Going into the year 2000, the Staff and Board of Directors of Vantage Group, Inc. gave all out support and care to two of our residents with terminal illnesses. By the dedication of staff and their housemates and with the support from DMR we were able provide the care they needed in their home. Standard procedure would have been to transfer both of the residents to a nursing home. We cannot give enough praise or thanks to staff and their friends with whom they lived for their dedication, care and love given during this time.

I also thank the Vantage Board of Directors and Staff for the support given to me during my term of office from June 1, 1999 to June 1, 2000. It was an honor and pleasure to serve. I thank you for electing me to a second term of office. I look forward to our completing the projects that we have started.

I regret to announce that two of our Board Members are not returning to the board this year. Both have faithfully served for many years. We thank you both for your service.

Anna Deming~ Anna was Secretary of the Board for several years and served on a number of committees. Anna said she would like to be involved, but at a slower pace.

Roy Cuzzocreo~ Roy has worked on a number of committees and was deeply involved in the promotion of our major fund raiser "Musicality". Roy will still be involved when needed.

We have gained two new members to the Vantage Board and look to add more in the future. We are pleased to welcome them.

Nan Wheeler~ Nan resides in West Hartford. She is married with three children. After managing children and the household for eight years, she decided to become active with a not-for-profit organization. Luckily, she has joined us. Nan is an interior designer and has her own business.

Kevin McNamara~ Kevin resides in New Haven. He is the Director of the Center for Communication Diseases at Southern Connecticut State University. One of his duties is to oversee the operation of the Speech and Hearing Clinic at SCSU.

On display in the community room of the New Haven Public Library were monotypes by Doug Dwyer and Jeff Hunt (see “They’ve got Connections!” on Page 7), drawings by Terry Yatzook, photographs taken by Nicole Haskell, woodcarvings done by Ken Jetter, a Chinese rice-paper lamp constructed by George Deming, paintings and stone carvings from Anne Beaulieu, books by Debbie Ferrucci, Rosemary Griffin’s needlework and photos of original landscape designs by George Fappiano.

Talents 2000 began with a performance of the Vantage Voices– a chorus of thirteen program participants under the direction of Ellen Greist. This is a group of individuals who have gotten together at the Vantage office on Monday nights for the last three years. What unites all is a love of music. Deborah Johnson continued to be a highlighted soloist singing “Lean on Me”, Karrie and Penny joined Deborah as The Vantagettes on “Lollypop”.

Bob Cork (a former contributor to the Vantage Voice newsletter, Volume 2, issue one: “Potential of all made clear at stage show”) shared a tale from Indiana called “The Bear Story”.

Baba David Coleman gave a demonstration in African Caribbean drumming with his student from the Neighborhood Music School, Tom Corbi, then shared his beautiful, hand-made drums and rhythm instruments with all who wanted to join in. There were a lot of smiles and some dancing!

The day was closed with a gentle tale by Hans Christian Anderson told by Fran Giffin- “The Daisy”.

It was a good day to come in from the rain and celebrate the many achievements of individuals with connections to Vantage Group.