for a year, embarking on a life-changing pilgrimage that led to a move to Hawaii, where he recorded his debut album, Arise.

Next moving to Los Angeles, Darius put together a band, released several more albums, Time is Now and We The Living, and music videos. All three of his albums feature songs that have been in film (The Butterfly Effect 3, Puncture Wounds) and TV (NBC, MTV, VH1, History & Discovery channels, Style Network and Oxygen Network). For more information visit dariuslux.com.

Saturday afternoon wine tasting on March 4 is accompanied by music by local musician Bill Barns. Barns music contributes to a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere and adds to your wine tasting experience. Barns is best known for his role in the Celtic trio, The Gaelic Dogs.

Night-time entertainment on March 4 is by local sensation Decker, 7-10 PM. When people ask what kind of music I playI dont really know what to say. All I can really say is that the desert is integral to my sound, says Brandon Decker. Since 2009, the Sedona, AZ based songwriter has written, produced and released a trove of mesmerizing music; an expansive palette of folk, gospel, rock and psychedelia recorded under the nom de plume Decker.

Decker has managed to encompass typical folklore story-arcs and blend them with a nostalgic sound that is reminiscent of 90s guitar rock, modernized and reinvented to the point whereby they sound both unique and familiar; a rare combination. Indie Music Reviewer Magazine. For more information visit deckermusic.org

Rick Busbea performs at Vino Di Sedona for Sunday-Funday, on March 5, 6-9 PM. Rick puts on a high-energy show playing a lot of familiar tunes by the likes of Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Jim Croce. After re-locating to Sedona from Los Angeles just two and a half years ago, Rick is becoming one of Sedonas favorite musicians. If you are not at Vino Di Sedona on Sunday nights, you are missing out!

Music Monday at Vino Di Sedona on March 6 brings an opportunity to see singer-Songwriter Brian Keith Wallen, 6-9 PM. Brians 2017 tour has him playing over 100 cities in the U.S. and Europe. From coast to coast and beyond, Brian is spreading his blend of blues-influenced acoustic music across the world. His award winning combination of storytelling and lightning licks on guitar will never let you forget his name. In just a few years, Brian has released multiple albums and performed over 1,000 shows in 26 states.

Brian won 2nd place in the 2015 International Blues Challenge, ranking in the top two out of hundreds of artists from all over the world. He was also named Artist of the Year by the Starr-Gennett Foundation. Brian has brought his foot-stomping, one-man show to timeless treasures, such as Dollywood and the Ryman Auditorium. For more information visit bkwmusic.com

Sedonas best Open Mic night, hosted by Dan Rice is every Tuesday, 6-10 PM, at Vino Di Sedona. Each musician is allotted an amount of time, or number of songs, and every week brings a variety of new talent along with regulars like KB Bren, Randy J, Rick Busbea, Zack Mack, Vickie Moyer and Dave Rice who frequently play at Open Mic.

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Vino Di Sedona ready to entertain - Verde Independent

This is a community calendar. To accommodate demand for the print edition, we ask that items be brief and include time, date, place, address, admission cost and a contact number for publication. Inclusion of items is at the discretion of the newspaper. Further information is available at 541-758-9524 or jane.stoltz@lee.net.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide tax preparation assistance.Individual tax returns prepared during tax season at various locations: Albany,Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, appointments: 541-917-7760; Corvallis and Philomath, Mondays through Saturdays, appointments, 541-602-5829. Free, in-person tax service is open to anyone of any age, especially those 50 or over or who can't afford paid tax preparation. Information: 888-227-7669 or http://www.aarp.org/taxaide.

Emergency food boxes,by appointment, North Corvallis Ministry Center, 5050 NE Elliott Circle. Appointments: 541-220-1040.

Screenings for Emergency Adult Dental Voucher Program eligibility,9 a.m. to noon, Benton County Health Center, 530 NW 27th St. For Benton County residents with proof of residency, such as an ID card, piece of mail or utility bill. Information: 541-207-5875.

Emergency food boxes,1:30 to 4 p.m., St. Vincent de Paul Society Corvallis Conference Food Pantry, campus of St. Marys Catholic Church, 501 NW 25th St. No appointment needed. A thrift store is in the same building; proceeds help support the pantry. Information: 541-757-1988, ext. 317.

Stone Soup dinner,5:30 to 6:30 p.m., McLean Hall,First Christian Church, 602 SW Madison Ave. Free meal for those in need.

Morning meditation circle,8:45 a.m., Live Well Studio, 971 NW Spruce Ave., Corvallis. Each week includes a yoga- or spirit-based idea to weave into participants' practice. No experience necessary. Donation: $7. Information: 541-224-6566 or http://www.livewellstudio.com.

Academy for Lifelong Learning,9:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., First Congregational United Church of Christ, 4515 SW West Hills Road, Corvallis. At 9:30: Olena Taratula presents "Multifunctional Nanomedicine for Cancer Imaging and Phototherapy." At 1:30: Ismail Warsame presents "Islamic Reformation vs. Islamic Revival (Tajdeed vs. Islah)." Information: 541-737-9405, admin@academyforlifelonglearning.org or http://www.academyforlifelonglearning.org.

Strength and Endurance,10:30 a.m., Recreation Room, North Star Manufactured Housing Community, 2601 NE Jack London St., Corvallis. Full-body, gentle, effective. Cost: $20 per month, or $4 drop in; first class free. Information: 541-754-6554.

"Raising a Canine Good Citizen," 12:30 p.m., Albany Senior Center,489 Water Ave. NW. The workshop will cover the basics of what it means to have a well-mannered dog.

Chair yoga,3 p.m., Live Well Studio, 971 NW Spruce Ave., Corvallis. Suited to those with medical or physical limitations. By donation. Information: 541-224-6566 or http://www.livewellstudio.com.

Cannabis Horticulture Q & A,6 p.m., CAN! Research office, 551 SW Fourth St., Corvallis. Cost: $10.

Running and walking group,5:45 a.m., track, Corvallis High School, 1400 NW Buchanan Ave. Information: 541-754-0441 or http://www.hotvrunners.com.

Traveling Wall of Honor on display,9 a.m. to 8 p.m., American Legion Post 10, 1215 Pacific Blvd. SE, Albany. The wall is a 32-panel display representing and honoring America's military killed in action. Opening ceremony, 11 a.m.; guest speaker: Jim Willis, Commander of the American Legion Department of Oregon, retired director of the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs. Information: http://www.vetshelpingvetshq.com.

Infant story time,10 a.m., Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave. For children from birth through 1 year.

Art and Coffee, 10:30 a.m., community meeting room, Philomath Community Library, 1050 Applegate St. Those 16 and up are invited to join in a morning of art, coloring, conversation, music and treats. Supplies will be on hand; feel free to bring your own.

Little Listeners Story Time,10:30 a.m., Monroe Community Library,380 N. Fifth St.

Story time with puppet show,10:30 a.m., downtown Carnegie library, 302 Ferry St. SW, Albany. Information: 541-917-7580.

"Fruit of the Loam: Gearing Up for Gardening,"noon, main meeting room,Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 NW Monroe Ave. Joseph Postman of the U.S. Department of Agriculture presents "Awesome Apples: New Varieties and Old Favorites."

"Know Your Cat Bingo!,"12:30 p.m., Albany Senior Center,489 Water Ave. NW. Test your knowledge of what it takes to make your feline companions happy and healthy; win prizes. Registration: 541-917-7760.

Genealogical library open,1 to 3:30 p.m., annex, Benton County Historical Museum, 1101 Main St., Philomath.

"Don't Worry, Be Happy,"3 to 5 p.m. or later, Old World Deli,341 SW Second St., Corvallis. Join in games; bring your favorites or just show up at any point. Fragrance-free, please. Information: 541-752-0135.

Read with the Beavs,4 to 5 p.m., youth activity room, Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 N.W. Monroe Ave. Readers ages 4 to 11 can practice their reading with an athlete from Oregon State University. Bring your own book or use one from the library. Information: 541-766-6794.

Story time for infants and toddlers,5 p.m., Albany Public Library, 2450 14th Ave. SE.

Coloring for Everyone, 6:30 p.m., meeting room,Corvallis-Benton County Public Library, 645 N.W. Monroe Ave. Supplies, coloring pages and relaxing music provided.

American Red Cross mobile blood drive,8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, 333 NW 35th St., Corvallis.

Rapid HIV testing,1:30 to 5:30 p.m., First Christian Church, 602 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis. Free testing and counseling. Information: 541-740-0405.

"Eating Your Way to Better Heart Health: The Mediterranean Diet,"6 p.m., Lebanon. The Mediterranean Diet is linked to better heart health, lower cholesterol and other health benefits. Registration: 855-873-0647 or samhealth.org/behealthy.

Takena Kiwanis Club of Albany,7 to 8 a.m., Elmers Restaurant, 2802 Santiam Highway SE. West Albany High School Athletic Coordinator Pat Richards presents "Upcoming Bond Measure for Albany Schools." Information: 541-619-9730.

Willamette Weyerhaeuser Coffee Group,9 a.m., Jack in the Box, 2020 S. Santiam Highway, Lebanon. No-host coffee hour.

Albany Optimist Club,noon to 1 p.m., Sizzler, 2148 Santiam Highway SE. Information: Ray Hilts, 541-928-0951.

Corvallis Bicycle Collective,noon to 4 p.m., 707 NW 11th St. Fix up your bicycle with free use of tools and advice; affordable used bicycles and parts. Information: 541-224-6885 or http://www.corvallisbikes.org.

Philomath Rotary Club,noon, Peace Lutheran Church, 2540 Applegate St. Cost: $10 for lunch; no charge for first-time guests.

Rotary Club of Albany,noon, Pops Branding Iron, 901 Pacific Blvd. SE.

Sweet Home Rotary Club,noon, Sweet Home Linn-Benton Community College Center, 1661 Long St.

Walking group,noon; meet in front of Running Princess Apparel, 351 SW Madison Ave. Information: 541-602-5057 or http://www.runningprincess.com.

Toast of Corvallis Toastmasters,12:10 p.m., Corvallis Chamber of Commerce, 420 NW Second St. Improve your public speaking skills and confidence. Information: 541-760-4361.

Corvallis Bridge Club,1 p.m., 6:30 p.m., Heart of the Valley Bridge Center, 1931 NWnCircle Blvd. Sign up 20 minutes before game. Partners/information: 541-740-1072 or http://www.corvallisbridge.org.

Pages,4 p.m., community room, Lebanon Public Library,55 Academy St. Book club for children ages 10 to 14. Meetings will include discussions and craft projects based on "Pax" by Sara Pennypacker. Registration: at the circulation desk or 541-258-4926.

Rotary Club of Corvallis After Five,5:15 p.m., downstairs, Tommys 4th St. Bar & Grill, 350 SW Fourth St. Information: 503-559-0971.

Corvallis Meditation Community,5:30 p.m., 3311 N.W. Polk Ave. Information: 971-218-6798, or on Facebook at Corvallis Meditation Community.

Cribbage Club,6 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 1469 Timber St., Albany. Information: 541-928-9893.

Jacks and Queens Pinochole Club,6 p.m., Sweet Home Senior Center, 880 18th Ave. Dinner at 5:15 p.m. Cost: $2. Information: 541-409-0869.

Chintimini Kennel Club, 7 p.m., Carriage House, Benton County Fairgrounds, 109 SW 53rd St., Corvallis. Natjional Animal Interest Alliance Founder Patti Strand will present "Current Dog-Related Legislative Issues, and More." Dogs welcome.

Corvallis Community Choir,7 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis, 2945 NW Circle Blvd. Cost: $50 per term. Information: 541-740-6068 or nonandjay1@gmail.com.

Gospel Choir,7 p.m., social hall, College United Methodist Church, 1123 Main St., Philomath. Information: 541-929-2412.

Scio Historical Society,7 p.m., Scio Depot Museum, 39004 NE First St.

Society for Creative Anachronism,7 p.m., Avery Park Boy Scout Lodge, Southwest Allen Avenue, Corvallis. Information: 541-754-2372 or http://www.shireofcdv.org/.

Sons of Legionnaires,7 p.m., Albany American Legion Hall,1215 Pacific Blvd. SE.

Albany Elks Lodge 359,7:30 p.m., Albany Golf and Event Center/Spring Hill Golf Club,155 NW Country Club Lane. Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Information: 503-997-5690.

Eagles Auxiliary,7:30 p.m., 127 Broadalbin St. NW, Albany.

St. Johns Lodge No. 17,7:30 p.m., 431 First Ave. NW, Albany. Information: 541-928-3145.

Application forms for the 2017 Young Women in Public Affairs Award are available from the Zonta Club of Corvallis by emailing erin@reynoldslaw.us. The goal of the award program is to encourage more young women to participate in public affairs by recognizing a young woman's commitment to the volunteer sector, evidence of volunteer leadership achievements and a dedication to the empowerment of women. Applications are due by Friday to Erin Duncan, the Reynolds Law Firm, PC, PO Box 1183, Corvallis, OR 97339.

Corvallis School District Board of Directors, 6:30 p.m., administrative offices, 1555 SW 35th St. Special meeting.

Scio School Board, 6 p.m., library, middle school,38875 NW First Ave. Training work session presented by the Oregon School Board Association.

Albany Senior Center,489 Water Ave. NW 9 a.m., blood pressure screenings; 9 a.m., Stitchers; 1 p.m., Scrabble; 1 p.m., game afternoon.

Lebanon Senior Center,80 Tangent St. 8 a.m., billiards, snooker and shuffleboard; 9 a.m., knitters and crocheters; 11 a.m., tai chi; noon, senior meal served; 1:30 p.m., Caregiver Support Group; 1:30 p.m., line dancing; 2 p.m., billiards for the disabled; 6:30 p.m., country dance.

Sweet Home Senior Center,880 18th Ave. 8:15 a.m., senior quilters; 6 p.m., Jacks and Queens pinochle.

Support group for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.Information: Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence hotline, 541-754-0110.

7 a.m., noon, room 11, First Christian Church, 602 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis.

6:30 p.m. (open meeting), basement, New Life Fellowship, 1412 Applegate St., Philomath.

7 p.m., Alsea Community Library, 19192 Alsea Highway.

7 p.m., Crossroads Christian Fellowship, 2555 NW Highland Drive, Corvallis.

Narcotics Anonymous,noon to 1 p.m., 7:30 p.m., room 11, First Christian Church, 602 SW Madison Ave., Corvallis. Information (24 hours): 877-233-4287 or http://www.lblna.org.

Stroke and Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group of Corvallis and Albany,2 p.m., Elmer's Restaurant,1115 NW Ninth St., Corvallis.

Albany Celebrate Recovery,6 p.m., family center, Albany First Assembly,2817 Santiam Highway SE. For those dealing with any kind of hurt, habit or hangup, not just drugs or alcohol. Dinner for $1 donation; children eat free. Large-group meeting, small groups. Child care available.

Support group for family and friends of those dealing with addictions,6:30 p.m., Room 7, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis, 2945 N.W. Circle Blvd. Support, hope, sharing, listening. Information: 541-231-9598.

National Alliance on Mental Illness Mid-Valley Support Group,7 p.m., conference room, fourth floor, Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, 3600 NW Samaritan Drive, Corvallis. Information: 541-745-2064 or http://www.namimidvalley.org.

Al-Anon,7:30 p.m., room 2, Episcopal Church of the Good Samaritan, 333 NW 35th St., Corvallis. Support group for families and friends of alcoholics. Message center: 541-967-6262.

Corvallis Mens Support Group,7:30 p.m., 1975 SE Crystal Lake Drive, No. 131. Information: 541-752-6261.

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Calendar (Feb. 20) - Albany Democrat Herald

Deep breaths: Simple breathing techniques such as counting slowly as you breathe can work well for children. Photograph: iStock

In previous articles in the series, I emphasised the importance of responding in a calm way to your childs anxiety. In this article we look at how you can teach children to relax themselves when they experience worry and anxiety.

Generally, a key feature of problematic anxiety is that the child is out of touch with their body. They are often living too much in their heads (which are full of anxiety-laden thoughts, ruminations and worries). Frequently, the goal is to help them get out of their heads and live more in their bodies; you want them to stop over-thinking and to start living. Sometimes, anxiety is caused by the mind misunderstanding the bodys basic signals as in the case of a panic attack. For example, an anxious teen might notice their heart breathing faster, causing them to worry that they are having a heart attack which, in turn, causes their heart to beat even faster and so the anxiety escalates.

Tips for going forward Take time to think of what relaxation techniques might work for your children.

Remember, all techniques are best practised as a daily habit, so they can be drawn upon in crisis or peak of anxiety.

There are lots of classes that teach children relaxation skills either directly such as yoga or indirectly such as sports training. Make sure your child is involved in some of these.

Many of these relaxation skills are now is integrated into teaching in schools (teaching mindfulness or relaxing to music). Check with your childrens school what might be available.

Dr John Sharry is a social worker and psychotherapist and co-developer of the Parents Plus programmes. He will delivering a talk on Promoting Positive Self-Esteem in Children in Kilkenny on Monday, March 20th, and in Dublin on Wednesday, May 10th, and a workshop on Parenting Young Children in Cork on Saturday,, April 1st. See solutiontalk.ie for details. The fifth article in the six-part series will look at how parents can help children challenge the negative thoughts underpinning their anxiety.

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Breathe, exercise, be body-aware: anti-anxiety tips for children - Irish Times

LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESSWIRE / February 18, 2017 / Virginia Beach is known for its white sand beaches as well as the waterfront locations along the Chesapeake Bay. The culture of the area spills over to the shore with a relaxing atmosphere, live music, golf courses, hiking and biking paths, shopping and art venues. Diamond Resort Reviews its two resorts in Virginia Beach, each of which reflect the seaside elegance and warmth of the traditional Southern charm. The town comes alive during the summer months with fairs, live music, and a variety of outdoor activities for groups and families. Even in the off-season, the area has developed extensively, drawing in crowds year-round as there is never a lack of things to do.

https://www.instagram.com/diamondresorts/

Diamond Resorts International Oceanaire Resort sits just steps away from the beach. From your room and throughout the resort you will have views of the breathtaking coastline, access to year-round events and incredible sunsets. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk is a destination in and of itself. With food, games, and an Aquarium, a simple walk can turn into an all-day excursion. If you are looking for some nature away from the surf, notable attractions including False Cape, First Landing, and Cape Henry Memorial State Park are a short distance away. Diamond Resort Reviews experts tout the resort's four oceanfront pools, jetted tubs, and a fitness center with state of the art equipment. Whether you want to ride a bike along the boardwalk or just look at the ocean, you can do it here.

Allowing for a more serene vacation atmosphere, Diamond Resorts' Turtle Cay Resort is located just off the boardwalk. The Diamond Resorts team works to provide a relaxing environment, a small oasis in the midst of the crowd. Beyond the typical retreat activities, travelers are urged to venture a mere 35 miles south of the resort to visit the aviation museum, as Virginia Beach sits in the cradle of the birth of flight. As the cultural hub of Virginia, the city features the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts with year-round plays and musicals. There is also a fantastic outdoor concert venue where you can take in both local bands and larger acts depending on the current schedule.

About Diamond Resorts International

Diamond Resorts International, with its network of more than 370 vacation destinations located in 35 countries throughout the continental United States, Hawaii, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, South America, Central America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and Africa, provides guests with choice and flexibility to let them create their dream vacation, whether they are traveling an hour away or around the world. Our relaxing vacations have the power to give guests an increased sense of happiness and satisfaction in their lives, while feeling healthier and more fulfilled in their relationships, by enjoying memorable and meaningful experiences that let them Stay Vacationed.

Diamond Resorts International manages vacation ownership resorts and sells vacation ownership points that provide members and owners with Vacations for Life at over 370 managed and affiliated properties and cruise itineraries.

Diamond Resorts Reviews - Diamond Resorts International: http://diamondresorts-reviews.com

Diamond Resorts International Timeshare Reviews: http://diamondresortstimesharereviews.com

Diamond Resorts (@diamondresorts) - Twitter: https://twitter.com/diamondresorts

Diamond Resorts International Why Vacations for Life - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuBW2aWUO5s

For more information: http://www.diamondresorts.com

Contact Information:

Angela Triano Tel: 551-574-8332 trianoangela@yahoo.com

SOURCE: Diamond Resorts International

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Diamond Resorts Reviews - Virginia's Most Relaxing Beaches - Yahoo Finance

By Emily Sohn By Emily Sohn February 18 at 8:30 AM

Eat better, drink less, exercise more, sleep enough: Its common advice for heart health and its frequently ignored. Just 3 percent of American adults meet the standards for healthy levels of physical activity, consumption of fruit and vegetables, BMI and smoking, according to recent study.

But a major lifestyle overhaul isnt the only way to help your heart, studies suggest. Even small changes can make substantial differences.

Eventually, little changes can add up, says David Goff, director of the cardiovascular sciences division at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute in Bethesda.

Any small change you make in a positive direction is good for you, he says. Its not an all-or-nothing phenomenon.

[Heart attacks in women can be different and more deadly than in men]

Physical activity is a perfect example, Goff says. Official guidelines, which recommend 30 minutes of moderately intense activity on most days, are based partly on evidence of substantial health benefits from doing 150 to 300 minutes of exercise each week, according to a 2011 review study by researchers at the University of South Carolina at Columbia. Those benefits include reduced risks of coronary heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure.

But the guidelines also come out of an assessment of what is obtainable for most people, Goff adds. And while it would be ideal to get at least 150 minutes of exercise weekly, getting less than that also has benefits. When the researchers looked at deaths from all causes, they saw the sharpest drop in mortality when exercise jumped from half an hour to an hour and a half each week.

Just getting up for a minute or two to interrupt bouts of sitting may also improve health, the study noted. And moving for as little as eight minutes a few times a day provides the same cardiovascular benefits as 30 uninterrupted minutes.

If you cant find 30 minutes a day, try to find five or 10 or 15, Goff says. Anything is better than nothing.

The some is better than none philosophy applies to dietary improvements, too, Goff says. According to the National Institutes of Health, an ideal meal plan includes lots of fruit, vegetables and whole grains, with limited amounts of fatty meat and tropical oils.

[More than half a million heart surgery patients at risk of deadly infection]

But eating an imperfect diet with more of the good stuff is better than giving up entirely. Thats a conclusion from a 2016 study that created food-quality scores from the self-reported diets of about 200,000 people. Over about 25 years, the study found, people whose diets scored lowest had a 13 percent higher risk of coronary artery disease than did people in the second-worst group.

Even just switching out soda and other sugar-sweetened beverages can help eliminate a couple hundred calories a day and control weight. That helps lower blood pressure, levels of harmful cholesterol and the potential for diabetes all risk factors for heart disease, Goff says. Large long-term studies have shown that people who average one sugary drink a day have a 20 percent higher risk of heart attack than people who rarely drink any.

Its not just food and diet, adds Michael Miller, director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in and author of Heal Your Heart: The Positive Emotions Prescription to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease. Heart strength can also come from battling stress by boosting emotional health in simple and unexpected ways, he says, such as enjoying a good laugh.

In a small 2005 study, Miller played movie clips for 20 people. When participants watched a scene that made them laugh, 19 of them experienced dilation of the blood vessels. In contrast, a stressful scene led to constriction in 14 of the 20 viewers. Since then, Miller says, other small studies have found similar results, including one showing that vessels stayed dilated for 24 hours. Dilation allows more blood to flow, decreasing blood pressure and heart rate.

Cross-talk between the brain and heart explains the potential long-term benefits of laughter, Miller says, particularly when laughter is intense enough to induce crying. Belly laughing releases endorphins, triggering receptors in blood vessels to produce nitric oxide, which in turn, dilates blood vessels, increases blood flow, reduces the risk of blood clots, and more.

[Heart doctors are listening for clues to the future of their stethoscopes]

People are far more likely to laugh when theyre with friends, Miller adds, adding yet more evidence of the health benefits of being social.

Accumulating evidence suggests that another easy and enjoyable way to help your heart is to listen to music. During recovery from surgery, several studies have shown, listening to relaxing music leads to a reduction in anxiety and heart rate. And in a 2015 study, Greek researchers found reductions in how hard the hearts of 20 healthy young adults were working after 30 minutes of listening to rock or classical music.

I tell my patients to dust off their old LPs now that LPs are coming back and listen to a piece of music they have not heard in a long time but in the past made them feel really good, Miller says.

Also on his list of recommendations: mindfulness meditation and hugging. Both, he says, look promising in studies of heart health and heart repair.

Considering that stress probably accounts for a third of heart attacks, he says, it can have a dramatic effect if you do all of these things in sync.

Small lifestyle change help at any age, suggests a 2014 study that started by assessing cardiovascular risks in more than 5,000 young adults in the mid-1980s. Twenty years later, people who had made even small but positive changes such as losing a little weight, exercising a bit more or smoking a little less showed less coronary artery calcification than people who didnt change or changed in a negative direction. Coronary artery calcification is a risk factor for heart disease.

For the best chance of success, Goff suggests taking on one little change at a time.

The idea is to make a small change and then make another small change, he says. Its about changing the way you live over years and years, not hours and days.

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To take care of your heart, even little changes can help - Washington Post

February 17, 2017 at 4:51 am | By PAUL SWIECH

In this Jan. 19, 2017 photo, Rebecca Perkins, right, brings her mother, Catherine Whitaker, into the sensory room in the Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community in Meadows, Ill. The room includes projected light effects, a musical water bed and a host of textured wall pieces and other features designed to help residents with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia hold onto reality. (David Proeber/The Pantagraph via AP)

In this Jan. 19, 2017 photo, Rebecca Perkins, left, shares a tactile ball with her mother, Catherine Whitaker, in the sensory room in the Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community in Meadows, Ill. The room includes projected light effects, a musical water bed and a host of textured wall pieces and other features designed to help residents with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia hold onto reality. (David Proeber/The Pantagraph via AP)

In this Jan. 19, 2017 photo, Rebecca Perkins, right, brings her mother, Catherine Whitaker, into the sensory room in the Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community in Meadows, Ill. The room includes projected light effects, a musical water bed and a host of textured wall pieces and other features designed to help residents with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia hold onto reality. (David Proeber/The Pantagraph via AP)

In this Jan. 19, 2017 photo, Rebecca Perkins, left, shares a tactile ball with her mother, Catherine Whitaker, in the sensory room in the Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community in Meadows, Ill. The room includes projected light effects, a musical water bed and a host of textured wall pieces and other features designed to help residents with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia hold onto reality. (David Proeber/The Pantagraph via AP)

CHENOA, Ill. (AP) The calming smell of lavender filled the room as Rebecca Perkins brought her mother, Catherine Whitaker, inside.

The lighting was subdued. On one wall, flowing lighting which made it appear to mother and daughter as if they were looking to the bottom of a pool was stimulating, yet relaxing.

Perkins took her mother, sitting in a wheelchair, to a ball, which Whitaker squeezed, prompting bubbles to rise in a see-through tube. Every time Whitaker squeezed the ball switch, the color in the tube changed.

"Look, we got green," her daughter said. "Isn't it beautiful?"

Her mother nodded.

When the color switched from green to yellow to red to blue each time Whitaker squeezed the ball, Perkins told her mother "Isn't it something to think that we're doing that?"

Perkins, 65, told her mother, 93, that the bubble column reminded her of a Lava Lamp that an aunt and uncle once had. Whitaker nodded again.

Next, she took her mother to a tactile board of different textures. One surface reminded Perkins of an old laundry washboard. She reminded her mother of the ringer washing machine that she used when Perkins was a girl.

"I'm trying to make those little connections," she said. "Mom is still mom and I love her."

The latest therapeutic tool in Central Illinois to stimulate and relax people with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia actually is a lot of simple tools in one room.

The sensory room at Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community in rural Chenoa is for residents of Meadows' Skilled Memory Support unit who have Alzheimer's disease or another type of dementia.

Dementia slowly robs people of their memory, thinking and appropriate behavior.

While sensory stimulation therapy is used at various long-term care facilities, Meadows apparently is the first facility in the Bloomington-Normal area with a dedicated, fixed sensory room.

"I think this room is an amazing addition to a really wonderful facility," Rebecca said after spending time with her mother in the room on Jan. 17. Whitaker was diagnosed with dementia several years ago and is at a moderate-to-severe stage, her daughter said.

"When people need a quiet space, this is it," said Perkins, of Peru.

The sensory room uses everyday objects to stimulate the senses of smell, sight, hearing and touch to evoke positive feelings.

"This (a sensory room) is one of a number of viable options for providing stimulation and engagement for people with dementia, particularly in the later stages," said Nancy Rainwater, vice president of communications with the Alzheimer's Association Greater Illinois Chapter.

"It has had some good outcomes," Rainwater said. "There is published research to support this."

People with Alzheimer's disease and other dementia experience memory loss to the point that it disrupts their daily life. Frustration, agitation, anxiety and social isolation result.

In some cases, anxiety is so great that psychotropic medication is prescribed, said Meadows Director of Nursing Joleen Hudson.

"Now, we can take residents to the room and calm them down with sensory stimulation," Hudson said. In the last quarter, fewer doses of psychotropic medicines were given because nurses now have the sensory room to use to try to distract, stimulate and calm residents, she said.

The room works to calm or stimulate anxious, sad or angry residents, Hudson said. "It can address a plethora of emotions."

When people have trouble recalling and expressing themselves, sensory stimulation can calm, bring back memories and result in a connection with another person, even if that connection is brief, said Memory Care Coordinator Bailey Kemp.

The room also is a form of entertainment for residents with dementia, she said.

"Unfortunately, dementia limits your ability to entertain yourself," she said. "This creates a piece of entertainment" that is available for residents with dementia to use 24/7 with staff or family member support.

"This is a really good tool for residents who are low-functioning," Kemp said. "It's cool for people who don't talk with anyone or have lack of eye contact."

Whitaker, who has lived at Meadows since May and whose language has become limited, has periods of anxiety, her daughter said.

When that happens, staff has taken her to the room and she has curled up on the warm, vibrating water bed and has fallen asleep, her daughter said.

"She was no longer agitated," Perkins said. "She has used it (the sensory room) several times."

When residents enter the room, the first thing they experience is the calming fragrance of lavender and subdued lighting.

"When you walk in, it's a feeling of quiet," Perkins said.

Projected on one wall is the simulated, multi-colored water flowing, which is designed to have a calming effect.

A shimmering illumination curtain of multi-colored strips is for visual and tactile stimulation, Kemp said.

"Mom loves to feel it with her fingers," Perkins said.

The bubble column is designed to calm residents visually and the accompanying ball switch provides tactile stimulation, Kemp said.

Pillows of various fabrics are for residents to hold for comfort and to experience different tactile stimulation.

"Fidget blankets" made by Perkins are lap blankets made of different textures and colors with several items sewn on to occupy residents who need something to do with their hands. Items include shoelaces, a ball that lights up, blocks and numbers.

"It provides mental stimulation and comfort," Perkins explained. "It gives you something in your lap to fidget with. When mom is done with it, she likes to fold it."

The heated, vibrating waterbed relaxes tense muscles and joints and enhances body awareness, Kemp said. Relaxing music may be played while the bed is being used.

Above the bed is a fiber optic curtain that some residents stroke to help them relax as they are lying in the bed.

"Lying in the bed is like getting a hug," Perkins said.

The tactile board consists of a variety of textures for different tactile sensations designed to elicit different memories.

For example, there's the part that looks like an old washboard, artificial turf, plastic chains and a mirror.

The sensory room was created in August in what was a resident's room, thanks to a $12,000 gift from the Parker and Sharon Lawlis family of Normal.

"This is another tool for the staff to calm residents so they'll have peace," said Sharon Lawlis, a member of the Meadows Mennonite board. "The staff is finding it so helpful and the residents are responding to it.

"We are proud that we have something cutting edge like this right here in our community," Lawlis said.

In March, sensory equipment will be added to the Skilled Memory Unit's sun room and dining room, so more residents will have access to sensory stimulation therapy, said Meadows Mennonite CEO Jay Biere.

That equipment is being paid for by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, Biere said.

"We couldn't do this without donors and volunteers," Biere said.

"Our hope," Lawlis said, "is that this makes the residents' lives a little calmer, a little better."

___

Source: The (Bloomington) Pantagraph, http://bit.ly/2l6pXwQ

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