Re-Creation and BVL: Brightening Veterans’ Lives Together

The New Year marks 33 years of BVL’s partnership with the outstanding traveling performance troupe known as “Re-Creation.” It was 1983 when BVL joined forces with what was then an established USO troupe performing in VA Medical Centers. The BVL leadership agreed that the “Re-Creation” program fit very well with the organization’s mission to brighten the days and boost the spirits of those who have served our country. The same year BVL became a sponsor of the group, “Re-Creation” took over the national programming of the organization.

Today, more than 5,000 shows have been presented in VA Hospitals and State Veterans Homes in every state in the USA — and the BVL/ “Re-Creation” partnership has exceeded all expectations.

The variety entertainment program features a dynamic vocal blend, energetic young performers, elaborate costuming, professional staging and choreography…a full-size stage show. Themes and performers change each year, but the magic remains constant.

Through “Re-Creation” performances, BVL makes an impacting, positive difference every day in the lives of veterans receiving care in the VA Healthcare System. BVL’s sponsorship of “Re- Creation” adds to the other BVL programs that enrich the lives of the wounded soldiers who have given so much to secure our freedom.

“‘Re-Creation’ is overwhelmingly our most requested program,” says BVL Board Chair John LaSpina. “And once you attend a show, you’ll know why – the special brand of medicine these talented young men and women deliver truly makes a difference. Throughout the show, the veterans are singing and clapping – enjoying a truly uplifting experience.”

BVL receives hundreds of letters each year from the VA Medical Centers and State Veterans Homes singing the praises of “Re-Creation.” These letters confirm that BVL sponsorship of the tours have a real impact on the lives of our veterans. Here are some excerpts from letters received recently:

“I can’t tell you how much it means to our hospitalized veterans, visitors, and staff to have such a talented, creative, and energetic group with us for the afternoon. Their enthusiasm and genuine expression of gratitude to America’s heroes goes a long way in aiding recovery, both physically and mentally. The show was perfect in every way and they were able to visit some veterans in various locations in the medical center who were not able to come to our main auditorium. The interaction with the performers was heartwarming and the visit will certainly not be forgotten.”

Salem, Virginia VA Medical Center

“The performers are amazing in talent and their stamina… it is unbelievable all they do to make these performances possible for veterans across all 50 states. Our residents cannot stop telling others about how wonderful their performance was and how it felt like being at a Broadway Show. The performers were so kind to and appreciative of our resident veterans in their rooms and living areas, thanking them (for their service) and inviting each one individually to the show. During their tribute to America and Veterans there was not a dry eye in the house. We hope with all our hearts we will be able to have ReCreation back with us time and time again. Please consider the St. James Veterans Home on your tour schedule in all future years . . . “

St. James, Missouri Veterans Home

Thank you so much for including our site in your national tour. The talent demonstrated by these young performers brightened an otherwise dull day in a medical facility. You have made a significant contribution to the quality of patient-centered care we feel our Veterans so very much deserve. Thank you for creating a day of memorable moments and reminding our Veterans that their sacrifices have not been forgotten. We look forward to your next visit!

Martinez CA VAMC

“Re-Creation visited us . . . bringing the veterans a wonderful stage performance. Our veterans laughed, cried, and sang right along with the music. It was immediately evident how much the performance touched them. Following the performance the staff also gushed over how good Re-Creation was and asked repeatedly “When are they coming back?” with such joy and anticipation. With the BVL’s sponsorship, I can say they will be back!”

Togus, Maine VA Medical Center

“The members of Re-Creation were great. Such talent and enthusiasm! I enjoyed watching the show, but I also enjoyed watching the veterans — their toes were tapping, smiles spread across their faces, and several were practically dancing right out of their wheelchairs! To say the performance is “therapeutic” is just a slight understatement :)!

Tomah, Wisconsin VA Great Lakes Healthcare System

“The group “Re-Creation” performed for us today, and without any hesitation, I can say they were the best performers we have ever had here. They were not only talented, but the most well-mannered, friendly and absolutely lovely young adults that it has been my pleasure to meet. The residents, family members, staff and the group of Army soldiers that were here today couldn’t say enough about the performance. Everyone wanted them to come back next month! We all want to thank you for supporting the program… our hats are off to you for all that you do for our heroes.”

Huntsville, Alabama Veterans Home

The group’s ongoing mission, which fits perfectly with that of BVL, is to remind America’s Heroes that they are not forgotten . . . that they are vital, remembered and respected.

Adds LaSpina, “We’re calling on all our supporters to start the New Year off right and make a contribution to BVL so that we can keep “Re-Creation” on the road to Brighten Veterans’ Lives!”

The troupe is starting off 2016 with a trip through America’s southeast, including Florida, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Mississippi. BVL contributors in those areas that would like to attend a performance, please contact the BVL offices.

“We couldn’t do what we do without the support of America’s bowlers and bowling proprietors through BVL,” explains “Re-Creation” Director Jay Muller. “BVL has been our steadfast supporter for these past 33 years and we hope to go 33 more and beyond!”

January

• January 5, 2016…..Port Charlotte, FL SVH…..2 PM
• January 6, 2016…..Pembroke Pines, FL SVH…..2 PM
• January 7, 2016…..Miami, FL VAMC…..1 PM
• January 8, 2016…..West Palm Beach, FL VAMC…..2 PM
• January 12, 2016…..Tampa, FL VAMC…..7 PM
• January 13, 2016…..Bay Pines, FL VAMC…..10:30 AM
• January 14, 2016…..Land O’ Lakes, FL SVH…..2 PM
• January 19, 2016…..Daytona Beach, FL SVH…..2 PM
• January 20, 2016…..Orlando, FL VAMC…..2 PM

February

• February 1, 2016…..Gainesville, FL VAMC…..2 PM
• February 2, 2016…..St. Augustine, FL SVH…..2 PM
• February 8, 2016…..Montgomery, AL VAMC…..2 PM
• February 9, 2016…..Tuscaloosa, AL VAMC…..2 PM
• February 10, 2016…..Birmingham, AL VAMC…..10:30 AM
• February 11, 2016…..Huntsville, AL SVH…..2 PM
• February 12, 2016…..Tuskegee, AL VAMC…..2 PM
• February 13, 2016…..Panama City, FL SVH…..2 PM
• February 16, 2016…..Lake City, FL VAMC…..2 PM

March

• March 1, 2016…Dublin, GA VAMC…2 PM
• March 2, 2016…Atlanta, GA VAMC…2 PM
• March 3, 2016…Augusta, GA VAMC…2 PM
• March 4, 2016…Durham, NC VAMC…2 PM
• March 15, 2016…Fayetteville, NC VAMC…2 PM
• March 16, 2016…Fayetteville, NC SVH…2 PM
• March 17, 2016…Salisbury, NC SVH…2 PM
• March 18, 2016…Salisbury, NC VAMC…2 PM
• March 21, 2016…Biloxi, MS VAMC…2 PM
• March 22, 2016…Collins, MS SVH…2 PM
• March 23, 2016…Jackson, MS SVH…10 AM
• March 23, 2016…Jackson, MS VAMC…7 PM
• March 24, 2016…Kosciusko, MS SVH…2 PM
• March 25, 2016…Oxford, MS SVH…2 PM
• March 28, 2016…Humboldt, TN SVH…2 PM
• March 29, 2016…Anna, IL SVH…2 PM
• March 30, 2016…Marion, IL VAMC…2 PM
• March 31, 2016…Murfreesboro, TN VAMC…2 PM

April

• April 1, 2016…Murfreesboro, TN SVH…2 PM
• April 4, 2016…Nashville, TN VAMC…10:30 AM
• April 5, 2016…Knoxville, TN SVH…2 PM
• April 6, 2016…Mountain Home, TN VAMC…2 PM
• April 7, 2016…Asheville, NC VAMC…2 PM
• April 8, 2016…Black Mountain, NC SVH…10:30 AM
• April 11, 2016…Lexington, KY VAMC…2 PM
• April 12, 2016…Wilmore, KY SVH…2 PM
• April 13, 2016…Louisville, KY VAMC…2 PM
• April 14, 2016…West Lafayette, IN SVH…2 PM
• April 15, 2016…Marion, IN VAMC…2 PM
• April 26, 2016…Scranton, PA SVH…2 PM
• April 27, 2016…Bath, NY VAMC…2 PM
• April 28, 2016…Albany, NY VAMC…10:30 AM
• April 29, 2016…Syracuse, NY VAMC…1:30 PM

May

• May 2, 2016…Canandaigua, NY VAMC…2 PM
• May 3, 2016…Batavia, NY VAMC…2 PM
• May 4, 2016…Buffalo, NY VAMC…6:30 PM
• May 5, 2016…Erie, PA VAMC…10:30 AM
• May 5, 2016…Erie, PA SVH…7 PM
• May 9, 2016…Detroit, MI VAMC…2 PM
• May 10, 2016…Ann Arbor, MI VAMC…2 PM
• May 11, 2016…Saginaw, MI VAMC…2 PM
• May 12, 2016…Grand Rapids, MI SVH…2 PM
• May 13, 2016…Battle Creek, MI VAMC…2 PM
• May 16, 2016…Sandusky, OH SVH…2 PM
• May 19, 2016…Pittsburg, PA SVH…2 PM
• May 20, 2016…Butler, PA VAMC…2 PM

Founded in 1942, BVL is a national 501 (c) (3) charity which is consistently acknowledged for efficient and effective programming delivered with extremely low overhead. BVL has been recognized as one of “America’s Best Charities,” earned a “Top Rated” Nonprofit distinction, and accepted into the Combined Federal Campaign (#93325).