Spring Break at Pathfinder Village

Sun-drenched southern beaches are a long way from Pathfinder Village, an extraordinary residential community specializing in Down syndrome and intellectual disabilities. But for Colgate University freshman Griffen O’Shea, and Jennifer Viera, Spring Break at Pathfinder Village has been a life-changing experience.

Colgate University, Hamilton, offers its students opportunities for community service during its Alternative Spring Break program, as a meaningful option to student parties in Ft. Lauderdale, Daytona and Virginia Beach. Pathfinder Village, a recent participant in the University’s program, offers flexible internship experiences for undergraduates and graduate level students who may be considering careers in human services, or who wish to learn more about working with people who have developmental disabilities.

The Alternative Spring Breaks are organized through Colgate’s Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education (COVE) and the Office of the Chaplains. Other student teams went to programs at the Oglala Lakota Nation in South Dakota, the Dominican Republic, and New Bern, North Dakota.

"These trips open students' eyes so that whatever job they end up in, they have an awareness about the world," said Ingrid Hale, COVE director. "We want the participants to become engaged citizens."

“I had applied to attend some of the other programs that were offered, but had been turned down because upper-classmen get first-choice,” said O’Shea, 18, a native of Babylon, NY. “But then the opportunity for Pathfinder came up, and after watching the DVD and looking at the materials, this looked like a lot of fun. Plus, it’s close to Hamilton so I can come back and visit my new friends.”

“This is a great way for us to give back to the community and form new relationships,” added Ms. Viera, 19, Pelham, who is considering a major in education, history, or computer sciences. “I’ve known some people who have had Down syndrome before, but not well. This is a great way to get to know kids in their home environment. They seem so free-spirited and it has taught me the lesson that we should always try to enjoy life.”

O’Shea and Viera have spent their week at Pathfinder working with residential and day students at the Village’s school, which serves 26 children, ages 11 through 21, who have Down syndrome or other learning disabilities. They’ve also moved the school’s library from a small office to a larger area at the Village. In addition, they’ve assisted students in their daily lessons, and helped prepare for the annual St. Patrick’s Day party at the Village.

Their evenings have been spent dining in the Village’s residential homes, and participating in the regular recreation and enrichment programs that are offered to all of the Village’s 80 residents, who range in age from 14 to 58. The interns will share their college with some of the residents during a visit to the Colgate campus Visual Lab/Planetarium to cap-off their exchange program.

“We’re actually happy we got shut-out from the other programs,” Griffen and Viera agreed. “We hope they offer the program at Pathfinder again next year.”

Paul Landers, the Village's chief executive officer, was appreciative of the college interns’ work. “Griffen and Jennifer have gotten to know our residents for the past week, and they learned that working with people who have Down syndrome can be a tremendously rewarding experience. These young people are demonstrating initiative and concern, and will be fantastic leaders in whatever careers they choose. They will be great advocates for people who have disabilities.”

Photos: 

Top:  Griffen O'Shea and Chris Sullivan blow up balloons using a compressor to decorate for Pathfinder Village's annual St. Patrick's Day Party.

Below: Frank Stohlman and Jennifer Viera work to reshelve children's books at the library.

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!