In October, Vantage made arrangements for the purchase of a block of tickets at the Oakdale Theater to see the performance of "The Sound of Music". It was truly a family outing. The lights dimmed and a hush fell over the audience. The spotlight was focused on the stage, and then, the orchestra began, "The hills are alive…" and so were my family memories when Richard Chamberlain entered on stage.

As a child, I vaguely remember hearing Richard Chamberlain's name around the house. He played this doctor on television. I remember overhearing the conversations between my mother and her girlfriends during a time when the kids were supposedly in bed sleeping. I remember hearing the swooning sighs from her friends, thinking to myself, "I'm never getting old."

The next time Richard Chamberlain's name came up in conversation was during dinner between my two sisters and mother. They were all talking about a mini-series where he played a "kung-fu" wanna be-or, so that was my interpretation of Shogun. Please keep in mind I was busy experiencing and learning about the world, and besides, wasn't Richard Chamberlain- like over the hill. I remember thinking, at the time, that my mother and I were worlds apart.

Marriage and children followed in the years to come for me. One night, I invited my girlfriends to come over and watch the first night of a mini-series called the Thornbirds. We wanted to see if the series followed the book. We were hooked. But who was the actor portraying a priest? That can't be Richard Chamberlain! It must be his son.

Needless to say, the next time I spoke with my mother, she asked if I had watched the show and yes, indeed that was the one and only Richard Chamberlain. The man survived my childhood., teenage years and now my early adult years. And now, here I was walking in the same shoes as my mother had during my early childhood.

Once again, here he is on stage in a musical play that has also defied time. What is it about the Sound of Music that brings families together? Looking around the audience, there were many families sitting together, grandparents and grandchildren, parents and children and husbands and wives. The Sound of Music brings families together but I can't help but wonder how many mothers and daughters were there for a different reason.

Arts and Leisure Enrichment Program 1999-2000

This year, the Arts and Leisure Enrichment Program is focusing on providing opportunities to those who have not yet benefited from the Program Enhancement Fund- money raised through events such as Musicality '99. The emphasis is on providing the possibility for individuals to nurture a hobby, interest or talent through community experience. This fall, three people are enrolled in classes at Neighborhood Music School: Tom Corbi in private instruction drumming, Deb Johnson has private voice lessons, and Tim Babbitt is in a group class for African-Caribbean drumming. A hiking club meets on Saturdays to go on local hikes. In January, a mentorship program- Mentor for a Month (Maybe More!) will begin which will include training for community mentors

Past successes will continue this year: Vantage Voices Chorus with direction by Ellen Greist; a journal writing class focusing on scrap-booking; a drumming circle.

The year will culminate with a showcase of the diverse abilities of people associated with Vantage, including projects done by Vantage residents and mentors- Talents 2000

Talent Showcase '99 - Fun for All

				Vantage Group had its first annual Talent Showcase on May 15 at the Unitarian Church in Hamden.. Highlights included storytelling by board member Frances Giffin, performances by the Vantage Voices chorus with solos by Deborah Johnson and West African Drumming-a participatory event led by Bruce Sharpe. The lobby featured art works and crafts done by Vantage program participants and staff. See you at Talents 2000!
Photos from left to right: Jeff Hunt; Bruce Sharpe and Helen Fleming; Francis Nappi and Jeff Maltagliati; Paul Spetrina