Edmeston, New York, February 27, 2024 … Pathfinder Village will host a flurry of community events in March as a lead-up to World Down Syndrome Day on Thursday, March 21. These activities are focused on neighborly engagement and connecting globally in celebration of the talents and contributions of people with Down syndrome.

March 21 – “3-21” – is observed as World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) as the numerical date represents the triplication of the 21st chromosome in the human genotype, the genetic cause of 95% of occurrences of Down syndrome or Trisomy 21. WDSD has been observed since 2006; it first received recognition by the United Nations in 2012.

“We invite our friends and neighbors to participate in our 3-21 activities to show their support for those with Down syndrome,” said Monica Clark, Pathfinder’s Manager of Fund Development and People Engagement. “Many of us have enjoyed friendships and meaningful moments with individuals with Down syndrome, who color our lives in lasting ways. This is a fun way to show support, boost spirits, and celebrate locally.”

Details of all events may be found on Pathfinder Village’s Facebook events pages. The events include:

Friday, March 1, 21 Day Challenge!  Pathfinder Village kicks off the month through its annual 21 Day Challenge, a series of fun, low-cost activities to complete with friends and family; details are found on Pathfinder’s social media pages. In addition, the Pathfinder Village Foundation will kick off its $21 Challenge as a WDSD fundraiser through its online donations page. This year’s goal is for 321 $21 donations and peer-to-peer sharing to highlight Down syndrome awareness.

Sat., March 2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Winter Farmers’ Market: Over 25 regional vendors will sell fresh produce, jams, breads, soaps, lip balms, lotions, clothes, decorative items, kitchen products and more at the Pathfinder Gym.

Sat., March 9, 5 to 8 p.m., 3-21 Free Concert with Scattered Flurries: Dance the evening away at Pathfinder Gym to covers of classic rock hits and the Scattered Flurries’ own original tunes.

Wed., March 13, 5:30 p.m., Community Painting with Colorful Creations by Colette: Enjoy a community art class at Pathfinder Gym taught by Colette Dunham. The $30 fee covers all course materials ($15 for children under 12 years old). Register through Pathfinder Village’s Facebook event page or contact Monica Clark at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 607-965-8377, ext. 116. (Seating is limited).

March 18-22, “Color Our Community”: Pathfinder Village fans, friends and families everywhere are encouraged to decorate their homes, businesses, community spaces, and streets in blue-and-yellow banners, lights, wreaths, and signs. Blue and yellow have long been viewed as the traditional colors of Down syndrome awareness. Students from Otsego Academy and Colgate University will decorate local town gazebos as part of the celebration, a highlight of their Leadership Week collaboration.

 Thursday, March 21, World Down Syndrome Day Activities:  Pathfinder will mark WDSD with loud, inventive, and crazy socks in conjunction with NYCM Insurance of Edmeston, part of the global Rock Your Socks observance. Additionally, Pathfinder Produce, the Village’s weekly fresh fruit and vegetable market will offer special WDSD promotions as part of its 11^th anniversary market; open 11 to 5 p.m. at the Village Commons building.

Sat., March 23, 10 a.m., Community Egg Hunt:  The colorful fun of WDSD segues to that of Easter, with Pathfinder hosting its third annual egg hunt for youngsters at Pathfinder School.

Community members may submit “Color Our Community” or “Rock Your Socks” photos through social media to be part of the community celebration and show of support for those with Down syndrome.

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Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected livable community and services provider in upstate New York; it was founded in 1980 to provide people with Down syndrome and other disabilities an independent and fulfilling lifestyle. As it works to provide quality supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Village also offers highly successful educational, day services, vocational/pre-vocational, and outreach programs. To learn more, visit https://pathfindervillage.org, or visit our social media on Facebook and Instagram.

Edmeston, NY, October 5, 2023 … The Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome at Pathfinder Village is hosting a four-part Lunch and Learn webinar series this autumn, Nurturing Your Best Self through Music, Art, Movement & Mindfulness. The noontime series will share useful strategies for families and direct support staff who care for older adults with Down syndrome, dementia, and other disabilities.

The series is part of the Center’s and Pathfinder Village’s observance of October as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. October was first designated as a national observance by President George H.W. Bush in 1991 and has been recognized every year since. The month is focused on celebrating the abilities and accomplishments of people with Trisomy 21.

Series registration is $30 per attendee; online information and a registration link are at kwcdownsyndrome.org. The series will be facilitated by E. Adel Herge, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA of Jefferson Elder Care, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, and Brittany Goodrich, Director of the Kennedy Willis Center, the research and advocacy arm of Pathfinder Village. For over four years, Jefferson Elder Care and the Kennedy Willis Center have collaborated on creating staff training modules, online content, and outreach programs to present best practices in aging for older adults with Down syndrome.

“People with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before, and the changes associated with aging may affect a person’s participation in activities that are important to them,” said Dr. Herge. “The cognitive and physical changes with aging and the onset of dementia make it particularly challenging for individuals to stay active and engaged.”

“Our noontime Lunch and Learn webinar series will explore the relationship of participating in meaningful activities with health and well-being,” added Director Goodrich. “Our knowledgeable presenters will discuss ways you may use music, art, movement and mindfulness to help the people you support stay active, involved in activities, and experience joy.”

The sessions will be on Wednesdays at 12 p.m. and will feature:

Oct. 25   Your Creative Self: The Value of Art, even if You're Not Artistic: Anne Dudley-Smith is the Gallery Director for The Arc Otsego's Main View Gallery, a studio that celebrates the creative powers and insights of individuals with intellectual disabilities. She will discuss how to structure art activities for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and how to involve people in creative processes to achieve wellness goals.

Nov. 1   Fun Fitness Ideas for All Ages & Abilities: Zoe Curtis is an experienced group fitness instructor who specializes in POUND workouts, ZUMBA, and other health movement formats. She has coached for over 12 years in ways that allow people to enjoy movement, make exercise fun, and build their self-confidence while providing an inclusive atmosphere for people of all ages and abilities. She has led in-person and online classes for gyms, private groups, centers for people with disabilities, senior living communities, and substance addiction recovery centers.

Nov. 8   Discover Your Musical Joy: How Music Can Heal Us: Join acclaimed sound healer Jimbo Talbot in this session focused on facilitating transformative music and sound programs to promote health and wellness for people with disabilities. The founder of DrumQuest, Mr. Talbot has led drum circles at Pathfinder Village for over 10 years and offers a variety of programs to meet audience needs. He is a trained Remo Health Rhythms® facilitator, Village Music Circles® Global Drum Facilitator, a graduate of Music For People®, and a graduate of Ithaca College of Music.

Nov. 15   Being Mindful, Positive & Connected: The final webinar is a panel discussion by spiritual providers who have extensively worked with individuals with intellectual disabilities who are seeking advice on life's big issues such as loss, faith, and other topics. Our panel includes the Rev. Douglas Burleigh, Fly Creek, the chaplain at Pathfinder Village and Community Hospice of Albany; and Sr. Mary Veasy and Sr. Susan Lindinger, who provide pastoral care and counseling at Divine Providence Village, Springfield, Pa., a residential community that serves adult women with disabilities and dementia.

To learn more about the Kennedy Willis Center and its outreach initiatives, visit kwcdownsyndrome.org or https://pathfindervillage.org/innovation-kwc. The Center was established in 1996 with a three-fold mission: to provide education opportunities for families and the community at large regarding best practices in developmental disabilities, to serve as an information and life planning resource, and to host and support studies by accredited research organizations related to Down syndrome and related disabilities.