UPCOMING EVENTS
05/18/15 - 05/22/15 STRIVE NOT TO DRIVE WEEK
05/18/15 DEMOCRACY NC MEETING
We will do an informational overview on the Voter ID Law and short training on public hearing importance/talking points, and discuss upcoming events. Time is 6 PM and location is 20 Battery Park, meet in the lobby. Please email Darlene@democracy-nc.org or call (828)216-3430 for more information or to find out how to RSVP.
05/18/15 CITY OF ASHEVILLE MEET THE CANDIDATES
The public will have an opportunity to meet the finalists for Chief of Police during a drop-in event from 5 to 6 PM at the Wilma Sherrill Center on the UNC-Asheville campus. At 6 PM, following the meet and greet, candidates will make presentations on a pre-determined subject. Community members will have the opportunity to offer feedback on candidates through comment cards. The feedback will be considered in the selection process. The public is invited and encouraged to attend both events. Child care will be available onsite for children kindergarten age and older.
05/19/15 PRESENTATION ON BEES
This presentation is by Bee City USA. It is called “Creating Sustainable Habitats for Honeybees and Pollinators” and will be held at North Asheville Library on Merrimon Avenue. Time is 6 PM.
05/19/15 AUDUBON SOCIETY
Discussion of the Cerulean Warbler Corridor Project and the protection of birds in Latin America. Free. Held at Reuter Center at UNCA at 7 PM.
05/19/15 PEDESTRIAN INFRASTRUCTURE TOUR
“Walking the Talk” is a pedestrian infrastructure walking tour. Held at Asheville Community Theatre at 35 East Walnut Street in Asheville. Time is 9:30 AM. This is part of “Strive Not To Drive” week.
05/19/15 EXHIBIT ON ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE
“Access to Health Care for African-Americans of Buncombe County 1860-1960” For many years, Sharon Kelly West, delivered the message of the lingering and profound disparities around health care in the African American community in the local community and across the state. At every event she decried the data sets and shared “It is important to reflect on the limited health care access for African Americans of Buncombe County, N.C. in the 19th century and compare with our current status of access to medical expertise. Compelling data points to a protracted state of health and health care inequity in African Americans which further reinforces the sense of urgency to move forward with due diligence towards parity achievement.” At the same time, her talks lifted up all those individuals and community members who labored to give their patients the best care and at the same time fought for greater equity and full dignity. The goals of this exhibit are to remind us all of the legacy of those courageous individuals and their collective visions and to inspire us all to further their work of full access and equality for health and well- being. This exhibit is free and runs until 05/30/15. It is open during regular business hours at the YMI Cultural Center on South Market Street in Asheville.
05/20/15 GREEN DRINKS
Join us for a French Broad Food Co-op cooking demo. Socializing at 5:30, program starts at 6 PM. Location is Green Sage in downtown Asheville.
05/20/15 RIDE OF SILENCE
This is a memorial ride for those injured or killed on bikes. Held at the Register of Deeds office at 35 Woodfin Street in Asheville. Time is 5:30 PM. This is part of “Strive Not To Drive” week.
05/21/15 TRANSPORTATION STORY SLAM
The theme is “getting around” and will be held at Clingman Cafe at 242 Clingman Ave in Asheville. Time is 7 PM. This is part of “Strive Not To Drive” week.
05/21/15 JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL
A teacher with 20 years of experience, Anne Gueguen is determined to give the best education she can to her underprivileged inner-city pupils. Overcoming their apathy, however, is proving to be more difficult than expected. Frustrated but undaunted, Anne tests her multicultural classroom with a unique assignment: a national competition on the theme of child victims of the Nazi concentration camps. The project is initially met with extreme resistance, until a face-to-face encounter with a Holocaust survivor changes the class’s attitude dramatically. Despite their long-shot odds of winning, these once-rebellious teens soon begin to see one another – and themselves – in a whole new light. A potent and moving antidote to the devaluation of education in an age of ignorance, “Once in a Lifetime” demonstrates the enduring impact of the Holocaust in transforming future generations. Time is 7 PM on May 21 and 1 PM on May 22. Location is Fine Arts Theater in downtown Asheville. Tickets are $8.50.
05/21/15 AUDUBON SOCIETY PRESENTATION
The Audubon Society will talk about the creation and preservation of the Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary. Held at North Asheville Library on Merrimon Avenue. Time is 6 PM.
05/21/15 ASHEVILLE BLACK WOMENS LIVES MATTER
Black Womens Lives Matter. It is time to magnify, elevate and highlight the work that is going on in the movement around the brutal state-sanctioned violence against our sisters with a National Day of Action focused directly on Women of Color- Adult Women, Young Girls, Cis, Gay, Trans, Undocumented, all of the above. These are our mothers, our daughters, our sisters. We move with intention to work together, united. Time is 5:30 to 7:30 PM and location is Vance Monument at Pack Square in Asheville.
05/23/25 MARCH AGAINST MONSANTO
More citizens of planet earth are waking up to the deadly threat of GMOs/Biotech~ let's keep the momentum going! Our next march through town is May 23, 2015. We are possibly not having an after-event this year (to be decided), but will finish our march at the French Broad Food Co-op where delish No-GMO food and drink will be available! There will also be info tables and we will be conducting the Bee-Friendly Bee Costume contest, for both adults and kids- GRAND PRIZE is an Organic Gift Basket valued at $500 for adults, and also one for kids. Time is 11 AM to 2 PM, with march leaving at noon. Location is Pack Square. For more information, e-mail NoGMOAsheville@yahoo.com.
05/24/15 BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR OLDEST PERSON IN THE WORLD
Move to Amend in coordination and cooperation with The Real Cooperative will be having a satirical birthday party event Sunday May 24 in Pack Square, downtown Asheville. Move to Amend Buncombe County and REAL Cooperative invite you to join us as we use light-hearted fun to drive home the point that corporations are not people. Whether its for the free ice cream and entertainment, to roast the corporate person or to learn more about this important issue, we highly encourage your presence. Activities Include music, speakers, roast of the corporate person, opening of presents, pinata and free ice cream. Time is 1 to 4 PM.
05/25/15 ALTERNATIVES TO FEAR-DRIVEN POLITICAL CLIMATE
“Guns, Violence, and Fear: A Theological Response to the Idolatry of Security” From school shootings to terrorist attacks to world-wide epidemics, the news cycle provides a shopping list of things to fear. But what does this constant diet of fear do to our moral sensibilities? How can we distinguish fear-mongering from true danger? In a time when fear can easily be manipulated for economic, religious, or political gain, individuals and communities too often turn security into an idol that leaves little room for risky ventures of goodness or love. In this talk, author Scott Bader-Saye will address the ways communities of faith can embody alternatives to the fear-driven, risk-averse moral and political climate of the day. Location is Lenoir-Rhyne University Asheville Campus 2nd Floor Board Room at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville. Time is 7 PM.
05/27/15 GREEN DRINKS / WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
“Medical Ethics with an Emphasis on End of Life Issues”. WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility presents: Mary Caldwell, M.Div., MA, a Clinical Medical Ethicist at Mission Hospital in Asheville. She serves on the Medical Ethics Committee. Come at 5:30 pm for social networking; presentation 6 – 7 PM. Location is Green Sage Restaurant at 5 Broadway in downtown Asheville.
05/28/15 HOOD TALK
If you have never been to a Hood Talk before...MAY 28 is the one you need to be at...what is..."The Cycle"...this one will have you talking...you might even cry...feel anger...or who knows...your emotions will run wild but after all the emotions...we will have the conversation...and put actions with word…plan ahead. be there...this dialogue will melt hearts - special Hood Talk. Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is YWCA in downtown Asheville.
05/28/15 PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PRESENTATION
WNC PSR presents Ralph Hutchison, Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance (OREPA), with an update on the Uranium Processing Facility that would be part of the "Complex 21" nuclear weapons production line. Contact Terry Clark for details at 828-633-0892 or terryclarkpsych@gmail.com.
05/29/15 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.
05/29/15 TOWNS THAT ARE REDUCING THEIR PESTICIDE FOOTPRINT
This free, four-part series will take place on the last Friday of March, April, May and June. This is the third part of the four-part series. The series runs as follows: April 24: Pesticides Kill More Than Pests: Keeping Bees and Other Wildlife Safe; May 29: Towns That Are Reducing Their Pesticide Footprint; June 26: It All Starts At Home: Alternatives to Chemical Pesticides. Sessions are being held at the Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville - Lenoir-Rhyne University from 6:00 to 9:00 PM on the above dates. It is our intention to celebrate Asheville as a city in transition, a city willing to take a hard look at what it’s going to take to create the kind of resiliency necessary for a sustainable future.In addition to educating our citizenry – and no doubt learning from you all as well – we want to draw attention to the need for city governments to set an example and model best practices in pest management. Light refreshments will be served each evening. We are looking for volunteers and additional sponsors to cover refreshments. Tabling is free, so please do consider sharing your passion with like-minded folk. Time is 6 to 9 PM and location is Lenoir Rhyne University on Montford Avenue in Asheville. They will be using the second floor boardroom. This is a facebook event, and since it is multi-day, you probably want to sign up if you are interested in this topic.
05/30/15 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ANNUAL MEETING
2015 Annual Meeting and Luncheon. We are excited to welcome Jane Pinsky from the North Carolina Coalition for Lobbying and Government Reform. Jane will be speaking about efforts to support a transparent, impartial and fair process for redistricting. We will also discuss our successes from this year and our goals for 2015-16. Time is 11:30 AM to 2 PM and location is the Lenoir-Rhyne Board Room (2nd floor of the Chamber of Commerce).
05/30/15 CLEAN UP THE FRENCH BROAD
The French Broad River is a local treasure, but lately it doesn’t look like one. Join us on Saturday, May 30 for a French Broad River Cleanup Day. Sierra Club will be joining other area groups in this effort which lasts from 10 AM until 2 PM. After our hard work is done, and her beauty is restored, we will throw a party in her honor from 2 to 4 PM featuring food, fun, beer and other libations. If you would like to join the makeover effort, please call or email Mark Threlkeld at (828) 200-6280 or email focusmdt@gmail.com. Just let him know if you would like to join a crew on the river or on shore.
05/30/15 CLEAN ENERGY FOR WNC HOSTS SOLAR SATURDAY
On Saturday, May 30th Clean Energy for WNC and the Garden Conservation Committee will host Solar Saturday at Warren Wilson College at Morris Pavilion from 11 AM to 4 PM. The event will feature free solar and energy efficiency workshops for homeowners, businesses and nonprofits. Audubon North Carolina will present on the impact of climate change on birds, and we’ll have booths from local organizations, food trucks, and free beverages. Plus, we're going to raffle of a generous gift basked from Hickory Nut Gap Farms and more. This event is free and open to all, so bring your lawn chair and have some fun! For more information please email ashley@cleanenergyfor.us.
05/31/15 ACLU OF WNC ANNUAL MEETING IN ASHEVILLE
The ACLU of WNC invites you to celebrate: Newly Engaged Movements for Racial Justice; 50 Years of ACLU Achievements in North Carolina; and 23 Years of Building Bridges in the Asheville Area. Featured speaker is Daryl Atkinson. Mr. Atkinson is a Senior Staff Attorney at the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, where he focuses on drug policy and criminal justice reform issues. In 1996, Daryl pled guilty to a first-time, non-violent, drug crime and served 40 months in prison. Since his release, Daryl completed college and law school and has become a zealous advocate for second chances for people with criminal records. The ACLU of Western North Carolina will present its 2015 Evan Mahoney Champion of Civil Liberties Award to Building Bridges for 23 years of work in the Asheville area enabling our community to confront and overcome racism through a continuing process of changing attitudes and hearts through education, consciousness raising, nurturing, and ongoing support. Building Bridges has sought to build a community that is intentional about its respect for diversity. Location is Altamont Theatre at 18 Church Street in downtown Asheville. Cash bar and snacks follow speaker and award presentation. There will also be a brief annual meeting. This is a free event. Time is 5 PM. For more information, contact hilarychiz@gmail.com.
05/31/15 MILLS RIVER DAY
The Mills River Partnership and North River Farms host Mills River Day! It is a fun filled event that takes place on a working farm to highlight how water quality and farming go hand in hand. Join us in celebrating our theme “The River Connects Us” to learn the many aspects that join the Mills River community and watershed to the greater Hendersonville/Asheville area through the use of the river’s resources. This event aims to educate participants about the river and water quality issues, help build a stronger sense of community, and raise awareness of local agriculture. This fun and educational community event for kids of all ages will have a bounce house, farm animals, wagon rides, farm equipment demonstrations and displays, fire safety house and fire truck demonstration. Ice cream and BBQ vendors are available and live music will be provided by the Lonesome Road Band. Time is 2 to 5 PM. Location is 3333 North Mills River Road in Mills River. For more information please contact MRP at 708-738.
06/02/15 DOCUMENTARIES ON FRACKING DANGERS AT AB TECH
Imagine if the water you gave your family made them sick. This is a real fear facing communities where fracking is currently taking place. Even when landowners say no to drilling, contamination from fracking nearby can still expose them to toxic chemicals against their will. Although fracking is now legal and permits can be issued by the state, there is still much that can be done to protect North Carolinians from the dangers of fracking. This requires people coming together in their own communities and taking civic action, to stand in solidarity and send a strong message that the people of NC do not want fracking and we will work to protect our families, public health, quality of life and property rights. Join us for Fracking Stories - an event featuring six short documentaries that expose the public health and environmental consequences of hydraulic fracturing, and the ways that communities are coming together to protect their land and water. Come learn about the issues, talk with community members, and find out how you can help keep fracking out of North Carolina. The Asheville screening is co-presented by The Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League, Appalachian Voices, Clean Water for North Carolina, Working Films, The Mountain Peoples Assembly, and WNC Frack Free. Time is 7 to 9 PM and location is Ferguston Auditorium at AB Tech at 340 Victoria Street in Asheville. This event is free and open to the public. For questions, contact Andy at amyers@workingfilms.org
06/02/15 MOUNTAIN TRUE VOLUNTEER WORLD CAFÉ
Join Mountain True staff and volunteer leaders to hear what we’re up to in Henderson, Transylvania and Polk counties and how you can be part of protecting the places we share! The first beer’s on us, so RSVP here. Location is Southern Appalachian Brwery at 822 Locust Street in Hendersonville, and time is 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Go to https://wnca.cp.bsd.net/page/signup/mountaintrue-volunteer-world-cafe to RSVP.
06/03/15 SIERRA CLUB MEETING
Britten Cleveland will talk on “The EPA’s Clean Power Plan and North Carolina”. Join Sierra Club on June 3 as Britten Cleveland, North Carolina’s Sierra Club organizer, discusses the Clean Power Plan and what you can do to help North Carolina reduce its carbon pollution. Under this plan North Carolina is required to develop a strategy to reduce its carbon emissions by 2030. Socializing begins at 7 PM and program begins at 7:15 PM. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville on Charlotte Street and Edwin Place in Asheville. Contact: judymattox@sbcglobal.net, or 828-683-2176 for more information.
06/06/15 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY
Save the date for our next monthly meeting which will always be the first Saturday of the month. In this meeting we will review the REMI report, our congressional members' bios, appoint a message day organizer, look at the laser talks and plan our lobby meetings for the DC conference June 21-24. Time is 12:30 PM to 3 PM and location is Kairos West Community Center at 742 Haywood Rd in west Asheville. For more information, contact Steffi at 828-242-3752 or asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.
06/08/15 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING
Next meeting is a general meeting will be held at the North Asheville Library on Merrimon Avenue. If you have any questions please contact Diana at dianakrukmta@gmail.com.
06/11/15 PHOTO ID HEARING IN SYLVA
NC State Board of Elections Public Hearings on Voter ID Rules will be held in Sylva at 876 Skyland Drive, Suite 1. Time is 5 to 7 PM. This is one of only two hearings in our area (the other one in Boone on 6/10/15) that will occur on the “Voter ID” (HB 589) rules that will come into effect in 2016. Some key facts are: the bill not only requires government-issued ID at the polls, but takes away one week of early voting, eliminates pre-registration of 16-17 year olds,terminates out-of-precinct voting, and eliminates same-day voter registration during the early voting period. If you know of an individual who has encountered problems with getting an ID, please urge them to speak- as these are the stories we need the SBOE rule-makers to hear. Democracy NC is seeking individuals to attend the hearing and make public comments. Democracy NC will organize a carpool from the Asheville area. Please email Darlene@democracy-nc.org or call (828)216-3430 for more information or to find out how to RSVP.
06/14/15 ASHEVILLE N.O.W. MEETING
Asheville NOW meeting is at 2 PM at the YWCA at South French Broad Street in downtown Asheville. Email ashevillenow@live.com for more information.
06/15/15 to 06/19/15 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE OF WNC CONFERENCE
“Wake Forest Food & Faith Intensive in Asheville: A New Heaven, A New Earth: Food Justice, Ecology, and Revelation” will be held at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa. This transformative five-day course is designed for non-profit leaders, pastors, faith-based activists, gardeners and farmers, and anyone interested in the intersection of Christian spirituality, ecological restoration, and redemptive agriculture. Go to website for Creation Care Alliance of WNC for more information.
06/16/15 JUST ECONOMICS GENERAL MEETING
Just Economics hosts a general meeting on the second Tuesday of every other month where our members and supporters join us, share a meal, talk about some general updates about our work and our community, and then break out into committees to strategize and create plans to bring about a more just and sustainable local economy. This is a great time to get engaged with JE! Everyone is welcome. We will have food, however anyone able to bring a dish to share is encouraged to do so. For more information visit justeconomicswnc.org. Time is 6:30 PM and location is United Way building 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 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.
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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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Local group working on International Day of Peace celebration sends this request:
WNC 4 Peace is helping the Mountain Xpress compile a directory of groups and individuals who are active in peace work and/or social justice in Western North Carolina. Please send some information about someone or group you know who is active in promoting peace. Email: rachael_bliss@yahoo.com or 828-378-0125. We hope to have the directory published by International Day of Peace in mid-September. However, we need information by July 15th, 2015. We don't want to leave anyone out.
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