Sunday, May 04, 2014

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

Picture from the protest against Duke Energy in Charlotte on May 1, 2014.



UPCOMING EVENTS

05/05/14 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES
Dinner with Progressives is a social outlet for thoughtful people in Asheville NC. The gathering includes time to eat together and then enjoy presentations which focus on solutions for a brighter future. This happens on the first Monday of the month. Dinner is at 6 PM and the speaker/program is at 7 PM. This will be at the Green Sage Coffeehouse and Cafe in south Asheville. Contact Cheryl at ctorengo@gmail.com for more information.

05/06/14 NSA SPYING AND THE CONSTITUTION
This will be a presentation by Mark Gibney, professor of Political Science at UNCA. Time is 7:30 PM and location is the Manheimer Room at the Reuter Center at UNCA. The development and expansion of technology and its impact on the culture and society has always been a problem and presented a conundrum for political power and public policy – especially in democracies.  Most of us have our favorite stories and inventions where government is “always catching up” or having to adapt to new technology. What can we make of recent revelations about cell phone data gathering in the service of national security and what it means constitutionally? Mark Gibney is the Belk Distinguished Professor at UNC-Asheville. Gibney recently he served as a juror at the International Film Festival and Forum on Human Rights in Geneva, the largest human rights film festival in the world. This event is co-sponsored by the Department of Political Science, and the Osher Life Long Learning Institute.

05/06/14 PRIMARY ELECTION DAY
Precincts are open for voting from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
TWO RECOMMENDATIONS FROM FELLOW PROGRESSIVES:
District Attorney, District 28:  Todd Williams
NC Supreme Court Associate Justice: Robin Hudson

05/06/14 ASHEVILLE TRANSIT COMMITTEE MEETING
Time is 3:30-5 PM and location is the first floor conference room in City Hall.

05/07/14 GREEN DRINKS AND SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Join Asheville Green Drinks and the Sierra Club Wednesday April 2nd at 7 PM for a presentation on “Upcoming NC Legislative Session.” Sierra Club’s state lobbyist will present a legislative preview of upcoming issues expected to be addressed by the North Carolina General Assembly in the short session beginning May 14 including a possible coal ash bill & other environmental legislation.  Free & open to the public. Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1 Edwin Pl. on Charlotte in Asheville. Contact: Judy Mattox, 828-683-2176

05/07/14 THE SOUL PURPOSE OF ASHEVILLE
An open invitation to all progressive citizens to join in creating a new conscious mission statement for the Asheville community. Free event. Time is 6 to 8 PM, location is Masonic Temple Main Hall at 80 Broadway in Asheville. RSVP to Facebook: Soul Purpose of Asheville Gathering.

05/08/14 ME2WE LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON
The Center for Diversity Education at UNC Asheville invites you to lunch in recognition of young adult leaders in our community who have worked collaboratively on the Me2We summer youth leadership program. The Me2We program is modeled on the work of ASCORE (Asheville Student Committee on Racial Equality) which was developed by Stephens-Lee High School students to desegregate Asheville's movie theatres, lunch counters, libraries and more from 1960 - 1965. Me2We is a collaboration between The City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy, I Have a Dream at Pisgah View Apartments, and AVID Summer Bridge at UNC Asheville to build the social justice leadership skills of the next generation. The luncheon will be held at the Sherrill Center in the Mountain View Room on the campus of UNC Asheville. Tickets for the luncheon are $50.00 ($35.00 tax deductible). Time is 11:45 AM to 1 PM. You may reserve your spot and pay at the door by emailing dmiles@unca.edu.

05/08/14 LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL FILM AT FINE ARTS THEATER IN ASHEVILLE
The documentary is “My Toxic Backyard” and it is about the south Asheville community living around an old CRS Superfund site and the ongoing struggle to get clean safe drinking water while the old CTS site continues to leak dangerous toxins into the ground - 20 years after the threat was first reported to the EPA. The premiere is at 7 PM and there will be more showings on the upcoming weekend. $7.50 for matinees and $9.75 regular showings.

05/08/14 REGIONAL FORUM ON PUBLIC EDUCATION
Come and show your support for public education at a Regional Forum. Please wear red. Concerned about Public Education in NC? Testing? Teacher turnover? Funding for supplies? Come learn about the issues, hear from those affected, and find out what you can do. Leave inspired and informed! Time is 6 PM to 7 PM and location is TC Roberson High School.

05/08/14 STOP THE FRACK EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
On May 8th, Stop the Frack Attack and Americans Against Fracking are asking people around the country to ramp up pressure on EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy, and ask her to reopen investigations in Parker County TX, Pavillion WY, and Dimock PA. The EPA shut down its investigations, despite early evidence linking fracking operations to groundwater contamination, after being pressured by the oil and gas industry. Tell McCarthy and the EPA to reopen these investigations in order to protect the health and quality of life in these communities! Call 888-661-3342 for a prompt on what to say, and then get automatically connected to the EPA. As part of the national call in day, these will be a public event held in Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville, at noon on May 8th, with street theater, free food, and mobile “phone booths”, where anyone can call in to the EPA. People will also have the opportunity to call their state legislators and tell them to stop fracking from coming to NC! This will reportedly go until 7 PM or so.

05/08/14 LOCAL SCREENING OF “THE PREACHER’S DAUGHTER”
An Asheville screening of the documentary featuring Anna Jane Joyner and her father is scheduled to be held Thursday, May 8, at 7 PM at 38 N. French Broad Street (in a new venue tentatively called “The New Earth” in the former Hairspray building). No further information.

05/09/14 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.

05/10/14 WATER TROUBLES AND WATER SOLUTIONS: WNC WATER IN CONTEXT
“Water Troubles and Water Solutions: WNC Water in Context: Managing the Tennessee River Watershed” will be held from 3 to 4:30 PM at Pack Memorial Library in Lord Auditorium. This is the fifth in a series of free presentations sponsored by The Wilma Dykeman Legacy and Buncombe County Public Libraries to address questions about ensuring abundant and affordable water in WNC over the next fifty years and beyond.  Drawing on experts from other areas of NC, the South, and North America, the series seeks to anticipate some do’s and don’ts in water management.  This presentation is about the opportunities and difficulties involved in managing the multi-state watershed of the Tennessee River, with Gary Springston, the water supply manager of the Tennessee Valley Authority. Free and open to the public.

05/12/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING
Ginny Lentz will talk about her experience going door-to-door for the MTA “We the People Listen” campaign. All are welcome. Time is 7 PM and location is North Asheville Library.  Contact Ruth Christie at ruthachristie@gmail.com.

05/12/14 FOOD POLICY COUNCIL WATER CLUSTER MEETING
The newly formed Water Cluster of the Food Policy Council will hold its second official meeting to select our priority actions out of the ideas brainstormed in the forming meeting and the first meeting.  We  have identified 25 actions and consolidated them into six categories: education of the public, investigation, working with the City, working with other clusters, working with the general public, and events.  Come join our group and help us choose what to work on first to identify policy and propose innovative solutions to improve local water systems as they relate to food. Time is 11:30 AM to 1 PM and location is Earthfare at Westgate in the back room.

05/13/14 SPEAK YOUR PEACE LUNCHEON
The Mediation Center invites you to our Speak Your Peace luncheon on Tuesday, May 13, 2014. The luncheon features Brad Heckman, Chief Executive Officer of the New York Peace Institute, one of the nation’s largest conflict resolution services.  Brad will discuss how his work establishing the first community mediation centers in the post-Soviet region has influenced the vision and work of New York Peace Institute.  A Peacemaker of the Year Award will be announced, and we will acknowledge winners of our Draw Your Peace art contest for youth. Tickets are $50. For more information, contact Valerie Collins at 251-6089 x 212 or email  valeriec@mediatewnc.org.

05/13/14 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
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/.

05/13/14 CHILD WATCH TOUR
On Tuesday, May 13, the 2014 Child Watch Tour participants will better understand the transportation challenges faced by many low-wage working parents as they try to meet their families' basic needs. We will explore the individual stories and the policy decisions that define our public transportation systems in Buncombe County. During the morning, participants will ride a city bus. At lunch we will hear reports from the morning, learn about transportation policy, and have a panel discussion with City and County staff, community volunteers, and advocates. Full day tour from 8 AM to 1 PM costs $15. Lunch-only option is $10. For information or to find out how to register online, please contact Jodi Ford at JodiF@childrenfirstbc.org or Greg Borom at GregB@childrenfirstbc.org or call 828-259-9717.

05/13/14 EAST WEST ASHEVILLE NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE
Updates on neighborhood crime and arrests, short-term rental zoning changes, ongoing projects and new art. Come meet your neighbors, get connected to events and get active! RSVP or questions to eastwestneighborhood@gmail.com. EWANA is the East West Asheville Neighborhood Association in Asheville, North Carolina. It is a neighborhood within West Asheville defined as the area between I-240 and the French Broad River. Neighbors come together as EWANA to meet each other, help each other and take collective action for a better quality of life in our historic, diverse, and unique part of town. Time is 7 to 9 PM and location is Hall Fletcher Auditorium.

05/14/14 WESTERN CAROLINIANS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST MEETING
Time is 9:30 AM and location is Black Mountain Presbyterian Church. We will be discussing “Zionism Unsettled” (available from Presbyterian Books online at $10), chapters 1-5. Contact Beth at elizakeiser@aol.com for more information.

05/14/14 GREEN DRINKS MEETING
Join us Wednesday May 14th at 6 PM at the Green Sage Coffeehouse and Cafe for a presentation about The Built Environment and Nature. Richard Louv coined the term “Nature Deficit Disorder” in his bestselling book, Last Child in the Woods. In our technological age, children and adults alike are connecting online, not outdoors. According to the research, “direct exposure to nature is essential for healthy childhood development and for the physical and emotional health of children and adults. What can we do to reconnect our built environment with Nature?  Many opportunities exist to design our homes and landscapes to provide spaces to reconnect.  Our panelists include, Kevin Ward (Southeast Ecological Design), Chuck Marsh (Useful Plants) and Victoria Schomer (Green Built Environments) each will provide an overview based on their disciplines as builder/designer, landscape/permaculture and interior design.

05/15/14 RADIATION TODAY LECTURE AT UNCA
Dr. Perry Sprawls will offer an interesting talk on radiation in our lives today. There are different types of radiation, and with the exception of light, it is invisible. That often gives it a mystic characteristic and a cause for concern because of our natural “fear of the darkness” and things we cannot see. When we become more familiar with the radiation in our lives today, knowing its characteristics, where it comes from, how it is used in modern society, and its effects on the human body, we can make intelligent decisions and live in harmony with this part of our environment. In this program we review the different types and sources of radiation, their benefits to individuals and society, and the actions to minimize risks. Perry Sprawls is Distinguished Emeritus Professor, Emory University, Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, with over 50 years of experience in the use of radiation for medical purposes. Free and open to the public, this talk is offered in collaboration with the WNC IEEE. Time is 7 to 8 PM and location is the Reuter Center at UNCA, Room 102A. Contact Perry at olli@unca.edu for more information.

05/16/14 ENVIRONMENTAL LECTURE AT RIVERLINK
Dr. Frank Kalinowski will address “Environmental Legacies: Politics, Policy and American National Character” from 3 to 5 PM. He is a retired professor from Warren Wilson College and an author. Location is Riverlink offices at 170 Lyman Street in the River Arts District in Asheville.

05/16/14 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.

05/17/14 GREEN GRANNIES SING FOR THE CLIMATE
Green Grannies Sing for the Climate at Vance Monument at 5 PM. Google "Singfortheclimate" and come out and sing with us! This happens on the third Saturday of every month.

05/17/14 CLEAN UP THE FRENCH BROAD
Come out on May 17 to help WNCA and our friends at Headwaters Outfitters at the 23rd annual spring French Broad River cleanup. We’ll provide breakfast, lunch and good music! This event is free, but spaces are limited and a reservation is required. Call Headwaters Outfitters at (828) 877-3106 for more information and to reserve your spot.

05/18/14 MALCOLM X FESTIVAL IN GREENVILLE SC
Hours are 2 PM to 8 PM and location is Cleveland Park (East Washington Street & Cleveland Park Drive) in Greenville SC.

05/19/14 FIRST MORAL MONDAY FOR 2014 IN RALEIGH
No information on buses from Asheville at this time.

05/20/14 AUDUBON SOCIETY MEETING
The mission of the Elisha Mitchell Audubon Society (EMAS) is to promote an awareness and appreciation of nature, to preserve and protect wildlife and natural ecosystems, and to encourage responsible environmental stewardship. EMAS hold meetings at the Reuter Center (Room 102) on the third Tuesday of the month at 7 PM. The meetings are free and open to the public.  Contact Lew at olli@unca.edu for more information.

05/23/14 GLOBAL DAY OF ACTION TO CLOSE GUANTANAMO
This is the first anniversary of the second time President Obama promised to close Guantanamo prison camp. A few individuals have been released in the past year, but more than 150 prisoners remain - none of whom have been convicted of a crime in a court of law.

05/30/14 WESTERN CAROLINIANS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST MEEING
Time is 3:15 PM and location is Brooks Howell House on Merrimon in Asheville. We will discuss the rest of the “Zionism Unsettled” book. Contact Beth at elizakeiser@aol.com for more information. Contact Beth at elizakeiser@aol.com for more information.

06/14/14 TRIP TO THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM IN GREENSBORO
This trip departs from the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville Central Office, 165 South French Broad Avenue, rear parking lot. Boarding the bus will happen at 6:30 AM, leaving at 7 AM. We will return to Asheville at 6PM. There will be one stop for breakfast on the road and lunch at Williams Cafeteria on A&T’s campus for the afternoon meal. $60 Per Person – transportation and admission only, meals at your expense. May 30, 2014 is the full payment deadline. This is sponsored by The A&T University Alumni Association of Asheville. Send Check or Money Order to: A&T Asheville Alumni Chapter, PO Box 2272, Asheville, NC 28802. For more information contact: William Edward Young, Jr., Chapter President at 828.251.2964.

07/24/14 TO 07/27/14 VETERANS FOR PEACE ANNUAL CONVENTION
This will be held at UNCA. More information to follow.

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ONGOING EVENTS
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TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 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 1 PM at A-Hope on North Ann Street in Asheville.  
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 at 5 PM.

SUNDAY
Youth OUTright meeting from 4 to 6 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Ages 14 - 23 only.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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From Veterans for Peace, Chapter 099:
The 2014 International Veterans For Peace Annual Convention will be in Asheville, NC hosted by VFP Western North Carolina Chapter 99 from July 23-27, 2014. Volunteers are welcome to participate. For info contact Gerry Werhan at gwerhan@gmail.com.

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