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 Pathfinder Village’s second annual “Big Rig Shindig” 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.

“The ‘Big Rig Shindig’ is a fun day to showcase vehicles that are tough and tactical, and represent our local heroes and helpers to children,” said event organizer Monica Clark, Pathfinder’s Manager of Fund Development and People Engagement. “We 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.”

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 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 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 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. 

Former MLB Pitcher Jonah Baylis gives Mike A. some pointers

COOPERSTOWN, NY, August 20, 2023 … The love of our National Pastime will joyfully reunite MLB Player Alumni and Pathfinder Village residents at Cooperstown’s 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 Pathfinder Village, 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’s MLB Players Alumni Association members will include:

• 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.
• David Palmer, formerly with the Montreal Expos, who pitched five perfect innings against the Cardinals in 1984.
• Dickie Noles, a relief pitcher for the 1980 World Series-winning Phillies.
• C.J. Riefenhauser, the left-handed pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays; and
• Evan Scribner, the right-handed pitcher who played for San Diego, Oakland, and Seattle.

“Doubleday and Cooperstown are hallowed grounds for everyone who loves Baseball,” said Mr. Hurdle. “At 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’t know they could do. It really hits home.”

“We all feel like a million bucks lining up on the baselines at Doubleday,” Mr. Hurdle added. “Our instructors get ‘infield dust’ in their eyes. Sharing Baseball with adults with special needs – it re-ignites our passion for the game and shows that Baseball really can celebrate the human spirit and unite all of us.”

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.

Pathfinder Village 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 & 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.

All smiles

Edmeston, New York, July 27, 2023 … Pathfinder Village will launch an exciting new summer music activity, “Mommy and Me” 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 “Mommy and Me” 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’s Adult Day Services Pre-Vocational Program and co-led by Layla Hazlett, OTR/L, an experienced pediatric occupational therapist who serves as the Village’s Director & Clinical Coordinator of Adult Services.

“Members of our Pre-Vocational Skills Programs love meeting young children, and music is the universal language that we all love to experience,” said Mrs. Hazlett. “These fun classes will offer healthy play, opportunities for language development, and will help with foundational motor skills. But mostly, we’ll have fun using instruments like maracas, drums, and tambourines, explore favorite children’s songs, and enjoy group games.”

“The ‘Mommy and Me’ 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,” added Mrs. Hazlett. Sessions will include snack time with treats and drinks served from Pathfinder Produce’s 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 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 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 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.

Rock 'n Roll fun

NYCM Employees host community event for car & ice cream enthusiasts

Edmeston, New York, July 18, 2023 ... Meet Syracuse University’s Otto the Orange, dance to Elvis’ hits, savor ice cream treats, and enjoy gleaming restored vehicles at this year’s Cruise-In at Pathfinder Village on Thursday, August 3, from 5:30 to 7:30 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,” which premiered at last year’s Cruise-In. Listen to classic music hits with a special performance by Elvis Tribute Artist Don Brown, and see Otto, SU’s 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 “Best of Show” trophy will be presented that evening; last year’s inaugural award went to the Hunter Family of West Winfield for their 1947 MG TD roadster.

“We hope all classic car lovers will join us for an evening ‘just for fun.’ It’s about embracing community, enjoying a great setting, learning about some fantastic, restored cars, and celebrating the long partnership between NYCM and Pathfinder,” said Mrs. Mack. “We’re grateful to Gilligan’s, Don Brown, our friends at Syracuse University, and our local car enthusiasts for supporting a night of community fun.”

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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.

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

Edmeston, New York, June 21, 2023 ... Pathfinder Village 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’s set of core values to guide their daily work.

“We are a group that believes in community for the greater good,” said Mr. Landers. “It isn’t a mission statement or a checklist, it’s the acknowledgment that everything we do should move us closer to living our beliefs. We genuinely care … 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.”

This year’s 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 “Five Year Club” 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 – Behavior Specialist Josh Simmons MS BCBA; Education Services – 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 – 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.

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.

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Photo Caption: Pathfinder Village 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.

Pathfinder Village's latest DSP 2.0s

Edmeston, New York, May 31, 2023 ... Pathfinder Village 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’ 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’s 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.

“This group of Direct Support Professionals dedicated the last nine months to completing a robust professional development program,” said Pathfinder’s Chief Program Officer Kelly A. Meyers. “I’m inspired by their growth, the confidence each person has gained, and how they’ve all demonstrated care and compassion for individuals they support.”

“The 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,” said Program Specialist and staff trainer Michelle Banks. “The 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.”

Pathfinder Village 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’s 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’s decades of work in aging programs and infrastructure supports for people with intellectual disabilities.

Pathfinder Village 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 https://pathfindervillage.org, or visit our social media on Facebook and Instagram.

Edmeston, NY, May 25, 2023… For a decade, Pathfinder Village’s 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.

“Saturday’s 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,” said Event Chair Monica Clark. “Over the ten years of Splash Path, we’ve invested over $160,500 in community-focused inclusion projects and wellness initiatives. We’re grateful to our loyal sponsors and participants who have made Splash Path such a success.”

Splash Path 5k proceeds and health-focused grants have been the chief revenue sources for Pathfinder’s 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’s 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’s 5k. Special recognition was paid during the color burst ceremony for sponsors, participants, and volunteers who have contributed to the event’s 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’s 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’ 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’ 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’s website at https://pathfindervillage.org.

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.

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 area families living in food deserts; the Mobile Market also creates meaningful, community-based vocational opportunities for adults with disabilities.

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Pathfinder Village invites community members and local families to “Color Our Community” 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 Pathfinder Village, announced William F. Streck, MD, the chair of the Village’s Board of Directors.

Pathfinder Village 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’s livable campus.

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

Pathfinder Village will join other human service agencies in celebrating National Direct Support Recognition Week from September 11-17.

Pathfinder Village invites community members and local families to “Color Our Community” in blue and yellow on March 21, World Down Syndrome Day 2022. WDSD is a celebration that highlights the talents and inclusion of people with Down syndrome in communities around the globe.

The Pathfinder Village Board of Directors has elected three new directors, William LeCates, MD, president of Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown; Michael Perrino, Chief Financial Officer of NYCM Insurance; and Stephanie Fadale, a parent advocate and a program manager with St. Peter’s Hospital, Albany.

The Pathfinder Village Tennis Classic and the Pathfinder Village-Baseball Hall of Fame Golf Invitational raised over $82,500 in support of Village scholarships. The annual assistance program provides direct financial aid to residents and students who receive services through the Edmeston-based livable community and disability services provider.

Pathfinder Village recently announced service awards to recognize individuals and programs that exemplify leadership and advocacy, part of its observance of October as National Down Syndrome Awareness Month.

Sign up for colorful, affordable family fun at the Splash Path 5k and Fun Walk at Pathfinder Village on Saturday, October 2.

World Down Syndrome Day at Pathfinder Village featured an extra splash of color this year through a special donation by the employees of NYCM Insurance, Edmeston-- colorful pairs of polka-dotted socks.