Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County, in partnership with the Orange County ThinkDIFFERENTLY Committee and the CFOS – Friends of Older Adults fund, hosted a free movie event featuring the film “The Peanut Butter Falcon” on Tuesday, February 25th at the Paramount Theatre in Middletown.
The movie screening was the first event of 2020, celebrating the launch of Orange County’s “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” initiative, modeled after the program in neighboring Dutchess County.
“We had a great turnout and our guests really enjoyed themselves,” Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus said. “I fully support events such as this that are inclusive of all individuals regardless of the challenges they might face. We must take the time to consider how we all relate to our neighbors of every ability. I look forward to hosting more events like today’s movie event here in Orange County.”
“ThinkDIFFERENTLY” was started by Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro in early 2015. It serves as a call to action for local residents, organizations and businesses to re-think the ways they relate to residents with special needs. “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” encourages all counties and municipalities to promote supportive environments for residents of all abilities.
Through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, Orange County has supported accessibility initiatives by funding ADA projects at Tommie McDuffie Park in Blooming Grove, the Village Park in Cornwall, Brook Lake Park in Town of Highlands, Benedict Park in the Town of Montgomery, the Winslow Therapeutic Riding Center in the Town of Warwick, and Sally’s Dream Playground, located at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Hamptonburgh.
The “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” committee has worked to expand upon these initiatives and create new ones throughout the County. An Orange County ThinkDIFFERENTLY website and Facebook page are in the works and anticipated to launch in the near future.
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.
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