New ‘Vets & Guitars’ session starts soon

The Highground, the Willard Well and several supporters, including musician Victoria Shoemaker (of “Virginia Steel” – virginiasteelmusic.com), are offering military veterans the opportunity to learn how to play acoustic guitar. The program is designed to help them gain skills to bring the joy that accompanies creativity to their lives and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow veterans.

The Vets & Guitars program will consist of 10 sessions of instruction and “jamming” with fellow veterans and musicians. The program will begin on Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. at The Highground. Each session will run 1-2 hours every Thursday evening through Dec. 1 (The lesson during the week of Thanksgiving is TBD).

All veterans are invited to join the program and early registration is encouraged. In addition to the overall fun of learning to play guitar, the physical, mental and spiritual activity of playing a guitar or other instrument has been proven to bring a sense of peace, accomplishment and “centering” to people under stress and to those living with post-traumatic stress.

Veterans will be supplied with an acoustic guitar and all accessories needed to play for free. Sponsors and donations are needed to support this unique healing program because it is being offered to veterans at no charge. The current “Vets & Guitars” sponsors are the Willard Well, Morgan Music, Ken McEwen, Lawrence Kizewski, Julie Diesing and The Highground.

Businesses and individuals can sponsor a veteran for a donation of $125. The program is also accepting donations of new or gently used acoustic guitars and gig bags/cases.

Veterans can register for the Vets & Guitars program now by sending an email to Theresa at museum@thehighground. us or by calling 715-743-4224. The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville.