Photo by Will Thomas, taken at recent protest in DC of some local activists.
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER
04/04/16 ANNIVERSARY
This is the anniversary of the death of Martin Luther King Jr. and of his famous “Beyond Vietnam” speech at Riverside Church. “Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.” - Martin Luther King, Jr. It is also the anniversary of the death of Casey Sheehan, son of Cindy Sheehan.
04/04/16 REMEMBER DR. KING’S MARTYRDOM
We will gather at the Vance Monument to call for an end to this racist symbol in the center of our city as a way to remember the revolutionary words and actions that led to his assassination on April 4, 1968. We will publicly read his speech given on April 4, 1967 called A Time to Break the Silence. Time is 11 AM and location is Vance Monument in downtown Asheville. This has been organized by BeLoved Asheville.
04/04/16 FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF LESBIANS AND GAYS DOCUMENTARY
“Puzzles” is a documentary about a violent hate crime. This film showing is for parents, family and friends of LGBT and is open to everyone. Free. Held at Henderson County Public Library at 301 Washington Street in Hendersonville. Time is 6 to 7:30 PM. Contact jerry.w96@gmail.com for more information.
04/04/16 PRIDE MONTH EVENT AT UNCA
There will be a film screening of “Paris is Burning” at 7:30 PM at Highsmith Student Union in the Grotto. Free. Join Multicultural Student Programs, Alliance, and Black Student Association as we screen the film “Paris is Burning.” This film takes an in-depth look at the vibrant, colorful, and imaginative drag scene in New York City in the 1980s. Intersecting themes of drag culture, race, class, gender identity and sexuality, this film creates an unforgettable narrative of LGBTQ culture during this era. Call 251-6585 for more information or email dhylton@unca.edu.
04/04/15 HENDERSONVILLE SISTER CITIES
Submissions of artwork, essays, poems, short films, and/or photography inspired by the theme “Peace Through People” are being accepted from students at the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson County. This is open to the students of schools located inside Henderson County. Artwork will be accepted until 04/15. Please call Hendersonville Sister Cities for more information.
04/04/16 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES
Please join us for dinner, dessert or a beverage together this Monday at 5:30 PM at Green Sage Cafe in Westgate with fellow progressives. We ask that attendees purchase either dinner, a beverage and/or dessert and RSVP so we can give our friends at Green Sage a headcount. Thank you. As always you are invited to give an announcement or ask for signatures on a petition. We have two speakers for Monday including Patrick Kilroy who has been the volunteer coordinator for the Buncombe County Democratic Party for the last 18 months and Thalia Lopez with Democracy NC who will give a report on the success and failures of the voter protection that took place during the March primary. Please contact Cheryl at ctorengo@gmail.com for more information and to RSVP.
04/04/16 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.
04/04/16 SMART GROWTH ISSUES
Lenoir-Rhyne University Asheville welcomes Governor Parris Glendening, President of Smart Growth America’s Leadership Institute, to address students, faculty, elected officials, and the public on smart growth issues facing Asheville and Western North Carolina. Glendening will address local, regional and national issues and consider many of the challenges Asheville currently faces around affordable housing, downtown development, transportation, highways, and general livability. Glendening served as Governor of the State of Maryland from 1995-2003 where he created the nation’s first state-level smart growth policy package. He taught political science at the University of Maryland, College Park for 27 years and is the author of two books and over 100 articles and conference papers. He travels across the country and around the world advising state and local governments on smart growth, transit, and sustainability policies and practices. He also serves as President of the Governors Institute on Community Design, a National Endowment for the Arts leadership initiative, administered in partnership with the US EPA and Smart Growth America. Socializing starts at 5:30 PM, and Gov. Glendening's talk will begin at 6 PM in the Lenoir-Rhyne University (Board Room on the 2nd floor) at 36 Montford Avenue in downtown Asheville. Sponsors include the Reese Institute for Conservation of Natural Resources and WaterRock Institute. Go to Lenoir-Rhyne University Asheville Campus website for more information and instructions on how to register. This event is free, but you must RSVP
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 BOOK CLUB
They will be discussing “Greening the Global Economy” at 7 PM at Malaprops in downtown Asheville. Contact Malaprops for more information.
04/05/16 PRIDE MONTH EVENT AT UNCA
“From the Margins to the Middle: Experiences of LGBTQ People of Color” is a panel discussion. It will be held at Highsmith Student Union in room 221. Time is 6 PM. Join Multicultural Student Programs as we begin to unpack the experiences of those who identify along the intersections of multiple oppressed identities. We will discuss the perspectives of those who identify as both a person of color and as a member of the LGBTQ community. Engage in the discussion as we move their experiences from the margins to the middle. Contact dhylton@unca.edu for more information.
04/05/16 ASHEVILLE TRANSIT COMMITTEE MEETING
Time is 3:30 to 5 PM and location is the 1st Floor Conference Room at City Hall.
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. Learn how to reduce your energy ussaage. Free. 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.
04/06/16 ASHEVILLE SOCIALIST MEETING
ISO meeting is at 6:30 PM at UNCA in Highsmith Student Union, room 235. The following is the agenda for this Wednesday's meeting with the Asheville branch of the International Socialist Organization: 1. Discussion of Keeanga Yahmatta-Taylor's From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation (Chapter 4: The Double Standard of Justice and Chapter 5: Barack Obama: The End of an Illusion); 2. HB2 and addressing the forever relevant decision not to support the lesser evil; 3. Organizing in Asheville - discussion of the following topics: Margaret Spellings and the BOG, planning for our talk titled From #BLM to Black Liberation, Socialist Retreat, and discussion of SW for paper sales. Please contact asheville.socialist@gmail.com for more information.
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.
04/07/15 BENEFIT FOR OUR VOICE
This is a tea ritual and discussion by Reverend Becca Stevens on human trafficking, oppression and how a community can heal together. It is a benefit for Our Voice.Cost is $50. Held at Homewood at 19 Zillicoa Street in Asheville. Time is 4 PM. Call Our Voice for more information.
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 a surprise! 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 CONGREGATION
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.
04/08/16 COMMUNITY DEBATE ON MARIJUANA
You are invited to attend an Asheville community debate in which four citizens will argue for and against the following resolution: RESOLVED: Marijuana should be legalized in the United States and regulated similarly to alcohol or tobacco. The debate features Ben Scales (attorney and activist) and Dee Williams (social justice advocate and community organizer) arguing in SUPPORT of the resolution, and Sheriff Van Duncan and Lindsay Carver-Stockman of the Buncombe County Partnership for Substance Free Youth arguing AGAINST the resolution. The debate will be moderated by John Boyle (Asheville Citizen-Times "Answer Man") with student timekeepers and judges. Time is 5:30 to 7 PM and location is Asheville High School on McDowell Street in Asheville. This is a Facebook event.
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.
04/09/16 TOOL LIBRARY GRAND OPENING PARTY
This is from 2 to 6 PM and will be at 133 Church Street in Asheville. There will be music, food, drinks, and tools to check out. This is a Facebook event.
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.
04/12/16 FILM SCREENING AT THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE
Screening the Baltimore-based documentary “Gentrification” will happen from 5 - 7 PM with social worker turned filmmaker, Jude Lombardi. Location is The Block Off Biltmore at the corner of Eagle and Market Streets in downtown Asheville. Call 828-254-9277 for more information.
04/13/16 OUR COLLECTIVE FOOD SECURITY - PANEL AT UNCA
Government, community and campus efforts to strengthen local food policy in Asheville. Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is Humanities Lecture Hall. Join us for a panel and discussion on efforts to address food security through localfood policy efforts, such as the City's Food Action Plan (passed in 2011), the Food Policy Council, and community activities. UNCA faculty and staff will provide comments on how our campus is supporting local efforts through the lenses of health/nutrition (Amy Lanou), racial equity (Dolly Mullen), economics (Leah Matthews) and sustainability (Sonia Marcus). Free and open to the public.
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 cleanup. 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.
04/16/16 GREENWORKS SCHOOL ORCHARD PLANTING
Join Warren Wilson College and the GreenWorks to plant ten Apple and Pear trees to establish the Hall Fletcher Community Orchard. Tools will be provided. This is an all ages project. Time is 9 AM to 1 PM and location is 60 Ridgelawn Road in Asheville. Contact Greenworks for more information.
04/16/16 GREENWORKS ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION
Join for a huge Arbor Day event. Tree Circus, Climbing Demos, Woodworkers, Tree City USA and the Warren Wilson Timber Team. Free event, lots for the kids to do. Time is 1 to 4 PM and location is Carrier Park on Amboy Road in Asheville. Contact Greenworks for more information.
04/17/16 REPORT FROM FUKUSHIMA
Mary Olsen shares her report from her recent trip to Fukushima. This is a free event, all are welcome. The website says this event goes from 7 AM to 10 PM, but I suspect that is incorrect. Call 828-254-9277 for more information.
04/17/16 AUTHOR EVENT AT FIRESTORM
Open Borders, Undocumented Immigrants & Desperate Refugees: A Chomsky Inspired Approach to Migration. Robert Barsky's long engagement with the life and work of Noam Chomsky, recorded in a trilogy of books for MIT Press (Noam Chomsky; The Chomsky Effect; Zellig Harris) began with conversations between Noam and Robert about refugees and migration. Chomsky's attitude with regards to migrants, and to suffering people, challenges trumped-up ideas about security and threats to our nation. His general approach is also confirmed by those who work on the “front lines” with migrants, most notably public defenders, lawyers and translators, people to whom Robert has devoted his new book, Undocumented Immigrants in an Era of Arbitrary Law. Robert will describe this general attitude, and offer insights based upon three major research projects relating to the flight and plight of refugees and undocumented migrants in the US and beyond. Time is 3 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
04/17/16 AUTHOR EVENT AT FIRESTORM
Revolutionary Mothering: Love on the Front Lines. Inspired by the legacy of radical and queer black feminists of the 1970s and ’80s, Revolutionary Mothering places marginalized mothers of color at the center of a world of necessary transformation. The challenges we face as movements working for racial, economic, reproductive, gender, and food justice, as well as anti-violence, anti-imperialist, and queer liberation are the same challenges that many mothers face every day. Oppressed mothers create a generous space for life in the face of life-threatening limits, activate a powerful vision of the future while navigating tangible concerns in the present, move beyond individual narratives of choice toward collective solutions, live for more than ourselves, and remain accountable to a future that we cannot always see. Revolutionary Mothering is a movement-shifting anthology committed to birthing new worlds, full of faith and hope for what we can raise up together. Time is 5 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
04/18/16 UNITED TO RESTORE DEMOCRACY MEETING
Location is the North Asheville Library at 1030 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. Time is 7 PM. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Diana at dianakruk@gmail.com or 828-275-0680.
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
Sustainability and social justice meet-up. 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. Call The Spot for more information at 828-575-2729.
04/21/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN BLACK MOUNTAIN
Africa Healing Exchange, in partnership with White Horse Black Mountain and in conjunction with YWCA's Stand Against Racism, presents a multicultural celebration and benefit to raise awareness and support trauma healing. AHE works primarily with caregivers and families in Rwanda to help end the cycle of generational trauma and related illnesses. This event will feature grammy-nominated singer Laura Reed, with notable guest performers including African-inspired dancers, artists and speakers. African cuisine provided by Kente Kitchen (cash purchase); full bar; vendors featuring coffee, tea and artisan products for sale from Rwanda. Tickets in advance from White Horse Black Mountain. Time is 6 to 9:30 PM. Location is White Horse Black Mountain at 105 Montreat Road in Black Mountain. Tickets are $25 adults, $10 kids. For more information, contact Sara at 828-333-4960or info@africahealingexchange.org.
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.
04/25/16 KEN ILGUNAS READING & SIGNING
Ken Ilgunas’ amazing adventure, detailed in Trespassing Across America, took him along the length of the proposed Keystone XL pipeline on foot, a journey that gave him firsthand insight into the people and places that would be most affected by the pipeline. Combining travel narrative, science, statistics, and cultural commentary, the book synthesizes multiple genres to make a profound statement about our world’s shifting landscapes. Author Candace Savage praises it as “an exhilarating adventure” that will leave you “emboldened and filled with hope.” Ken is the author of Walden on Wheels and has hitchhiked 10,000 miles across North America and paddled 1,000 miles across Ontario in a birch-bark canoe. Location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville and time is 7 PM. Contact Malaprops for more information.
04/25/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
The YWCA of Asheville will take a Stand Against Racism through a series of Racial Justice workshops for staff, board and volunteers. The Racial Justice workshops will be held in the Multipurpose room on the following dates: Monday, April 25, and Tuesday, April 26, from 6 - 7:30 PM and Friday, April 29, 12 - 1:30 PM. This a 90-minute workshop facilitated by Gerry Leonard, Volunteer & Racial Justice Coordinator, and Holly Gillespie, MotherLove Coordinator. There will be a pre & post test survey to gather feedback. Refreshments will be provided. The goals of the Racial Justice Workshop are to learn shared language and concepts related to racial justice, become familiar with the YWCA's racial justice framework, and grow more comfortable talking about race and racism. This event is open to the public. Location is the YWCA at 185 South French Broad Street in downtown Asheville. If you are interested in attending, please contact Gerry Leonard at 828-254-2706, ext. 219 or email gleonard@ywcaofasheville.org.
04/26/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
The YWCA of Asheville will take a Stand Against Racism through a series of Racial Justice workshops for staff, board and volunteers. The Racial Justice workshops will be held in the Multipurpose room on the following dates: Monday, April 25, and Tuesday, April 26, from 6 - 7:30 PM and Friday, April 29, 12 - 1:30 PM. This a 90-minute workshop facilitated by Gerry Leonard, Volunteer & Racial Justice Coordinator, and Holly Gillespie, MotherLove Coordinator. There will be a pre & post test survey to gather feedback. Refreshments will be provided. The goals of the Racial Justice Workshop are to learn shared language and concepts related to racial justice, become familiar with the YWCA's racial justice framework, and grow more comfortable talking about race and racism. This event is open to the public. Location is the YWCA at 185 South French Broad Street in downtown Asheville. If you are interested in attending, please contact Gerry Leonard at 828-254-2706, ext. 219 or email gleonard@ywcaofasheville.org.
04/26/16 NELDA HOLDER READING & SIGNING
In her book The Thirteenth Juror: Investigating the Grand Jury Transcripts, Nelda Holder transports us into the ranks of the 12 members of the grand jury in the Michael Brown Case. She reports on the details of the case in depth and argues for an overhaul of the grand jury process in this country while also highlighting the tragic events in Ferguson, MO, and their aftermath. Nelda is a seasoned journalist who worked as the associate editor of the Mountain Xpress and now manages Politically Purple NC. Location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville and time is 7 PM. Contact Malaprops for more information.
04/28/16 HOODTALK
No further information at this time.
04/29/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
The YWCA of Asheville will take a Stand Against Racism through a series of Racial Justice workshops for staff, board and volunteers. The Racial Justice workshops will be held in the Multipurpose room on the following dates: Monday, April 25, and Tuesday, April 26, from 6 - 7:30 PM and Friday, April 29, 12 - 1:30 PM. This a 90-minute workshop facilitated by Gerry Leonard, Volunteer & Racial Justice Coordinator, and Holly Gillespie, MotherLove Coordinator. There will be a pre & post test survey to gather feedback. Refreshments will be provided. The goals of the Racial Justice Workshop are to learn shared language and concepts related to racial justice, become familiar with the YWCA's racial justice framework, and grow more comfortable talking about race and racism. This event is open to the public. Location is the YWCA at 185 South French Broad Street in downtown Asheville. If you are interested in attending, please contact Gerry Leonard at 828-254-2706, ext. 219 or email gleonard@ywcaofasheville.org.
04/29/16 TRACEY RIZZO READING & SIGNING
Tracey Rizzo’s new work, Intimate Empires: Body, Race, and Gender in the Modern World, co-authored with Steven Gerontakis, is an examination of identity in the age of empires and colonization. Designed to be accessible for undergraduates, scholars, and interested readers alike, this text is invaluable for its insights into the shifting categories of race and gender in a period of intense change. Julia Clancy-Smith (U of AZ) says that the book “offers a fascinating interpretive overview of recent thinking on gender, race, and empire through deep analysis of images as evidence…It is unique in a crowded field.” Tracey is the Chair of UNCA’s History Department. Location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville and time is 7 PM. Contact Malaprops for more information.
04/29/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
The movie “Cracking the Codes: The System of Racial Inequity” will be shown and a round table discussion will follow. The film invites America to talk about the causes and consequences of systemic inequity, features moving stories from racial justice leaders including Amer Ahmed, Michael Benitez, Barbie-Danielle DeCarlo, Joy DeGruy, Ericka Huggins, Humaira Jackson, Yuko Kodama, Peggy McIntosh, Rinku Sen, Tilman Smith and Tim Wise. Followed by round table discussion on how we live, talk and relate. Time is 6:30 to 8:30 PM and location is Jubilee! Community on Wall Street in Asheville. For more information, contact Jacquelyn at 828-252-5335 or jldobrinska@gmail.com.
04/30/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN ASHEVILLE
We will show and discuss the DVD “Woodlawn”. A free event with refreshments. Time is 2:15 to 4:45 PM. This is presented by Grateful Steps and will be held at 333 A Merrimon Avenue in Asheville. For more information, contact Micki at 828-778-3194 or micki@gratefulsteps.org.
04/30/16 STAND AGAINST RACISM EVENT IN BLACK MOUNTAIN
Gathering at Lake Tomahawk Park in Black Mountain for a discussion about how to expand our social circles to include more friends of color. Time is 2 to 4 PM and location is Lake Tomahawk Park. Organization who is organizing this is WHO Knows Art. For more information, contact Wendy at 828-231-5355.
04/30/16 GREAT ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE CLEANUP
Organize your neighborhood for a spring cleanup. The GreenWorks will provide bags, gloves, safety vests, road signs and litter grabbers. The City of Asheville and NCDOT will come to pick up your trash after your cleanup. Call GreenWorks at 254-1776 to arrange to pick up your supplies.
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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
This Tuesday, March 22, Asheville City Council will vote 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.
Asheville City Council Meeting
March 22 at 5:00 p.m.
Asheville City Hall
70 Court Plaza, 2nd Floor
Asheville, NC 28801
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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Hood Tour Tickets
An interactive tour focusing on Asheville’s African American resilient history and future in the arts, environmentalism and entrepreneurship. The tour visits neighborhoods with existing and active green spaces, art, and grassroots initiatives. Tours run most Thursdays at 1 PM and Saturdays at 3 PM, and by appointment for groups by emailing info@hoodhuggers.com. Tours last approximately 1.5 hours. Cost is $25 per person. Tours begin at the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Avenue.
Hood Huggers International, LLC offers sustainable strategies for building support pillars for resilient historically African American neighborhoods, providing a framework for community capacity building while increasing the effectiveness of existing service programs. These strategies incorporate the arts, environmental education and social enterprise.
DeWayne Barton is the founder/CEO of Hood Huggers. A sculptor and poet, Barton has been involved in community improvement and youth development for over 20 years. He serves on the African American Heritage Commission, CoThinkk, and the City of Asheville Neighborhood Advisory Board.
Please call (828) 275-5305 or email blove@hoodhuggers.com for more information including how to register for these tours.
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