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Strawberry Gazette, Issue Six
Strawberry Gazette, Issue Six
APOLITICAL GREENS:
KOREAN WAR VETERAN
BOBBY SHELTON MAKES
STRAWBERRY FLAG’S
GARDENS GROW PART 1 OF 2
BY LAURA SANDERSON HEALY was “raised up on a farm.” Bobby
When I first met Bobby Shelton, knew Lepanto—he said he had
he was working as a Compensated picked cotton there when he was
Work Therapy (CWT) gardener at just a child—and in high school he
Strawberry Flag last fall, tending to played basketball against teams in
the re-purposed strawberry plants Memphis, an hour southeast. We
of the artwork’s stripes. His soft laughed about people we remem-
Southern accent whispered “mid bered, funny names and traits,
South” to me; that’s the region of and then on a somber note, Bob-
the United Stares from which we by shared with me a story about
both originate—the wide Missis- desegregation in Arkansas circa
sippi River (“Big Muddy”) bisecting 1957. An enlisted friend in the Na-
his northeast Arkansas from my tional Guard was ordered to stand
southwest Tennessee. in front of Little Rock Central High
School to prevent African-Ameri-
Not long after, Bobby and I found can students from rightfully enter-
our costumed selves dancing part- ing. Bobby said his friend’s heart
ners in the “human flag” perfor- broke when he came eye to eye
mance being snapped from the with his own niece trying to enter
air by photographer Joshua White. the school.
As the humming helicopter flew
rounds above Strawberry Flag, When a visitor came to see Bobby’s
Bobby and I circled each other ten- greenhouse at Strawberry Flag this
tatively in his first strawberry row, spring, Bobby told him, “Arkansas
remembering different instruc- has a little bit of everything: dia-
tions on whether to move after monds and gold, mosquitoes and
eight counts or not. alligators too.” Although Bobby’s
sixtieth high school reunion is
Drinking tea together one winter this month (no one who knows
day beside the tent at Strawberry him would believe that the ener-
Flag, I asked Bobby about his child- getic Bobby is in his seventies), he
hood in the South, and we turfed will likely be tending to his work
up some common ground: the at Strawberry Flag, a job he takes
long flat landscape of Poinsett great pride and care in. “It gives
County, Arkansas, a mainly rural me motivation and therapy getting
area of farmland, figured greatly up every morning to come in and
in both of our histories. Growing be able to walk around through the
up in Memphis, Tennessee, I spent plants,” Bobby said. “To be able to
many happy days visiting friends put a seed in the ground and watch
in Lepanto, a grain of a town not it come up is good for an old man
Jules Rochielle Sievert, artist and archivist with the Metabolic Studio, checking the well-being of the strawberries far from the small county seat of like me.”
in the intensive care unit of Bldg 209: Garden Folly, on site at Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Harrisburg where Bobby said he Continued on page 2
APOLITICAL GREENS... a tour around there and the old VA We entered Bobby’s Garden and I want. I just tell them what I need tomatoes. They’ll be about four
CONTINUED » Veterans Gardens site down the I listened to him describe all that and they make sure that I get it. I feet high.” Of the strawberry
hill where he was a longtime em- he had planted, right there on the plant the seeds and wait for them plants that were not in one of the
I wanted to learn more about how ployee before the VA’s Incentive VA property, fresh food that would to come up and materialize, and I “stripes,” he said, “We took ’em
Bobby and his coworkers coaxed Therapy (IT) and CWT programs go to the Strawberry Flag kitchen bring them from the greenhouse out of circulation and they’re do-
the strawberries to grow so beau- there came to a halt in 2009. in Building 208. “We picked rad- to the garden and then take them ing fine. The runner beans, pole
tifully, and also find out about his ishes yesterday; they’re exactly from the garden to the table.” beans, are going to go up here, and
planted vegetable garden, which On the day of my tour, I could see the right size a radish should be, they are going to grow right up the
is located right in the VA ground— that the VA property’s gophers, a little bit smaller than a quarter. Though the okra was about to corn.”
as innovative a use of federal prop- which live under the quad, had It doesn’t take them long, they’re come up, Bobby was concerned
erty as I would ever see. “Bobby’s been busy. “The guys started teas- about one of the quickest things to that he had planted it “a little bit After showing me his garden,
Garden,” as it has come to be ing me that he (the gopher) was sprout up out of the ground—four too early; the ground should be re- Bobby drove me in the Strawberry
known, is planted in the quad- coming for my garden,” Bobby or five days after you plant them ally warm when you plant okra, it’s Flag golf cart down the hill and
rangle in front of Building 205 said. “I’m not worried about it. they’re up. Beets take a long time; a summer plant.” Another group past the baseball field that UCLA
next to Strawberry Flag behind a I’ve put my mojo on it—a remedy I should have planted them about of leafy plants—“those are collard leases from the VA to the Veterans
dark green picket fence (which we used back in Arkansas—and January or February.” greens”—caused Bobby to make a Gardens area where he worked for
was painted white when it was you’ll see it work. [Note: Rumor confession. “The one thing I don’t nine years. The non-profit Rancho
first put up in February), and vege- has it that Juicy Fruit gum and Bobby was proud to have grown like is spinach. My mom used Santa Ana Botanic Garden was
tables and fruits are also growing garlic were involved.] I’m going everything from seed. “I start ev- to make me drink spinach juice scheduled to start managing the
in eleven oversized “ag bins” (6 × 3 to get him, and if I can get one of erything in my little greenhouse. when I was a kid and I didn’t like site for the VA, but much to Bob-
× 3–foot wooden planting boxes). them, I will put the rest of them in I don’t use plants; the company the taste of it.” As we looked at the by’s chagrin the area looked like a
When he had time, Bobby gave me flight.” provides me with any kind of seed thriving vegetables, Bobby nod- ghost town.
go back for a little bit more education disabilities. artistic environment they may nor-
mally not have been exposed to.
be taught in a CWT/Transitional
Work Experience assignment.
I would highly recommend the These skills are not the only skills
and just go at it from a different angle. Metabolic Studio for any project
with the Department of Veter-
Metabolic Studio staff became a taught by Metabolic Studio staff
piece of our therapeutic environ- – there are also the valuable soft
That’s pretty much what has happened here; ans Affairs based on all the work
they have done with our veterans.
ment. They take the time to meet skills which come with dealing
with vocational rehabilitation staff with the public.
I have got a new eagerness, a new lease Metabolic Studio has assisted us
in accomplishing our goals and
to consult when issues arise, and
they become part of the solution. Even though they have only been
in caring for our disabled veteran Metabolic Studio is very flexible on campus for approximately
on life basically in my trade. population. with assignments, and provides six months, many veterans have
reasonable accommodation for already come through the CWT
When Metabolic Studio first ar- those that need the required assis- portion or have been hired by
—Lawrence Flaherty, Strawberry Flag CWT worker, print studio rived on campus, I was a bit con- tance. They have created assign- Continued on page 4
4
If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance The true harvest of my life is intangible - a little star
even less. dust caught, a portion of the rainbow I have clutched.
AMERICAN
COMPENSATED WORK THERAPY Miners’ relatives crowded around In a different day and age, Jeff Hart
CONTINUED » Hart on Saturday, hugging and would be the most famous Ameri-
posing for pictures with him as can in our country right now. He
Metabolic Studio. Countless oth- he walked down from the rescue would be honored at the White
ers have volunteered or have taken operation into the tent camp where House. Schoolchildren would learn
EXCEPTIONALISM
part in their services. I now receive families had anxiously followed his of his skill and heroism. But be-
calls from other clinics inquiring work. cause Jeff Hart works in an industry
on how they can get their veterans currently being demonized by (in-
involved with the Strawberry Flag “He’s become the hero of the day,” sert name for the clowns currently
project. said Dayana Olivares, whose friend running our country) more people
The following account and commen- Hart was called in from Afghani- Carlos Bugueno is one of the in Chile will celebrate this sym-
Other veterans involved with the tary on the Chilean miners rescue stan, “simply because he’s the best” miners stuck below. bol of American greatness than in
Strawberry Flag project have had has been making the rounds on the at drilling larger holes with the America itself
their lives improved therapeutically internet. It is generally credited to T130’s wide-diameter drill bits, Ste-
by maintaining their sobriety, learn- Michelle Malkin, an American conser- fanic said.
ing responsibilities, and having a vative blogger, political commentator,
feeling that they are part of the Met- and author. (http://michellemalkin. Standing before the levers, pressure
abolic Studio family. I do not have com/2010/10/12/celebrating-ameri- meters and gauges on the T130’s
to worry about the veterans on their
assignment displaying a lack of mo-
can-greatness-in-chile/) control panel, Hart and the rest of
the team faced many challenges in
It’s an amazing bunch of people. You got
tivation. Every time I visit the site,
the veterans are always working due
While some may not believe in
American exceptionalism, I do.
drilling the shaft. At one point, the
drill struck a metal support beam in them from different backgrounds and different
to the environment which has been And I’m thinking there’s a whole the poorly mapped mine, shatter-
created for them. I know that one
veteran from the Strawberry Flag
bunch of people in Chile that would
agree.
ing its hammers. Fresh equipment
had to be flown in from the United
walks of life, but all of them are focused on
project has even enrolled in college.
Regarding the mine rescue, did you
States and progress was delayed for
days as powerful magnets were low- this one particular goal and it’s bigger than
In summary, I know that there is know: ered to pull out the pieces.
much more that the Metabolic
Studio and the CWT program can The guy that designed the rescue The mine’s veins of gold and cop-
all of us and it seems to work
out well. I believe that’s what it’s supposed
learn from each other. I feel that module was a NASA Engineer? per ran through quartzite with a
there are more services we can high level of abrasive silica, rock so
provide for our veteran population. The Drill was made by Schramm tough that it took all their expertise
But what we have accomplished
together, in these first six months,
Inc. from Pennsylvania. to keep the drill’s hammers from
curving off in unwanted directions. to be. There’s more of a higher purpose
has to be acknowledged. I am very The Drill Bits were made by Cen- “It was horrible,” said Center Rock
grateful for all that the Metabolic
Studio staff has done with our
ter Rock, Inc. located in Berlin, President Brandon Fisher, exhaust-
Pennsylvania. ed after hardly sleeping during the
behind it. It’s some good that people can do.
CWT program and for our veter-
ans. My hope is that the Depart- The lead driller Jeff Hart and his
effort.
It’s an example, this Strawberry Flag has
ment of Veterans Affairs and Meta- team are from Denver, Colorado. Fisher, Stefanic, and Hart called it
bolic Studio can continue to grow
together. I expect the next months
They are on loan from the U.S. Mili- the most difficult hole they had ever
tary in Afghanistan where they are drilled, because of the lives at stake.
inspired you to know that you can start with
a little seed, wherever you’re at, and plant
to bear even more productive fruit drilling water wells for our Forward
now that we have overcome our Operating Bases. “If you’re drilling for oil and you lose
growing pains, have maintained the hole, it’s different. This time
great rapport with each other, and
have created positive outcomes for
He spent the next 33 days on his there’s people down below,” Ste-
feet, operating the drill that finally fanic said.
that and something can come out of it,
our veteran population. provided a way out Saturday for 33
trapped miners. “You have to feel “We ruined some bits, worked
through your feet what the drill is through the problems as a team,
like it did here.
doing; it’s a vibration you get so and broke through,” Hart said. “I’m
that you know what’s happening,” very happy now.” —G.G., Strawberry Flag CWT worker, kitchen
explained Hart.
Open mic sessions of Strawberry Sundays returns to the quad of Building 208! Come out and express yourself in word and song! Sundays 2–4pm from November 14th
5
The law of harvest is to reap more than you sow. Sow an Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
act, and you reap a habit. Sow a habit and you reap a
character. Sow a character and you reap a destiny. —Galatians
—James Allen
ENTRY FACADE ENTRY FACADE DETAIL BLDG 209 ENTRY CORRIDOR ROOM 133A ROOM 101 ROOM 101 DETAIL
ROOM 136 ROOM 138 ROOM 138 ROOM 138 ROOM 158 ROOM 158 ROOM 158 DETAIL
ROOM 133 ROOM 133 ROOM 133 ROOM 133 ROOM 134 ROOM 134 WINDOW DETAIL ROOM 135
ROOM 151 ROOM 130 ROOM 130 ROOM 130 ROOM 130 ROOM 130 WASHROOM ROOM 130 WASHROOM DETAIL
ROOM 157 S.WEST CORRIDOR LEVEL ONE NORTH CORRIDOR LEVEL ONE ROOM 107 ROOM 107 DETAIL ROOM 107 DETAIL ROOM 132A
ROOM 248A VIEW FROM ROOM 248A VIEW FROM ROOM 244 HEALTH SERVICES ENTRY ROOM 230 S.EAST CORRIDOR LEVEL TWO S.EAST CORRIDOR LEVEL TWO
ROOM 202 DETAIL ROOM 202 ROOM 202 WINDOW DETAIL ROOM 202 WINDOW DETAIL ROOM 203 WINDOW DETAIL ROOM 203 WINDOW DETAIL ROOM 203 DETAIL
HEALTH SERVICES DETAIL ROOM 210 ENTRY ROOM 210 DETAIL ROOM 210 ROOM 210 WINDOW DETAIL ROOM 210 INTERIOR WINDOW NORTH CORRIDOR LEVEL TWO
6
Unemployment is capitalism’s way of getting you to It is the people who have no say in making wars who
plant a garden. suffer from the consequences of them.
Bobby Shelton continues to tend to the remains of the garden where Strawberry Flag planted healing grounds for veterans.
7
A little sincerity is a dangerous thing, and a great deal of An ant on the move does more than a dozing ox.
it is absolutely fatal.
—Lao-Tze
—Oscar Wilde
California History
when she took remnants and pieces
HISTORY AND
of this building, 209, and took them
into the [LACMA] courtyard and put
a piece together, her Strawberry In-
OURSELVES: dexical Flag, and I went back on the
trolley that Friday with them. And to
SHARON SEKHON
Sharon Sekhon is the director of The
joined the Navy at the age of 18 to
fight fascism—and more recent
Much of the Studio’s past pro-
gramming is available online at
VETERANS’ SPORTS:
really interesting, although I really dren that are out here and the dogs because the facility is now subject to And then there are the several hun-
didn’t know what it was about. And that are out here. The artists and a sharing agreement for use by non- dreds of vets who live on the West
IT’S A SHUTOUT
I was sort of going through a situa- civilians and veterans and everyone veteran sports activities. Someone L.A. campus.
tion where my VA archive, which I getting together and making like a remarked that the only swimming
keep on the grounds, has been trav- beautiful thing together—I don’t pool on the VA grounds was filled The Consumer Council—not a VA
eling all over the campus, and I ba- know what to call it, but it’s some- TERENCE LYONS in and taken out of use years ago. staff group, but an advocacy coun-
sically needed a place to store it. So thing that I would have never have What’s a newspaper without a There is no gymnasium on the cam- cil that represents the consumers
in my kind of self-serving way, even thought of as possible. sports page? A breakfast without or- pus. No tennis court. No handball, of VA services (that is, veterans and
though my material did benefit the ange juice? A day without sunshine? racquetball, or squash courts. Not their families)—voted in October
Strawberry Flag and veterans, Lau- I think this whole Strawberry Flag Throughout the brief life of the even an outdoor basketball or volley- to appoint a committee to look into
ren and the artists were very kind experience and this courtyard thing Strawberry Gazette, we have made an ball court on which to play a game. the lack of athletic facilities for vet-
and gave me a place to store these and everything has come together effort to put together a sports page, erans at West L.A. and report back
materials; many of these materials to create something very special, or at least a sports story, for our read- There is a golf course, but veterans to them.
became used in the history and stuff and it’s been wonderful to be a part ers at the West Los Angeles VA. But can only use it under the aegis of a
with the Strawberry Flag. And basi- of it, and I want everybody to take in the course of that effort, we have therapist. It’s not as though there are no
cally I kind of got more than I bar- back with them whenever they are discovered something even more resources available at all. The
gained for, because in helping them with other veterans or with civilians perplexing than a newspaper with- GLA 2009 Annual Report shows
with their history, I didn’t think that or whoever, that anything is pos- out sports news: a campus of nearly Like an “athletic club” $113,577,363 for “facilities” in
I would be confronting my–my own sible and there’s new beginnings to a thousand resident veterans, and its Fiscal Year 2009 budget of
history at the same—excuse me—at be made. I mean, there was lots of tens of thousands of outpatient vet- for veterans who were $744,547,205. And there is certain-
the same time. ugly stuff that has gone on out here erans, without a sports program. Or ly enough land for some athletic
once in the best shape
on these campuses, and I don’t want sports facilities. facilities, even after turning over
One Friday, Lauren was bringing to leave it on a downer note, but the of their lives. twenty-two acres to Brentwood
a tour into Building 209, and I just good thing is that an artist [has] seen The VA has a Wellness Center, but School for its athletic complex that
happened to want to see what they some kind of possibility to come we’re talking about sports. serves well under a thousand stu-
were doing with the people they out here and plant flowers and to The VA Greater Los Angeles Annual dents.
brought up on the Friday trolley. make a flag, and they had veterans As recently as the summer of 2009, Report for 2009 states that 79,893
And so I went in and looked. And I working in the kitchen, and you’re MacArthur Field at the north end “unique patients” were treated that It is no secret that the VA will soon
wasn’t planning on revealing any getting paid work, and there’s even of the VA grounds hosted softball year, meaning 79,893 distinct and be dealing with the substantial in-
of this, but I had actually been a pa- more possibilities for the Part Two games between the Dom and the different veterans without double- flux of veterans returning from Iraq
tient in Building 209, and a lot of the or Three or whatever—little things Haven. New Directions fielded a counting for any one vet’s multiple and Afghanistan. Many of them will
people that were patients in 209, in that spring off from this, and I just team and played there too. But there visits. And there are 1.4 million vets surely require medical care, includ-
these old buildings, are gone now. wanted to thank everybody that was were no games to report this past in the Greater Los Angeles (GLA) ser- ing treatment for physical disabili-
And in a way I felt it was kind of my a part of this. summer, and so no sports news in vice area, according to the VA web- ties and mental health disorders.
responsibility to kind of come clean the Gazette. You can’t report what site www.losangeles.va.gov / about. But even those who do not—men
and sort of come out with it as a liv- And it’s just been—I would say that doesn’t happen. Would it not be a good thing if the and women who are now in the
ing person that’s come from the this has been one of the more posi- GLAHS headquarters facility in best shape of their lives—will re-
old VA—and the old VA treatment tive of my post-military experiences At the October meeting of the Great- West L.A.—the largest VA facility in quire a place to call home. A place
systems back before patients really that has really struck a nerve with er Los Angeles Healthcare System the country—had a handball court where they, as veterans, can pursue
had a whole lot of rights that were me and touched my heart in ways (GLAHS ) Mental Health Consumer or a pool or a gym (boxing ring?) for and maintain the lifelong goal of
enforced—it was very paternalistic. that I didn’t think were possible. So Advocacy Council, it was reported those vets to use? Like an “athletic mens sana in corpore sano—a sound
thank you to Lauren, thank you ev- that MacArthur Field is no longer club” for veterans who were once in mind in a sound body. Don’t we all
My takeaway lesson from all of this, erybody for being a part of it. available to such veterans’ teams the best shape of their lives. need that?
BERRY
AW F
STR
LA
G
O
ME
TA
DI
BO T U
LIC S
10
It isn’t that they can’t see the solution. It is that they I never give them hell. I just tell the truth and they think
can’t see the problem. it’s hell.
New Directions Choir rehearsed for two days with Berlin director Walter Asmus and then performed a dramatic rendition of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, October 31, 2010 at the VA of WLA.
this is a poem for Long ago two families knew what was needed Rolling in the glowing clover
all the lonely vets Codified in their will their land they deeded Six million years for the half-life to decay
the ones i haven't met A gift to the fighting men of this nation What does it matter? We’ll all be long gone anyway.
this is a poem for A place of healing, a permanent station
the boys in uniform This hallowed ground Your kids won’t need to wear lead shields
the ones here now A beacon for veterans all around To play sports on Brentwood School’s athletic fields
and the ones before In modern times increasingly unheeded Everything will be just fine
Perceived by our government an excess of land unneeded. Go ahead! Sign on the dotted line
this is a poem about our FLAG It’s all in the enhanced use lease
keep it high Why do senior VA staff live on site Another part of the Golden Fleece.
so it won't sag Like some kind of parasite?
i never let it drag For them there is no urgency Then one day the land did shake
it's red, white and blue In a 9-1-1 emergency It became a casualty of the Northridge Quake
we fly it high for me It’s city fire who’s paid to inquire. Oh Sepulveda what became an ordinary clinic
and you What of our homeless veterans’ plight? Oh I’m such a cynic
Why does leadership treat them as part of urban blight? State-of-the-art E.R./Urgent Care promised
it's a symbol of our Do they dream of a hallowed land stolen in broad daylight? All I saw was Building 2 demolished
courage and our faith Another promise abolished.
it's there so we can face This VA hospital tertiary
the soldiers from the wars Is built upon the old soldiers’ sanctuary At Sepulveda I’m more likely to see a movie set
the wars from every place The sole purpose of the deed Than a fellow disabled vet
so, i am for one, full Was to be there for veterans in need. When fictional patients generate more revenue
of pride to know your What’s a VA manager to do?
by my side Isotopes to rotten cantaloupes
to know at least we tried Everything it would seem “Oh, screw you, veterans” is the message that gets through
we didn't run or hide Has been tossed in the ravine Over the years my growing frustration
i'll preach it loud From headstones to telephones To see our sacred lands
to show i'm proud Into this impromptu dumping ground Subject to ever-growing exploitation
Unusual items can be found Alternate funding streams
Buried beneath this toxic mound. To keep the VA from falling apart at the seams
This is all part of the misuse, better known as fraud, waste,
Rumors of radioactivity and abuse.
Just beneath human activity
Look, there’s Rover
11
Work!?!?!! Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall
declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire
—Maynard G. Krebs, in The Many Loves of Dobie shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
Gillis
—1 Corinthians 3:13
KELLYE CURTIS
A lot of the vets have told me that on some things, but hey, you know,
they’re in trauma therapy and I’m old, I’m falling apart.
when they bring up a lot of their Well, I’m not sure why but
trauma during groups, this has Things that can’t be fixed here at I think somebody was
VIDEO TESTIMONIAL given them a place to come and use VIDEO TESTIMONIAL the VA is what really needs to be
OCTOBER 8, 2010 a better coping skill. They come OCTOBER 8, 2010 looked at. It’s people taking care under the assumption
here to cook; they come here and of people. How to see compassion that these buildings were
Kellye Coleman, a non-veteran, Veteran Curtis Bailey works as an
eat lunch, and communicate. This in your heart for another human not used. I know that
is a licensed MFC therapist artist through CWT at the
helps them to start to relax. There being who might just need a help-
volunteering at Strawberry Flag. Strawberry Flag Print Studio. not 208 but 205 and 209
needs to be an environment that ing hand, somebody to talk to, a
is not as clinical but more of just a shoulder to lean on for a minute, are underutilized. I have
Hello. My name is Kellye Coleman. therapeutic, calming space that’s I don’t understand sometimes somebody to walk with, simple no idea why 208 was
I am a [licensed] marriage and fam- safe. It’s definitely safe. As a clini- where everybody’s at. VA’s a good stuff, to be shown that people care
ily therapist. I work at a psychiatric cian, I’ve observed and it’s a safe place. You got a lot of people who about love, kindness, compassion. included in that when
facility here in Southern California. environment and it’s also a place need a lot of help; mental, physical, We’re in a fellowship; you used to there’s four functioning
I’ve worked there for the past seven where the community is involved clinical, and medical, I guess you call it ‘brotherly love.’ Sometimes programs in this building.
years. I’ve been a trauma therapist. with veterans which is a bit un- could say. The VA can fix all that. that’s all it takes. It’s going to be
I have worked with people with heard of. There’s a lot of things that that what a lot of people need when I would like to know
a number of mental disorders: realm doesn’t fix. It doesn’t even they get back and that’s what I who made that decision
schizophrenia, bipolar. We’ve actu- The mythology behind the Viet- begin to get there. The only thing found up here, up on the hill. I that this building was
ally had quite a few veterans come nam vets [is] that they were kind that could fix these areas is people. didn’t expect to find any of this
in, in crisis. of left out in the street, and I’m People taking care of people. Vets when I got here. I came here to empty. Yeah, I mean I can
hoping a project such as this one, taking care of vets. Compassion. have my teeth fixed and take care understand the building
I just want to make it brief. I have a pilot project would be a way to I’m grateful for every day I’m on of other medical issues, things to our left, the one where
been brought on board here re- change that mythology and prove this earth. I’m grateful for every like that. Thank you VA very much
cently to just help out and give that the community does care day that I wake up and breathe for helping me with that. I feel bet- the print studio is, I know
some clinical information regard- about Vietnam vets. We don’t oxygen. I’m grateful for what has ter physically. But I feel a whole that one is not being
ing this program which I truly be- want to see them homeless. We been given to me in these last few lot better mentally, emotionally used and the building
lieve in. From what I’ve seen, it’s are willing to show up, if only the years of my life. thanks to all the friends and the
positive in all aspects and I would VA would allow us to be here. It’s new family that I’ve met up here to our right, I believe
like to be on board to sort of be the an important shift that I think We’ve got an awful lot of our boys, on the hill, 208, 209, and with what only the bottom floor
person here on site to be a clinician the VA needs to make all over the young boys, who’ve given up ev- seems to be a bad word up here, is used as a mailroom.
and help with the veterans issues, country. It can’t completely be erything, their life, and some of the Strawberry Flag. These people,
anything that would come up while a separate entity. them have given up their lifestyle, they showed me kindness, gave Other than that, I don’t
they were on site, I would be here to their family, their youth, their in- me time, allowed me to discover think there’s anything
assist with that. Taxpayers’ money, my tax money nocence, and they’re doing all that I actually have some artistic functioning there. So,
pays for these facilities and we this just so that we can go home at talents that I would never have
And just a brief overview of what I want to know that these people night and watch our TV, drive our been able to explore if I hadn’t I have no problem if
see is happening here and why I are being taken care of when they cars, sit in a park, eat whatever we come up here. These people are something happens to
think it’s so important, is the fact return. I believe that the Iraqi and want, whatever, whenever we want worth their weight in gold if not those buildings, but not
that the Metabolic Studio and the Afghanistan vets are going to be and hopefully, God willing, they’ll more. They’ve given me purpose
Annenberg Foundation has been coming home and it’s going to be coming home soon. Some are in my life. I volunteered hours and ours when you have a
providing employment, and the increase the population here and not going to be in very good shape. days and weeks up here for noth- homemaking program to
stats that I believe I have here is instead of dealing with it when it’s There’s nothing nice over there. ing because to be around these our left, an occupational
that at least seven compensated a crisis, can’t we just do a preemp- We can fix their broken legs, re- people, that’s how good it felt.
work therapy employees have tive strike and start projects such pair their wounds, sew them back therapy program
been working here on site and it as this one where the community together, heal them, and make Now I’m working what they call downstairs, a vocational
has been extremely productive for feels involved? I think that connec- them feel better, physically, clini- a CWT job up here on the hill. It rehab program on both
them. I have talked to each one tion makes the vets feel empow- cally. We can’t let these men and started with the Strawberry Flag
individually and said that this has ered and they don’t feel hopeless. women go to the wayside—his- people, but they’ve been told to floors, and the Wellness
given them a place to work, feel Clinically and therapeutically it’s tory’s shown that doesn’t work. Ev- leave, to go away. For what? Why? Center to our right. I don’t
productive, which in turn helps a win-win all the way around. The erybody knows what we’re talking What’d they do? I don’t get it. I understand what would
them feel some self worth, they [Annenberg] Foundation is wiling about there. don’t understand. I’m still up here
feel valuable. We have the kitchen to employ vets and the goal was to working but I don’t know; is that in be the need to get rid
here where everybody comes in employ even more. How can that When I got here to the VA, I came jeopardy, is that in danger? Do we, of all these programs or
and joins together and eats and be a bad thing? I don’t understand. here clean and sober but I had veterans, got to go away now too? have us moved.
socializes and feels validated. This That’s my two cents. I hope that we some issues in my life that I really When is that going to happen?
is not to say that this isn’t hap- get permission to stay. Thank you. didn’t understand. I was pretty I don’t know.
pening at the VA but from what depressed. I had some medical is- —David Fierro, VCED
I see therapeutically this site acts sues. I came here and got my medi-
as a sort of decompression site. cal fixed up. They’re still working
18TH ANNUAL
This month, a relationship of yours reaches a new However, dear Cancer, avoid bringing coworkers However, the 10th through the 12th is a good time month. Focus on eating a much healthier diet this
level of understanding and commitment. Money oc- into your personal life; it will lead to trouble later. to ask for the raise you’ve been working toward. Or- November. Don’t travel to places you’ve already
cupies your thoughts, and much of your free time The last week of November will bring the need to ganize your personal finances this month and stop been.
PORTRAIT OF AN ARTIST
CONTINUED »
cheek to cheek, was amazing, as
they seemed to defy the forces of
gravity.
A CASE STUDY IN TRANSFORMATIVE
PHILANTHROPY: STRAWBERRY FLAG
Morleigh created the show with
Roxanne’s equally renowned cho- I enjoyed comparing notes with
reographer husband Oguri, the writer Martha Ann Babcock, who
Japanese-born master of Butoh attended excerpts from COLD
dancing, who also performed with DREAM COLOR that the Steinberg BY RICHARD L. FOX Angeles County Museum of Art and well-being of others, the hallmark of
Robert Scott and Cat Westwood, sisters performed at The Flea in Strawberry Flag was not only an art- operated the “Twain” trolley tour, philanthropy.
over from London. Music for the New York City in May. (Martha Ann work, but also a philanthropy project. which raised public awareness of
production was by Feltlike with Paul had met Roxanne at Strawberry Lawyer Richard L. Fox of the Dilworth the difficult issues facing veterans. Does the Strawberry Flag pro-ject
Chavez and The Edge, U2’s guitarist Flag in November when she partici- Paxson LLP firm in Philadelphia ex- fit within the meaning of “transfor-
and Morleigh’s husband. pated in Great Performances’ South- amines the project in that light. He Although the Strawberry Flag sculp- mative philanthropy” or “traditional
ern Stories.) She found herself in specializes in advising nonprofit ture, which was the original impetus philanthropy”?
“Morleigh and Oguri collaborate re- awe of its power. “There was a lot of groups and donors and is the author for the entire project, has now been Traditional philanthropy is focused
ally well,” Roxanne told me after the Irish mysticism about it,” she said. of the treatise Charitable Giving: removed from the West Los Angeles on short-term goals while transfor-
show, which was more conceptual “Roxanne’s strong face was visible Taxation, Strategies and Planning VA campus, it has left behind a ma- mative philanthropy seeks long-
and slow-moving than the normal from the beginning. I thought of (Thomson Reuters). The Annenberg jor philanthropic footprint and lega- term change. Whereas the former
form of classical dance. (Oguri and Irish spirits, the bog—haints, Celt- Foundation is among Dilworth Pax- cy that will continue to have a lasting is a response to an immediate need
Roxanne run the Body Weather ic fairies, and banshees without the son’s clients. impression for years to come. The or symptom, the latter is a strategic
Laboratory performance company screams. It was also reminiscent of Strawberry Flag project raises im- effort to eliminate the cause that
and are Electric Lodge artists-in-res- the Symbolist painter Odile Redon.” Strawberry Flag, a project of artist portant issues that are often consid- gives rise to that need or symptom
idence.) The artist le Brocquy, she Lauren Bon and her Metabolic Stu- ered in the context of philanthropy, in the first instance.
said, was a friend of COLD DREAM Martha Ann found the fabric mo- dio, is a philanthropic success story which are addressed in the follow-
COLOR’s costume designer Mariad tif interesting (“taking up the fab- and a vivid reminder that helping ing question-and-answer format. Transformative philanthropy takes
Whisker (what a fabulous name!)— ric, winding it up, was like life”). those in need can be accomplished a proactive role in forming orga-
“and I think my sister had met Louis She also found it representative by simply helping them to help What is the philanthropy behind the nized, collective responses to ad-
and his wife Anne and wanted to do of “Irish linen—white, clingy like a themselves. What’s most impres- Strawberry Flag project? dress problems and create long-
something that connected to the cocoon; it reminded me of insects, sive about the success of the Straw- Philanthropy, in its most basic defi- term, systemic change. By creating
place where she lives and to the a caterpillar making a chrysalis. berry Flag project is that although nition, is “the love of mankind.” and implementing long-term solu-
important legacy of painters and Then there was unfurling the fabric, Ms. Bon is a director of the Annen- Having a will and a desire to help tions to the problems facing vet-
artists there.” the bundle representing the wom- berg Foundation and the Metabolic others in need is the defining aspect erans, the Strawberry Flag project
an’s role in Ireland, baby after baby, Studio is a direct charitable proj- of philanthropy. Today, important clearly fits within the meaning of
In the program, Morleigh writes having one child after another, op- ect of the Annenberg Foundation, aspects of philanthropy focus on transformative philanthropy.
that the dance pieces crafted from pressed, and sad. They threw the Strawberry Flag is a low-cost project, an active effort to promote human
le Brocquy’s paintings explored the white linen out like a carpet, and driven to success with passion, dedi- welfare and the well-being of others. Has the Strawberry Flag project
human form “both figuratively and then bundled it up. The music tin- cation, and hard work – all with the The Strawberry Flag project has tak- brought awareness of its issues to
viscerally… as a profound mani- kling reminded me of Irish Water- active involvement of the very people en on the long-term challenges fac- the public?
festation of the spirit, painting the ford crystal.” the project was created to help, the ing veterans in the greater Los Ange- Transformative philanthropic pro-
full scope of the human condition veterans of the West Los Angeles VA. les area, many of whom have trouble jects look to eliminate the root
with particular reference to the In May, Oguri and Roxanne staged finding work and re-establishing causes of a problem and create per-
Irish identity.” Le Brocquy’s paint- a mind-blowing conceptual per- The project falls under the increas- themselves in society. manent social change. Informing
ings “take us on an uncharted formance called “For the Corn and ingly popular concept of “hands-on the public about the issues facing
journey from the exterior reality to Flowers” at Lauren Bon’s artwork philanthropy,” where philanthro- The Strawberry Flag CWT program these projects makes society aware
the complexity and mystery of the The Anabolic Monument at the Cali- pists, such as Ms. Bon, along with at the West Los Angeles VA campus of the problem, as well as the pos-
interior human landscape… his fornia State Historic Park with per- her Metabolic Studio team, roll up created meaningful and purpose- sible solutions, and increases the
figures are imbued with a vitality cussionist Tatsuya Nakatani, who their sleeves and work from the ful jobs, provided unique training chances of creating permanent
that imagines a springing from the played cymbals, singing bowls, and ground up, as opposed to the tradi- and opportunities, and, most im- change and gaining the support for
singular plane of the canvas into a bowed gong. Roxanne reminded tional philanthropic concept of sim- portantly, instilled a sense of confi- such change from the public.
multidimensionality.” And so, the me here of a female Samuel Beck- ply giving away money. What started dence, pride, inspiration, and hope
dancers translating these ideas had ett character, unlayering items of out as a Strawberry Flag sculpture, to those veterans participating in This is where the Strawberry Flag
the wraith-like figures slipping the material as she transited the space, an artwork in the form of a veter- the program. By participating in project has uniquely excelled. It has
confines of the picture frames and while Oguri moved glacially atop ans’ program, led to a full-blown this program, veterans were taught educated the public about the issues
possessing the stage. At one mo- the decaying straw of the former Strawberry Flag Compensated Work to help themselves and, in the face facing veterans through a multitude
ment, Roxanne balanced on one Not A Cornfield. I loved it when Rox- Therapy (“CWT”) program on the of often overwhelming odds, were of outlets, including the Strawberry
leg while winding up and unravel- anne did a slow tumble at one point West Los Angeles VA campus. It pro- able to achieve things they never re- Flag’s own radio station and news-
ing fabric; this reminded me im- and ended up laid out flat. It is al- vided meaningful work and unique alized they could. They took on and paper. The project also participated
mediately of the Noh-inspired W. ways thrilling to watch such world- training opportunities for veterans, met difficult challenges, which will in community outreach programs,
B. Yeats one-act play At the Hawk’s class performers, and I can’t wait to including the opportunity to work at have a lasting impact over their en- like the Twain trolley tours, the
Well. All the performers were made see what she has up her multilay- a fully operational print shop, kitch- tire lifetimes. More than anything Strawberry Sunday events, and a
up with very pale faces, and in ered sleeves next. en, and newspaper. And it also cre- else, the Strawberry Flag project has series of high teas where veterans
the dark theater it was spooky at ated an outdoor sculpture at the Los promoted human welfare and the Continued on page 13
times when all that was visible was
a ghostly face suddenly appearing
in the blackness.
A THANK YOU FOR by the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion, PARROT SANCTUARY ON VA on to a shelter for wild parrots that ter the birds in their large, purpose-
another Army Reserve unit.
GROUNDS HELPS VETS AND had been abused or whose owners built cages. He recently said he
THE WELCOME TENT Rochelle Fabb, project manager at BIRDS HEAL FROM TRAUMA
couldn’t care for them. She came relates to the Burt Lancaster film
up with the idea of a park for par- The Birdman of Alcatraz in a big way,
Strawberry Flag, said that she want- rots where veterans could care for having experienced life behind bars
BY TERENCE LYONS ed to send a “shout out” of thanks BY LAURA SANDERSON HEALY the birds, learning skills through himself.
The Strawberry Flag welcome tent, to the Army Reserve for their assis- Down the hill from Strawberry occupational therapy. The veterans
in which veterans met each after- tance in providing this literal and Flag and off of Constitution were better able to heal themselves “I’ve watched it a lot,” said La Rue
noon for tea and pastries, and in figurative shelter to the many vet- Avenue, behind the UCLA-leased and learn to care about life again one spring morning as he went
which they gathered throughout the erans at the VA who made the tent Jackie Robinson Stadium baseball by tending to their exotic winged about his chores at the sanctu-
day for conversation, camaraderie, a regular rendezvous for the more field, is a noisy, hidden treasure friends. ary. “He was institutionalized—you
and periodic respite from the mili- than a year that it stood on the quad on VA property that was once part can get like that. Even when the
tary atmosphere of the VA, was itself in front of Buildings 208 and 209. of the Veterans Gardens: Serenity Ohio-born former marine Melvin doors were open, he wasn’t able to
a military veteran. Park Parrot Sanctuary, established La Rue serves as the park’s supervis- go out.” The horrors of war, which
The 425th generally uses the tent by psychologist Lorin Lindner, for- ing caretaker, and he runs it like a La Rue experienced while serving
It was provided to the Metabolic in support of its motto—to “Win mer clinical director of the New battalion, looking after 39 stunning with his Marine division in Beirut,
Studio team for the veterans’ use the Peace”—throughout the Pa- Directions rehabilitation program macaws, Amazons, African grey caused many problems in his life,
through the efforts of the 311th Sus- cific area. The 311th, which is pre- at the VA. Veterans whom Dr. Lind- parrots, cockatoos, and Indian ring- and he came to New Directions from
tainment Command (Expedition- pared to deploy globally to conduct ner led in group therapy sessions neck parakeets who sing, talk, and federal prison. “Since being involved
ary), a U.S. Army Reserve unit just combat service support operations, (struggling with homelessness, screech up a storm (sometimes a with the parrots,” he said, “the case
down the street on Federal Avenue can add the provision of shelter post traumatic stress disorder, and reason owners ask the sanctuary to managers and people at the pro-
in West Los Angeles. The 311th and succor to its many accomplish- addictions) responded positively adopt them). La Rue starts between gram I was with say I smile more,
arranged for the tent to be loaned ments. on field trips Lindner took them 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. daily, looking af- Continued on page 15
14
There is some of the same fitness in a man’s building the poetic faculty would be universally developed, as
his own house that there is in a bird’s building its birds universally sign when they are so engaged?
own nest. Who knows but if men constructed their
dwellings with their own hands, and provided food for —Henry David Thoreau, Walden, or Life in the
themselves and families simply and honestly enough, Woods, in arguing against the division of labor.
OBAMA... CONTINUED »
PARROT SANCTUARY ... La Rue. “She’s been running the pick what they want off the tray and Sometimes the birds wreak a bit of A little cockatoo tilted its head
CONTINUED » streets.” Given the hawks, ravens, take it somewhere and eat it,” La havoc—they should, after all, be in upside-down to get a good look at
coyotes, and raccoons that actively Rue said, “then they’ll come back the wild, and usually forage by flying a visitor, then opened its beak and
and the clinical director up there range the VA property, it was a bit of and pick something else off the tray. from tree to tree in the forest. “Oh, said, “Hi, sweetheart.” “Remem-
says I’m not as angry as I used to be. a miracle the bird got home in one I put lettuce at the bottom of the tray quit chewing up the house,” La Rue ber Baretta?” La Rue asked. “That
As far as I was concerned, I wasn’t piece, both agreed. to keep the food from falling out, barked at one of the parrots who was was a cockatoo, and this is Bobby.
angry, but everybody thought I was.” but they’ll take the lettuce and chew chipping away at a new structure She’ll dance around for you.” La
Albertson’s Markets donates its on it for a while then throw it on the inside his cage. “I think they are ge- Rue laughed as he bounced along
La Rue told me about an escaped left-over produce to the sanctuary, ground.” netically mixed with beavers the way with her. He said he wished more
parrot who had returned that day, to which is a non-profit organization they tear up some wood,” he said. visitors would come down to see the
the delight of her mate (“he hasn’t that operates through donations. Many of the birds have plucked out But they seem to be connected to colorful, often funny birds. When
left her side since she came back”) “We have so much lettuce I don’t their feathers, a sign of stress much their people, and La Rue transport- people attend the weekly Farmers
and also her human fans, includ- know what to do with it,” La Rue like that which causes people to bite ed one cockatoo to the funeral of its Market on Thursdays, “they always
ing Strawberry Flag Compensated said, showing the kitchen where he their nails or twist their hair. “Par- former owner when the woman’s say, ‘I didn’t know this was here.’ I
Work Therapy worker Mel Williams, prepares both hot and cold food for rots like to be talked to and are very husband and mother requested it. try to encourage people to sign the
on his run that morning collecting his feathered charges. Every day he social creatures and need a lot of at- “The bird was quiet as a mouse dur- book so I can see how many come
produce scraps from Serenity Park chops up food for the hanging trays tention or they will pluck their feath- ing the service, and soon as I walked through.”
for the compost pile at Strawberry he puts in the parrots’ enclosures. ers out,” he said. Veterans who work out of the chapel it cried ‘Hello!’”
Flag. “I’m glad you’re back,” said This includes vegetables and fruit with La Rue get a benefit from bond- The family requested no flower trib- For more information and
Williams to the bird, who had been (apples, corn, tomatoes, avocadoes, ing with the birds they talk to and utes but asked that friends make directions, visit the park’s website
AWOL for two weeks after a worker mushrooms) as well as mixed nuts play with. Owners visit their former donations to the sanctuary, having at www.parrotcare.org
left a cage door open and she flew and seeds. And huge bowls of water pets, and the intuitive birds often themselves become major donors
out. “She’s tired and hungry,” said are constantly being filled. “They sense a visit. at $10,000 a year.
16
Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by Striving for success without hard work is like trying to
the seeds that you plant. harvest where you haven’t planted
Michael
of the first wind energy companies farm on the dry lakebed, and was in lona Creek and into our marsh. The worms, so the robin’s going to come
in Tehachapi, California, during the process of building a prototype Ballona Institute lays claim or inter- when Bobby (Shelton) puts them
the ’80s, to being one of the first in- windmill at the time of his death. est on anything that’s in the Ballona out in his garden soil. In North-
Patterson
ventors to propose a solution to the Mike was always looking for alterna-
Owens Dry Lakebed dust problem tive, innovative solutions to the dry
in cooperation with scientists. Men- lakebed dust issue. He was erecting
tioned in University of California a windmill prototype on the Swan- People don’t realize that one of the benefits
Michael Patterson — Father, Broth- – Davis papers and the Air Quality sea dunes in collaboration with
er, Grandfather, Son, Husband, Group Report from the Crocker Nu- the Metabolic Studio for that very
of a rice farm is that a lot of birds and swans
Friend, Wizard, Vietnam Veteran, clear Lab, he submitted one of the reason. go to rice fields. It’s all about connecting nature
Owens Valley Cowboy, Miner, Histo- early proposals for dust mitigation
rian, you name it. to the Los Angeles Department of Mike was caretaker, guardian, and and farms and living together.
Water and Power and the California mentor to itinerant souls in the
Michael Patterson, 64, was a man State Lands Commission more than Owens Valley. He was a maverick,
of many talents, many stories, and two decades ago. On the subject of inventor, entrepreneur, and root
many passions. Part wizard, part his intellect, Mike said “My genius? beer brewer, and was the owner and watershed, so we’re connected and ern California, at Chico, north of
cowboy, and always a gentleman, It’s why I wear cowboy boots…to intrepid miner who maintained and that was why I was motivated five Sacramento, tundra swans, storks,
Mike’s last humble abodes includ- avoid learning how to tie my shoes.” descended into the deepest and still years ago to write my essay on the cranes, and big huge geese come to
ed a stunning, magical, historically operational mine on the West Coast. VA land.” farm fields where rice farmers leave
prominent ghost town—Cerro Gor- Among his many other careers and Mike was an actor who appeared in A veteran wondered where, exactly, 20% of the rice on the field. The
do—tucked away inside the beau- interests, Mike was an advocate for TV programs as well as independent the Ballona Wetlands were, and rain comes and the kernels float in
tiful Inyo Mountain range as well private property in Inyo County and and feature films such as Silver and asked Roy what was special about these flooded areas, and when the
as James Brady’s adobe dwelling for the entirety of the United States. Water by Lauren Bon and the Meta- them. “The Ballona Wetlands is a birds arrive they can feed on those
complete with sweet-natured din- He delivered pivotal monologues bolic Studio. The world is simply a low-lying area where a few different extra rice grains. There are national
goes; Midnight the Mule that Mike about private property and private little less bright without dear Mike’s rivers come in, close to the ocean. wildlife refuges nearby; the govern-
lovingly bred, broke, and cared for; ownership concerns in Lone Pine wonderful sense of humor, gusto, Years ago we lost half of it to the big ment protects some of the really
and a fascinating shed with an idio- and Independence town meetings genius, zeal, creativity, and love. sailboat harbor (Marina del Rey) wet swampy areas around the rice
syncratic collection of stone imple- as well as at a Metabolic Studio Not a soul could or ever will be like that was dug into the marsh. It’s farms where the birds can sleep
ments at Swansea. Also, Mike was event. He was a local advocate in the Michael Patterson. He was a one-of- swampy and muddy like a bayou, at night. The swans fly to the farm
miner extraordinaire as majority fights against Senator Diane Fein- a-kind human being that touched soggy, with lots of frogs and crabs fields in the daytime and eat, and
owner of the Cerro Gordo Mining stein’s wilderness bills, and was in every person he met and is missed and fishes. Wetlands have other then before it gets dark they fly a
District in the Inyos. Two of his min- frequent contact with Feinstein’s every day. nicknames: marsh, bog, paddy. mile or so back to the government’s
ing claims were lovingly named Dor- staffers in Fresno and Bakersfield. [The Ballona Wetlands] has high marshlands, where they feel safe in
othy and Toto. grounds, or uplands, and you go the water and where they can swim
Mike was also a fantastic historian from a little higher to lower and and sleep. They do this for the whole
With a big heart and a sharp mind, and tour guide for his unique ghost the water takes passageways going winter. That’s a balance, a coopera-
Mike had many endeavors in his life town, Cerro Gordo. While in Cerro this way and that, and one of them tive partnership.
LA
G
Barber of Dreamers
O
ME
DI
AB U
OLIC ST
T
October 2, 2010: Strawberry Flag all packed up and ready to leave the VA of WLA. Open daily, 9AM–7PM