Monday, June 02, 2014

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

Clouds from Hwy 64 just west of Franklin.

UPCOMING EVENTS

06/02/14 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES
Dinner will be from 6 to 7 PM and a speaker and discussion will be from 7 to 8 PM. Location is the new Green Sage Restaurant in west Asheville next to Earth Fare in Westgate. Our speaker for Monday, June 2 is Mark Newman, Buncombe County Democratic Party treasurer. Mark attended Camp Wellstone and will share what he learned about framing our message to uninformed voters without talking down to them because they fundamentally believe the same thing that progressives do. Please RSVP to Cheryl at ctorengo@gmail.com so that she can give the Green Sage a head count.

06/04/2014 FILM SCREENING “DOCUMENTED”
Please join us at the Erwin High School AP World History class will be hosting a screening of “Documented” – a film by an undocumented American. This will be shown in the high school auditorium. This film tells Jose Antonio Vargas’ personal story of outing himself as an undocumented immigrant, and chronicles his journey to America from the Philippines as a child; as an immigration reform activist; and his reconnection with his mother in the Philippines.  We plan to show this movie to raise awareness about issues faced by undocumented students, and to raise money to donate to the NC DREAM Team to assist students with realizing their educational goals. Admission is free with a suggested donation of $5. The event will also feature food and beverages, a raffle, and plenty of information from community organizations focused on servicing our undocumented population. After the screening a panel of students and NC DREAM Team representatives will be present to speak and answer questions about their experiences navigating the American school system as undocumented youth. Time is 5 PM to 9 PM.

06/04/14 SIERRA CLUB MEETING AND GREEN DRINKS
Join Asheville Green Drinks and the Sierra Club Wednesday June 4th at 7 PM for a presentation on “River Canoeing Adventure.” Sierra Club invites you to join us for Richard Kark’s River Canoeing Adventure, this time in Utah. This will be an account of a journey down the Dirty Devil, a stream in Utah. Attendees will see beautiful photos but will also get “into the heads’ of two veteran adventurers who make it up as they go along. It should be interesting to understand the complicated logistics of a trip like this and how the two adventurers arrived at all their decisions. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1 Edwin Pl. on Charlotte in Asheville. Contact Judy at 828-683-2176 for more information.

06/05/14 LUNCH GATHERING FOR PISGAH LEGAL SERVICES
Sample select menu items and enjoy old-world style beers in Wicked Weed Brewing's private tasting room at 91 Biltmore Avenue in Asheville. Time is noon to 2 PM. Suggested donation of the $15 per person at the door. Contact Betsy Fedder to RSVP at 828-210-3444.

06/05/14 MOVE TO AMEND OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY MOVIE
“The United States of ALEC” will be shown at 7 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Swannanoa Valley in Black Mountain on Montreat Road. There will be movies shown on the first Thursdays of June, July and August. Call 299-1242 for more information.

06/05/14 BENEFIT FOR ARTS EDUCATION IN IVORY COAST
Soumu: A Celebration of African Music, Dance, Food and Art will happen at 6 PM at the Orange Peel in downtown Asheville. Tickets are $15/$12 advance. Call 774-2277 for more information.

06/05/14 FILM SCREENING IN HOT SPRINGS
We are greatly concerned about the fracking bill that was recently passed in North Carolina. We believe this is a non-partisan environmental issue that must be stopped. Please join us at Hot Springs Resort & Spa Campground at 7:30 PM on Thursday, June 5. At 8:30 PM there will be an outdoor viewing of “Gasland”. Thank you for your help in protecting North Carolina! We can't drink money! NO FRACKIN' WAY!!!! Thanks to Harvest Moon Gallery & Gift Shop and Hot Springs Resort & Spa Campground for hosting this event!

06/08/14 FUNDRAISER FOR CAREPARTNERS
CarePartners is proud to present “The Happy Movie” from the Academy Award nominated filmmakers of “Genghis Blues” and the director of “Bruce Almighty” and “I am”. Enjoy discovering the science of happiness by watching this movie. Your $10 ticket includes admission, popcorn, and tickets for door prizes. For tickets call (828) 251-0126 - space is limited. Proceeds benefit CarePartners Bereavement. Time is 2 to 4 PM and location is The Millroom at 66 Asheland Avenue in Asheville.

06/08/14 WNC JEWS FOR JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
On Sunday, June 8, at 10 AM the WNC Chapter of Carolina Jews for Justice will meet at Congregation Beth Israel, 229 Murdock Avenue in Asheville. The meeting will begin with a brief address by Rabbi Justin Goldstein on the Jewish basis for social justice. The event is free and open to everyone. CJJ is a Jewish grassroots network committed to creating a just, fair and compassionate North Carolina. CJJ combines advocacy and education to work, in a non-partisan fashion, to influence policy at the local and state levels and to encourage individuals and Jewish institutions to take a stand on important issues in our community. This meeting will focus on establishing their social justice priorities for Western North Carolina, working together to develop a plan for action in the following areas: Restrictions on Voting Rights, Environmental Issues, Promoting Diversity and Tolerance, and Public Education Issues. For more information about the organization and/or to be added to their mailing list, email Judy Leavitt or Frank Goldsmith – at wncjewsforjustice@gmail.com.

06/09/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING
Next General MABCO Meeting is at 7 PM at the North Asheville Library.

06/10/14 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
Time is 6:30 PM and location is VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street in Asheville.

06/11/14 ISRAEL/PALESTINE PRESENTATION
This will be at 2:30 PM at the Presbyterian Heritage Center at 318 Georgia Terrace in Montreat (best to park across the street).  James Aydelotte will speak on the topic “General Assembly [of the Presbyterian Church USA] Preview: Israel/Palestine”.  Proposed divestment of the church’s holdings for Caterpillar and two other companies profiting from the occupation will be one of the major topics at this meeting. For more information call 828-669-6556.

06/11/14 GREEN DRINKS
“New Green Building Technologies” More information to follow.

06/11/14 WESTERN CAROLINIANS FOR PEACE AND JUSTICE IN THE MIDDLE EAST MEETING
Next meeting: Wednesday June 11, 2014 Black Mountain Presbyterian 9:30 – 11 AM. We will hear and discuss a lecture given by Daniel Arnon, “Unshakable Alliance? How Evangelical Support for Israel is Shaping both American and Israeli Politics”. All are invited to lunch with Daniel afterwards at Lucky Bamboo Restaurant, State Street in Black Mountain. Please contact Tony at tonyb@earlham.edu to reserve for lunch.

06/12/14 13TH AMENDMENT TOUR
Tour of Fragile 13th Amendment Document Ending Slavery
Many African Americans consider Juneteenth (June 19) the date in 1865 when the last slaves learned that the 13th Amendment had been passed—and they were free. As part of the observance of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, North Carolina’s copy of the 13th Amendment is traveling to six historic sites between June 5 and 21, 2014, under the auspices of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources (NCDCR). The U.S. Congress passed the 13th Amendment on Jan. 31, 1865, and ratified it on Dec. 6, 1865. Southern states had to ratify the amendment to be readmitted to the union, and it took the NC legislature exactly ten years to do so, on Dec. 6, 1875. The state’s copy of the document is stored in a climate-controlled vault of the State Archives of North Carolina. It was on exhibit last summer at the N.C. Museum of History, but this will be the first time the document has traveled outside of Raleigh.  “As we approach the 150th anniversary of the creation of this important, nation-changing document, [the Department] feels it is only appropriate to carry it from Raleigh to exhibit in very symbolic locations,” explained NCDCR Secretary Susan Kluttz. “I think it is especially important that we are showcasing this freedom document in slave cabins at three of the state historic sites.” Local showing will be at Vance Birthplace in Weaverville from 11 AM to 7 PM. For more information (including information on other sites that will exhibit this), call (919) 807-7389.

06/13/14 HONORING DR.OLSON HUFF
WNC Health Advocates honors Dr. Olson Huff with our 2014 Michael T. Danforth Community Service Award. Tickets are $20. Time is 1 PM and location is Unitarian Universalist Church at 1 Edwin Place in Asheville. Contact Leslie Boyd at lifeomike@gmail.com for more information and tickets.

06/13/14 SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVIES AT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION
On Friday, June 13th, we are screening the award-winning documentary, "GMO-OMG", directed by Asheville resident Jeremy Seifert. GMO OMG director and concerned father Jeremy Seifert is in search of answers. How do GMOs affect our children, the health of our planet, and our freedom of choice? And perhaps the ultimate question, which Seifert tests himself: is it even possible to reject the food system currently in place, or have we lost something we can’t gain back? These and other questions take Seifert on a journey from his family’s table to Haiti, Paris, Norway, and the lobby of agra-giant Monsanto, from which he is unceremoniously ejected. Along the way we gain insight into a question that is of growing concern to citizens the world over: what's on your plate? The film is at 7 PM. No charge for viewing the film, donations accepted.

06/14/14 TRIP TO THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM IN GREENSBORO
This trip departs from the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville Central Office, 165 South French Broad Avenue, in the rear parking lot. Boarding the bus will happen at 6:30 AM, leaving at 7 AM. We will return to Asheville at 6PM. There will be one stop for breakfast on the road and lunch at Williams Cafeteria on A&T’s campus for the afternoon meal. $60 Per Person – transportation and admission only, meals at your expense. May 30, 2014 is the full payment deadline. This is sponsored by The A&T University Alumni Association of Asheville. Send Check or Money Order to: A&T Asheville Alumni Chapter, PO Box 2272, Asheville, NC 28802. For more information contact: William Edward Young, Jr., Chapter President at 828.251.2964.

06/14/14 to 06/22/14 MOUNTAIN JUSTICE SUMMER CAMP IN KENTUCKY
The 10th Annual Mountain Justice Summer Camp is scheduled for June 14 to 22 on top of beautiful Pine Mountain in eastern Kentucky near Whitesburg.  Registration for the summer camp is now live and everyone concerned about the future of Appalachia’s forests, water systems and mountains is invited!  Registration at mountainjustice.org is low cost and includes all meals, tent camping and workshops and activities for the week. The camp will be followed immediately by a cool festival called Supermoon Music and Arts Festival. The Mountain Justice Summer campsite will be at Wiley’s Last Resort. Mountain Justice Summer camp will offer a wide variety of speakers and workshops related to mountaintop removal and building a new economy in the mountains.  Evening panel discussions include Mountain Women, a History of Resistance in Appalachia, Appalachian Youth and Appalachian Culture.  Evening entertainment includes live music, dancing and documentary films about Appalachian history, music and culture.

06/14/14 HARD TO RECYCLE EVENT IN WEAVERVILLE
Time will be 10 to 2 PM and location is the Weaverville Town Hall. Please call 254-1776 with questions or to volunteer. Thanks to our sponsors / partners that make these public collections possible: Asheville Green Works, Curbside Mgmt, Biltmore Iron and Metal Co., The Open Box Moving Solutions, Asheville Humane Society and Blue Ridge Biofuels.

06/15/14 ETHICAL SOCIETY OF ASHEVILLE MEETING
At this time of eroding rights in our state "Fifty Years Later: Lessons from the Civil Rights Movement" will be presented by Carol Rogoff Hallstrom, public interest attorney and community activist, at the Sunday June 15th meeting of the Ethical Society of Asheville, 2:00-3:30 PM at The Friends Meeting House located at 227 Edgewood Road (near UNCA). Hallstrom will share her thoughts regarding the unique perspective of SNCC (Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee) and the role of organizing and crises in creating social change. There will be a discussion period following the presentation. Following the meeting, there will be time for informal conversation. All are welcome!

06/16/14 FORUM ON CLIMATE AND FAITH
To Stand Against the Storm, We Must Stand Somewhere: A Forum on Climate and Faith. Time is 1 to 8 PM. Given the realities of climate change, what unique role can faith communities play in North Carolina? In this 1/2 day workshop on June 16th, join us as we learn from local and national leaders on a wide array of topics related to faith and climate. This solutions-oriented gathering will explore not only what challenges we face with climate change, but also the unique role faith communities have to play in finding creative solutions. Tired of another guilt-tripping environmental workshop that bums you out and leaves you feeling overwhelmed? This one is different. Join us as we focus on theological reflection, ecological resilience, and that much-neglected biblical virtue of hope. Our evening keynote will be given by biblical scholar and activist Ched Myers. This forum is free; however, you must register in advance. Sponsored by the Food, Faith, and Religious Leadership Initiative at Wake Forest U. School of Divinity, WNC Green Congregations, Western NC Alliance, NC Interfaith Power & Light, and host congregation Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church. Go to the link in the “Sabbath Economics” (below) to register.

06/17/14 TO 06/20/14 SABBATH ECONOMICS AND WATERSHED DISCIPLESHIP
“Sabbath Economics and Watershed Discipleship: A Theology and a Practice for a New Day” will be held at Warren Wilson College from 8 AM to 5 PM each day. This is sponsored by the Food, Faith, and Religious Leadership Initiative with support from Kalleiopeia Foundation. The interlocking crises of deepening climate change, resource exhaustion, and social disparity are stalking our history. To truly face these crises is to commit ourselves, as Christians and citizens, to radical and urgent changes that are both profoundly political and personal. The course will combine classroom learning, worship, eating together, and hands-on learning. Morning sessions will be led by renowned biblical scholar and activist Ched Myers, who will focus on “watershed discipleship” as a guiding metaphor and theological frame of reference.  Afternoons will feature outdoor experiential education in local food gardens. Who this course is for pastors, non-profit leaders, faith-based activists, gardeners and farmers, and anyone interested in the intersection of Christian spirituality, ecological restoration, and redemptive agriculture.  To register, go to http://divinity.wfu.edu/watershed/registration/.

06/17/14 HEART SPEAK/EMPATHY PRACTICE CIRCLE
HeartSpeak/Empathy Practice Circle from 7:30 to 9 PM. Could you use a little empathy for a challenge in your life? Want to experience heart connection through recognizing one another's feelings and needs? Drop-in practice group, every 3rd Tuesday, 386 Kenilworth Road. Love offering. Please contact Cathy at cathyfholt@gmail.com for more information.

06/17/14 AUDUBON SOCIETY MEETING
Time is 7 to 9 PM and location is the Manheimer Room at the Reuter Center at UNCA>

06/18/14 GREEN DRINKS
“Coal Ash Legislation” More information to follow.

06/19/14 COAL ASH STORIES ASHEVILLE
Imagine being afraid to drink your water, take a bath, fish, or farm. These are the fears facing communities near the Duke Energy coal ash spill and in areas around other coal-fired power plants in North Carolina. Even though North Carolina ranks 9th in the nation for coal ash generation, the state lacks many important safeguards to protect water resources and communities. Join us for Coal Ash Stories, an event featuring four short films focused on coal ash, public health concerns, related policy, and ways that communities across the nation are responding to this toxic threat. Come learn about the issues, talk with community members, and find out how you can get involved. The Asheville screening is co-presented by Appalachian Voices, North Carolina Conservation Network, Southern Alliance for Clean Energy, Working Films, Earthjustice, Mountain People’s Assembly and Clean Water for NC. For questions contact Kristin Henry, khenry@workingfilms.org. Time is 7 PM and location is Unitarian Universalist Church at 1 Edwin Place in Asheville.

06/19/14 FILM SCREENING TO CELEBRATE POLLINATOR WEEK
From Disneynature, the studio that brought you “Earth,” “Oceans,” “African Cats” and “Chimpanzee,” comes “Wings of Life” - a stunning adventure full of intrigue, drama and mesmerizing beauty. Narrated by Academy Award winner Meryl Streep, this intimate and unprecedented look at butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers is a celebration of life, as a third of the world's food supply depends on these incredible--and increasingly threatened - creatures. Time is 7 PM and location is Fine Arts Theatre in downtown Asheville. Cost is $9.75 per ticket.

06/19/14 WNC ALLIANCE FOR RETIRED AMERICANS MEETING
The WNC Alliance for Retired Americans has changed to quarterly meetings.  So the next meeting will be the third Tuesday in June which will be the 19th, at 10am in the Kenilworth Presbyterian Church Parlor at 123 Kenilworth Road in Asheville. The ARA is a statewide organization of retired union members and their friends and families. We are non-partisan and open to everyone who is concerned about the need for jobs which pay a living wage, as well as those issues which affect all of us. FMI contact dick@dickandnorma.com.

06/20/14 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING
The next WNC PSR monthly meeting will be at a private home near the VA Hospital in east Asheville. Brown Bag lunch at noon with meeting from 12:30 to 2 PM. Everyone is welcome. Physicians, health personnel and everyone; all are welcomed at our monthly meetings! Please contact Lew at patrie.wncpsr@main.nc.us for more information.

06/21/14 STATE OF BLACK ASHEVILLE PRESENTATION 2014
UNC Asheville students from the State of Black Asheville course will present their research on the status of Black Asheville in several public policy areas such as : education, health care, housing & economic development, criminal justice, and culture. Event is FREE & OPEN to the public. Lunch will be provided. For any questions please email : stateofblackasheville@gmail.com. Time is 8 AM to 4:30 PM and location is YMI Cultural Center at 39 Market Street, Asheville NC.

06/21/14 BENEFIT FOR BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS
This is a “Run for Kids Sake 5K” and will be held at Warren Wilson College. $25 advance/$30 after June 18. Call 253-1470 for more information.

06/26/14 MORAL MOVIES SERIES
You’ve heard about Moral Mondays, but what about Moral Movies? The NC Justice Center is proud to be a collaborator, along with the NC NAACP and Working Films, on the Moral Movies film series, which is bringing award-winning documentaries to cities across North Carolina to jumpstart community dialogue and action on social, economic, and environmental issues. Moral Movies will take place the last week of each month from April through July in Wilmington, Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Greenville and Durham. The Asheville screenings are hosted by the Mountain People's Assembly. Tonight’s film will be “Freedom Summer” presented by Democracy NC. Time is 7 PM and location is Jubilee at 46 Wall Street in Asheville.  

07/03/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY FILM SERIES
MABCO and the Unitarian Universalist Church Swannanoa Valley are co-sponsoring a free documentary series, and on July 3, they will show “Legalize Democracy” a film produced by Move to Amend to give us the history of how corporations gained ‘personhood’ and consequently Constitutional rights. The film will be shown at the church, located at 500 Montreat Road in Black Mountain.  Doors open at 6:30 PM and the showing starts at 7 PM. Free of charge.

07/24/14 TO 07/27/14 VETERANS FOR PEACE ANNUAL CONVENTION
This will be held at UNCA. Registration for the convention and information at this link:

07/25/14 MORAL MOVIES SERIES
You’ve heard about Moral Mondays, but what about Moral Movies? The NC Justice Center is proud to be a collaborator, along with the NC NAACP and Working Films, on the Moral Movies film series, which is bringing award-winning documentaries to cities across North Carolina to jumpstart community dialogue and action on social, economic, and environmental issues. Moral Movies will take place the last week of each month from April through July in Wilmington, Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, Greenville and Durham. The Asheville screenings are hosted by the Mountain People's Assembly. Tonight’s film will be “Inequality for All” presented by NC Justice Center. Time is 7 PM and location is Ferguson Auditorium at AB Tech, 340 Victoria Road in Asheville.  

08/04/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY FILM SERIES
MABCO and the Unitarian Universalist Church Swannanoa Valley are co-sponsoring a free documentary series and the final showing will be of “The Story of Citizens United v. FEC”. The film will be shown at the church, located at 500 Montreat Road in Black Mountain.  Doors open at 6:30 PM and the showing starts at 7 PM. Free of charge.

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ONGOING EVENTS
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TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument

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

THURSDAY
Asheville Homeless Network meeting at 1 PM at A-Hope on North Ann Street in Asheville.  
Youth Outright Poetry Night at United Church of Christ in Asheville at 5 PM

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

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

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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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'BE THE CHANGE THAT YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD'
Greetings fellow Veterans For Peace and all who seek peace in our world.  That quote above, attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, isn't the theme of the 2014 Veterans for Peace convention in Asheville this July but I'm using it as an invitation to action in support of the convention. The actual theme of the convention is “PEACE OR PERISH – ABOLISH WAR ON PLANET AND POOR”.

No doubt the week of July 23 - 27 will be yet another tragic week of worldwide institutional and militaristic mayhem causing death, destruction, impoverishment and oppression, all in the pursuit of preparing for war, waging war and profiting from war. That same week in Asheville, however, will be the one place on earth where so many peace-seeking people will be gathered in community for learning, discussion, contemplation and action in direct opposition of that mayhem.

Will you be the change that you wish to see in our world?  Opportunities to act in support of this event are varied and numerous.
Could you/would you make available some space in your Asheville area home to house one or more kindred souls wishing to attend the convention, who cannot afford any other form of available housing? Let me know if you would and I'll contact you to gather some information and let you know how that would work. (Contact Gerry at gwerhan@gmail.com.)

Could you/would you serve as a volunteer in one or more of the following roles? Please note: There will be a need to fill multiple shifts and multiples of each role and there will be orientation provided to ensure you are knowledgeable and comfortable in filling the roles you volunteer for. The more volunteers we have, the more time each will have to attend the convention program events. There will also be a limited number of opportunities to volunteer for a full day and attend selected program events at a reduced rate. Please mention that if interested.
*Pedestrian Traffic Guide on campus, helping attendees get to the right places at the right times to get the most out their time among us.
*Merchandise Table Assistant, keeping items organized and secure. National VFP Representative would handle the money.
*Registration Table Assistant, warmly greeting attendees, distributing registration packets, providing information. National VFP Representative would handle money and related registration details.
*"Go-fer"
*Workshop Assistant, helping presenters with some clerical tasks to free them up to do their work as effectively as possible.
*Driver - We'll have two 15 passenger vans in use during the convention to help meet the various transportation needs of our attendees as best we can and when other transportation options won't do.

Could you/would you serve on our Person-to-Person Contact Team? As we receive registrations (already happening) we'd like to have Chapter 99 members, and others in the local progressive community, send an email as soon as possible to each registrant in the spirit of welcome, assistance and fellowship that we'd hope would build community leading up to the convention, during the convention and beyond. Please note: I will provide you with the basic content of the email, to which you can add your personal touch. All of these opportunities offer the potential for personal demonstration of a commitment to peace in our world in meaningful and practical ways. It's my hope that I'll be overwhelmed with responses and have the opportunity to work with you to help you show that commitment, especially as representatives of the Asheville area, progressive and VFP community. Please email me to let me know how you want to help. For those reading this that have already volunteered, please let me know if you have a preference for any of the roles described above. Also, please forward this email to your like-minded friends, family and organizational contacts to ensure that they, too, have this singular opportunity to “Be the Change That They Wish to see in the World”.

Thanks,
Semper Fidelis et Pacificus
Gerry Werhan
gwerhan@gmail.com
Volunteer Coordinator
704.957.2924

Registration for the convention and information at this link:

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