There was a good size audience in room 240 during this break-out session- people who were intrigued by the title- "Let Me Help You to Remember." If Karrie, Penny and Larry felt any performance jitters, they sure didn't show! Karrie and Larry had been working with Robin Carlson for over a year, perfecting the nuances of public speaking; this was their second paid speaking engagement. Penny was new to public speaking but is a natural. The audience was impressed and moved by the presentation and many wanted to be kept informed of future presentations.

Song of the Silent Ones
By Mary Burke Smith
Recently I have found myself thinking about some of the many things in this world that could be said to have their own rhythm. In the physical world, we are reminded of these rhythms on a daily basis. We observe the waxing and the waning of the moon, the changing of the tides and the silent shift from daylight to twilight. These changes occur slowly. They confront us with the realization that something monumental has just occurred. An opportunity for an epiphany for all of us. Blending together to create our own silent song. I have felt this song being played many times over as I watch two of our residents play out the final measures of their own life's songs. Each has a unique cadence and can be clearly heard. Lend an ear, observe, reflect, and you will begin to see what they tell us. (one of life's great lessons is about to hit full force.)

Their silent song repeats the refrain: the simplest things in life hold the most meaning.
It is your quiet reassuring voice that gives me strength, the smile of a familiar face, the memory that I still, at moments, hold of the recognition of my home, your unhurried assistance and your acceptance that I can no longer "do for myself."
Their silent song is their gift to all of us, and a reminder of what is truly of consequence.

I have felt this song being played many times over as I wtch two of our residents play out the final measures of their own life's song.

Community Contributions
A number of Vantage Group program participants have volunteered their time during this past year at local agencies. Tom Corbi, William Hannah, Michael Hibbard and Patrick McDaniel continue to volunteer at the FISH food pantry once a week. Doug Dwyer has been helping out at Creative Arts Workshop; he mops the floor of the pottery studio once a week. Jeff Maltagliati has lent a hand at a local animal hospital and at the New Haven Animal Shelter. Jeff also did some volunteer work for Neighborhood Music School, helping them distribute fall course catalogues. This past spring, Brenda Lenzzo helped out by answering phones at the West Haven Adult Day Center.

Voices - We've got Choices;
Self-Advocacy Group meets Monthly

ACES/ACCESS and Vantage Group, Inc. continue to facilitate a self-advocacy group for adults with developmental disabilities who reside in the Hamden/North Haven area. This group meets on the first Monday evening of each month at 60 Putnam Avenue in Hamden. Currently, there is a core-group of twelve individuals who regularly attend Voices-We've Got Choices, meetings.

This past June, the Voices self-advocacy group celebrated its one year anniversary with a dance. Even with the extreme heat, many people showed up to dance the night away.

The self-advocacy group met and discussed its plans for the upcoming year. The group is hoping to plan other dances and social functions in the future. Self-advocacy was defined and there was a discussion about how they might help to get the word out to others with developmental disabilities. Some members attended a People First conference in October. People First is an established self-advocacy group with a large membership.

The group will meet next on Monday, January 3, from 7-8 p.m. Elections for officers will be held. New members are welcome. For more information, contact Anne at the Vantage office-239-4930.