UPCOMING EVENTS
09/14/15 MANNA ANNUAL ‘EMPTY BOWLS’ EVENTS
The Empty Bowls events involve lunch at 11 AM to 1:30 PM at Doubletree by Hilton at 115 Hendersonville Road in Asheville and dinner at 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Hilton Asheville in Biltmore Park at 43 Town Square Blvd. Each event is $35 for adults, $10 for kids aged 8-15, under 7 years is free. Adult tickets include a bowl of your choice made by local artisans. Go to Manna Food Bank website for tickets and more information.
09/14/15 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE MEETING
Phyllis Stiles, Bee City USA founder and director, will speak about the national movement to increase healthy pollinator habitats. She will share the vital role that thousands of species of pollinators play in sustaining the planet, the causes of their decline in the United States, and small and large things that each of us can do to help reverse their declines. There are twelve certified Bee Cities in five states to date, with many more in the process of developing their applications. Southern Oregon University became the first Bee Campus USA in April, and as with the cities, Stiles expects many more campuses to follow. Time is 6:30 to 8 PM and location is the Parish Hall, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 337 Charlotte St, Asheville, NC 28801 (parking in the lot next to the church off Evelyn Alley…north of the church or on the street). For more information, contact transitionasheville@gmail.com.
09/14/15 LECTURE AT UNCA ON CLIMATE CHANGE RESILIENCE
Dr. Mark Anderson, The Nature Conservancy’s Director of Conservation Science for Eastern North America, will be presenting in Asheville at 3 PM on Monday, September 14th, on the climate change resilience spatial analysis he and his team pioneered over the past several years. This work and related studies have recently been featured in the journal Conservation Biology, The Christian Science Monitor, and Yale Environment360. This will be an opportunity for conservation, academic, and research communities in and around Western North Carolina to engage with Mark directly on the science and methodology at the heart of TNC’s resilience datasets, which form the primary basis for the Open Space Institute’s Resilient Landscapes Initiative. The event will be held at the Mountain View Conference Room in the Sherrill Center at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. This location offers easy parking options in the decks located adjacent to the facility. Directions can be accessed here. If you are likely to attend, please let us know by sending an email to dray@osiny.org. Contact Karin at krogers@unca.edu for more information.
09/15/15 WNC 4 PEACE MEETING
The next meeting of this planning group for the International Day of Peace will be Tuesday, September 15, at 6 PM at the North Asheville Community Center. For more information, contact Rachael at rachael_bliss@yahoo.com. Contact Rachael to confirm location of meeting.
09/16/15 GREEN DRINKS
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All” which aims to highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace. For our Asheville Green Drinks presentation, WNC 4 Peace will discuss what we have planned for International Day of Peace in Asheville and Black Mountain, and will discuss the many faceted diamond of peace, from inner peace to world peace. Socializing at 5:30 PM and presentation from 6 – 7 PM. Location is The Green Sage (Downtown) 5 Broadway St. in Asheville.
09/16/15 ACTIVISTS SPEAKING AT WARREN WILSON COLLEGE
Activist Bree Newsome and James Tyson, a 2007 graduate of Warren Wilson College, will kick off Warren Wilson College’s 2015-16 Spotlight Series with a talk on Sept. 16. The two will be speaking at 7 PM in Kittredge Theatre. The Spotlight Series is free and open to the public.
On June 27, Tyson and Newsome were arrested for their involvement in the removal of the Confederate battle flag from the grounds of the South Carolina State House. “We all knew that it would be a symbolic act. We created it to be a symbolic act, to be a symbolic victory over racism,” Tyson said. Tyson’s role was to be the spotter for the person climbing the pole. Newsome removed the flag. Upon retrieving the flag, both Tyson and Newsome were arrested and charged with defacing a monument. The 2015-16 Spotlight Series is titled “My America, Whose America.”
09/16/15 ASHEVILLE N.O.W. LETTER WRITING EVENT
We will gather a 6:30 PM at the Book Exchange in the Grove Arcade, downtown Asheville, to write letters and post cards to our legislators in Raleigh, urging them to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment. After all, Sept. 17 is Women's Equality Day, and we think that's the perfect day to drop hundreds of post cards into the mail explaining the importance of the ERA, so we will meet the evening of Sept. 16 to write our legislators and tell them the Equal Rights Amendment needs just three more states to become part of the Constitution. As it is, women are guaranteed no rights under the Constitution, and we believe it is long past time for that to change. Please be there. We can help you decide what to write and we will provide the post cards, the writing implements and the postage. For more information contact nowasheville@gmail.com.
09/17/15 SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM AT UU ASHEVILLE
On Thursday, September 17th, we are screening the important documentary, “Poverty, Inc”. The film unearths an uncomfortable side of charity we can no longer avoid. The film is at 7 PM. Location is Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Charlotte and Edwin Streets in Asheville. Open to all, no charge, donations welcome. For more information, call Charles at 612-860-6628.
09/19/15 AMERICANS WHO TELL THE TRUTH EXHIBIT
Robert Shetterly's “Americans Who Tell the Truth” exhibit is opening on 9/19/15. Please buy your tickets to the Gala and Opening now before they're all gone (only 300 will be sold). Cost is $25. For more information, including how to get tickets, call 828-273-1781 or email awttnc@gmail.com. The Opening Gala will include the artist Robert Shetterly unveiling Rev. William Barber's portrait (with three Barber family members and civil rights attorney Al Mc Surely present). Music will be performed by Daniel Barber and the Inspirational Choir of Western Carolina University, skit performed by Barbara Bates Smith and Jeff Sebens, spoken word by Soulspeak Asheville Youth Poetry. Food and drink will be provided from Green Opportunities kitchen. And, the exhibit containing the portraits of fifty-two (52) courageous Americans Who Tell the Truth will open. PLEASE NOTE- Reverend Barber, who will not be able to join us at the Gala as he will be in D.C. receiving the Phoenix award from the U.S. Congressional Black Caucus, will join us on Sunday at the YMI to honor the regional youth art participants (known as Courage in Our Midst) and have a "conversation" with Robert Shetterly about Truth, Courage and Activism. And, please forward this invite to any/all that you think would like to join us for this inspiring, uplifting, remarkable event. Mountain People's Assembly is hosting this event with YMI. This is a ticketed event, tickets start at $25. Go to YMI webpage for more information. This exhibit will be up through November 7, 2015 and more volunteers (to be greeters and docents) are needed. Please contact Carmen Ramos-Kennedy at 4ward2gethercall2action@gmail.com to volunteer.
09/19/15 AND 09/20/15 HUMAN RIGHTS CONFERENCE IN GREENVILLE SC
Carolina Human Rights OrgaNizing Conference (or CHRONIC) will hold a several day conference primarily on the issue of race relations on September 19-20, 2015 in Greenville, SC. See www.chronic2015.weebly.com for details.
09/19/15 GREEN GRANNIES SING FOR THE CLIMATE
Green Grannies Sing for the Climate at Pritchard Park at 5 PM. Google "Singfortheclimate" and come out and sing with us! This happens on the third Saturday of every month.
09/19/15 ASHEVILLE HOUSING FAIR
Come to the Asheville Housing Fair at the Stephens-Lee Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave. Are you interested in buying a home? Are you a renting and would like to own? Need help paying your rent? Do you want to know how to improve your credit? Thinking about using your home as a vacation rental? Curious about tiny homes? The Asheville Housing Fair will guide you in the right direction through all of this and more. With workshops focused on practical “how-to” guidance and over 20 housing resources on site to discuss your needs, the Asheville Housing Fair is the place for all things related to affordable housing opportunities. This is a FREE event, no tickets required. Time is 10 AM to 2 PM and location is Stephens Lee Recreation Center on Max Street in Asheville NC. This is a Facebook event.
09/19/15 COTHINKK GIVING CIRCLE - COMING TOGETHER
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. This meeting is providing an opportunity for critical learning and community building between and among communities of color as we come together as one-towards using our collective time, talent, and treasure. Time is 2 to 6:30 PM and location is the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville. Please RSVP by September 14th to reserve your seat at the table. If you have any questions or concerns please email Tracey at cothinkk@gmail.com. No information on cost. This is a facebook event.
09/20/15 PEOPLE’S PEACE FESTIVAL IN ASHEVILLE
Special fun and educational events in Asheville will take place on Sunday, September 20th. WNC 4 Peace will be collaborating with French Broad Food Coop to celebrate peace in the Asheville. Music, food, fun, family activities and information about peace will be in abundance as some 30 groups set up tables to educate participants. Let's celebrate Peace in WNC as one big happy family, and find out what groups throughout WNC are doing to make this a more peaceful world. All part of our observance of International Day of Peace. Be there as we announce our first ever Peace Maker of the Year Award. Time is 1 to 5 PM. Contact Rachael at rachael_bliss@yahoo.com for more information.
09/20/15 ETHICAL HUMANIST SOCIETY OF ASHEVILLE
“Critical Actions for Global Survival” will be presented by Jim Barton at the Sunday, September 20th meeting of the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville. Time is 2 to 3:30 PM, location is The Friends Meeting House, at 227 Edgewood Road, in Asheville, NC. Jim Barton will discuss converging global movements for world peace, the focus on climate change, and improving the human condition. These include the 14th International Day of Peace celebrated annually on September 21st, the UN's soon-to-be ratified Sustainable Development Goals, and Pope Francis's encyclical on issues of climate, ecology, and human well-being with his upcoming addresses to the UN and the U.S. Congress. Informal discussion and refreshments will follow the presentation. All are welcome. For more information: call 828 687-7759, or email: ehsasheville@gmail.com.
09/20/15 REVEREND BARBER SPEAKS AT YMI CULTURAL CENTER
“Americans Who Tell The Truth” Artist Robert Shetterly paints portraits of Americans who courageously tell the truth in areas of social justice, the environment, civil rights, etc. He recently completed a portrait of Rev. Dr. William Barber, NC NAACP president. Fifty-two of Shetterly’s portraits will be on exhibit at the YMI Cultural Center through November 7. Rev. Barber will speak at a free open house and discussion Sunday, September 20 at 1 PM.
09/21/15 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE CELEBRATION IN ASHEVILLE
On Monday, September 21, at 11:30 AM, WNC 4 Peace hosts a celebration for Peace Day (declared by the UN) in downtown Asheville. We will meet at the Peace Pole in front of Asheville City Hall, where participants will observe a moment of silence. Asheville bells will be rung all around town, peace activist and performer David LaMotte, Geri Littlejohn and Rhoda Weaver plan to sing and play music for the celebration. People of diverse beliefs will gather to explore the spirit of peace in a troubled world, while white doves are released to send our message out into the universe. Rain location will be First Congregational Church on Oak Street in downtown Asheville. This will go until about 1:15 PM. For more information, call Rachael at 828-378-0125.
09/21/15 MOVE TO AMEND BUNCOMBE COUNTY MEETING
Location is the North Asheville Library at 1030 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Time is 7 PM. Move To Amend is a coalition of hundreds of organizations and tens of thousands of individuals committed to social and economic justice, ending corporate rule, and building a vibrant democracy that is genuinely accountable to the people, not to corporate interests. Move To Amend calls for an amendment to the US Constitution to unequivocally state that inalienable rights belong only to human beings, not to corporations, and that money is not a form of protected free speech under the First Amendment and can be regulated in political campaigns. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Diana at dianakruk@gmail.com or 828-275-0680.
09/23/15 GREEN DRINKS
This legislative session has been jam-packed with moves to roll back environmental protections, hinder renewable energy, slash funding for open space protections and more. But it’s not all bad news. Many of our WNC legislators have stood against these shenanigans and are attempting to forward legislation to protect our communities’ natural resources. We’ll get you caught up on environmental outcomes of this legislative session, priorities between sessions and next year, and how you can get involved in holding our lawmakers accountable to the public they serve. Socializing at 5:30 and presentation is at 6 PM. Location is The Green Sage at 5 Broadway Street in downtown Asheville.
09/23/15 REVISIONING HISTORY BOOK GROUP
This discussion group focuses on books that challenge or expand on dominant historical narratives and research methodologies. Together, we investigate -- and question -- the common idea that history is merely the objective presentation of facts, and explore the ways in which ideology plays a role in how history is interpreted, transmitted, and culturally/academically institutionalized. Time is 7 PM. Location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Call Firestorm for more information. September book is The Half Has Never Been Told by Edward E. Baptist.
09/23/15 BENEFIT FOR PISGAH LEGAL SERVICES
Join us for a cocktail hour at Gan Shan Station as we share in the joys of food and community. Gan Shan Station is at 143 Charlotte Street in Asheville. Suggested donation is $15/person. All donations directly benefit Pisgah Legal Services. Time is 5 PM. Please contact Lindsay at lindsay@pisgahlegal.org or by phone at 828.210.3405 for more information.
09/24/15 LEGISLATIVE WRAP UP BY MOUNTAIN TRUE IN HENDERSONVILLE
This legislative session has been jam-packed with moves to roll back environmental protections, hinder renewable energy, slash funding for open space protections and more. But it’s not all bad news. Many of our WNC legislators have stood against these shenanigans and are attempting to forward legislation to protect our communities’ natural resources. We’ll get you caught up on environmental outcomes of this legislative session, priorities between sessions and next year, and how you can get involved in holding our lawmakers accountable to the public they serve. Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is Biz 611 at 611 North Church Street in Hendersonville, which is the MountainTrue office. For any questions and to RSVP, please contact Joan at Joan@Mountaintrue.org, 828-575-6268 ext. 205.
09/24/15 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE OF WNC DINNER AND EVENT
“Caring for Our Common Home: Responding to the Pope’s call for action” is the theme for this event. Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is St. Eugene’s Catholic Church at 72 Culvern Street in Asheville. Join with others to be inspired by the words of the Pope’s Encyclical and watch Pope Francis’ address to Congress. Light dinner included. Discuss what the Pope’s message means to the world and commit to one behavioral change to better care for God’s Creation. Sponsored by the Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina. Information came from their website.
09/24/15 ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES SUMMIT
The main speaker talks about how to build compassionate communities for our children, and one of the critical breakout sessions is “The First 2000 Days”. If we can expose them to compassion and alternatives to violence early, anything is possible! $199 for entire conference and you can just register for parts. Dates are 09/24/15 to 09/26/15 and location is Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville. Contact Robyn at forrestwife@yahoo.com for more information including how to register. This is sponsored by MAHEC.
09/24/15 to 09/27/15 SOUTHEAST GE TREES ACTION CAMP
Global Justice Ecology Project and the Campaign to STOP GE Trees Presents: The Southeast GE Trees Action Camp. This is a Dogwood Alliance Partner Event. The US South is ground zero for GE trees, and now more than ever, we need to come together to save native forests and stop GE trees. Join for four days of training to take action to prevent the release of GE trees. Participants of the action camp will be given an overview of the current state of GE trees, with a focus on the US South, as well as training in organizing, direct action, blockades, our rights as protestors, how to use media and art in protests, among other critical topics. The goal of the training is for the immediate and direct use of skills and knowledge gained at the action camp in protests and organizing against GE trees. Application deadline is 09/02/15. Please contact Ruddy at Ruddy@globaljusticeecology.org for more information including where to go register.
09/24/15 LIBERTY BOOK CLUB
A monthly book group dedicated to liberty, true freedom, and our ability to cultivate a society in which people can think for themselves. From the event organizers: Please join in if you want to "wake up," step out of social conformities, and read about the facts behind the propaganda that is constantly thrown in our faces. The Liberty Book Club meets on the last Thursday of each month. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Call Firestorm for more information.
09/25/15 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING
The next WNC PSR monthly meeting will be at a private home near the VA Hospital. Brown bag lunch at noon, with meeting from 12 noon to 2 PM. For more information, contact Terry at terryclarkpsych@gmail.com.
09/25/15 REVEREND BARBER WELCOMES DAILY KOS TO ASHEVILLE
Time is 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM and location is St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church,
44 Hildebrand Street in Asheville. Rev. William Barber II, president of the NC NAACP, will welcome Daily Kos to Asheville and speak about the Moral Monday Movement, blessing by Reverend Edwards, introduction by Denise Oliver-Velez, vocal performance by Yara Allen. No charge for this event but donations to the church are welcome.
09/26/15 DAILY KOS CONNECTS ASHEVILLE
Join us for a day of progressive strategizing and camaraderie with Big Orange flavor. In a day-long seminar, learn how our Connect! Unite! Act! team used the Daily Kos forum to help affect change in North Carolina state politics. Participants will focus on organizing from the ground up. You'll also get a chance to meet the blog's founder, Markos Moulitsas and some Daily Kos writers, such as Joan McCarter, Meteor Blades, Denise Oliver-Velez and others. Time is 8 Am to 5 PM, location is US Cellular Center in downtown Asheville. Boxed lunch included. $30 registration fee. Contact Neeta Lind at neeta@dailykos.com for more information including how to register.
09/27/15 FUNDRAISER FOR THE BLADE
For over a year, the Asheville Blade has brought the public hard-hitting journalism and sharp perspectives on the city we live in. With no ads or corporate backing, the Blade depends upon its readers and supporters to survive and thrive. This event will see the Blade's talented crew of writers, journalists and artists show off some of their best work and give a glimpse of what's to come, as well as performance, music and treats. Admission is free for Blade subscribers, $5 donation for all others. Time is 3 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Call Firestorm for more information.
09/27/15 FESTIVAL OF SHELTERS
Join BeLoved Asheville Seminary on the Street for the Festival of Shelters, walking in solidarity with our homeless friends. This will be from September 27 to October 4. This ancient Hebrew festival, Sukkot, celebrates the harvest with gratitude and remembers our neighbors who struggle with homelessness as winter approaches. It calls us to resist the lies that separate us from each other. It calls us to resist gentrification and advocate for housing, community, and hope! There will be a light meal, remembrance, prayer and protest on 09/27/15 at 5 PM at Vance Monument. There will be an overnight street vigil, please call Beloved to let them know if you will be doing that overnight vigil. From September 28th to October 4th, there will be a street advocacy meeting at Vance Monument at 3 PM. For more information, contact Rev. Amy Cantrell of BeLoved Asheville at 828-242-826. This is a facebook event.
09/29/15 POVERTY SIMULATION BY JUST ECONOMICS
Carolina Jews for Justice Sponsored Poverty Simulation: The Difficulty of Living on Minimum Wage in WNC. Join Just Economics in a poverty simulation that will provide the community an opportunity to learn first-hand how difficult it is to live on a minimum wage salary in WNC. The cost is $10. Participation will be limited to the first 45 registrants. Time is 4 to 6 PM and location is the Edington Education & Career Center at 133 Livingston Street in Asheville. For more information or to register, contact Judy Leavitt at judleavitt76@gmail.com.
09/30/15 GREEN DRINKS
Curious about solar energy? Want to know your options for switching over to solar? Join Asheville Green Drinks in meeting Erika Schneider, director of communications at Sundance Power Systems and Bill Maloney, the Solar Panels Project Coordinator at St. Eugene Catholic Church. Erika will help clarify the difference with the direct purchase, finance or lease options for your future or dream solar installation. As legislation can vary between states, she will also touch on current legislation surrounding solar energy in NC. St. Eugene Catholic Church in Asheville is installing over 100 Solar Panels this September to coincide with the visit of Pope Francis to the US. In his Encyclical “Laudato Si” we are encouraged to take Care of the Earth. This 45.99 KW DC Net Metered system will reduce CO2 emissions and our dependence on fossil fuel, provide 22% of the Church’s electricity, and give a 35% NC tax credit and 30% Federal charitable tax deduction to donors. MB Haynes Energy Solutions of Asheville will do the installation. The presentation will discuss our project and show how your Congregation can do the same. Socializing at 5:30 PM and presentation from 6 – 7 PM. Location is The Green Sage (Downtown) 5 Broadway St. in Asheville.
09/30/15 OTHER WORLDS ARE POSSIBLE BOOK GROUP
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. September will be Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Call Firestorm for more information.
09/30/15 ASHEVILLE N.O.W. EVENT
Last Wednesdays, September 30 and October 28: Wine, Women and Fixing What's Wrong. Time is 5-6:30 PM. We'll meet up at Sherri's office, 10 South Main Street, Weaverville, drink wine on the back porch, watch the leaves change colors, do a little networking, and take care of chapter business in an informal setting. Rain or shine. For more information contact nowasheville@gmail.com.
09/30/15 IMMIGRANT REALITIES IN WNC
Engage in a dialogue about what realities of immigration in North Carolina, and how it impacts our communities. Learn about the history of immigration in the United States as well as discuss how laws and policies affect access to resources. This workshop will be facilitated by local non-profit organization Coalición de Organizaciones Latino-Americanas (COLA). This is part of Hispanic Heritage Month and Multicultural Student Programs at UNCA. Time is 6 - 8 PM. Location is Highsmith Union, Room 224 at UNCA. Contact dhylton@unca.edu for more information.
09/30/15 CIVIL RIGHTS DOCUMENTARY AT UNCA
UNC Asheville’s Center for Diversity Education will screen four documentaries in the series, “Created Equal: America’s Civil Rights Struggle.” Screenings take place at 6 PM on four Wednesdays, Sept. 30, Oct. 14 and 28, and Nov. 11 in the Highsmith Union Grotto. Discussions led by Dwight Mullen, Darin Waters, and Sarah Judson after the scrneening. Free. For more details, email dmiles@unca.edu or call (828) 232-5024.
10/02/15 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE TIMEBANK POTLUCK AND ORIENTATION
Are you familiar with the TimeBank? If not, we encourage you to learn about this great way to build community and to give and receive services without the use of money. Timebanking can help members with home repairs, transportation, computer issues and just about any other service you can think of while the members have the opportunity to give services that they enjoy doing. Time is 6 PM and location is Burton Street Community Center at 134 Burton Street in west Asheville. For more information, contact transitionasheville@gmail.com.
10/06/15 ELECTION DAY FOR PRIMARIES
10/06/15 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL LECTURE SERIES
“From Humanitarian Intervention to the Responsibility to Protect: the Evolving Discourse on Human Protection,” with George Andreopoulos, director of the Center for International Human Rights at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and professor of political science and criminal justice at City University of New York. The lectures are sponsored by the WNC chapter of the World Affairs Council, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNC Asheville, and the university's Department of Political Science. Admission to World Affairs Council presentations at UNC Asheville is $10 for the public; free to members of the World Affairs Council and UNC Asheville students. For more information call 828.251.6140.
10/07/15 SIERRA CLUB MEETING AND GREEN DRINKS
Sierra Club meeting on Community Greenways And Bikeways: Where We’ve Been And Where We Are Headed. Speakers are Marc Hunt, Vice Mayor of Asheville and Mike Sule, Jim Grode, and Claudia Nix. Location is Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, (corner of Charlotte & Edwin). Time is 7 PM. Contact: judymattox@sbcglobal.net, or 828-683-2176 for more information.
10/07/15 ANNIVERSARY OF US INVASION OF AFGHANISTAN
It has been 14 years we have spent destroying that country. And the Taliban are still there.
10/07/15 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.
10/08/15 MOUNTAIN TRUE ANNUAL GATHERING
Join MountainTrue at our annual gathering for members and supporters! Thursday, October 8 from 5 - 8 PM at Hi Wire Brewing’s Biltmore Village location, 2 Huntsman Place.
Light hor d’oeuvres, drinks and music provided. $10 suggested donation. Contact sara@mountaintrue.org for more information.
10/09/15 CLIMATE AMBASSADOR TRAINING FROM AUDUBON SOCIETY
Climate Ambassadors Training with the North Carolina Audubon Society will be held at New Hope Presbyterian Church at 3070 Sweeten Creek Road in Asheville, NC. Time is 9:30 AM to 4 PM. Birds are showing us an urgent truth. Recent research shows that 170 species of birds in North Carolina will be threatened or endangered over the next 75 years. Many of our most beloved birds – the Wood Thrush, the Brown Pelican, the Baltimore Oriole, the Wild Turkey - could be gone within our children’s lifetime. Audubon North Carolina is taking this threat to heart and taking immediate action to make a difference. But they need many more people to be involved. Might you be part of the solution to protect birds, nature and all creation? Audubon is actively recruiting volunteers for the Audubon Ambassadors program. Contact Audubon Society for more information.
10/14/15 FIFTH ANNUAL POVERTY FORUM
Join Pisgah Legal Services for our 5th Annual Poverty Forum called Getting Upstream of Poverty with Dr. Rishi Manchanda. Location is Diana Wortham Theatre in downtown Asheville. Don't miss "upstreamist" health care innovator and visionary Dr. Rishi Manchanda who will discuss the relationship between health and poverty as we explore what we as a community can do to improve the health of our society. Forum starts at 7 PM, cocktail reception before that. Tickets are $50 for forum and cocktails, $15 for forum only. To buy tickets by phone or for sponsorship information, contact Betsy Ellis at (828) 210-3444.
10/16/15 and 10/17/15 RACIAL EQUITY INSTITUTE TWO DAY WORKSHOP
Racial Equity Institute (REI) is offering a two-day workshop for people of color and white people who are committed to eliminating racism. It provides an analysis that helps participants gain clarity about how racism is organized and how to work to disrupt its powerful influence. Registration required. The cost is $150 per person and registration is open to the public. Please submit registration forms and payment as soon as you (or your organization) are able to commit to the workshop. Time and location TBD. For more information including how to register, contact Laura Eshelman at eshelmanlaura@gmail.com or Isabel Carson at carson.isabel@gmail.com.
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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
Showing Up For Racial Justice meeting at 10 AM at Firestorm Cafe & Books in west Asheville.
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.
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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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ASHEVILLE --- WNC 4 Peace announces an exciting weekend of activities in Asheville and Black Mountain, September 17, 20 and 21, in solidarity with communities around the globe as they celebrate International Day of Peace. This newly formed coalition of peacemakers represents all aspects of peace including spiritual community organizing, and focus on international issues
Leading off a long weekend is the public event Thursday, September 17, 7 PM Labyrinth Walk at the Center for Spiritual Living off Sand Hills Road.
Saturday, September 19, at 6 PM at YMI, 39 Market St. in downtown Asheville. As part of the “Americans Who Tell the Truth” exhibit, a portrait of Rev. William Barber of Moral Monday fame, will be unveiled for the first time as a new addition to the esteemed heroes on display in this exhibit. Mountain People’s Assembly is hosting this event with YMI. Tickets ($25) are required. Contact YMI at 257-4540 for details.
Sunday, September 20, 1 – 5 PM: WNC 4 Peace and its sponsors host “The People’s Peace Festival” at the French Food Co-op on 76 Biltmore Ave. Music and an assortment of activities are still being put together for families and activists. Since Rev. William Barber is expected to be in Asheville for the "Americans Who Tell the Truth" Exhibit at YMI on that day, organizers have invited him to stop by at the Peace Festival to accept its Peace Maker of the Year Award, as well.
On the same day at 2 PM Dobra Tea at 120 Broadway, Black Mountain, will be celebrating Tea for Peace. Events include face painting, live music by Company News, free yoga, art and poetry readings will fill the day.
Monday, September 21, 11:30 AM: WNC 4 Peace and sponsors will host the “International Day of Peace Celebration in downtown Asheville at the Peace Pole near Asheville City Building (Behind Pack’s Tavern). Peace activists along with Performers David LaMotte, Geri Littlejohn and Rhoda Weaver will sing songs of hope, inspiration, and peace with people of diverse beliefs in a troubled world. The celebration will also include group meditation, and a 12 noonbell tolling throughout the city, Dances for Universal Peace, inspirational insights from local peace leaders, and Asheville White Dove Releases. Those who wish can initiate a Walk for Peace following the program. For the first time, in addition to Proclamations for Peace Day from the city and county governments, this year the Buncombe County State Delegation will also present its Proclamation at the event.
White Horse in Black Mountain sponsors a Peace Jazz Concert that night, featuring Michael Jeffrey Stevens' Lightbulb Jazz Orchestra with Soprano Kim Hughes at 7:30 PM
In addition to celebrations happening in Buncombe county, other International Day of Peace events are planned by peace groups in Haywood, Henderson and Yancey counties.
The United Nations International Day of Peace is celebrated on September 21 each year since the early 1980s to recognize the efforts of those who have worked to end conflict and promote peace. This day is also a day of ceasefire -- personal and political, organizers stress. The theme this year is "Dignity for All."
"None of this would have been possible without the support of our dozens of sponsors," Rachael Bliss, an organizer of the celebration notes.
Sponsors include Veterans for Peace Chapter 099, Peace is Possible NC, the United Nations Association of WNC, Ashevillage, Asheville Friends Meeting of the Religious Sciety of Friends (Quakers), the Baha'i Community of Buncombe County, Brooks Howell Residents, Blue Ridge Pride Center, Center for Spiritual Living, Circle of Mercy, Creative Peacemakers, Elders Fierce for Justice, Episcopal Peace Fellowship of WNC, Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, First Christian Church of Black Mountain, First Congregational United Church of Christ, Just Peace for Israel/Palestine, Land of the Sky United Church of Christ, Mountain People's Assembly, North Carolina Green Party, North Carolina Peace Action, Papa and Mama Bear's Peace Garden, Parish of St. Eugene, Peacemaking Potluck of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, People's Acupuncture of Asheville, Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of WNC, the School of Peace, Servanthood House, St. James Episcopal Church of Black Mountain, Swannanoa Valley Pax Christi, UPS Store, , WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility and Zack Zackary and Healing Love Institute.
"We especially thank the French Broad Food Co-op, also one of our early sponsors, who championed our cause at the last minute to be able to hold our event on their property," Bliss remarked.
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