Sunday, May 06, 2018

Upcoming events for the week of May 6, 2018



UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

05/07/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ WEEKLY MEETING
Asheville SURJ weekly evening meeting: Monday, 6:30-8:30pm at Asheville Unitarian Universalist Congregation (downstairs main building). Accountability group for folks seeking to focus on anti-racism work. Meetings include opportunities such as discussion, educational opportunities, or role-playing difficult conversations, and building connections. For more info email avlsurj@gmail.com. 

05/07/18 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES
Next Dinner with Progressives is this Monday, May 7, 2018 from 5:30-7pm at Green Sage Cafe, Westgate, next to Earth Fare. We hope you will join fellow progressives at the Green Sage Cafe this Monday because now more than ever we need to be together, learn together and work together.  All are invited who wish to move forward.  There is no membership fee but we ask that attendees purchase dinner, a beverage and/or dessert and RSVP so we can give our gracious friends at Green Sage a headcount. We have two speakers this for Dinner with Progressives this Monday, Amanda Edwards, running for County Commissioner in District 2 and Gayle Kemp from Hendersonville who is running against Chuck McGrady. Contact Cheryl at ctorengo@gmail.com for more information.

05/08/18 PRIMARY ELECTION DAY IN NORTH CAROLINA

05/08/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION
ASURJ Do!scussion: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM to12 PM in the backroom of Firestorm, Road in Asheville. A safe space to come together and talk about issues relating to dismantling white supremacy and confronting racism with a focus on what we can do to make a change, in ourselves, our communities, and beyond. All are welcome. Led by Matilda Bliss. ASURJ Do-Session: Tuesdays, noon-2pm, at a member’s residence. Meet us at 12:30 PM at Kairos West (right below Firestorm) and walk with us down there. This is a weekly space to do something to support accountability partners in their work. Letter-writing, list-making, social media work are just a few examples of what we will do to show up for racial justice Tuesday at the Do-Session. Bring your laptop and phone and help us out. For more details on any and all ASURJ meetings, email avlsurj@gmail.com.

05/08/18 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 4:30 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. 

05/08/18 PRESENTATION AT UNCA
The History and Legacy of Lynching in North Carolina, part one: The Past is Not Past, presented by Seth Kotch,is a free event open to everyone. Date: 5/8/18 and time: 9:00 am. Location is the Reuter Center. The History and Legacy of Lynching in North Carolina, part one: The Past is Not Past, presented by Seth Kotch,is a free event open to everyone. Seth Kotch is assistant professor of digital humanities in the Department of American Studies at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He and Professor Elijah Gaddis direct The Red Record project that, with undergraduate historians, creates a web-based record of lynching in the South. This Hot Topics presentation is part of OLLI at UNC Asheville's Race in Black and White programming for the spring term 2018. As part of OLLI's College for Seniors theme term on race and ongoing initiatives to create relevant and timely programming, we present a series of lectures and events to supplement the courses offered this spring. The lectures are free and open to everyone, and all are scheduled for the Manheimer Room. Contact for this event is OLLI - Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville at olli@unca.edu or 828.251.6140.

05/09/18 ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND ACTIONS MEETING IN ASHEVILLE
Want to learn more about local, state and national environmental issues? Join us for our monthly Environmental Issues & Actions Meetings, the second Wednesday of each month from 6:00 – 7:30 PM, upstairs at The Wedge Foundation Brewery, 5 Foundy Street, next to 12 Bones Restaurant in the River Arts District in Asheville. Contact Ken at kenbrame10@gmail.com or 828-423-8045 for more information.

05/09/18 MOUNTAIN TRUE MEETING
Environmental issues and actions meeting. Free. Held at 6 PM at Wedge Foundation at 5 Foundy Street. Call 828-258-8737 for more information.

05/10/18 TIMEBANK EVENT 
May 10 - a potluck and games night at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Charlotte St. We meet in the fellowship hall in the back. Come at 6 pm and bring a dish and a game to share. Learn more about the Asheville Timebank and how you can exchange with others what you enjoy doing.

05/10/18 PISGAH LEGAL EVENT IN HENDERSONVILLE
Join Pisgah Legal attorneys for a lunch session to learn about the housing crisis and landlord/tenant law. In the wake of ICE raids throughout our Western North Carolina region, our immigration attorneys will also be joining us to provide a brief update. Thursday, May 10 from 12-1:30 pm at Grace Lutheran Church at 1245 6th Avenue West in Hendersonville. Suggested Donation: $10/person. Lunch will be provided by The Baker's Box. RSVP to Nora Frank at (828) 210-3774 or nora@pisgahlegal.org.

05/10/18 TRANSFORMING JUSTICE BY BELOVED HOUSE
In two short years, Asheville has experienced horrendous police brutality against Mr. Johnnie Rush, the death of Jai "Jerry" Williams, and ICE raids terrorizing our community. We recognize as we seek to advocate for true and equal justice that we must "Transform Justice" systems. In our advocacy, we realize that we must work at the state-level to change laws that prevent us from creating police accountability and sanctuary (safe space) particularly in our Latinx, African American, LGBTQIA, street and struggling communities. This evening will be a public conversation with Sen. Van Duyn punctuated by community art and music. We will especially talk about civilian review boards (HB 165); prohibiting racial profiling (HB193); cash bail, mandatory fees, & defendant funded court proceedings; repeal of the body cam law (HB 972), the anti-sanctuary city law (HB 318), and HB 174 (the replacement of HB2); and the merit selection of judges/prosecutors and the judicial redistricting plan (HB 717). Childcare can be reserved by posting to the event and we will confirm your reservation. Interpretation provided. Thursday, May 10 at 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Location is the Rainbow Community Auditorium at 60 State Street in Asheville.

05/11/18 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY EVENT
For the 11th year, Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s are engaging women nationwide to work together to build Habitat homes during this year’s National Women Build Week from May 5-13, 2018. On Friday, May 11th Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s will host a special volunteer work day where volunteers will work alongside future homeowner Ashley Blankenship on Women Build House #13 and then celebrate together. At 12noon, they’ll share a potluck lunch and there will be a short speaking program, which will include remarks from renowned cookbook author and homesteader Ashley English of Small Measure. Ashley’s messages relating to the power of home, sustainable living, and self-reliance, echo the work of Habitat and the belief that home is the key to building strength, stability and self-reliance. The media is invited to attend.

05/11/18 ENVIRONMENTAL & SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM NIGHT IN ASHEVILLE
On Friday, May 11th, we are screening an important environmental documentary “The Age of Consequences,” at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. “The Age of Consequences” investigates the impacts of climate change on increased resource scarcity, migration, and conflict through the lens of US national security and global stability. Through unflinching case-study analysis, distinguished admirals, generals and military veterans take us beyond the headlines of the conflict in Syria, the social unrest of the Arab Spring, the rise of radicalized groups like ISIS, border walls, and the European refugee crisis - and lay bare how climate change interacts with other socio-political factors to exacerbate societal ten- sions and spark conflict. Environmental & Social Justice Film Night Friday, May 11th, at 7 PM. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville at One Edwin Place in north Asheville. There is no charge for viewing the film. Donations are welcome. Contact Charles Wussow at 612 860-6628 for more information. 

05/12/18 MOTHERS DAY FOR PEACE GATHERING
Mothers' Day for Peace Gathering - Proclaiming the Original Meaning of the Holiday. Sponsored by Veterans for Peace, Chapter 099. “Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience” by Julia Ward Howe - poet, author, abolitionist, advocate for women’s suffrage (1819-1910). Date is Saturday, May 12th at 11 AM. Location is Veterans’ Memorial at the Northeast Corner of Pack Square Park. A gathering to proclaim and remember the original meaning of Mother's Day and to unite/empower women in their efforts to eliminate war and the causes of war. In 1870, Julia Ward Howe, an abolitionist and the poet who wrote the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” worked to establish a Mother's Peace Day dedicated to the eradication of war. Her proclamation calls on all women to arise, demanding disarmament and an end to war. Today, many parts of the world are engulfed in wars. Since the founding of the United States in 1776, our country has been at war during 214 out of its 242 calendar years. All humanity is in dire need of better ways to resolve conflict. Militarism is killing us and the interdependent web of all life on Earth. The program will include: Reading of the original Mother's Day proclamation; Reflections of a mother whose two sons served in the U.S. Infantry; Presentation of the “Lost Children Project,” honoring children around the world who have been victims of war; and thoughts of a father striving to instill peacemaking skills in his children and a call to action – what each of us can do to end the scourge of war. Join with others who dream of and work for a more just and peaceful world. Mothers, wives, sisters and daughters have a powerful love for humanity, a strength Julia Ward Howe understood more than a century ago. The event is free and open to the public. In case of rain, the observance will be held in the Fellowship Hall of the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Signs and banners promoting peace are welcome as are hand outs about local efforts for justice and peace. Bring your own folding chair if seating is needed. For more information on this event, contact Rachael Bliss, VFP member, at 828-505-9425.

05/14/18 AUTHOR EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
John Dear will present “They Will Inherit the Earth: Peace & Nonviolence in a Time of Climate Change.” May 14, 7-8:30pm at First Presbyterian Church at 40 Church Street in Asheville. Gather with others to hear John Dear discuss his new book. Books will be sold and signed at the event - no tickets required. Co-sponsored by FPCA & Creation Care Alliance of WNC. In this landmark work, author, activist, and Nobel peace prize nominee Father John Dear connects the way of active nonviolence with solidarity with Creation, and shows how our global epidemic of violence and war could only lead to catastrophic climate change. He cites Jesus’ third Beatitude as the basis for his meditation: “Blessed are the meek, they will inherit the earth.” Thomas Merton said “meekness” was the biblical word for “nonviolence” (in the Gandhi/King sense), so Dear reflects how Jesus connected nonviolence with oneness with creation, how he practiced nonviolence and lived at one with creation, and how we need to do the same. For more information, contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at Scott@creationcarealliance.org.

05/14/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ WEEKLY MEETING
Asheville SURJ weekly evening meeting: Monday, 6:30-8:30pm at Asheville Unitarian Universalist Congregation (downstairs main building). Accountability group for folks seeking to focus on anti-racism work. Meetings include opportunities such as discussion, educational opportunities, or role-playing difficult conversations, and building connections. For more info email avlsurj@gmail.com. 

05/14/18 PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY 
Progressive Democrats of Buncombe County Meeting. When: Monday May 14th, 6:15 to 8 PM. Location is BCDP Headquarters at 951 Old Fairview Road in Asheville. Doors open by 6:15 for sign in and conversation. Meeting begins promptly at 6:30. We encourage candidates and motivate voters while promoting the most progressive parts of the DNC platform: campaign finance reform, clean energy policy, universal healthcare, and much more. Contact Kris Kramer at pdobPRESIDENT@gmail.com for more information.

05/15/18 NAKBA DAY COMMEMORATION AND PROTEST OF EMBASSY MOVE TO JERUSALEM
This will be from 4 to 7 PM at Vance Monument. Groups sponsoring this include Just Peace Israel/Palestine, Jewish Voice for Peace, and the Palestinian Solidarity Committee. More information to come. 

05/15/18  UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATION - WEST NORTH CAROLINA
6:30 Socializing, 7 - 8 pm meeting.  Our mission is to support the United Nations efforts working for a peaceful, inclusive and sustainable world and to promote local understanding of this important international organization.  UNCA Zageir Hall 243 - parking is readily available and free. For more information contact Dot at dsulock@unca.edu. 

05/15/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION
ASURJ Do!scussion: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM to12 PM in the backroom of Firestorm, Road in Asheville. A safe space to come together and talk about issues relating to dismantling white supremacy and confronting racism with a focus on what we can do to make a change, in ourselves, our communities, and beyond. All are welcome. Led by Matilda Bliss. ASURJ Do-Session: Tuesdays, noon-2pm, at a member’s residence. Meet us at 12:30 PM at Kairos West (right below Firestorm) and walk with us down there. This is a weekly space to do something to support accountability partners in their work. Letter-writing, list-making, social media work are just a few examples of what we will do to show up for racial justice Tuesday at the Do-Session. Bring your laptop and phone and help us out. For more details on any and all ASURJ meetings, email avlsurj@gmail.com.

05/15/18 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 4:30 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. 

05/15/18 PRESENTATION AT UNCA
The History and Legacy of Lynching in North Carolina, part two: A Game Called Salisbury. Date is 05/15/18 from 11:30 am-1:30 pm. Location is the Reuter Center - Manheimer Room. The History and Legacy of Lynching in North Carolina, part two: A Game Called Salisbury – with Susan Barringer Wells, author of A Game Called Salisbury: The Spinning of a Southern Tragedy and the Myths of Race; and with Dwight Mullen, UNC Asheville professor of political science, is free and open to everyone. Susan Barringer Wells, in her book A Game Called Salisbury, weaves century-old news reports and oral history into a family saga of tragic proportion. Her teenaged ancestor Addie Lyerly discovered the gruesome scene of her family’s murder. For the crime, Jack Dillingham, Nease Gillespie and teenager John Gillespie were taken from a jail cell to an oak tree in Salisbury, North Carolina, where they were lynched and mutilated. The heinous act spawned a children’s game of ropes and make believe. What actually happened on the night of August 6, 1906, may have been the game’s first folly. Come learn from the author about a relatively unknown chapter in North Carolina’s history. We will also consider the lasting legacy of lynching with special guest speaker Dr. Dwight Mullen, professor of political science at UNC Asheville. This Hot Topics presentation is part of OLLI at UNC Asheville's Race in Black and White programming for the spring term 2018. As part of OLLI's College for Seniors theme term on race and ongoing initiatives to create relevant and timely programming, we present a series of lectures and events to supplement the courses offered this spring. The lectures are free and open to everyone, and all are scheduled for the Manheimer Room. Contact for this event is OLLI - Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville at olli@unca.edu or 828.251.6140.

05/15/18 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
On the third 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 5:45 PM and location is the Block Off Biltmore at Eagle and Market Streets in downtown Asheville. For more information, contact Gerry at gwerhan@gmail.com.

05/18/18 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, 285-2599.

05/19/18 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF ASHEVILLE-BUNCOMBE COUNTY ANNUAL MEETING
Annual Meeting Announced by LWV Admin. The League's annual luncheon is a two-fold event: There is a speaker event open to the public and then the League will hold its annual membership meeting to vote on budget, priorities and governance matters for 2018-2019. You can attend just the speaker portion. Keynote speaker is Leann Melton. Buncombe County public defender Leann Melton will speak on punishing the poor: people who remain incarcerated due to an inability to pay court fees. NC fees are among the most daunting, even with a constitution that says “there shall be no imprisonment for debt” and a prohibition against “punishing a person for his poverty.” Most states bar courts from using fees to raise revenue for government more broadly. Leann has been active in the fight to prevent the ongoing cycle of the modern day debtor's prison. Agenda- 11:30 am is Check-in/Registration & open buffet, opening remarks followed by presentation of the Yvette Wessell Award and then introduction of the keynote speaker, Leann Melton. There will be a short break and then the membership meeting starts at 12:50 pm. Event Details- Saturday, May 19, 2018 from 11:30-1:30 pm at Doubletree Biltmore at 115 Hendersonville Road in Asheville. Cost: $25. Please RSVP by emailing us at info@lwvab.org to let us know that you will be attending and pay when you arrive, or go to the website for the LWV Asheville-Buncombe and register and pay there. You do not need to let us know if you will only be attending only the speaker portion.

05/20/18 NC JUSTICE CENTER FUNDRAISER 
Join Us. May 20 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The Justice Center’s mission is a simple but daunting one: the elimination of poverty in North Carolina. The strategy is smart and comprehensive, employing a multi-issue, multi-strategy approach to ensure the creation of an economy that works for everyone. This includes education in order to increase public and political will to advance progressive, inclusive policies that advance equity and opportunity. Please join us in Asheville for a reception to support the work of the NC Justice Center. Featuring Rick Glazier, Executive Director of the NC Justice Center at the home of Senator Terry and Ted Van Duyn in Asheville, NC. Sunday, May 20, 2018 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. Please contact Kim-Marie McLellan at kim_marie@ncjustice.org with any questions.

05/20/18 ETHICAL HUMANIST SOCIETY EVENT
“Inspiring Community Action to Build Opportunity for Children” will be presented by Greg Borumat the Sunday, May 20, 2018 meeting of the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, 2:00-3:30 PM, at Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC. All are welcome to attend. Join Greg Borom, Director of Advocacy at Children First/ Communities In Schools as he highlights the poverty and education gaps in our community that hinder the success of our children and our future.  This presentation and discussion is aimed at inspiring community action to build opportunity for all our children.  When our leaders create policies that are good for children, it leads to better health, education, and safety for our whole community. With a goal to alleviate the root causes of child poverty, CF/CIS works to unite and educate our community, connect individuals and groups to collaborate and advocate for investment in effective programs that meet children’s basic needs and place them on a path to success. For more information: call 828 687-7759, email EHSAsheville@gmail.com.

05/21/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ WEEKLY MEETING
Asheville SURJ weekly evening meeting: Monday, 6:30-8:30pm at Asheville Unitarian Universalist Congregation (downstairs main building). Accountability group for folks seeking to focus on anti-racism work. Meetings include opportunities such as discussion, educational opportunities, or role-playing difficult conversations, and building connections. For more info email avlsurj@gmail.com. 

05/21/18 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING
Time is 6:30-8:30pm and location is Habitat Brewing Company, Tavern & Commons at 174 Broadway Street in Asheville. Our new location has many great opportunities for us that hopefully will attract more members to enjoy beer and food while enjoying the discussion. However donations are needed to keep using this space so please bring $5-10. 

05/21/18 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE SOCIAL
Transition Asheville Social - Date: 05/21/2018 - Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00pm. Place is Parrish Hall at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 337 Charlotte Street in Asheville (parking available on street or off Evelyn Alley north of the church). Presentation Topic: Why and How to Resist Nuclear Weapons. Our presenter, Dot Sulock, taught Mathematics, Humanities and International Studies at the University of North Carolina at Asheville (UNCA) for 40 years and retired two years ago.  She has been teaching at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) since its founding, mainly teaching about renewable energy, nuclear weapons nonproliferation, nuclear power, missile defense, and the United Nations. For more information contact Rebecca Mahan (812-334-0176) or palmtree747@gmail.com. Snacks and socializing will begin at 6:30 PM. 

05/22/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION
ASURJ Do!scussion: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM to12 PM in the backroom of Firestorm, Road in Asheville. A safe space to come together and talk about issues relating to dismantling white supremacy and confronting racism with a focus on what we can do to make a change, in ourselves, our communities, and beyond. All are welcome. Led by Matilda Bliss. ASURJ Do-Session: Tuesdays, noon-2pm, at a member’s residence. Meet us at 12:30 PM at Kairos West (right below Firestorm) and walk with us down there. This is a weekly space to do something to support accountability partners in their work. Letter-writing, list-making, social media work are just a few examples of what we will do to show up for racial justice Tuesday at the Do-Session. Bring your laptop and phone and help us out. For more details on any and all ASURJ meetings, email avlsurj@gmail.com.

05/22/18 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 4:30 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. 

05/24/18 ACLU EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
This is on Thursday, May 24 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. Location is Ferguson Auditorium, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College at 340 Victoria Road in Asheville. Right to discriminate? It’s about more than cake. Join the ACLU of North Carolina, the Cato Institute, and the law firm of Deutsch and Gottschalk for an important conversation about LGBTQ equality, the First Amendment, and nondiscrimination laws. ACLU of North Carolina Legal Director Chris Brook and Cato Institute Chairman Bob Levy will debate the pending U.S. Supreme Court case Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, which asks whether a business open to the public has a constitutional right to discriminate. No contact information.

05/28/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ WEEKLY MEETING
Asheville SURJ weekly evening meeting: Monday, 6:30-8:30pm at Asheville Unitarian Universalist Congregation (downstairs main building). Accountability group for folks seeking to focus on anti-racism work. Meetings include opportunities such as discussion, educational opportunities, or role-playing difficult conversations, and building connections. For more info email avlsurj@gmail.com. 

05/29/18 ASHEVILLE SURJ DO!SCUSSION
ASURJ Do!scussion: Tuesdays, 10:30 AM to12 PM in the backroom of Firestorm, Road in Asheville. A safe space to come together and talk about issues relating to dismantling white supremacy and confronting racism with a focus on what we can do to make a change, in ourselves, our communities, and beyond. All are welcome. Led by Matilda Bliss. ASURJ Do-Session: Tuesdays, noon-2pm, at a member’s residence. Meet us at 12:30 PM at Kairos West (right below Firestorm) and walk with us down there. This is a weekly space to do something to support accountability partners in their work. Letter-writing, list-making, social media work are just a few examples of what we will do to show up for racial justice Tuesday at the Do-Session. Bring your laptop and phone and help us out. For more details on any and all ASURJ meetings, email avlsurj@gmail.com.

05/29/18 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 4:30 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. 

06/02/18 COMMUNITY BILL OF RIGHTS KICKOFF
Saturday June 2nd 2018 7pm-10pm. Community Bill of Rights Kick-Off Party. Join us to celebrate the launch of Asheville’s first Community Bill of Rights. Stand with us in taking back our power, asserting our rights for local self-governance and building a world where People and Planet come before Profits. The Community Bill of Rights is a City ordinance that will: enable citizens to prohibit the activities of corporations that pollute our water, air and soil, allow us to make ongoing decisions about where we live, without interference from the State and accelerate the equitable transition to 100% renewable energy. Join us for great music, food, drinks, silent auction and information about how you can get involved in this grassroots movement. $20 suggested donation at the door. Everyone welcome. The Wedge at Foundation. 5 Foundry Street, Asheville. No contact information, but there is a Facebook event.

06/07/18 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Sierra Club June 7: Energy Innovation Task Force -- Pathway to Clean Energy for Western North Carolina. Come hear City Councilwoman Julie Mayfield, County Commission Chair Brownie Newman, and Duke Energy District Manager Jason Walls talk about how the new Blue Horizons Project will lead us to a cleaner energy future. Learn how you can help. Date: June 7 from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Location is Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, in north Asheville. In 2016, the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and Duke Energy came together in a unique partnership to lead Western North Carolina to a cleaner, affordable, and smarter energy future. A specific goal of the partnership is to delay or avoid construction of a third natural gas plant on Lake Julian – a “peaker unit” -- that would only run on the coldest and hottest days of the year. For more information, contact Judy Mattox, judymattox@sbcglobal.net, (828) 683-2176.

06/09/18 HARD TO RECYCLE EVENT
North Buncombe Hard-2-Recycle Event is on Saturday, June 9 from 10am - 2pm. Location is Arvato Digital Services at 108 Monticello Road in Weaverville. No contact information available. 

06/09/18 TIMEBANK EVENT
June 9, picnic in Haw Creek Park on Avon Rd off rt 70 at the East Asheville Library.  Starts at noon at the covered shelter. We’ll have a grill and charcoal; you bring something to grill and a side dish to share. There will be new games, a walking trail and swings for the kids. Learn more about the Asheville Timebank and how you can exchange with others what you enjoy doing.

06/14/18 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE MEETING
Thursday, June 14, from 6-7:30 PM. Location is St. Eugene Catholic Church at 72 Culvern Street in Asheville. Coming together to share compassion and ideas. We will learn about the creation care work of our host congregation through a conversation and tour, hear about CCA and community events and work, as well as hear ideas. If you are connected to a faith community, a green team or creation care team member, clergy, or are interested in learning more about St. Eugene, Audubon Society, the Friendship Garden or the Creation Care Alliance this meeting is for you. For more information, contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at Scott@creationcarealliance.org.

06/18/18 to 06/20/18 FACING HISTORY AND OURSELVES WORKSHOP AT UNCA
Facing History and Ourselves Workshops will be on June 18, 19, and 20 at UNC Asheville. For a second year in a row, through the generous support of Fred and Donna Meyer, CDE will be sponsoring workshops with Facing History and Ourselves. Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for registration information coming soon. Students come to me in the beginning of the year and say “I don't care about history. It happened in the past. It doesn't matter to me.” I say to them “Give me 2 weeks. We are going to learn a different kind of history and approach it in a different way.” For more information, contact UNC Asheville Center for Diversity Education at 828-232-5024 or dmiles@unca.edu.

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ONGOING EVENTS
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MONDAY
Asheville SURJ weekly meeting at 6:30 pm at UU Congregation in Asheville, downstairs

TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument 
SURJ Discussion at Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. 10:30 AM-12 AM. Followed by Do!sessions from 12:30-2:30 PM Meet at Kairos West for later session. 
Rally at historic Courthouse in Hendersonville at 5 PM on the first Tuesday of the month. Organized by the Progressive Organized Women. 
Socialism! The Reading Group is at 6 PM at Firestorm on the second Tuesday of the month. 

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 Drinks meets at 6 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.
Indivisible Asheville does political letter writing at 5:30 every Wednesday at The Block Off Biltmore. 

THURSDAY
Political Prisoners Letter Writing at Firestorm Coffee & Books at 6 PM on first Thursday of the month. Materials provided. Also Tranzmission Prison Project meeting to send packages of books and zines for mailing to prisons across the US. 
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.
Progressive Women of Hendersonville hold a letter/postcard writing to government representatives from 4 to 7 PM at Sanctuary Brewing Company at 147 First Avenue 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. 
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.
Food Not Bombs serves free vegan/vegetarian food every Saturday at noon at Pritchard Park.
Dances of Universal Peace on the third Saturdays at 7:30 at 1 School Road in Asheville. 

SUNDAY
Asheville National Organization for Women meeting at 2:30 PM at YWCA of Asheville on second Sunday of the month.
Political Prisoner Letter Writing Night at 5 PM at Firestorm on the first Sunday of the month.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN

In the Triangle, the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival will include six consecutive Monday actions, as follows:

May 14: Women, youth, the disabled, children in poverty and the right to education
May 21: Connecting systemic racism and economic justice, voting rights and just immigration
May 28: Veterans, our war economy, and militarism 
June 4: The right to health, ecology, justice and health, water, extreme extraction, climate change and health care
June 11: Living wages, guaranteed income, housing and social services
June 18: Challenging our nation’s distorted moral narrative; a fusion movement rising up

The Campaign will end with a Mass Mobilization in DC on June 23.

ALSO FROM THE POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN:

Join the NC Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival for 40 days of moral action this spring to challenge systemic racism, poverty, the war economy and militarism, ecological devastation, and our nation's distorted moral narrative. 

In the spirit and tradition of ordinary people of conscience engaging in nonviolent direct action to expose and engage as moral witnesses against injustice, we will conduct a mandatory training statewide. The next training is, 1- 5 pm  April 21 in Asheville for people interested in participating in nonviolent moral fusion direct action this spring.

Attending this training does not mean you must participate in the 40 days of action Nor does it mean you are committing to engage in civil disobedience. This training can be a great step in connecting with others in the campaign and learning about the opportunity to join the action. We would love for you to join us!

Also note that we will offer more trainings before the 40 Days of moral action kicks off and during the 40 days.

Please register to reserve a spot in the training. Your training location as well as more detailed information will be sent out to you.

REGISTRATION WILL CLOSE ON FRIDAY APRIL 20TH, SO SIGN-UP NOW! For information on how to sign up, you can contact  northcarolina@poorpeoplescampaign.org or leslie.boyd@gmail.com.

If you do not receive an e-mail with the location by Friday, please e-mail Leslie Boyd at leslie.boyd@gmail.com for that information.
*Please note when the Google Form asks, "In What City will you attend the Training Part A?" the answer is Asheville

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Climate Change
10  Tips to Shrink Your Carbon Footprint 
source: Credo

By now, just about everyone agrees that carbon pollution poses a serious threat to our planet. They’re even building seawalls around Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Ireland to protect the place against climate change.

At this point, we must accept the grim reality that some level of global warming is inevitable. But by taking action now as individuals, we can still avoid the worst effects. According to a recent study in the journal ”Environmental Research Letters,” the four steps that most substantially shrink a person’s carbon footprint are: eating a plant-based diet, living without a car, avoiding air travel and having a smaller family.

Americans emit 16.1 tons of carbon per person per year, according to the World Bank. This is less than in the 1970s when that number was around 22.5 tons, but it’s still far above the 2050 goal set by the Paris Climate Accords, which is 2.1 tons of carbon per person per year.

We’d better get started. Here are 10 steps you can take to shrink your carbon footprint.

Go car-free. Short of having one less child (which cuts the climate change impact by 120 tons of CO2 emissions per year, if you include carbon that the child’s children would emit), living without a car is the biggest step you can take. According to the EPA, the typical passenger vehicle emits around 4.7 metric tons of CO2 each year.

Inflate your tires. If you do drive, make sure your tires are properly inflated. This can cut your carbon emissions by up to 700 pounds a year.

Take a staycation. One round-trip flight from New York to Europe or New York to San Francisco creates a warming effect equivalent to an average year’s worth of driving.

But don’t worry about being cooped up too long. There’s hope that changes in both aircraft design and fuel source are on the horizon.

Eat less meat. People who eat more than 3.5 ounces of meat per day – a serving about the size of a deck of cards – generate 15.8 pounds of CO2 each day, vegetarians just 8.4 pounds and vegans only 6.4 pounds.

Try going vegetarian or vegan one or two days a week. And when you do eat meat, choose poultry, which is less greenhouse-gas intensive than beef or pork.

Recycle. You likely recycle to some extent already, but you may not know what an impact it can have. If you recycle half your household waste, you can save 2,400 pounds of CO2 annually.
Adjust your thermostat. Move your thermostat up 2 degrees in the summer and down 2 degrees in the winter. You’ll reduce your carbon emissions by 1 ton per year.

Wash in cold water. Almost 90 percent of the energy used by a washing machine goes to heat the water. Switching to cold water for your wash cycle will cut your carbon dioxide emissions by around 1,600 pounds a year. While old laundry soaps worked well only with hot water, new soaps are formulated for cold water and perform as well as or better than traditional detergents.
Dry on a clothesline. Drying one load of laundry in a machine puts 0.1 metric tons of CO2 into the air, so line-drying your clothes makes a real difference over time. Another plus: Your clothes will last longer because they won’t get roughed up in the dryer.
Buy an Energy Star fridge. Refrigerators 15 years or older use twice as much energy as a new Energy Star fridges. Replace your old fridge with an Energy Star model, and you can cut your carbon footprint by 8,200 pounds, and save as much as $260 in the first five years.

Tune up your water heater. There are two ways you can make your water heater more efficient. One, wrap it in an insulating blanket. It costs only about $25 at your local home center, and it will cut your carbon emissions by up to 1,000 pounds annually. Two, turn down the thermostat from 140 degrees (the standard factory setting) to 120 degrees. Each 10-degree reduction reduces your carbon emissions by 600 pounds (electric) or 440 pounds (gas) a year.


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