Edmeston, New York, October 2, 2024 … The Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome has opened registration for its annual fall Lunch & Learn webinar series.  This year’s course, Navigating Changes of Life, will focus on helping people with intellectual disabilities cope with grief, loss, and other difficult transitions. The webinars will be held on four consecutive Wednesdays, Oct. 23 & 30, and Nov. 6 and 13, starting at noon. Registration information is at the Center’s website at kwcdownsyndrome.org.

 “People with intellectual and developmental disabilities experience loss in similar ways to you and I but can also face unique challenges of unrecognized or prolonged grief. This may result in complex reactions as they cope with different losses throughout their life,” said Brittany Goodrich, Director of the Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome. “These losses are not just the deaths of people close to them, but can be smaller experiences such as adjustments to their daily routines, the loss of previously learned skills, changes to people filling volunteer or paid employment positions, or transitions to a new home or program that diminish connections with existing social supports.”

This webinar series will explore the components of the grief process and include age-appropriate strategies that support children, teens, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through challenging life experiences. Arlen Grad Gaines and Linda Clark, expert presenters and career counselors, will share resources and inclusive, practical techniques that help build awareness and address the complicated impact of grief. Registered participants will receive the recorded webinar links, an electronic tool kit of resources, and a digital certificate for three Ongoing Professional Development Hours from the Center following the conclusion of the series.

The $30 registration fee covers all four webinar sessions. The webinars will be on the Zoom meeting platform and facilitated by E. Adel Herge, OTD/OTR/L, FAOTA, Jefferson Elder Care, Thomas Jefferson University, and Director Goodrich.

Featured Presenters Include:

Arlen Grad Gaines, MSW, LCSW-C, APHSW-C is the Director of Social Services with JSSA Hospice in Rockville, Maryland, where she leads the social work, chaplain, and volunteer teams, as well as the bereavement program. With nearly 20 years of experience in hospice social work, Ms. Gaines developed a specialization in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their grieving processes. She is the co-author of the award-winning I Have a Question book series which addresses complicated topics for children, including those with developmental disabilities.

Linda Clark, LCSW, is a former bereavement counselor at Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc. in New Hartford, New York. Linda provided individual bereavement counseling and also facilitated bereavement groups for young widows, spousal loss, and adult parental loss. She has led workshops and community education on grief and loss and has shared her knowledge and experience with individuals, families, and the greater community for over 25 years. Linda’s youngest daughter, Theresa, has Down syndrome and lives in a supported apartment in upstate New York.

To learn more about the Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome and its outreach initiatives, visit kwcdownsyndrome.org. The Center was established in 1996 at Pathfinder Village 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.

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Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected livable community and services provider in upstate New York that was founded in 1980 to provide people with Down syndrome and related disabilities an independent, engaging, and fulfilling lifestyle. As it works to provide quality supports for older individuals, the Village also offers successful educational and pre-vocational services and community-based day service options. To learn more, please call (607) 965-8377, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit pathfindervillage.org, or visit our social media on Facebook and Instagram.

Edmeston, New York, September 27, 2024 … Pathfinder Village will showcase the creative talents of Village artists during the opening of a new exhibit, Inspire, at the gymnasium on Sunday, October 20, from 2 to 5 p.m. The public is invited to the opening, part of Pathfinder’s observance of October as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

“The Inspire exhibition shares the exceptional visions of Pathfinder’s artists and showcases their considerable talents and sources of inspiration,” said Pathfinder Village President and Chief Executive Officer Karen Knavel. “This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a unique exhibit and connect with artists and the community.”

The exhibit is curated by Colette Dunham, a teaching artist who leads community-based workshops at Pathfinder Village and throughout the area to encourage people of all abilities to express themselves through painting and other visual arts. In the lead-up to the exhibition, the Village will also share selected colorful paintings and multi-media pieces by Pathfinder artists on its social media pages. Other social posts during the month will feature facts and findings about Trisomy 21, as well as employment facts for people with intellectual disabilities, as October is also National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

There are over 350,000 people living with Down syndrome in the U.S. today, and October is celebrated each year as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The observance was established in 1991 through an Executive Order by President George H.W. Bush which states, “…we know that many individuals with Down syndrome are both determined and able to lead active, productive lives. Thanks to early intervention and mainstreaming, as well as improved treatment of physical health problems related to Down syndrome, thousands are doing just that.”

Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal replication disorder in humans, affecting about 5,000 babies born each year in the U.S. The condition occurs when a person’s cells have an additional or partial extra copy of chromosome 21.

Other Pathfinder Village Down Syndrome Awareness Month community events include:

• Friday, October 4, 5 p.m.: Down Syndrome Awareness Month Concert with the duo, K.O. Grainger, Village Gymnasium. Free event.

• Wednesday, October 16, 5:30 p.m.: Down Syndrome Awareness Month Community Painting Class with Colette Dunham. Registration is $30 for adults, $15 for children under 12. Pre-registration is required by contacting This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  All painting materials are provided.

• Wednesday, October 23, Noon: The Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome will host a four-part weekly Lunch and Learn webinar series, Navigating Changes of Life: Grief & Loss. Registration is $30 for the entire series; the sessions feature bereavement counselors Arlen Gaines, MSW, LCSW-C, APHSW-C of Rockville, Maryland, and Linda Clark, LCSW of New Hartford.  To register, visit org/innovation-kwc/education.

• Saturday, October 26, 2:30 p.m.: Community Trick-or-Treating. Local families with small children are invited to enjoy Pathfinder’s Haunted Hallway and trick-or-treating, hosted by Pathfinder’s residential homes and the Miller family. Free event, part of the Edmeston area Spookfest & West Edmeston Fire Department Trunk or Treat celebration.

Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected livable community and services provider in upstate New York and 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, pre-vocational and outreach programs.  To learn more, visit pathfindervillage.org or visit our fan page on the popular social networking site, Facebook.

Enjoying the 2024 Golf Invitational at Leatherstocking Golf Course

Runners-Up Chris Hulse and Tracy Roberts, along with winners John Ryland and Dave Lemire, right, were the Flight A finalists for the 15th annual Pathfinder Village Tennis Classic, played at the Har-Tru Courts of the Cooperstown Country Club on Monday, September 9. (Pathfinder Village Photo-Bill Schaeffer).

COOPERSTOWN, NY, September 16, 2024 … Tennis enthusiasts, golfers, and friends of Pathfinder Village gathered on Monday, September 9, at the Pathfinder Village Tennis Classic and the Pathfinder Village-Baseball Hall of Fame Golf Invitational. Culminating with an awards banquet at The Otesaga Resort Hotel, the two benefits raised over $81,000 for residential and student scholarships for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.

“It’s an honor to be part of this decades-long tradition that celebrates two sports and two world-class non-profits, Pathfinder Village and the National Baseball Hall of Fame,” said Pathfinder’s Chief Executive Officer Karen Knavel, who joined the Edmeston-based community in January. “In planning these events, I was taken by our volunteers’ enthusiasm and dedication. It is amazing these events have been so successful – 42 years for golf and 15 years for tennis. We are grateful for your faith in our mission, and I’m grateful to be joining in that work.”

The banquet included recognition of The Clark Estates and The Otesaga Resort Hotel, which have been major sponsors over the golf tournament’s four decades. NBT Bank and Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast were recognized for their 25^th year as the golf event’s Presenting Sponsor and Corporate Sponsor, respectively. Longtime sponsors, the Hanft and Sokolik families, Strategic Financial Services, and the Dairy Farmers of America, and the Cooperstown Country Club were recognized for their key support for the Tennis Classic, now in its 15^th year.

 Hall of Famer Fred McGriff '23 poses on the 18^th at the Leatherstocking Golf Course with Golf Professional Zach Vinal of the Teugega Country Club and the NYCM team of Michael Perrino, Jeremy Robinson, Daniel Robinson, and Jon Young (far right). The team came in first at -24 in the recent Pathfinder Village-Baseball Hall of Fame Golf Invitational. (National Baseball Hall of Fame photo – Milo V. Stewart Jr.).

Another event highlight was a presentation by Clare Langley and Theresa Mohan, sisters of Village scholarship recipient Frank Stohlman. The sisters spoke of how their youngest brother brought joy to their extended family and how he became more independent through Pathfinder’s community-based services. They addressed the memory challenges that Frank faces as an older person but added that he is aging with dignity through the support he receives from Pathfinder’s direct support professionals.

“Anyone who knows Frank knows his fascination with calendars. If you look at September 9^th, you will see it highlighted with ‘First day at Pathfinder, 1991’,” said Mrs. Langley. “I initially hated the idea of his going away… Soon after his move, I saw that Frank was more than OK at Pathfinder - he thrives. And now, our family thanks our parents for making this difficult decision so long ago.”

National Baseball Hall of Fame Ambassador and Class of 2023 Inductee Fred McGriff spent the afternoon finishing the 18th hole with the Invitational’s golfers. During the banquet, he was interviewed by Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch and recalled formative moments in his career as well as learning about his election to the Hall in 2023. He also shared his impressions from his weekend visit to Pathfinder Village, where he enjoyed a tour and a pick-up game of kickball.

Tournament Chairs—Community Volunteers Pat and Bob Hanft of Cooperstown and Leatherstocking Golf Course Host Pro Tim Quirk —announced tournament winners and the proceeds from the day’s competitions. The 15^th annual Tennis Classic at the Har-Tru Courts of the Cooperstown Country Club featured a full roster of 32 players organized in two flights, and followed a modified round-robin, mixed doubles format. Flight A winners were Dave Lemire and John Ryland, who defeated Chris Hulse and Tracy Roberts, 8-0. Flight B winners were Susanna Hager and Georgia Frevele, who held off Leslie Friedman and Michael Stehman in a tiebreak, 9-8 (7-4). Since 2010, this social and competitive amateur tournament has raised more than $300,000 for Village scholarships.

The Golf Invitational was won by the NYCM Insurance team of Daniel and Jeremy Robinson, Michael Perrino and Jon Young, who were paired with Pro Zach Vinal of the Teugega Country Club, Rome, NY (120, -24) In all, 100 amateurs and 25 regional pros played in Monday’s round. Other Golf Invitational results included: Second Place Team (121, -23) Erin Quirk, Lin Vincent, Denny Mirabito, Matt Curtis, Pro Bob Meheran; Third – the NFP Team of Michael Hutcherson, Marc Tauber, Mark Grygiel, John Axtel, Pro Josh Hillman; Fourth – the NBT Bank team of Dave and Ray Thelman, Tim Wilson, and Mark DeTomaso, with Pro Trey Walewski; Fifth – the Green Mountain Boys team of Jim Kaat, Drew Morrison, and John and Jake Alexapology, with Pro Tom Mackey.

Dan Robinson and Bob Snyder won the Closest to the Pin contests on holes 12 and 17. Professional Skins Game winners included Bob Meheran (birdie on #1), Jeff Schaller (eagle on #11), Tom Mattice (birdie on #10), Zach Vinal (eagle on #18), Todd Manderson (eagle on #4), and Tom Mackey (birdie on #9).

For more information about the Golf Invitational or the Tennis Classic, please contact the Development Staff at Pathfinder Village at (607) 965-8377, ext. 116. Pathfinder Village is a private, internationally respected livable community and services provider in upstate New York and offers people with Down syndrome and other disabilities an independent and fulfilling lifestyle. As it provides quality supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Village also offers highly successful educational, day services, pre-vocational, and outreach programs. To learn more, visit pathfindervillage.org, or visit our social media on Facebook and Instagram.

Runners Up Michael Stehman and Leslie Friedman with winners Georgia Frevele and Susanna Hager, right, were the Flight B finalists for the 15th annual Pathfinder Village Tennis Classic, played at the Cooperstown Country Club on Monday, September 9. (Pathfinder Village Photo-Bill Schaeffer).

Get ready for Big Rig Fun on September 28 at Pathfinder Village!

It is with sincere regret that we announce the cancellation of the upcoming Big Rig Shindig event, scheduled for Saturday, September 28, 2024.

After careful consideration, due to unforeseen circumstances and limited vehicles we believe this is the best course of action to ensure the well-being and enjoyment of all participants.

We understand how much excitement surrounds this event, and we apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. If you are interested in exhibiting at our 2025 Big Rig Shindig, please reach out to our Development department.

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 About Pathfinder Village: Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected, livable community in upstate New York and was founded in 1980 to provide people living with Down syndrome and related disabilities an independent, engaging, and fulfilling lifestyle. As it works to provide quality supports for older individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Village also offers highly successful educational and pre-vocational programs, including its post-secondary program, Otsego Academy, and its community-based day services for regional residents. To learn more about Pathfinder Village, please call (607) 965-8377, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit the website at pathfindervillage.org, or visit our social media on Facebook and Instagram.

Classic Cars at the Pavilion

Edmeston, New York, July 15, 2024 ...  Enjoy ice cream treats, dance to good time rock ‘n roll, watch a hot air balloon lift-off, and enjoy gleaming restored vehicles at this year’s Cruise-In at Pathfinder Village on Thursday, August 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. Organized by employees of NYCM’s Casualty Department, this community event will include voting for the “Best of Show” vehicle. The Cruise-In is free and all are welcome.

 Volunteers will serve free Gilligan’s of Sherburne ice cream with all the toppings, including Pathfinder’s signature flavor, “Pathfinder Palooza,” now a Cruise-In favorite. Listen to classic music hits with a special performance by Elvis tribute artist Don Brown, and watch a balloon lift-off with Norwich-area balloon pilot Dave Sheldon, weather permitting.

Co-Chairs Kim Mack and Pete Smith of NYCM invite all area vintage car and motorcycle owners to share their vehicles with fans at the Pathfinder Pavilion. No advance registration is required. The third annual “Best of Show” trophy will be presented that evening. Past winners include Bob Stilson of Endwell for his 1973 Mustang Convertible, and 2022’s winner, Harvey and Betty Hunter of West Winfield for their 1947 MG TD roadster.

“We hope area vehicle lovers will join us for a fun evening with great vintage restorations and modern classics. With Pathfinder’s beautiful setting, the ice cream and toppings, live music, and balloon lift-off, it will be a night that celebrates the best of our community,” said Mrs. Mack. “We’re grateful to our volunteers, the team at Gilligan’s, Don Brown, the Sheldon Family, and our local car enthusiasts for supporting this annual community event.”

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About Pathfinder Village: Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected, livable community in upstate New York and was founded in 1980 to provide people with Down syndrome and related disabilities an independent, engaging, and fulfilling lifestyle. As it works to provide quality supports for older individuals living with intellectual disabilities, the Village also offers highly successful vocational and educational programs, including its post-secondary program, Otsego Academy. To learn more about Pathfinder Village, please call (607) 965-8377, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit the website at pathfindervillage.org, or visit the Village’s Facebook and Instagram social media pages.

Photo Captions:  Co-Chairs Pete Smith and Kim Mack of NYCM present Bob Stilson, Endwell, the 2023 Best of Show trophy at the NYCM Cruise-In for his 1973 Mustang convertible. This year’s event is set for Thursday, Aug. 1 at Pathfinder Village, Edmeston, from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is free and all area classic and vintage vehicle owners are invited to participate.

 Diana Head of the NYCM Casualty Team serves a delicious sundae during an earlier Cruise-In at Pathfinder Village. Along with the car show on Thursday, Aug. 1, the NYCM team members will host their annual ice cream social featuring “Pathfinder Palooza” and other favorite flavors from Gilligan’s of Sherburne. The evening will also feature a lively rock n’ roll tribute with performer Don Brown.

Edmeston, New York, July 10, 2024 ... Pathfinder Village celebrated the work anniversaries of 26 employees and their dedication to serving people with intellectual disabilities during a special luncheon at the Pathfinder Village Pavilion on Wednesday, July 10. The staff members were honored for their collective 225 years of service to the community and Village families.

In addressing the honorees, Board Chair William F. Streck, MD, said, “I've been associated with Pathfinder since 1982. Over that time, there have been great leaders, and we built a lot of things. We're still building. But the fundamental thing I've realized over all these years is the whole heart of Pathfinder is in the work you do.”

“Our staff innovates and motivates as it supports individuals -- this commitment reveals itself in many ways and has lasting impacts,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Karen Knavel. “Your dedication to the ‘greater good’ leads to raising awareness of the possibilities for people with Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities. It also leads to greater inclusion and offers our individuals and coworkers opportunities for growth.”

This year’s honorees include Chief Financial Officer Caprice Eckert, who completed 30 years of service to Pathfinder, providing leadership and expertise in all areas of nonprofit administration and human resources management. Residential Team Leader Nancy Olsen and Direct Support Professional (DSP) Peter Iorio, both veterans in direct care services, have completed 15 years each.

Those celebrating ten-year anniversaries include DSP Nicole Mumbulo-Fallon with Pathfinder’s Adult Day Services; Chenango House Manager Brittany Bond, Residential Team Leader Lisa Roper, and DSP Tyler Wranovics, all of the Residential Services; Manager of Fund Development & People Engagement Monica Clark of the Development Office; Director of the Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome Brittany Goodrich, Classroom Aid Christopher Jones and Board Certified Behavior Analyst Sherri Palmer of Pathfinder School; and Ancillary Staff Member Grant Stubbs.

Those honored for five years of service include (by department): Adult Day Services - Pre-Vocational Support Professionals Brittany Harty and Roxanne Mills, Pathfinder Produce Workers Brandy Mockovciak and Christopher Scott; Facilities - Maintenance Worker/Water Systems Operator James Harrington; Residential & Program Services – House Manager Sandra Campbell, DSP 2.0 Valerie Estell, DSP Jackie Heelein, DSP 2.0 Samantha Hill, Residential Support Staff Jessica Lund, DSP 2.0 Kaleb Nix, DSP Donna Potter; Administrative Assistant Roderick Simmons.

Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected livable community and services provider in upstate New York. It was founded in 1980 to provide people living 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 http://pathfindervillage.org, or visit our social media on Facebook and Instagram.

Photo Caption: Pathfinder Village veteran staff members were honored at a special luncheon at  the Pathfinder Village Pavilion on Tuesday, July 10 for their collective 225 years of service to the residential community that serves individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Front Row (l to r): Christopher Scott, Caprice Eckert, Brandy Mockoviack, Monica Clark, Brittany Bond, Grant Stubbs. Back Row: Jessica Lund, Christopher Jones, Jackie Heelein, Roxanne Mills, Roderick Simmons, Brittany Goodrich, James Harrington (far back), Kaleb Nix, Valerie Estelle, Lisa Roper, Nicole Fallon-Mumbulo, Nancy Olsen, Pete Iorio.

Edmeston, New York, June 10, 2024 … Celebrate the great sounds of summer with Pathfinder Village during its Arts in the Community Concerts at the Pavilion.

Free live performances will be offered each Monday in July and August, starting at 5:30 p.m. Nashville recording artist Tom Nitti of New Hartford will be featured in the kick-off concert on July 1. Nitti came to national prominence as a member of Team Reba on NBC’s popular show, The Voice, late in 2023.

“Our free concerts have been a hallmark of summer in Otsego County for many years, and we’re excited to feature Tom Nitti as our lead-off show,” said Monica Clark, the Village’s Manager of Fund Development & People Engagement. “We love sharing our community and our love of music with everyone. This year we’re also bringing back our affordable food concessions so that families and music lovers can enjoy a light supper or refreshments as they relax during the performances at our Pavilion.”

The concessions will be organized by volunteers from the residents’ advocacy and advisory group, Council Rock.  Along with drinks and snacks, the Council Rock members will sell a light supper menu and ice cream treats from Gilligan’s of Sherburne. Details are on Pathfinder’s Facebook events pages. Food sale proceeds will benefit Council Rock’s diversity, equity, and inclusion outreach activities in the community.

Pathfinder Village’s musical performances are funded by private donors, Stewart’s Shops Holiday Match Program, and WGY’s Christmas Wish. This project is also funded by Earlville Opera House's Arts in the Community Grants Program, made possible by the New York State Legislature with support of the Office of the Governor, and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts.

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring jackets and wear comfortable shoes for dancing. On-site parking is available, and in the event of inclement weather, performances will be held at Pathfinder’s School Gymnasium. To find out more, please call (607) 965-8377, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or visit pathfindervillage.org.

In 2024, Pathfinder Village’s concerts include:

• July 1, 5:30 p.m. (New!)  Summer Kick-Off Concert with Tom Nitti from The Voice.

• July 8, 5:30 p.m.  The Dirt Road Express is a classic country band featuring vocalist Ellen Harrington with musicians Mike Tooley, Steve Rutherford, and Gary Morley. You’ll enjoy their renditions of songs made popular by Patsy Cline, Hank Snow, Johnny Cash, and others.

• July 15, 5:30 p.m. (New!)  The Barnyard Saints serve up hard-driving outlaw country with some foot-stomping dance tunes and alternative fusion thrown in for good measure.

• July 22, 5:30 p.m.  Monkey and the Crowbar is an energetic ensemble of professional musicians that plays an array of original tunes and hits by Bob Dylan, Neil Young, The Grateful Dead, and more.

• July 29, 5:30 p.m.  The Magic of Chris Wheel. Pathfinder Village will celebrate its 44^th birthday with a special performance by Magician and school psychologist Chris Wheel. Chris has entertained fans for 15+ years, combining sleight-of-hand, parlor tricks, and his engaging brand of comedy. Chris promises to amaze you and leave you laughing. Funding for this performance is outside of Pathfinder’s Earlville Opera House grant.

• Aug. 1, 5 to 7 p.m.  Rock n’ Roll Tribute Show, NYCM Cruise In & Ice Cream Social: See gleaming vintage vehicles and a hot air balloon, enjoy free Gilligan’s ice cream & toppings, and dance to a non-stop Elvis tribute, part of our annual series. This event is hosted by NYCM volunteers.

• Aug 5., 5:30 p.m.  Matt Grainger Acoustic.  With just a six-string guitar, Matt Grainger presents a soulful array of popular love songs and modern ballads.

• Aug. 12, 5:30 p.m.Crushing Midnight Duo: Less is more as the Crushing Midnight Duo -- vocalist Leslie Borden and guitarist Dave Harris -- play their own unplugged and bluesy versions of '80s and '90s hits and classics.

• Aug. 19, 5:30 p.m. The Small Town Big Band is a 15-piece band that performs music from the 1930s to today in the style of the Big Band era. Enjoy swing and jazz hits, including tunes by Miller, Dorsey, Basie, and other legendary band leaders.

• Aug. 26, 5:30 p.m. The Realtime Dixie Band includes some of the area’s finest concert musicians and presents songs inspired by New Orleans-style jazz. Their repertoire includes songs by Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Fats Waller, as well as contemporary songs by Jimmy Buffet, John Denver, and others.

Pathfinder Village is a non-profit, livable community that provides services and supports to people with Down syndrome and other intellectual/developmental disabilities. Through quality residential, educational, vocational, and enrichment programs, individuals grow toward fulfillment and independence while giving back to our local communities. Pathfinder also offers many avenues for community inclusion through concerts, events, adult day service offerings, the Bakery & Café, and Pathfinder Produce, the weekly fresh produce market that serves the public on Thursday afternoons and Saturday mornings.

Pathfinder Village’s musical performances are funded by private donors, Stewart’s Shops Holiday Match Program, and WGY’s Christmas Wish. This project is also funded by Earlville Opera House's Arts in the Community Grants Program, made possible by the New York State Legislature with support of the Office of the Governor, and administered by the New York State Council on the Arts.

The official Splash Path Color Burst

Edmeston, NY, April 19, 2024… Celebrate all the colors of spring at the 11th annual Splash Path 5k and Fun Walk at Pathfinder Village on Saturday, May 18. Online registration is open for this affordable color run-and-walk that is raising funds for Pathfinder’s vocational programs and the Pathfinder Produce Mobile Market.

“Splash Path is a lively, inclusive event that celebrates community. We welcome businesses, families, groups, teams -- walkers and runners of all ages and abilities,” said Splash Path Chair Monica Clark. “After your 5k, enjoy our post-race festival with live music by Litt Hour, food trucks, craft and vendor exhibits, and a ticket auction.”

“Splash Path has grown and helped support projects and programs that strengthen the local community,” added Mrs. Clark. “We appreciate the tremendous support we’ve received for Splash Path through the years.”

Splash Path features non-toxic colors and is a rain-or-shine event. Participants may register online at Race Roster: https://raceroster.com/events/2024/87616/splash-path-2024. All participants must sign waivers to take part; no dogs or bicycles are permitted on the route. On event day, registration opens at 8:30 a.m., craft and vendor booths open at 9 a.m., the kick-off ZUMBA Dance Party is at 9:30 a.m., and the color burst starts at 10 a.m.

Some of the area’s best-loved food trucks, including All the Perks, The Pizza Genie, and the Good Day Mobile Cafe will be onsite, and the post-race festival will feature live music by the popular band Litt Hour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The ticket auction features an incredible variety of donations by regional businesses and community partners; the drawing is at 1 p.m. and you need not be present to win.

Registration fees are affordable so that families may enjoy this fun and fitness event: Children 5 and under are $5; Youths (6-18) are $10; Adults (19+) are $25; the Family rate (3 to 6 people) is $50; early registration goes through May 6. Those who pre-register will receive a Splash Path 5k tee shirt, goodie bag, and other donated items. Splash Path is sponsored by businesses and community partners, which keeps registration fees affordable. Major sponsors to date include Brown & Brown of New York, Directive IT, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, as well as NYCM Insurance, Otsego County, ABM Fire Equipment, and other community-minded local businesses.

Pathfinder Village is a livable community and service provider for those with Down syndrome and other disabilities.  Pathfinder Produce’s Mobile Market works with area agencies and healthcare partners to transport fresh fruits and vegetables to local in-need families living in food deserts; Pathfinder Produce and the Mobile Market also create meaningful, community-based vocational opportunities for adults with disabilities.

Photo captions:  Pathfinder residents walk in unison across the finish line, celebrating the completion of their 5k walk. The Splash Path 5k is an inclusive event for athletes of all abilities, ages and fitness levels.

Community members gather for the post-race festival, which includes vendor exhibits and sales, a ticket auction, and food trucks. This year’s Splash Path festival will feature music by the popular band, Litt Hour.

Edmeston, New York, April 15, 2024 … Pathfinder Village’s awareness campaign for World Down Syndrome Day, March 21, eclipsed all expectations with colorful socks, blue-and-yellow decorations, and fun online and in-person promotional events.

As part of its annual “3-21 Challenge,” Pathfinder Village partnered with the employees of NYCM Insurance for their “Rock Your Socks” crazy socks day and charity games of “21” with members of the Village’s Adult Day Services serving as dealers. Through these awareness activities at the insurance company’s Edmeston, Sherburne, Canajoharie and Orchard Park locations, the NYCM staff raised $1,500 to benefit the non-profit organization. Wearing bright, colorful, mismatched socks on World Down Syndrome Day is a widespread tradition, as chromosomes resemble socks when imaged through high-resolution microphotography.

Other local businesses celebrated World Down Syndrome Awareness through special activities, including a donation drawing at High Burl Brewery, West Burlington, which raised $800. Local decoration contest winners included Hoyt’s Hardware, Local Gas, Spike’s Pizza & Grocery, the Benson Family, NBT Bank-Edmeston, and All the Perks Coffee Truck. Online, the Pathfinder Village Foundation raised over $11,000 with its $21 Challenge, which encouraged donors’ participation and peer-to-peer connections over social media.

Other events and activities during the month that focused on neighborly engagement and connecting globally with others in the Down syndrome community included a winter farmer’s market, a community painting class, a concert with Scattered Flurries, Otsego Academy’s Leadership week with peers from Colgate University, and the 11th-anniversary market for Pathfinder Produce, the Village’s signature microbusiness that provides the community access to fresh fruits and vegetables.

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.

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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.

Pathfinder Produce sets new weekly hours!

Community market to celebrate its 11th anniversary on 3-21

Edmeston, New York, March 5, 2024 … Pathfinder Produce, the fresh fruits and vegetables market at the Pathfinder Village Commons, is extending its hours starting this week. The new market hours are Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with additional hours on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The market is also celebrating its 11^th anniversary on Thursday, March 21, with special promotions. That day is World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD), and Pathfinder will join in the global celebration that highlights the contributions of people with Down syndrome. March 21 – “3-21” – is observed as the numerical date represents the triplication of the 21st chromosome in the human genotype, the cause of 95% of occurrences of Down syndrome.

Pathfinder Produce, a microbusiness operated through the Village’s Adult Day Services, is an integrated model for improving rural health outcomes and addressing health disparities while providing gainful employment and training opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The market held its grand opening on March 21, 2013, and has been offering fresh food markets, community produce distributions, and grant-funded Mobile Market delivery services since then.

“The men and women in our Adult Day Services have grown into their roles in hosting our fresh produce market each week; they have a sense of ownership in Pathfinder Produce,” said Layla Hazlett, OTR/L, the Director & Clinical Coordinator of Adult Services. “Our produce operations encourage on-the-job leadership and skills growth and provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities to contribute to the quality of life in the community. The new market hours will increase access for busy families to buy the fresh, healthy foods they need, and they will also increase the connections between Pathfinder and the shopping public.”

The market has recently extended its product lines with locally sourced inspected meats, milk, eggs, and staple foods. Pathfinder Produce provides a necessary service for local consumers as Edmeston is in a USDA-designated food desert; the closest full-service grocery store is over 10 miles away.

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, 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.

***

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.

The KWC ... reaching out throughout the world

Edmeston, New York, February 9, 2024 … The Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome is pleased to announce an expanded partnership with LIFEPlan CCO NY and Advanced Care Alliance of New York (ACANY). Established in 1996 as a leading resource center in the areas of research, education, and life planning needs, the Kennedy Willis Center has spent the last decade advancing its knowledge and expertise in the areas of aging and dementia services for individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“We want to ensure the delivery of quality care across a person’s entire lifespan–but what we consistently hear from families and providers is the unfortunate gaps in available services and training programs that support age and cognitive-related changes for older populations. Establishing readily accessible resources and collaborating with leading provider organizations like LIFEPlan CCO and ACANY will reaffirm the commitment to comprehensive and long-term quality services for people and their caregivers,” said Brittany Goodrich, Kennedy Willis Center Director.

Through this partnership, the Center will work closely with LIFEPlan and ACANY, two of New York State’s largest Care Coordination Organizations who formed a strategic partnership in 2021 that allowed for the expansion of inclusive services to its members and families through a network of highly trained human service and healthcare professionals. Today their services support over 44,000 members across 45 counties in New York State.

"We recognize the importance of person-centered services and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Nick Cappoletti, CEO at LIFEPlan CCO and ACANY. “By partnering with the Kennedy Willis Center, we can further expand and enhance our care management and clinical support to our members with Down syndrome and those who are experiencing age-related cognitive issues. LIFEPlan and ACA are committed to forming partnerships with experts to better serve our members and their families.”

Through the agreement, the Kennedy Willis Center’s staff will maintain a call center for families and direct care staff, participate in service plan meetings, conduct baseline dementia assessments, present specialty webinars, and regularly distribute newsletters and other educational materials. Working closely with LIFEPlan and ACANY’s leadership will facilitate an efficient and effective, person-centered process for assessments, referrals, and consultations.

“This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to extend the Center’s specialty services to individuals, families, and community-based service providers most in need across the Empire State. This partnership adds specialized tools for LIFEPlan and ACANY members and will help families and service providers navigate aging supports,” added Karen Knavel, Pathfinder Village’s President, and Chief Executive Officer.

***

To learn more about the Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome and its outreach initiatives, visit kwcdownsyndrome.org. The Center was established in 1996 at Pathfinder Village 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.

 ***

Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected livable community and services provider in upstate New York that was founded in 1980 to provide people with Down syndrome and related disabilities an independent, engaging, and fulfilling lifestyle. As it works to provide quality supports for older individuals, the Village also offers successful educational and pre-vocational services, and community-based day service options. To learn more, please call (607) 965-8377, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit pathfindervillage.org, or visit our social media on Facebook and Instagram.

Pastoral succession continues over three decades of services
supporting people with Down syndrome

Edmeston, NY, January 23, 2024 ... The ringing of the chapel bell at Pathfinder Village several weekends ago marked the transition of spiritual leadership at the nationally recognized community for people with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. The Rev. Douglas Burleigh, Village Chaplain since 2009, introduced the congregation to their new pastor, the Rev. Ben Blackwell of West Edmeston.

“This is a wonderful place, with wonderful people who live and work here. It has been a joy to work with them, to walk with them, and to be a part of their lives for the past 14 years,” said Pastor Burleigh in recalling his service to the Village. “I leave with the joy of knowing the residents and staff who are dear to my heart.”

Burleigh, MDiv, who lives in Fly Creek, is well loved among the community members, and recently was honored as one of Pathfinder’s Community Heroes for his exemplary service in meeting residents’ spiritual needs. Burleigh is also retiring from his chaplaincy role at The Community Hospice of Albany, part of St. Peter’s Health Partners, a hospice agency that serves over 4,300 patients and their families annually in eight upstate counties.

“Spirituality has a significant role in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Grief and loss, as well as the opportunity to celebrate joys and achievements, and to know fellowship and love, these are very much a part of each of their lives,” added Rev. Burleigh. “It has been my privilege to minister to them around these and other needs.”

“I’m very excited and grateful for the opportunity to serve at Pathfinder Village,” said Rev. Blackwell, the grandson of a minister who served congregations for over 50 years. “Being new to this ministry, my hope is to build relationships with the residents. It will be in those relationships where I will learn how I may be of service in guiding them in their spiritual journey and well-being.”

“The thirty-plus years of providing spiritual guidance at Pathfinder is foundational,” Blackwell added. “I hope to build on that existing foundation. This takes place in building those relationships with individuals, learning their spiritual needs, and serving and teaching them. Some adjustments will help increase engagement: I’ve worked closely with the Program and Enrichment staff. We’re excited about these steps that will move us forward in building on the spiritual foundation here at Pathfinder.”

Blackwell attended Practical Bible College, Johnson City, and worked extensively in youth ministry in the Owego area before 2003. After moving to Otsego County, he served as the assistant director of youth ministry at the Burlington Flats Baptist Church, working with over 40 teens each week. Building on 16 years as a youth minister, he transitioned to substituting at Sunday services at Burlington Flats and for other local congregations. He is now starting his fifth year as the senior pastor of the West Edmeston First Baptist Church and serves as the secretary for the area council of churches.

Blackwell is employed as a Desktop Support Technician II at NYCM, and volunteers in the community with the Tri-Town Youth Commission. He and his wife, Elizabeth, and three children reside in West Edmeston.

Although Pathfinder Village is not a faith-based organization and does not promote doctrine, early in its history its leaders recognized the role that spirituality can play in centering and benefiting people with intellectual disabilities. Non-denominational services at the Village have been offered regularly since the All-Faiths Community Chapel was dismantled piece-by-piece and restored at Pathfinder’s campus in 1986. Weekly services provide opportunities for fellowship, to express one’s faith, and the celebration of traditions. Individualized spiritual counseling services have been offered by Village Chaplains as well. During the height of the pandemic, video services were recorded and shared on YouTube, and individuals received counseling through online sessions.

The chapel building originally stood one mile from its present location in West Burlington and was a gift from the Wyoming Conference of the United Methodist Church. Pathfinder’s first Village Chaplain was the Rev. Mark Terwilliger, who served as the pastor at the First United Methodist Church of Edmeston at that time. Other full-time chaplains included Lyle Linder, Paul Towers, Beverly Butler, Lorraine Zimmerman, Connie Schroeder, and Sherry Acre.

Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected open-access 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.

Pathfinder sign during autumn

New leader is a lifetime advocate for people with intellectual disabilities, brings experience in all facets of human service organizations

Edmeston, NY, January 17, 2024 ... Karen M. Knavel of Willoughby Hills, Ohio, is the new president and chief executive officer of Pathfinder Village, announced William F. Streck, MD, the chair of the Village’s Board of Directors. Ms. Knavel, the former chief executive of New Avenues to Independence, Cleveland, has held leadership roles for over 25 years at non-profit agencies that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

Pathfinder Village, a nationally recognized leader in person-centered services for those with Down syndrome and other disabilities, is a livable community that offers diverse and high-quality residential, educational, vocational, health, enrichment, and other services throughout the lifespan. Ms. Knavel, 54, is the fourth person to serve in the top executive role since Pathfinder began in 1980; she succeeds Paul C. Landers, M.Ed.

In making the announcement, Dr. Streck said, “Karen combines a passion for helping and improving the lives of those with disabilities with demonstrated excellence in executive and financial leadership. Pathfinder Village has been blessed with such leaders and we welcome her to the Village community to sustain and enhance that history.”

“I’m honored to join this community and thank the Board of Directors for having faith and confidence in me to lead Pathfinder in shaping our future,” said Ms. Knavel. “My passionate belief that everyone has unique gifts and talents to share informs my work daily and inspires me to continue creating possibilities for people with disabilities.”

Ms. Knavel was hired following a year-long national search among executive-level candidates with expertise in disabilities, healthcare, housing, staffing, and non-profit operations. She brings a wealth of strategic, operational, and hands-on experience, having served in varied roles including chief operating officer, director of community relations and housing, staff development specialist, and supported living coordinator. She will work with Mr. Landers and the Village’s Leadership Team over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth transition.

Named New Avenues’ CEO in 2016, Ms. Knavel led her agency to become a leader in the delivery of services for people with I/DD during a transformational era. Serving Northeast Ohio, New Avenues offers supervised residential facilities, residential supports and day services for individuals living in private homes, and inclusion services for adults who want to be actively engaged in their communities.

A lifetime advocate for people with disabilities, Ms. Knavel has served on the Ohio Health Care Association as I/DD Board Chair since 2021, and on the Board of Representatives of ANCOR, the national advocacy group for the I/DD community. She also served as a grant reviewer for the Ohio Department of Education and contributed to research projects for the Social Security Administration, Columbus Children’s Hospital, retired Judge Linda Rocker, and late U.S. Representative Steven LaTourette.

Ms. Knavel earned a Juris Doctor at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, Columbus, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History at Walsh University, North Canton. She is the mother of two adult children and enjoys nature, hiking, and reading.

Among Pathfinder’s key accomplishments during Mr. Landers’ tenure were the creation of Pathfinder Produce and the Village’s Adult Day Services initiatives to provide job training and work opportunities to adults with I/DD. The Village has also increased its service capacity with the addition of a state-of-the-art community health center, several off-campus homes, and the expansion of its West Campus. Other achievements included the start-up of Otsego Academy, a post-secondary program; Camp Pathfinder, a summer camp for adults with intellectual disabilities; and the Aging Initiative, a series of program enhancements, staff training courses, and capital improvements that support seniors with I/DD who may also have dementia and mobility impairments.

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.

COOPERSTOWN, NY … The Pathfinder Village Hand Bell Choir will help the National Hall of Fame and local families ring in the holidays at the museum’s annual Holiday Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m.

From noon through 5:00 p.m., local residents will receive free museum admission with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy or at least five non-perishable food items. The food and toys will benefit the Cooperstown Food Bank and Toys for Tots. Throughout the day visitors can experience hands-on activities and family-friendly programs.

The Village Hand Bell Choir, which has performed for many years at the Hall of Fame's holiday event, was founded in 1982 and performs at area celebrations, schools, club gatherings, and other events. The group is under the direction of Mandy Simons, the Village’s Music and Expressive Arts Specialist; they perform using a three-octave set of Schumerlich bells originally donated by regional Rotary Clubs.

Other activities at the Hall of Fame that day include viewing the current exhibits and making a holiday craft at the museum’s Learning Center.

Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected, livable community and services provider in upstate New York and 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, and outreach programs.  To learn more, visit pathfindervillage.org or visit our pages on the popular social media sites, Facebook and Instagram.

October 12, 2023 … Pathfinder Village honored its Community Heroes and Programs of Excellence during its Family Day on Saturday, October 7. The staff of the Bassett Health Center Edmeston-Burlington, Pathfinder School, and Pastor Douglas Burleigh were recognized before gathered families, board members, and other stakeholders.

The awards acknowledge how individuals and programs have improved the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sustained and relevant person-centered services. Pathfinder Village, a livable residential community and services provider, founded in 1980, has been a leader in defining best practices in the Down syndrome field for decades.

In making the Community Heroes presentation, Mr. Landers recalled how Donald Pollock, MD and Van Ness Robinson of NYCM worked to open Bassett Healthcare Network’s first-ever community clinic in Edmeston in 1973. When it outgrew its South Street facility, the community clinic relocated to Pathfinder’s Butler House in 1990. It moved again in 2015 after Pathfinder raised funds to build a contemporary and larger facility, the William F. Streck Community Health Center. This building is named for Bassett’s past president and CEO, William F. Streck, MD, who also serves as chair of Pathfinder’s Board of Directors.

In presenting the award to Bassett staff members Theresa Scrivener, Pamela Simmons, and Bonnie Conrow, LPN, Mr. Landers said, “It's hard to describe how important it is to have the clinic here given the complex needs of our individuals: Healthcare is best administered when there is familiarity between the clinician and the patient.”

“Having this clinic here has given us a deep connection between the clinician and the patient,” he continued. “It’s the way medicine is meant to be delivered. Simply put, the health center is another tangible asset at Pathfinder that creates an environment where ‘each life may find meaning’.”

A Program Excellence award was given to the staff of Pathfinder School, a K-12 program that offers academic instruction, therapies, and other services to children with diverse physical and behavioral needs from 15 regional school districts. Mr. Landers said the school is Pathfinder’s “most-enduring program” and continues the affirming legacy of the Otsego School, an Edmeston-based home-school that was founded in 1922 to educate children with Down syndrome by Florence Chesebrough, RN.

Mr. Landers said the decades-long operation of the Otsego School set the inclusive tone for the entire community, and that long-standing acceptance encouraged the expansion of Pathfinder’s educational services in 2014 through its post-secondary program, Otsego Academy. He praised current Sr. Director of Education Maura Iorio for steering the educational program through some of its greatest changes and challenges.

“The children in our school are very different today, they have different needs than when Pathfinder opened,” he said. “With Maura’s leadership, and our dedicated faculty, therapists, and staff, Pathfinder School has redefined itself as a more diverse educational setting, delivering credible, creative services to a more complex student population. But the story is still the same … today families can find a place where their loved ones can grow, learn, and mature. Pathfinder School continues to be a place of hope, a reminder to all of us of the human potential.”

Mr. Landers also presented Pastor Douglas Burleigh a Program Excellence Award for his 14 years of providing spiritual and faith services to residents and families as part of the Village’s Enrichment program. The Rev. Burleigh, who also serves Community Hospice of Albany, will retire from his position at the end of the year.

“Pastor Doug has served through some really challenging times,” said Mr. Landers, referencing Rev. Burleigh’s counseling during the pandemic and in helping residents who have experienced the passing of friends through aging and dementia.

“Doug is always available in times of need and is deeply connected to this place. If you spend time with him, you understand that he cares about you, he cares about our community members, and he cares about Pathfinder’s mission,” concluded Mr. Landers.

The awards were announced during October, National Down Syndrome Awareness Month, to underscore the roles and contributions that people with Trisomy 21 make in their communities.

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.

National Down Syndrome Month Awareness

Edmeston, New York, September 27, 2023 … Pathfinder Village will celebrate the talents and community connections of individuals with Down syndrome through a new “I Am” campaign as part of its celebration of October as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

During the nationally observed month, the Village will feature Down syndrome facts and updates on its Facebook and Instagram social media, and will concurrently highlight Pathfinder’s self-advocacy group, Council Rock, through regular posts. Group members will share “I Am” statements to highlight their individual strengths, goals, and roles in the community.

“Council Rock is Pathfinder’s residents’ advisory and advocacy group that volunteers at events and supports other community activities. The group also is a forum for individuals to share their concerns about issues that affect their lives, including equal access, choice, and public policy,” said Council Rock Advisor Brittany Goodrich, the Director of the Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome at Pathfinder Village. “Through this new campaign, we hope to share our inclusive message for individuals of all abilities and encourage people to consider and share their own “I Am” statements.”

The “I Am” campaign aligns with a statewide campaign announced earlier this year by the state’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities called “Look Beyond My Disability.” OPWDD’s campaign encourages the public to recognize and combat stigmas that people with developmental disabilities encounter in their daily lives.

In addition to social media posts, Pathfinder will also make several announcements and offer outreach events during National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. As part of Pathfinder’s biennial Family Day on Saturday, October 7, the Village will announce its Community Hero Awards that recognize community members who have promoted Down syndrome awareness and have provided valuable assistance and support to Pathfinder. The Family Day event will also recognize the achievements of outgoing President and Chief Executive Officer Paul C. Landers, who is retiring after a
15-year tenure leading the organization.

To share its expertise in Down syndrome and aging, the Village’s Kennedy Willis Center will host a four-part webinar Lunch and Learn webinar series, “Nurturing Your Best Self through Music, Art, Movement & Mindfulness” starting on Wednesday, October 25. Registration is $30 for the entire series; each session begins at noon and is hosted by Mrs. Goodrich and Dr. Adel Herge, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA of Jefferson Eldercare, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia. To register, visit pathfindervillage.org/innovation-kwc/education.

Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected open-access community and services provider in upstate New York and 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, pre-vocational and outreach programs.  To learn more, visit pathfindervillage.org or visit our fan page on the popular social networking site, Facebook.

COOPERSTOWN, NY, September 17, 2023 … The spirit of community was unfurled as tennis enthusiasts, golfers, and friends of Pathfinder Village gathered on Monday, September 11, at the Pathfinder Village Tennis Classic and the Pathfinder Village-Baseball Hall of Fame Golf Invitational. Culminating with an awards banquet at The Otesaga Resort Hotel, the benefits raised over $85,500 for residential and student scholarships for people with intellectual disabilities.

“Nowhere else in this region do we have such an event; two tournaments, two sports, two non-profits—Pathfinder and the National Baseball Hall of Fame -- all come together for a day of fun, fellowship, and fundraising,” said Village Chief Executive Officer Paul C. Landers. “For 42 years and 14 years, golfers and tennis players have gathered at the south end of Otsego Lake to celebrate and support two internationally renowned organizations. It has been an honor to be part of this remarkable tradition in Cooperstown and we are confident it will continue for many more decades.”

The evening’s banquet highlight was a presentation by Village resident Carrie Bergeron, who was joined by her father, Tim of Dolgeville, and sister, Katie Peglow-Bergeron of Fairport. A children’s book author and lifelong advocate for people with Down syndrome, Carrie spoke of how Alzheimer’s disease impacts those with Trisomy 21 and movingly related her decision to join the Pathfinder community.

“I was able to live independently in my cozy apartments with self-direction support for 18 years,” said Carrie to a standing-room-only audience. “I now need 24/7 care for the memory loss I have been experiencing gradually. After months of planning, I moved to Pathfinder Village in June. It’s only been three months, but it already feels like home to me…. Thank you all for the scholarship that helps me live and thrive at Pathfinder Village!”

Baseball Hall of Fame Ambassador Rollie Fingers, who spent the afternoon finishing out the 18^th hole with golfers, spoke on the growth he saw during his weekend visit to Pathfinder and was featured during an interview with Hall of Fame President Josh Rawitch. The seven-time All-Star relief pitcher charmed guests with tales about his mustache: how he and his teammates grew facial hair to earn $300 bonuses from Oakland A’s owner Charles Finley, and how a fiery little girl once kicked him in the shin because she mistook him for Peter Pan’s nemesis, Captain Hook.

Tournament Chairs—Leatherstocking Golf Course Host Pro Tim Quirk and Community Volunteers Pat and Bob Hanft of Cooperstown—announced tournament winners and the expected proceeds of the day’s competitions. The Golf Invitational was won by the Community Bank team of Tim Miller, Dave Weaver, Brent Patry, and Theo Basdekis, who were paired with Springfield Country Club Host Professional E.J. Altobello of Springfield, Mass. (118; -26). In all, 92 amateurs and 22 regional golf pros played in Monday’s round.

The 14^th annual Tennis Classic at the Har-Tru Courts of the Cooperstown Country Club featured a full roster of 32 players organized in two flights. Flight A winners were Sheri Holohan and Eric Hage, both of Cooperstown, who defeated Cay Franck of Cooperstown and Chris Clark, New Hartford, at the end of one set (6-1). Flight B winners were Stephanie Bauer and Jill Poulson, both of Cooperstown, who defeated Mark diLorenzo, Cooperstown, and Doug Walters, New Hartford, following an eight-game pro-set (8-1).

The Golf Invitational follows a two-best-ball format, dates to 1982, and has raised over $3 million for Pathfinder scholarships; it has enjoyed long-time support from Presenting Sponsor NBT Bank and Corporate Sponsor Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast. The golf event also raised $15,000 this year in support of the Hall of Fame’s educational programs.

Monday’s Tennis Classic followed a modified round-robin, mixed doubles format, and was sponsored by Presenting Sponsors Bob and Pat Hanft, and The Sokolik family of Darien, Conn. Trophy Sponsors included Strategic Financial Services, New Hartford; Dairy Farmers of America, Kansas City and Syracuse; and Team Bunny of Cooperstown. Since 2010, this social and competitive amateur tournament has raised more than $270,000 for scholarships.

Other Golf Invitational results included: Second Place Team (120, -24) Christopher Levy, Owen Burns, Justin Nadeau, Matthew Barry of Pursuit Lending, Pro Drew Quirk; Third (121, -23) Denny Mirabito, Matt Curtis, Erin Quirk and Lin Vincent, Pro Bob Meheran; Fourth (123, -21) Mike Thornhill and Joe Pucello of Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast, with Andrew Vilacky and Jim Potts, Pro Eric Egloff; Fifth (124, -20) Dan Simmons and Bill Cartier of Sysco, Dylan Chase and Devin Chase of Directive IT, Pro Derek Murphy. Professional Skins Game winners included E.J. Altobello (birdie on #7, hole-in-one on #9); Drew Quirk (birdie on #2); and Bruce Zabriski (birdie on #6).

For more information about the Golf Invitational or the Tennis Classic, please contact the Development Staff at Pathfinder Village at (607) 965-8377, ext. 116. Pathfinder Village is a private, internationally respected livable community and services provider in upstate New York and offers people with Down syndrome and other disabilities an independent and fulfilling lifestyle. As it provides quality supports for individuals with intellectual disabilities, the Village also offers highly successful educational, day services, pre-vocational, and outreach programs. To learn more, visit pathfindervillage.org, or visit our social media on Facebook and Instagram.

Photo Captions:  Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers (third from left) poses on the 18^th green of the Leatherstocking Golf Course with the Community Bank, NA team of Tim Miller, Theo Basdekis, Brent Patry and Dave Weaver, along with Springfield Country Club Golf Professional E.J. Altobello (far right). The team came in first at -26 in the recent Pathfinder Village-Baseball Hall of Fame Golf Invitational. (National Baseball Hall of Fame photo – Milo V. Stewart).

Winners Sheri Holohan and Eric Hage, center, along with runners-up Cay Franck, left, and Chris Clark, right, were the Flight A finalists for the 14th annual Pathfinder Village Tennis Classic, played at the Har-Tru Courts of the Cooperstown Country Club on Monday, September 11. (Pathfinder Village Photo-Bill Schaeffer.

 Winners Jill Poulson and Stephanie Bauer, center, along with runners-up Mark DiLorenzo, left, and Doug Walters, right, were the Flight B finalists for the 14th annual Pathfinder Village Tennis Classic, played at the Cooperstown Country Club on Monday, September 11. (Pathfinder Village Photo-Lori Grace).

COOPERSTOWN, NY, September 7, 2023 … The Pathfinder Village All-Stars showed heart and hustle last week at Doubleday Field. For the third summer, members of the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association hosted a skills clinic at the game’s storied field to benefit people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

Progressing through fielding, pitching, and batting stations, Pathfinder’s athletes brought their A-game and listened intently as the former big leaguers made recommendations and offered encouragement. The universal appeal of the National Pastime was unmistakable, and the ‘plink’ of bats hitting balls, accomplished smiles, and enthusiastic cheers filled the afternoon.

Last week’s clinic included over 60 players from Pathfinder Village, Edmeston, a nationally recognized leader in services for people with intellectual disabilities. This year’s MLBPAA coaches included Clint Hurdle, the former manager of the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates; Tom Carroll, a retired pitcher with the 1974-75 “Big Red Machine” Cincinnati Reds; Jonah Bayliss, a past relief pitcher for Kansas City and Pittsburgh; Gary Holle, a former first baseman and pinch hitter for the Texas Rangers; Frank Seminara, a past starting pitcher for the San Diego Padres and New York Mets; Dickie Noles, the 11-season player whose relief pitching in Game 4 helped the Phillies win the 1980 World Series; and Evan Scribner, the right-handed pitcher who played for San Diego, Oakland, and Seattle. Rick Bernardo, an All-American first baseman who played on three College World Series teams for the University of Maine and played for the Rangers’ farm teams and the Taiwan Lions, also joined in on the coaching duties.

“This clinic we host for the residents of Pathfinder Village has become one of my favorite days of the year,” said Mr. Hurdle. “To collaborate with our small group, and to watch and make the day happen puts a smile on everyone’s heart.”

“All the MLBPAA members who volunteer their time had their hearts tugged in as well,” he added. “In baseball terms…it was a five-run home run!”

Along with MLBPAA members, the skills clinic was organized by dedicated volunteers, spearheaded by Monica Clark of Pathfinder Village and Dr. Joe Dutkowsky of Cooperstown, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with Bassett Healthcare Network, who has spent his career creating opportunities for people with disabilities. Other volunteers at Doubleday included Dan and Cindy Codi of Marlboro; Karla and Christian Hurdle of Anna Maria Island, Florida; Dr. Michael and Carole Lachance of Cooperstown; Dan Jason of Schenectady; and Brandon and Brayman Clark of Edmeston, among others.

“It’s almost magical when these special athletes play baseball with former major league players,” said Dr. Dutkowsky. “It’s transformative, a judgement-free zone where those who have achieved at the highest-level share with persons with Down syndrome and other disabilities the fundamental joys of what human beings can do with a ball, a bat, and a glove.”

“The annual clinic with the former elite players has grown each year,” said Pathfinder’s President and Chief Executive Officer Paul C. Landers. “There’s a real affinity between these men who have played baseball at its most competitive level, and Pathfinder’s residents, who show the same love and commitment to the game.”

Each Pathfinder athlete received a personalized jersey courtesy of Baseball Fantasy Camps for Kids, specially created by the NOVUS Clothing Company of Latham. The athletes also received autographed balls and will have personalized baseball cards created to commemorate their 2023 Doubleday experience.

Pathfinder Village is a non-profit, livable community that supports people who have Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities. Through quality residential, educational, vocational, and enrichment programs, individuals grow toward fulfillment and independence while giving back to our local communities. Pathfinder offers many avenues for community inclusion through special events, adult day services, vocational services, a Bakery & Café, and Pathfinder Produce, the weekly fresh produce market that is open to the public on Thursday afternoons. For more information, visit Pathfinder Village’s social media or its website, pathfindervillage.org.

To see more photos, click here to visit Pathfinder's Facebook album.

Banner picture: Retired relief pitcher Dickie Noles, who helped the Phillies win the 1980 World Series, works with Pathfinder Village athletes on fielding during the third annual skills clinic held by members of the MLBPAA at Doubleday Field, Cooperstown. (Pathfinder Village photo).

Former Colorado Rockies Manager Clint Hurdle assists Gavin B. with his glove during the skills clinic. (Pathfinder Village photo).

Photo Captions: Former New York Mets starting pitcher Frank Seminara is all smiles as Pathfinder athlete Theresa C. refines her pitching at the skills clinic held last week at Doubleday Field, Cooperstown. (Pathfinder Village photo).