Immigration Film Series

Join us for our third annual winter film series - this year on immigration. All films begin at 7:00pm and are shown at the York Public Library, 15 Long Sands Rd., York, ME. All are welcome!! Donations are gratefully accepted.

1. JANUARY 8, 2011 Golden Door (2007) In this sweeping immigrant's tale from director Emanuele Crialese, Sicilian widower Salvatore Mancuso (Vincenzo Amato) leaves behind everything he knows to pursue a better life in America at the dawn of the 20th century. With his sons in tow, Mancuso survives the harrowing Atlantic crossing only to suffer more hardship and humiliation on Ellis Island. But along the way, he finds romance with a mysterious Englishwoman (Charlotte Gainsbourg).

2. JANUARY 15, 2011 Under the Same Moon (2007) Heart-warming story about a mother who leaves Mexico to make a home for herself and her son (Adrian Alonso). When the boy's grandmother dies, leaving him alone, he sets off on his own to find his mother (Kate del Castillo). Directed by Patricia Riggen. Fox Searchlight purchased this film at the Sundance Film Festival. Recognizing that this theme is more than just the plot for a movie, the film's website has provided links to organizations that help to reunite separated immigrant families.

3. JANUARY 22, 2011 Frozen River (2008). On a Mohawk reservation on the Canadian border, Ray Eddy (Melissa Leo, in an Oscar-nominated turn) teams with widowed tribe member Lila Littlewolf (Misty Upham) to smuggle illegal immigrants into the United States. Though the work provides the women with much-needed money, each trip puts them in peril. Charlie McDermott and Michael O'Keefe also star in this riveting drama nominated for multiple Independent Spirit Awards, including Best Feature.

4. JANUARY 29, 2011 God Grew Tired of Us (2006) Won the jury prize and audience award for U.S. documentaries at Sundance 2006. The film follows three Sudanese boys, refugees from Sudan's bloody civil war, as they try to adjust to life in the U.S. Coming from unspeakable conditions, young witnesses of unspeakable horrors, their honesty and goodness is unquestionable. And so the question raised is, "What conditions create a civilized society?"

Teaching Tolerance/Developing Empathy/Reducing Bullying

The York Diversity Forum will host a talk by Dr. Robert Bernheim, Ex. Director of the Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine on December 11, from 10am to 12 noon, at the York Public Library. He will address issues of tolerance, development of educational programs to promote tolerance and reduce bullying, and creation of ethically literate populations. An active voice against intolerance and hate based activities, Dr. Bernheim has spoken to civic groups and published letters in Maine newspapers about the need for open dialogue, discussion, and involvement and commitment at the local level, to promote safe, diverse communities.

Dr. Bernheim is a graduate of Bowdoin college, holds a PhD from McGill University and has taught Holocaust History, Modern German and European History, Jewish History and Military History at Middlebury College, and the University of Vermont.

Since 2003, the York Diversity Forum(YDF) has addressed issues of diversity in the community. Our mission is to be a visible, peaceful, active voice and resource that promotes understanding, acceptance and respect for people of all races cultures, religions, sexual orientation ages and abilities.

There is no cost for attending, but donations will be accepted

The Immigrant Experience in Maine

"The Immigrant Experience in Maine," a program of the York Diversity Forum, will feature speakers Neil Rolde, York resident, historian, author and former state legislator, and Beth Stickney, Executive Director of the Immigrant Legal Advisory Project, in Portland. The program is being held at the York Public Library on Saturday November 13, at 9:30 a.m., with coffee and light refreshments available at 9 a.m. There will be a question and answer period, following the speakers' presentations.

Mr. Rolde will discuss the history of immigration in Maine. He served for 16 years in the Maine State Legislature, is the author of 11 published books, many highlighting the history of Maine, and served on numerous private, non-profit endeavors. The latter included former chair of MPBN, Trustee of York County Shelters, and Trustee of the University of New England, from which he received an honorary doctorate degree.

Ms. Stickney, a lawyer, will address laws effecting immigrants in Maine. She is a co-founder of Immigrant Legal Advisory Project, where she oversees education, outreach and systemic advocacy projects. Prior to coming to Maine, she was the Directing Attorney of the Legal Department at the International Institute of Boston. Ms. Stickney also created the Immigration Law Seminar at the University of Maine Law School, which she taught from 1994 to 2005, and is co-author of the book "Immigration Law and the Family," with Sarah Ignatius. She recently presented information about the immigration process at a public forum in Portland.

Let's Read: Jewish Literature Series

The York Diversity Forum and the York Public Library are sponsoring a Jewish Literature discussion group in October and November. Sandell Morse, who holds graduate degrees from UNH and Dartmouth College, will lead this three-part series. The discussions will be Thursday evenings, 7-8:30pm, in the Library.

Dates and books to be discussed are listed below and on the attached flyer. Registration is limited to only 20 people. It is recommended that you sign up early if you are interested. You can register by calling the Library at 363-2818. Registration is open now and will continue until full.

The books will be on sale, beginning Thurs., Sept. 9, at the Library's front desk. The books will be sold at cost. If you are interested in buying any or all of the books, you may pay by cash or by check made out to the York Diversity Forum.

The Fixer by Bernard Malamud - October 7th
The Plot Against America by Philip Roth - October 21st
The History of Love by Nicole Krauss - November 4th

The Jewish Literature Series that was held several years ago was very popular. Do not wait to sign up, or you may be disappointed!

Great parties and meals!

We've had some great fun - dinners, ice cream social, picnics, even a Thanksgiving dinner! Here are some photos from the events this summer.

Seasonal Worker Program events for Summer 2010

The seasonal Worker Program has several great events planned to welcome the international student workers in town. We hope you will join us!

International Mixer - Monday, June 21, Inn on the Blues, York Beach

Dinner - Thursday, July 1, 5:30 Union Congregational Church, York Beach

Ice cream party Thursday, July 15 4:00 – 6:00 Union Congregational Church, York Beach

Lunch picnic Monday, July 26 12 noon – 2:00 Outdoor Short Sands Gazebo, Ellis Park, York Beach

All-American picnic Wednesday, August 4 Home of Mary Anne & Charlie Smith, York Beach

Thanksgiving Dinner, Thursday, August 26, 5:30, First Parish Church, 180 York Street, York Village

Upcoming Programs - Spring 2010

"A Raisin in the Sun" - play reading
Friday, May 21 and Saturday, May 22, 7:00pm, York Public Library

In co-sponsorship with the York Diversity Forum, the York Readers Theater and Jukwaa Mazoa, a theater group from Portsmouth, present a reading of the award-winning play by Angela Hansberry.

Beneath the economic prosperity that characterized America in the years following World War II roiled growing domestic and racial tension. The stereotype of 1950s America as a land of happy housewives and blacks content with their inferior status resulted in an upswell of social resentment that would finally find public voice in the civil rights and feminist movements of the 1960s. A Raisin in the Sun explores not only the tension between white and black society but also the strain within the black community over how to react to an oppressive white community. Hansberry's drama asks difficult questions about assimilation and identity.

All are welcome. Admission is by donation


"Shooting Beauty" - Film, Reception, Photo Exhibition
May 8, 2010, 3:00 pm, York Public Library, 15 Long Sands, York, ME

A stunning and uplifting movie that tells the story of a volunteer at a community center for people with cerebral palsy. With a wave of emotion this film will take you on a unique journey and make you aware of your feelings and attitudes toward people with disabilities. Winner of six top audience awards at film festivals. The producer will introduce the film and be available for discussion.
Co-sponsored by The York Art Association and The York Hospital
Free admission. Donations gratefully accepted.