Happy WDSD 2019!

Hello everyone, welcome to Pathfinder School Spirit Week and our lead-in to World Down Syndrome Day on March 21!  Each day this week, our school students will be celebrating a different theme – Green & White Day, Pajama Day, Wacky Wednesday, and Crazy Sock Day.  On Thursday, many of us at the Village will be donning our most-colorful socks to celebrate the contributions of and individuality of people who have Down syndrome.  We invite everyone to wear colorful socks and take a picture to share on Pathfinder’s Instagram page using the tag #pvcrazysocks! Plus on WDSD, we’ll be marking our 6th anniversary of Pathfinder Produce!  That day at our Edmeston market at the Village Commons from noon to 5 p.m., we’ll be featuring festive decorations and 5% off all produce items!  Plus, we’ll showcase some other items and some blue & yellow 21-cent baked goods!  You won’t want to miss this great day at the market! Thank you to all who have supported Pathfinder Produce, which not only brings fresh, nutritious foods to our local families, but also provides wonderful work and community engagement opportunities for members of our Pathfinder Adult Day Services.  We’re justifiably proud of how these individuals set-up and staff our market each week; we’re also eager for the delivery of our new Mobile Market vehicle, so that we may expand the market into other communities.  Pathfinder Produce … we’re rooted in community! You can learn more about all the goings on March 21 through our interview on WZOZ FM with Leslie Ann (10 min.) ***
Last week, the students of Otsego Academy hosted their annual Leadership Week with students from the Colgate University COVE Program (Center for Outreach, Volunteerism, and Education).  It was a very busy week, focused on shared experiences, exploring how people of different abilities may be leaders, and trying new skills and adventures.  The entire week was organized around the theme of “making a kaleidoscope” with students adding component statements about leadership onto a poster that was organized into concentric circles. Some of the activities centered around teamwork and food: The students all enjoyed their lessons in pizza making with Rosario Baio of New York Pizzeria in New Berlin, who’s a great instructor.  Some of the students had never made their own pizzas before, so they felt a great sense of accomplishment as they learned how to roll out the dough, add sauce and toppings, and come up with a winning pie.  Otsego Academy’s resident pizza-maker, John M., was a great leader too, in showing novice pizza makers how to make a colorful and tasty pizza. At another colorful food activity, the students collaborated to use produce from the Pathfinder Produce market to make “kaleidoscope smoothies.”  Working as teams, the students prepared and combined all types of produce into tasty and nutritious drinks.  By far, the most popular ingredient was pineapple, but some of the students also enjoyed adding strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, carrots, and spinach to their drinks.  Thank goodness the dorm has a strong “workhorse” blender, which could handle even the toughest veggie fibers.
While visiting during the preparations, the Colgate students all agreed that they probably don’t eat enough fruits and veggies while at school, but they all indicated they try to eat a balanced, healthy diet.  “We have a smoothie bar at campus, which also helps, as you can always make your own smoothie,” said Jenna, a member of the women’s soccer team.  “They always have great berries, so it’s a treat to come here and make smoothies using fresh pineapple.” Otsego Academy student Kate teamed up with the two seniors, Jazmin and Monica, visiting Pathfinder during the Smoothie session.  The women combined four types of oxidant rich berries with spinach, banana and almond milk to make a very tasty, but not too heavy drink.  As they enjoyed their smoothies, Monica, who’s from L.A., laughed that it was hard not to drink hers quickly because it was so good.  Jazmin, who is from Miami and who participated in last year’s Leadership Week, agreed and noted that adding spinach to a smoothie was a new experience for Kate. “I want to be Popeye!” joked Kate as she enjoyed her drink and flexed her biceps.  “I don’t make smoothies often, but it’s a treat when I do.” Until next time, find opportunities to make foods with friends, and enjoy! Happy World Down Syndrome Day and ROCK THOSE SOCKS! Lori	A special shoutout goes to Usman, who helped everyone make their smoothies by using his muscle and a special pineapple corer to provide enough of the sweet, golden fruit for everyone.  He made it look easy … now I have to buy one of these handy gadgets for when I get fresh pineapple for my family.