Music Heals

To the Editor:

Music has been in my life for as long as I can remember. My mother told me that I was humming tunes before I could talk.

I participated in music camps in grammar school, high school and college. A childhood friend and I formed a band that performed at various venues in the area.

I’m proud to say that my daughter also has a love for music and also became interested in music at an early age. She has participated in various area choral groups, was a member of a popular local band and performed on three DCs with local musicians, one with her original material. She took some time off, but I’m happy to say that she is again performing with two talented friends.

I can’t image life without music. If only more people would listen to music, the world would be a better place. Music heals!

Scott Baker, McKinleyville

HSRC News

Humboldt Walks to End Alzheimer’s

October 1, 2026

The ALZ Steppers, Humboldt Senior Resource Center’s team in the annual Humboldt County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, invites everyone to step up to help combat this dreadful disease. This year’s Walk is Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Adorni Center in Eureka, with opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. and the walk, either on...

Letters to the Editor, Opinion

Cat Correction

October 1, 2026

To the Editor: My name is Caylx. I live with my sister, Corolla, in the home of Donna and Jim Clark in Eureka. My sister and I have serious objections to the last paragraph of “Pet Advice” [August Senior News, page 6]. I go out with Jim to get the paper every morning. While I don’t actually pick up the paper,...

News, October 2026 - Musical Humboldt

A Redwood Coast Musical Extravaganza

By Mark Larson

October 1, 2026

Demonstrating admirable reinvention skills over the decades since its “Dixieland Jazz” start in 1990, this year’s 34th annual Redwood Coast Music Festival (RCMF) in Eureka now offers a wide spectrum of American roots music at eight different venues from Oct. 1-4. (See Lynn McKenna, “RCMF — 34 Years … ,” page ...

Columnists, Jennifer Heidmann's Column

ASK THE DOCTOR: The Beethoven Dog Project

BY JENNIFER HEIDMANN, M.D.

October 1, 2026

Music is good for us. This is a little hard to study with the same rigor as, say, whether penicillin or another antibiotic is best for a specific infection, but music has been studied and the physiological benefits are measurable. Music can reduce stress, blood pressure, pain and anxiety. Sometimes music can ...