Upcoming events for the Asheville area this week

UPCOMING EVENTS

02/17/14 to 02/28/14 SLAVE DEEDS OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY

This is a traveling exhibition of historical documents and recorded readings. It will be held in UNCA’s Highsmith University Union until the end of the month. This is part of Black History Month at UNCA. These are the original bound book of bills of sale for enslaved people. The exhibit also includes recorded readings from the Federal Writer’s Project Slave Narratives. For more information, go to mps.unca.edu or call 232-2417.

02/18/14 WOMEN’S GROUP AT FIRESTORM CAFÉ & BOOKS

This will be a four week series, starting at 6:30 PM on February 4 and going until February 25. Come explore the spiritual and creative gifts we have as individuals and as a group to empower ourselves and one another. Sponsored by the Asheville Lesbian Brunch & Social Club. February 18th – Amy will lead a group on gender expectations, expression and identification, exploring manifestations from childhood through development of our sexuality. How does patriarchy affect lesbian/bisexual and trans identity and relationships? How can we help ourselves and one another navigate gender? February 25th – TBA

02/18/14 GREAT DECISIONS LECTURE SERIES AT UNCA

“Food security and climate change.” Even as a sixth of the world's population suffers from chronic hunger, a changing climate threatens to wreak havoc on already insecure and vulnerable populations. As food and water become scarce and once fertile land becomes barren, the U.S. finds itself faced with new challenges in securing the globe. The U.S. is getting ready, but can it lead the way to climate reform? Speaker is Dr. Amy Knisley of Warren Wilson College. The Great Decisions Program's goal is to discuss, debate, and learn about International Affairs, National Security, and U.S. Foreign Policy. Individual lectures are $10 each.  Full time students admitted free of charge. Time is 7:30 PM and location is the Manheimer Room of the Reuter Center at UNCA.

02/18/14 BLACK HISTORY MONTH FILM AT UNCA

“The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross” Episode Four: Making a Way out of No Way (1897-1940). Time is 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM - Highsmith University Union 114 - Intercultural Center. Making a Way Out of No Way portrays the Jim Crow era, when African Americans struggled to build their own worlds within the harsh, narrow confines of segregation. At the turn of the 20th century, a steady stream of African Americans left the South, fleeing the threat of racial violence, and searching for better opportunities in the North and the West. Leaders like Ida B. Wells, W.E.B. Du Bois, Booker T. Washington and Marcus Garvey organized, offering vastly different strategies to further black empowerment and equality. Yet successful black institutions and individuals were always at risk. At the same time, the ascendance of black arts and culture showed that a community with a strong identity and sense of pride was taking hold in spite of Jim Crow. “The Harlem Renaissance” would not only redefine how America saw African Americans, but how African Americans saw themselves. Free and open to the public.

02/18/14 VOTING RIGHTS UPDATE

A voting rights update will be held by the League of Women Voters in Asheville and Buncombe County from 6 PM to 8 PM. Location is Pack Memorial Library in downtown Asheville. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact jumpstartthevote@gmail.com. (Since this event and the one below are both by League of Women Voters, I am not sure if this is a duplicate or not - they are at different locations but the same time. I emailed for more info, but got no response.)

02/18/14 VOTER CORPS

Voter Corps is a program created specifically to address issues in WNC regarding the new voting law, VIVA. It is orchestrated by the Asheville- Buncombe League of Women Voters and is fully supported by local volunteers. On February 18 beginning at 6 PM at the West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road, the League will present the 2014 Spring Voter Corps Training. Information will be provided on the following volunteer opportunities:

•  Conduct voter education presentations at civic organizations, churches, high schools and more

•  Voter outreach to groups most affected by the changes to the law

•   Provide nonpartisan rides to the polls

•  Election-Day observation and data collection

•  Monitor state and local implementation of the law

•  Ensure voter registration is correct and complete and that voters have the correct information to vote in 2014

Please join us to learn how you can protect the vote in 2014! In the case of inclement weather, please check with the Library that the event is still planned and that the Library is not closing early.

For questions or more information please contact: info@ablwv.org. (Since this event and the one above are both by League of Women Voters, I am not sure if this is a duplicate or not - they are at different locations but the same time. I emailed for more info, but got no response.)

02/18/14 PRESENTATION AT UNCA

A ‘lunch n learn’ will feature a presentation titled “My Brother’s Keeper: Understanding the voice of UNCA’s Black Males”. Time is 12:30 PM and location is the Intercultural Center at Highsmith University Union.

02/18/14 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING - RESCHEDULED

Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street in Asheville. VFP Chapter 099: http://vfpchapter099wnc.blogspot.com/

02/19/14 GREEN DRINKS

Join us Wednesday February 19th at 6 PM at the Green Sage Coffeehouse and Cafe for a presentation by automotive engineer Dave Erb on “Powering Forward:  Four Commandments, Four Heresies, Three Comments,” a talk first delivered to the American Solar Energy Society’s 2013 annual convention. Dave’s presentation is structured to provide a framework within which to consider sustainable transportation (“Four Commandments”), to dispel some widely-held myths (“Four Heresies”), and to call environmentalists to practical, effective action (“Three Comments). The Green Sage Coffeehouse and Cafe is transitioning into their winter hours. They will close to the public at 5 PM but will still offer Green Drinks attendees food service until 5:30 PM. Please plan accordingly if you would like to purchase dinner. Thank you. Presentation is at 6 PM.

02/19/14 RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER:  WESTERN CAROLINIANS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST

Time is 9:30 AM and location is Black Mountain Presbyterian Church. Contact Beth at elizakeiser@aol.com for more information.

02/19/14 BLACK HISTORY MONTH AT ASHEVILLE-BUNCOMBE TECHNICAL COLLEGE

Maggie Williams will discuss “Segregating the Police: Hiring Black Police Officers in Memphis” at the Rhododendron 334 at AB Tech Campus in Asheville. For more info call 398-7852 or email marthaagball@abtech.edu.

02/19/14 WHERE DOES YOUR ELECTRICITY COME FROM?

“Flip the Switch-Where does your electricity come from?” We will be educating students on where their electricity comes from (coal, which comes from mountaintop removal) and why it is so necessary to turn the lights off. Free and open to the public. This is at Highsmith University Union Room 224 at UNCA. Time is 7 PM.

02/20/14 BLACK HISTORY MONTH FILM AT UNCA

“Watch n Learn: Four Little Girls”. Time is 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM - Highsmith University Union 143 – Grotto. This fascinating documentary tells the story of the notorious racial terrorist bombing of Sixteenth Street Baptist Church, a historic African American church in Birmingham, Alabama during the Civil Rights Movement. Directed by Spike Lee. Free and open to the public.

02/20/14 BUNCOMBE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC WOMEN EVENT

At the Buncombe County Democratic Women event, Christopher Brook (Legal Director, NC ACLU) will be speaking on the ACLU of NC’s marriage lawsuit as well as their challenge to the voter suppression bill passed by the NC legislature last year. The event goes from 6 PM-7 PM and will be held at Democratic Headquarters, located at 920 Old Fairview Road in Asheville. There is a $12 fee if folks want dinner but no charge if you just want to attend. Open to the public.

02/20/14 AFRICAN AMERICANS IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY HISTORY

“African Americans in Asheville-Buncombe County History: is a lecture at UNCA at Ramsey Library Room 101 (Whitman Room). Time is 7 to 9 PM. For more information, email nndugga@unca.edu or call 919-428-6601.

02/21/14 WESTERN SWING DANCE BENEFIT FOR PISGAH LEGAL SERVICES

Kick up your heels for a good cause! For your listening and dancing pleasure, the Western Wildcats will perform Honky Tonk & Western Swing music at the Altamont Theatre on Church Street in Asheville. Dance lessons at 6:30 pm; Music and Dancing 7-10 pm. $10/person. Y'all come! RSVP to Betsy at betsy@pisgahlegal.org or 210-3444.   

02/21/14 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING

The next WNC PSR monthly meeting will be at a private home near the VA Hospital. Brown Bag lunch at noon with meeting from 12:30 to 2 PM. Everyone is welcome. Please go to www.wncpsr.org  for more information, which includes how to get there and other details.

02/25/14 BLACK HISTORY MONTH FILM AT UNCA

“The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross” Episode Five: Rise! (1940 – 1968). Time is 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM - Highsmith University Union 114 - Intercultural Center. Rise! examines the long road to civil rights, when the deep contradictions in American society finally became unsustainable. Beginning in World War II, African Americans who helped fight fascism abroad came home to face the same old racial violence. But this time, mass media - from print to radio and TV - broadcast that injustice to the world, planting seeds of resistance. And the success of black entrepreneurs and entertainers fueled African-American hopes and dreams. In December 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat to a white man on a city bus in Montgomery, Alabama, heralding the dawn of a new movement of quiet resistance, with the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as its public face. Before long, masses of African Americans practiced this nonviolent approach at great personal risk to integrate public schools, lunch counters and more. As the civil rights movement scored one historic victory after another, non-violence was still all too often met with violence - until finally, enough was enough. By 1968, Dr. King, the apostle of nonviolence, would be assassinated, unleashing a new call for “Black Power” across the country. Free and open to the public.

02/25/14 GREAT DECISIONS LECTURE SERIES AT UNCA

“China's foreign policy.” China has gone to great lengths to emphasize the ‘peaceful’ nature of its meteoric rise. Yet few dispute that China is the dominant regional power in Asia - and in recent years Beijing began to flex its muscles regionally in order to advance its strategic interests. What does the rapid rise of this new superpower mean for other countries in the region, and are there potential points of conflict with the U.S. as it "pivots" to Asia? Speaker is Dr. Jim Lenburg of Mars Hill University (emeritus) and OLLI board chair. The Great Decisions Program's goal is to discuss, debate, and learn about International Affairs, National Security, and U.S. Foreign Policy. Individual lectures are $10 each.  Full time students admitted free of charge. Time is 7:30 PM and location is the Manheimer Room of the Reuter Center at UNCA.

02/25/14 START UP PROJECT ASHEVILLE

On February 26th from 5 to 7 PM, what are you doing? In honor of collaboration we've started a new event, Startup Product Asheville. This hopes to bring together different organizations and networks in the name of building out our support for entrepreneurs, cultural creatives, geeks and the creative class in general. Thank you to Asheville Music Hall for hosting us! We have 4 wonderful speakers lined up and I'm happy to share them here as many of them have just been confirming today. We will have one hour of networking and one hour or a little more of program. Robin Cape - will present the Collider, a collaborative space that will change the entrepreneurial landscape (like an RTP in the making move); Bradley Waldrop - will talk about what an Lean Startup Circle is about; Craig McAnsh - signed on today and hopefully will in part give an update about Mojo, 3d printing and whats next for Asheville; and David Miller - will give us an update on the Story Worlding revolution and hopefully we will have some immersive technology at the event. RSVP here:  http://www.meetup.com/StartupProductAsheville/.

02/25/14 VISITING DUKE ENERGY IN CHARLOTTE

This meeting with Duke Energy – around the coal ash spill in the Dan River – will be at 11 AM at Duke Energy Headquarters in Charlotte. Asheville folks are carpooling (perhaps vans), leaving at 8 AM. Appalachian Voices, Greenpeace, Sierra Club, SACE, will be present. They are giving a signed petition to Duke Energy. There will be speakers and a rally, please join us. Email Laura at lsredoak@gmail.com to find out about carpooling or for more information.

02/26/14 GREEN DRINKS AND UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR GRADUATE STUDIES

Back by popular demand, Lenoir-Rhyne Asheville, teaming up with Asheville Greendrinks, will host a night of funny, touching, and inspiring stories from Peace Corps and AmeriCorps Volunteers.  The stories last year were amazing and we can’t wait to welcome you back. We are particularly interested in stories about volunteers experiencing culture shock (always lots of humor in those stories). Call Sara Landry at 828.407.4263 with questions. Time is 5:30 PM to 7 PM. Location is Lenoir-Rhyne Boardroom, 2nd Floor, 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville.

02/27/14 BLACK HISTORY MONTH FILM AT UNCA

“The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross” Episode Six: A More Perfect Union (1968 – 2013). Time is 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM - Highsmith University Union 114 - Intercultural Center. After 1968, African Americans set out to build a bright new future on the foundation of the civil rights movement’s victories, but a growing class disparity threatened to split the black community in two. As hundreds of African Americans won political office across the country and the black middle class made unprecedented progress, larger economic and political forces isolated the black urban poor in the inner cities, vulnerable to new social ills and an epidemic of incarceration. Yet African Americans of all backgrounds came together to support Illinois’ Senator Barack Obama in his historic campaign for the presidency of the United States. When he won in 2008, many hoped that America had finally transcended race and racism. By the time of his second victory, it was clear that many issues, including true racial equality, remain to be resolved. Now we ask: How will African Americans help redefine the United States in the years to come? Free and open to the public.

02/27/14 SINGER/SONGWRITER AT UNCA

Time is 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Lipinsky Hall 125 – Auditorium. Pakistani Soul Singer-Songwriter - Arooj Aftab’s dynamic voice transcends borders that imprison bodies, minds and spirits. Originally from Pakistan, she created Rebuild Pakistan to promote a vision of peace and healing. Aftab skillfully re-imagines indigenous soul with signature cool by paying homage to classical Pakistani, Sufi, neo-soul and jazz and contemporary world music. UNC Asheville students $5; Area students $7; Campus community $12, General $20. ~ Also, there will be a master class from 12:30-1:30 PM at the Humanities Lecture Hall at UNCA. Join Arooj Aftab as she performs original music, discusses her work with Rebuild Pakistan and shares her experience as assistant editor and music supervisor for the MTV series, Rebel Music. Free and open to the public.

02/27/14 MOVIE SHOWING AT FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

The movie, “The 11th Hour” will be shown at 7:00 PM at the First Congregational Church, 20 Oak Street, in Asheville. Yeah, yeah, yeah, the environment, blah, blah, blah, melting ice caps. To judge from all the gas-guzzlers still fouling the air and the plastic bottles clogging the dumps, it appears that the news that we are killing ourselves and the world with our greed and garbage hasn’t sunk in. That’s one reason “The 11th Hour” an unnerving, surprisingly affecting documentary about our environmental calamity, is such essential viewing. The problem looks overwhelming, literally, as demonstrated by the images of overflowing landfills and sickeningly polluted bodies of water that flicker through the movie like damning evidence. “The 11th Hour” attempts to stave off helplessness, and the nihilism that often follows it, mostly by appealing to our reason. It is our astonishing capacity for hope that distinguishes “The 11th Hour” and that speaks so powerfully, in part because it is this all-too-human quality that may finally force us to fight the good fight against the damage we have done and continue to do.

02/27/14 BILL MOYERS DOCUMENTARY FILM

This film by Bill Moyers is “State of Conflict: North Carolina”. This film will start at 6:30 PM (doors open at 6 PM) and the location is Lord Auditorium in the lower level of Pack Library in downtown Asheville. Panel discussion to follow. Sponsored by Common Cause/North Carolina, American Association of University Women, Asheville PARC, Buncombe County People’s Assembly, Democracy-NC, Mountain Voices Alliance, and Move to Amend of Buncombe County. For more info, contact Lewis Patrie at patrie.wncpsr@main.nc.us.

02/28/14 LECTURES AT UNCA

A lecture “Sexuality, Gender and Identity: Contemporary Discourses” will be presented by Lorena Russell, UNCA associate professor of literature. Time is 11:25 AM and location is Humanities Lecture Hall. A lecture “Islam and the Modern World” will be presented by Rodger Payne, chair and associate professor of religious studies. Time is 11:25 AM and location is Lipinsky Auditorium. Both are free and open to the public.

03/01/14 READING AT MALAPROPS

Local author Katherine Stanley presents her book, “A Book of Bullies”. A self-proclaimed expert on bullies, Stanley was born with Prader-Willi Syndrome and has been the target of a great deal of bullying. “A Book of Bullies” is a humorous and uplifting look at bullies and the hurt and harm they can do. Join us to hear Katherine tell her story and read from this remarkably insightful book. This will be at 1 PM.

03/04/14 STEM LECTURE AT UNCA

The STEM Lecture Series is interdisciplinary with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This series of lectures is designed to highlight STEM concepts and connect them to issues of personal behavior and public policy. Dr. Kevin Moorhead will present “The Science of Gardening.”  These lectures are held in the Reuter Center, Room 206, from 4:30-6 p.m. and are free and open to the public.   

03/04/14 GREAT DECISIONS LECTURE SERIES AT UNCA

“Turkey.” A nation at a crossroads, a bridge over an ever-growing chasm between the East and West. Turkey's first Prime Minister Kemal Ataturk envisioned a modern, democratic nation-state built on the ashes of the Ottoman Empire with strong ties to Europe, not the Middle East. But as the clashes between secular and religious groups and the recent protests in Taksim Square show, the soul of Turkey is still very much up for grabs. Speaker is Dr. Samer Traboulsi of UNC-Asheville. The Great Decisions Program's goal is to discuss, debate, and learn about International Affairs, National Security, and U.S. Foreign Policy. Individual lectures are $10 each.  Full time students admitted free of charge. Time is 7:30 PM and location is the Manheimer Room of the Reuter Center at UNCA.

03/05/14 FIGHT FOR SOCIALISM

Capitalism is the exploitation of the masses, with only the top 1% benefiting. Come listen and discuss why and how socialism works. We need revolution from below and working class self-emancipation with the 99% taking control of society to serve its own interest. The economic crisis of 2008 has been weathered by the capitalist class, and profits are at record highs. This has only been possible on the backs for the working class, through austerity. Furthermore, the capitalist class relies on oppression to keep us divided, as Frederick Douglas said, "they divide each, to conquer both". Therefore we must stop the war on women, end the new Jim Crow, and fight against all oppressions. Meet on the bottom floor in the community room at Pack library.  Time is 6 to 8 PM.

03/06/14 and 03/06/14 SOUL REPAIR WORKSHOP IN FAYETTEVILLE NC

This is hosted by Quaker House and will be held in Raleigh. The website for more information and to register is at http://www.quakerhouse.org/event.php.

03/11/14 GREAT DECISIONS LECTURE SERIES AT UNCA

"Israel." Modern Israel's struggles with the Palestinians have turned what was meant as a safe haven for Jews into the center of a decades-long conflict. The U.S. has stepped in as Israel's ally due to the two countries' shared values, providing years of unparalleled military and diplomatic support. But now those ties are being tested. The Arab Spring, Iran's nuclear ambitions, failed peace talks, and Israel's own decision to give Washington the cold shoulder have put new strains on the 65-year-old "special relationship." Speaker is Dr. Heather Hawn of Mars Hill University. The Great Decisions Program's goal is to discuss, debate, and learn about International Affairs, National Security, and U.S. Foreign Policy. Individual lectures are $10 each.  Full time students admitted free of charge. Time is 7:30 PM and location is the Manheimer Room of the Reuter Center at UNCA.

03/13/14 ASHEVILLE REGIONAL TRAININGS FROM JUMPSTART THE VOTE

Democracy North Carolina, Asheville AAUW and the Asheville YWCA are organizing a regional training on March 13 (rescheduled from February 11) for local volunteers involved in Operation Jumpstart the Vote, a coordinated, statewide campaign to counter the wave of new voting restrictions with hundreds of local nonpartisan projects. The training will take place at the Asheville YWCA (185 S. French Broad Street, Asheville), and you have two opportunities to attend, one at 2 PM and one at 6 PM. Trainings last 2 ½ hours. We do not charge for the trainings. You are welcome to attend if you are currently, or you want to be, part of a local voter registration, voter education or voter protection project. For any questions, please contact Anne Sayers at anne299@earthlink.net.

03/14/14 UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVIE NIGHT

On Friday, March 14th, we are screening the thought-provoking documentary, "Speciesism: The Movie". (This was rescheduled from February 14, due to weather.) Modern farms are struggling to keep a secret. Most of the animals used for food in the United States are raised in giant, bizarre factories, hidden deep in remote areas of the countryside. The documentary takes viewers on a sometimes funny, sometimes frightening adventure, crawling through the bushes that hide these factories, flying in airplanes above their toxic “manure lagoons,” and coming face-to-face with their owners. The film is at 7 PM and location is Unitarian Universalist in Asheville. No charge for the film, donations are welcome. Open to the public.

03/15/14 READING AT MALAPROPS

Local author (and staff favorite) Denise Kiernan joins us to celebrate the paperback release of her bestselling book, “Girls of Atomic City”. Kiernan took the story of Oak Ridge, Tennessee's women workers all over the country, garnering praise from places like The Boston Globe, The Omaha World-Herald, and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer. The Daily Beast said, “Denise Kiernan recreates, with cinematic vividness and clarity, the surreal Orwell-meets-Margaret Atwood environment of Oak Ridge.” Time is 5 PM.

03/18/14 WNC ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED AMERICANS MEETING

The WNC Alliance for Retired Americans has changed to quarterly meetings.  So the next meeting will be the third Tuesday in March which will be the 18th, at 10am in the Kenilworth Presbyterian Church Parlor at 123 Kenilworth Road in Asheville. The ARA is a statewide organization of retired union members and their friends and families. We are non-partisan and open to everyone who is concerned about the need for jobs which pay a living wage, as well as those issues which affect all of us. FMI contact dick@dickandnorma.com.

03/18/14 REMEMBERING RAVENSBRUK: WOMEN AND THE HOLOCAUST

Remembering Ravensbruk recalls the prisoners, SS guards, and circumstances of a camp that, from 1939 to 1945, imprisoned 130,000 women and children. Estimates of 30,000 to 40,000 prisoners died there.  The demography of the camp included women and children of Polish, Jewish, and Romi heritage. The most well known of the prisorers was Corrie Ten Boom, author of The Hiding Place and recognized as  Righteous Among the Nations (a title given by Yad Vashem in Israel for rescuing Jews) along with Gemma LaGuardia Gluck, sister of Fiorello LaGuardia. This exhibit will be at Karpen Lobby from 8 AM to 8 PM, Monday through Friday during the entire month of March. Richard Harker, Curator and Outreach Coordinator for Kennesaw State University Holocaust Museum, will speak on March 18, 2014 to the research for the creation of "Remembering Ravensbruk" and other prespectives relating to women and the Holocaust. Time and place to be determined. For more information, contact dmiles@unca.edu.

03/27/14 TO 3/30/14 LAKE JUNALUSKA PEACE CONFERENCE

More information at http://www.lakejunaluska.com/peace/. Early registration is $95. The theme and goals for this year are "Faith, Health, and Peace: Seeking the Basic Right to Good Health for All God's Children." The 2014 Peace Conference seeks to affirm the basic right to good health from the perspective of faith traditions, lift up "the leading causes of life," and explore ways faith communities can combat the causes of poor health, such as disease, violence, and poverty.

03/27/14 LECTURE AT UNCA

Dr. Shaun Gabbidon will speak on "The Black Thief Stereotype, Shopping While Black, and Consumer Racial Profiling in the 21st Century" at 5:30 PM at the Mountain Suites in the Sherrill Center at UNCA.

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ONGOING EVENTS

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TUESDAY

Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument

WEDNESDAY

Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood County Courthouse in Waynesville

THURSDAY

Asheville Homeless Network meeting at 2 PM at Firestorm Cafe

Youth Outright Poetry Night at United Church of Christ in Asheville at 5 PM

FRIDAY

Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville

Women in Black have a monthly vigil at 5 PM at Vance Monument in Asheville (first Friday only)

SATURDAY

Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard

Third Saturdays – Asheville’s Green Grannies invites the public to “sing for the climate” at Vance Monument.4 PM.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS

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From WV Clean Water:

**PLEASE FORWARD**

Hello again comrades,

It's been a ridiculous few weeks in & around the coalfields of southern

West Virginia. The water crisis has not abated, 100,000s of people are

still struggling to cope with toxic tap water. Babies, children,

pregnant mommas, all kinds of folks are getting sick and going to the

hospital from chemical exposure in their homes. Yesterday, a Charleston

school closed down after teachers & students fainted from the fumes. And

of course, state & federal governments are doing everything within their

power to do absolutely nothing.

To cut to the chase -- WE NEED YOU. We need longer-term volunteers who

can commit to 3+ weeks to several months of organizing around the water

crisis & greater environmental issues in this area. You will be

providing water, making phone calls, coordinating with community

members, working on sustainable water alternatives, and driving,

driving, driving.

**WHAT WE CAN PROVIDE: Warm housing, an internet connection,

reimbursement for water & (some) gas purchases, and other excellent people.

**WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU: Your time & physical presence, a vehicle

(important but not necessary), organizing skills, and the ability to

work with residents in a culturally sensitive area.

Please call the WV Clean Water Hub at (304)249-8115 or email us at

wvcleanwaterhub@gmail.com

Solidarity and gratitude,

Nat

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AND OUR OWN LOCAL SPILL:

Hominy Creek Fuel Oil Spill – Take Action!

By Amber Pixi

In recent weeks there have been horrific toxic spills and other environmental disasters on the east coast of the United States. First, the chemical spill in Elk River in West Virginia that is still tainting the water supplies of hundreds of thousands of people, the week-long spill that dumped 82,000 tons of arsenic containing toxic coal ash into North Carolina’s Dan River, and now this: the Hominy Creek Fuel Oil Spill.

5,000 gallons of fuel oil has spilled into the Hominy Creek in Candler, North Carolina, and most of it is now in the French Broad River. The clean up response has been lackluster from those responsible, and stellar from the citizen watchdogs and environmental groups.

The Citizen Times reports that the spill was from Harrison Construction on Smokey Park Highway. 

The NCDENR representative “Davidson said the liquid leaked out of an above-ground storage tank when a coupling on a pipe failed. Also contributing to the spill was the fact that a valve on a containment basin had been left open, he said…”  Asheville Citizen Times

Big thanks to Asheville GreenWorks and French Broad Riverkeeper for their constant vigilance, video footage of the spill itself, and ongoing coverage. Here’s a photo album of the spill reaching the French Broad River from their Facebook page.  Another shout-out to Byron Ballard for keeping the people informed, riled up, and motivated. We are all asking for the assistance of local concerned citizens.

How to Help:

Monitor the booms placed in the creek. If you see any of them not containing the fuel or hanging out of the water, contact Neo Corporations Emergency Line: 1-800-222-6361.

If you see oil in the French Broad River downstream from Hominy Creek, report it to WNCA at hartwell@wnca.org or (828) 258-8737. 

Note from a local activist, Barry Summers:

DENR told everyone on the ground on Friday/Saturday that the spill originated at “APAC-Atlantic/Harrison”. They are essentially the same company. [as Harrison Construction - dancewater]  Same address, same physical facilities, same parent company.

APAC is the biggest asphalt maker/paver in the Southeast, and will almost certainly be one of the biggest contractors in the I-26 widening. Nobody’s heard of ‘Harrison’ – throw the spill around their necks…

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