Upcoming events for the week of December 20, 2015

UPCOMING EVENTS

12/22/15 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE

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

12/22/16 WHAT’S LEFT IN YOUR WALLET?

We’re holding a series of events across the state with middle class taxpayers and educators who are sharing their stories and pushing back on bogus claims from Raleigh. We’ll be in Asheville next Tuesday, at Pack Square Park Pavilion at 121 College Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 4 PM. Join taxpayers, working families and teachers who are calling out Governor McCrory and other politicians for their bogus claims about cutting taxes and helping the middle class. We'll be joined by Rep. Susan Fisher and Sen. Terry Van Duyn. This has been organized by Progress NC. Contact Luis for more information at admin@progressnc.org.

12/23/15 PLAY AT NC STAGE IN ASHEVILLE

All Is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 relives a poignant moment in history when Allied and German soldiers laid down their arms to celebrate the holiday together during WWI. This dramatic concert presents traditional patriotic and holiday songs from both sides of the Western Front and is interspersed with text read from letters, journals, and interviews from the soldiers who lived it. Featuring ensemble members from Cantaria: The Gay Men’s Chorus of Asheville. “These miracles are what make All Is Calm such a pure example of what was meant when angels first declared Peace on Earth. –Star Tribune. Dates/Times are: Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 PM; Sunday at 2 PM; Additional Shows: 12/19 and 12/26 at 2 PM, 12/22 at 7:30 PM. This play runs until 12/27/15. Tickets run from $16 to $36. NC State is on Stage Lane in downtown Asheville. This play is highly recommended. I saw it last week and thought it was very well done, and shows an important event of peace in the middle of war.-dancewater

12/23/15 OTHER WORLDS ARE POSSIBLE BOOK GROUP AT FIRESTORM

This discussion group focuses on science fiction, speculative fiction and fantasy literature with a feminist, social justice and/or “radical: theme. We'll read a book each month and discuss both the vision presented by the author and how the book contributes to our understanding of our present moment. The book for December is “Stone Mattress” by Margaret Atwood. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/26/15 PROTEST HEWLETT-PACKARD AT BEST BUY STORE

Boycott Hewlett-Packard street protest will be on Saturday, December 26th, from 12-1:30 PM on the sidewalk in front of Best Buy on Tunnel Road in Asheville.  HP supplies monitoring devices for checkpoints in Palestine. For more information, contact Just Peace for Israel/Palestine at 828-319-7652.

01/02/16 PARIS CLIMATE CONFERENCE REPORT BACK

Paris Climate Conference Report-back from 10 AM to12:30 PM at Kairos West Community Center at 742 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Drew Jones of Climate Interactive and Said Abdallah will be the speakers at this event put on by Jim Barton of 350.org. Contact Citizens Climate Lobby - Asheville Chapter for more information, at asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.

01/05/16 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE

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

01/05/16 CURRENT EVENTS BOOK CLUB

Current Events Book Club discusses “The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History” at 7 PM at Malaprop’s Bookstore and Cafe in downtown Asheville on Haywood Street.

01/05/16 ANTI-MILITARIST PUPPET SHOW AT FIRESTORM

“Fire with Fire: Anti-Militarist Puppet Show” will be held at Firestorm Cafe & Books. In cranks, banners, and spazzy sketch, Total War Puppets will excavate traces of militarism from our most intimate depths. Puppets will be inquiring about your most recent sexual encounter with a weapon of mass destruction, your exploits in revenge, your plan to save the urban children, and your involvement in The Recent Unpleasantness. Discussion to follow performance. This event is intended for adults, but is open to all ages. There is a scene involving domestic violence. Suggested donation $5-20, no one turned away. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

01/06/16 DIALOGUE CAFE

Interviews and dialog with persons in all walks of life; a forum especially for activists in the field of social justice, women's rights, nutrition and health, and the healing arts. The Dialogue Cafe is a circular forum of conversation; packed with subjects and themes which are both simple and complex. Through dialogue, it guides the most complex and political issues, connecting and reapplying them to everyday life, our communities and the global picture. It becomes an invitation to take a look at solutions in a different way then we have been taught. Each panel or workshop will be introduced with a poem relating to the theme or a short storytelling. Time is 6 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

01/06/16 OPENING THE HEART OF COMMUNICATION - INTEGRATING JUDAISM AND NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION

Join Roberta Wall, Nonviolent Communication Trainer and student of Jewish thought and observance, for an exploration of communication principles and practices woven into Judaism. This four class series (6:30 to 8:30 PM on January 6, 13, 20, 27) will explore guiding principles at the core of Judaism such as “gratitude” and “forgiveness.” Roberta has taught and co-facilitated classes and trainings in religious and secular communities throughout Israel, Europe and the US. She draws on years of study of Torah, Hassidism, Rabbinic thought and Jewish Renewal to bring Jewish thought and principles alive through the concrete practices of Nonviolent Communication. Location will be the JCC on Charlotte Street in Asheville. Register for the four classes by December 30th for $100, the cost will be $120 for registrations after December 30. Register by contacting Rochelle Reich at rochelle@jcc-asheville.org or 253-0701 ext. 111.

01/06/16 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

Drew Jones of Climate Interactive will analyze the Paris UN climate negotiations of December 2015 in his simulator to show what work remains to address climate change. Drew led a hands-on interactive session for our Sierra Club meeting on May 6 on climate change. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Pl (corner of Charlotte & Edwin). Contact Judy for more information at judymattox@sbcglobal.net or 828-683-2176.

01/07/16 COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION CLASSES

This series of classes will be on ‘Compassionate Communication Within Our Families’. This workshop will focus on developing and practicing skills and consciousness for creating and deepening honest, compassionate and effective communication within your family and will be lead by Roberta Wall. When we learn these skills for communication with our children, partners, parents and other family members, we are less likely to end up feeling anger, frustration, hopelessness and fear in difficult situations. We are more likely to communicate what is really important to us; to hear what is really important to the other person; to be empowered to create solutions and strategies that really meet our needs and the needs of the rest of the family. Workshop is open to the public. Costs are $100 for all four sessions if paid in full by December 30 and $120 after December 30 or at the door. Rainbow School community cost is $80 if confirmed by December 30. Childcare ($12) for people over 5 yrs available, but preregistration  by  December 18  necessary for childcare. For more information and to register, call Kristin at Rainbow School 828-258-9264 extension 155 or email info@steps2peace.com. These workshops will be held on January 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 4 to 6 PM. Location is the Rainbow School in west Asheville. 

01/08/16 ASHEVILLE CLEAN WATER NEW YEAR PARTY

If you'll be in the mountains in early January, we'd love to see you at our annual New Year party for our many wonderful members, volunteers, and community and organizational allies. Our 2016 party will be Friday, January 8, from 5-7 PM in downtown Asheville. Watch for more details soon! Contact Katie and Xavier in Asheville office for more information at (828) 251-1291.

01/09/16 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING

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

01/09/16 COTHINKK: CREATING THE NEW NARRATIVE IN WESTERN NC

CoThinkk is a “giving circle” that uses our collective time, talent, and treasure towards investment strategies that address education, economic mobility/opportunity, and leadership development towards impacting some of the most critical social issues facing African-American & Latino communities in Asheville and Western NC. Please RSVP by January 4th to reserve your seat at the table and to receive additional information that will be needed to inform the meeting conversation. We continue to look forward to having diverse voices and communities in the room to help shape this agenda. If you have any questions or concerns or wish to RSVP, please contact Tracey at Cothinkk@gmail.com. This will be held at the Asheville Art Museum in downtown Asheville and the time is 1:30 to 4:30 PM. 

01/11/16 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE SOCIAL AND FILM

The movie ‘A Convenient Truth’ will be shown at this Transition Asheville social. This informative, inspirational documentary is aimed at sharing ideas to provoke environment-friendly and cost-effective changes in cities worldwide. The documentary focuses on innovations in transportation, recycling, social benefits including affordable housing, seasonal parks, and the processes that transformed Curitiba into one of the most livable cities in the world. This will be shown at St. Mary's Episcopal Church at 337 Charlotte Street in Asheville. Time is 6:30 to 8 PM. For more information, contact transitionasheville@gmail.com. 

01/12/16 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING

On the second Tuesday of each month, Western North Carolina Veterans for Peace meets to coordinate group activities and programs.Veterans For Peace is a global organization of Military Veterans and allies whose collective efforts are to build a culture of peace by using our experiences and lifting our voices. We inform the public of the true causes of war and the enormous costs of wars, with an obligation to heal the wounds of wars. Our network is comprised of over 140 chapters worldwide whose work includes: educating the public, advocating for a dismantling of the war economy, providing services that assist veterans and victims of war, and most significantly, working to end all wars. Time is 6:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information. 

01/13/16 JUST PEACE FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING

This meeting will be at 9:30 AM at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church at 117 Montreat Road in Black Mountain. Contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

01/13/16 MONEY IN POLITICS AND THE FREE MARKET CONSTITUTION

Capitalism v. Democracy: Money in Politics and the Free Market Constitution. The 2016 presidential elections are on course to be the most expensive in history. Ordinary citizens are utterly excluded by this plutocratic system that attempts to pass itself off as democracy. Rather than government "of, by and for the people," we now live under an oppressive regime of government of, by and for the wealthy. Author Tim Kuhner will explain how the Supreme Court has constructed this system and prevented citizens from changing it. Kuhner's Capitalism v. Democracy is a radical exposé of legalized corruption in the United States. Thomas Piketty, author of Capital in the Twenty-First Century, wrote, “This book made me realize just how dangerous supreme courts can be for matters of inequality and democracy. Kuhner has presented his book throughout Europe and the United States and he is eager to connect with Ashevillians. In conclusion, he will present a revolutionary idea for reforming the system and making elections, candidates, and political parties accountable to the people. Time is 7:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

01/16/16 MLK ANNUAL PRAYER BREAKFAST

MLK Association of Asheville & Buncombe County will hold their 5th Annual Prayer Breakfast on Saturday, January 16 at 8:30 AM at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Asheville (up the hill from Sam’s Club). During more than three decades of honoring Dr. King, we have brought the residents of Asheville, Buncombe County, and surrounding areas together physically and spiritually as we seek to fulfill the dream of equality and equal opportunity so eloquently articulated by Martin Luther King, Jr. With many thanks for your help and continued support of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Association and our work to promote civil and social justice in the community, we invite you to share in this most important regional event once again this year. To order tickets by telephone, or for more information, call 828-335-6896 or 828-281-1624.

01/16/16 HARD TO RECYCLE COLLECTION

Free to the public, recycling event, accepting items of all sorts. Now with two locations! Founded in 2011 by Rainbow Recycling, Hard 2 Recycle events are free to the public collections geared to bring awareness to other modes of recycling to our area. Four quarterly held collections to cover the four corners of the County and one central event in Downtown Asheville.Our goal is to educate, collect and divert items that would normally end up in the landfill: styrofoam, electronics, books, batteries, cooking oil and much more. Not accepting the following items: paints, stains, sealers, CFL or fluorescent or incandescent bulbs; chip & snack bags; petroleum products; hard plastics; vinyl / PVC / VHS / cassette tapes; plate glass, foam; wooden items or cement. Main collection from 10 AM to 2 PM at 1298 Patton Avenue in Asheville and satellite collection from 10 AM to 1 PM at 1461 Sand Hill Road in Candler.

01/17/16 ETHICAL HUMANIST SOCIETY MEETING

“The Hidden, Devious Opportunity in North Carolina’s K-12 Opportunity Scholarships” will be presented by Jan Blunt, MPA at the Sunday, January 17th meeting of the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville. We will meet from 2:00-3:30 PM at The Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC. Jan Blunt will discuss how North Carolina’s K-12 school vouchers, so-called “opportunity scholarships,” are, on the surface, about providing low-income parents with more school choices for their students. The details tell a different story. Learn how tax dollars intended for public schools are being sent to private religious schools without accountability or transparency for how the funds are spent, what their students are taught, or by whom. You may be surprised by the real reason state lawmakers want to give all students, not just low-income children, the same “opportunity.” Informal discussion and refreshments will follow the presentation. All are welcome. For more information: call 828 687-7759 

01/18/16 PEACE MARCH AND RALLY

Peace March & Rally will be held on Monday, January 18th at 11:30 AM at St. James AME Church at 44 Hildebrand Street in Asheville. At noon, we will march to City-County Plaza. Call 828-281-1624 or828-335-6896 for more information.

01/18/16 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE MEETING

This will be a Common Table Meeting and an open invitation to all who are interested in TA. This will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 5:30 to 7 PM. For more information, contact transitionasheville@gmail.com.

01/19/16 CLIMATE JUSTICE AND THE CALL TO HOPE EVENT AT UNCA

Wake Forest Divinity School Presents: Our Common Home: Reflections on the Pope's Encyclical, Climate Justice, and the Call to Hope. This panel event is sponsored by the Wake Forest University School of Divinity's Food, Faith, and Religious Leadership Initiative, and co-sponsored by the Office of Sustainability at the University of North Carolina Asheville and Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina. This will be held at Alumni Hall at UNCA. Time is 7 to 8:30 PM. Register online at Wake Forest Divinity School.

01/19/16 STATE OF BLACK ASHEVILLE LECTURE

State of Black Asheville Lecture will be on Tuesday, January 19th at 6 PM at Highsmith Union, Rooms 221-222. It will be facilitated by Dr. Dwight Mullen, Professor of Political Science.

01/19/16 LUNCH AND LEARN AT UNCA

Lunch-n-Learn Series:  Social Justice and Service Learning will be on Tuesday, January 19th, 2016 from noon to 1 PM at the Intercultural Center, Highsmith Union, Room 114 at UNCA. Growing through service learning can be act of social justice within itself. Join Multicultural Student Programs as we explore the intersections of social justice, activism, and service learning. In this facilitated dialogue, you will learn ways in which serving your community can inspire social change.

01/20/16 JUST PEACE FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING

This meeting will be at noon at Brooks-Howell Community Room on Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Bring a bag lunch. This is for for sharing possible JPIP initiatives, sharing good reads, discussing issues. Contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

01/21/16 MLK WEEK KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT UNCA

 Asheville native Terry Bellamy was elected to the Asheville City Council in 1999 and, in 2005, became Asheville’s first African American mayor. During her eight-year tenure as mayor, she shared her vision for a unified community that worked together to address challenges and took advantage of opportunities for the future. While she was in office, Asheville received accolades and recognitions too numerous to mention. Bellamy currently serves as the Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator/Communication Specialist for the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville. Free and open to the public. Time is 7 PM and location is Lipinsky Auditorium. 

01/22/16 FILM SHOWING AT UNCA

“Selma” will be shown at 8 PM at Highsmith Union, The Grotto, at UNCA. This is a chronicle of Martin Luther King's campaign to secure equal voting rights via an epic march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965.

01/25/16 BUILDING BRIDGES 

Our next session start date is January 25, 2015 and runs through March 21, 2015. Time is 7 - 9 PM each night. Location is  MAHEC, 123 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC. Cost is $35. Please go to their website and fill out the application and pay $35 either through the paypal link or send a check for $35 to Building Bridges, PO Box 63, Asheville, NC 28802. This seminar is an introduction to the dynamics of racism and is an opportunity to explore how race has impacted our relationships, communities and institutions. Past participants are welcome. Encourage and recommend individuals as well as organizations that you know to participate in Building Bridges. If you are an alumni of the Building Bridges Seminars, you may apply to become a Co-Facilitator. To apply for a Co-Facilitator position, send an email to info@buildingbridges-ashevillenc.org for more information about Co-Facilitator Trainings. A celebratory potluck supper will be held for all participants at the ninth meeting. Families are welcome to attend the potluck. You may call (828) 777-4585 for more information, including how to register. Spring session is now full, but you can call to be waitlisted for the fall session.

01/29/16 COMMUNITY DEBATES

Asheville and area residents are invited to attend a community debate in which four prominent citizens will debate against, and in support of, the different resolutions. The three-part debate series will take place on Friday evenings at 5:30 PM in the Asheville High School auditorium, November 13, January 29, and April 8, 2016. Two-person teams will debate substantive issues including race relations, and the organic food/eat-local movements. 

01/29/16 JUST PEACE FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING

This meeting will be at 3:15 PM at Brooks-Howell Home on Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Meet in the media room. Contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

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ONGOING EVENTS

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TUESDAY

Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument

Standing up for Racial Justice at Firestorm Cafe & Books at 10 AM

WEDNESDAY

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

FRIDAY

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

Women in Black have a monthly vigil at 5 PM at Vance Monument in Asheville (first Friday only)

SATURDAY

Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard. Call 884-3435 to confirm. 

Third Saturdays – Asheville’s Green Grannies invites the public to “sing for the climate” at Pritchard Park at 5 PM.

SUNDAY

Youth OUTright meeting from 4 to 6 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Ages 14 - 23 only.

Canada's welcome to Syrian refugees

This is what happens when a country decides to celebrate diversity and honor all cultures. It is beautiful. A bunch of children wearing Christmas trees on their shirts sing a historical song that was sung to the Prophet Mohamed when he sought refuge from Makkah to Medina. It is one of the oldest songs in Islam. 




Lyrics

Oh the white moon rose over us

From the valley of Wada'And we owe it to show gratefulnessWhere the call is to Allah

Oh you, who were raised among us
Coming with a word to be obeyed
You have brought to this city nobleness,
Welcome best caller to God's way

Upcoming events for the week of December 13, 2015

UPCOMING EVENTS

12/14/15 UNITED TO RESTORE DEMOCRACY MEETING

Move to Amend Buncombe County (MABCO) has had a name change to “United to Restore Democracy”. They will be hosting an informational meeting about the Trans Pacific Partnership, aka TPP, on December 14th at the North Asheville Library at 1030 Merrimon Avenue in north Asheville. Our meeting will be from 7 - 9 PM. United to Restore Democracy (Asheville) is a local non-partisan citizens group that has organized to overturn the destructive Citizens United decision and reclaim the liberties and privileges guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution for real, living, breathing people. Our group is part of a larger State and National movement to educate, empower, and bring awareness to the local community. The Trans Pacific Partnership is arguably one of the most consequential trade deals in the history of this planet. It will, if enacted, encompass 40% of the world economy, and the impacts of this deal will be felt across the entire planet. There are many alarming parts of the TPP.  United to Restore Democracy invites you to learn about this deal. Knowledge is power, and in this case the lack of knowledge will leave our nation vulnerable to the consequences of this deal. For questions call Diana Kruk 828-275-0680, dianakruk@gmail.com.

12/14/15 CENTER FOR PARTICIPATORY CHANGE - EXHIBIT AT FIRESTORM

Language, Power and Identity. For over 10 years, the Center for Participatory Change has been involved in creating multilingual spaces in Western North Carolina. Through interpretation, use of simultaneous interpretation equipment, interpreter trainings and mentoring of interpreters, CPC worked to create a WNC where different communities could fully participate and have their voices heard. To deepen our understanding of language in our lives, our communities, and our movement, CPC organized a Language Justice Tour of our region. Our goal was to listen to stories of language loss, acquisition and preservation. The photographs in this exhibit capture part of this tour. This exhibit is up until 12/31/15 at Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/14/15 ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE COMMUNITY RELATIONS COUNCIL CELEBRATION

Our Annual Holiday Celebration Lunch will be held Monday, December 14th from 12 - 2 PM in the United Way Building, Suites 222 & 204, at 50 South French Broad Street in downtown Asheville. We can't wait to see you and celebrate ABCRC's 2015 accomplishments over a delicious lunch! $10 suggested donation. We work with people and organizations to embrace responsibility for equity and inclusion. Thank you for your support! This was a facebook event.

12/15/15 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE

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

12/15/15 CANDLELIGHT VIGIL IN BREVARD

Please join the Asheville-Buncombe Branch of NAACP and the Mountain People's Assembly in supporting the Transylvania Branch NAACP and the community of parents and students and friends that are sponsoring a Vigil for Peace and tolerance at 4:30 PM in front of the courthouse in downtown Brevard. The candlelight vigil is in response to recent racially-charged incidents at Brevard High School and in support of their children’s right to a safe environment at school and at home. This came from a facebook posting. No contact information.

12/16/15 REPORT BACK FROM PALESTINE

Recent visitors to Israel/Palestine share reflections on their experience from various perspectives. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information. This is sponsored by Just Peace in Israel/Palestine.

12/16/15 GREEN DRINKS

Learn all about the UNCHAIN Asheville - GO LOCAL Movement. Rebecca Hecht and Emma Hutchens present an important “how-to” & “what-to-do” in order to keep Asheville’s local economy thriving. Socializing is from 5:30 – 6 PM and presentation is from 6 – 7 PM. Location is the Twin Leaf Brewery at 144 Coxe Avenue in Asheville. They are on the corner of Coxe and Banks in the South Slope of downtown Asheville. Entrance is the big garage door on Banks Avenue.

12/16/15 ASHEVILLE ISO MEETING

Like you, we have been appalled by the open bigotry and chauvinism that is shifting the political conversation even further to the right and unleashing violence against the vulnerable and exploited- refugees and immigrants. Now it is important that all those who oppose racism and war begin to meet and organize together in order to build working class consciousness and power that can fight for, and win, a better future. Another world IS possible! That said, at our Asheville International Socialist Organization branch meeting this Wednesday we will focus on the topics of imperialism and Islamophobia. As always, this meeting is open to the public, so even if you've never gone to a meeting before please feel free to join us for comradely discussion and debate. This will be held at Edna’s Cafe at 870 Merrimon Avenue in north Asheville. Time is 6:30 to 8 PM. Contact Asheville Socialists for more information or to get the suggested list of reading materials. They can be contacted via email at asheville.socialist@gmail.com.

12/17/15 HOMEWARD BOUND OF WNC TOUR

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

12/17/15 “YOUR VOICE, YOUR FUTURE” TOWN HALL MEETING

Panel discussion regarding domestic and sexual violence in WNC. Panelists include representatives from Helpmate, Mainstay and the District Attorney’s office. Free. Held at WNC Agricultural Center at 1301 Fanning Bridge Road in Fletcher. Time is 7:30 PM. No contact information.

12/18/15 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING

The next WNC PSR monthly meeting will be at The First Congregational United Church of Christ, Room E205, at 20 Oak Street (just off College St. in downtown Asheville). Brown bag lunch at noon with meeting from 12 noon to 2 PM. Everyone is welcome. Parking is available behind the church. Enter the church or ring doorbell at the glass doors on Oak Street. For more information contact Dr. Terry Clark, Chair, 633-0892 or Dr. Lew Patrie, 299-1242.

12/19/15 DOCUMENTARY FILM SHOWING AT FIRESTORM

Mexico is living a crisis. The country no longer believes in its government; it is exhausted by the corruption and impunity which reaches every corner of society. It is tired of the inequality, the violence, the injustice, and the dispossession. In a small town in the semidesert of Hidalgo, a group of men and women of Ñañú origin are setting an example of rural community development – a cooperative rural development that protects natural resources, cares for traditions and respects people. Set in a spectacular box canyon where a thermal river gushes from the side of a mountain, the Tolantongo cooperative has built a popular resort by their own efforts. Members of the cooperative share in the profits from their labor and alternate jobs in a democratic egalitarian community. Their story reveals that organized people can be the creators of their own destiny. There is much to learn from this model of a local community economy through cooperativism that respects nature, people and traditions. The film is called “Tolantongo: A Worker Co-op Resort”. Q & A will follow the film. Time is 5:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/19/15 GREEN GRANNIES SING FOR THE CLIMATE

Green Grannies Sing for the Climate at Pritchard Park at 4 PM. Google "Singfortheclimate" and come out and sing with us! This happens on the third Saturday of every month. 

12/19/15 ASHEVILLE GLOBAL CLIMATE AWARENESS MARCH

This will be a Pritchard Park in downtown Asheville from 12 to 4 PM. Support #EarthToParis and be a part of the #BillionPersonMarch! Join us at noon at Pritchard Park to march to Pack Square, and celebrate our love for the Earth and our dedication to bring the environment back into balance! Hosted by Unchain Asheville. This is a facebook event.

12/23/15 OTHER WORLDS ARE POSSIBLE BOOK GROUP AT FIRESTORM

This discussion group focuses on science fiction, speculative fiction and fantasy literature with a feminist, social justice and/or “radical: theme. We'll read a book each month and discuss both the vision presented by the author and how the book contributes to our understanding of our present moment. The book for December is “Stone Mattress” by Margaret Atwood. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

01/06/16 OPENING THE HEART OF COMMUNICATION - INTEGRATING JUDAISM AND NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION

Join Roberta Wall, Nonviolent Communication Trainer and student of Jewish thought and observance, for an exploration of communication principles and practices woven into Judaism. This four class series (6:30 to 8:30 PM on January 6, 13, 20, 27) will explore guiding principles at the core of Judaism such as “gratitude” and “forgiveness.” Roberta has taught and co-facilitated classes and trainings in religious and secular communities throughout Israel, Europe and the US. She draws on years of study of Torah, Hassidism, Rabbinic thought and Jewish Renewal to bring Jewish thought and principles alive through the concrete practices of Nonviolent Communication. Location will be the JCC on Charlotte Street in Asheville. Register for the four classes by December 30th for $100, the cost will be $120 for registrations after December 30. Register by contacting Rochelle Reich at rochelle@jcc-asheville.org or 253-0701 ext. 111.

01/06/16 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

Drew Jones of Climate Interactive will analyze the Paris UN climate negotiations of December 2015 in his simulator to show what work remains to address climate change. Drew led a hands-on interactive session for our Sierra Club meeting on May 6 on climate change. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Pl (corner of Charlotte & Edwin). Contact Judy for more information at judymattox@sbcglobal.net or 828-683-2176.

01/07/16 COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION CLASSES

This series of classes will be on ‘Compassionate Communication Within Our Families’. This workshop will focus on developing and practicing skills and consciousness for creating and deepening honest, compassionate and effective communication within your family and will be lead by Roberta Wall. When we learn these skills for communication with our children, partners, parents and other family members, we are less likely to end up feeling anger, frustration, hopelessness and fear in difficult situations. We are more likely to communicate what is really important to us; to hear what is really important to the other person; to be empowered to create solutions and strategies that really meet our needs and the needs of the rest of the family. Workshop is open to the public. Costs are $100 for all four sessions if paid in full by December 30 and $120 after December 30 or at the door. Rainbow School community cost is $80 if confirmed by December 30. Childcare ($12) for people over 5 yrs available, but preregistration  by  December 18  necessary for childcare. For more information and to register, call Kristin at Rainbow School 828-258-9264 extension 155 or email info@steps2peace.com. These workshops will be held on January 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 4 to 6 PM. Location is the Rainbow School in west Asheville. 

01/11/16 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE SOCIAL AND FILM

The movie ‘A Convenient Truth’ will be shown at this Transition Asheville social. It will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church at 337 Charlotte Street in Asheville. Time is 6:30 to 8 PM. For more information, contact transitionasheville@gmail.com. 

01/13/16 JUST PEACE FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING

This meeting will be at 9:30 AM at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church at 117 Montreat Road in Black Mountain. Contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

01/16/16 HARD TO RECYCLE COLLECTION

Free to the public, recycling event, accepting items of all sorts. Now with two locations! Founded in 2011 by Rainbow Recycling, Hard 2 Recycle events are free to the public collections geared to bring awareness to other modes of recycling to our area. Four quarterly held collections to cover the four corners of the County and one central event in Downtown Asheville.Our goal is to educate, collect and divert items that would normally end up in the landfill: styrofoam, electronics, books, batteries, cooking oil and much more. Not accepting the following items: paints, stains, sealers, CFL or fluorescent or incandescent bulbs; chip & snack bags; petroleum products; hard plastics; vinyl / PVC / VHS / cassette tapes; plate glass, foam; wooden items or cement. Main collection from 10 AM to 2 PM at 1298 Patton Avenue in Asheville and satellite collection from 10 AM to 1 PM at 1461 Sand Hill Road in Candler.

01/18/16 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE MEETING

This will be a Common Table Meeting and an open invitation to all who are interested in TA. This will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 5:30 to 7 PM. For more information, contact transitionasheville@gmail.com.

01/19/16 CLIMATE JUSTICE AND THE CALL TO HOPE EVENT AT UNCA

Wake Forest Divinity School Presents: Our Common Home: Reflections on the Pope's Encyclical, Climate Justice, and the Call to Hope. This panel event is sponsored by the Wake Forest University School of Divinity's Food, Faith, and Religious Leadership Initiative, and co-sponsored by the Office of Sustainability at the University of North Carolina Asheville and Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina. This will be held at Alumni Hall at UNCA. Time is 7 to 8:30 PM. Learn more at this link including how to register: http://events.wfu.edu/event/our_common_home_asheville#.Vm3ttDZlmiL

01/20/16 JUST PEACE FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING

This meeting will be at noon at Brooks-Howell Community Room on Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Bring a bag lunch. This is for for sharing possible JPIP initiatives, sharing good reads, discussing issues. Contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

01/21/16 MLK WEEK KEYNOTE SPEAKER AT UNCA

 Asheville native Terry Bellamy was elected to the Asheville City Council in 1999 and, in 2005, became Asheville’s first African American mayor. During her eight-year tenure as mayor, she shared her vision for a unified community that worked together to address challenges and took advantage of opportunities for the future. While she was in office, Asheville received accolades and recognitions too numerous to mention. Bellamy currently serves as the Neighborhood Outreach Coordinator/Communication Specialist for the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville. Free and open to the public. Time is 7 PM and location is Lipinsky Auditorium. 

01/25/16 BUILDING BRIDGES 

Our next session start date is January 25, 2015 and runs through March 21, 2015. Time is 7 - 9 PM each night. Location is  MAHEC, 123 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC. Cost is $35. Please go to their website and fill out the application and pay $35 either through the paypal link or send a check for $35 to Building Bridges, PO Box 63, Asheville, NC 28802. This seminar is an introduction to the dynamics of racism and is an opportunity to explore how race has impacted our relationships, communities and institutions. Past participants are welcome. Encourage and recommend individuals as well as organizations that you know to participate in Building Bridges. If you are an alumni of the Building Bridges Seminars, you may apply to become a Co-Facilitator. To apply for a Co-Facilitator position, send an email to info@buildingbridges-ashevillenc.org for more information about Co-Facilitator Trainings. A celebratory potluck supper will be held for all participants at the ninth meeting. Families are welcome to attend the potluck. You may call (828) 777-4585 for more information, including how to register.

01/29/16 COMMUNITY DEBATES

Asheville and area residents are invited to attend a community debate in which four prominent citizens will debate against, and in support of, the different resolutions. The three-part debate series will take place on Friday evenings at 5:30 PM in the Asheville High School auditorium, November 13, January 29, and April 8, 2016. Two-person teams will debate substantive issues including race relations, and the organic food/eat-local movements. 

01/29/16 JUST PEACE FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING

This meeting will be at 3:15 PM at Brooks-Howell Home on Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Meet in the media room. Contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

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ONGOING EVENTS

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TUESDAY

Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument

Standing up for Racial Justice at Firestorm Cafe & Books at 10 AM

WEDNESDAY

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

FRIDAY

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

Women in Black have a monthly vigil at 5 PM at Vance Monument in Asheville (first Friday only)

SATURDAY

Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard. Call 884-3435 to confirm. 

Third Saturdays – Asheville’s Green Grannies invites the public to “sing for the climate” at Pritchard Park at 5 PM.

SUNDAY

Youth OUTright meeting from 4 to 6 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Ages 14 - 23 only.

Long Live Palestine!

Human Rights Day - December 10, 2015

Empire State Building in blue for Human Rights Day. Photo from Human Rights Watch.

This photo came from United for Peace and Justice.

Christmas Play at Asheville Friends Meeting

Quote from Howard Zinn

“The lesson of that history is that you must not despair, that if you are right, and you persist, things will change. The government will try to deceive the people, and the newspapers and television may do the same, but the truth has a way of coming out. The truth has a power greater than a hundred lies. My hope is that you will not be content to be successful in the way our society measures success; that you will not obey the rules, when the rules are unjust; that you will act out the courage that I know is in you.” -  Howard Zinn 

Photos from the Asheville Climate March on December 6, 2016

Upcoming events for the week of December 6, 2015

UPCOMING EVENTS

12/07/15 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE MEETING

A panel of Transition Asheville organizers will discuss the Transition Movement and why they chose to participate in it locally. They will tell about the highs and lows they have experienced as well as their hopes for the future of Transition Asheville. Panelists: Dylan Ryals-Hamilton, Cathy Scott, Chas Jansen, and Ron Martin-Adkins. Come early for snacks and socializing. Time is 6:30 to 8 PM and location is Parish Hall at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church at 337 Charlotte Street in Asheville. Park in the lot next to the church off Evelyn Alley. For more information, contact transitionasheville@gmail.com. 

12/07/15 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES

Let's dine with wonderful, like minded people and then enjoy our guest- we will talk with Brownie Newman, County Commissioner. Brownie will discuss commission happenings and field questions from Dinner with Progressive attendees. We ask that all attendees to RSVP so we can give our friends at Green Sage a headcount for dinner, beverage and/or dessert. Contact Cheryl at ctorengo@gmail.com to RSVP or for more information. Dinner is at 5:30 and speakers are from 6 - 7 PM. Location is Green Sage Cafe in Westgate Plaza. 

12/7/15 - ASHEVILLE IN MOTION PUBLIC ROLLOUT 

Since May 2014, the City of Asheville has been working on a plan to address and prioritize the City’s transportation needs. The public was encouraged to provide input on the issue in spring 2015 during an intensive multi-day charrette. Now, the final draft of the Asheville in Motion (AIM) Plan is ready to be presented to the public. The City of Asheville will hold an informational open house to provide the public with an update on the plan and an opportunity to view the results from 4:30 - 7:30 PM at the US Cellular Center Banquet Hall in downtown Asheville. The plan will then be presented to the Multimodal Transportation Commission and City Council’s Planning and Economic Development Committee before City Council considers its adoption, after a public hearing expected in March.

12/08/15 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING

On the second Tuesday of each month, Western North Carolina Veterans for Peace meets to coordinate group activities and programs.Veterans For Peace is a global organization of Military Veterans and allies whose collective efforts are to build a culture of peace by using our experiences and lifting our voices. We inform the public of the true causes of war and the enormous costs of wars, with an obligation to heal the wounds of wars. Our network is comprised of over 140 chapters worldwide whose work includes: educating the public, advocating for a dismantling of the war economy, providing services that assist veterans and victims of war, and most significantly, working to end all wars. Time is 6:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/08/15  SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE

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

12/08/15 EDUCATORS FOR EQUITY KICK OFF AND CELEBRATION

Educators for Equity Kick Off and Celebration will be held at The Millroom at 66 Ashland Avenue in Asheville. Time is 6:30 - 9 PM. Purpose is to build a grassroots coalition of people in Asheville/Buncombe County committed to encouraging and supporting equity and social justice in our schools. Equity and social justice in our schools and classrooms is a major portal into the full potential of our community and all of its members. Education is an opportunity for growth and empowerment as well as a pathway out of poverty and into economic security. And students who leave school with a commitment to social justice and equity in whatever life journey they take is a major portal into the full potential of humanity.  Join us on December 8 and be part of a grassroots movement to expand social justice in education. This movement is for teachers, parents, students, school administrators, businesses, community members and anyone committed to building a just society. Engage with others, listen to great student music and poetry, and generate opportunities for change: Share and learn about what is working in our local schools and education settings; Participate in conversations to identify key leverage points that could foster broad scale change; Unlock possibilities for moving forward across all schools in Asheville/Buncombe County. This is being organized by four Asheville community members committed to equity and social justice in our schools and society: Talia Winningham of the Franklin School of Innovation, Tyrone Greenlee of Francine Delaney, Amy Weisner of Asheville High School, and Cheri Torres of NextMove. Free, donations accepted. If you have questions, please contact educators4equity@gmail.com.

12/08/15 NC LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING

We've got a new location this year, the Wilma M. Sherrill Center on UNC Asheville's campus. We will present information on North Carolina’s economic recovery and how families are faring, an overview of the state budget decisions and how the state is addressing the areas of Education, Income and Health, regional and local data on the economy and impacts of policy decisions and tools to make an impact on the issues you care most about. Join with others to focus your local advocacy for the greatest result. Sponsored by United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, WNC Nonprofit Pathways, Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, League of Women Voters, Women for Women, Children First/Communities in Schools of Buncombe County, North Carolina Center for Health and Wellness, and UNC Asheville. Time is 9 to 11 AM. Questions and information on how to register, please contact Ron Katz at (828) 239-1045 or at rkatz@unitedwayabc.org.

12/09/15 GREEN DRINKS

Learn about NC Hemp Textile Fiber Market Development and all the steps, procedures, machinery and systems that have to be put in place before we can make our first tee-shirt, socks and jeans from North Carolina Hemp. Socializing is from 5:30 – 6 PM and presentation is from 6 – 7 PM. Location is the Twin Leaf Brewery at 144 Coxe Avenue in Asheville. They are on the corner of Coxe and Banks in the South Slope of downtown Asheville. Entrance is the big garage door on Banks Avenue.

12/09/15 JUST PEACE FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING

This meeting will be at 9:30 AM at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church at 117 Montreat Road in Black Mountain. Contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

12/10/15 JUST ECONOMICS ANNUAL CELEBRATION

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

12/10/15 CENTER FOR PARTICIPATORY CHANGE EXHIBIT AT FIRESTORM

Language, Power and Identity. For over 10 years, the Center for Participatory Change has been involved in creating multilingual spaces in Western North Carolina. Through interpretation, use of simultaneous interpretation equipment, interpreter trainings and mentoring of interpreters, CPC worked to create a WNC where different communities could fully participate and have their voices heard. To deepen our understanding of language in our lives, our communities, and our movement, CPC organized a Language Justice Tour of our region. Our goal was to listen to stories of language loss, acquisition and preservation. The photographs in this exhibit capture part of this tour. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/10/15 AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE COMMISSION

Meets on the second Thursday of each month at 11:30 AM in the First Floor North Conference Room of Asheville City Hall. No further information.

12/11/15 SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM AT UU CONGREGATION IN ASHEVILLE

On Friday, December 11th, we are screening the important documentary “Ferguson: A Report From Occupied Territory”. The film screening is at 7 PM. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at the corner of Edwin and Charlotte Street in Asheville. The United States is currently in the midst of a national dialogue regarding racial profiling and police brutality; a dialogue triggered by the killing of Michael Brown in August of 2014. Ferguson: A Report from Occupied Territory goes to the frontline of this discussion, and offers invaluable insights from Ferguson residents for whom the burdens of discrimination and injustice are a daily fact of life. In addition to offering a searing commentary on the contributing factors behind the unrest in Ferguson, the film also pays tribute to the growing movement which is currently sweeping far beyond the city's borders. Protestors from all walks of life are joining together in record numbers, and are seeking to dismantle a system that they believe remains influenced by the residue of slavery. Contact Charles at 612-860-6628 for more information. There is no charge for viewing the film - Donations are welcome.

12/12/15 MOUNTAINTRUE URBAN FOREST WORKDAY

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

12/12/15 MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE WALK

Wear Orange Walk. Join us as we walk to honor all victims and survivors of gun violence as we approach the third anniversary of the shooting at Sandy Hook School. Wear Orange - the color of gun violence prevention. Time is 10:30 AM and location is City County Plaza at 121 College Street in downtown Asheville. It is part of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. No contact information given.

12/14/15 UNITED TO RESTORE DEMOCRACY MEEING

Move to Amend Buncombe County (MABCO) has had a name change to “United to Restore Democracy”. They will be hosting an informational meeting about the Trans Pacific Partnership, aka TPP, on December 14th at the North Asheville Library at 1030 Merrimon Avenue in north Asheville. Our meeting will be from 7 - 9 PM. United to Restore Democracy (Asheville) is a local non-partisan citizens group that has organized to overturn the destructive Citizens United decision and reclaim the liberties and privileges guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution for real, living, breathing people. Our group is part of a larger State and National movement to educate, empower, and bring awareness to the local community. The Trans Pacific Partnership is arguably one of the most consequential trade deals in the history of this planet. It will, if enacted, encompass 40% of the world economy, and the impacts of this deal will be felt across the entire planet. There are many alarming parts of the TPP.  United to Restore Democracy invites you to learn about this deal. Knowledge is power, and in this case the lack of knowledge will leave our nation vulnerable to the consequences of this deal. For questions call Diana Kruk 828-275-0680, dianakruk@gmail.com.

12/16/15 REPORT BACK FROM PALESTINE

Recent visitors to Israel/Palestine share reflections on their experience. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information. This is sponsored by Just Peace in Israel/Palestine.

12/16/15 GREEN DRINKS

Learn all about the UNCHAIN Asheville - GO LOCAL Movement. Rebecca Hecht and Emma Hutchens present an important “how-to” & “what-to-do” in order to keep Asheville’s local economy thriving. Socializing is from 5:30 – 6 PM and presentation is from 6 – 7 PM. Location is the Twin Leaf Brewery at 144 Coxe Avenue in Asheville. They are on the corner of Coxe and Banks in the South Slope of downtown Asheville. Entrance is the big garage door on Banks Avenue.

12/17/15 HOMEWARD BOUND OF WNC TOUR

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

12/18/15 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING

The next WNC PSR monthly meeting will be at The First Congregational United Church of Christ, Room E205, at 20 Oak Street (just off College St. in downtown Asheville). Brown bag lunch at noon with meeting from 12 noon to 2 PM. Everyone is welcome. Parking is available behind the church. Enter the church or ring doorbell at the glass doors on Oak Street. For more information contact Dr. Terry Clark, Chair, 633-0892 or Dr. Lew Patrie, 299-1242.

12/19/15 DOCUMENTARY FILM SHOWING AT FIRESTORM

Mexico is living a crisis. The country no longer believes in its government; it is exhausted by the corruption and impunity which reaches every corner of society. It is tired of the inequality, the violence, the injustice, and the dispossession. In a small town in the semidesert of Hidalgo, a group of men and women of Ñañú origin are setting an example of rural community development – a cooperative rural development that protects natural resources, cares for traditions and respects people. Set in a spectacular box canyon where a thermal river gushes from the side of a mountain, the Tolantongo cooperative has built a popular resort by their own efforts. Members of the cooperative share in the profits from their labor and alternate jobs in a democratic egalitarian community. Their story reveals that organized people can be the creators of their own destiny. There is much to learn from this model of a local community economy through cooperativism that respects nature, people and traditions. The film is called “Tolantongo: A Worker Co-op Resort”. Q & A will follow the film. Time is 5:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

12/19/15 GREEN GRANNIES SING FOR THE CLIMATE

Green Grannies Sing for the Climate at Pritchard Park at 4 PM. Google "Singfortheclimate" and come out and sing with us! This happens on the third Saturday of every month. 

12/23/15 OTHER WORLDS ARE POSSIBLE BOOK GROUP AT FIRESTORM

This discussion group focuses on science fiction, speculative fiction and fantasy literature with a feminist, social justice and/or “radical: theme. We'll read a book each month and discuss both the vision presented by the author and how the book contributes to our understanding of our present moment. The book for December is “Stone Mattress” by Margaret Atwood. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

01/06/16 OPENING THE HEART OF COMMUNICATION - INTEGRATING JUDAISM AND NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION

Join Roberta Wall, Nonviolent Communication Trainer and student of Jewish thought and observance, for an exploration of communication principles and practices woven into Judaism. This four class series (6:30 to 8:30 PM on January 6, 13, 20, 27) will explore guiding principles at the core of Judaism such as “gratitude” and “forgiveness.” Roberta has taught and co-facilitated classes and trainings in religious and secular communities throughout Israel, Europe and the US. She draws on years of study of Torah, Hassidism, Rabbinic thought and Jewish Renewal to bring Jewish thought and principles alive through the concrete practices of Nonviolent Communication. Location will be the JCC on Charlotte Street in Asheville. Register for the four classes by December 30th for $100, the cost will be $120 for registrations after December 30. Register by contacting Rochelle Reich at rochelle@jcc-asheville.org or 253-0701 ext. 111.

01/07/16 COMPASSIONATE COMMUNICATION CLASSES

This series of classes will be on ‘Compassionate Communication Within Our Families’. This workshop will focus on developing and practicing skills and consciousness for creating and deepening honest, compassionate and effective communication within your family and will be lead by Roberta Wall. When we learn these skills for communication with our children, partners, parents and other family members, we are less likely to end up feeling anger, frustration, hopelessness and fear in difficult situations. We are more likely to communicate what is really important to us; to hear what is really important to the other person; to be empowered to create solutions and strategies that really meet our needs and the needs of the rest of the family. Workshop is open to the public. Costs are $100 for all four sessions if paid in full by December 30 and $120 after December 30 or at the door. Rainbow School community cost is $80 if confirmed by December 30. Childcare ($12) for people over 5 yrs available, but preregistration  by  December 18  necessary for childcare. For more information and to register, call Kristin at Rainbow School 828-258-9264 extension 155 or email info@steps2peace.com. These workshops will be held on January 7, 14, 21 and 28 from 4 to 6 PM. Location is the Rainbow School in west Asheville. 

01/11/16 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE SOCIAL AND FILM

The movie ‘A Convenient Truth’ will be shown at this Transition Asheville social. It will be held at St. Mary's Episcopal Church at 337 Charlotte Street in Asheville. Time is 6:30 to 8 PM. For more information, contact transitionasheville@gmail.com. 

01/18/16 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE MEETING

This will be a Common Table Meeting and an open invitation to all who are interested in TA. This will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 5:30 to 7 PM. For more information, contact transitionasheville@gmail.com.

01/25/16 BUILDING BRIDGES 

Our next session start date is January 25, 2015 and runs through March 21, 2015. Time is 7 - 9 PM each night. Location is  MAHEC, 123 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC. Cost is $35. Please go to their website and fill out the application and pay $35 either through the paypal link or send a check for $35 to Building Bridges, PO Box 63, Asheville, NC 28802. This seminar is an introduction to the dynamics of racism and is an opportunity to explore how race has impacted our relationships, communities and institutions.  Past participants are welcome. Encourage and recommend individuals as well as organizations that you know to participate in Building Bridges. If you are an alumni of the Building Bridges Seminars, you may apply to become a Co-Facilitator. To apply for a Co-Facilitator position, send an email to info@buildingbridges-ashevillenc.org for more information about Co-Facilitator Trainings. A celebratory potluck supper will be held for all participants at the ninth meeting. Families are welcome to attend the potluck. You may call (828) 777-4585 for more information. 

*******************************************

ONGOING EVENTS

*******************************************

TUESDAY

Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument

Standing up for Racial Justice at Firestorm Cafe & Books at 10 AM

WEDNESDAY

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

FRIDAY

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

Women in Black have a monthly vigil at 5 PM at Vance Monument in Asheville (first Friday only)

SATURDAY

Transylvanians for Peace and WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard. Call 884-3435 to confirm. 

Third Saturdays – Asheville’s Green Grannies invites the public to “sing for the climate” at Pritchard Park at 5 PM.

SUNDAY

Youth OUTright meeting from 4 to 6 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Ages 14 - 23 only.

Veteran for Peace speaks

How the US spends it's money......