Vantage Point Hosts "A Newark Childhood" featuring David Hugo Barrett

Residences at Vantage Point continues its Fall series of Arts & Culture Collective programming with Howard County resident David Hugo Barrett reading and discussing his memoir about growing up in Newark, NJ. The program, “A Newark Childhood: How Should a Father Answer Questions from His Adult Son,” features Barrett in conversation with his son, Brandon, a Columbia resident.

The Arts & Culture Collective hosts a series of programs at Residences at Vantage Point to highlight Columbia as the “campus” for residents of the retirement community. Partnerships with local institutions make the series possible, and the public is invited to attend free of charge.

The reading/discussion of “A Newark Childhood” is set for Nov. 17, from 7-8 p.m. in the retirement community’s auditorium. A virtual presentation is also available. Registration is requested for visitors at 410-992-1241 or kestenn@vantgepointresidences.org.

Barrett’s memoir is a coming-of-age story covering the years 1948-1961, from kindergarten through high school graduation in Newark. The book is meticulously grounded in the physical reality of daily life in home, school and neighborhood and features a wide range of influences, especially that of Barrett’s mother, a Christian Scientist. “A Newark Childhood” is the first volume of a planned trilogy.

Barrett earned his undergraduate degree in mathematics from Rutgers University and Master’s degree in computer science from Howard University. He spent 35 years as an IT professional, followed by a second career teaching algebra and geometry in Howard County’s school system.

Among his civic achievements, Barrett co-founded the Alpha Achievers, an academic and leadership club that targets African American males in Howard County high schools. He is a past chair of The Alpha Foundation of Howard County, Inc., past chair of the Howard County Poetry and Literature Society, past President of the Howard County Library System Board of Trustees, and a former director of The Horizon Foundation.

Residences at Vantage Point was founded in 1990 and is a nonprofit serving people age 60 and above. Managed by Life Care Services, the community includes a variety of residential living arrangements and provides assisted living, memory care and long-term health services for residents should they need them. Residences at Vantage Point is located at 5400 Vantage Point Road in Downtown Columbia. For more information, visit www.vantagepointresidences.org.