Sunday, November 08, 2015

Upcoming events for the week of November 8, 2015


UPCOMING EVENTS

11/09/15 RACE IN AMERICAN HISTORY - LECTURE AT AB TECH
Professor David Shi, President Emeritus of Furman University, is going to speak on “A More Perfect Union:  Race in American History”. Sponsored by A-B Tech’s Social Sciences Department, the program is free and open to the public. Professor Shi is a resident of Brevard and also taught history at Furman. He is the author of several books focusing on American cultural history, including the award-winning “The Simple Life: Plain Living and High Thinking in American Culture” and “Facing Facts: Realism in American Thought and Culture, 1850–1920.” Time is 3 PM and location is Sycamore 201 at AB Tech in Asheville.

11/09/15 EXXON LIED ABOUT THE CLIMATE - PROSECUTE EXXON
This has also been called a “March for Corporate Climate Action”. A march and rally to call attention to recent revelations that Exxon (the richest corporation the world has ever known) knew in the 70's that continued fossil fuel extraction would cause climate disruption, that they covered up the evidence to protect their profits. This protest will start at Prichard Park at 2:45 PM and will march to the Exxon station on Merrimon Avenue. There will be a protest at the Exxon Station (which is just north of I-240) until about 5 PM. Protest to raise awareness about Exxon's lies regarding the connection between fossil fuels and climate change. We support a Department of Justice investigation and lawsuit under the RICO statutes, similar to those against tobacco companies. Bring signs, noisemakers, drums, wear costumes if you like, water and $1. We will take a collection to give to the station owner for any business he might lose. Sample Signs: Exxon Knew, Exxon Lied, Prosecute Exxon; Exxon Needs to Pay for Climate Disruption; Investigate Exxon Now; Exxon Blocked Our Clean Energy Future. For more information, contact Steve at 828-777-7816 or earthsun2@gmail.com.

11/09/15 COMMUNITY EDUCATION FORUM
State Senator Terry Van Duyn will host a community forum from 6 to 8 PM on November 9 at Asheville High School auditorium, at 419 McDowell Street in Asheville. Purpose is to discuss the N.C. state of education and share insights from her seat in the state legislature. This is free and open to the public. Guest panelist will include Rep. Brian M. Turner; Buncombe County Schools Superintendent Dr. Tony Baldwin; Asheville City School Superintendent Dr. Pamela Baldwin; and Erwin High’s Brian Gonzales, 2016 Buncombe County Teacher of the Year. No contact information, this is a facebook event.

11/09/15 FILM SCREENING AT UNCA
Join Multicultural Student Programs in the film screening of “Dakota-38”. This film documents one man’s journey to learn the history of the mass execution of 38 Dakota warriors during the US-Dakota War in 1862. Location is Highsmith Union, room 224, at UNCA. Time is 6 PM. Hosted by UNC Asheville Intercultural Center.

11/09/15 PRESENTATION ON ARCHBISHOP ROMERO’S LIFE
Please join the Peace and Justice ministry at Parish of St. Eugene on November 9th for a presentation by Megan Reilly Buser and Esther Chavez as they share details of Archbishop Romero’s life and ministry as well as key moments of his beatification celebration. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Puposas and Salvadorian Street food snacks will be available. Presentation begins at 7 PM - Childcare available. Parish of St. Eugene is at 72 Culvern Street in Asheville. Contact St. Eugene Church for more information.

11/09/15 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE MEETING
Steffi Rausch will tell us about the Citizens' Climate Lobby (a strong coordinated grassroots effort worldwide) that focuses on national policies to address Climate Change by engaging elected officials, the public, and media. Right now it is focusing on a market based solution to climate change that encourages companies to reduce their emissions through a ‘carbon fee and dividend’. Admission to this event is free. Time is 6:30 to 8 PM and location is First Congregational United Church of Christ (Friendship Hall) at 20 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. For more information, contact transitionasheville@gmail.com.

11/10/15 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
Time is 6:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. 

11/10/15 STEM LECTURE AT UNCA
“The US Health Care System ~ The Only Developed Country Where Maternal Deaths Are On The Rise” is a lecture by Daniel Frayne, MAHEC Division of Family Medicine and Blake Fagan, MAHEC Division of Family Medicine. The STEM lecture series is free and open to the public. Time is 4:30 to 6 PM and location is Reuter Center, room 102, Manheimer Room at UNCA.

11/10/15 “FIGHT FOR 15” RALLY AT ASHEVILLE CITY HALL
The Fight for 15/Raise Up will be having a national day of action for $15 and union rights on November 10. In Asheville, we will have an action at city hall at 8 AM that morning. This is open to the public. Please contact Ben at bcarroll@raiseupfor15.org for more information.

11/10/15 “THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING” FILM AT LENOIR-RHYNE UNIVERSITY
Join us for a documentary directed by Avi Lewis, based on the book by Naomi Klein called “This Changes Everything”. The film focuses on how climate change, which is an urgent problem, is also creating innovative, grassroots campaigns and solutions around the world. This screening is part of the Appalachian New Economy Week, which includes other activities and events celebrating local, sustainable economies emerging around the region.Visit our Facebook page and sign up for AshevilleGrown’s newsletter to get involved. This wouldn't be possible without our sponsors: The New Economy Coalition, Scale Inc., Lenoir-Rhyne University, French Broad Brewery, Scott's Knots, Mountain Xpress, Mountain Bizworks, Accelerating Appalachia, Asheville FM and Ashvegas. Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is Lenoir-Rhyne University at 36 Montford, second floor above the visitor’s center. This is a facebook event. Free and open to the public.

11/10/15 BUILDING BRIDGES POTLUCK AND SILENT AUCTION
Please join us as we celebrate the 93 graduates of Session 46 with a potluck. Also, you can help support Building Bridges by bidding on items in our silent auction during the event. Please bring family, friends, and a dish to share! We will have plates and utensils, but feel free to bring your own. Time is 6:30 PM and location is the Magnolia Building at AB Tech in Asheville.

11/10/15 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE
Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) is a national network of groups educating and organizing white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for racial justice. Asheville SURJ hosts a weekly discussion group on risk-taking, accountability, mutual interest and how to call more white people into racial justice work. Anyone with a passion for working with white people on racial justice is welcome! Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

11/11/15 ARMISTICE DAY
Celebrate peace on what is now called Veteran's Day. Please pause, ring a bell, from the heavy church tower to the simple clanging of housewares at this hour, so we can honor those who gave their lives before peace prevailed, and in hopes we will never require such sacrifices eve in the future. Sponsored by WNC 4 Peace, a partnership of peace makers. Ring a bell for the end of all wars.

11/11/15 CIVIL RIGHTS DOCUMENTARY AT UNCA
UNC Asheville’s Center for Diversity Education will screen four documentaries in the series, “Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle.” Screenings take place at 6 PM on four Wednesdays, Sept. 30, Oct. 14 and 28, and Nov. 11 in the Highsmith Union Grotto. Discussions led by Dwight Mullen, Darin Waters, and Sarah Judson after the screening. Free. For more details, email dmiles@unca.edu or call (828) 232-5024.

11/11/15 ‘TO CHANGE EVERYTHING’ TOUR
Climate change, economic crisis, unrest from Baltimore to Brazil: the prevailing order is unsustainable in every way. This international panel of social movement veterans seeks to answer the question “How do we change everything?” Time is 5 to 8 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

11/11/15 BIONEERS EVENT / GREEN DRINKS
The Asheville Bioneers conference (a Resilient Communities Network Event) is taking place at Lenoir-Rhyne University—Asheville (36 Montford Ave, above the AVL Visitor Center) on Friday, November 6, Wednesday, November 11, and Friday, November 13. In partnership with Asheville Green Drinks, the November 11th event will feature a beamed in talk from the national conference by Malik Yakini followed by a panel of local experts and activists. Malik Yakini, Executive Director of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, will explore how the current industrial food system that supplies most of our food creates inequities, based in part on the social construct we call “race.”  He will share thoughts on addressing racism, thinking beyond the logic of capitalism and how we might create a more just, sustainable food system.  We will follow this with a local panel discussion and engage our community in conversations about better ways to address these issues locally.  Refreshments will be provided, thanks to Catawba Brewing.  Socializing begins at 5:30.  The programming begins at 6 PM and will run until 7:30 PM.  We will meet in the 2nd floor conference room.

11/11/15 STUDENT PANEL AT UNCA
Multicultural Student Programs Presents “My Culture, Not Your Mascot”. Across the country, athletic teams and schools utilize Native American imagery and culture as mascots. Engage in a dialogue that reflects the national conversation of the cultural implications and historical significance of the utilizing Native American symbols and identities as mascots. Hear the perspective of panelists from the Native American Student Association. This is sponsored by UNCA Intercultural Center. Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is Highsmith Union, room 221, at UNCA. This was a facebook event. Contact dhylton@unca.edu for more information.

11/11/15 JUST PEACE IN ISRAEL/PALESTINE
This meeting will be at 9:30 AM at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church at 117 Montreat Road in Black Mountain. Contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

11/11/15 MEMBERSHIP MEETING FOR EAGLE/MARKET STREETS
Come on out and learn how you can become a part of or what you can do to help Just Folks Organization of Asheville. Help us keep The Block alive! Time is 5:30 PM and location is Eagle Market Streets Development Corporation at 70 South Market Streets in Asheville. This is a facebook event.

11/11/15 VETERANS DAY BENEFIT CONFERENCE
Tickets to this Whitewater Bluegrass Company concert benefit ABCCM’s programs for homeless veterans. $20/$15 advance. Held at Asheville Event Center at 991 Sweeten Creek Road. Call 259-5326 for more information.

11/12/15 to 11/15/15 PEACE CONFERENCE AT LAKE JUNALUSKA
This will be November 12-15, 2015 at Lake Junaluska. Theme will be “Longing for Peace/Exploring the Heart of God”. Keynote speakers are Rabia Terri Harris, founder of the Muslim Peace Fellowship; Rabbi Or Rose, founding director of the Center for Global Judaism at Hebrew College and Dr. Sam Wells, vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London. Special music by Yuval Ron and Ensemble-- a world-renowned musician, composer, educator, peace activist, and record producer.  The Yuval Ron Ensemble has been actively involved in creating musical bridges between people of the Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths. They will perform Saturday eve. Registration is $145. Packages which include registration, lodging and meals are available. Register via Lake Junaluska website or call 828-454-6682 for more information. 

11/12/15 FORUM TO END VETERAN HOMELESSNESS
Join us at the Forum on Veteran Homelessness on November 12th, presented by AVL Technologies. We'll feature Jas Boothe, a veteran who experienced homelessness after Hurricane Katrina and now works to end female veteran homelessness. She'll join a panel of local experts on the topic. Your ticket also includes a full meal and is only $25 ($27.37 with service charge).  Time is 5:30 to 8:30 PM and location is Celine and Company at 49 Broadway Avenue in Asheville. Homeward Bound of WNC is organizing this event. For more information, including how to purchase tickets, please contact Beth Russo at 258.1695 ext. 111.

11/12/15 THIRD ANNUAL ROOT BALL FROM GREENWORKS
While we usually encourage you to “get dirty for a great cause,” the GreenWorks Root Ball is an opportunity to celebrate in style. Join us for an evening that will include: silent auction and drink reception, environmental excellence awards dinner, keynote address by Josh Dorfman. Tickets are $45 in advance ($40 for members) and $55 at the door ($50 for members). Contact us for more information and how to order tickets at info@ashevillegreenworks.org. The event will be held in Historic Montford at the MHCC Events Center (Greek Orthodox Church) at 227 Cumberland Avenue in Asheville. Time is 6 to 9 PM.

11/12/15 HENDERSONVILLE GREEN DRINKS
Josh Kelley speaks about public land management. Time is 6 to 8 PM at Taproom at Montes at 2024 Asheville Highway in Hendersonville.  Grab a beer and join like-minded individuals to discuss environmental issues and hear presentations by local environmental leaders. Sponsored by MountainTrue. Contact Joan at joan@mountaintrue.org for more information.

11/12/15 JUST ECONOMICS EVENT
People’s Advocacy and Action Group–Affordable Housing Action Follow Up. All are welcome, dinner provided. Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is the United Way on South French Broad in Asheville. This is in the first floor conference room. Just Economics works to educate, advocate, and organize for a just and sustainable local economy that works for all in Western North Carolina.  We see ourselves not as people of privilege advocating on behalf of low-income people but rather, people of privilege and low-income people advocating together for a better economic community.  We welcome participation in our work from all members of our community. We are currently focused on living wage jobs, accessible transportation, and affordable housing. This will be a quick overview of the Affordable Housing issue in Asheville followed by an Open Space gathering to strategize about actions to create greater access to affordable housing in our community. For more information, contact Amy Cantrell at Just Economics at 828-505-7466.

11/12/15 SURVIVORS ART SHOW BY OUR VOICE
Our VOICE is pleased to announce the 14th Annual “Heart Works - Survivors Arts Show” November 12th from 5:30-8:30 PM at the YMI Cultural Center on South Market Street in downtown Asheville.  The annual arts show is a unique community event that features visual and performance art is created by survivors of sexual assault. Performance starts at 7 PM. Contact Our Voice at 252-0562 for more information. Free and open to the public.

11/12/15 FREE TALK FOR PARENTS OF GIRLS
Are you a parent or guardian of a young girl? Would you like her to feel more confident, self assured, and willing to express herself? Join us Thursday, November 12 at 7 PM in the Dogwood Building at Francine Delany New School on Brevard Road in West Asheville. Anne Heck will be sharing strategies and tools for parents to help their girls discover and connect with her inner strength. This 1-hour program is sponsored by FDNSC and is free and open to parents of girls of any age. This is a facebook event.

11/12/15 SEED SAVING EVENT AT UNCA
This is a two part seed saving workshop, and it is at 5 PM at Highsmith Student Union at UNCA. Second part is on 11/19/15 at 5 PM. Registration is required, contact sec@unca.edu. This is free and open to the public.

11/13/15 BIONEERS EVENT
The Asheville Bioneers conference (a Resilient Communities Network Event) is taking place at Lenoir-Rhyne University—Asheville (36 Montford Ave, above the AVL Visitor Center) on Friday, November 6, Wednesday, November 11, and Friday, November 13. Lenoir-Rhyne University is proud to present the 2015 Asheville Bioneers Conference, a Resilient Communities Network Event on three evenings in November. As we have done during past Bioneers conference the event will weave in “beamed in” speeches from the National 2015 Bioneers Conference and feature discussions with local panels. Network, engage in dialogue, broaden the conversation, and collectively plan some next steps to help WNC move toward a more sustainable future. Time is 5:30 to 10 PM. Location is Lenoir-Rhyne University in the second floor conference room. Topic for this date is climate change.

11/13/15 TAKE BACK THE NARRATIVE - EVENT AT MALAPROPS
Take Back the Narrative showcases creative pieces written by survivors of sexual assault in order to create space for their stories and open up conversation around sexual violence in the community. This event is a collaboration between OurVOICE, Asheville's advocacy and support group for survivors of rape and sexual assault in the city and county, and UNC Asheville's Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program. Location is Malaprop’s on Haywood Street in Asheville. Time is 7 PM. For more information, contact Malaprops. 

11/13/15 COMMUNITY RACE RELATIONS DEBATE
Asheville and area residents are invited to attend a community debate in which four prominent citizens will debate against, and in support of, the following resolution: “RESOLVED: Asheville has disenfranchised its African-American population.” Kickoff event for community debate series is Friday, November 13 at 5:30 PM at Asheville High School. There is no charge for attendance. The three-part debate series will take place on Friday evenings at 5:30 PM in the Asheville High School auditorium, November 13, January 29, and April 8, 2015. Two-person teams will debate substantive issues including race relations, and the organic food/eat-local movements. The first debate features Dr. Dwight Mullen (political science professor) and Dr. Darin Waters (history professor) of UNC-Asheville debating in SUPPORT of the resolution, and Dr. Carl Mumpower (local psychologist) and Dr. Wendell Runion (local radio station owner and evangelist) debating AGAINST the resolution.

11/13/15 SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM AT UU CONGREGATION OF ASHEVILLE
Environmental and social justice film night will be a double feature this night. We will be showing “Our Daily Dose” and “Gaswork” at 7 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, which is on Edwin and Charlotte Streets in Asheville. “Our Daily Dose” addresses the health issues surrounding fluoride use in drinking water, especially in children. Local physician Angela C. Hind, M.D. a molecular toxicology expert, will attend the film to answer questions. “Gaswork” exposes the serious worker safety and chemical hazard issues associated with fracking. There is no charge for viewing the films - Donations are welcome. Contact Charles at mnpopi@charter.net or call 612-860-6628 for more information.

11/13/15 THE ART OF RESILIENCE - EVENT AT YMI
“The Art of Resilience” art opening, book release and poetry reading will feature new works by DeWayne Barton. Barton’s art and poetry focus on justice issues for people and the planet, as well as strategies for creating vibrant, healthy, sustainable communities. The show will also launch Hood Huggers International, Barton’s organization which offers innovative strategies for building support pillars for systemically marginalized neighborhoods, providing a framework for community capacity building while increasing the effectiveness of existing service programs. These strategies incorporate the arts, environmental education and social enterprise. Proceeds from the show will go to support Hood Huggers. Food will be provided by Cooking With Comedy Catering. Time is 7 PM and location is YMI Cultural Center at 39 South Market Street in Asheville. This is a facebook event.

11/13/15 DOWNTOWN COMMISSION MEETING
There is a meeting of the Downtown Commission this Friday, November 13, 2015 at 8:30 AM in the first floor conference room of Asheville City Hall. There will be a public comment portion towards the end of the meeting (usually around 10 AM). Please, come and make your concerns heard about supporting our unique, independent small business culture downtown. We must have more than one or two voices who are bringing this issue forward to the downtown commission, council, and city staff. Please also feel free to attend a City Council meeting on a Tuesday and make your voice heard on the matter. Here is our message: we ask that the Downtown Commission recommend that Asheville City Council place the issue of protecting our unique, vibrant, small business culture on their planning retreat agenda and to recognize this issue as a priority for downtown in the coming year. No contact information.

11/14/15 RAISE UP FOR 15 RALLY
This is a Drive-Through Sit-In Pre-Action Rally. Join local activists preparing for a demonstration of public support for the Raise Up for 15 movement. This meeting will include speakers, distribution of printed materials for participants, and multi-media documentation. Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

11/14/15 HARD TO RECYCLE EVENT
Founded in 2011 by Rainbow Recycling, Hard 2 Recycle events are free to the public collections geared to bring awareness to other modes of recycling to our area. Four quarterly held collections to cover the four corners of the County and one central event in Downtown Asheville. Our goal is to educate, collect and divert items that would normally end up in the Landfill i.e Styrofoam, Electronics, Books, Batteries, Cooking Oil and much more. November 14th - Arden NC - 2310 Hendersonville Road, Arden NC 28704 (10 AM to 2 PM). Contact volunteer@ashevillegreenworks.org for more information or to confirm.

11/14/15 STAND FOR PEACE IN ISRAEL/PALESTINE
This will be on Saturday Nov. 14 from 11 AM to 12:30 PM at Vance Monument.
Stand for Peace in Israel/Palestine - End the Occupation! Sponsored by Just Peace for Israel/ Palestine. For more information, contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net.

11/14/15 MOUNTAINTRUE URBAN FOREST WORKDAY
Richmond Hill Park invasive plant removal work days. Sponsored by MountainTrue. Richmond Hill Park is at 280 Richmond Hill Drive in Asheville. Time is 9 AM to 1 PM. Contact Joan at joan@mountaintrue.org for more information.

11/15/15 BLACK LIVES MATTER SUNDAY 
At 10 AM, Hill Street Baptist Church of Asheville will host Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead as a guest speaker. She is an Associate Professor of Communications and African and African-American Studies at Loyola University in Maryland. Professor Wise Whitehead is an historian who works in the black documentary tradition.  She will also be the guest speaker at an event at UNCA at 4 PM. The location will be the Alumni Hall in the Highsmith Building. These events are open to the public.

11/15/15 FILM AT FIRESTORM CAFE
On June 28, 2009, the people of Honduras were preparing to vote in their country's first-ever referendum. However, instead of waking up to ballot boxes they rose to find their streets full of soldiers. The first coup d'état in Central America in three decades. Beginning with the historic moment of the coup, “Resistencia: The Fight for the Aguan Valley” follows three key members of the farmers' resistance over four years as they attempt to implement participatory democracy in their new communities. All while trying to survive the violent reaction of the landlord and the coup regime. Time is 1 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

11/15/15 BUILDING A RADICAL PARTY OF THE LEFT
Red-Green Alliance: Building a Radical Party of the Left: A conversation with Jill Stein and the International Socialist Organization. This will run from 6 to 8 PM and location is the Alumni Hall of Highsmith Student Union at UNCA. A meet-and greet and fund raiser will follow at Block Off Biltmore Bar & Restaurant (39 S Market St, Asheville) starting at 8:30 PM. The UNC–Asheville branch of the International Socialist Organization (ISO) is hosting the Jill Stein campaign for a talk on UNCA campus. Stein was the 2012 Green Party presidential candidate and is running again for 2016. Join the Asheville ISO chapter (Asheville Socialists), local Green Party members, and allied people for a discussion with Jill about the importance of building an alternative party completely independent from the capitalist two-party system. We need systemic change. Speakers include: Jill Stein (Green Party Presidential Candidate), Jacob Cook (an ISO organizer in Asheville), Bruce Dixon (editor of the “Black Agenda Report”) and Jess Burroughs (ISO student organizer). Please contact Michael Dennis with questions at mikeldennis@me.com or 717-873-0588.

11/16/15 PUBLIC INPUT TO NANTAHALA AND PISGAH PLAN REVISION
As a requirement to forest plan revision process, the USDA Forest Service will do evaluations of lands that may be suitable for inclusion in the National Wilderness Preservation System, and identifying rivers for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. These evaluation materials will be available in late October on the Forest Service USDA’s website. Then a public meeting will be held for input from the general public on these evaluations. Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is Mountain View Room, Kimmel Arena, UNCA in Asheville. Meetings are open to the public. Contact Joan at joan@mountaintrue.org for more information.

11/16/15 PUBLIC HEARING ON I-26 CONNECTOR
A Public Hearing will be held on November 16th at the Renaissance Hotel Grand Ballroom, 31 Woodfin Street in Asheville. NCDOT representatives will be available between 4 PM and 6:30 PM for the Pre-Hearing Open House to answer questions and receive comments on the project. The formal public hearing that will then begin at 7 PM with a review of the project, followed by a public comment session. Public comments on the DEIS [Draft Environmental Impact Study] will be received through December 16, 2015. Contact Joan at joan@mountaintrue.org for more information.

11/16/15 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING
Location is the North Asheville Library at 1030 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Time is 7 PM. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Diana at  dianakruk@gmail.com  or 828-275-0680. 

11/16/15 UNITED NATIONS SPEAKER AT UNCA
Mogens Lykketoft, President of the United Nations General Assembly, will give a talk “The United Nations at 70: Reflections of the Past and Prospects for the Future”.  Time is 11 AM and location is the Reuter Center at UNC Asheville. His talk is free and open to the public. Lykketoft of Denmark was elected unanimously in September to serve a one-year term leading the General Assembly, the main deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the U.N., and the only one in which all 193 member nations have equal representation. The issues facing the U.N. this year include the Syrian refugee crisis, climate change and sustainable development, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In Denmark, Lykketoft has been a leading figure in the Social Democratic Party, serving as Finance Minister, Foreign Minister, and from 2011-2015, as Speaker of the Danish Folketing (parliament). He is an economist by training and a veteran parliamentarian and government minister. Lykketoft comes to UNC Asheville at the invitation of the university’s Carol Belk Distinguished Professor Mark Gibney, a leader in the field of international human rights law, who is also the Raoul Wallenberg Visiting Professor of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at Lund University and the Raoul Wallenberg Institute in Sweden. For more information, call 828.250.3870.

11/17/15 WNC 4 PEACE MEETING
Location is the North Asheville Community Center at 37 E. Larchmont Street in north Asheville. Time is 6 PM. Contact Craig at herbzone@gmail.com for more information. 

11/17/15 PISGAH LEGAL SERVICES AMBASSADOR TRAINING
We will be hosting our next Ambassador Training on Tuesday, Nov. 17th from 11:45 AM to 1 PM to provide our board members, volunteers and supporters with an overview of key information about Pisgah Legal Services' programs, plans and fundraising. Lunch will be served. This will be held at 62 Charlotte Street in Asheville. Ambassador trainings are also a wonderful opportunity for Pisgah Legal staff to hear your insights on how we communicate our messages to the community. We appreciate your participation. Please RSVP to Lindsay at lindsay@pisgahlegal.org or 210.3405 to let us know if you plan to attend and if you would like lunch. 

11/17/15 DEALING WITH HOMELESSNESS IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY
Are you homeless or formerly homeless? Are you worried you might become homeless? If so, please join us to talk about the best ways to help people avoid homelessness, get out of homelessness, and stay safe while they are homeless. Asheville and Buncombe County are beginning to draft a new plan that will set priorities for how the local government and service agencies deal with homelessness. This plan will affect things like which programs get funded, what kind of help is available, and who gets that help. This meeting will happen at AHOPE at 19 North Ann Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 1 PM. Call AHOPE at 828-252-8883 for more information.

11/17/15 ASHEVILLE/BUNCOMBE HOUSING SUMMIT
A dynamic conversation about how public and private sectors can work together to meet our housing needs. Hosted by Asheville City Council. Time is 2 to 5 PM. Location is the US Cellular Center Banquet Hall. Keynote speaker is Laura Clark, executive director of Renaissance West Community Initiative. Panel discussions will follow on challenges and opportunities in affordable housing development. Reception to follow. Please RSVP by email to kmorrow@ashevillenc.gov.

11/18/15 GREEN DRINKS
Dive into The Magical World of Moss Gardening with Mossin’ Annie Martin. She is aWestern North Carolina native, educator, landscape designer and farmer. Her presentation will identify recommended species, teach basic propagation and design and install a moss garden – in 45 minute presentation. Check out her website and the latest Mountain Xpress article about her. Mosses are a gardener’s dream. These emerald beauties thrive where nothing else grows and provide year-round delights in all planting zones. Time is 5:30 and location is Twin Leaf Brewery at 144 Coxe Avenue in Asheville. Entrance is the big garage door on Banks Avenue.

11/18/15 NC WARN’S CLIMATE ROADSHOW
The Alliance for Energy Democracy, along with the Earth Team at First Congregational Church of Asheville, Creation Care Alliance of WNC and Transition Asheville will present NC WARN’s Climate Roadshow. Jim Warren, Executive Director of NC WARN will explain their Emergency Climate Response Campaign.  Jim and other NCWARN staff will engage you in a presentation and discussion on this new campaign, updated climate science, and what we can do about it. Participants will leave with more knowledge, hope and sense of power so that they can take effective action against Duke Energy on their climate change indifference. Time is 7 to 9 PM and location is the First Congregational Church Asheville at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Free and open to the public. Please contact Richard at firepeople@main.nc.us for more information.

11/18/15 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE EVENT
Join Rev. Milly Morrow, Canon for Missional Formation and Rev. Scott Hardin-Nieri, Director of The Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina (CCA) for food, coffee and conversation about youth ministry and creation care. CCA is looking for ways to support youth ministries in WNC and to create collaborative opportunities for youth to integrate their faith life with creation care. There are no strings attached to this event, it is not a fundraiser, nor a pitch for a curriculum. We are hoping to provide space for prayerful conversation about how we work with young people in a time of great ecological and social challenge. Time is 10 to 11:30 AM and location is Kairos West Community Center at 742 Haywood Road in west Asheville. This is a facebook event.

11/19/15 HOMEWARD BOUND OF WNC TOUR
“Welcome Home Tour” is a tour of Asheville organizations that serve the homeless population. Registration required, free to attend. Time is 11 AM. Call 258-1695 for more information and for instructions on how to register.

11/20/15 EVENT AT MALAPROPS
In Jimmy Guignard's sobering “Pedaling the Sacrifice Zone: Teaching, Writing, and Living Above the Marcellus Shale”, the author, a professor at Pennsylvania's Mansfield University, takes readers on a cycling tour “through the fraught landscape of his family's life in the *sacrifice zone*” of the Marcellus Shale, ground zero of the natural gas industry and fracking. Location is Malaprop’s on Haywood Street in Asheville. Time is 7 PM. Call Malaprops for more information.

11/20/15 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 noon to 2 PM. Everyone is welcome. For more information contact Dr. Terry Clark, Chair, 633-0892 or Dr. Lew Patrie, 299-1242.

11/20/15 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE CONCERT & FUNDRAISER
First Christian Church presents an evening of great acoustic music with The Warren Wilson College Old-Time and Bluegrass Bands. This is a benefit for the Creation Care Alliance. Concert is free, contributions are encouraged. All contributions go directly to Creation Care Alliance. Time is 7 PM and location is First Christian Church at 201 Blue Ridge Road in Black Mountain. Contact Creation Care at creationcare@mountaintrue.org for more information.

11/20/15 to 11/22/15 SCHOOL OF THE AMERICAS WATCH PROTEST AT FORT BENNING GEORGIA

11/21/15 REMEMBERING TONY BING
Remembering Tony Bing and his endeavors for a just peace in Israel/Palestine. Memorial address will be by Max Carter. Max will speak about his mentor, Tony, and his lively pursuit of peace and justice in Israel/Palestine, challenging us to continue Tony Bing’s exemplary practice of nonviolent peace-building activism. Special tributes from Hashim Badr, Carol Rogoff-Hallstrom, and James Aydelotte. Those gathered will also share stories of Tony Bing. Time is 3 to 5 PM and location is Lenoir-Rhyne University at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville, on the second floor above the visitor’s center. The memorial is offered with deep gratitude for Tony’s leadership by Just Peace for Israel/Palestine. Please contact jpip.wnc@gmail.com or call 828-319-7652 for more information. 

11/21/15 UNCHAIN ASHEVILLE EVENT
We are organizing an event to raise awareness surrounding the issues and threats small, local, independent businesses in Asheville are currently facing. Our goal is to raise awareness as well as educate the consumer on the street about the value of supporting local businesses. We will be gathering for at our localist celebration at the Asheville Music Hall at 10 AM on November 21. The event happens to coincide with the Asheville Holiday Parade and the location is along the route. After the parade ends, we will have a “jazz funeral processional” style march around the block, passing by the chain locations. We will keep all of our marching on the sidewalks to keep this a free-speech event, eliminating the need to make this a permitted event. In order to find out about training sessions for this event, or if you have any questions about this campaign, contact our director, Franzi Charen, at ashevillegrown@gmail.com.

11/21/15 GREEN GRANNIES SING FOR THE CLIMATE
Green Grannies Sing for the Climate at Pritchard Park at 4 PM. Google "Singfortheclimate" and come out and sing with us! This happens on the third Saturday of every month. 

11/22/15 BENEFIT FOR ‘KIDS 4 PEACE’ IN ASHEVILLE
Join award winning whimsical re-percussionist Billy Jonas and the Billy Jonas Band on Sunday, November 22, at 7 PM at the Altamont Theatre at 18 Church Street in Asheville for the release celebration of their new recording ‘habayta (Homeward) New Jewish Songs of Joy and Spirit’. Jonas has appeared at numerous synagogues, Jewish summer camps, community centers and Jewish Day Schools throughout the US. About Kids4Peace: Founded in Jerusalem in 2002, Kids4Peace is an interfaith community of more than 1,800 Israeli, Palestinian and North American youth, families and educators working together for a better future. Through a network of local chapters and international camps, they provide a six-year, year-round educational program for Jewish, Christian & Muslim youth. Activities focus on interfaith dialogue, community-building, leadership development, and nonviolent action. Tickets are $36 and include reception and food. For further information and tickets call 617-501-1983.

11/27/25 JUST PEACE IN ISRAEL/PALESTINE
This meeting will be at 3:15 PM at Brooks-Howell Home on Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Meet in the media room. Contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

11/29/15 GREEN GRANNIES LIGHT UP THE NIGHT
And on Sunday evening, November 29, 350.org and the Green Grannies are hosting "Light up the Night: A Vigil for the Paris Climate Talks," gathering at 5 PM in Grove Park, on N. Charlotte St., across from St. Mary's Episcopal Church - hope you can join us!

12/01/15 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL LECTURE SERIES
“DEAS (ISIS) and PKK – The Regional Struggle for Hegemony: Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar," with Ali Demirdas, a member of the international studies faculty at the College of Charleston and a Ph.D. candidate at University of South Carolina. The lectures are sponsored by the WNC chapter of the World Affairs Council, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville, and the university's Department of Political Science. Admission to World Affairs Council presentations at UNC Asheville is $10 for the public; free to members of the World Affairs Council and UNC Asheville students. For more information call 828.251.6140.

12/03/15 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE MEETING
Creation Care Alliance General Meeting. Time is 5:30 to 7 PM. Location is the First Baptist Church of Asheville at 5 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Contact Creation Care at creationcare@mountaintrue.org for more information.

12/05/15 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING
Citizens Climate Lobby meets the first Saturday of each month at Kairos West Community Center, 742 Haywood Road in west Asheville. We are advocating for a Carbon Fee & Dividend, which would impose a fee on fossil fuels at point entry; this fee will be refunded to individuals and families. There is bipartisan support in Congress as this will create jobs and help grow the economy, boosting renewables. Time is 12:30 to 3 PM.  Location is Kairos West Community Center at 742 Haywood Road in west Asheville. For more information contact asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.

12/10/15 JUST ECONOMICS ANNUAL CELEBRATION
Just Economics Annual Celebration. Free, food and entertainment provided, all are welcome. Time is 6 to 9 PM and location is Jubilee! in downtown Asheville. Just Economics works to educate, advocate, and organize for a just and sustainable local economy that works for all in Western North Carolina.  We see ourselves not as people of privilege advocating on behalf of low-income people but rather, people of privilege and low-income people advocating together for a better economic community.  We welcome participation in our work from all members of our community. We are currently focused on living wage jobs, accessible transportation, and affordable housing.

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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
Showing Up for Racial Justice Meeting at 10 AM at Firestorm Cafe & Books

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

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. Call 884-3435 to confirm. 
Third Saturdays – Asheville’s Green Grannies invites the public to “sing for the climate” at Pritchard Park 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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Christian Peacemaker Teams Palestine offered this prayer in its October newsletter:

We pray for the families of all of those murdered in Israel and Palestine this dark and bloody month as they navigate the searing pain of grief.

We pray that the bodies of those Palestinians being held by Israel are returned to their families swiftly.

We pray for a just peace.

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