Photo from the BBC. This evening marks the 13th anniversary of the massively evil US military war of aggression and occupation of Iraq that continues to this day. Being cowards, the US military started with massive bombing that Bush called "shock and awe". It was shocking, all right, that the US government would do such massive evil and even more shocking that the US American people would let them. And it is also shocking that the US American people really, for the most part, do not give a damn for the evil and the harm they have done. So why should anyone care what happens to the US Americans? I cannot think of one good reason. To anyone who supported this war, to anyone who believed the lies about WMDs, to anyone who did not make an effort to stop it: may you rot in hell forever.
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UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER
03/20/17 EXHIBITS AT UNCA
Two excellent exhibits are now available at UNC-Asheville, sponsored by the Center for Diversity Education. “The Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals” and “Pioneering Voices: Portraits of Transgender People” will be on display at UNC Asheville Ramsey Library and Karpen Lobby from February 12 - April 7, 2017.
03/20/17 DEMOCRACY NC MEETING
Democracy Asheville Kick-Off meeting will be on Monday, March 20. Time is 6 PM and location is Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center at 285 Livingston Street in Asheville. Democracy North Carolina has your back with this first of regular, hour-long monthly coalition meetings based in Asheville on the third Monday of every month — all designed to empower our community to make a difference in the important weeks, months, and years ahead. Join us at our first 2017 planning meeting on Monday, March 20 to help shape the focus of Democracy Asheville — including the community events, trainings, and local campaigns you've been craving. We'll enjoy dinner together, provide consistent ways to get your input, and host break-out sessions designed around your specific interests. Contact Darlene Azarmi at darlene@democracy-nc.org or 828 216 3430 for more information and to RSVP.
03/20/17 PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN FILM EVENT IN HENDERSONVILLE
“Gender Revolution” is a film about transgender rights. This will be shown at 7 PM at Sanctuary Brewing CompaNy at 147 First Avenue East in Hendersonville. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information.
03/20/17 MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE MEETING
This will be a general meeting. Free. Held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 337 Charlotte Street in north Asheville. Time is 4:30 PM. No contact information beyond their website.
03/21/17 PISGAH LEGAL FUNDRAISER
Pisgah Legal Services' annual Jazz for Justice celebration will feature gourmet food, drinks and cocktails, live jazz entertainment by The Rich Willey Jazz Band, and an awards ceremony celebrating Pisgah Legal's amazing supporters and their stalwart leadership. The event will honor: Russell Shuler- Terry Van Duyn Volunteer Award; Tom Siekman- Karl H. Straus Board Emeritus Award; Bernice and Arnold Green- Pisgah Legal Services Philanthropy Award. Time is 5:30 PM and location is The Venue at 21 North Market Street in downtown Asheville. Tickets vary in price. Contact Betsy at betsy@pisgahlegal.org for more information including where to get tickets to this event.
03/21/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION
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.
03/21/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON
Every Tuesday, Veterans for Peace Chapter 099 holds a vigil at Vance Monument in downtown Asheville. Time is 5 PM. This has been happening since 2002. No matter the weather, no matter if it falls on a holiday, they are out there standing for peace. Last year, our former president dropped 26,000 bombs on seven different countries. The current president has already bombed one country, and has likely bombed a couple more. Meanwhile we are banning refugees from those countries we have destroyed. I am impressed at the protests against banning Muslims, but mystified at the lack of large protests against bombing Muslims. Isn’t bombing them worse than banning them? Show you are publicly against our country's endless wars and occupations by standing with Veterans for Peace.
03/21/17 CITIZENS ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT
Citizens Accountability Project is a monthly progressives meet-up that features short films and discussions. Time is 6:30 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
03/21/17 WALTON STREET PARK/POOL MEETING
Continued meetings about the Walton Street Park/Pool and the Grant Southside Center, Phase II will be held in March to give additional community members the opportunity to provide feedback on the future of these two facilities. Four meetings (in total) will be held at the Edington Center, 133 Livingston Street in Asheville, with tonight’s meeting running from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. There will another meeting on March 23 from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Meetings with the community’s youth, ages 18 and under, will also be held. The dates for these meetings have yet to be determined. The city is seeking input on design, program and services from area youth who will use the facilities. For more information visit the Southside Engagement Opportunities webpage, or call Asheville Parks & Recreation at (828) 259-5800.
03/21/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE
Speakers will address our elected representatives about a variety of topics. Time is 5 to 6 PM and location is Historic Courthouse Square in Hendersonville. Progressive Organized Women (POW) is a grassroots, non-partisan activist group of women and men formed to ensure our elected national and state legislators are responsible to their constituents and adhere to the Constitution. Based in Hendersonville and begun in January 2017 by two local teachers, POW focuses on issues immediately before Congress and NC General Assembly such as health care and immigration. Tuesday afternoon POW rallies take place in front of the Historic Courthouse. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information.
03/21/17 FORESTS: A CLIMATE SOLUTION
The threat of climate change is growing and millions of people are feeling its effects. Moomaw and Smith hope to to spark a national conversation about the need for US forests to be recognized as our best climate stabilizing technology. On the International Day of Forests, renowned climate scientist and southern forest visionary team up to share the role of forests in the global climate debate. Speaker is Danna Smith, executive director of Dogwood Alliance. Guest Speaker is Dr. Bill Moomaw, climate scientist and Professor at Tufts University. Moderator is Melissa Williams, senior press secretary of the Sierra Club. Admission is free with refreshments included. Time is 5:30 to 8 PM and location is The Collider at 1 Haywood Street, suite 401, in downtown Asheville. This is a Facebook event.
03/21/17 THE F-WORD FILM FESTIVAL (F FOR FEMINIST) AT UNCA
“Out in the Night” is a documentary that tells the story of a group of young African American lesbians who are out, one hot August night, in the gay friendly neighborhood of New York City. They all come from a low-income neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey. Two of the women are the focus – gender non-conforming Renata Hill, and petite femme Patreese Johnson, a shy and tender poet. As they and their friends walk in the West Village, an older man sexually and violently confronts them. Strangers jump in to defend the women and the fight escalates. The women are rounded up and charged with gang assault, assault and attempted murder. Renata, Patreese and two others claim their innocence. They are called a “Gang of Killer Lesbians” by the media. Through the lives of these four young women, “Out in the Night” reveals how their race, gender identity and sexuality became criminalized in the mainstream news media and criminal legal system. Following the screening of the film, Patreese and Renata will be on hand to answer questions and speak about their experiences. Directed by blair dorosh-walther. Time is 7 PM and location is Humanities Lecture Hall at UNCA. This is a Facebook event.
03/22/17 GREEN GRANNIES BOOK CLUB
Founded in 2012, the Green Grannies are a group of women who are willing to make a ruckus about the need for action on climate change. This is their reading group they are reading Dr. Barber's The Third Reconstruction. Time is noon and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
03/22/17 WNC 4 PEACE MEETING
We have an opportunity to sponsor a documentary here in asheville which would be relevant to today's situation in the world. Will share information at the meeting. Time is 6 PM and location is Earth Fare Cafe in Westgate Mall in Asheville.
03/22/17 DOCUMENTARY AT UNCA
“A Womb of Their Own” is the title of this film. This feature documentary asks: how do people who don’t experience themselves as simply female or male handle a culture that offers only these two identities? “A Womb of Their Own” introduces a charismatic, funny, thoughtful group of masculine-of-center-identified people who experience pregnancy. Each individual and couple navigate gender expectations even from the LGBT community that don’t fit their experience of themselves. Follow their stories as they establish their own unique gender, develop their definition of family, grow a baby in their bodies, and birth, chest feed and parent their children as non-binary masculine people. A short post-screening panel discussion will take place after the film with students, faculty and the audience. Directed by Cyn Lubow. This is at 7 PM and location is Laurel Forum in Karpen Hall at UNCA. These events are free and open to the public. This is a Facebook event.
03/22/17 WORLD WATER DAY ACTION AND CELEBRATION
Defund DAPL along with the Indivisible Asheville Environmental Groups and the Women's Action group of Asheville's Environmental Committee are planning an action for World Water Day, Wednesday March 22, as part of the “Water is Life” movement. At 4 PM we are going to gather with our “Water Is Life” signs and deliver a petition to Duke Energy (at their Asheville Headquarters at 550 Brevard Road) to address their responsibility to move towards renewable energy in order to ensure Clean Water in our community and avoid a Climate Catastrophe. After delivering the petition, we are going to remain outside the office for around an hour with our signs and then we will head over to the French Broad River Park, a couple of miles away at 180 Amboy Road at 5:30 PM, for an interfaith water blessing ceremony to acknowledge that Water is Life. We will meet under the Pavilion at the French Broad River Park and then walk down to the water’s edge. Blessing of our water will be led by Water Protectors with energy carried from Standing Rock. We are also lucky enough to have a few Cherokee women involved in guiding the ceremony which is especially important as native women are the Guardians of water. Please contribute to a potluck of healthy snacks as we gather before the ceremony. Families with children welcome. Drums, flute, string instruments and song encouraged. This is a Facebook event.
03/22/17 HUDDLE #4: IMMIGRATION 101 MEETING
The Women's March on Asheville is happy to offer an Immigration 101 huddle in collaboration with Nuestro Centro and CIMA on March 22 at 6 PM at the YWCA. The intention of this program is specifically to reach out to our communities with little knowledge of and experience with immigration law and introduce them to the fundamentals in this time of increasing crisis for immigrant communities. Presentation and and questions and answers will cover the fundamentals about immigration laws, discussion about Executive Order about immigration and discussion about sanctuary city. Time is 6 PM and location is the YWCA of Asheville at 185 South French Broad Avenue in Asheville. This is a Facebook event.
03/22/17 STANDING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE ACCOUNTABILITY THROUGH ACTION
In our monthly Accountability Through Action meeting, we learn about a People of Color led effort in Asheville, ways to support that work and take up a collection to help fund it. Potluck at 6 PM, and at 6:30 PM the program begins. We will be welcoming leadership from Word on the Street. As with all of ASURJ's meetings, we will pass the hat as a form of grassroots reparations. All funds collected will go to the presenting organizer/organization. Time is 6 PM and location is Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. This is a Facebook event.
03/22/17 FASCISM: WHAT IT IS, HOW WE FIGHT IT DISCUSSION AT UNCA
Join the Asheville International Socialist Organization in Highsmith Student Union, Room 235 as we talk about the rise of the right in the US and across the world. We'll talk about questions like: What was fascism in Italy, Germany and Spain? Is there fascism in American history? What is behind the global rise of far-right and right-wing populist parties? Is Trump a fascist? What is the alt-right? What has been the socialist response to fascism? And most importantly, how do we combat the rise of the far right here in North Carolina and in the US? Time is 6:30 PM and location is Highsmith Student Union at UNCA. This is a Facebook event.
03/22/17 UNDERSTANDING OUR IMMIGRATION SYSTEM TALK
Want to better understand our immigration system (including its flaws and public misconceptions)? On Wednesday, March 22nd at 7 PM, immigration attorney Shoshana Fried (Pisgah Legal Services) will conduct an “Immigration Education Event” at the Brevard-Davidson River Presbyterian Church at 249 East Main Street in Brevard. Shoshana will also discuss Sanctuary — its risks and benefits. This event is free and open to the public.
03/23/17 FUNDRAISER FOR ELIADA
Proceeds from “Lunch of a Lifetime” benefit Eliada. There will be a presentation about Eliada’s successes. Held at Crowne Plaza Expo Center at 1 Resort Drive in Asheville. Call 452-2297 for more information.
03/23/17 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE GENERAL MEETING
Join the Creation Care Alliance of WNC for a general meeting as we inspire one another to good work and discuss our work empowering care for creation. We will connect with one another and explore ways to care for creation. Everyone is welcome. The meeting will be held in the First Baptist Church of Asheville in Room MB306, which is upstairs. Address is 5 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 5:30 to 7 PM. If you have any questions, please contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at scott@creationcarealliance.org.
03/23/17 GREENWORKS ENVIRONMENTAL EXCELLENCE AWARD
2017 Environmental Excellence Award. GreenWorks invites nominations of individuals, businesses and organizations located in Asheville and throughout Buncombe County for a 2017 Environmental Excellence Award. The premier special event honoring outstanding achievements of individuals, organizations, schools and businesses in environmental sustainability. Join GreenWorks as we roll out the green carpet to honor the 2017 Environmental Excellence Awardees. At this special evening reception in downtown Asheville, enjoy the opportunity to mix and mingle with others who care about making a difference in Asheville and Buncombe County. Beer, wine and heavy hors d'oeuvres will be served. Awards ceremony to honor winners of this year's Environmental Excellence Awards. Children's area with activities and special kids meal for guests twelve and under. Want to save money on your ticket? Become a member of Asheville GreenWorks and receive a discount to this and other ticketed events. Add a membership to your order above or check out the benefits of membership and sign up to be a member today on our website. Presentations will be from 6 to 9 PM and location is the Asheville Masonic Temple at 80 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville. Also contact Yanina for more information, questions about tickets or donations at 828-254-1776. Tickets vary in cost, so go to this link for more information: https://asheville-greenworks.networkforgood.com/events/1630-environmental-excellence-awards-night-2017
03/23/17 WALTON STREET PARK/POOL MEETING
Continued meetings about the Walton Street Park/Pool and the Grant Southside Center, Phase II will be held in March to give additional community members the opportunity to provide feedback on the future of these two facilities. Four meetings (in total) will be held at the Edington Center, 133 Livingston Street in Asheville, with today’s meeting running from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Meetings with the community’s youth, ages 18 and under, will also be held. The dates for these meetings have yet to be determined. The city is seeking input on design, program and services from area youth who will use the facilities. For more information visit the Southside Engagement Opportunities webpage, or call Asheville Parks & Recreation at (828) 259-5800.
03/23/17 SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM AT UU IN BLACK MOUNTAIN
The Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Swannanoa Valley at 500 Montreat Road in Black Mountain will sponsor a showing of the film "The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil" on March 23 at 7 PM. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba's economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half – and food by 80 percent – people were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people during this difficult time. Cubans share how they transitioned from a highly mechanized, industrial agricultural system to one using organic methods of farming and local, urban gardens. It is an unusual look into the Cuban culture during this economic crisis, which they call "The Special Period." The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a term for the time in our history when world oil production will reach its all-time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has faced such a crisis – the massive reduction of fossil fuels – is an example of options and hope. Beginning with this film, the discussion will focus on personal stories from the audience about resilience; in the case of this film, we will look at community and the twin pillars of economic and social justice. Please call 828-581-0564 for more information.
03/23/17 COMMUNITY RIGHTS MOVEMENT STUDY GROUP
This is a study group to learn more about the Community Rights Movement. If you would like to be more deeply informed about the legal process of passing a Community Bill of Rights and enjoy digesting information please join us. We will use Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund's online Democracy School and associated materials (on the web). We will do 4 weeks: March 16, 23, 30 and April 6. This will be on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7.30 PM. Location is The BLOCK off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. This is a Facebook event under CELDF Democracy School Study Group.
03/23/17 TRANZMISSION PACKAGING PARTY
Help the Tranzmission Prison Project distribute free literature to incarcerated members of the LGBTQ community. Every fourth Thursday of the month volunteers meet from 6 to 9 PM, preparing packages of books and zines for mailing to prisons across the United States. Books have already been selected for each inmate, you just need to help get them wrapped and addressed. Tranzmission Prison Project is a volunteer run organization that works to support LGBTQQIA (Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex and a-sexual) prisoners nationwide. They offer books, zines, information, resources and pen pals. They fully believe that EVERY member of our fabulous community deserves access to support. As allies, they strive to let incarcerated LGBTQQIA folks know that just because they are out of sight does not mean they are out of mind. This is at Firestorm Books & Coffee at 610 Haywood Road in Asheville.
03/24/17 DOCUMENTARY IN BLACK MOUNTAIN
Documentary movie “Our Spirits Don't Speak English” showing at Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting on Friday March 24 at 7 PM. The Meeting House is at 137 Center Avenue in Black Mountain. The film is about the Native American boarding schools, which youths attended chiefly from the mid-19th to the mid-20th centuries. It was filmed by the Rich Heape company and directed by Chip Richie. Native American storyteller Gayle Ross narrated the film. Ross is a descendant of John Ross, chief of the Cherokee Nation in the Trail of Tears period. The film deals with both the schools run by Christian missionaries and those run by the United States' Bureau of Indian Affairs. It addresses the schools' role of forcing cultural assimilation of the resident children into the ways of the majority culture of European Americans. For more info, contact Evie at ehultberg@charter.net or (828) 505-1026.
03/25/17 EQUAL RIGHTS AMENDMENT MEETING
This is intended to be a regional meeting and we will review the status, learn how to deal with legislators in the NC General Assembly, and network on strategies to get ERA at the top of people's agenda in NC. Please join us then, and bring anyone else you would like. Suggested donations to offset the costs of the meeting will be requested, but not required. Time is 1 to 3 PM and location is the Rainbow Community School at 60 State Street in west Asheville. Contact Amanda Krause at amanda.eramarch@gmail.com for more information.
03/25/17 GREENWORKS ROADSIDE CLEAN UP IN CANDLER
Join the Enka / Candler Business Association for a roadside cleanup of Candler. We're taking on 19/23 - Sand Hill Road, Enka Lake Road and surrounding roads. Tasty treats and beverages will be provided. Time is 9 AM to noon, meeting place is Enka Candler Post Office at 1404 Sand Hill Road in Candler. Contact Kate Nelson to volunteer or for more information at 828-232-7144.
03/25/17 - 03/26/17 CITIZEN'S CLIMATE LOBBY REGIONAL CONFERENCE
Everyone is welcome, whether it's your first CCL experience or you're an experienced volunteer, whether you plan to become active in CCL or you want to attend some of the scheduled talks.The registration cost is $40 and covers both days, however, meals are not provided. The First Mid-South CCL Regional Conference happens at The Collider at 1 Haywood Street, Suite 401, in downtown Asheville. Time is 8 AM to 5 PM on Saturday and 8 to noon on Sunday. We are excited to present this two day conference that will help make you a more effective lobbyist and build your skills at creating the political will for a stable climate. The conference will feature multiple speakers including Laura Lengnick (author of Sustainable Agriculture), Drew Jones (Co-Director of Climate Interactive), Madeleine Para (CCL's National Program Director) and many more. Come to learn, have fun and network with climate advocates from Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. We look forward to seeing you there. For more information, contact asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.
03/25/17 CITIZEN’S CLIMATE ADVOCACY TRAINING
Just wanted to promote the fact that we are offering a Climate Advocacy Training from 1 to 4 PM on Saturday March 25th at the conference (see above) for only $5 if people want to attend just that one session of our conference. Contact Steffi at 828-242-3752 for more information on this training.
03/25/17 BOOK AND DOCUMENTARY DISCUSSION ON MLK & LANGSTON HUGHES
This announcement came from Malaprop’s: we are excited to be supporting Dr. Jason Miller as he presents his book “Origins of the Dream: Langston Hughes' Poetry and Martin Luther King's Retoric” at the Zabriskie Hall at The Cathedral of All Souls at 9 Swan Street in Biltmore Village in Asheville. Dr. Jason Miller is a professor of English at NC State University and will also be discussing his documentary film project on the same topic as his written work. Dr. Miller's recent discovery of a long-lost reel-to-reel audio tape of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s first use of the signature phrase “I have a dream,” invoked in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, over nine months before the March on Washington, captures the startling new connection between Dr. King and poet Langston Hughes. A question-and-answer session and book signing will follow the event. The event begins will coffee at 9:30 AM and the presentation at 10 AM. Please contact Malaprop’s for further information.
03/25/17 MLK INAUGURAL BLACK & RED GALA
Inaugural Black & Red Gala will be on Saturday, March 25 at 6 PM. Location is Celine & Company’s “On Broadway” at 49 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville. Live and silent auctions, catering by Celine, music by Westsound. This is sponsored by the Martin Luther King Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, Inc. For thirty-six years, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Association has hosted our annual Prayer Breakfast “to preserve and advance the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” This year we want to extend our outreach into the community by funding our Community Outreach Providing Empowerment (COPE) Initiative: educational programming on African American Heritage, African American Entrepreneurship, African American Education Pioneers, Stand against Racism, and Juneteenth. Go to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr Association of Asheville and Buncombe County to get tickets. Call 828-335-6896 for more information.
03/25/17 MOUNTAIN TRUE PROGRAM
Equity in Planning: A MountainTrue program on the lasting impact of urban renewal policies. Join MountainTrue on Saturday, March 25th from 9 AM to noon as we explore the legacy of urban renewal policies and their impacts on Asheville’s communities of color. With Asheville rated one of the fastest gentrifying cities in the U.S., it is critically important that we make land use, planning and development decisions thoughtfully and inclusively. This program will include a facilitated discussion at the Wesley Grant Center, followed by a trolley tour led by Hood Huggers International’s DeWayne Barton and MountainTrue’s Co-Executive Director Julie Mayfield. In addition to DeWayne and Julie, special guests lending topic area expertise to the facilitated discussion will include locals from Asheville, a professor of history from UNC Asheville, and other community representatives to provide insights into how Asheville has changed as a city. As Asheville continues to grow, MountainTrue is committed to supporting neighborhoods and residents in protecting the integrity of their communities and advocating for policies that will keep the city walkable, bike able and affordable for current and long-time residents. Participants will learn how the history of urban renewal in Asheville impacted African-American communities and we will discuss ways we can help prevent this in the future. Tickets for this event are $25 for members of MountainTrue and $40 for non-members, which includes a 2017 membership to MountainTrue. Space is limited due to the size of the trolley, so sign-up today. Contact Mary Kate at 828-258-8737 or marykate@mountaintrue.org for more information including how to register.
03/26/17 WNC SOLIDARITY CONCERT SERIES
The final Sunday of each month in 2017, two groups of WNC-based musicians and their ensembles will each perform a benefit concert to rise funding for WNC non-profits. The music performed each week will fluctuate between jazz, rhythm & blues, soul, jazz funk, jazz fusion, and swing. Each event will host two groups, playing, consecutively between 3 and 5 PM with a brief intermission. All of proceeds go to the nonprofit organization. The nonprofit for today’s concert is the NAACP. Act I is Ruby Mayfield and Friends and Act II is the Rhoda Weaver Band. Location is The Block Off Biltmore at Eagle and South Market Streets in downtown Asheville. Suggested donation is $10, and are available the day of the event. This is a Facebook event. Please call The Block Off Biltmore for more information.
03/26/17 CLEAN WATER FOR NC PARTNER GROUP SEEKS STREAM VOLUNTEERS
The Environmental Quality Institute (partner group with Clean Water for NC) offers this training twice a year. It's a great opportunity if you're looking to have fun and help our mountain rivers and streams. You'll learn to identify aquatic insects and why they are important indicators of healthy rivers and creeks, and be trained in sampling methods for use in a long-term water monitoring project at sites in our area. Volunteers must be seventeen and older - no experience necessary. After the training, volunteers will work in small groups with leaders to sample a minimum of two sites a season (sites are in Haywood, Madison, Buncombe, Yancey, and Mitchell Counties). Time is 9 AM to 4 PM and location is UNC Asheville. $15 to $20 donation to cover materials is requested, but not required. Contact Katie Hicks with Clean Water For NC for more information at katie@cwfnc.org. Be sure to RSVP to (828) 357-7411 or at Eqilabstaff@gmail.com.
03/26/17 CELEBRATING PEACE & JUSTICE THROUGH MUSIC
“When words are not enough, music goes deep into the soul and can transform a seemingly hopeless situation” says Cecilia St. King. She is an international musician who will be performing at Jubilee! Community in Asheville on March 26th at 7 PM. Cecilia St. King is an inner peace troubadour who has dedicated her life to healing our planet through the power of music. Over her 25-year career, she has performed worldwide. After running from the falling towers of the World Trade Center and discovering cancer in her throat 6 months later, her focus turned to peace. Touring throughout the United States for the past 16 years, she has sung in places as diverse as San Quentin prison to the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Her work has been endorsed by the United Nations, the M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence and the National Peace Academy. Jay Whitham, local singer-songwriter and musician, will accompany St. King. Local Asheville poet, writer, speaker (and grocery store cashier) Majo Madden, will be offering his poetry during the performance. He will be accompanied by Robert Thomas on piano and three contact improv dancers: Amanda Levesque, Giovanna Allegretti and Tom Kilby. Ticket charge is a suggested donation of $10 in advance, $12 at the door. All proceeds above the cost will go to support social justice actions through Jubilee! and faith communities in western North Carolina. Contact Ron at 828-768-4559 or ronkatz327@gmail.com for more information.
03/26/17 DEMOCRACY FOR SALE DOCUMENTARY SHOWING IN WAYNESVILLE
Sunday, March 26th “Democracy for Sale” will be showing in Waynesville at The Strand theater. Time is 7 PM. Zach Galifianakis, the comic star of “The Hangover” movies, travels back to his home state to investigate how North Carolina has become a bellwether for how the money of a few has come to dominate our democracy. This is hosted by Haywood County NAACP. Discussion to follow. Contact The Strand Theater or Haywood County NAACP for more information. This is a Facebook event.
03/26/17 MALAPROPS PRESENTS “MARCH”
Andrew Aydin is back to help us launch Asheville's new all-city reading initiative, Rise Up and Read Together! We are honored.to have such a talented writer/co-creator in our midst who has done work on such an important and relevant subject. Because we expect it to be so large, we have made this a free ticketed event so as to mindful of our store numbers. Here is a link to the ticket: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2897668. Below is a bit more about the book and Andrew Aydin. Come to the event to learn more about Rise Up and Read Together. Almost sixty years ago, Martin Luther King, Jr. edited a 16-page comic book about the Montgomery Bus Boycott. Distributed by hand in churches, schools, and nonviolence workshops, it dramatized the fledgling movement and its tactics to a generation of future leaders including a young John Lewis. Today, Lewis is continuing that legacy, and using comics to educate and inspire a new generation. Together with Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell, Congressman Lewis is creating a transformative work of literature in the graphic novel series March: a New York Times bestseller that brings his memories of the civil rights movement to urgent new life. Contact Malaprops for more information.
03/27/17 DIPLOMACY & MEDIA IN A CHAOTIC WORLD
Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Colton, Diplomat-in-Residence at Lenoir-Rhyne University-Asheville, will present four lectures focused on Diplomacy, Politics and News. Dr. Colton is an Emmy-award winning journalist who has worked for ABC News, NBC News, Newsweek, and NPR. The Asheville native also had a distinguished career as a U.S. Foreign Service diplomat in seven Middle Eastern countries. The Monday night series includes: March 27 - Beyond the Headlines,Deciphering News of Global Politics & Diplomacy; April 24 - Navigating Flash Points of US Politics, Foreign Policy and World Diplomacy; and May 22 - Global Diplomacy and Asheville in the world. All lectures will take place at Lenoir-Rhyne’s Asheville Center, which is located at 36 Montford Avenue in downtown Asheville. Doors will open each night at 5 PM, and lectures will begin at 5:30 PM. RSVP is required, so please call 828-407-4263. This is a Facebook event and was in the Mountain Express.
03/27/17 EXHIBIT AT UNCA
“Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 1933–1945” is a traveling exhibition produced by the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Through reproductions of historic photographs and documents, this exhibition explores the rationale, means, and impact of the Nazi regime’s persecution of homosexuals, which left thousands dead and shattered the lives of many more. The Center for Diversity Education is hosting the exhibit from February 12 to April 7, 2017 in UNC Asheville's Ramsey Library. Day and evening programming will include docente tours, film screenings, and lectures. This exhibit is presented in conjunction with “Pioneering Voices: Portraits of Transgender” People, an exhibit traveled by the Family Diversity Projects. Together, these exhibits provide historical and contemporary perspectives on the lives of the LGBTQ community. To learn more about the exhibit or the keynote address, contact Deborah Miles at dmiles@unca.edu.
03/27/17 “JUNCTION 48” DOCUMENTARY SCREENING ON PALESTINE
A film by Udi Aloni, written by Tamer Nafar and Oren Moverman. Kareem leads an aimless life between odd jobs and hanging out with his buddies in a crime-ridden Arab ghetto of the mixed city of Lyd. A family tragedy brings him closer to his singer girlfriend, Manar, and motivates him to do something more with his life. When Kareem and his group finally get a chance to perform in a Tel Aviv hip-hop club, the star potential of the 'first Arab rapper' is quickly noticed. Although he raps “I'm not political” Kareem and the group use music to express their tough life as Palestinian youth. But the road to success is never easy. Kareem and his group must face violent nationalistic Jewish rappers, government-imposed gentrification and troubled drug-dealing friends. When Manar's family threatens to harm them if she performs publicly with him, the time comes for Kareem to either surrender to conservative tradition or stand up for the woman he loves, the artist he respects. Screenplay by real-life rapper Tamer Nafar (who stars as Kareem) and Oren Moverman (The Messenger, Time Out of Mind). A social drama with kick-ass music directed by Udi Aloni (Art/Violence, Forgiveness). This is at 7:30 PM at Carmine Cinemas at 121 River Hills Road in east Asheville. Tickets are $11. 72 tickets need to be sold in advance for this movie to be shown, so please go to https://www.tugg.com/events/junction-48-dezk to buy tickets right now. If your organization is interested in co-sponsoring this event, email Dooler at doolerfc@gmail.com.
03/27/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF ASHEVILLE-BUNCOMBE EVENT
League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County will host a Women’s History Month event on March 27, 2017. Celebrate Women’s History Month with a panel presentation that will be of composed of local women activists. Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is West Asheville Library at 942 Haywood Road in Asheville. Contact LWV of Asheville via their website for more information.
03/27/17 VOICES FOR ECONOMIC JUSTICE
Are you a person living on a low income or a low wage worker? “Voices for Economic Justice: Telling Your Story to Create Economic Justice” is for you! Voices is an 8 week community organizing training workshop series taking place on Mondays, March 27-May 8, 2017 from 6 to 8:30 PM in Asheville. This Voices will equip you with basic organizing skills and will be focused on story-telling as a method to push the work of economic justice forward. Call Just Economics at 828-505-7466 to sign up. Program is free, but you must sign up in advance. We provide free dinner, transportation, and childcare!
03/28/17 MOVIE NIGHT AT THE COLLIDER
The Collider and Oskar Blues Brewery launch a new monthly climate and environmental film series at The Collider, open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 PM, the film starts at 7. The first four evenings will feature episodes from the award-winning series, “Years of Living Dangerously.” Oskar Blues will provide beer and, of course, we’ll also have popcorn. Tonight we will show Collapse of the Oceans with Josh Jackson and Priceless, featuring “The Sixth Extinction” with Aasif Mandvi and “Price on Carbon” with Nikki Reed. This is a Facebook event.
03/28/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION
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.
03/28/17 MEN’S DIVERSITY CIRCLE
The Men's Diversity Circle - A courageous space for dialogue and connection between men of color. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
03/28/17 ASHEVILLE TIMEBANK POTLUCK
Asheville TimeBank will hold its monthly potluck dinner on the 4th Tuesday of March, 3/28 at 6:15 PM, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall on Charlotte Street in Asheville. Enter via Evelyn Way off Charlotte Street. Open to everyone - TimeBank members and also those who would like to learn about getting needs met outside the cash economy. Bring your laptop if you'd like some individual help. Contact Cathy Holt at cathyfholt@gmail.com for more information.
03/28/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE
Speakers will address our elected representatives about a variety of topics. Time is 5 to 6 PM and location is Historic Courthouse Square in Hendersonville. Progressive Organized Women (POW) is a grassroots, non-partisan activist group of women and men formed to ensure our elected national and state legislators are responsible to their constituents and adhere to the Constitution. Based in Hendersonville and begun in January 2017 by two local teachers, POW focuses on issues immediately before Congress and NC General Assembly such as health care and immigration. Tuesday afternoon POW rallies take place in front of the Historic Courthouse. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information.
03/28/17 PRESENTATION ON ISRAEL AT JCC IN ASHEVILLE
Yoram Dori, political and media strategic advisor, will speak at the Asheville JCC on Charlotte Road. Among his many roles, Mr. Dori worked for several years as the spokesman and media advisor to the World Zionist Organization and the Jewish Agency. Mr. Dori served as a political advisor, media consultant and spokesman for the Labor Party. For more information, email rochelle@jcc-asheville.org.
03/28/17 SUPPORT ASHEVILLE MOVING ITS MONEY
City Council is considering divesting from Wells Fargo, one of the big banks that funds the Dakota Access Pipeline. Come, show your support, let us follow Seattle's lead. Time is 1:30 to 3:30 PM and location is Asheville City Hall in the first floor conference room. Contact Cathy at cathyholt@gmail.com for more information.
03/28/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON
Every Tuesday, Veterans for Peace Chapter 099 holds a vigil at Vance Monument in downtown Asheville. Time is 5 PM. This has been happening since 2002. No matter the weather, no matter if it falls on a holiday, they are out there standing for peace. Last year, our former president dropped 26,000 bombs on seven different countries. The current president has already bombed one country, and has likely bombed a couple more. Meanwhile we are banning refugees from those countries we have destroyed. I am impressed at the protests against banning Muslims, but mystified at the lack of large protests against bombing Muslims. Isn’t bombing them worse than banning them? Show you are publicly against our country's endless wars and occupations by standing with Veterans for Peace.
03/29/17 GREEN GRANNIES BOOK CLUB
Founded in 2012, the Green Grannies are a group of women who are willing to make a ruckus about the need for action on climate change. This is their reading group and they are reading Dr. Barber's The Third Reconstruction. Time is noon and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
03/30/17 FILM FESTIVAL ON ISRAEL/PALESTINE
Stories of Struggle, Conscience and Spirit: A Film Festival on Israel/Palestine. There will be a total of six evenings of films and discussions between March 2 and May 18, 2017. PAJET (Palestinian and Jewish Egalitarian Team) and JPIP (Just Peace for Israel/Palestine) are collaborating on this film series because of the importance of bringing these little-known narratives to Asheville. Both groups are committed to human rights for all people, focusing on the struggle for a just, and therefore sustainable, peace in Israel and Palestine. Our participants live in the questions surrounding that commitment. JPIP takes specific stands on issues related to Israeli and U.S. policies enabling the Occupation. PAJET formed as a dialogue group between Jewish and Palestinian residents of Asheville, and explores how to advocate together for peace and justice. Both groups invite the public to view these films and join the dialogue. The film festival is free, donations are welcome. “The Idol” is a drama depicting the life of Mohammed Assaf, a Palestinian pop singer living in Gaza, as he sets a seemingly impossible goal: to compete on the Arab Idol program. Directed by three-time Oscar nominee Hani Abu-Asad. Time is 7 PM and location is St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 337 Charlotte Street in north Asheville.
03/30/17 SPEAKER AND AUTHOR EVENT AT UNCA
Carolyn Finney, author of “Black Faces, White Spaces: Reimagining the Relationship of African Americans to the Great Outdoors” will speak at 6 PM on Thursday, March 30, 2017 in UNC Asheville’s Humanities Lecture Hall. Carolyn Finney is one of 12 members of the congressionally chartered National Park System Advisory Board, working to assist the National Park Service in engaging relations of reciprocity with diverse communities. She also is an assistant professor of geography at the University of Kentucky. Her talk is titled “Radical Presence: Black Faces, White Spaces and Other Stories of Possibility.” Carolyn Finney’s career as a cultural geographer came after a backpacking trip around the world and a period of time living in Nepal. She explores how difference, identity, representation, and power play a significant role in determining how people negotiate their daily lives in relation to the environment. As a Fulbright fellow, Finney has also researched the impact of tourism and modernization on Nepalese women and the environment. She says the aim of her work is to develop greater cultural competency within environmental organizations and institutions, challenge media outlets on their representation of difference, and increase awareness of how privilege shapes who gets to speak to environmental issues and determine policy and action. By engaging art, science, and popular culture, she works to create new frameworks of engagement where diverse communities and individuals, environmental organizations, government agencies and academic institutions can establish and nurture healthy human/environment relationships. Finney’s talk, originally scheduled for last year as part of UNC Asheville’s celebration of the National Park Service Centennial, is co-sponsored by the university’s Center for Diversity Education and National Endowment for the Humanities Professorship. Additional support comes from the Sierra Club of Western North Carolina (WENOCA) and Everybody’s Environment. Finney’s book will be available for sale at this event; doors will open at 5:30 PM. This event is free and open to everyone. For more information, contact Deborah Miles, director of UNC Asheville’s Center for Diversity Education, at dmiles@unca.edu or (828) 232-5024.
03/30/17 COMMUNITY RIGHTS MOVEMENT STUDY GROUP
This is a study group to learn more about the Community Rights Movement. If you would like to be more deeply informed about the legal process of passing a Community Bill of Rights and enjoy digesting information please join us. We will use Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund's online Democracy School and associated materials (on the web). We will do 4 weeks: March 16, 23, 30 and April 6. This will be on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7.30 PM. Location is The BLOCK off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. This is a Facebook event under CELDF Democracy School Study Group.
03/30/17 MEN DOING OPPRESSION, MEN DOING OPPRESSED, MEN DOING ALLY
Every second Thursday at 7 PM since Sep 2016. Sexism. Queerphobia. Racism. Who are you doing it to? Who's doing it to you? Who's saving whom? Who's doing nothing? Who are you allying with? What's happening when you act in any and all the roles of persecutor, victim, rescuer, bystander and ally with others in our world of white male privilege and domination? We gather as men to explore interpersonal, structural, economic and institutional systems of injustice and the ways each of us is the oppressed and the oppressor, and learn to serve as allies, being responsive and accountable for what we choose to brave in our own lives, and with and for all our relations. Who's welcome: All Men – White, Cis, Indigenous, Queer, of Color, Trans, and those called to do Ally. Facilitated by Duncan Tam. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Books & Coffee at 610 Haywood Road in Asheville.
03/31/17 THE BLACKPACK: ALL LAUGHS MATTER
Take a good-natured and brutally honest look at political proclivities and preconceived notions with comedy geniuses Vince Morris, Billy D. Washington, and BT as they celebrate our differences, one joke at a time. Time is 8 PM and location is Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Square in downtown Asheville. Contact Diana Wortham Theatre for more information.
03/31/17 FILM AT FIRESTORM
Black Star Line Spring Film Series presents “Imitation of Life” one of six films presented by Black Star Line, Asheville's new queer-, black- woman-owned brewery. “Imitation of Life” is a 1959 American romantic drama film directed by Douglas Sirk, produced by Ross Hunter and released by Universal International, starring Lana Turner and John Gavin. It was Sirk's final Hollywood film and dealt with issues of race, class and gender. Call 828-708-7010 for more information about the film. Time is 6 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
04/01/17 GREENWORKS NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN UP IN HAW CREEK
Join the neighbors of Haw Creek as they cleanup several roads in their area. Time is 9 AM to noon, meeting location TBD. Contact Kate Nelson to volunteer or for more information at 828-232-7144.
04/01/17 MARCH FOR HEALTH IN SYLVA
CommonGround WNC, Organizing for Action and other progressive groups in WNC invite you to a non partisan March For Health on April Fool's Day, April 1st, because healthcare is no joke. We march for equitable and affordable access to quality healthcare for all. On April 1st, we will #MarchForHealth in Washington DC, NYC, Seattle, and other cities across the country including SYLVA, NC to save the important provisions we have gained through the ACA. You will hear speakers and musicians. Don't forget to bring your Protect ACA signs! We will end our event by marching down Mill and Main Street with our signs. But, we need your help! Contact us if you can volunteer in anyway! I know you are as passionate as us about health care and we can't do this without your help! If you RSVP to our march, please go to FB event and INVITE all of your friends - this is the best way to get the word out. And share, share, share!Time is 1 to 3 PM and location is Bridge Park in Sylva.
04/02/17 EXISTING WHILE BLACK
Existing While Black is a one woman spoken word show that could be deemed as the cousin to “Color Me Brown: Conversations with unmuted voices” a documentary by Nicole Townsend that posed the simple question: “What is it like to be brown in Asheville, NC?” The film gave a unique platform that allowed for Black and Latinx folks residing in Asheville to share their stories related to navigating through a white progressive southern city. Spoken word is an oral art that focuses on the aesthetics of word play and intonation and voice inflection. The show will unapologetically dig deep into the realities of navigating through a white supremacist society while existing in a black body. Attendees should expect to be challenged, as they will not be pacified. Time is 5:30 PM and location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. This is a Facebook event. Admission is by donation.
04/03/17 A PANEL ON THE FUTURE OF WILDFIRES IN WNC
MountainTrue and the Asheville Citizen-Times present “Before We Burn Again: A Panel on the Future of Wildfires in WNC.” Presented by MountainTrue and the Asheville Citizen-Times, and sponsored by French Broad Chocolates, Highland Brewing Company and the Nantahala Outdoor Center, this special event brings together leading experts in the fields of wildfire management, fire ecology, climate change and community planning to discuss the dangers and ecological benefits of wildfire, critical issues at play in last year’s historic wildfire season and appropriate, proactive responses and strategies to manage future wildfire phenomena, mitigate threats and economic impacts, and save human lives. Doors open at 5 PM. Presentation starts at 5:30 and goes until 7:30 PM. Location is Highland Brewing Company at 12 Old Charlotte Highway in Asheville. MountainTrue members get free admission. Contact Mary Kate at 828-258-8737 or marykate@mountaintrue.org for more information.
04/04/17 TEACHING KIDS ABOUT RACISM AND RACIAL JUSTICE
“What is Racism? Structure, Intersectionality & Experience” is part one of a four part series on teaching kids about racism and racial justice. This series is designed to start with basic concepts to deepen your understanding of racism in our culture then move into more complex needs and scenarios for helping children to learn in classrooms and at home. These sessions will help you feel more empowered as parents and educators to be in discussion and supportive with kids developing a healthy understanding of racial diversity and how to work toward racial justice. Each event will include both a presentation of ideas and a workshop to engage those ideas. Events are run by Justina Prenatt, LPCA of Clover Heart Concepts, and Megan McCarter Martell, Executive Director of Programs at Odyssey. April 4 is “What is Racism? Structure, Intersectionality & Experience.” April 18 is “How do we talk about Race? Communication, Presence & Developmental Awareness.” May 2 is “What can teachers and parents do? Representation, Discussion, & Justice.” May 16 is “What's your Culture? Diversity, Similarities & Celebration.” Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is Odyssey Community School at 90 Zillicoa Street in Asheville. This is a Facebook event. Attendance at all four events is encouraged but is not required. The cost of the events and the childcare are free. Donations for the childcare are welcomed. For more information, contact learn@odysseycommunity.org or 828-259-3653. Registration for the events and for childcare, please go to https://goo.gl/forms/Hw85y5dXNEdeAT6d2.
04/04/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON
Every Tuesday, Veterans for Peace Chapter 099 holds a vigil at Vance Monument in downtown Asheville. Time is 5 PM. This has been happening since 2002. No matter the weather, no matter if it falls on a holiday, they are out there standing for peace. Last year, our former president dropped 26,000 bombs on seven different countries. The current president has already bombed one country, and has likely bombed a couple more. Meanwhile we are banning refugees from those countries we have destroyed. I am impressed at the protests against banning Muslims, but mystified at the lack of large protests against bombing Muslims. Isn’t bombing them worse than banning them? Show you are publicly against our country's endless wars and occupations by standing with Veterans for Peace.
04/05/17 CITIZENS-POLICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
This meeting is organized by the City of Asheville. This meeting is free and open to the public. They meet in the first floor Conference Room at the Public Works Building at 161 South Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 5 PM. Call 251-1122 for more information.
04/05/17 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Join us to learn about the status of installing solar and wind clean energy generation in North Carolina. Hear from experts about our success in becoming a national leader in installed solar generation and the beginnings of wind power in our state. Find out what the future holds for both expanding solar and onshore/offshore wind energy generation. Hope in the form of wind and solar energy. Michael Shore, co-founder of First Light Solar and now president of Barber Wind Turbines will talk about the success of solar and wind energy. This event is free and open to the public. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville at 1 Edwin Place in north Asheville (Charlotte Street and Edwin Place). For more information, contact Gail Solomon at gailwriter@msn.com or 908-963-7711.
04/05/17 BILL AYERS: DEMAND THE IMPOSSIBLE
Join us as we welcome Bill Ayers, here on a national tour to celebrate the release of his latest book, “Demand the Impossible!: A Radical Manifesto.” In an era defined by mass incarceration, endless war, economic crisis, catastrophic environmental destruction, and a political system offering more of the same, radical social transformation has never been more urgent. We must imagine a world beyond what this rotten system would have us believe is possible. In critiquing the world around us, Ayers uncovers cracks in the system, raising our sights for radical change, and envisioning strategies for building a movement to create a more humane, balanced, and peaceful world. Bill Ayers is a social justice activist, teacher, Distinguished Professor of Education (retired) at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and author of two memoirs, “Fugitive Days” and “Public Enemy.” Time is 6 PM and this is hosted by Firestorm Coffee & Books. Location of this talk is 60 State Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
04/06/17 DOCUMENTARY AT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
We hear a lot about recycling, but reusing is even better for the environment. On Thursday, April 6th we'll be screening the film “ReUse: Because You Can't Recycle the Planet” in the upper showroom of the ReStore located at 33 Meadow Road in Asheville. We invite you to join us for this mind-opening film and some light refreshments. Stick around afterwards for a 20% off storewide flash sale until 9pm. The event is free, with donations to Habitat welcome. Doors open at 6pm, with a few short opening remarks at 6:15. The film will begin promptly at 6:30pm. For more information, contact Habitat for Humanity at akjellquist@ashevillehabitat.org.
04/06/17 GREEN DRINKS IN HENDERSONVILLE
Hendersonville Green Drinks will present on Community Supported Agriculture. Time is 5:30 PM and location is Black Bear Coffee at 318 North Main Street in Hendersonville. Join us on Thursday, April 6, as Hendersonville Green Drinks welcomes Allison Perrett of Appalachian Sustainable Agricultural Project for a discussion on community supported agricultural.
Contact Mary Kate at 828-258-8737 or marykate@mountaintrue.org for more information.
04/06/17 COMMUNITY RIGHTS MOVEMENT STUDY GROUP
This is a study group to learn more about the Community Rights Movement. If you would like to be more deeply informed about the legal process of passing a Community Bill of Rights and enjoy digesting information please join us. We will use Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund's online Democracy School and associated materials (on the web). We will do 4 weeks: March 16, 23, 30 and April 6. This will be on Thursdays from 5:30 to 7.30 PM. Location is The BLOCK off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. This is a Facebook event under CELDF Democracy School Study Group.
04/08/17 FILM AT FIRESTORM
Black Star Line Spring Film Series presents “Their Eyes Were Watching God” one of six films presented by Black Star Line, Asheville's new queer-, black- woman-owned brewery. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” is an American Broadcasting Company television movie based upon Zora Neale Hurston's 1937 novel of the same name. The film was directed by Darnell Martin and produced by Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions. Call 828-708-7010 for more information about the film. Time is 2 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
04/08/17 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING
Citizens Climate Lobby meets the second Saturday of each month at Kairos West Community Center, 610 Haywood Road (enter in back) 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.
04/08/17 STAND WITH PLANNED PARENTHOOD
An opportunity to gather and protest the current presidency and legislation that aims to defund Planned Parenthood. The rally will highlight women's reproductive rights and the right to choose what to do with our own bodies. The rally will also be a donation-based fundraiser for our local Planned Parenthood. Time is 2 PM and location is Vance Monument in downtown Asheville. This is a Facebook event.
04/08/17 GREEN RIVER SPRING CLEANING
This year MountainTrue is partnering with the Green River community to help support their annual Green River cleaning. Whether you want to hop in a boat or walk along the shore, all kinds of volunteers are needed to help clear the Green River of trash and debris. We’ll meet at 10 AM at the Fish Top Access Point on Green River Cove Road near Saluda, and meet back up at 5 PM at The Gorge Zipline for an after party of great views and beverages. Volunteers should bring sturdy shoes, clothing that can get wet, appropriate weather gear, lunch and snacks, water, sunscreen, etc. MountainTrue will provide boats and PFD’s for volunteers who want to be on the water. Contact Gray at 828-692-0385 or gray@mountaintrue.org for more information and to register.
04/13/17 ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
The film “1945” is based on the short story “Homecoming” by Gabor Santo. This is a Hungarian film with English subtitles. In this astonishingly haunting film, deep undercurrents run beneath the simple surface in a quaint village that is ultimately forced to face up to its “ill-gotten gains” from the second World War. Time is 7 PM and location is Fine Arts Theatre at 36 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Admission is $10.
04/14/17 ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
The film “1945” is based on the short story “Homecoming” by Gabor Santo. This is a Hungarian film with English subtitles. In this astonishingly haunting film, deep undercurrents run beneath the simple surface in a quaint village that is ultimately forced to face up to its “ill-gotten gains” from the second World War. Time is 1 PM and location is Fine Arts Theatre at 36 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Admission is $10.
04/14/17 UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM NIGHT
We are screening “After Spring” - a documentary about the Syrian refugee crisis. Time is 7 PM. More information to follow.
4/15/17 FILM AT FIRESTORM
Black Star Line Spring Film Series presents “Queen” one of six films presented by Black Star Line, Asheville's new queer-, black- woman-owned brewery. A Delhi girl from a traditional family sets out on a solo honeymoon after her marriage gets cancelled. Rani Mehra is an under-confident young Punjabi woman from Delhi.[6] One day prior to her wedding, her fiancé Vijay tells her that he no longer wishes to marry her. He explains that his lifestyle has changed after living abroad, and her conservative habits would be a wrong match for him. Stunned at the development, Rani shuts herself in her room for a day. Wanting to take control of the situation, she asks her parents permission to go alone on her pre-booked honeymoon to Paris and Amsterdam. In Paris, Rani meets Vijayalakshmi, a free-spirited woman of French-Spanish-Indian descent, who works at the hotel in which Rani stays. Overwhelmed by the new city and having gotten into trouble twice - once with the local police and once with a robber - Rani intends to return to India. However, Vijayalakshmi helps her out and gives her a tour around the city. The two have a series of adventures, during which Rani relives the memories of Vijay patronising her and forbidding her from dancing and drinking - which she's free to do in Paris. Call 828-708-7010 for more information about the film. Time is 2 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
04/18/17 TEACHING KIDS ABOUT RACISM AND RACIAL JUSTICE
“What is Racism? Structure, Intersectionality & Experience” is part one of a four part series on teaching kids about racism and racial justice. This series is designed to start with basic concepts to deepen your understanding of racism in our culture then move into more complex needs and scenarios for helping children to learn in classrooms and at home. These sessions will help you feel more empowered as parents and educators to be in discussion and supportive with kids developing a healthy understanding of racial diversity and how to work toward racial justice. Each event will include both a presentation of ideas and a workshop to engage those ideas. Events are run by Justina Prenatt, LPCA of Clover Heart Concepts, and Megan McCarter Martell, Executive Director of Programs at Odyssey. April 4 is “What is Racism? Structure, Intersectionality & Experience.” April 18 is “How do we talk about Race? Communication, Presence & Developmental Awareness.” May 2 is “What can teachers and parents do? Representation, Discussion, & Justice.” May 16 is “What's your Culture? Diversity, Similarities & Celebration.” Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is Odyssey Community School at 90 Zillicoa Street in Asheville. This is a Facebook event. Attendance at all four events is encouraged but is not required. The cost of the events and the childcare are free. Donations for the childcare are welcomed. For more information, contact learn@odysseycommunity.org or 828-259-3653. Registration for the events and for childcare, please go to https://goo.gl/forms/Hw85y5dXNEdeAT6d2
04/18/17 COMMUNITY VIEWING AND DISCUSSION OF THE MOVIE “13TH”
Francine Delany New School will be hosting a viewing of the Netflix documentary by Filmmaker Ava DuVernay. “13th” explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation's prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans. Subtitle for the film is: from slave to criminal with just one amendment. Time is 6 PM for the movie. If you have seen the movie before, feel free to join us at 7:45 PM for the discussion. Location is Francine Delany New School for Children at 119 Brevard Road in Asheville. Dogwood Building. This is a Facebook event.
04/20/17 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE GENERAL MEETING
Join the Creation Care Alliance of WNC for a general meeting as we inspire one another to good work and discuss our work empowering care for creation. We will connect with one another and explore ways to care for creation. Everyone is welcome. The meeting will be held in the First Baptist Church of Asheville in Room MB306, which is upstairs. Address is 5 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 5:30 to 7 PM. If you have any questions, please contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at scott@creationcarealliance.org.
04/20/17 FUNDRAISER FOR CHILDREN FIRST/COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOL
We are hosting our 6th annual “Are You Smarter Than an Elementary Student?” trivia night fundraiser on Thursday, April 20 and we would appreciate your support in helping to spread the word about this event. We are still recruiting teams and we would love to have you and your friends and colleagues join us for the fun. Teams are made up of 4 to 6 people for $300 a team, costumes are highly encouraged and food, childcare and an adult beverage will be provided for participating team members so a great time can be had by all. Gather 4 to 6 of your smartest or most fun friends, family and colleagues to form a trivia team for local non-profit Children First/Communities In Schools (CIS) 6th annual “pub-style” trivia contest, “Are You Smarter Than an Elementary Student?” Teams will answer basic knowledge and pop-culture questions with a few surprises thrown in. Groups will vie for great prize packages from local recreational facilities, area restaurants, The Omni Grove Park Inn and more. Time is 6 to 9 PM and location is Morris Hellenic Cultural Center at 227 Cumberland Avenue in Asheville. Proceeds benefit Children First/Communities in Schools. Contact Kate at KateF@childrenfirstbc.org or 828-214-5052 for more information, including how to register a team.
04/21/17 TRUTH TELLING ON RACIAL CONFLICTS AND ‘THE DOCTRINE OF DISCOVERY’
Experience Navajo educator, Mark Charles, in a presentation on a domination framework giving moral and legal rights to invade, seize and enslave people who were not Christian. Dating back to the 15th century, numerous historical documents are still encoded in our legal system today - as shown by U.S. Supreme Court rulings as recent as 2005. This dynamic visionary speaker will be at Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church at 101 Chapel Drive in Swannanoa. Time is 7 to 9 PM. Time includes Q & A and refreshments. This event is free and open to the public (donations will be welcome). For more information, contact Paul at phultberg@charter.net or (828) 505-1026.
04/22/17 INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP ON DECODING AMERICA’S GREATNESS AND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POWER & AUTHORITY
“Decoding America’s Greatness and The Difference between Power and Authority” is the title of this interactive workshop facilitated by dynamic, visionary Navajo educator, Mark Charles. This interactive workshop will help us understand the roots of social injustice including systemic racial structures. Event will be held at the Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting at 137 Center Avenue in Black Mountain. Fee is $30 before April 1st and $35 thereafter. Fee includes lunch. Workshop limited to 30 participants. Make checks payable to Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting and mail to Paul Hultberg at 212 Richmond Hill Drive in Asheville, NC, 28806. Please include your email and phone number. For more information, contact Paul at phultberg@charter.net or (828) 505-1026.
04/22/17 MARCH FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS IN NORTH CAROLINA
We can no longer fear Big Pharma because 70% of NC citizens support medical cannabis. The citizens of North Carolina understand that denying the sick safe access to safe medicine is not only dangerous, but morally wrong. We are uniting in a statewide campaign to push our legislators to protect those who want to treat their illness with a safer alternative. Vote yes to House Bill 185. We are tired of being locked up and denied rights to what keeps us well. You do not have to smoke cannabis to stand with the sick who need it, to understand this will fight the opiate epidemic, and begin to heal our community naturally. This is a statewide effort with marches taking place across the state. Time is 2 to 3:30 PM. We will meet at Pritchard Park for some speakers, then march to Vance Monument. We are here not to break the law but to reform it. Bring signs, smiles, and respect. Looking forward to seeing you. This is a Facebook event, hosted by NC NORML of Asheville.
04/22/17 DOCUMENTARY SHOWING FOR EARTH DAY
Earth Day film and panel discussion on “Seed: The Untold Story.” Join us for this wonderful film and discussion. “Seed: The Untold Story” tells a beautiful tale of seed diversity and its sad demise. The film takes us on a journey through heart wrenching stories of betrayal and loss, sobering facts about where seed is today -- and isn't -- and the threats to seed diversity that threaten our very existence. From 544 varieties of cabbage, we have just 28; from 158 varieties of cauliflower, we now have 9, and the list goes on. “We have lost 94% of vegetable seed varieties in the 20th century,” we are told at the start of the film. It is truly enough to make you weep...and to inspire action to save our heritage for a sustainable future. Time spent with both traditional seed savers and seed saving pioneers working daily to bring back what was stolen from us through chemical use, GMO technology and corporate control of world politics, is also time spent with the innate beauty of seed. Filmed with reverence and an understanding of the miracle of life that seed truly is “Seed: The Untold Story” carries us closer to seed in a very intimate, even sensual, way. From seed is born the root of our existence. We'll gather together in community for an exploration of seed, as never does a gathering of caring people convene that a seed of hope is not planted.Time is 5:30 PM and location is Lenoir-Rhyne University in Asheville at 36 Montford Avenue. Donations accepted at the door. This is a Facebook event.
04/22/17 EARTH DAY SKILL SHARE FAIR
Transition Asheville and the Earth Team of First Congregational UCC will sponsor a Skill Sharing event to honor Earth Day. Participants can choose from a variety of practical skills that can help us live more sustainably on earth. Among the skills being shared by experienced teachers are the following: making homes more energy efficient; a range of tips for conserving resources; how to make a solar oven; vegetarian cooking; worm composting for gardeners; principles of permaculture; tree identification; basic carpentry; and how to plant and care for trees. The event will take place at the First Congregational UCC at 20 Oak St. in downtown Asheville. This will happen from 10 AM until 3PM. For more information, contact Ron Martin-Adkins at skillsforresilience@yahoo.com.
04/23/17 EARTH DAY VIGIL IN ASHEVILLE
Time is 5 to 7 PM and location is Pritchard Park at 67 Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville. Earth Day Vigil with the Creation Care Alliance called “Active Hope.” Time is 5 to 6:30 PM with a reception to follow. The Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina will host a vigil celebrating God's creation and calling on people of faith to care for it. We will gather Pritchard Park for an afternoon of song, poetry, reflection, and to hear messages of inspiration and action from local faith and community leaders. All are welcome! A reception will follow at Jubilee! Community Church at 46 Wall Street in downtown Asheville. Jubilee is also our rain out location. This event is free.
04/24/17 DIPLOMACY & MEDIA IN A CHAOTIC WORLD
Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Colton, Diplomat-in-Residence at Lenoir-Rhyne University-Asheville, will present four lectures focused on Diplomacy, Politics and News. Dr. Colton is an Emmy-award winning journalist who has worked for ABC News, NBC News, Newsweek, and NPR. The Asheville native also had a distinguished career as a U.S. Foreign Service diplomat in seven Middle Eastern countries. The Monday night series includes: April 24 - Navigating Flash Points of US Politics, Foreign Policy and World Diplomacy; and May 22 - Global Diplomacy and Asheville in the world. All lectures will take place at Lenoir-Rhyne’s Asheville Center, which is located at 36 Montford Avenue in downtown Asheville. Doors will open each night at 5 PM, and lectures will begin at 5:30 PM. RSVP is required, so please call 828-407-4263. This is a Facebook event and was in the Mountain Express.
04/25/17 MOVIE NIGHT AT THE COLLIDER
The Collider and Oskar Blues Brewery launch a new monthly climate and environmental film series at The Collider, open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 PM, the film starts at 7. The first four evenings will feature episodes from the award-winning series, “Years of Living Dangerously.” Oskar Blues will provide beer and, of course, we’ll also have popcorn. Tonight we will show “Safe Passage” with Bradley Whitford and “The Road Ahead” with Ty Burrell, and “Uprising” featuring “The Coal Wars” with America Ferrera and “Elephant in the Room” with Sigourney Weaver. This is a Facebook event.
04/25/17 ASHEVILLE TIMEBANK POTLUCK
Asheville TimeBank will hold its monthly potluck dinner on the 4th Tuesday of April at 6:15 PM, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall on Charlotte Street in Asheville. Enter via Evelyn Way off Charlotte Street. Open to everyone - TimeBank members and also those who would like to learn about getting needs met outside the cash economy. Bring your laptop if you'd like some individual help. Contact Cathy Holt at cathyfholt@gmail.com for more information.
04/27/17 ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
Writer-actor Aaron Davidman embodies seventeen different characters in and around the city of Jerusalem as he takes us on an eye-opening journey into the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian story. Exploring universal questions of identity and human connection, this film challenges the audience to reconsider their views on the Israeli-Palestinian story in light of the film. This is a closing night reception to the Asheville Jewish Film Festival and director Aaron Davidman will be present. Time is 6 PM and location is Fine Arts Theatre at 36 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Admission is $25.
04/28/17 ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
Writer-actor Aaron Davidman embodies seventeen different characters in and around the city of Jerusalem as he takes us on an eye-opening journey into the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian story. Exploring universal questions of identity and human connection, this film challenges the audience to reconsider their views on the Israeli-Palestinian story in light of the film. Time is 1 PM and location is Fine Arts Theatre at 36 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Admission is $10.
04/29/17 SIERRA CLUB BUS TO DC FROM ASHEVILLE
The People’s Climate March is April 29 in Washington DC and Sierra Club WENOCA has chartered a bus to take you there. We are grateful to the national Sierra Club and the NC chapter for subsidizing the cost of the bus. Therefore, your cost for a round trip ticket is $48.47 ($30 for bus + $10 for MetroRail card + $5 for water, snacks, etc. + $3.47 service charge). Please print your ticket and show it when boarding the bus. The bus will leave the night of April 28 and return the morning of April 30. You will not need a hotel because the bus will be traveling through the night. If you cannot make the trip but would like to make a donation to help someone who wants to go but can’t afford it, you can do that at the same link. Don’t delay - we are expecting this bus to fill up fast. Contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net for more information. Go here to get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peoples-climate-march-bus-asheville-to-dc-tickets-32859388315
04/29/17 GREENWORKS HARD 2 RECYCLE COLLECTION
Bring out your dead electronics, tvs, computers, small appliances, batteries and more to be recycled here in the US. We need a good amount of folks to help keep this event moving. Please consider helping out for a shift. Time is 10 AM to 2 PM and location is the City Public Works parking lot at 161 South Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville. Contact Eric Bradford at
828-232-7144 or eric@ashevillegreenworks.org for more information.
4/29/17 FILM AT FIRESTORM
Black Star Line Spring Film Series presents “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge” one of six films presented by Black Star Line, Asheville's new queer-, black- woman-owned brewery. This biography of Dorothy Dandridge follows her career through early days on the club circuit with her sister to her turn in movies, including becoming the first black actress to win a Best Actress Nomination in 1954 for “Carmen Jones” to her final demise to prescription drugs, which was debated whether it was suicide or accidental. Brent Spiner plays her faithful manager who stood beside her through all of the roller coaster of her career. The film also examines her love affair with director Otto Preminger, which is shown to have probably initially helped her career, but later probably led her to some wrong decisions. The film also examines 50's racism as the black star is not permitted to use white bathrooms or the Vegas pool. In the first situation, she was given a bathroom cup to pee in. In the second situation, the hotel drained the pool and scrubbed it after she dared put her foot in the water. Call 828-708-7010 for more information about the film. Time is 2 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
04/30/17 WNC SOLIDARITY CONCERT SERIES
The final Sunday of each month in 2017, two groups of WNC-based musicians and their ensembles will each perform a benefit concert to rise funding for WNC non-profits. The music performed each week will fluctuate between jazz, rhythm & blues, soul, jazz funk, jazz fusion, and swing. Each event will host two groups, playing, consecutively between 3 and 5 PM with a brief intermission. All of proceeds go to the nonprofit organization. The nonprofit for today’s concert is Our Voice. Act I is the Al Schlimm Quintet and Act II is the Chuck Lichtenberger Quartet. Location is The Block Off Biltmore at Eagle and South Market Streets in downtown Asheville. Suggested donation is $10, and are available the day of the event. This is a Facebook event. Please call The Block Off Biltmore 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 standard time kicks in, they meet at 4:30 PM.
Showing Up for Racial Justice Do!scussion at Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. 10 AM. Educating and organizing white people for racial justice.
Rally at historic Courthouse in Hendersonville at 5 PM. Organized by the Progressive Organized Women.
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.
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 Coffee & Books at 6 PM on fourth Thursday of the month. Materials provided.
Political documentary film and discussion at Firestorm Coffee & Books 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.
Standing Up For Racial Justice event is held at 10 AM at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. Educating and organizing white people for racial justice.
SATURDAY
French Broad Riverkeeper has a paddle-n-plant to prevent sediment erosion most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Registration required at anna@mountaintrue.org.
Mountain True 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.
Food Not Bombs serves free vegan/vegetarian food every Saturday at noon at Pritchard Park.
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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