"Lights On" an inspiring production of Liberty Place

"To encourage individuals with brain injuries to reach their highest level of independence and to enhance the quality of their lives by giving them the 'Freedom To Try!' is the Mission Statement of Liberty Place, Inc. Their Arts Program with David Parker (MT-BC) at the helm of the Liberty Arts Ensembles and Barbara Lien as the volunteer art instructor with full support and encouragement of Executive Director Ann Geiger is helping to realize that lofty goal. Geiger explained that there are three local facilities: two in Whitehall (Townhouse and Farmstead) and one in Belgrade (Bootstrap Ranch).

On Thursday evening, May 17th, they presented their second production of "Lights On II 'Re-Lit'." This inspiring evening was held at the Star Theatre and the Christensen School of Dance. One was drawn into the art room by the sweet smell of lilacs which were on display among the wonderful art work which included interesting paintings of fish and crotchet afghans and washcloths and stamped shopping bags and T-shirts. The center of attraction was a large display rack filled with painted face masks. These masks are painted telling the story of the artist in relationship to their injury, such as: "Breaking thru the darkness" by Todd to Doug's "Questions on waking from a stroke" to Dawn's "I'm not God who is my hero, but if I were, I would cure things and make everyone's life better/peaceful/and full of love."

This thought provoking mask display is a National Project "Unmasking Brain Injury" which is currently on loan to the Brain Injury Alliance of Montana. It is currently on tour of the state and will end up at the State Capitol.

Soon The Liberty Arts Ensembles with guest musicians from the Whitehall Middle School Band under the direction of Janet Heilig and the Whitehall Trio of Kathy Howe, Ron Jung and Donna Weldon began their evening of swing and beat, humor, and sing and clap-a-longs. Director David Parker explained that 8 months ago they started the process of writing the program – the poems – the music. Yes, the residents wrote the poems and the music.

The program began with "Rock Me Gently" (Andy Kim) sung by Shelly Cory. Next Shelly was joined by Mary Peterson for their rendition of a very clever "Another Day, Another ... Day" concerning a day in life at Liberty Place. A thought provoking "The Struggle" followed written by and sung by James Skime and friends. "It's hard to find...a little bit of sunshine, When you're dealing with...the hand you're dealt. So let's open our hearts...and let the love flow in. And overcome....the grief within."

"TBI Vibrations" was written and performed by Matthew Fairchild and friends. Once again this was a very positive thinking song lifting the musicians and audience. An audience sing-a-long followed "You Can't Always Get What You Want." The original score was written by The Rolling Stones but augmented by "Thor" Privatsky and Austin Davis and friends. We were urged to remember "You can't always get what you want, but if you try some time, you just might find you get what you need." Privatsky also wrote and performed the next selection "Birds."

The sounds of coffee being made – the grinder, the water, the boiling, the slurping followed when Kelsey Messick sang her poem "Caffeine Crunch." The resident musicians played the percussions, guitar, Djembe, harmonica and shakers during all these songs.

In closing The Eagles' song "Take It Easy" was sung by Kelsey Messick and her Dad who came to visit from Libby. An interesting and fun song "Whitehall" which was written by Austin Davis was performed by the whole ensemble and the audience.

This inspiring program came to an end with the capacity audience wanting more.

The Liberty Place's next fundraisers will be May 26 – a Transportation Rummage Sale at the Whitehall Pavilion and June 4-8 – Pots and Pansies in Whitehall.

Oh yes, lest we forget – HAPPY BIRTHDAY, David Parker. Another job well done!