Sunday, August 31, 2014

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

Photo is from recent protests in Ferguson. This photo was run on CNN multiple times, apparently without them noticing the graffiti on the mail box, which says 'Fuck the Police'.

UPCOMING EVENTS

09/01/14 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES
Next Dinner With Progressives at the new Green Sage in Westgate Mall next to Earth Fare at 6 PM.  Dinner with Progressives, in Asheville NC, is a social outlet for people who wish to move forward.  It requires no fees and no membership.  We ask attendees to purchase dinner, dessert and/or beverage at the local restaurant where we meet to thank our friends at Green Sage for giving us the space at no charge for our gathering. Our speaker, so far, for September 1st is Nancy Waldrop who is running for Buncombe County Commissioner in District 3. Mark Case will speak about labor issues in NC and the US.  Mark is a US Postal Service Employee and the WNC-CLC, AFL-CIO President. Rick Wood, member of the Henderson County School Board and a 40 year veteran teacher and coach, will also speak. He is running for the NC State Senate. Please RSVP to Cheryl at ctorengo@gmail.com so she can give Green Sage a headcount.

09/02/14 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL
On September 2, Gordon Smith, the director of The Rule of Law Collaborative at the University of South Carolina, will review recent events in Ukraine and The Crimea. Come to the Reuter Center for these fascinating lectures and discussions that aim to advance international awareness and foster Western North Carolina's global ties. Meetings are scheduled for 7:30 PM in the Reuter Center's Manheimer Room. For more details about programs, consult the WAC website. 

09/02/14 ASHEVILLE TRANSIT COMMITTEE MEETING
Time is 3:30 PM to 5 PM. Location is First Floor Conference Room at City Hall. All are welcome.

09/03/14 SIERRA CLUB AND GREEN DRINKS MEETING
Sierra Club, WNC Alliance, and Green Drinks will present ”Solid Waste Reduction & Composting in Asheville”   with Maggie Ullman, Asheville’s Chief Sustainability Officer, & Eric Bradford of Asheville Greenworks on Wed, September 3 at 7 PM.   Free & open to the public. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1 Edwin Pl. on Charlotte in Asheville. Contact: judymattox@sbcglobal.net or call 828-683-2176 for more information.

09/04/14 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF OUR VOICE
We cordially invite you to join us for Our VOICE’s 40th Anniversary Celebration, 40 Years of Starting Conversations featuring keynote speaker Anita Hill, Brandeis University Professor of Law. Ms. Hill started a national conversation by disclosing her experience of workplace sexual harassment which focused the country’s attention on a difficult topic often met with avoidance and silence. Welcome Reception starts at 6 PM / Program starts at 7 PM. Location is Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville. You can purchase tickets online or at Our VOICE, Malaprops and aSHEville Museum. For more information regarding our event, please contact us at rvoice@ourvoicenc.org.

09/04/14 PUBLIC DEBATE FOR 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT SEAT
Tom Hill will be debating Republican incumbent opponent Mark Meadows on Thursday, September 4, 2014, at 7 PM, at Western Carolina University in Cullowee, NC.  Public is invited to attend. The event will be live streamed on WLOS. 

09/04/14 FILM SHOWING BY WNC FRACK FREE
At 6 PM, we will be showing “Gasland 1” at AB Tech Ferguson auditorium in Asheville.  GASLAND 1, a powerful documentary outlining the intense impact of FRACKING on eco-systems, health, and communities. Hosted by AVL Green Power, and supported by local Frack-Free groups Clean Water for North Carolina , Frack-Free N.C. and WNC Frack Free. Open and free to the public. There will be a discussion panel after the film. This is a Facebook event under ‘NO-Fracking in NC: FREE Gasland 1 Movie Screening’ and is also on the wncfrackfree website. 

09/08/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING
Time is 7 PM and location is North Asheville Library. Call Ruth at 232-2883 or email ruthachristie@gmail.com for more information.

09/08/14 FILM SHOWING BY CLEAN WATER FOR NC
Screening of “Gasland II” and fracking presentation, at the Mill Room, 66 Ashland Avenue in Asheville. Email sally@cwfnc.org for more info. Time is 11:30 AM to 1 PM. Sponsored by A Greener Day, Sierra Club, CWFNC.

09/08/14 TRAINING FOR SPEAKING OUT AT THE CULLOWHEE FRACKING HEARING
Training and Workshop: Speak out at the 9/12 Cullowhee Fracking Hearing! Location is the First Congregational United Church, 20 Oak St., Asheville. Sponsored by WNC Frack Free, CWFNC. Email sally@cwfnc.org for more info. From Snack, Don’t Frack group on facebook. Time is 6 to 8 PM. 

09/08/14 FUNDRAISER FOR PISGAH LEGAL
Hear about the great work that PLS does for our community. Time is 5 to 7 PM and location is King James Public House at 94 Charlotte Street in Asheville. Tickets are $15 at the door. To RSVP, contact Betsy Fedder at betsy@pisgahlegal.org or by phone (828) 210-3444.

09/08/14 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE 5TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Ever wonder what Asheville will be like 15 years in the future, when things are much better than they are now? Transition Asheville is celebrating our 5th Anniversary with an evening of socializing, visioning, and back-casting.  Spend a few minutes imagining a walk down an Asheville street and capturing what you see, smell, hear, feel, and sense.  We will tie those visions to a timeline to identify what changes need to happen when to make those visions a reality! Snacks will be provided;  bring some if you wish.  Contact us to join in setting up this fun and worthwhile chance to take a look at our future. Time is 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM and location is St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.

09/09/14 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street in Asheville. 

09/10/14 WESTERN CAROLINIANS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
This meeting will be at 9:30 AM at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church.

09/10/14 FILM SHOWING BY JACKSON COUNTY COALITION AGAINST FRACKING
This is a free showing of the film “Triple Divide”. Time is 7 PM and location is Sylva Library Community Room. Sponsored by JCCAF - Jackson County Coalition Against Fracking. For more information, contact JCCAF@gmx.com. 

09/11/14 YOUNG VOICE OF YOUTH OUTRIGHT
This is a free community event, that will be a celebration of our LGBTQ youth, their straight youth allies, and all the adults who are committed to making their lives better. Time is 7:30 to 9 PM and location is the Asheville Jewish Community Center on Charlotte Street in Asheville. Reservations are required, and can be made at jim.faucett@youthoutright.org or call 828-772-1912.

09/12/14 FRACKING HEARING IN CULLOWHEE
After requests from individuals, organizations and businesses in Western North Carolina, the Mining and Energy Commission has voted unanimously to hold a meeting in the western part of the state. This will be from 5 to 9 PM, and the location is Western Carolina University’s Ramsey Center in Cullowhee. Arrive by 4 PM to speak. The concern about fracking in the mountains was galvanized by the passage this summer of Senate Bill 786, which lifted the moratorium on issuing state permits for hydraulic fracturing for gas, possibly as soon as next spring. The MEC is expected to finalize the oil and gas rules before the end of 2014, with possible issuance of permits by spring of 2015. Comment deadline is September 30, 2014. Send comments by email to: oil&gas@ncdenr.gov. Or by mail to: Mining & Energy Commission, ATTN: Oil and Gas Program, 1612 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1612. 

ALSO: Carpool to this hearing from Asheville. Meet at Westgate Plaza close to TCBY. Time is 2 PM. There is a 20 minute window to sort out who is going with whom, so please arrive at 2 PM. 

09/14/14 RURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY
The Rural Heritage Museum at Mars Hill University has announced plans to open a new exhibition: “Our Story–This Place, The History of African American Education in Madison County, North Carolina: The Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School” on September 14. This exhibition traces the history of African American education in Western North Carolina, with a particular emphasis on Madison County, from Reconstruction through the period of Civil Rights legislation and the integration in the 1960s. The Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School played a large role in African American heritage and history in Madison County and Western North Carolina for a good part of the 20th century. Opening Reception is from 1 to 3 PM, and location is Montague Hall on the campus of Mars Hill University. Admission is free, and the exhibit will run until February 2015. For more information please call (828) 689-1400.

09/16/14 AUDUBON SOCIETY MEETING
This will be held at the Reuter Center at UNCA. Time is 7 PM to 9 PM. 

09/16/12 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 September which will be the 16th, at 10 AM 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.

09/20/14 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. 

09/21/14 PEACE DAY AT UNCA
This will be from 1 to 4 PM and held on the main quad. There will be kids activities. No further information at this time.

09/21/14 MASSIVE PEOPLE’S CLIMATE MARCH IN NYC
Yes, there is a bus going to the People's Climate March from Asheville!  It will leave Saturday, September 20th around 7 AM, get to NYC in early evening, where we'll camp out in a church or school, do the march on Sunday and head home on the bus Sunday evening, arriving Asheville early Monday morning.  Cost is $125 per person, with some reduced fare scholarships available.  To donate to help others to go, contact dgenz@skyrunner.net. Go to this eventbrite page to register: http://tinyurl.com/PCM-Asheville-Bus. Please buy your tickets asap...the Boone bus has already sold out!  If you need one of the reduced fare seats, email mary olson at maryo@nirs.org.
        
09/21/14 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

09/21/14 SIERRA CLUB EVENT-DRIVE ELECTRIC WEEK
This is one of the 115+ events nationwide designed to showcase the speed, convenience, clean-air benefits and fuel savings of electric vehicles through ride-and-drives and other great activities. National Drive Electric Week celebration in Asheville will be at Asheville Public Works Parking Lot, 161 South Charlotte Street in Asheville. Time is 1 to 4 PM. Each celebration event will be led by local EV drivers and advocates and will include some combination of EV parades, test rides, press conferences, award ceremonies, informational booths, and more. At some events, people can even learn about options to charge plug-in cars with solar power. 

09/22/14 CLIMATE WEEK
By providing an international platform for government, business and civil society to work together on low carbon solutions, Climate Week NYC will show the world there are clear opportunities and many benefits in joining the global 'clean revolution'.

09/23/14 BUILDING BRIDGES 
The Mission of Building Bridges is to enable our community to confront and overcome racism through a continuing process of changing attitudes and hearts through education, conscious-ness raising, nurturing, and ongoing support. Our goal is to be intentional in respecting diversity within our community. For more information, go to this link: http://www.buildingbridges-ashevillenc.org/#!

10/6/14 PISGAH LEGAL POVERTY FORUM
4th Annual Poverty Forum will be held at Diana Wortham Theatre in downtown Asheville. Don't miss social justice advocate, attorney and author Sister Simone Campbell, SSS when she and NETWORK's other “Nuns on the Bus” roll into Asheville. 5:30 PM for cocktail reception; 7:00 PM for Forum. Tickets: $50/person Cocktail Reception and Forum; $15/person Forum Only. Reception Catered by Chestnut/Corner Kitchen Catering. For more details and to purchase tickets or contact Betsy Fedder at 210-3444.

10/16/14 LECTURE AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY
Lecture by Oralene Simmons, former Rosenwald School student, Great-great-granddaughter of the slave named Joseph Anderson, and the first African American admitted to Mars Hill College, and Susi Anderson, resident of Hawaii and Great-great-granddaughter of the slave-master of Joseph Anderson. Time TBA. This is part of the Rural Heritage Museum exhibition: “Our Story–This Place, The History of African American Education in Madison County, North Carolina: The Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School”. Location is Montague Hall on the campus of Mars Hill University. Admission is free, and the exhibit will run until February 2015. For more information please call (828) 689-1400.

11/10/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING
Time is 7 PM and location is North Asheville Library. Call Ruth at 232-2883 or email ruthachristie@gmail.com for more information.

11/13/14 PANEL PRESENTATION AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY
Panel Presentation: Personal Recollections of the Rosenwald School. This is part of the exhibition “Our Story–This Place, The History of African American Education in Madison County, North Carolina: The Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School” at the Rural Heritage Museum at Mars Hill University that runs until February 2015.This exhibition traces the history of African American education in Western North Carolina, with a particular emphasis on Madison County, from Reconstruction through the period of Civil Rights legislation and the integration in the 1960s. The Mars Hill Anderson Rosenwald School played a large role in African American heritage and history in Madison County and Western North Carolina for a good part of the 20th century. Moderated by Kevin Barnette (Assist. football coach at MHU) to include Anderson Rosenwald school alumni Oralene Simmons, Charity Ray, Dorothy Coone, Omar   Lewis McClain, Fatimah Rashida Shabazz, Gene Jones.Time TBA. Admission is free, and the exhibit will run until February 2015. For more information please call (828) 689-1400.

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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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BUILDING BRIDGES SESSION COMING UP

Our next session start date:

September 23 through Nov 18, 2014.

Time 7 pm - 9 pm

Location: AB-Tech, Ferguson Auditorium

http://www.buildingbridges-ashevillenc.org/#!

Our Mission
The Mission of Building Bridges is to enable our community to confront and overcome racism through a continuing process of changing attitudes and hearts through education, conscious-ness raising, nurturing, and ongoing support. Our goal is to be intentional in respecting diversity within our community.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Kellogg-Briand Pact

From David Swanson:

Signing of Kellogg-Briand Pact

The Kellogg-Briand Pact was an agreement to outlaw war signed on August 27, 1928. Sometimes called the Pact of Paris for the city in which it was signed, the pact was one of many international efforts to prevent another World War, but it had little effect in stopping the rising militarism of the 1930s or preventing World War II.

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And it has had no noticeable impact in the years since World War II. David is working to change that. I totally support his efforts.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

UPCOMING EVENTS

Note: Please check with event organizers to confirm events - sometimes changes are made at the last minute or get cancelled (and I don’t find out ahead of time). And sometimes mistakes show up in this email calendar. Please email me information on events that you know about.

08/25/14 UNCA HUMANITIES LECTURE
Topic is “The Golden Age of Muslim Civilization” and time is 11:25 AM. Humanities Lecture Hall.

08/27/14 GREEN DRINKS
Green Drinks will feature speakers working to improve food access in Asheville and throughout Western North Carolina. The panel speakers include Lindsay Majer, Food Programs Manager at Green Opportunities and a participant in A-B Food Policy Council’s Access cluster, Randal Pfleger of Bountiful Cities and Grass-to-Greens, and Lauren Brady, a Registered Dietitian, who is the Dietetics Internship Coordinator from Lenoir-Rhyne University Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville. Socializing begins at 5:30 PM and the event runs from 6-7 PM at the downtown Asheville Green Sage Coffeehouse and Café.

08/30/14 PEACE RALLY IN THE BLOCK IN ASHEVILLE
This is at 3 PM and goes until 9 PM at Triangle Park in The Block (South Market Street) in downtown Asheville. Presented by Just Folks & The Midweek Fix. There will be speakers and music. Here’s the lineup: Vicious The Mixigician (DJ), PACK! (Christian Hip-Hop), Keynon Lake (Speaker), Big Dave (Hip-Hop), Sheneika Smith (Speaker), Counter Culture Crew (Christian Hip-Hop), Michael Hayes (Speaker), Sweeze & Them UAI Boyz (Drums & Dance), Bubbles Griffin (Speaker), The Gift (R&B), Vicious The Mixigician (DJ) and Just Folks will be selling fish dinners and sandwiches! Come and make a stand against racism and in solidarity with the the people of Ferguson and Mike Brown. More information under ‘The Peace Rally in Triangle Park’ on Facebook. 

09/01/14 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES
Next Dinner With Progressives at the new Green Sage in Westgate Mall next to Earth Fare at 6 PM.  Dinner with Progressives, in Asheville NC, is a social outlet for people who wish to move forward.  It requires no fees and no membership.  We ask attendees to purchase dinner, dessert and/or beverage at the local restaurant where we meet to thank our friends at Green Sage for giving us the space at no charge for our gathering. Our speaker, so far, for September 1st is Nancy Waldrop who is running for Buncombe County Commissioner in District 3.  Come to DWP and find out how you can help Nancy win in November!  We hope to have other speakers as well.

09/02/14 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL
On September 2, Gordon Smith, the director of The Rule of Law Collaborative at the University of South Carolina, will review recent events in Ukraine and The Crimea. Come to the Reuter Center for these fascinating lectures and discussions that aim to advance international awareness and foster Western North Carolina's global ties. Meetings are scheduled for 7:30 PM in the Reuter Center's Manheimer Room. For more details about programs, consult the WAC website. 

09/03/14 SIERRA CLUB AND GREEN DRINKS MEETING
Sierra Club, WNC Alliance, and Green Drinks will present ”Solid Waste Reduction & Composting in Asheville”   with Maggie Ullman, Asheville’s Chief Sustainability Officer, & Eric Bradford of Asheville Greenworks on Wed, September 3 at 7 PM.   Free & open to the public. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1 Edwin Pl. on Charlotte in Asheville. Contact: judymattox@sbcglobal.net or call 828-683-2176 for more information.

09/04/14 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF OUR VOICE
We cordially invite you to join us for Our VOICE’s 40th Anniversary Celebration, 40 Years of Starting Conversations featuring keynote speaker Anita Hill, Brandeis University Professor of Law. Ms. Hill started a national conversation by disclosing her experience of workplace sexual harassment which focused the country’s attention on a difficult topic often met with avoidance and silence. Welcome Reception starts at 6 PM / Program starts at 7 PM. Location is Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville. You can purchase tickets online or at Our VOICE, Malaprops and aSHEville Museum. For more information regarding our event, please contact us at rvoice@ourvoicenc.org.

09/04/14 PUBLIC DEBATE FOR 11TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT SEAT
Tom Hill will be debating Republican incumbent opponent Mark Meadows on Thursday, September 4, 2014, at 7 PM, at Western Carolina University in Cullowee, NC.  Public is invited to attend. The event will be live streamed on WLOS. 

09/04/14 FILM SHOWING BY WNC FRACK FREE
At 6 PM, we will be showing GasLand 1 at AB Tech Ferguson auditorium in Asheville.  GASLAND 1, a powerful documentary outlining the intense impact of FRACKING on eco-systems, health, and communities. Hosted by AVL Green Power, and supported by local Frack-Free groups Clean Water for North Carolina , Frack-Free N.C. and WNC Frack Free. Open and free to the public. There will be a discussion panel after the film. This is a Facebook event under ‘NO-Fracking in NC: FREE Gasland 1 Movie Screening’ and is also on the wncfrackfree website. 

09/08/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING
Time is 7 PM and location is North Asheville Library. Call Ruth at 232-2883 or email ruthachristie@gmail.com for more information.

09/08/14 FILM SHOWING BY CLEAN WATER FOR NC
Screening of Gasland II and fracking presentation, at the Mill Room, 66 Ashland Avenue in Asheville. Email sally@cwfnc.org for more info. Time is 11:30 AM to 1 PM. 

09/10/14 WESTERN CAROLINIANS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
This meeting will be at 9:30 AM at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church.

09/12/14 FRACKING HEARING IN CULLOWHEE
After requests from individuals, organizations and businesses in Western North Carolina, the Mining and Energy Commission has voted unanimously to hold a meeting in the western part of the state. This will be from 5 to 9 PM, and the location is Western Carolina University’s Bardo Fine & Performing Arts Center at 199 Centennial Drive in Cullowhee. The concern about fracking in the mountains was galvanized by the passage this summer of Senate Bill 786, which lifted the moratorium on issuing state permits for hydraulic fracturing for gas, possibly as soon as next spring. The MEC is expected to finalize the oil and gas rules before the end of 2014, with possible issuance of permits by spring of 2015. Comment deadline is September 30, 2014. Send comments by email to: oil&gas@ncdenr.gov. Or by mail to: Mining & Energy Commission, ATTN: Oil and Gas Program, 1612 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1612.

09/21/14 MASSIVE PEOPLE’S CLIMATE MARCH IN NYC
There are rumors of a local bus going to this event.

09/21/14 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

09/22/14 CLIMATE WEEK
By providing an international platform for government, business and civil society to work together on low carbon solutions, Climate Week NYC will show the world there are clear opportunities and many benefits in joining the global 'clean revolution'.

09/21/14 MASSIVE PEOPLE’S CLIMATE MARCH IN NYC


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ONGOING EVENTS
*******************************************

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.


*******************************************
ACTIONS AND READINGS
*******************************************

BUILDING BRIDGES SESSION COMING UP

Our next session start date:

September 23 through Nov 18, 2014.

Time 7 pm - 9 pm

Location: AB-Tech, Ferguson Auditorium

http://www.buildingbridges-ashevillenc.org/#!

Our Mission
The Mission of Building Bridges is to enable our community to confront and overcome racism through a continuing process of changing attitudes and hearts through education, conscious-ness raising, nurturing, and ongoing support. Our goal is to be intentional in respecting diversity within our community.

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Peace Education Program
The Peace Education Program will be offered to interested parties.

The 10 week program is a media-based educational program, created by The Prem Rawat Foundation.

The purpose is to help you to explore the possibility of personal peace and discover your inner resources --tools for living such as inner strength, choice, appreciation, and hope.

The sessions will be held on every Tuesday Night from 7 pm to 8:30pm for ten weeks starting on August 19th at the North Asheville Community Center, 37 East Larchmont Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804.

For more information call Sandi Gross at: 786-202-7524 or email: spremie@aol.com


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Friday, August 22, 2014

Photos from Craggy Gardens

 I had a lovely afternoon the other day, picking blueberries up here. The blueberries were not that good, but there sure was a lot of bumble bees and one walked across the top of my hand before flying off! I also saw four butterflies, and there were plenty of regular flies too.




Thursday, August 21, 2014

Response to killing in Gaza

Dutch nonagenarian returns Righteous Among the Nations medal after six relatives killed in Gaza

A 91-year-old Dutch man who was declared a Righteous Among the Nations for saving a Jew during the German occupation on Thursday returned his medal and certificate because six of his relatives were killed by an Israeli bombing in the Gaza Strip last month.
In 2011, the Yad Vashem Holocaust museum declared Henk Zanoli and his late mother, Johana Zanoli-Smit, Righteous Among the Nations for having saved a Jewish child, Elhanan Pinto, during the Nazi occupation of Holland. Pinto, born in 1932, was hidden by the Zanoli family from the spring of 1943 until the Allies liberated Holland in 1945. His parents perished in Nazi death camps.
In hiding a Jewish child, the Zanoli family took a double risk, because it was already under Nazi scrutiny for having opposed the German occupation. Zanoli’s father was sent to the Dachau concentration camp in 1941 due to his opposition to the occupation, and he subsequently died at the Mauthausen concentration camp in February 1945. Henk Zanoli’s brother-in-law was executed because of his involvement in the Dutch resistance, and one of his brothers had a Jewish fiancée, who was also killed by the Nazis.
“The great- great grandchildren of my mother have lost their [Palestinian] grandmother, three uncles, an aunt and a cousin at the hands of the Israeli army ... For me to hold on to the honour granted by the State of Israel, under these circumstances, will be both an insult to the memory of my courageous mother who risked her life and that of her children fighting against suppression and for the preservation of human life as well as an insult to those in my family, four generations on, who lost no less than six of their relatives in Gaza at the hands of the State of Israel.”


Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Message from Raed Jarrar

I sent this letter to the editor to a couple of newspapers today. Feel free to borrow from the language and send it to your local newspaper:
Dropping the G bomb on Iraq
Last week, President Obama took to national TVs to announce new military action “to prevent a potential act of genocide” in Iraq. The president explained that he has ordered "targeted air strikes" to help "break the siege and protect the civilians trapped there".
This week, about 20 US military personnel landed on the mountain to assess the situation. According to a Pentagon statement released today, there are "far fewer" refugees than they expected, and they "are in better condition than previously believed."
Potential acts of genocide, sieges trapping civilians, and other abuses of human rights are real problems that exist around the Middle East and the world, and they require immediate response from the international community. But alleged crimes should first be investigated by legitimate UN and other international bodies, then aid should also be distributed according to international law. As it stands, Iraq’s humanitarian crisis is being used as a pretext to sneak in military strikes and more arms to some of Iraq’s fighting factions.
Turning humanitarian catastrophes such as Genocide and siege to buzzwords to justify political and military agendas is a slap in the face of victims of such atrocities, and it will make it harder for the international community to respond once there are real threats.

Song for Gaza

Sunday, August 17, 2014

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week


Pro-peace rally in Tel Aviv, Israel. Photo published by Haaretz, shared on twitter by FCNL.

UPCOMING EVENTS

08/18/14 EXHIBIT AT YMI CULTURAL CENTER
“Cash Crop” is an emotionally moving and historical glimpse of the bondage endured by more than 15 million slaves during the trans-Atlantic slave trade by sculptor Stephen Hayes. The exhibition, which features 15 life-size sculptures of human beings in shackles, invites viewers to enter an emotional, physical, and psychic space to confront the past, present, and future. Admission is $6 for adults, free for students through 12th grade. This will run until August 27, 2014. Location is Ray Auditorium at the YMI Cultural Center at 39 South Market Street in Asheville. For more information please contact Sharon at info@ymiculturalcenter.org. 

08/19/14 FREE ENERGY CONSERVATION AND WEATHERIZATION WORKSHOP 
Free Energy Conservation Workshop and Weatherization Services offered by Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Center at 94 Coxe Avenue in Asheville. Qualify for $800 in home weatherization services (must own home, built prior to 2006 and less than 2200 sq. ft.; home owner pays $100 and the rest ($700) is covered by NC Cooperative Extension office)! Time is 6:30-8:00 PM. For more information including how to register, contact Justin at justin.rowell@grennmodeling.com.

08/19/14 ELISHA MITCHELL AUDUBON SOCIETY MEETING
Meeting includes a discussion of topics in environmental stewardship. This will be held at UNCA’s Reuter Center. Time is 7 PM. Contact emas@emasnc.org for more information.

08/20/14 CITY OF ASHEVILLE TRANSIT PUBLIC MEETING
Location is Fire Department Training Room, 4th floor, Municipal Building, 100 Court Plaza in Asheville. The public is invited to drop-in anytime to comment on: Sunday bus service, NEW route serving Emma area, NEW route serving Oakley area, Transit fares. Time is 4 to 7 PM. The Multimodal Transportation Commission has openings on the Transit Committee. They are accepting applications through Wednesday, August 27. Interested? Call (828) 232-4531 or email iride@ashevillenc.gov for more information.

08/20/14 PUBLIC HEARING IN RALEIGH ON FRACKING
Public Hearing in Raleigh on Fracking (and farm campout and carpooling) is a Facebook event that local activists have put together. Time is 9 AM to 2 PM and location is NCSU McKimmon Center at 1101 Gorman Street in Raleigh. Here is a chance to show our government that we care about our water (especially our well and spring water), we want to live here, and we don't want them selling our future to oil and gas corporations for a very grim looking, unsustainable, and highly polluting 'energy future' where embarrassingly little local, and no long term jobs would be created. Come join us for a rally, press conference, and the actual meeting on Wednesday, August 20th at 9 AM, and sign up to speak. Please wear blue to represent clean water, and bring your friends. For carpooling from Asheville (on the 19th or early on the 20th), and RSVP to campout the night before at Pickard's Mountain Eco-Institute, email WNCfrackfreevol@gmail.com. Or look up “Public Hearing in Raleigh on Fracking” on Facebook. If you are interested in carpooling, you can also contact Sally at sally@cwfnc.org. 

08/20/14 GREEN DRINKS
Sally Morgan is the Energy and Water Justice researcher and community organizer with Clean Water for North Carolina, working for clean, safe water and empowered, just communities. Clean Water for NC is a founding member for the Frack Free NC Alliance, and has been fighting to keep fracking out of our state since it was first mentioned in 2008. Presentation starts at 6 PM and location is Green Sage Cafe at 5 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville.

08/21/14 FRACKING PRESENTATION IN JACKSON COUNTY
Time is 6:30 PM, Fracking Presentation, Democratic Women of Jackson County meeting in Sylva. Contact gklagan@gmail.com for more info.

08/21/14 PEACE CONCERT IN ASHEVILLE
Cecilia St. King, "Peace: Now More Than Ever" tour. Please come to this intimate House Concert for Peace! Cecilia's music will move you. Love offering $10-$15 requested. 386 Kenilworth Rd. at Digges, call 545-9681 if you need information, directions etc. Time is 7 PM to 9:30 PM.

08/22/14 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.

08/24/14 FINANCING OUR FOODSHED GATHERING
Hosted by Slow Money NC, Community Sourced Capital, Accelerating Appalachia and Rosetta's Kitchen - come enjoy a summer supper prepared by Rosetta! Hear about a few great new projects that need financing in the Asheville area, learn about Community Sourced Capital's work in NC, get an update on Accelerating Appalachia's programs, and network with folks who care about local food, local finance, and local economy. We will gather downstairs in the new Buchi Bar at Rosetta’s Kitchen on N. Lexington Avenue in Asheville. Supper is free (donations accepted) and there will be a cash bar. Time is 6 PM to 8:30 PM. Please RSVP to give us an idea of how many to cook for - go to Facebook to RSVP. 

09/02/14 SWAIN COUNTY COALITION AGAINST FRACKING
Community grassroots meeting to address fracking. Held at Marianna Black Library at 6:30 PM. All are welcome.

09/04/14 FILM SHOWING BY WNC FRACK FREE
At 6 PM, we will be showing GasLand at AB Tech Ferguson auditorium in Asheville. Open and free to the public. There will be a discussion panel after the film. This is a Facebook event under ‘Snack, Don’t Frack’.

09/04/14 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF OUR VOICE
We cordially invite you to join us for Our VOICE’s 40th Anniversary Celebration, 40 Years of Starting Conversations featuring keynote speaker Anita Hill, Brandeis University Professor of Law. Ms. Hill started a national conversation by disclosing her experience of workplace sexual harassment which focused the country’s attention on a difficult topic often met with avoidance and silence. Welcome Reception starts at 6 PM / Program starts at 7 PM. Location is Diana Wortham Theatre in Asheville. You can purchase tickets online or at Our VOICE, Malaprops and aSHEville Museum. For more information regarding our event, please contact us at rvoice@ourvoicenc.org.

09/08/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING
Time is 7 PM and location is North Asheville Library. Call Ruth at 232-2883 or email ruthachristie@gmail.com for more information.

09/10/14 WESTERN CAROLINIANS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
This meeting will be at 9:30 AM at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church.

09/12/14 FRACKING HEARING IN CULLOWHEE
After requests from individuals, organizations and businesses in Western North Carolina, the Mining and Energy Commission has voted unanimously to hold a meeting in the western part of the state. This will be from 5 to 9 PM, and the location is Western Carolina University’s Bardo Fine & Performing Arts Center at 199 Centennial Drive in Cullowhee. The concern about fracking in the mountains was galvanized by the passage this summer of Senate Bill 786, which lifted the moratorium on issuing state permits for hydraulic fracturing for gas, possibly as soon as next spring. The MEC is expected to finalize the oil and gas rules before the end of 2014, with possible issuance of permits by spring of 2015. Comment deadline is September 30, 2014. Send comments by email to: oil&gas@ncdenr.gov. Or by mail to: Mining & Energy Commission, ATTN: Oil and Gas Program, 1612 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1612.

09/21/14 MASSIVE PEOPLE’S CLIMATE MARCH IN NYC

09/21/14 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.

09/22/14 CLIMATE WEEK
By providing an international platform for government, business and civil society to work together on low carbon solutions, Climate Week NYC will show the world there are clear opportunities and many benefits in joining the global 'clean revolution'.

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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.