UPCOMING EVENTS
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 or email at rachael_bliss@yahoo.com.
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.
09/21/15 WEEK OF MORAL ACTION FOR CLIMATE JUSTICE BEGINS
In his encyclical, Pope Francis forcefully underscores the moral aspect of the climate crisis. Now it’s our turn to call America to honor its moral duty to act now for climate justice. Join thousands of others, in our nation’s capital and across the country for a week of actions, vigils, teach-ins, concerts, and rallies.
09/22/15 TO 11/7/15 AMERICANS WHO TELL THE TRUTH EXHIBIT
Robert Shetterly's “Americans Who Tell the Truth” exhibit is on display now at the YMI Center in Asheville. This exhibit contains the portraits of fifty-two courageous Americans Who Tell the Truth and were painted by Robert Shetterly. $10 Suggested Donation. The YMI Center is open from 1 to 4 PM on Sunday and from 11 to 4 PM on Tuesday to Saturday. Closed Mondays. 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.
09/23/15 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 TO 10/03/14 EARLY VOTING FOR PRIMARIES STARTS TODAY
Voting is from 8 to 5 PM, Monday to Friday and October 3, 2015 (Saturday) from 8 to 1 PM. Only voting location is Election Services at 77 McDowell Street in Asheville. You can register to vote during early voting.
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. This may have been rescheduled, so be sure to contact them ahead of time.
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.
09/24/15 PEOPLE’S ACTION GROUP ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Did you know Asheville is facing a significant housing crisis? Let’s talk and act on affordable housing. Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is the United Way at 50 South French Broad Street in Asheville. Room is Conference Room 1. Come for dinner, new friends and action. Vicki Meath from Just Economics and Greg Borom from Children First will lead us in discussion and action. For more information, contact Amy Cantrell at Just Economics. 828-505-7466.
09/24/15 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE
Showing up for Racial Justice (SURJ) is a national network of groups educating and organizing white people to act as part of a multi-racial majority for racial justice. Asheville SURJ hosts a weekly discussion group on risk-taking, accountability, mutual interest and how to call more white people into racial justice work. Anyone with a passion for working with white people on racial justice is welcome! Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville.
09/24/15 MORAL CHALLENGES SERIES AT UNCA
Moral Challenges Series presents Ambassador Johnnie Carson from 12:15 PM to 1:30 PM at Carmichael Humanities Lecture Hall at UNCA. Ambassador Johnnie Carson is the former Assistant Secretary of State for Africa. He will be speaking (followed by a Q&A session). His talk is titled “The Centre of the World Depends on Where You Live.” Open to the public.
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.
10/01/15 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS VIGIL
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Join us in honoring the victims and survivors of abuse by attending this year ‘s Domestic Violence Awareness Vigil and ceremonial lighting of the courthouse. The Buncombe County Courthouse will shine purple for the month of October in order to raise awareness for domestic violence. All community members are encouraged to attend this free event. Time is 7 to 9 PM and location is Pack Square Park in front of Buncombe County Courthouse. There will be singers, speakers, music, survivor testimony and candlelight vigil. There will also be a reading of NC homicide victims names and a proclamation to end domestic violence. Sponsors for this year’s event include Helpmate, Buncombe County Government, eNOugh Awareness Campaign Committee, Sound Extreme Entertainment and Womansong. For more information contact Christy Price 828-254-2968 x 112, cprice@helpmateonline.org.
10/01/15 CANDIDATE FORUM ON TRANSPORTATION ISSUES
Asheville on Bikes presents Step Right Up, a primary candidate forum focused on the issues of transportation. We will gather and socialize with candidates at 6:30 PM. At 7 PM, candidates will share their policy position and vision of Asheville’s transportation. Afterwards, candidates will table and meet with participants. This will be held at Clingman Cafe at 242 Clingman Avenue in Asheville.
10/01/15 INTERGENERATIONAL CONVERSATION ON RACIAL JUSTICE
Why shouldn’t we be surprised at the persistence of racial injustice? What can we do about it? This panel discussion will be held in the Multipurpose Conference Room at the YWCA on South French Broad Street in Asheville. Time is 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Moderated by Reverend Michael Carter (Unitarian Universalist of the Swannanoa Valley). Elder Panel is Isaac Coleman (Civil Rights Activist & Community Leader, Founder Read to Succeed); Reverend Jim Abbott (Retired Rector St. Matthias Episcopal Church, Asheville); and Jacquelyn Hallum (Director of Education Mountain Area Health Education Center). Youth Panel is Raekwon Griffin (Class President Asheville High School); Felicia Blow (Intern, Institute for Southern Equality); and Michael Collins (Representative, Showing Up for Racial Justice). Public discussion to follow the panel. Sponsors are Elders Fierce for Justice, YWCA and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Richard at firepeople@main.nc.us.
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.
10/19/15 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.
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.
10/14/15 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.
10/16/15 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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Peace is real. Peace is possible. Plan to spend time Peace Day weekend at peacedayglobalbroadcast.org, streaming from the United Nations from Saturday, September 19, through Monday, September 21. Take heart from the messages of world peace leaders like Pope Francis, the Dalai Lama, Ban-Ki-Moon, Kofi Annan, Jane Goodall, Jimmy Carter and Prem Rawat. Take action with the words of prominent UN volunteers like Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie, Katy Perry, Liam Neeson, Shakira and Forest Whitaker. Take joy in the music of artists like Beyonce, Katy Perry, Bono, Daya, John Adorney, Ringo Starr, Sting, and Playing for Change. Take hope from fellow citizens around the world taking the biggest to the smallest actions making an extraordinary difference. This is a broadcast you won't want to miss. peacedayglobalbroadcast.org
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Asheville is an International City of Peace:
http://internationalcitiesofpeace.org/cities/asheville/asheville.html
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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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Creation Care Circles-Our first book studies launch this Fall! A seven week study.
Join one of our Regional Papal Encyclical study groups-
All are welcome to learn, discuss, listen and act on behalf of creation with others who are reading through the Pope’s Encyclical about Caring for our Common Home. We will have sign up sheets at the event on September 24th or you can email Scott directly at creationcare@mountaintrue.org to find out more details.
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 pm-First Baptist Church, Asheville-Karen Richardson Dunn
Sundays, 11 am-St. Eugene’s- Catholic Church-Connie Mitchel and Mike Noth
Tuesdays, 6:30 pm, City Lights Cafe, Sylva, NC-Sarah Ogletree
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