HIGHTSTOWN: Film to serve as forum for immigration discussion

By Jen Samuel, Managing Editor
   HIGHTSTOWN — Neighbors are invited to attend viewing of the "Welcome to Shellybville" film from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the St. Anthony of Padua gymnasium.
   "The film explores immigrant integration and the interplay between race, religion, and identity," said Lenore Isleib in an e-mail statement to the Herald Thursday.
   "The story is an intimate portrayal of a community’s struggle to under(stand) what it means to be American," Ms. Isleib said.
   "Welcome to Shelbyville" is based on a true story.
   "The June 12 event is the fifth in a series of dialogues that began last September in an effort to build bridges between diverse groups," Ms. Isleib said.
   "The Interfaith Community for Peace and Justice developed from those first dialogues".
   That’s how the film came into play for Sunday’s event.
   "When our ICFPJ planning group viewed ‘Welcome to Shelbyville,’ we realized that the movie would stimulate conversation about so many issues: immigration, integration, religious differences and adjusting to changing demographics."
   In order to address those diverse issues, the ICFPJ invited a coalition of sponsors for the June 12 event, Ms. Isleib said.
   Those organizations include: the League of Women Voters of East Windsor-Hightstown; St. Anthony’s Social Justice Group; Community Unity of Hightstown, East Windsor, Roosevelt; Institute of Islamic Studies, East Windsor; and the Steering Committee of the Justice for Immigrants Campaign of the Diocese of Trenton.
   The neighborly event will feature an open dialogue about immigration, according to Deborah Macmillan, president of the League of Women Voters of East Windsor-Hightstown.
   "I’m concerned that people understand the issues about immigration and are working to resolve real issues in such a way as to enhance the dignity of all residents," said Ms. Macmillan during an interview with the Herald Monday afternoon.
   While not everyone may agree, Ms. Macmillan said it is important to try to begin discussions on the matter now, to work out some of the issues.
   "It feels like now it’s becoming a political football, and it doesn’t have to," she said.
   St. Anthony of Padua is located on Maxwell Avenue in Hightstown.
   While this event is free, pre-registration is required.
   To register, e-mail [email protected] or call Ms. Isleib directly, 609-448-6470.