UPCOMING EVENTS
03/28/16 CONNECTION PRACTICE
The Connection Practice: Communicating with Empathy & Insight. First of 5 week series with Cathy Holt. Time is 7 to 9 PM. Location not provided. For more information, call Cathy at 828-545-9681 or email her at cathyfholt@gmail.com.
03/28/16 ART AT WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
“From Apartheid to Democracy” exhibit is from the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa. This will be held in Hunter Library, 2nd floor gallery. This runs until May 20, 2016.
03/28/16 IDLE NO MORE DISCUSSION AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY
The “Idle No More” movement is, essentially, a movement akin to the Black Lives Matter but with a focus on Native Americans. Students in the NASA and Dr. Hawn will moderate a discussion of this political organization, why Native Americans have been marginalized in American politics, and why everyone should care about equalizing relationships with all people of color. Time is 5 to 6PM and location is Belk Auditorium at Mars Hill University.
03/29/16 SPEECH ABOUT CHEROKEE WOMEN AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY
The Liston B. Ramsey Center for Regional Studies will present, “Cherokee Women: Respected Not Ranked; Contrasting Ways That Cultures Value Women,” on Tuesday, March 29, at 7 PM in Broyhill Chapel at Mars Hill University. Dr. Barbara Duncan, speaker, is the education director of the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, NC. This event will celebrate Women's History Month. It is sponsored by Regional Studies, Women's Studies, and the Ramsey Center. It is free and open to the public.
03/29/16 NC HOUSING COALITION LISTENING SESSION
There is not a single, simple solution to housing affordability. Housing policy is not glamorous and can sometimes appear confusing. ‘Zoning’ and ‘block grants’ are not terms that will make you the life of the party. But, we need advocates to roll up their sleeves and get in the game. Bring your passion for the issue and we'll be there to help you learn the ropes. Your first step is on March 29. Join us at the NC Housing Coalition's Listening Session, Tuesday, March 29, from 1 to 3 PM, at MAHEC. The event is free, but registration is required. At the session, you will learn about recent developments in state and federal affordable housing policy; and shape a statewide policy agenda by participating in a facilitated conversation about the affordable housing dynamics of the Asheville region. Contact Greg at gregb@childrenfirstbc.org for information on how to register, for more information in general and if you need a ride to MAHEC. This is sponsored by Children First Buncombe County.
03/29/16 STEM LECTURE AT UNCA
The STEM Lecture Series is interdisciplinary with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The upcoming lectures for winter term are multidisciplinary and will highlight how different STEM disciplines are used in a unified program, where the success of each program depends on the interaction of more than one discipline. On March 29, the topic will be 'Statistics and the Environment - Using Flexible Statistical Models to Model a Variety of Scientific Data' by Dr. Steve Patch, UNC Asheville Mathematics Department. This event is free and open to the public. Time is 4:30 to 6 PM and location is Reuter Center, room 206, at UNCA.
03/29/16 ANIMAL AGRICULTURE WORLD CAFE AT UNCA
Come be part of the discussion on animal agriculture and learn from an array of points of views relating to people’s knowledge, relationships, and stances on meat production and consumption in relation to the environmental impact of animal agriculture. Confirmed guests include Tracy Monday from Mother Earth Meats, Meredith Leigh, author of the "Ethical Meats Handbook", Sadrah Schadel from No Evil Foods, Sunil Patel from Patchwork Farms, and Rowdy Keelor from Brother Wolf's Vegan Outreach program. Bring an open mind! Co-sponsored by the Student Environmental Center and the Office of Sustainability. This is at 6 PM and will be held at Highsmith Student Union, rooms 221 and 222, at UNCA. This is a Facebook event.
03/30/16 HOW TO VOTE GREEN
This panel discussion with local elected leaders and environmental advocates will serve as an educational workshop to inform voters on how to consider issues and 2016 candidates through an environmental lens. Guests will include Councilpersons Julie Mayfield and Gordon Smith, County Commission Brownie Newman, and NC Sierra Club Political Chair, Ken Brame. Sponsored by the Student Environmental Center at UNCA. Time is 7 PM and location is Laurel Forum at UNCA.
03/30/16 DUKE ENERGY AND THE CLIMATE CRISIS PRESENTATION
Warren-Wilson College Environmental and Social Justice Crew, Alliance for Energy Democracy, NC WARN, Duke Environmental Law and Policy Clinic and the Climate Times present “Duke Energy and the Climate Crisis”. A free, public event on the economic and climate impacts of Duke Energy's massive expansion of natural gas use, including 560 new Megawatts of generating capacity at the Arden facility. Speakers include engineer Bill Powers, Rev.Rodney Sadler, Jr., of the NC NAACP, Connie Leeper of NC Warn, solar developer Dave Hollister and former educator and activist Steve Norris. This will take place in the Canon Lounge at Warren Wilson College. Time is 7 PM. Free and open to the public. More info at 919-416-5077.
03/30/16 RESTORATIVE CIRCLES PRESENTATION
“Restorative Circles: Supporting Community and Cooperative Living” with Steve Torma. The idea for Restorative Circles method arose amid the poverty, inequality, and injustice in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. The idea has spread and is now being practiced in communities around the world. Restorative Circles works on the street, and it also works in people’s minds, building the idea of a community-based justice system and redefining “justice” in terms that are positive and inclusive. This is a powerful tool for anyone interested in working or living in the cooperative way. This program is a collaboration between the French Broad Food Co-op and Firestorm Café and Books. Free and open to the general public. Donations accepted to support the work. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information or call Daav Wheeler at (828) 989-6805.
03/31/16 HOOD TALK MEETING
Developing positive energy to restore greater communication and strength throughout our community. Next session will be on Thursday, March 31st, from 6 - 8 PM at the YWCA on South French Broad Street in Asheville. Call the YWCA for more information.
03/31/16 GREENFEST CAREER PANEL AT UNCA
Gain first-hand insight into careers in various fields of environmental sustainability. This is your chance to hear expert advice and learn more about the career paths of these accomplished UNC Asheville alums. Sponsored by the Career Center. Time is noon to 1 PM and location is Highsmith 223 at UNCA.
03/31/16 AMERICAN INDIAN IDENTITY TALK AT UNCA
“The Tribal Spirit: American Indian Identity in the 21st Century” is the title of this talk by Dr. Perry Horse. Dr. Perry Horse's talk will focus on research around post-colonial consciousness which is moving indigenous people from a state of dependency back to a state of independence and self-reliance. Dr. Horse is a member of the Kiowa Tribe and a contributing author in both editions of New Perspectives on Racial Identity Development, NYU Press, 2001 & 2012. Time is noon to 1 PM and location is the UNCA Intercultural Center. For more information, call 828-232-5024 or email dmiles@unca.edu.
04/01/16 ECOFEMINISM PANEL AT UNCA
Come explore and be empowered by ecofeminism, the intersection of feminism and environmentalism! This event will combine an educational panel discussion by UNC Asheville faculty and Asheville community members with an open forum for attendees to discuss and develop their own relationship to this movement. Sponsored by Hyannis House and Student Environmental Center. Time is 4 to 5:30 PM and location is Hyannis House at UNCA.
04/02/16 INTERFAITH RESPONSE TO IMMIGRATION RAIDS AND DEPORTATIONS
Interfaith Response to Immigration Raids and Deportations Forum is a forum for faith communities with Anton Flores-Maisonet. Time will be 6:30 to 8:30 PM, and location is Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church at 789 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Join us as we hear about the impact a new wave of deportations is having on the lives of immigrants and explore faith-based actions to protect families in Western North Carolina who face the threat of raids and deportations. At the beginning of 2016, ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) stepped up deportations of undocumented Central Americans in North Carolina. Now is the moment for faith communities to respond to these raids, which have separated families, imposed suffering, and heightened fears. This forum is sponsored by Circle of Mercy congregation, in partnership with Nuestro Centro, CIMA (Compañeros Inmigrantes de las Montañas en Acción), and Center for Participatory Change. For more information contact Bill at billramsey3@gmail.com or 828-319-7652.
04/02/16 CHASING DREAMS BY CO-THINKK
“Free” mini-grant writing workshops. Learn more about a rare opportunity to fund your dreams and make them a reality. Hands on help to develop your ideas and get them on paper. Time is 1 to 4 PM and location is the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County at 50 South French Broad Ave in downtown Asheville. Free child care and interpretation provided. This was posted on Facebook under “CoThinkk”. Please go there for more information.
04/02/16 ASHEVILLE GREENWORKS TREE PLANTING
Join the South Asheville Rotary and Asheville Arborist for a much needed tree planting at Estes Elementary School. We need volunteers to help make this a special day for the school. Tools and supervision will be provided. This is an all ages event. Time is 10 AM to 1 PM and location is 275 Overlook Road in Asheville.
04/05/16 TEACHING THE HOLOCAUST
This will be held at the Hinds University center Ballroom at Western Carolina University from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Through the N. C. Council on the Holocaust and the UNC Asheville Center for Diversity Education, a professional development day-long workshop for 5th - 12th grade teachers (with a special focus on history and literature) will be offered in the spring in WNC. The workshop will include a lecture by Dr. Eric Roubinek in the morning and a witness testimony by Dr. Walter Ziffer in the afternoon along with excellent resources from experienced Holocaust educators. The Center for Diversity Education has additional free resources for teaching about the Holocaust as does the N. C. Council on the Holocaust. For more information, contact dmiles@unca.edu and register here
04/05/16 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE HOSTS CLIMATE SCIENTIST
This keynote address by Climate Scientist Katharine Hayhoe is open to the public. Named to Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World list for 2014, Katharine Hayhoe is an atmospheric scientist who studies climate change, one of the most pressing issues facing humanity today. But Katharine may be best-known to many people because of how she’s bridging the broad, deep gap between scientists and Christians - work she does in part because she’s a Christian herself. Together with her husband Andrew Farley, a professor of applied linguistics, pastor of Church without Religion, and best-selling author, Katharine wrote A Climate for Change: Global Warming Facts for Faith-Based Decisions, a book that untangles the complex science and tackles many long-held misconceptions about global warming. Her work as a climate change evangelist has been featured on the Emmy award-winning documentary series “Years of Living Dangerously” and “The Secret Life of Scientists and Engineers”. Time is 7 PM and location is First Baptist Church at 5 Oak Street. All are welcome. Free. Email Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina at creationcare@mountaintrue.org for more information and instructions on how to register.
04/05/16 COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITIES RECEPTION
Collaborative Communities Reception with Climate Scientist Katharine Hayhoe (see above for more information on her) will be hosted by Creation Care Alliance of WNC. Time is 5 to 6:30 PM and location is Lenoir Rhyne Graduate Studies Center at 36 Montford Avenue (Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce). Space is limited. All are welcome. Free. Email Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina at creationcare@mountaintrue.org for more information and instructions on how to register.
04/05/16 BOOK REVIEW AT UNCA
“The Most Dangerous Communist in the United States” by Dr. Gary Murell. Dr Gary Murell, who is a Professor of History at Gray's Harbor College in Washington, will discuss his new book on the life of Herbert Aptheker, an American Radical of the mid 20th century, literary executor of WEB DuBois, and pioneer in African American history. Time is 7 to 8:30 PM and location is Karpen Hall 139. For more information, contact Tracey Rizzo, 828-251-6315 or trizzo@unca.edu.
04/05/16 CURRENT EVENTS BOOKCLUB
They will be discussing “Greening the Global Economy” at 7 PM at Malaprops in downtown Asheville. Contact Malaprops for more information.
04/06/16 SIERRA CLUB MEETING AND GREEN DRINKS
Jason Walls and Amy Musser will talk about Duke’s Power Plant and Home Energy Efficiency. Time is 7 PM and location is Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 1 Edwin Place (Charlotte Street and Edwin Place) in Asheville. Contact judymattox@sbcglobal.net or 828-683-2176 for more information. Free and open to the public.
04/07/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT
A-B Tech Community College and the YWCA of Asheville are partnering to bring a community-wide Stand Against Racism event to the college from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM on Thursday, April 7th in Ferguson Auditorium on the Asheville campus. The event is free and open to the public. Stand Against Racism is a signature campaign of YWCA USA to build community among those who work for racial justice and to raise awareness about the negative impact of institutional and structural racism in our communities. This campaign is one part a larger national strategy to fulfill the YWCA's mission of eliminating racism. This year's event is titled, Ban the Box: Promote Employment Fairness. There will be two panel discussions that explore efforts to remove the box that asks about criminal records from employment applications. Panel one features employers who have voluntarily removed the box in an effort to ensure that individuals who have paid their debt to society are treated fairly. Panel two features resource providers that help formerly incarcerated individuals find gainful employment and success stories from individuals who were hired despite having a criminal record.
04/08/16 FREE SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVIE AT KAIROS WEST
Fridays at Kairos West there will be a four part film series and potluck. The potluck gathering will begin at 6:30 and last until 7:30. Bring something tasty to share if you can. We'll have some food and coffee/tea available also. And on April 8th, the last film in the series will be “We Are Many” (tentative provided we receive a copy in time). Free and open to the public. Time is 6:30 PM for the potluck and 7:30 PM for the movie. Location is Kairos West Community Center at 742 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Children are welcome at this event! We will use the front room of the community center as a kid friendly space during the movie. If you'd like to coordinate with us and other caregivers on supervised childcare options, please let us know in advance! This is a facebook event, so go there for more information.
04/08/16 TINY HOME AND LIVING TOUR FROM MOUNTAIN TRUE
Sign up for MountainTrue’s Tiny Home and Living Tour. Join us for a tour and presentation with Wishbone Tiny Homes, located in West Asheville. Featured on Tiny House Nation (FYI Network), Wishbone Tiny Homes is a family owned and operated NC General Contracting company and RV manufacturer focused on meeting the diverse needs of the next generation tiny home buyer. Our tour and presentation will take a look at green building, sustainability, and we will get to take a look at a model tiny home. Time is 1:30 to 3:30 PM. Location is Wishbone Tiny Homes at 355 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Registration deadline is Wednesday, April 6th at 5:00 PM. Call Ella at 258-8737, ext 216 or email her at ella@mountaintrue.org for more information including how to register.
04/08/16 SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM AT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATON
Environmental & Social Justice Film, “Making A Killing: Guns, Greed, and the NRA” will be shown on Friday, April 8th, at 7 PM, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville at the corner of Charlotte and Edwin Streets. This is a film by Robert Greenwald and Brave New Films. The film exposes how the powerful gun companies and the NRA are resisting responsible legislation for the sake of profit - and thereby putting people in danger. The film looks into gun tragedies that include unintentional shootings, domestic violence, suicides, mass shootings and trafficking - and what we can do to put an end to this profit-driven crisis. Making a Killing: Guns, Greed, and The NRA tells the stories of how guns, and the billions made off of them, affect the lives of everyday Americans. It features personal stories from people across the country who have been affected by gun violence, including survivors and victims' families. The film exposes how the powerful gun companies and the NRA are resisting responsible legislation for the sake of profit - and thereby putting people in danger. There is no charge for viewing the film - Donations are welcome. Contact Charlie at mnpopi@charter.net for more information.
04/08/16 FUNDRAISER FOR AURA HOME
Join us from 5 to 6 PM for a Meetup, and then music (Girls Rock!) from 6 to 9 PM. Requesting donations of household items for women. Aura Home’s mission is to establish a long-term, supportive housing facility for homeless female Veterans, and to offer daily living necessities such as meals, clothing and transportation, provide information on accessing community resources for education, jobs and job training, financial and legal matters, medical care, and assist with Veterans’ benefits and programs through certified service officers and Veterans Affairs staff. This event will be at The Block Off Biltmore at 39 S.Market Street in downtown Asheville. Call them at 828-254-9277 for more information.
04/09/16 RICHMOND HILL INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL WORK DAY
Richmond Hill Park invasive plant removal work day will run from 9 AM to 1 PM. Free. Join us and help restore native plant communities by controlling non-native invasive plants at Richmond Hill Park in Asheville. This is the City of Asheville’s only forested park and is home to many special native plant and animal species. We’ll provide all gloves, equipment and instruction needed. Please bring snacks, water, rain jacket and wear long pants, long sleeve shirt and closed toe shoes (no open shoes or sandals allowed for safety). This event will be held during the second Saturday of every month. (Rain Date: Second Sunday) Email Amanda at amanda@mountaintrue.org for more information.
04/09/16 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING
Citizens Climate Lobby meets the second Saturday of each month at Kairos West Community Center, 742 Haywood Road in west Asheville. We are advocating for a Carbon Fee & Dividend, which would impose a fee on fossil fuels at point entry; this fee will be refunded to individuals and families. There is bipartisan support in Congress as this will create jobs and help grow the economy, boosting renewables. Time is 12:30 to 3 PM. For more information, contact asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.
04/11/16 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE SOCIAL
Topic will be “Gardening Tips” with Samantha Beharrysingh. Location is St. Mary's Episcopal Church at 337 Charlotte Street in north Asheville. Time is 6 to 8 PM. If you have questions, comments, concerns, or want to know how to get involved in cultivating a more resilient Asheville, please let us know by sending an email to TransitionAsheville@gmail.com.
04/12/16 LUNCH N LEARN AT UNCA
Unpacking “Whitesplain” - Becoming Better Allies for People of Color. Facilitator will be Preston Keith, Assistant Director of the Intercultural Center and Multicultural Student Programs. Time is noon to 1 PM and location is Intercultural Center at Highsmith Union 114 at UNCA.
04/14/16 HENDERSONVILLE GREEN DRINKS
Hendersonville Green Drinks will focus on the work of the Southern Environmental Law Center. Patrick Hunter, staff attorney in the Asheville office of the Southern Environmental Law Center will speak on SELC’s work, including his focus projects of protecting our southern forests and the local coal ash clean-up. Come to Green Drinks to learn more about current environmental issues, have relevant discussions, and meet with like-minded people. This is a monthly event and everyone is welcome. You don’t have to drink at Green Drinks, just come and listen. Time is 5:30 to 8 PM and location is Black Bear Coffee Company at 318 North Main Street in Hendersonville. For more information, contact Black Bear at 828-MY-COFFEE.
04/15/16 GLOBAL DAY AGAINST MILITARY SPENDING
04/16/16 HOW DO WE FIX OUR BROKEN WORLD?
We need hope, we need change, we need justice - and we have help. In this divided world Maitreya, the world teacher, is stepping forward. His mission has begun. Mastery and his group of enlightened teachers, are here to help us reverse the damage we have done to our planet and inspired us to create a new civilization based on sharing the world’s resources and justice - the way to lasting peace. Free presentations at 2 PM at Asheville Friends Meeting at 227 Edgewood Road in Asheville NC. Please call McNair at 828-398-0609 for more information. Sponsored by Share International Southeast.
04/16/16 CHASING DREAMS BY CO-THINKK
“Free” mini-grant writing workshops. Learn more about a rare opportunity to fund your dreams and make them a reality. Hands on help to develop your ideas and get them on paper. Time is 1 to 4 PM and location is the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County at 50 South French Broad Ave in downtown Asheville. Free child care and interpretation provided. This was posted on Facebook under “CoThinkk”. Please go there for more information.
04/18/16 UNITED TO RESTORE DEMOCRACY MEETING
More information to come.
04/19/16 READING OF THE NAMES AT UNCA
Center for Diversity Education at UNCA will be hosting the Reading of the Names with the UNCA Hillel Students on the steps of Ramsey Library at UNC Asheville. Traditionally, this is done on Yom HaShoah, which falls in the middle of final exams this year on May 5. Instead, the event will be on April 19. This is the date of the beginning of the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, which played a role in the history of the creation of Yom HaShoah. This year's readings will include names of Jewish, Romi, and Jesuit victims. Time is 9 AM to 4 PM. For more information, call 828-232-5024 or email dmiles@unca.edu.
04/20/16 GREEN DRINKS
Time is 5:30 PM to gather and eat. Program begins at 6:30 PM. Location is The Spot at 76 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Green Drinks is now under MeetUp. Call The Spot for more information at 828-575-2729.
04/22/16 EARTH DAY
04/22/16 OUR VOICE ZINE READING
This event is co-hosted by UNC Asheville’s Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies Program and OurVOICE, and is free and open to the public. This event will include material, sometimes graphic, and discussion about rape and abuse; audience discretion is advised. Our Voice: Survivors Speak will include a reading of selected zine submissions and an open mic session for those interested in speaking or adding their creative voice to the topic of sexual violence and its effects on the community. The event is the culmination of a semester-long collaboration between UNC Asheville and OurVOICE, a nonprofit organization that serves all individuals in Buncombe County affected by sexual assault and abuse. Location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville and time is 7 PM. Contact Malaprops for more information.
04/23/16 HARD TO RECYCLE COLLECTION
Free to the public, recycling event, accepting items of all sorts. Now with two locations. Founded in 2011 by Rainbow Recycling, Hard 2 Recycle events are free to the public collections geared to bring awareness to other modes of recycling to our area. Four quarterly held collections to cover the four corners of the County and one central event in Downtown Asheville. Our goal is to educate, collect and divert items that would normally end up in the landfill: styrofoam, electronics, books, batteries, cooking oil and much more. Not accepting the following items: paints, stains, sealers, CFL or fluorescent or incandescent bulbs; chip & snack bags; petroleum products; hard plastics; vinyl / PVC / VHS / cassette tapes; plate glass, foam; wooden items or cement. Main collection from 8 AM to 1 PM at City Market Tailgate at 161 Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville and satellite collection from 8 AM to noon at First Baptist Church at 5 Oak Street in downtown Asheville.
04/24/16 EARTH DAY VIGIL
The Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina invites you to join us for a vigil celebrating God's creation and calling on people of faith to care for it. We will gather in the grass of All Souls Episcopal Cathedral, in Biltmore Village at 9 Swan Street in Asheville for an afternoon of song, reflection, and to hear messages of inspiration and action from local faith and community leaders. All are welcome! Time is 5:30 to 6:30 PM.
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ONGOING EVENTS
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TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 4:30 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument
Showing Up for Racial Justice is from noon to 2 PM at Firestorm Cafe and Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Educating and organizing white people for racial justice. Free.
Orientation session for Asheville Timebank. 4 PM at Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Email help@ashevilletimebank.org for information and to register.
WEDNESDAY
Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood County Courthouse in Waynesville
French Broad Riverkeeper has a paddle-n-plant to prevent sediment erosion most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Registration required at anna@mountaintrue.org.
THURSDAY
Political Prisoners Letter Writing at Firestorm Cafe & Books at 6 PM on first Thursday of the month. Materials provided.
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.
French Broad Riverkeeper has a paddle-n-plant to prevent sediment erosion most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Registration required at anna@mountaintrue.org.
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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Alert: Clean up Cliffside Coal Ash
Please write public comments
Email: rogerscomments@ncdenr.gov
Mail: Debra Watts, N.C. Division of Water Resources, Groundwater Protection Section, N.C. Department of Environmental Quality,
Attn: Debra Watts, 1636 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1611.
Date: comments received by April 18, 2016 will be considered in determining final impoundment classifications.
North Carolina’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has finally released the long-awaited draft priority classifications for state’s 14 coal ash dumpsites. Sadly, DEQ has not recommended the coal ash dumps at Cliffside in Rutherford and Cleveland Counties for complete cleanup, leaving the surrounding communities and all those downstream at risk from toxic pollution.
Despite the fact that Cliffside’s coal ash has been polluting groundwater and the Broad River with unsafe amounts of toxic heavy metals for years, DEQ recommends two of the three for low priority classification--meaning they could be left in place on the banks of the Broad River to pollute our waters in perpetuity.
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Show your support for the Energy Innovation Task Force
On Tuesday, March 22, Asheville City Council voted on a resolution to establish the Energy Innovation Task Force. Then on April 5, Buncombe County Commission will meet to vote on the same joint resolution. Once established, his task force will bring together representatives from the City, County, Duke Energy and community partners to work toward to a cleaner, affordable and smarter energy future.
The work of the Energy Innovation Task Force will be to strategize and implement a plan that will meet the region’s future energy demand through more energy efficiency and investment in renewable energy infrastructure so that we can avoid the construction of a third natural-gas-powered “peaking” unit at Lake Julian.
Buncombe County Commissioners Meeting
April 5 at 4:30 p.m.
Buncombe County Building
200 College Street, 3rd Floor
Asheville, NC 28801
Public comment will be accepted. Come to both the Asheville City Council meeting and the County Commission meeting and show your support for the creation of the Energy Innovation Task Force!
Text of the Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. __________
RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING A JOINT CITY, COUNTY AND UTILITY ENERGY INNOVATION TASK FORCE FOR THE PURPOSE OF RESEARCHING, PRIORITIZING, RECOMMENDING AND IMPLEMENTING RECOMMENDATIONS TO CREATE ENERGY EFFICIENCY, DEMAND SIDE MANAGEMENT AND RENEWABLE ENERGY OPPORTUNITIES TO REDUCE ENERGY USE IN BUNCOMBE COUNTY_________________
WHEREAS, Buncombe County adopted a resolution regarding Buncombe County Energy Independence on December 3, 2013; and
WHEREAS, the City of Asheville adopted a resolution Supporting a Clean Energy Economy on October 22, 2013; and
WHEREAS, the region’s beauty, clean air, and clean water are vital to the residents of Buncombe County and the region’s economy; and
WHEREAS, the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and Duke Energy Progress are committed to working to delay or avoid the construction of an additional fossil fuel-powered combustion turbine electricity generating facility at the Asheville Plant site in 2023; and
WHEREAS, the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and Duke Energy Progress desire a transition to a cleaner, affordable, and smarter energy future in Western North Carolina, rooted in community engagement and collaboration, that is mutually beneficial to the community, customers and Duke Energy Progress; and
WHEREAS, Duke Energy Progress has agreed to co-convene with the City of Asheville and Buncombe County a joint Energy Innovation Task Force to transition to a cleaner, affordable, and smarter energy future through active community engagement, deliberate investment in distributed energy resources and greater promotion of and access to energy efficiency and demand-side management programs, subject to appropriate North Carolina Utilities Commission approval; and
WHEREAS, supporting a clean energy future will foster protection of natural resources, help mitigate climate change, and facilitate the growth of the clean energy industry in our region; and
WHEREAS, the task force will engage with our community to provide cost-effective services, programs and new products they value and expect through investment in clean and innovative ways to power Western North Carolina, while keeping rates competitive; and
WHEREAS, Buncombe County residents and businesses have the ability to seize this opportunity to use renewable energy and participate in energy efficiency and demand-side management programs to increase the region’s climate resiliency and to become a model to other communities in the state and country.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BUNCOMBE COUNTY COMMISSION AND ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL THAT:
Buncombe County, the City of Asheville and Duke Energy Progress have established a joint task force known as the “Energy Innovation Task Force” that will appoint members from local government, environmental and clean energy advocates, large and small businesses, local institutions and Duke Energy Progress to research, recommend and implement energy efficiency and demand-side management programs and projects and distributed energy technology in Buncombe County, subject to appropriate North Carolina Utilities Commission approval. This Task Force will seek input from and engagement with the public as an integral part of its work.
Read, approved and adopted this __ day of March 2016.
Buncombe County Commission Chair Mayor, City of Asheville
County Clerk City Clerk
Approved as to form:
County Attorney City Attorney
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