Monday, March 16, 2009

Coming Soon To Venango County?

The folks in this video are talking about New Hope, a town in Eastern Pennsylvania. But will the same be said of Oil City, Franklin, and other communities in Venango County someday?

We hope so! Soon!



Embraceable You
explores the town’s diversity, and the ability of its residents to live in a peaceful, open community.

Geri Delevich was so inspired by New Hope’s Gay Pride Weekend, that she decided to capture the town she loves on film. An elementary school teacher for 33 years, Delevich knows the power of communication, and decided to share the magic of New Hope in a medium she hopes will change lives.

“I was watching the Gay Pride Parade and I was so touched to see so many people inspired by the parade,” said Delevich. “It literally brought tears to my eyes, watching straight and gay people sharing this moment together, and ultimately celebrating diversity and inclusion,” she said. “New Hope is such a special place because we all have mutual love and respect for one another, and we really all do get along.”

Delevich, who is in her tenth year as a New Hope Borough Council member, said that the documentary is also meant to inspire other cities and towns across the country that are struggling with violence, discrimination and hopelessness. “We were the first borough in the state to establish an ordinance that says you can’t discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. In New Hope, straight and gay people truly accept one another and feel secure and safe, and in our world today, that is a great accomplishment,” she added.

Embraceable You
will capture the magic of New Hope’s vibrant, accepting culture, and hopefully, pass that magic on to others who want to create a life where all are accepted for their innate beauty.

No comments: