Friday, February 28, 2014

First LTE about the Duke Energy coal ash spill

This one was published in the Asheville Citizen Times, and some of the comments posted on their website are unbelievable.

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If I were to walk into the office of the CEO of Duke and “accidentally” trip and spill coal ash all over her fine mahogany desk, I believe I would be arrested. And I don’t think my claims of “saving money” by not buying a proper container and lid for the coal ash I was carrying around (and was responsible for) would carry much weight with the arrest process or trial.  

And this example points to something rather amazing: I could be sent to jail for destroying a desk, yet Duke Energy is given kid glove treatment for destroying an entire river, including the animals and fish, and a water supply for many humans. No one has been arrested or threatened with arrest, at least so far.  

I am guessing there will be a fine against Duke Energy one day, which will be paid for by the customers of Duke Energy (as will the clean-up), but no arrests and no trials. Duke Energy seems to be only interested in profit, profit, profit, and does not care one bit about the people that are their captive customers or the environment in which they live.



Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Letter to DENR and elected officials

Dear Sir or Madam:

My understanding is that our current state law requires the responsible party of a spill (oil, sewage, etc) to notify the state within 24 hours. The state then has 48 hours to notify the public. This law needs to change to ensure the state is notified immediately and that the public is also notified immediately. And this needs to be acted on immediately. If the spill is located close to a DENR office, then an official needs to be on site immediately. In every case, the local police and fire department should immediately be dispatched also, to start to work to protect the environment and the people who live in this state.
In both the coal ash spill in the Dan River, and the fuel spill in Hominy Creek, this did not happen. Action was delayed. I first heard about the Hominy spill from a friend who happened to be taking a walk in the area, and that was about six hours after the spill happened. This is not acceptable.

DENR should be using social media and the corporate media to get the word out to notify the public, and again, this needs to happen immediately. We also clearly need better and more frequent inspections of oil and fuel storage facilities to make sure they are properly constructed and maintained, with very serious fines when such is found not to be the case. In the case of repeated failures to safely contain such toxins, the corporations involved should be shut down completely and taken over by the state.

In the case of coal ash ponds, I seriously wonder why no one in DENR or our legislature learned anything from the massive coal ash spill in Tennessee in December 2008. It has been several years since that disaster, and in the meantime we have had numerous reports of leakage of toxic materials into our own NC waterways. And yet, nothing has been done. And in 2009, the majority of the NC House, the majority of the NC Senate and Governor were all Democrats. In 2013, the majorities were all Republican. Clearly, nether branch of the Corporate Party (Democrat or Republican) are up to the task of protecting our environment. How bad do things need to get before we see some improvement? What sort of actions do the citizens of this state need to take to protect our lands and our waterways, if our legislature and regulating agencies are too incompetent to do so? I really have no idea, but I do wonder how long citizens will peacefully tolerate such behavior from mega corporations and elected officials.

Our Governor is a former employee of Duke Energy. And a former US Representative, Democrat Heath Shuler, is the current chief lobbyist. And Duke has been directing our state legislature for quite some time, as they were allowed to escape any real consequences for their actions and become an energy monopoly in our state. This seriously needs to change. It is, of course, a reflection of our seriously corrupted political system where corporations are allowed to write the laws that govern them and face no real consequences for their actions no matter how badly they hurt the American people. This seriously needs to change.

Sunday, February 23, 2014

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week


Fuel spill in Hominy Creek. Sheen seen on the water. Picture taken 2-15-14.



UPCOMING EVENTS

02/23/14 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.

02/24/14 FILM SHOWING AT ST. EUGENE’S CHURCH
In response to Pope Francis' call to make the needs of the poor and the most vulnerable a priority in our lives, the Peace and Justice Committee is showing the movie "Inequality for All." This film explains the causes of economic and social inequality in the United States and is presented in an enjoyable and easy to watch format. Join us Monday, February 24 at 6:30 P.M. in the social hall at St. Eugene Church at 72 Culvern St. Asheville 28804. Free and open to the public.

02/24/14 IMMIGRATION POLICY IN THE US
This will be presented by immigration attorneys, and will be held in the Broyhill Chapel at Mars Hill University. Time is noon, and this is free and open to the public. More info at mhu.edu.

02/25/14 PETITION DELIVERY AT DUKE ENERGY IN CHARLOTTE
Sierra Club, Greenpeace, Appalachian Voices, SACE and others will deliver over 8,500 signatures to Duke Energy Headquarters at 550 South Tryon Street in Charlotte at 11:30 AM. Please join them to take a stand for clean water and an end to dirty coal ash polluting North Carolina! Duke Energy needs to clean up the coal ash from the February 2 spill (there was another spill there just this week) on the Dan River and at all of the ash impoundments across NC. Coal ash is hazardous waste produced by coal-fired power plants and constitutes a toxic mix of heavy metals, chemicals, and known carcinogens. We'll deliver over 8,500 petitions pressing Duke to clean up its coal ash at all 14 plants in NC. Speakers during the petition delivery represent this issue from the national to local scale. To carpool from Asheville, meet at 8 AM at Earthfare Westgate near the TCBY area. There will be two vans available. They would like $10 per person to cover gas and parking and wear and tear on the vehicles. They should be back in Asheville by 5 PM. Please let call or email Laura to save you a seat. If you are driving and have extra space in you car, please let her know that also. Laura can be reached at 828-545-4443 or email lsredoak@gmail.com.

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/.

02/26/14 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.

02/26/14 PRESENTATION ON HEALING THE WOUNDS OF WAR
Mike Boehm, of Madison Quakers (Wisconsin) will be giving an illustrated report on the encouraging community development work in Vietnam made possible by the generosity of Madison Friends Meeting and others around the country, including Asheville Friends Meeting and Swannanoa Valley Friends.  Mike is speaking at Swannanoa Valley Meetinghouse in Black Mountain at 7:30 PM.  Come early for refreshments at 7 PM.

02/26/14 RETURNING SURFACE MINES TO HEALTHY FORESTS
Patrick Angel, Ph.D., will give a presentation titled, "Hope for Appalachia: Returning Surface Mines to Healthy, Productive Forests," February 26 at Warren Wilson College. Angel’s talk, free and open to the public, begins at 6:30 p.m. in Jensen Lecture Hall. For more information call 771-3072. Angel is senior forester and soil scientist in the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement for the U.S. Department of the Interior. He is working with the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI) using American chestnut and other tree species to restore mined lands that will create young forest habitats capable of supporting increased biodiversity.

02/27/14 A CALL TO ACTION AGAINST CORPORATE RULE – RESCHEDULED
Rescheduled because of snow: “A Call To Action Against Corporate Rule”, a video recording of a presentation by David Cobb in Asheville during his recent national barnstorming tour, will be presented as a FREE event on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at 7 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Swannanoa Valley, 500 Montreat Road, Black Mountain. Mr. Cobb is a dynamic speaker, and a national organizer for Move to Amend, a people’s movement aimed at amending the US Constitution to say that “corporations are not people, and money is not speech”. The event is co-hosted by the UUCSV Social Action Committee and Move To Amend Buncombe County. The program will include an introduction of the “Corporate Personhood” concept, a showing of the David Cobb video, discussion, an opportunity to sign the Move To Amend petition, and an opportunity to purchase MTA tee shirts. Contact Geoffrey at (828-669-0619) or gfstone@bellsouth.net for more information.

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 more info: aroojaftabmusic.com. ~ 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 information, contact Lewis 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.

02/28/14 SCHOLARSHIP FUNDRAISER FOR MOUNTAIN JUSTICE
Please come out in support of scholarships for young folks to attend the 2014 MOUNTAIN JUSTICE SPRING BREAK program coming up in March, and also say a big huge thank you to the folks at Firestorm Café & Books.  There will be a lineup of song and spoken word. Time is 7 PM to 11 PM. This will be the last night of operations for Firestorm at their current location.

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.

03/04/14 PRESENTATION AT UNCA
“Ain’t I A Women: My Journey To Womanhood” by Lavern Cox (as seen on “Orange Is The New Black”) will give a talk at Lipinsky Auditorium at UNCA at 7 PM. This will be followed by a meet and greet at 8 PM. UNCA students, faculty, and staff must have One Card for free admission. $5 admission for the community.

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 RALEIGH
This is hosted by Quaker House and will be held in Raleigh, and is geared towards those who have PTSD from war experiences. The website for more information and to register is at http://www.quakerhouse.org/event.php.

03/06/14 DEVELOPING AN INCLUSIVE NC FEMINIST MOVEMENT
Join the YWCA, NC Women United (NCWU), and the AAUW for a presentation and Q&A led by Tara Romano, President of NC Women United. Tara will speak about NCWU's coalition, the power of working as a coalition to cover women's issues, and how NCWU is working within the coalition and with other community partners to build a women's movement in NC that is truly representative of NC women. This presentation will be at 2 PM and 6 PM. Presentation will last for an hour. Location is YWCA of Asheville at 185 South French Broad Avenue, Multipurpose Room. Light refreshments will be provided.

03/07/14 COALITION OF IMMOKALEE WORKERS
The Coalition of Immokalee Workers has organized a bus of 50-70 workers who are coming through Asheville on March 7th (Friday). There will be a lunch for them, and then a protest at the old K Mart site on Hendersonville Rd just north of the Earthfare. Public Supermarket is going to build a store there, and CIW is in campaign to get Public to sign with the CIW to protect farm workers who grow tomatoes. More information to follow.

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.

03/16/14 ETHICAL SOCIETY OF ASHEVILLE
“How to Destroy a Democracy Step by Step” will be presented by Dan Carter of Pisgah Forest, NC at the Sunday, March 16th meeting of the Ethical Society of Asheville, 2:00-3:30 PM at the Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Road in North Asheville (off Merrimon Avenue near UNCA). Carter will consider “Jeremiad: A long mournful complaint or lamentation. A list of woes. A cautionary or angry warning.” He contends that, “Today not a week goes by without a new Jeremiad of an America in economic decline.” This "declension" narrative is part of a tradition going back to the Puritans although there have always been optimists who have resisted. His talk has less to do with the current preoccupation with America's economic woes than its often hidden political crisis. What is a democracy? How has it functioned over our 138 year history as a nation? And explores forces that are undermining an always imperfect system to the point that it ceases to represent the great majority of Americans in any meaningful way. There will be discussion time following Carter's talk and informal conversation with light refreshments following the meeting. All are welcome!

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 prisoners 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 perspectives 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 and ends on March 1, 2014. 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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INFORMATION ON THE FUEL SPILL IN HOMINY CREEK

Below is a summary of our French Broad Riverkeeper’s work and observations about the oil spill at Hominy Creek on Feb. 14. WNCA has gathered information on how you can help us stop this type on incident from happening again.

What You Can Do:

Current state law requires the responsible party of a spill (oil, sewage, etc) to notify the public within 24 hours. The state then has 48 hours to notify the public. This law needs to change to ensure the state is notified immediately and that the public is also notified immediately.

Contact your legislator and let them know we want them to act on this issue:
Sen. Tom Apodaca: Tom.Apodaca@ncleg.net
Rep. Susan Fisher: Susan.Fisher@ncleg.net
Rep. Tim Moffit: Tim.Moffitt@ncleg.net
Rep. Nathan Ramsey: Nathan.Ramsey@ncleg.net

There must be better communication from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to the public. DENR should use existing technology (Twitter, Facebook, email, etc.) to notify the public and impacted municipalities immediately. Also, additional oil storage facilities should be inspected to make sure they are properly constructed and maintained to prevent future spills.

Contact DENR to let them know oil facilities should all be inspected and that the public needs good timely information in order to protect human health and the environment.
Landon Davidson, Asheville DENR regional office: landon.davidson@ncdenr.gov or (828) 296-4500
Mitch Gillespie, assistant secretary of the environment: mitch.gillespie@ncdenr.gov or (919) 707-8619

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“The real damage is done by those millions who want to 'survive.' The honest men who just want to be left in peace. Those who don't want their little lives disturbed by anything bigger than themselves. Those with no sides and no causes. Those who won't take measure of their own strength, for fear of antagonizing their own weakness. Those who don't like to make waves-or enemies. Those for whom freedom, honour, truth, and principles are only literature. Those who live small, mate small, die small. It's the reductionist approach to life: if you keep it small, you'll keep it under control. If you don't make any noise, the bogeyman won't find you. But it's all an illusion, because they die too, those people who roll up their spirits into tiny little balls so as to be safe. Safe?! From what? Life is always on the edge of death; narrow streets lead to the same place as wide avenues, and a little candle burns itself out just like a flaming torch does. I choose my own way to burn.” -  Sophie Scholl

Saturday, February 22, 2014

What you can do about the Hominy Creek spill


FROM WNC ALLIANCE

What You Can Do
:

Current state law requires the responsible party of a spill (oil, sewage, etc) to notify the public within 24 hours. The state then has 48 hours to notify the public. This law needs to change to ensure the state is notified immediately and that the public is also notified immediately. 
Contact your legislator and let them know we want them to act on this issue:
There must be better communication from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to the public. DENR should use existing technology (Twitter, Facebook, email, etc.) to notify the public and impacted municipalities immediately. Also, additional oil storage facilities should be inspected to make sure they are properly constructed and maintained to prevent future spills. 
Contact DENR to let them know oil facilities should all be inspected and that the public needs good timely information in order to protect human health and the environment.

Earlier citizen's report on Hominy Creek fuel spill


Interview on fuel spill on Hominy Creek, Asheville area


Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Delivering Water to Prenter Holler, West Virginia



Steve Norris is a professor at Warren Wilson College. Earlier in February, he and some students took water to the area of West Virginia where there was a  toxic chemical spill in the Elk River, a water supply to 300,000 people. Here is his story.

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This is a tough story to write about: the horror of contaminated water, the images of the mining families' peoples' faces, the children, the confederate flags, the beautiful mountains, the extreme gratitude of folks we gave water to - these are all so fresh that I can't take it all in. Add to this the fact that I have in the past gone to this area to protest against the way of life of these very poor but good-hearted people, and  . . .Well. I guess I am getting ahead of myself.

Last Friday seven students and I from Asheville, NC took my pickup truck with the 210 gallon tank from the 2013 Walk, full of water and three other cars loaded down with another with 250 gallons of water north to West Virginia. We also took with us the $400 we had fundraised locally, and drove to Whitesville in Boone County West Virginia where RAMPS has its office in a rundown old storefront. RAMPS stands for Radical Action for Mountain Peoples Survival, and has been a presence for some time now, leading some gritty and dangerous protests against Mountaintop removal, including 50 person occupation in 2012 of the Hobet mountaintop removal mine, the largest strip mine on the east coast. Twenty or so people were arrested in that action, and spent up to two weeks in jail, including one of the student organizers of this trip to deliver water. Now RAMPS is helping to coordinate delivery of donated clean water to residents of the area.

About a month ago on January 9 a corrupt and poorly run and poorly regulated chemical company called Freedom Industries spilled some of a highly toxic chemical (MCHM) from its storage tanks into the Elk River, contaminating the water supply of 300,000 people in 9 counties. Freedom Industries has a very checkered history and connections to the Koch Brothers. It stores and sells chemicals used to process coal from West Virginia mines. At first FEMA and West Virginia Dept of Environmental Protection got involved, and the governor declared the Elk River water unsafe for all drinking, cooking and bathing. But within a week or so they pulled out and declared the water safe for everyone except pregnant women and babies under three. In the meantime Freedom Industries has declared bankruptcy.

People who we met in the Whitesville area didn't accept the reassurances coming from public authorities. Most complained that the water smelled, either with a licorice-like odor or of formaldehyde, which could be forming as a result of interactions between MCHM and other chemicals, plastics or metals in the pipes. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. Some said the water looks murky. A few complained that the odors permeated their houses. One young woman, who has two young children said she was losing hair and had developed a rash. No one we met believed that the water was safe. Even in the Wal-Mart, where we drove to buy bottled water, when I tried to buy some hot coffee on the cold, rainy Sunday morning, I was told that none was available because of contaminated water.

So in all we had the 450 gallons of water we had carried from Asheville and another 800 gallons of bottled water we purchased with our $400. When we arrived at the RAMPS office in Whitesville on Friday at midnight the RAMPS organizers Bagdhadi, Nat and De explained to us that on Saturday morning we might be working with a group from Texas called the Texas State Militia who do border patrolling in Texas and who had promised to bring 2000 gallons of water. So we talked about various scenarios of how to coordinate with them. As it turned out the Militia never showed up, and on Saturday morning feeling disorganized and chaotic, we were on our own.

First stop was Amazing Grace Covenant Church, a fairly new and spacious church in Seth, about 15 miles up route 3 from Whitesville. We set up our water operations in their front parking lot, and all day long people came in their cars, some with bottles of their own which we filled after answering the all important question of "where did this water come from?" Another group of us loaded bottles of water in two cars and went house to house in nearby Prenter Holler, a small neighborhood of trailers on Sand Lick Rd down the mountain from four coal mines. We knocked on doors of these old broken down homes with muddy mid-winter yards and asked people if they wanted free bottled water. No one turned us down. Many people were elderly and told us they had a hard time getting out. A couple of people said they were out of fresh clean water entirely and we had shown up just in time.

A little while later a student Emily and I set up my truck with its 210 gallons tank full of water in front of Tamara's trailer on the corner of Prenter Rd and Sand Lick Rd near a creek. Tamara, who is a high-spirited 35 year old woman with a tattoo on her neck, and 4 or 6 children living with her, is a natural-born community organizer. She roused two of her teenage daughters from their beds and somehow inspired them to go knock on doors up the holler telling people to come and get the water. She also put word out on Facebook. All day long as huge 18 wheelers loaded with coal rushed past on Prenter Road, families drove up in pick-up trucks or all terrain vehicles or cars, and we filled their bottles with the water which, I explained, came from my spring in North Carolina. "You brought this water all the way from N.C.?" "Yeah, we came here yesterday." "Oh, you are so kind. Thanks you for coming all this way." Seldom in my life have I felt such gratitude.

One older man gave us $5 in appreciation. When I protested he replied, "You've gotta take it. Buy yourselves some coffee." He must not have realized even Wal-Mart was not making coffee with water from the Elk River. One very thin 61 year old man stayed long enough to tell us his story: "27 years in the mines, and now I have black lung and a herniated disc." A teenage high school girl spent 15 minutes talking with us: "I get all A's in school." She obviously loves school, and would be a teacher's joy, and I could not help but wonder where this holler will take her in five or in ten years, or whether maybe she could get out. And a young guy in a small RV talked about how the fish in the streams have disappeared in the last few years.

Everyone seemed dazed about what had happened, and more or less resigned to this new way of life. No one knows how long the water emergency will last or how they will cope as days and weeks may become months.  No one talked about it, and although some people clearly were angry at Freedom Industries or their public officials, no one talked about protest. A couple of people explained how until two or three years ago people had been drinking well water. However, the well water eventually became contaminated from coal slurry sludge which had been pumped into abandoned mines and then found its way into their ground water. And eventually their wells. At that point the public authorities insisted that people take water from the county. Now the public water supply is also too polluted for human consumption.

Immediately across the road was a fast moving stream, mostly covered with ice on this winter's day, flowing at a rate of maybe 1000 gallons a minute. This would be enough water for a small town, and yet, there's no water for the 200 people in this holler to drink. And what about the animals and the fish? We could hear this water singing its way past us as a confederate flag flew above a nearby trailer and we filled people's gallons jugs with water hauled all the way from North Carolina.

At the end of the day a few of us gathered back in the parking lot of Grace Covenant Church to fill a few more gallon jugs and to pack up our supplies. As we were about to leave a woman walked up to us across Route 3 and with a friendly smile asked: "Hi. I’m Julia. I want to introduce myself and ask you if you folks oppose coal." We chatted amicably for several minutes, letting her know that yes some of us had even been arrested protesting against coal, but at the same time avoiding a heated argument. She never did say where she stood on the issue. As she left, she waved and repeated with the same smile: "I just wanted to know where you stand."

Good question. For the last several days I’ve been pondering it. I have no questions about coal. It has to go. In North Carolina this week this has been made glaringly obvious to anyone willing to pay attention by the massive spill from a coal ash retainment pond owned by Duke Energy; up to 82 thousand tons of coal ash mixed with 27 million gallons of water has spilled into the Dan River, which is the public water supply for several nearby communities downstream. The river water and river bank has turned grey with the sludge, which contains a witches brew of poisons like arsenic, selenium, lead, and mercury.

At the same time though, my heart breaks for the miners and their families who live in Prenter Holler. How do I tell them that coal, which is the bedrock of their homes and the icon of their culture and the center of their way of life – how can I tell these very poor people that their bedrock is not sustainable, and that it is killing their mountains, and killing their fish, and will, if not contained, kill much of human civilization?

I don’t know how to answer Julia’s questions, or how to spend the gentleman’s $5, or what to say to the high school girl, or how to bring the fish back, or even how to get a hot coffee at Wal-Mart.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Pictures of Hominy Creek

These pictures were taken by me at Hominy Creek in Asheville around 3:30 PM on Saturday. The spilling of the thousands of gallons of fuel into the creek started on Friday afternoon. No one was down at Hominy Creek Park when I was there, and there was no one on the part of the creek by the road leading to the park. 

 Close up of the single boom at the park - with both water and fuel going under the boom.

Picture of the entire boom just above, a picture of the sheen on the water just below the boom. It was directly headed to the French Broad River, never to be captured. It smelled strongly of fuel in the park on Saturday afternoon.

Sunday, February 16, 2014

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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Friday, February 14, 2014

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Friends Committee on National Legislation

FCNL does great, great work. This is a video of the Spring Lobby Weekend in 2013, and a promotion of the Lobby Weekend in 2014. Their focus this year is to end the wars, stop the drone bombings, overturn the AUMF and close Guantanamo. I hope to join them.

Monday, February 10, 2014

"Sing, People, Sing"



"Sing People Sing"
© 2014 Pat Humphries & Sandy O

When I was 4 I had a toy
made of plastic and of joy
a magic, musical machine
from a drum, a stick and strings

I couldn't know as I would play
I'd live to meet the man one day
playing songs that shaped my life
and taught the world to sing

Chorus:
Oh, hear the banjo ring
Hear the people sing
Hope changes everything
Sing people sing

The summer of my 18th year
In San Francisco he'd appear
I jumped onto a trolley car
alone and wondering

The "grove" was full when I got there
People came from everywhere
I climbed a redwood by the stage
and watched the revery

Chorus

Years went by I got a call
A festival in early Fall
Along the Hudson River shore
A harvest gathering

Asking me to volunteer
to keep the river clean and clear
to celebrate the river's life
and all the gifts she brings

Bridge:
You stood up to McCarthy's rage
Rallied for a living wage
Rode with Woody, marched with Dr. King

You patiently brought us along
taught us each and every song
with Toshi by your side
you could do most anything

You showed us how the world could be
Living with integrity
Together we create a force
beyond imagining

As I observed your dimming light
I felt a spark in me ignite
But I would trade it all today
To hear your banjo ring