For More Information Contact:
Colleen Pillus
(845) 486-2000
E-mail: cpillus@dutchessny.gov
Poughkeepsie … Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro announced the Emerging Artists Showcase, the newest embodiment of the County’s “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” initiative, will be part of the Town of LaGrange’s Fall Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 14th at Freedom Park.
Artists of every ability are invited to display their pieces as part of the showcase; they can register online by Monday, October 1st, and art must be delivered to the venue between 9:30-10:30 a.m. on the day of the event. Artists can contact Damara Ohlhoff at dohlhoff@dutchessny.gov for more details.
County Executive Molinaro said, “Dutchess County’s ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY’ initiative strives to build a supportive and inclusive environment for those with developmental disabilities and other challenges, and the Emerging Artists Showcase enables all artist of all abilities to share their work their community. We thank the Town of LaGrange for choosing to ‘ThinkDIFFERENTLY,’ hosting our Emerging Artists Showcase and supporting every individual of every ability.”
The Town of LaGrange Fall Harvest Festival takes place on Sunday, October 14th from noon to 4 p.m. at Freedom Park, 212 Skidmore Road. The event will feature activities for the entire family, including music a Halloween costume parade, a petting zoo and crafts, among others. More information is available online.
Established in 2015, the “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” initiative seeks to change the way individuals, businesses, organizations and communities relate to individuals with developmental disabilities and other challenges. Following Dutchess County’s example, 100 municipalities throughout New York State have passed “ThinkDIFFERENTLY” resolutions, committing to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals of all abilities.
For more information about Dutchess County’s efforts to “ThinkDIFFERENTLY,” as well as other inclusive events, visit the new, nationally awarded website. Launched earlier this year, this website offers simple navigation through the comprehensive array of local services available to residents with special needs and their families, and it connects families to resources, information and community events to enhance the lives of individuals of every ability.