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Village News "You Can Use"
 “Let
Me Be Brave” featured at Village’s
Center on Down Syndrome
Edmeston, New York, June 28, 2011 ...
Prepare to be inspired by the bravery and tenacity of people with
disabilities as Pathfinder Village hosts the documentary “Let Me Be
Brave.” The film will be shown on Friday, July 15 at 6 p.m. at the
Village’s Kennedy-Willis Center on Down Syndrome; the public is cordially
invited.
“Let Me Be Brave” chronicles the 1990
attempt by 12 athletes with developmental disabilities, ages 19 to 30, to
ascend Mt. Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest peak (19,342 feet). Considered a
challenge for expert climbers, the story of these athletes as they ascend
the mountain is a portrait in determination, bravery and teamwork.
“The film’s title is taken from the oath of
Special Olympics, ‘Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the
attempt,’ said Bonnie Laugen, director of Kennedy-Willis Center, the
Village’s outreach and education facility. “The climbers’ story is
especially moving when you understand their commitment to their task,
their courage, and see how they overcome hardships and heartache on the
way to victory.”
On the way to the top, the climbers, their
coaches, and film crew survived Kilimanjaro’s worst snowstorm in 20
years. Of the dozen climbers, almost half of the group made it to the top
on February 22, 1990. Typically, only 25% of climbers are ever successful
in reaching the peak.
The film is part of the Nicolais Film Series
at the KennedysWillis Center on Down Syndrome, which is celebrating its
15th year of service. The Center provides counseling and training for
direct care staff, medical professionals, and families who care for loved
ones who have Down syndrome and other disabilities. The Center has
sponsored over 30 conferences on a variety of topics pertaining to Down
syndrome, including behavioral patterns, sexuality, life planning,
Alzheimer’s, aging and inherent medical conditions.
Founded in 1980, Pathfinder Village is a
privately funded, non-profit, residential community for children and
adults who have Down syndrome. Additionally, it offers a day school
program for students who have disabilities, serving area school
districts. Pathfinder Village is licensed by the State of New York and
its programs are regulated by the State Department of Education,
Department of Health, and Office for People with Developmental
Disabilities. It is located on State Route 80, two miles east of
Edmeston and 15 miles west of Cooperstown. More information is available
at its websites,
www.pathfindervillage.org or
www.pathfindervillagestories.org; pictures, updates and more can be
found on the Facebook fan page for Pathfinder Village.
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Pathfinder Village Celebrates Summer
with 14th Annual Live Concert Series
Edmeston, New York,
June 26, 2011 ... Pathfinder Village will add some sizzle to the
season with its 14th annual Summer Concert Series, taking place
on weekends in July and August. As always, the public is cordially
invited to these free live performances at the Village Pavilion.
Pathfinder Village is a private, residential
community devoted to supporting men, women, and children who have Down
syndrome and other disabilities. Through quality residential,
educational, vocational, and recreational programs, individuals grow
towards fulfillment and independence, while giving back to local
communities.
“Our concerts are a great place for friends
to gather to hear our great local groups and musicians; there are some
truly magical moments as the performers play off the energy of the Village
audiences,” said Paula Schaeffer, the village’s director of enrichment
programs. “The Pathfinder Village Summer Concert Series is a wonderful
tradition, and really makes summer special. The programs are open to all
in our area, and we’re looking for another great summer series.”
The first two concerts will include new
friends for the Village. On July 2, Andrea Roberts, 2010 People
Magazine’s Hero of the Year and families from Reece’s Rainbow, a
national Down syndrome adoption ministry, will be here to celebrate their
fifth year reunion. On July 9, Chobani Greek Yogurt will host a
special concert with free yogurt, contests, and door prizes. The Annual
Concert Series is made possible with funds from Stewart’s Shops Holiday
Match Program and donations made in tribute to Village resident
Camille Colucci. The 2011 Summer Concerts all start at 7 p.m.
and include:
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July 2 |
The First
Class Band
plays an energetic “get up
and dance” repertoire, featuring rock, pop, country, swing, disco,
even ballroom and Broadway. |
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July 9 |
The Chobani
Summer Concert: Expectations, a talented group of
musicians from the Butternut Valley that samples a wide variety of
genres -- country, soft rock, pop standards, folk and original songs.
Free yogurt and mix-ins, dance contests and door prizes!!! |
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July 16 |
The Tweedlers will make their
triumphant return to the Village Pavilion. The Tweedlers delight in
bringing their heartfelt music to a variety of venues, and put a smile
on faces wherever they go!
www.thetweedlers.com. |
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July 23 |
The Blues Maneuver will break out
its “mighty horn section” in a versatile repertoire of swing, blues,
R&B and oldies. This long-standing band can play it all!
www.bluesmaneuver.com.
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July 30 |
One of the region’s best-loved bands, the Sidney Community
Band, will bring its repertoire of
popular music, marches, and all time favorite showtunes.
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Aug. 6 |
Anniversary Reception and Concert:
Join us as we celebrate the 15th Anniversary of The Kennedy·Willis
Center on Down Syndrome with a special concert by Sujeet Desai,
a talented musician who has Down syndrome. |
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Aug. 13 |
City of the Hills Chorus,
a chapter of the Sweet Adelines International, will set your toes
tapping with their lively barbershop style arrangements of popular
favorites and Broadway hits. |
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Aug. 20 |
Hammered dulcimer virtuoso Dan Duggan
and Peggy Lynn will play songs inspired by the New York’s North
Country and other folk tunes. |
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Aug. 27 |
Jumpstart, a local rock ‘n’ roll
band, will play pop songs from the ‘50s through today, including
recent hits by Katy Perry, Smashmouth and Santana. |
Concert-goers
are asked to bring lawn chairs, wear comfortable shoes, and bring jackets
to the performances. Parking is available on-site. To find out more
about the concert series, please call Pathfinder Village at (607)
965-8377, ext. 126, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., or visit our
fan page on the popular social networking site, Facebook.
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