Document text
Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend June 14, 2005 Veterans Affairs center residents practice Tai Chi in a formerly weed-infested courtyard that has been transformed by residents, staff and volunteers into three gardens. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell A GARDENOF HEALING Veterans will unveil their transformed courtyard to the public today at the V.A.’s center in White City By PARIS ACHEN Mail Tribune Working under penetrating sunlight, Jimmie Johnson and about 25 other veterans yanked out weeds in a courtyard at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs center in White City. Once a swampy no-man’s land occupied by bulrushes, the courtyard between Building 239 and 240 has evolved over the past three years into the scene of flourishing flowers and vegetables, a cascading waterfall and busy veterans tending the bounty. "It gives us a common goal to work toward," said a 79-year-old World War II-era veteran who served in Idaho and California. "We have comradeship in the growing of a garden and being able to see things progress." The veterans will unveil their creation to the public at 1 p.m. today at the center, formerly known as the V.A. Domiciliary, located at 8495 Crater Lake Highway. The free event includes refreshments and musical entertainment. Advertisement Inspiration for the courtyard’s transformation came in part from a veteran in the facility’s day treatment program, who suggested that administrators allow patients to use the space to grow their own produce, said Max McIntosh, rehabilitation center director. The veteran, whose name could not be released because of federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, did not immediately respond to requests for an interview. Administrators said they agreed to the idea because they felt the garden could play a role in helping veterans reintegrate into society after overcoming addictions or mental health or physical ailments, which is the goal of the day treatment program. "What we find is that participating in a gardening endeavor gives participants more self-esteem and confidence, and digging in the dirt is healthy," McIntosh said. The garden started with a design by the Jackson County Master Gardeners, who volunteered about 100 hours planning 12 beds for three zones: a Zen rock garden, a flower garden and a vegetable garden, said member Dave Rugg. The association is an Oregon State University Extension Service program that helps educate the public about gardening and provides services to nonprofit organizations. Patients, staff members and local chapters of the American Legion, Disabled American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars contributed labor, money and materials. Some patients pulled weeds and planted flowers, while others made colorful mosaic tiles for the garden’s entrance. In addition to growing flowers and vegetables, veterans said they plan to use the garden to relax and visit with friends. "I feel close to nature here, and it gives me an inner peace, knowing I’m contributing to the functioning of the garden," said Johnson, who entered the day treatment program after his wife died. Tai Chi classes are already convening in the Zen garden. Some of the center’s educational programs, including turf management and nursery classes, will use the garden for training. The effort has had a unifying effect on patients and generated excitement, said Charles Moore, of the day treatment program . "It has brought the whole facility together in a way it had not been brought together before," Moore said. Reach reporter Paris Achen at 776-4496 or e-mail [email protected] . Dedication ceremony begins at 1 p.m. What: Dedication of the Veteran Day Treatment Program garden When: 1 to 3 p.m. today Where: Courtyard between Building 239 and 240 at the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics, 8495 Crater Lake Highway in White City Other details: The event includes refreshments and music by accordion player Michelle Scheffler, Hawaiian musician Les Pa and the day treatment program’s band, Dom U Jam. Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Absinthe Supply Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Custom Build Computers Computer Security Discount Hotel Reservations online casinos news Debt Consolidation California Casinos Generic Viagra Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews Hammocks Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Sudoku Online Casinos Canada King of Spirits Advertisement s Advertisement