Breaking Bread Together

Pathfinder Village is a community in every sense, and one of its warmest traditions is the Residents’ Holiday Dinner.

On Tuesday evening, the residents gathered at the Meeting House for a beautiful turkey dinner.  The Food Service staff was ably assisted by staff from the Enrichment Department, Human Resources, and the Kennedy-Willis Center on Down Syndrome.  I believe the staff has as much fun preparing and serving the dinner as the residents do in eating it.  Of course, there was lots of visiting, with everyone checking with friends about wish lists and travel plans over the next few weeks.

In year’s past, the Holiday Dinner was served in shifts, as the Dining Room could only seat about half the Village at once.  With the addition of the Cortland Room to the Meeting House in 2008, it has been possible for entire community to “break bread together,” in one seating.  The donors who supported this project, plus the extensive renovations to the Central Kitchen, have given a great gift – that of fellowship – to the residents. 

Season’s Greetings to All!

Lori Grace

Assistant Director of Development and Public Affairs

Pathfinder Village

Brett from Enrichment Services serving salads

Anne and Cody

Pastor Burleigh with Chris and Casey

Ladies of Delaware House

Dreaming of the North Pole - Pathfinder Village Holiday Show

Tuesday night, while I was driving to Pathfinder Village, the air was crisp and the lights were twinkling through the valleys.  I was coming in for the annual Pathfinder Holiday Show, and the weather, lights and newly fallen snow set just the right tone.

When I arrived the residents were gathered in the warmth of the All Faiths Chapel, greeting one another, and the performers were getting ready.

The opening act was a tribute to Hanukah.  With beautiful background music, the residents lifted large candles in pairs, symbolically illustrating the “Festival of Lights.”   Between acts, Village pianist Linda M. played carols on the Chapel’s baby grand, concluding with her characteristic flair.

The main act of the evening was “Dreaming of the North Pole,” the story of a boy, (Joe), who builds a snowman (Grant).  The pair travel to Santa’s workshop, where they spy the elves (Chris, Casey and Lloyd) finishing up the toys, and the Head Elf (Frank) and Santa (Ross), checking the nice list.  Just as Santa hoists his pack, he throws his back out.  (He must’ve missed the memo on safe lifting)!

The elves are in a tizzy, but Mrs. Claus (Anja) guides Santa to a hot tub to ease his aching back.  Despite her ministrations, Santa is in no condition to make his annual sojourn.  Again, Mrs. Claus comes to the rescue, donning his hat and suit, and the skit closes with the elves and others waving good-bye to the southbound Madame Claus.

What was most intriguing about the evening was the way the residents communicate through the use of props, music, and non-verbal messages.  It really makes you think about different ways we all can extend our holiday wishes – you don’t have to say it, but you have to show it.  A simple smile can speak volumes; simple gifts – baking cookies for friends, homemade cards – will probably be better remembered than many store-bought gifts.

Here’s wishing you all the best of the season!

Lori Grace




Below:
Santa's elves at work, played by Chris and Lloyd

Making the Season Bright

 Tuesday evening, Pathfinder Village celebrated the beginning of 2009’s holiday season with its annual tree lighting ceremony.  The grounds were decorated with luminaries along the walkways and the beautiful full moon came out above the Village’s residential homes, adding to the festive air of the evening.

Things got underway at the Meeting House at about 6:30 p.m., with members of the Village staff serving hot cocoa and the Village bakery’s cookies to the residents, family members and guests.  For anyone who’s ever sampled the bakery’s cookies, you know good those are!  There were some fantastic pecan sandies, some traditional gingerbread men, and my personal favorites, the white chocolate-raspberry drenched sugar cookies.

Everyone congregated in the beautifully decorated Cortland Room, the large dining area that was dedicated just over a year ago, to sing traditional songs.  The director of the Village’s enrichment programs, Paula Schaeffer, was our very-able pianist and everyone was in fine voice.  One of the newest members of the community, Nick C., served as our guest conductor.  There were smiles all-around, and of course we laughed when we stumbled through the second and third verses of carols (or more-comical yet, started making up lyrics on the fly).

We then gathered around the tall spruce tree in the residential square of the Village.  CEO Paul Landers welcomed everyone, and explained that this year’s tree was a “gratitude tree” and as we see it in our daily activities, we should reflect on how each of us has been blessed.  The tree was lit as we all sang “Silent Night,” and each person hung a personalized gratitude ornament on the boughs, making this year’s tree one to cherish for years to come.

I may follow the Village’s example when I put up the tree at my house this year.  I’ll put up some gratitude ornaments for my family, my friends and co-workers, and for the chance to work with the residents of Pathfinder Village.  In a few days, I’ll be completing my 13^th year as an employee – in that time, I’ve learned so much about the gifts and talents of people who have Down syndrome, and have met some truly outstanding individuals who have made my life richer.

Happy Holidays to All!