蜜桃视频

National Down Syndrome Month Awareness

Edmeston, New York, September 27, 2023 鈥� 蜜桃视频 will celebrate the talents and community connections of individuals with Down syndrome through a new 鈥淚 Am鈥� 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鈥檚 self-advocacy group, Council Rock, through regular posts. Group members will share 鈥淚 Am鈥� statements to highlight their individual strengths, goals, and roles in the community.

鈥淐ouncil Rock is Pathfinder鈥檚 residents鈥� 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,鈥� said Council Rock Advisor Brittany Goodrich, the Director of the Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome at 蜜桃视频. 鈥淭hrough this new campaign, we hope to share our inclusive message for individuals of all abilities and encourage people to consider and share their own 鈥淚 Am鈥� statements.鈥�

The 鈥淚 Am鈥� campaign aligns with a statewide campaign announced earlier this year by the state鈥檚 Office for People With Developmental Disabilities called 鈥淟ook Beyond My Disability.鈥� OPWDD鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 Kennedy Willis Center will host a four-part webinar Lunch and Learn webinar series, 鈥�Nurturing Your Best Self through Music, Art, Movement & Mindfulness鈥� 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.

蜜桃视频 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 鈥� The spirit of community was unfurled as tennis enthusiasts, golfers, and friends of 蜜桃视频 gathered on Monday, September 11, at the 蜜桃视频 Tennis Classic and the 蜜桃视频-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.

鈥淣owhere else in this region do we have such an event; two tournaments, two sports, two non-profits鈥擯athfinder and the National Baseball Hall of Fame -- all come together for a day of fun, fellowship, and fundraising,鈥� said Village Chief Executive Officer Paul C. Landers. 鈥淔or 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.鈥�

The evening鈥檚 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鈥檚 book author and lifelong advocate for people with Down syndrome, Carrie spoke of how Alzheimer鈥檚 disease impacts those with Trisomy 21 and movingly related her decision to join the Pathfinder community.

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

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鈥檚 owner Charles Finley, and how a fiery little girl once kicked him in the shin because she mistook him for Peter Pan鈥檚 nemesis, Captain Hook.

Tournament Chairs鈥擫eatherstocking Golf Course Host Pro Tim Quirk and Community Volunteers Pat and Bob Hanft of Cooperstown鈥攁nnounced tournament winners and the expected proceeds of the day鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 educational programs.

Monday鈥檚 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 蜜桃视频 at (607) 965-8377, ext. 116. 蜜桃视频 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 蜜桃视频-Baseball Hall of Fame Golf Invitational. (National Baseball Hall of Fame photo 鈥� 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 蜜桃视频 Tennis Classic, played at the Har-Tru Courts of the Cooperstown Country Club on Monday, September 11. (蜜桃视频 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 蜜桃视频 Tennis Classic, played at the Cooperstown Country Club on Monday, September 11. (蜜桃视频 Photo-Lori Grace).

COOPERSTOWN, NY, September 7, 2023 鈥� The 蜜桃视频 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鈥檚 storied field to benefit people with Down syndrome and other disabilities.

Progressing through fielding, pitching, and batting stations, Pathfinder鈥檚 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 鈥榩link鈥� of bats hitting balls, accomplished smiles, and enthusiastic cheers filled the afternoon.

Last week鈥檚 clinic included over 60 players from 蜜桃视频, Edmeston, a nationally recognized leader in services for people with intellectual disabilities. This year鈥檚 MLBPAA coaches included Clint Hurdle, the former manager of the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates; Tom Carroll, a retired pitcher with the 1974-75 鈥淏ig Red Machine鈥� 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鈥� farm teams and the Taiwan Lions, also joined in on the coaching duties.

鈥淭his clinic we host for the residents of 蜜桃视频 has become one of my favorite days of the year,鈥� said Mr. Hurdle. 鈥淭o collaborate with our small group, and to watch and make the day happen puts a smile on everyone鈥檚 heart.鈥�

鈥淎ll the MLBPAA members who volunteer their time had their hearts tugged in as well,鈥� he added. 鈥淚n baseball terms鈥t was a five-run home run!鈥�

Along with MLBPAA members, the skills clinic was organized by dedicated volunteers, spearheaded by Monica Clark of 蜜桃视频 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.

鈥淚t鈥檚 almost magical when these special athletes play baseball with former major league players,鈥� said Dr. Dutkowsky. 鈥淚t鈥檚 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.鈥�

鈥淭he annual clinic with the former elite players has grown each year,鈥� said Pathfinder鈥檚 President and Chief Executive Officer Paul C. Landers. 鈥淭here鈥檚 a real affinity between these men who have played baseball at its most competitive level, and Pathfinder鈥檚 residents, who show the same love and commitment to the game.鈥�

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.

蜜桃视频 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 & Caf茅, and Pathfinder Produce, the weekly fresh produce market that is open to the public on Thursday afternoons. For more information, visit 蜜桃视频鈥檚 social media or its website, pathfindervillage.org.

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

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

Educational event highlights working trucks and equipment for families to discover

Edmeston, New York, September 5, 2023 ...  Trucks, tractors, heavy equipment, and other working vehicles will be front-and-center at 蜜桃视频鈥檚 second annual 鈥淏ig Rig Shindig鈥� on Saturday, September 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

This low-cost, educational family-fun event will highlight the role of working vehicles in our communities and provide children with a novel way to learn about specific industries from area businesses and organizations. The event also offers networking opportunities so that business owners and representatives may talk about their services, careers, training in their fields, and more.

鈥淭he 鈥楤ig Rig Shindig鈥� is a fun day to showcase vehicles that are tough and tactical, and represent our local heroes and helpers to children,鈥� said event organizer Monica Clark, Pathfinder鈥檚 Manager of Fund Development and People Engagement. 鈥淲e all know youngsters who are fascinated by big equipment -- this is a great way to encourage their interests and to offer an introduction to possible careers. Our event helps build community, exhibits hardworking machines, and teaches children about industries and on-the-job safety.鈥�

Weather and call dependent, the rescue helicopter from LifeNet of New York, stationed in Sidney, is expected to make a special appearance during the event.

Event Admission is affordable: $5 per single person/$10 per car. There are remaining exhibitor slots, free of charge. All exhibitors must complete a registration form and have a Certificate of Insurance to participate. A printable form is available on the Pathfinder website, pathfindervillage.org/events. Volunteer opportunities are also available; more information is available at the Pathfinder Facebook page or by calling Mrs. Clark at 607-965-8377 x 116 during regular business hours.

About 蜜桃视频: 蜜桃视频 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 living 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 蜜桃视频, please call (607) 965-8377, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit the website at , or visit our social media on Facebook and Instagram. 

Former MLB Pitcher Jonah Baylis gives Mike A. some pointers

COOPERSTOWN, NY, August 20, 2023 鈥� The love of our National Pastime will joyfully reunite MLB Player Alumni and 蜜桃视频 residents at Cooperstown鈥檚 historic Doubleday Field during a third annual skills clinic set for Tuesday, August 29, starting at 1:30 p.m. Members of the press are invited to attend this event.

Over 60 players from 蜜桃视频, Edmeston, a nationally recognized residential community and service provider for people with Down syndrome and other disabilities, will attend to refine their hitting, fielding, and throwing under the tutelage of past professional players. This year鈥檚 MLB Players Alumni Association members will include:

鈥� Clint Hurdle, the former manager of the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates.
鈥� Tom Carroll, a retired pitcher with the 1974-75 鈥淏ig Red Machine鈥� Cincinnati Reds.
鈥� Jonah Bayliss, a past relief pitcher for Kansas City and Pittsburgh.
鈥� Gary Holle, a former first baseman and pinch hitter for the Texas Rangers.
鈥� David Palmer, formerly with the Montreal Expos, who pitched five perfect innings against the Cardinals in 1984.
鈥� Dickie Noles, a relief pitcher for the 1980 World Series-winning Phillies.
鈥� C.J. Riefenhauser, the left-handed pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays; and
鈥� Evan Scribner, the right-handed pitcher who played for San Diego, Oakland, and Seattle.

鈥淒oubleday and Cooperstown are hallowed grounds for everyone who loves Baseball,鈥� said Mr. Hurdle. 鈥淎t our past clinics, it was heartening to see the one-hundred percent effort and the recognition that the athletes have done something that they didn鈥檛 know they could do. It really hits home.鈥�

鈥淲e all feel like a million bucks lining up on the baselines at Doubleday,鈥� Mr. Hurdle added. 鈥淥ur instructors get 鈥榠nfield dust鈥� in their eyes. Sharing Baseball with adults with special needs 鈥� it re-ignites our passion for the game and shows that Baseball really can celebrate the human spirit and unite all of us.鈥�

The event is organized by MLB Player Association staff and volunteers, including Dr. Joseph Dutkowsky of Cooperstown, a pediatric orthopedic surgeon with Bassett Healthcare Network, who has spent his career creating opportunities for people with disabilities. Other volunteers include Dan and Cindy Codi of Marlboro, Dan Jason of Schenectady, Greg Aidala of Albany, Bishop Edward Scharfenberger of Albany, Brandon Clark of Edmeston, and Carole and Michael Lachance, MD of Cooperstown.

Each player will receive a personalized jersey courtesy of Baseball Fantasy Camps for Kids, specially created by the NOVUS Clothing Company, Latham. The players will also receive autographed balls, trading cards, and have their own baseball cards created as mementos of their 2023 Doubleday experience.

蜜桃视频 is a non-profit, livable community devoted to supporting people who have Down syndrome and other intellectual and developmental 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 & Caf茅, and Pathfinder Produce, the weekly fresh produce market that is open to the public on Thursday afternoons. For more information, visit 蜜桃视频鈥檚 social media or its website, pathfindervillage.org.

All smiles

Edmeston, New York, July 27, 2023 鈥� 蜜桃视频 will launch an exciting new summer music activity, 鈥淢ommy and Me鈥� for babies and young children on Wednesday afternoons at 1 p.m., starting August 16. The four weekly sessions at the Pathfinder Pavilion will foster social development and other benefits through music, movement, and play.

Each session is $20 per child and pre-registration is required; to learn more or to register, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Additional children from the same daycare setting may register for a reduced fee of $5.
The 鈥淢ommy and Me鈥� sessions are open to parents, grandparents, daycare providers, and others caring for young children, ages 0-5. Based on the popular Kindermusik curriculum, the sessions will be hosted by Pathfinder鈥檚 Adult Day Services Pre-Vocational Program and co-led by Layla Hazlett, OTR/L, an experienced pediatric occupational therapist who serves as the Village鈥檚 Director & Clinical Coordinator of Adult Services.

鈥淢embers of our Pre-Vocational Skills Programs love meeting young children, and music is the universal language that we all love to experience,鈥� said Mrs. Hazlett. 鈥淭hese fun classes will offer healthy play, opportunities for language development, and will help with foundational motor skills. But mostly, we鈥檒l have fun using instruments like maracas, drums, and tambourines, explore favorite children鈥檚 songs, and enjoy group games.鈥�

鈥淭he 鈥楳ommy and Me鈥� sessions will help prepare young children for new social activities and learning experiences as they change gears for pre-school, new daycare settings, and kindergarten this fall,鈥� added Mrs. Hazlett. Sessions will include snack time with treats and drinks served from Pathfinder Produce鈥檚 new Kitchen to Go, a portable kitchen that offers school and community educational programs to promote healthy eating and other food and nutrition topics.

About 蜜桃视频: 蜜桃视频 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 services 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 蜜桃视频, 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鈥檚 Facebook and Instagram social media pages.

Rock 'n Roll fun

NYCM Employees host community event for car & ice cream enthusiasts

Edmeston, New York, July 18, 2023 ... Meet Syracuse University鈥檚 Otto the Orange, dance to Elvis鈥� hits, savor ice cream treats, and enjoy gleaming restored vehicles at this year鈥檚 Cruise-In at 蜜桃视频 on Thursday, August 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Organized by employees of NYCM鈥檚 Casualty Department, this community event will include voting for the 鈥淏est of Show鈥� vehicle. The Cruise-In is free and all are welcome.

Volunteers will serve free Gilligan鈥檚 of Sherburne ice cream with all the toppings, including Pathfinder鈥檚 signature flavor, 鈥淧athfinder Palooza,鈥� which premiered at last year鈥檚 Cruise-In. Listen to classic music hits with a special performance by Elvis Tribute Artist Don Brown, and see Otto, SU鈥檚 beloved mascot, who will be inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting, Ind. with the Class of 2023 later this summer.

Co-Chairs Kim Mack and Pete Smith of NYCM invite all area vintage car owners to share their vehicles with fans at the Pathfinder Pavilion. No advance registration is required. The second annual 鈥淏est of Show鈥� trophy will be presented that evening; last year鈥檚 inaugural award went to the Hunter Family of West Winfield for their 1947 MG TD roadster.

鈥淲e hope all classic car lovers will join us for an evening 鈥榡ust for fun.鈥� It鈥檚 about embracing community, enjoying a great setting, learning about some fantastic, restored cars, and celebrating the long partnership between NYCM and Pathfinder,鈥� said Mrs. Mack. 鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful to Gilligan鈥檚, Don Brown, our friends at Syracuse University, and our local car enthusiasts for supporting a night of community fun.鈥�

***
About 蜜桃视频: 蜜桃视频 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 蜜桃视频, 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鈥檚 Facebook and Instagram social media pages.

Staff Honorees in 2023 were celebrated at a special luncheon on June 20 at the Pavilioin

Edmeston, New York, June 21, 2023 ... 蜜桃视频 recognized the dedication and diligence of its employees celebrating five-year service anniversaries at a luncheon at the Pathfinder Pavilion on Tuesday. Altogether, 26 staff have devoted over 295 years of service to Pathfinder residents, students, day service participants, and families.

During his comments, Village President & Chief Executive Officer Paul Landers noted that all honorees had made a conscious choice to work in the intellectual disabilities field and that each person has adopted Pathfinder鈥檚 set of core values to guide their daily work.

鈥淲e are a group that believes in community for the greater good,鈥� said Mr. Landers. 鈥淚t isn鈥檛 a mission statement or a checklist, it鈥檚 the acknowledgment that everything we do should move us closer to living our beliefs. We genuinely care 鈥� believing that 40 years from now, our work will stand strong. We set an example, give back, inspire others with a sense of purpose, and impact our community in positive ways.鈥�

This year鈥檚 honorees include Ancillary-Environmental Services Team Member Eva Pickens, who has 40 years of service to Pathfinder, its individuals, and their families. Direct Support Professional Cindy Holbert and Coordinator of Enrichment & Community Life Charleen Orendorff are both marking their 35^th anniversaries. Christine Chase, the Manager of Ancillary Services, and Stephanie Sitts, the Transition Coordinator for Pathfinder School, are celebrating their 25^th anniversaries.

Direct Support Professional (DSP) Cody Ray is marking his 15^th year in Residential Services. Adult Day Services (ADS) Site Supervisor Destiny Curl, Overnight On-Call Manager Gina Murfitt and ADS Pre-Vocational Staff Cheryl Winton are all celebrating a decade of service.

Those honored as new members of the 鈥淔ive Year Club鈥� include (by department): Administration & Development - Executive Assistant Sally Trosset; Adult Day Services - Supported Employment Coordinator Rose Davis, Pre-Vocational Staff Amanda Geier, Pathfinder Produce Worker Eric Mackiewicz; Clinical Services 鈥� Behavior Specialist Josh Simmons MS BCBA; Education Services 鈥� Occupational Therapist Brittney Crouse, Classroom Aide Samantha Hanslmaier; Nursing & Health Services - Director of Health Services Caitlin Corns RN, School Nurse Monica Sparaco RN-BC, BSN; Residential Services 鈥� DSP 2.0 Chelsea Keach, Residential Support Staff Connor Deforest, DSP Karen Rifanburg, Gilbert House Manager Dorothy Vertucci; DSP Brittany Emerson, DSP 2.0 Koral Hoag, and DSP Curtis Wright.

蜜桃视频 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.

-- 30 鈥�

Photo Caption: 蜜桃视频 veteran staff members were honored at a special luncheon at the Pathfinder Pavilion on Tuesday, June 20 for their collective 295 years of service to the residential community and services provider that serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Front Row (l to r): Stephanie Sitts, Christine Chase, Eva Pickens, Charleen Orendorff, Cindy Holbert. Back Row: Rose Davis, Destiny Curl, Connor Deforest, Amanda Geier, Cody Ray, Caitlin Corns, Brittney Crouse, Samantha Hanselmaier, Sally Trosset, Monica Sparaco, and Eric Mackiewicz.

蜜桃视频's latest DSP 2.0s

Edmeston, New York, May 31, 2023 ... 蜜桃视频 announced the graduation of eight staff through its Direct Support Professional 2.0 program last week. This training program aligns with direct care and human service competencies using a multi-tiered approach to build employees鈥� skills, provide one-on-one mentoring, and offer theme-based classroom sessions.

The newest DSP 2.0 graduates are Mackenzie Bigford, Brittany Harty, Koral Hoag, Chelsea Keach, Katie Kujawski, Angela Lund, Danielle Sheldon, and Gregory Winton. The newly credentialed DSP 2.0s work primarily in Pathfinder鈥檚 residential homes but also provide vital supports to people with intellectual disabilities as they participate in community-based services and activities, receive medical services, and pursue pre-vocational/employment activities and personal interests.

鈥淭his group of Direct Support Professionals dedicated the last nine months to completing a robust professional development program,鈥� said Pathfinder鈥檚 Chief Program Officer Kelly A. Meyers. 鈥淚鈥檓 inspired by their growth, the confidence each person has gained, and how they鈥檝e all demonstrated care and compassion for individuals they support.鈥�

鈥淭he DSP 2.0 training is an incentivized program that offers staff the skills and guidance they need to commit to a career in direct care,鈥� said Program Specialist and staff trainer Michelle Banks. 鈥淭he requirements of DSPs have increased over the past decades, and the quality of care that frontline staff provides is rooted in mastering direct care responsibilities, being pro-active advocates, and developing trust with the individuals and families they serve. Our DSP 2.0s are more involved in resident programming and deliver improved services.鈥�

蜜桃视频 also offers further advancement opportunities through its DSP 3.0 program. This eight-month course is focused in working with an aging population and offers case management experience and professional mentoring in collaboration with the Village鈥檚 Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome and Jefferson Eldercare, Thomas Jefferson University of Philadelphia.

Village administrators recognize having a trained, knowledgeable Direct Support Professional workforce is critical, as there are growing numbers of aging individuals in the US with cognitive declines and dementia. The development of the DSP 2.0 and 3.0 trainings extends Pathfinder鈥檚 decades of work in aging programs and infrastructure supports for people with intellectual disabilities.

蜜桃视频 is an internationally respected livable community and services provider in upstate New York and 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 and pre-vocational services, aging and outreach programs. To learn more, visit , or visit our social media on Facebook and Instagram.

Edmeston, NY, May 25, 2023鈥� For a decade, 蜜桃视频鈥檚 Splash Path 5k and Fun Walk has colorfully celebrated community and offered an inclusive athletic event for people of all ages and abilities. This past Saturday, the color run and festival achieved a new fundraising milestone, $30,000, in support of the Pathfinder Produce Mobile Market and vocational programs for adults with intellectual disabilities.

鈥淪aturday鈥檚 tenth annual event was a wonderful celebration of how the public, businesses, athletes and non-profits can collaborate to support meaningful programs and services that benefit our entire community,鈥� said Event Chair Monica Clark. 鈥淥ver the ten years of Splash Path, we鈥檝e invested over $160,500 in community-focused inclusion projects and wellness initiatives. We鈥檙e grateful to our loyal sponsors and participants who have made Splash Path such a success.鈥�

Splash Path 5k proceeds and health-focused grants have been the chief revenue sources for Pathfinder鈥檚 food distribution and fresh produce prescription programs to help address community health and food insecurity issues in our area. Pathfinder Produce, founded in 2013, and its Mobile Market, started in 2018, are vital microbusinesses operated through the Village鈥檚 Adult Day Services, which provide community-based training and vocational opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities throughout our area.

Over 450 runners and walkers registered for Saturday鈥檚 5k. Special recognition was paid during the color burst ceremony for sponsors, participants, and volunteers who have contributed to the event鈥檚 success consistently since 2014. Recognized community sponsors included: 10 Years: The Landers Family, Ryno Graphics; 9 Years: Aqua Valley, NYCM Insurance, Gordon B. Roberts/One Group; 8 Years: The Bonadio Group, Chobani, Preferred Mutual Insurance, Prolifiq Sign Studio.

Recognized participants included: 10 Years: Nancy Knorr; 9 Years: Lucille Adsit, Angela Benson, John Knorr, Zoe Curtis; 8 Years: Brenda Crowder, Erin & McKenzie Stevens. Recognized volunteers included: 10 Years: The Edmeston Fire Department, Monica Clark, Caprice Eckert, Lori Grace, Paul Landers; 9 Years: Brandon Clark, Kathy Landers;  8 Years: Zoe Curtis ZUMBA Fitness.

Direct Support Professional Cheryl Winton of Pathfinder鈥檚 Adult Day Services was recognized for her outreach in working with area businesses from the communities of Edmeston, New Berlin, Sherburne, Cooperstown, Oneonta, Norwich, Hamilton, and Utica in support of the Splash Path ticket auction. Other sponsors, The Bonadio Group, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, JPMorgan, NBT Bank, NYCM Insurance, One Group, and Preferred Mutual Insurance also provided items for the participants鈥� goodie bags.

Complimentary Chobani products and special 10^th anniversary cupcakes from Pathfinder Bakery were served at the 5k finish line to Splash Path visitors. A custom commemorative quilt made from all prior years鈥� Splash Path tee shirts, created by Kathy Landers of Cooperstown, was also displayed.

Title Sponsors this year included Brown & Brown of New York and Directive IT, Oneonta. Other key sponsors included NYCM Insurance and Bishop Printshop, Edmeston; The Bonadio Group, Syracuse; Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield, Utica; Principle Design & Engineering, PLLC, Norwich; Otsego County Government; Altonview Architects, Cooperstown; Access Therapy, Clifton Park; Reese-Marshall, Norwich; ABM Fire Equipment, Milford; J.P. Morgan, Greenwich, Conn.; Carlo Masi Sons & Daughter, Utica; Tarrytown Expocare Pharmacy, Austin, Texas; and Williams Tire & Auto, Pittsfield. For a complete list of event sponsors visit Pathfinder鈥檚 website at .

Along with the 5k event, the day featured six food trucks/vendors and 25 craft/business vendors. Festival attendees also enjoyed live music by Josh Breen, outdoor games, and the beautiful community grounds of Pathfinder.

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

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Edmeston, NY, May 5, 2023 鈥� The Kennedy Willis Center on Down Syndrome at 蜜桃视频 is hosting a four-part webinar series this June, Nurturing Your Best Self through Music, Art, Movement & Mindfulness. The series will share useful strategies for families and direct support staff who care for older adults with Down syndrome, dementia, and other disabilities.

Series registration is $30 per attendee; online information and a registration link are at . The series will be facilitated by E. Adel Herge, OTD, OTR/L, FAOTA of Jefferson Elder Care, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pa., and Brittany Goodrich, Director of the Kennedy Willis Center, the research and advocacy arm of 蜜桃视频. 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.

鈥淧eople with Down syndrome are living longer than ever before, and the changes associated with aging may affect a person鈥檚 participation in activities that are important to them,鈥� said Dr. Herge. 鈥淭he cognitive and physical changes with aging and the onset of dementia make it particularly challenging for individuals to stay active and engaged.鈥�

鈥淥ur second annual webinar series will explore the relationship of participating in meaningful activities with health and well-being,鈥� added Director Goodrich. 鈥淥ur knowledgeable presenters will discuss ways you may use music, art, movement, and mindfulness to help the people you support to stay active, involved in activities, and experience joy.鈥�

The sessions will be on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. and will feature:

June 7   Your Creative Self: The Value of Art, even if You're Not Artistic: Anne Dudley-Smith is the Gallery Director for , 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.

June 14   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 蜜桃视频 for 10 years and offers a variety of programs to meet audience needs. He is a trained Remo Health Rhythms庐 facilitator, Village Music Circles庐 Global Drum Facilitator, a graduate of Music For People庐, and a graduate of Ithaca College of Music.

June 21   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.

June 28   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 including loss, faith, and other topics. Our panel includes the Rev. Douglas Burleigh, Fly Creek, the chaplain at 蜜桃视频 and Community Hospice of Albany; 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 training and outreach initiatives, visit . The Center was established in 1996 with a three-fold mission: to provide continuing education opportunities for families and the community at large regarding best practices in developmental disabilities, to serve as an information and life planning resource for those with a loved one with developmental disabilities, and to host and support studies by accredited research organizations related to Down syndrome and related disabilities.

蜜桃视频 is an internationally respected open-access 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, the Village also offers successful educational and pre-vocational services, including its post-secondary transitional program, Otsego Academy, and its community-based day services option. To learn more, please call (607) 965-8377, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., visit , or visit our page on Facebook.

蜜桃视频 invites community members and local families to 鈥淐olor Our Community鈥� in blue and yellow on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day 2023. WDSD is a celebration that highlights the talents and inclusion of people with Down syndrome in communities around the globe.

Paul C. Landers, M.Ed., Cooperstown, will retire as the president and chief executive officer of 蜜桃视频, announced William F. Streck, MD, the chair of the Village鈥檚 Board of Directors.

蜜桃视频 pulled out all the stops with its eighth annual Community Trick-or-Treat event on Saturday. Over 340 trick-or-treaters enjoyed a safe and spooky afternoon visiting Pathfinder鈥檚 livable campus.

Stormy weather segued into magical anniversary moments in Cooperstown this past Monday as 蜜桃视频, a livable community and service provider for people with intellectual disabilities, raised over $85,000 for scholarships through its 蜜桃视频 Tennis Classic and the 蜜桃视频-Baseball Hall of Fame Golf Invitational.

蜜桃视频 will join other human service agencies in celebrating National Direct Support Recognition Week from September 11-17.