Sunday, June 08, 2014

Upcoming events in the Asheville area this week

Mill in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. June 2014.

UPCOMING EVENTS
  
06/09/14 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING
Next General MABCO Meeting is at 7 PM at the North Asheville Library. The mission of Move to Amend Buncombe County is to create public demand for passage by the U.S. Congress and ratification by the NC Legislature of a Constitutional Amendment reserving First Amendment protection to natural human beings and the press. Join us at the meeting room of the North Asheville Library at 7 pm on Monday, June 9 to view and discuss the Public Citizen video “Citizens United vs. FEC” and to plan street theater during the upcoming monthly Asheville Art walks. Contact Ruth at ruthachristie@gmail.com for more information.

06/09/14 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE SOCIAL
Transition Asheville is changing the format and the location for our monthly socials. We are shifting away from the monthly Permaculture Potlucks on the second Tuesday evenings and will be having monthly TA Social with snacks, desserts, and teas on the second Mondays instead. The one for June will be held at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Charlotte Street in Asheville, and the topic will be Water. Come in through the kitchen entry (someone should be there to help you find it). Parking is available in the back and along the street. With water-related issues like excessive rain and the Asheville water system in the news, Transition Asheville is summarizing simple solutions that anyone can do. Come join us to meet and greet and find out what you can do to create water sustainability where you live! Time is 6:30 to 8 PM.

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” Jake Rubio is the Director of Sales and Marketing at American Craftsmen Inc. – a family owned and operated business based out of Raleigh. Explore pioneering innovations that provide a sustainable and secure future for generations to come. We will discuss the many diverse applications of the ACI Smartwall Building System that serves as a solution for the numerous issues our environment and community face in the green building industry. Time is 6 PM for the presentation and location is the Green Sage Coffeehouse and Café in downtown Asheville.

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. Please make sure to make your reservations soon. E-mail leslie@wnchealthadvocates.org or call 828-243-6712.

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.

06/13/14 SNACK, DON’T FRACK
“Smoothies and Courage Work Party” We had a great strategy and taco session this past Friday. Please bring some good humor, a smoothie ingredient (or a snack) and your friends. We're going to be forming groups and working on making some creative actions happen. Time is 5:30 PM and the location is Top Floor Studio at 9 W. Walnut Street in Asheville. Hosted by the Fracking in NC Action Group – Mountain Area.

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, rear parking lot. Boarding the bus will happen at 6:30 AM, leaving at 7 AM. We will returning 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 about what to bring and what charges apply, or to volunteer. Thanks to our sponsors / partners that make these public collections possible: Asheville Greenworks, 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!

06/15/14 ASHEVILLE GREENWORKS FATHER’S DAY GARDEN TOUR
The Father's Day Garden Tour will take place in beautiful downtown Weaverville from 1 to 5 PM. We're pleased to present eight private gardens on the tour, each with its own style and beauty. The tour will not only highlight the eclectic and beautiful gardens of Weaverville, but spotlight the different native species that attract and sustain our pollinators. Along the tour route, enjoy hor d'oeuvres, homemade treats and refreshments. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event. Proceeds will go to support Asheville GreenWorks mission of a "clean & green" environment. Meet at 30 S Main Street in Weaverville for the start of the tour. Questions, how to obtain tickets, and for more information contact Rachel at Rachel@ashevillegreenworks.org or call 828-254-1776.

06/15/14 YOUTH OUTRIGHT MEETING
Planned Parenthood’s Nina will return for a final time to answer Q&A on dating and relationships, sexual health, PP services, Trans health services at PP, and whatever has yet to be asked!  Sunday youth meetings are 4 – 6 PM at First Congregational United Church of Christ (FCUCC), 20 Oak Street in downtown Asheville.

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.

06/17/14 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 17th, 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.

06/17/14 POLLINATION CELEBRATION
Bee City USA Hosts Pollination Celebration. Leader of National USDA Bee Lab Is keynote speaker. Marking its second anniversary, Bee City USA announced that Dr. Jeff Pettis, lead scientist at the USDA Bee Research Lab in Beltsville, MD, will be the keynote presenter for this year’s Pollination Celebration, underwritten by Tupelo Honey and Ingles Markets. On Tuesday June 17, Dr. Pettis will address area beekeepers on “Challenges for Today's Beekeepers” at the Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River. Reception is 6:30 PM and program begins at 7 PM. $10 suggested donation. For information about this event, visit beecityusa.org.

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

06/18/14 THE POLLINATION PUZZLE
Dr. Pettis will speak on “Give Bees a Chance: The Pollination Puzzle”. A special event geared for a general public audience, and designed to provoke questions, conversation, and possible answers. Honey from invasive plants, kudzu and Japanese knotweed, will be available for tasting. This will be held at Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville at 1 Edwin Place. Wine reception, honey tasting, exhibit, silent auction and conversations with Dr. Jeff Pettis, lead scientist for USDA Bee Labs all presented by and to benefit Habitat Projects of Bee City USA. Reception at 6 PM, program starts at 7 PM. $10 suggested donation. Join us to learn how insects vital to our health, face unprecedented challenges to their health. For information about this event, visit beecityusa.org.

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 at 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.

06/20/14 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING
The next WNC PSR monthly meeting will be at a private home (18 Birchwood Lane) 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, healthcare, 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.

06/21/14 GREEN GRANNIES SING FOR THE CLIMATE
Green Grannies Sing for the Climate at Vance Monument at 5 PM. Google "Singfortheclimate" and come out and sing with us! This happens on the third Saturday of every month.

06/22/14 WESTERN CHAPTER OF ACLU-NC ANNUAL MEETING
The Western Chapter of ACLU-NC will hold its Annual Meeting on Sunday June 22nd at 3 PM at the Rooftop Garden of Battery Park Apartments. The Program will include the presentation of the Evan Mahaney Champion of Civil Liberties Awards to Drew Reisinger, Buncombe County Register of Deeds, and to the Campaign for Southern Equality. The event is open to the public, is free, and will include refreshments. Battery Park Apartments are in downtown Asheville across from the Grove Arcade.

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.  

07/02/14 COALITION AGAINST FRACKING IN WNC
You are invited to join The Canary Coalition's Annual Gathering. The theme is “WAKE UP” songs of the movement. Bring your voice and bring your friends. This is a great way to network with others who are dedicated to this cause and sharing ideas and strengths is what will bring about a group that could possibly put a stop to this crazy fracking idea and new law that is set in place in our mountains. Time is 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM and the location is Jackson County Public Library in Sylva. For more information call 828-631-3447 or email info@canarycoaltion.org.

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.  

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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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HOUSING FOR PEOPLE GOING TO VETERANS FOR PEACE CONVENTION
JULY 22 TO JULY 27 (convention starts on July 23 Wednesday, but some folks will arrive early, and convention closes on July 27 Sunday).

Please contact Gerry Werhan (gwerhan@gmail.com) answering the following few questions...  (Feel free to insert your answers right after the questions.)

1. ALL nights (July 22-26), or which ones?
2. How many beds can you provide?
3. Do you have pets?
4. Non-smokers only?
5. Can you offer transport for guests? (Convention location is the UNCA Campus).
6. Vegetarian kitchen? Morning coffee?
7. Street address/directions. Best times to call and phone number to use?

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