02/24/05

Life Renewed at the Veterans Hospital

By Bud Donaldson

In South Livermore, there is a Veterans Hospital (30 beds) and a Veterans Nursing Home (120 beds) used for extended, palliative, Alzheimer and respite care.

6-1⁄2 years ago, I started volunteering, helping the Art & Recreation Therapists. After 1-1⁄2 years, the Art Therapist left and the Recreation Therapists and volunteers continued the art classes for a short time.

Then I started playing guitar and singing old songs for the veterans after the Art classes ended. We now have other volunteers consisting of 2 - 3 guitars players, 1 - 2 Ukuleles players and a few singers that sing on Friday afternoons
(1 p.m. - 4 p.m.) during Sally’s Fancy Pub.

About 6 months ago, I started teaching water-based oil painting to three of the veterans. Now we have up to 10 - 15 veterans on Mondays (1 p.m. - 4 p.m.). In addition, one veteran has been working with colored pencils. I have been blessed with three other helpers, some with experience and some wanting to learn about art or just to help the veterans. We can always use more volunteers because most of the veterans are physically challenged. Some have limited vision, the use of only one side, sit in wheel chairs and lack the capacity to stay focused due to medication. More volunteers will help us increase the size and number of classes. I know more of the veterans would love to have the opportunity to paint.

I would like to have two classes for them, one on the weekend and the other on Mondays. This would require more volunteers; some with experience and art students are always welcome. I tell my students that we all have the ability to paint, and that it takes 75% confidence and 25% technique to become an artist. This is a wonderful medium to help the veterans build confidence while learning a new skill.

We can always use donations for art supplies, i.e., canvases, frames, water based oil paints, brushes, etc.

We will be displaying some of their art at the Livermore Library for the month of March 2005 along with some of my private students' work. Over the last 6-1⁄2 years I have met some of the greatest women and men veterans who have taught me so very much about life, both living and dying. They have been such an inspiration and a blessing to me.

The Recreation Therapists need volunteers for helping with bingo, craft classes, card games, helping during summer picnics, parties, Sally’s pub on Fridays, light hand massage, visits, feeding and church activities. If you are interested in helping out, please call Recreation Therapy: Kathy Kelly, RTC: 925-373-4700 x 35243 or Robert Walker, RT: 925-373-4700 x 35245.  

Call Bud Donaldson, Vice President, LAA for additional information or additional ways to help. Phone: 925-373-1078.

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Bud Donaldson