Sunday, December 04, 2016

Upcoming events for the week of December 4, 2016


UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

DAILY VIGIL UNTIL DECEMBER 14:
This local vigil is in solidarity with the Sacred Stone Camp call for a Global #NoDAPL Month of Action in December. The purpose is to raise awareness and build support for the Standing Rock resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline. Location is Vance Monument from 4 - 5 PM each day. (This vigil has been suspended for now, unless and until the Transfer Energy Partners decides to go ahead without a permit, per the organizer. I know the Dakota Access Pipeline has been stopped - for now - but do not let your guard down. This is a reprieve, not a victory. And we have the Atlantic Coast pipeline to stop also. It is due to come through Native lands in NC. - dancewater)

12/05/16 PRAYER WITH SONG AND DRUM FOR STANDING ROCK
The US Army has pledged to remove the camp of Water Protectors and their vigil of prayer from where they have been praying to stop the pipeline from going under the Missouri river threatening the reservation water supply and the water of everyone downstream. Those of us unable to go to North Dakota to support their prayer can come out to pray in support with drumming and sacred songs. Time is 4 to 7 PM and location is Pritchard Park. This is a Facebook event.

12/05/16 EXHIBITION AT RAMSEY LIBRARY AT UNCA
“All My Relations” exhibit by Shan Goshorn will be at Ramsey Library, Blowers Gallery from November 8 to December 16. This exhibit includes forty black and white photographs of contemporary Cherokee people. They were  taken over a 25 year period by Eastern Band artist Shan Goshorn. Goshorn is perhaps better known for her painted photographs (many of which address stereotypes and racism) which she weaves into baskets that now reside in many prestigious collections around the world. 

12/05/16 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES
Please join us for dinner, dessert or a beverage together tomorrow at 5:30 PM at Green Sage Cafe in Westgate with fellow progressives. More than ever we need to be together, learn together and work together. We ask that attendees purchase either dinner, a beverage and/or dessert. Please RSVP so we can give our friends at Green Sage a headcount to Cheryl at ctorengo@gmail.com. Our speaker for tomorrow is Steve Norris, longtime activist and professor of peace and justice studies at Warren Wilson College.  Steve will speak about the $5 billion, 550 mile fracked gas Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP), which is being proposed by Duke Energy and Dominion to come from W. Virginia and through NC. It will cut through ten counties in the heart of North Carolina.  If built this pipeline will cross 1300 parcels of land in NC, and several major river systems and wetlands, some of which are public water supplies. It threatens several native communities in eastern North Carolina, communities of color, and others.

12/06/16 WORKSHOP/CLASS FOR THE EXQUISITELY EXHAUSTED
Allies for the Exquisitely Exhausted - This class is designed to provide tools and resources for those who are working in helping professions and are looking to better manage stress and burnout as well as increase resilience in their daily lives. Participants will cover various tools for healthier work life and personal boundaries, grounding skill that you can use in the moment in the workplace, better financial planning and various plant and herb allies you can use to increase resiliency. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/06/16 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL AT UNCA
The World Affairs Council meetings offer a lively line up of topics and compelling presenters. On December 6, ‘International Human Rights: At what cost to the rest of international law?’ will be the topic. Ingrid Wuerth, Helen Strong Curry Chair in International Law, and Director of the International Legal Studies Program at Vanderbilt Law School will discuss the impact of the “responsibility to protect” – the global political commitment endorsed by all U.N. member states. Time is 7:30 to 9 PM. All lectures are scheduled in the Reuter Center's Manheimer Room, free to WAC members and UNCA students, all others $10 at the door.   

12/06/16 CURRENT EVENTS BOOK CLUB 
Join host Bruce Roth for a lively discussion on topics of current interest including war and peace, the economy, the environment, and other hot political topics. Current Events Book Club discusses “The Polarized Mind: Why It's Killing Us and What We Can Do about It” by Kirk J. Schneider. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville. Contact Malaprops for more information.

12/06/16 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT
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 Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information. 

12/06/16 ELDERS FIERCE FOR JUSTICE
We seek to reclaim the traditional role of Elder in the service of a more just, healthy, and compassionate community by partnering with engaged citizens in Western North Carolina working for social and environmental justice. In the service of this question Elders Fierce for Justice, will convene three forums on Tuesdays, December 6, 13, & 20 at the Edington Center, Livingston Sreet in Asheville. Time will be from 12 to 1:30 PM. No lunch provided. Bag lunch encouraged. Stimulation promised. At each forum an elder will present their particular engagement in some aspect of local social, economic, racial and environmental justice. Following each brief presentation will be dialogue for collaborative learning and friendship along with specific opportunities for further elder involvement. If these forums provoke sufficient interest, these Elder Forums will continue into 2017. For further information or to let us know you intend to participate in one of these forums in December contact Mahan Siler at eldersffj@gmail.com.

12/06/16 ASHEVILLE CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
What do you want Asheville’s future to look like? How do you want the City’s resources allocated over the next 20 years?  Broad questions? Yes, but they’re integral to planning for a well-run city, one with vibrant neighborhoods, great parks and thriving business districts. The City of Asheville invites you to join a round of public workshops Dec. 6-7 as Asheville moves forward with the development of Living Asheville: A Comprehensive Plan for Our Future.  “We really need to hear from everyone,” said Todd Okolichany, Director of Planning and Urban Design for the City of Asheville. “The input from the public during these workshops will be essential to determine the values and priorities that should be incorporated into physical planning and policy strategies. Once completed, the Comprehensive Plan document will guide City staff and elected officials as to what the community wants for Asheville’s future.” Times and places: North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave., 12:30 to 2:30 PM; West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road, 4 to 6 PM; Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St., 6:30 to 8:30 PM. This was shared by Transition Asheville.

12/07/16 BUNCOMBE COUNTY INFORMATIONAL MEETING
Buncombe County will hold a drop-in informational meeting to gather input from citizens and business owners about the draft update to the five year Sustainability Plan.  Drop in at Lord Auditorium at Pack Library at 67 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville between 5:30 and 7 PM. For further information about the plan, please call the County Planning Department at 250-4830 or email sustainability@buncombecounty.org. They can tell you how to find it online. And you can also find a draft copy of the Sustainability Plan update at the reference desk at Pack Library.

12/07/16 SIERRA CLUB MEETING/GREEN DRINKS
Holiday party and environmental recognition awards. Bring potluck dish to share and your own place settings. This event is free and open to the public. Time is 7 PM and location is Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 1 Edwin Place (corner of Charlotte and Edwin) in Asheville. For more information, contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net or call 828-683-2176.

12/07/16 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT
What's Up with Whiteness/Title Track: Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 PM at Firestorm. This is part of Asheville SURJ's educational series. This month's specific topic: “The Klan in North Carolina, then and now.” The ‘Title Track’ sessions of “What's Up with Whiteness” function to explore what ‘white’ means, and how it was created as a racial group to implement a white supremacy culture in the United States. This group is for anyone who is willing and able to explore their whiteness or whiteness as a race with a racial justice lens. We aim to dismantle white supremacy's power by exploring it from the inside. Time is 6:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information or contact Art for more information at arthur@lainschell.com. This was on Facebook today:  “Originally we had a "What's up with Whiteness: Title Track" scheduled for this Wednesday, but we will postpone it until next month. Since we had the space, we will be holding an evening Do!scussion session. We have typically hosted this in the mornings (Tuesdays at Firestorm, Fridays at UU), so this is an opportunity for people to come to an evening session. The Do!scussion is a space where people can come and check-in about issues of concern they have in doing personal or community anti-racism /anti-oppression work, get support, and explore SURJ core values in relation to concerns and questions...so that they can keep on doing!”  

12/07/16 STANDING ROCK EMOTIONAL HEALING CIRCLE
Have you returned from Standing Rock and could use some help with the emotions you are experiencing? An Emotional Healing Circle is a safe space were we can express anything we are feeling after being at Standing Rock. Many Water Protectors we’ve spoken to have expressed feeling a wide range of emotions - grief, anger, fear, joy, gratitude - it is all valid and welcome in our circle. A team of local mental health professionals will hold space for those who want to share their emotional experience with the intention of helping us find the medicine in our experiences. We offer this space in a spirit of authentic self-revelation, empathetic listening and deep community building. In order to create a safe space where people feel comfortable to share deeply from their hearts and allow enough time for each person to be fully heard the groups will be limited to 15 people. We are offering three sessions over three weeks (Nov 30, Dec 7, Dec 14) from 7 to 9 PM. Location is 201 Charlotte Street in Asheville. The session are free. If the demand is not met by these three sessions we will open up more, please indicate your interest in the Facebook event. If you are a mental health professional who would like to offer support please contact Kat Houghton research@connected.earth. Please go to Facebook to get the link to register for these sessions.

12/07/16 ASHEVILLE CITY COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
What do you want Asheville’s future to look like? How do you want the City’s resources allocated over the next 20 years?  Broad questions? Yes, but they’re integral to planning for a well-run city, one with vibrant neighborhoods, great parks and thriving business districts. The City of Asheville invites you to join a round of public workshops Dec. 6-7 as Asheville moves forward with the development of Living Asheville: A Comprehensive Plan for Our Future.  “We really need to hear from everyone,” said Todd Okolichany, Director of Planning and Urban Design for the City of Asheville. “The input from the public during these workshops will be essential to determine the values and priorities that should be incorporated into physical planning and policy strategies. Once completed, the Comprehensive Plan document will guide City staff and elected officials as to what the community wants for Asheville’s future.” Times and places: South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road, 12:30 to 2:30 PM and St. John’s Episcopal Church, 290 Old Haw Creek Road, 4 to 6 PM. This was shared by Transition Asheville.

12/07/16 INTERNATIONAL SOCIALIST ORGANIZATION MEETING
The Asheville branch of the International Socialist Organization (ISO) will meet this Wednesday December 7 from 6:30 - 8 PM at Edna's Cafe at 870 Merrimon Avenue in north Asheville. Meetings for the month of December will be held at Edna's due to UNCA closing for winter break. For more information, contact asheville.socialist@gmail.com.

12/08/16 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.

12/08/16 ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE FOOD POLICY FOOD COUNCIL
You're invited to join the Asheville Buncombe Food Policy Council at the ‘Meeting of the Whole’ on December 8th. Come celebrate, share good food, learn about recent work and provide input on revisions to the City of Asheville’s Food Action Plan. Time is 6:30 PM and location is Toy Boat Community Art Space at 101 Fairview Road (near Sweeten Creek)  in Asheville. Free and open to the public. This is a potluck ~ bring a dish to share and your own utensils if possible! There will be a cash bar. For more information, email coordinator@abfoodpolicy.org.

12/08/16 DISCUSSION AND PRESENTATION ON MEN DOING OPPRESSION, MEN DOING OPPRESSED, MEN DOING ALLY - CANCELED THIS MONTH

12/08/16 ASHEVILLE PRISON BOOKS EVENT
Come help sort books, respond to letters, and package books to be shipped every Thursday. Asheville Prison Books Program is an all volunteer run non-profit organization that meets weekly in order to mail free reading material to indigent inmates in facilities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.  Each prisoner request is met with a package containing several books, personally selected by volunteers out of our donated library, a letter and if requested, a National Prisoners Resource List. Time is 4 to 7 PM, and location is Downtown Books & News at 67 North Lexington Avenue in downtown Asheville.

12/08/16 YEARS OF LIVING DANGEROUSLY WATCH PARTY
“Years of Living Dangerously” episode to cover CCL's efforts! CCL (Citizen’s Climate Lobby) is so proud to be covered on such an amazing show and wants to share the love and enthusiasm with all who want to attend. Please bring a dish and drinks to share while watching a one hour episode on Jay Butera's efforts in Florida and our conference that many of us attended last June. Afterwards please stay around for a brief 15 minutes to call or write your legislators and/or a letter to the editor. Again our legislators are saying they don't hear enough from their constituents so we want to make this our initiative. Time is from 6 to 8 PM at Brad’s house at 3 Stegall Lane in Asheville.

12/08/16 HENDERSONVILLE GREEN DRINKS MEETING
Hendersonville Green Drinks welcomes featured speakers Adrienne Brown with Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy and Christine Brown with Asheville GreenWorks. The will be discussing “Green Gifting” — sustainable, environmentally friendly gift ideas for the holidays. Adrienne Brown studied Environmental Studies and German at Dickinson College. She has been working in the Outreach sector of non-profits for nearly three years now. Currently she is serving a term with AmeriCorps Project Conserve at Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy doing Community Outreach and Environmental Education. Christine Brown graduated from Auburn University with a degree in Environmental Science. She is currently an environmental educator at Asheville GreenWorks where she enjoys teaching the next generation about urban forestry, water quality and waste reduction through recycling and composting. Contact Gray at 828-692-0385 or gray@mountaintrue.org for more information - like what time this starts and the location. Sorry, I forget to get that info!

12/09/16 WALL RAISING BY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Christmas Jam House Wall Raising by Habitat for Humanity. Join us as we celebrate with Warren Haynes and his family, Before the Jam, Lend a Hand volunteers, sponsors, community well-wishers, and the future Habitat homeowner family ! There will be a short speaking program, followed by the raising of the first wall. From Habitat for Humanity. Time is 3 to 4 PM. Contact Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity at 828-251-5702 for more information and location.

12/09/16 SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM AT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST IN ASHEVILLE
On Friday, December 9th, we are screening the new award-winning environmental documentary “Before The Flood”. From Academy Award-winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens and Academy Award-winning actor, environmental activist and U.N. Messenger of Peace Leonardo DiCaprio, “Before the Flood” presents a riveting account of the dramatic changes now occurring around the world due to climate change, as well as the actions we as individuals and as a society can take to prevent catastrophic disruption of life on our planet. The film follows DiCaprio as he travels to five continents and the Arctic speaking to scientists, world leaders, activists and local residents to gain a deeper understanding of this complex issue and investigate concrete solutions to the most pressing environmental challenge of our time. The film screening is at 7 PM and location is Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville at the corner of Edwin and Charlotte streets in Asheville. There is no charge for viewing the film. Donations are welcome. Contact Charlie at mnpopi@icloud.com for more information.

12/09/16 VOLUNTEER WITH PISGAH LEGAL
Interested in volunteering with Pisgah Legal Services? Attend our volunteer interest meeting on Dec. 9 from 1 to 2 PM. The session will provide information on the history and work of Pisgah Legal Services as well as details on the various available volunteer opportunities in our Asheville, Hendersonville, and Rutherfordton offices. Please RSVP for this event by emailing beth@pisgahlegal.org no later than December 5. We hope to see you there!

12/09/16 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST IN ASHEVILLE
A weekly group focused on Standing Up For Racial Justice core values for people beginning to wake up to the impact of white supremacy on our culture and seeking a safe place to begin to talk about it. Time is 10 AM and location is 23 Edwin Place, next to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@lainschell.com for more information.

12/10/16  CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING
Citizens Climate Lobby meets the second Saturday of each month at Kairos West Community Center at 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. For more information, contact asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.

12/10/16 NIA JAM FOR STANDING ROCK IN ASHEVILLE
You are cordially invited to join us as we dance, party, and jam out to lend our support for the courageous water protectors at Standing Rock! Join us for a good old-fashioned, rabble-rousing Nia Jam and dance party, hosted by activist and Nia dancer Danielle Maxon. Leading us in heartwarming music, movement, and magic will be Nia teachers Lia Barth, Cathy Keith, Annie Sparks Poteat, Julie Melton, Jocelyn Tolleson and more TBA soon. We will be dancing to honor and support those brave souls holding strong at Standing Rock in protection of our water in the face of encroaching big business. Danielle is already in direct communication with some of the water protectors currently encamped at Standing Rock, and all proceeds will go to assist in alleviating their most immediate needs. Suggested donation is $20 (donations of any amount welcomed and appreciated). RSVP to Annie at DreamDancinAnnie@aol.com. Time is 10:30 AM to 12 PM and location is 848 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

12/11/16 STANDING ROCK BENEFIT CONCERT & COMMUNITY POTLUCK
Join us at 5 PM sharp for a family friendly potluck followed by members of the Cherokee Tribe offering an opening ceremony. We will have musical guests The Resonant Rogues, The DiTrani Brothers, and Teach Me Equals rounding out the evening. Participants in the potluck please bring a dish w/ serving utensil and note card w/ ingredients. We are encouraging folks to bring their own dining sets to reduce waste, bring a bag to carry it home in for washing. Disposable options will be available. All ages welcome. Entry is 10$ adults, 5$ children. Proceeds after discounted venue expenses (The Orange Peel supports this cause and even has some employees currently on site at Standing Rock) will go to the non-profit All Nations Indigenous Center providing steady support to Standing Rock. The funds will be allocated according to camp priority needs, which change rapidly as resources come and go. We are proud to be working closely with this native organization to help keep our brave Water Protectors warm and safe this winter. This will last until 10:30 PM and location is The Orange Peel on Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. This is a Facebook event, please call The Orange Peel for more information.

12/12/16 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE SOCIAL
Topic is “Poyodoshi: A Contemporary Wisdom Language & A Philosophical Framework For Change.” This talk will focus on methods to educate our youth (and ourselves) for the world to which we are rapidly transitioning.  New tools will be presented that bring traditional wisdom into our modern context. A broad understanding of our current transition into a post-fossil-fuel economy and into an era of community resiliency will be developed by examining several short-term and long-term paradigmatic shifts that we are concurrently facing. Tools for aligning personal change & social change & response to environmental crisis will be introduced through lecture, learning activities, and discussion. Basil Savitsky, Ph.D., is an educator and futurist.  His first career focused on ecological mapping, international park conservation, and sustainability science. His second career has focused on positive youth development, with an emphasis on leadership skills & emotional intelligence. Time is 6:30 to 8 PM. Location is the Parish Hall at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 337 Charlotte Street in north Asheville (parking in the lot next to the church off Evelyn Alley…north of the church or on the street). Contact Rebecca at 812-334-0176 or palmtree747@gmail.com for more information.

12/13/16 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
On the second Tuesday of each month, Western North Carolina Veterans for Peace meets to coordinate group activities and programs.Veterans For Peace is a global organization of Military Veterans and allies whose collective efforts are to build a culture of peace by using our experiences and lifting our voices. We inform the public of the true causes of war and the enormous costs of wars, with an obligation to heal the wounds of wars. Our network is comprised of over 140 chapters worldwide whose work includes: educating the public, advocating for a dismantling of the war economy, providing services that assist veterans and victims of war, and most significantly, working to end all wars. Time is 6:30 PM and location is the Center for Art and Spirit at Saint George, address is One School Road in west Asheville. For more information, contact Gerry at gwerhan@gmail.com.

12/13/16 OCCUPY WNC GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Occupy WNC General Assembly will be at the Sneak E Squirrel Community Room. Dinner from 5:30 to 7 PM, meeting from 7 to 8:30 PM. The Sneak E Squirrel is located at 1315 West Main Street (on left side) in Sylva -- past Watson Park. For more information, contact Lucy at (828)743-9747 or lucy.christopher42@gmail.com. 

12/13/16 ELDERS FIERCE FOR JUSTICE
We seek to reclaim the traditional role of Elder in the service of a more just, healthy, and compassionate community by partnering with engaged citizens in Western North Carolina working for social and environmental justice. In the service of this question Elders Fierce for Justice, will convene three forums on Tuesdays, December 6, 13, & 20 at the Edington Center, Livingston Sreet in Asheville. Time will be from 12 to 1:30 PM. No lunch provided. Bag lunch encouraged. Stimulation promised. At each forum an elder will present their particular engagement in some aspect of local social, economic, racial and environmental justice. Following each brief presentation will be dialogue for collaborative learning and friendship along with specific opportunities for further elder involvement. If these forums provoke sufficient interest, these Elder Forums will continue into 2017. For further information or to let us know you intend to participate in one of these forums in December contact Mahan Siler at eldersffj@gmail.com.

12/13/16 WE STAND TOGETHER MEETING
We Stand Together – Love Trumps Hate will be on the second Tuesdays of the month from 5:30 to 7 PM. After the “United Against Hate” vigil on November 9th, we decided to meet on a monthly basis. Please join us as we stand together in love and unite against hate. Location is The Block Off Biltmore at South Market and Eagle Streets in downtown Asheville. Call 828-254-9277 for more information.

12/14/16 JUST PEACE ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING
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

12/14/16 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT
What's Up with Whiteness/Calling In: Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 6:30pm at UU congregation (corner of Edwin Place & Charlotte Street), downstairs main building. This is part of Asheville SURJ's educational series. Part of ongoing ASURJ educational series endeavoring to dismantle white supremacy. Have you decided to wear a safety pin as a sign that you are a ‘safe’ person to people who are, now more than ever, faced with harassment, bullying, and worse? This session will especially be focused on interrupting potential scenarios including some conversation/idea sharing on de-escalation techniques. Like all Asheville SURJ meetings, this session is open to anyone who wants to participate and is interested in anti-racism work and supporting the movement for Black Lives. Session takes place downstairs in the main building at the UU congregation. Led by David Greenson. Contact Art at arthur@lainschell.com for more information.

12/14/16 VOLUNTEER WITH RIVERLINK
RiverLink invites those interested in becoming volunteers to attend a monthly volunteer information session on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 10 AM and 5:30 PM. The sessions are held in the conference room of the RiverLink office at 170 Lyman Street in the River Arts District. Volunteers can fill out and print a volunteer application ahead of time or get one at the meeting, meet the RiverLink staff and find the best fit for donating their time and efforts. The 5:30 session will feature the presentation “Who was Wilma Dykeman?” by Jim Stokely, one of Dykeman's sons. This is a great way to find out more about RiverLink's work in the watershed and on the Wilma Dykeman RiverWay, a 17-mile greenway following the French Broad and Swannanoa Rivers. To attend, RSVP by Tuesday, Dec. 13 to (828) 252-8474, ext. 11 or via e-mail at volunteer@riverlink.org.

12/15/16 ASHEVILLE PRISON BOOKS EVENT
Come help sort books, respond to letters, and package books to be shipped every Thursday. Asheville Prison Books Program is an all volunteer run non-profit organization that meets weekly in order to mail free reading material to indigent inmates in facilities in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.  Each prisoner request is met with a package containing several books, personally selected by volunteers out of our donated library, a letter and if requested, a National Prisoners Resource List. Time is 4 to 7 PM, and location is Downtown Books & News at 67 North Lexington Avenue in downtown Asheville.

12/16/16 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING
Physicians, health personnel and everyone; all are welcomed at our monthly meetings held on the third Friday of each month. Bring a brown bag lunch around noon. This will be held at The First Congregational United Church of Christ, Room E205, at 20 Oak Street (just off College St. in downtown Asheville). Time is noon to 2 PM. Meeting starts at 12:30. Parking is available behind the church. Enter the church or ring doorbell at the glass doors on Oak Street. For more information contact Dr. Terry Clark, Chair, 633-0892 or Dr. Lew Patrie, 299-1242.

12/16/16 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST IN ASHEVILLE
A weekly group focused on Standing Up For Racial Justice core values for people beginning to wake up to the impact of white supremacy on our culture and seeking a safe place to begin to talk about it. Time is 10 AM and location is 23 Edwin Place, next to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@lainschell.com for more information.

12/17/16 NIA JAM FOR STANDING ROCK IN HENDERSONVILLE
You are cordially invited to join us as we dance, party, and jam out to lend our support for the courageous water protectors at Standing Rock! Join us for a good old-fashioned, rabble-rousing Nia Jam and dance party. Join with us as we continue the movement, music, and magic at our sister jam in Hendersonville on Saturday, December 17th from 4 to 5:15 PM at the Hendersonville Athletic and Activity Center, 708 Grove Street, Hendersonville, with all proceeds going to the same great cause of Standing Rock. Suggested donation is $20 (donations of any amount welcomed and appreciated). RSVP to Annie at DreamDancinAnnie@aol.com. This is a Facebook event.

12/18/16 NUESTRO CENTRO CELEBRATION
Hello dear compas! I hope you are doing fine! Its been quite a rough end of the year, but we are here to stand together for justice.We know that we are about to face probably one of the most critical battles for justice in the modern times. For that reason, I ask you to support Nuestro Centro to enable our people to fight back against injustice and oppression. We are having our end of the year celebration, “La posada” this coming December 18 from 4-9 PM at Emma Elementary School at 37 Brickyard Road in Asheville. The event will be both celebration and a fundraising event, and is open to everyone. We would like to elevate our motivation to keep fighting; it  is important for us to recognize our victories and the amazing job our community does to achieve such a successes. That’s why we are inviting you to be part of it and to come to join us. Also, the event seeks to fundraise for Nuestro Centro's annual utilities and rent fees. Please feel free to share all this info through your networks and to encourage people to support us. I would like to mention that the event is lead by our Central committee, RAICES committee, and Eblen committee, who are the core of the grassroots fundraiser to Nuestro Centro. They have coordinated from food, raffles, performances, and music. Any donations can be made by check to Nuestro Centro and send by mail to 441 N. Louisiana Ave, Suit E, Asheville, NC, 28806. For more information, contact Mirian at 828.273.6823 or nuestrocentro.info@gmail.com.

12/20/16 TRANSIT COMMITTEE MEETING
Asheville Transit Committee meeting will be from 3:30 to 5:30 PM. Location is the 4th floor police/fire training room at the Municipal Building at 100 Court Plaza in downtown Asheville. Contact City Hall for more information.

12/20/16 ELDERS FIERCE FOR JUSTICE
We seek to reclaim the traditional role of Elder in the service of a more just, healthy, and compassionate community by partnering with engaged citizens in Western North Carolina working for social and environmental justice. In the service of this question Elders Fierce for Justice, will convene three forums on Tuesdays, December 6, 13, & 20 at the Edington Center, Livingston Sreet in Asheville. Time will be from 12 to 1:30 PM. No lunch provided. Bag lunch encouraged. Stimulation promised. At each forum an elder will present their particular engagement in some aspect of local social, economic, racial and environmental justice. Following each brief presentation will be dialogue for collaborative learning and friendship along with specific opportunities for further elder involvement. If these forums provoke sufficient interest, these Elder Forums will continue into 2017. For further information or to let us know you intend to participate in one of these forums in December contact Mahan Siler at eldersffj@gmail.com.

12/23/16 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST IN ASHEVILLE
A weekly group focused on Standing Up For Racial Justice core values for people beginning to wake up to the impact of white supremacy on our culture and seeking a safe place to begin to talk about it. Time is 10 AM and location is 23 Edwin Place, next to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@lainschell.com for more information.

12/28/16 THE NEW JIM CROW BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP
This is a monthly discussion group of Michelle Alexander's book “The New Jim Crow.” This is on Wednesday from 6:30 - 8:30 PM at Firestorm Bookstore & Cafe at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. This monthly discussion group of Michelle Alexander's book the "The New Jim Crow" will discuss a chapter a month. In September we will cover Chapter One. This group will meet September 28, October 26, November 23, December 28, and January 25, 2017 and maybe one more in February. Anyone is welcome to jump in anytime. Led by Eryka Lynn Peskin. Time is 6:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/30/16 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST IN ASHEVILLE
A weekly group focused on Standing Up For Racial Justice core values for people beginning to wake up to the impact of white supremacy on our culture and seeking a safe place to begin to talk about it. Time is 10 AM and location is 23 Edwin Place, next to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@lainschell.com for more information.

01/05/17 POLITICAL PRISONERS LETTER WRITING
This happens on the first Thursday of the month. Time is 6 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

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ONGOING EVENTS
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TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument during most of the year, but after DST kicks in, they meet at 4:30 PM. 
Showing Up for Racial Justice at Firestorm Cafe and Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. 10 AM. Educating and organizing white people for racial justice. Free.

WEDNESDAY
Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood County Courthouse in Waynesville
French Broad Riverkeeper has a paddle-n-plant to prevent sediment erosion most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Registration required at anna@mountaintrue.org. 
Green Grannies Book Club meets at noon at Firestorm at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. 
“What’s Up With Whiteness” discussion group at 6 PM at Firestorm at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville.
Green Drinks meets at 7 PM at The Block Off Biltmore on the third Wednesday of the month.
Sierra Club meets at 7 PM at Unitarian Universalist in Asheville on the first Wednesday of the month.

THURSDAY
Political Prisoners Letter Writing at Firestorm Cafe & Books at 6 PM on fourth Thursday of the month. Materials provided.
Political documentary film and discussion at Firestorm Cafe 6:30 PM on the third Thursday of the month. Sponsored by Asheville Citizens Accountability Project. 
Welcome Home Tour by Homeward Bound on the third Thursday of the month at 11 AM. Call 258-1695 for more information.
Asheville Prison Books Program is held at Downtown Books & News from 4 to 7 PM. 

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

SATURDAY
French Broad Riverkeeper has a paddle-n-plant to prevent sediment erosion most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Registration required at anna@mountaintrue.org. 
MountainTrue holds urban forest workdays on the second Saturday of the month at Richmond Hill Park from 9 AM to 1 PM. Call 258-8737 for more information.
Citizen’s Climate Lobby meeting at 12:30 PM at Kairos West Community Center on second Saturday of the month.

SUNDAY
Asheville National Organization for Women meeting at 2:30 PM at YWCA of Asheville on second Sunday of the month.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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ASHEVILLE N.O.W. HAS A BUS GOING TO WOMEN’S MARCH IN DC IN JANUARY
Just a couple hours after we announced we would have a bus to the Women's March in Washington on Jan. 21, we have 14 of the 57 seats booked. If you want a seat, you should probably act fast. A seat on the bus is $75 each. The bus will leave Asheville at midnight on January 20, 2017 and then leave DC at about 6 PM the next day to return home. We are doing the quick up and back so no one has to pay for a hotel. You sleep on the bus and the driver sleeps while we're busy rallying. If you can't go but would like to sponsor someone, that would be wonderful. To book, please e-mail nowaville@gmail.com.

AND THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIALIST ORGANIZATION (AT UNCA) IS DETERMINING INTEREST IN A BUS FOR THE INAUGURATION:
January 20, 2017 Inauguration day protest
Resist Trump's vile agenda from day one! We are organizing buses to DC to protest the inauguration of Trump on January 20th and to stand in solidarity with the Women's March on January 21. Sign the interest form-https://goo.gl/forms/Jo2GdL8o8yQDM3uD3.  


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