EDMESTON – Pathfinder Village will host a flurry of community events in March as a lead-up to World Down Syndrome Day on Thursday, March 21.

These activities focus on neighborly engagement and connecting globally in celebration of the talents and contributions of people with Down syndrome.

March 21 – “3-21” – is observed as World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) as the numerical date represents the triplication of the 21st chromosome in the human genotype, the genetic cause of 95% of occurrences of Down syndrome or Trisomy 21. WDSD has been observed since 2006; it first received recognition by the United Nations in 2012.

“We invite our friends and neighbors to participate in our 3-21 activities to show their support for those with Down syndrome,” said Monica Clark, Pathfinder’s Manager of Fund Development and People Engagement. “Many of us have enjoyed friendships and meaningful moments with individuals with Down syndrome, who color our lives in lasting ways. This is a fun way to show support, boost spirits, and celebrate locally.”

Details of all events may be found on Pathfinder Village’s Facebook events pages.

The events include:

Friday, March 1, 21 Day Challenge!  Pathfinder Village kicked off the month with its annual 21 Day Challenge, a series of fun, low-cost activities to complete with friends and family; details are found on Pathfinder’s social media pages. In addition, the Pathfinder Village Foundation will kick off its $21 Challenge as a WDSD fundraiser through its online donations page. This year’s goal is for 321 $21 donations and peer-to-peer sharing to highlight Down syndrome awareness.

Sat., March 9, 5 to 8 p.m., 3-21 Free Concert with Scattered Flurries: Dance the evening away at Pathfinder Gym to covers of classic rock hits and the Scattered Flurries’ own original tunes.

Wed., March 13, 5:30 p.m., Community Painting with Colorful Creations by Colette: Enjoy a community art class at Pathfinder Gym taught by Colette Dunham. The $30 fee covers all course materials ($15 for children under 12 years old). Register through Pathfinder Village’s Facebook event page or contact Monica Clark at mclark@pathfindervillage.org, 607-965-8377, ext. 116. (Seating is limited).

March 18-22, “Color Our Community”: Pathfinder Village fans, friends and families everywhere are encouraged to decorate their homes, businesses, community spaces, and streets in blue-and-yellow banners, lights, wreaths, and signs. Blue and yellow have long been viewed as the traditional colors of Down syndrome awareness. Students from Otsego Academy and Colgate University will decorate local town gazebos as part of the celebration, a highlight of their Leadership Week collaboration.

Thursday, March 21, World Down Syndrome Day Activities:  Pathfinder will mark WDSD with loud, inventive, and crazy socks in conjunction with NYCM Insurance of Edmeston, part of the global Rock Your Socks observance. Additionally, Pathfinder Produce, the Village’s weekly fresh fruit and vegetable market will offer special WDSD promotions as part of its 11th anniversary market; open 11 to 5 p.m. at the Village Commons building.

Sat., March 23, 10 a.m., Community Egg Hunt:  The colorful fun of WDSD segues to that of Easter, with Pathfinder hosting its third annual egg hunt for youngsters at Pathfinder School.

Community members may submit “Color Our Community” or “Rock Your Socks” photos through social media to be part of the community celebration and show of support for those with Down syndrome.

Pathfinder Village is an internationally respected livable community and services provider in upstate New York; it was founded in 1980 to provide people 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 pathfindervillage.org, or visit our social media on Facebook and Instagram.

– Information from Pathfinder Village