I support the Women's Boat to Gaza (these kids in Gaza do too!)! https://
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER
10/03/16 CANDIDATE FORUMS: VOICE YOUR VIEW IN BUNCOMBE
Are there questions that you would like our local and state candidates to answer? Now is your chance to voice your view! Go to www.bit.ly/2cOmbGa for the online question survey and then come out to a candidate forum. Candidate forums are free and open to public! This is moderated by Carolina Public Press, and presented by Children First, League of Women Voters, and Democracy NC. Cosponsors includes the American Association of University Women, YWCA of Asheville, Warren Wilson College, Carolina Jews for Justice, Spirit In Action, Western NC Community Health Centers, and The Council on Aging of Buncombe County. The time is 6 PM and location is Wesley Grant Center. This forum will cover Commissioner Chair, Commissioner District 1 and Register of Deeds.
10/03/16 VOICES FOR ECONOMIC JUSTICE - ORGANIZING TRAINING
This is organized by Just Economics of WNC. Do you struggle to make ends meet on a low income? Do you want to work for a better economic community that works for everyone? One where those who work hard can put a roof over their heads and food on their tables without worrying? Voices for Economic Justice is an 8 week community organizing training for low wage workers or low income people. We offer tools for making positive community change and finding your voice to be that change! This Voices training will be focused on Transportation Justice. The training is free for participants and will take place each Monday night in October and November (except Halloween) from 6 - 8:30 PM. Each night, we open with dinner (also free) and conversation related to the training that evening. Transportation and childcare will also be provided to those participants who need it! Contact Amy Cantrell at Just Economics if you have questions by messaging us on Facebook or by calling Just Economics at 828-505-7466. This event is only for people who self identify as low wage workers or people living on a low income. Others can come as volunteers though the number of volunteers is limited. Location will be sent to you upon registering
10/03/16 CANDIDATES FORUM IN JACKSON AND SWAIN COUNTY
A community forum to pose questions to candidates for Jackson and Swain County Commissioner. Location is the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center at the Cherokee Middle School at 150 Ravensford Drive in Cherokee. Jackson County candidates will be from 6 to 7:30 PM, and Swain County candidates will be from 8 to 9:30 PM. This is organized by OccupyWNC and The Canary Coalition. Co-sponsored by The Sylva Herald, The Smokey Mountain Times, The Macon County League of Women Voters, WRGC, and WBHN Radio.
10/03/16 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES
Please join us for dinner, dessert or a beverage together Monday, October 3rd 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. Please give us a quick email to let us know how much time you need. So far we have two speakers, Brownie Newman, Buncombe County Commissioner running for Chair and Valerie Hoh, founder of Power of Women NC and her social media campaign. Contact Cheryl for more information and to RSVP at ctorengo@gmail.com.
10/04/16 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL LECTURE
Dr. Donald Mayer, Professor of Business Ethics at Denver University Daniel's School of Business and St. Mary's College in California, will consider the implications and the responses to the release earlier this year of the 'Panama Papers'; and the challenges to the status quo in international finance they present. This is at 7:30 PM and location is room 102, Manheimer Room, at the Reuter Center at UNCA. Lectures are free to WAC members and students, all others $10 at the door. For more details about programs, consult the World Affairs Council website.
10/04/16 VIGIL FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS
eNOugh! Honoring the victims of domestic violence in Buncombe County and paving the way for a violence free future. Buncombe County Government invites the public to stand with us as we move towards a violence free future. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month and during this month we are honoring victims of intimate partner violence and taking action to create safety and awareness for our county through a coordinated community response which includes the creation and recent opening of the Family Justice Center. Join us as we partner with Helpmate in honoring the victims and survivors of abuse by attending the Domestic Violence Awareness Vigil and ceremonial lighting of the Family Justice Center on Tuesday, October 4 from 6:30 to 7:45 PM at 35 Woodfin Street in downtown Asheville. This free event is open to the public. Speakers, survivors, and music are a part of the lineup as well as the display of the Clothesline Project, a testimony to the stories of those impacted by violence. Partners in Buncombe County are saying eNOugh and we mean it. Our Voice is also a sponsor.
10/04/16 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS VIGIL AT A B TECH
This is reportedly not happening at this time/place, but was combined with above vigil at the Family Justice Center.
10/04/16 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 Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
10/04/16 SESSION WITH CONGRESSMAN MEADOWS IN WAYNESVILLE
Congressman Mark Meadows will hold a session on Wilderness Tues, Oct 4, 10 am, at Haywood Ct Courthouse in Waynesville. See the end of this email for more information on this - it comes from the Sierra Club.
10/05/16 SIERRA CLUB MEETING/GREEN DRINKS
This meeting will present an Environmental Legislative Update, the good the bad and the ugly by Cassie Gavin. It will cover coal ash, water quality, waste management, clean energy and recycling. This event is free and open to the public. Time is 7 PM and location is Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 1 Edwin Place (corner of Charlotte and Edwin) in Asheville. For more information, contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net or call 828-683-2176.
10/05/16 PISGAH LEGAL SERVICES POVERTY FORUM PRESENTATION
“Ending Child Poverty Now” with Marian Wright Edelman, the President and Founder of the Children's Defense Fund, will be the topic of this Poverty Forum. Each year, Pisgah Legal Services hosts a forum to draw attention to the plight of people living in poverty in Western North Carolina. This year, our focus is on child poverty. The United States has the second highest rate of child poverty among 35 industrialized countries, despite having the largest economy in the world. A child in the United States has a 1 in 5 chance of being poor. In Pisgah Legal’s six-county WNC service region, approximately 25 percent of children live in poverty. On October 5th, we host the Forum’s keynote speaker Marian Wright Edelman, a legendary fighter for social justice in America. She is the founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund, a passionate advocate for the rights of children, a lawyer, an author and a civil rights leader. This will be at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at the US Cellular Center in downtown Asheville. Time is 5:30 PM for cocktail reception, with forum starting at 7 PM. Tickets are $15 to $50 and can be obtained from Pisgah Legal. For questions, contact Betsy Ellis at 828-210-3444 or betsy@pisgahlegal.org.
10/05/16 GREEN GRANNIES BOOK CLUB
Founded in 2012, the Green Grannies are a group of women who are willing to make a ruckus about the need for action on climate change. This is their reading group and it is open to all. Time is 12 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
10/05/16 PLAY AT NC STAGE - GROUNDED
When a hotshot air-force pilot throws up on the tarmac after a flight, she realizes that she’s pregnant. After her daughter is born, she returns to the military but is told that she is no longer needed on her fighter jet. Instead, she will report to duty at Creech Air Force Base in the Nevada desert. She will be at the forefront of the latest advances in aerial combat as the operator of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, A Reaper, a Drone. She will smite the enemy by day and return to her family at night. And she will be challenged and changed in ways she never dreamed possible while looking out into the endless blue. The play is called “Grounded” and is written by George Brant. This play runs until October 9, 2016. More information and tickets can be obtained at 828.239.0263 and the NC Stage Box Office.
10/06/16 RIVER CLEAN UP WITH MOUNTAIN TRUE
It’s time to act like a pirate and steal all the booty from the French Broad. We’re aiming to create a Litter Flotilla to help clean the river and celebrate the 5 Point Film Festival! Time is 2:45 - 5 PM. We'll be cleaning up the section of river between Hominy Creek (where we will meet) and the Salvage Station, where the 5Point Van Life Rally will later be held (begins at 5pm). Prizes will be awarded at the Salvage Station for "most litter collected," "strangest piece of trash," and the overall "Trash-to-Treasure." Bring your own boat or RSVP ahead of time for a spot on one of the six Southern Raft Supply rafts. Bring gloves, a friend, and a little competition (these prizes are sweet!). Email questions to adam@blueridgeoutdoors.com. Contact Anna Alsobrook at 828-258-8737 or anna@mountaintrue.org for more information and to register.
10/06/16 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE HARVEST CELEBRATION & POTLUCK
Guests are Susan Sides and friends from The Lord's Acre. Time is 5:30 to 7 PM and location is Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church at 789 Merrimon Avenue in north Asheville. Tour a community garden and learn how to start one. Bring a seasonal covered dish to share and a plate/utensils for everyone in your party. Drinks will be provided. Hosted by Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina.
10/07/16 ISRAEL / PALESTINE - BEYOND SIDES - TOWARDS SOLUTIONS
Currently finishing his book, Painful Hope, Ali Abu Awwad is today a leading Palestinian activist teaching his countrymen non-violent resistance, and reaching out to Jewish Israelis at the heart of the conflict. Ali has toured the world many times over, telling his riveting story of violent activism, imprisonment, bereavement and discovery of the path of non-violent resistance, a story of personal transformation. Hanan Schlesinger is an Orthodox rabbi and teacher, and a passionate Zionist settler who has been profoundly transformed by his friendship with Ali. His understanding of the reality of the Middle East conflict and of Zionism has been utterly complicated by the parallel universe introduced to him by Mr. Awwad. Roots/Shorashim founders Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Ali Abu Awwad will speak on their unique collaboration on Friday, October 7, 2016, at 7:30 PM at the Congregation Beth Israel at 229 Murdock Avenue in Asheville. The Roots/Shorashim Project is a Palestinian/Israeli initiative for understanding, nonviolence, and transformation. The program is free and open to the public. This programming is brought to Asheville by the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, The Cathedral of All Souls, Kairos West Community Center, Congregation Beth Israel and Episcopal Peace Fellowship. Contact Anne at anne.craig@ismspa.com for more information.
10/08/16 ISRAEL / PALESTINE - BEYOND SIDES - TOWARDS SOLUTIONS
Currently finishing his book, “Painful Hope”, Ali Abu Awwad is today a leading Palestinian activist teaching his countrymen non-violent resistance, and reaching out to Jewish Israelis at the heart of the conflict. Ali has toured the world many times over, telling his riveting story of violent activism, imprisonment, bereavement and discovery of the path of non-violent resistance, a story of personal transformation. Hanan Schlesinger is an Orthodox rabbi and teacher, and a passionate Zionist settler who has been profoundly transformed by his friendship with Ali. His understanding of the reality of the Middle East conflict and of Zionism has been utterly complicated by the parallel universe introduced to him by Mr. Awwad. Roots/Shorashim founders Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger and Ali Abu Awwad will speak on their unique collaboration on October 8, 2016, at 10 AM at the Cathedral of All Souls. This is directed at a youth audience - middle and high school students. The Roots/Shorashim Project is a Palestinian/Israeli initiative for understanding, nonviolence, and transformation. The program is free and open to the public. This programming is brought to Asheville by the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, The Cathedral of All Souls, Kairos West Community Center, Congregation Beth Israel and Episcopal Peace Fellowship. Contact Rev. Milly Morrow at 828-772-1429 for more information.
10/08/16 ASHEVILLE HOUSING FAIR
The City of Asheville and Land of the Sky Association of Realtors announce the 2016 Asheville Housing Fair to take place from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Stephens Lee Center at 30 George Washington Carver Avenue in Asheville. The event is free and open to the public and will guide consumers and homeowners through a myriad of questions surrounding credit, renting, buying, vacation rentals and more. Representatives from more than 20 nonprofit organizations and associations will be on site to provide information and one-on-one assistance to those seeking to learn more about affordable housing options. A series of workshops will be held throughout the event. The workshop schedule includes: renter’s rights, lending tools for a challenging market, managing affordable rentals, veterans’ panel discussion, ADU’s: design to renting,bond referendum discussion and missing middle housing self-guided tour. A tiny home exhibition will be on display in the Stephens Lee Center parking lot. The Asheville Housing Fair will be family friendly, and a playground is onsite. There will be a free lunch provided by the Land of the Sky Association of Realtors. Information is available by phone, at 828-239-2903, or by emailing slaporta@lotsar.org.
10/08/16 RICHMOND HILL INVASIVE REMOVAL WORK DAY
Join us and help restore native plant communities by controlling non-native invasive plants at Richmond Hill Park. This is the City of Asheville’s only forested park and is home to many special native plant and animal species! Volunteers help to stop the spread of harmful non-native invasive species and return native species to the unique park. Time is 9 AM to 1 PM and location is Richmond Hill Park in Asheville. Contact Susan Bean 828.258.8737 x 216 or susan@mountaintrue.org for more information or to register.
10/08/16 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING
Citizens Climate Lobby meets the second Saturday of each month at Kairos West Community Center, 610 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.
10/09/16 CROP HUNGER WALK
For those planning to walk: the walk begins and ends at First Baptist in downtown Asheville. Registration begins at 1 PM and the walk begins at 2 PM. Distance options are 2.5 miles or 5 miles. You can decide how far to walk on Oct. 9. There will be two water/bathroom stations located at Unitarian Universalist Congregation and at Grace Covenant Presbyterian. All walkers will get a Crop-Walk T-Shirt. Our team will carry a large sign showing Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville. This is a fundraiser to help alleviate hunger in our community. There will be much more information about this in our local media. If you have any questions, please contact Martha at: marshall@ret.unca.edu.
10/09/16 PEACE VIGIL RETURNS TO ALL SOULS
The Vigil Returns - Beginning Sunday, August 21, at 5 PM, the Vigil for Peace on the All Souls Cathedral grounds in Biltmore Village, will resume and continue weekly until the Nov 8 election. Sponsored by the Episcopal Peace Fellowship of WNC, it is a way of asking people to make special intercessions in their prayer and life for peace and justice in our American culture. The tone of the current political campaign makes it obvious that we are neglecting our Baptismal vows to respect the dignity of every human being. This is a call to pray with actions as well as words. We invite you to join us each Sunday for our thirty minute Vigil.
10/10/16 to 10/13/16 DISGRACE: SEEKING GOD’S GRACE AMID THE DISGRACE OF RACISM CONFERENCE
The DISGRACE conference will be a faithful response to the embedded and structural racism in church and culture. Grounded in worship, truth-telling, confession, and collaboration, we move from disgrace toward solidarity. Together we tackle the hidden histories, unaddressed discomforts, divisions between people and communities, with a diverse community committed to journeying through these difficult but necessary and potentially life-giving conversations. When this conference ends, our true response to systemic racism begins. This will be at Montreat Conference Center in Montreat, NC. Commuter rate is $178 per person, with a daily rate of $70 per person/per day. Registration is on the Montreat Conference CenterIf you have any questions about the registration process, please email the registrar at SusanA@montreat.org or call 828.419.9829.
10/10/16 KNOW YOUR CIVIL RIGHTS PART ONE
Join the legal professionals from Pisgah Legal Services for an in-depth look at your rights under the law. This workshop will focus on the following: understanding the law and eviction process under NC law, affordable and subsidized housing programs, security deposit laws, stalking and cyberstalking laws, and domestic violence protections available under NC Law. Time is 11 AM and location is Ferguson Auditorium at A-B Tech. This is from A-B Tech website, no information on how to register.
10/10/16 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE SOCIAL
Presentation topic is “Peace and Environmental Justice” - an Evening with Robert Zachary. In 1965, when he was only fifteen, Robert Zachary met Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during one of King's visits to Zachary's hometown in Alabama. According to Zack, “This monumental meeting set the tone for what would be my life’s work.” Today, he is a retired counselor and chaplain who runs the Healing Love Institute, where he offers lectures, consulting and chaplain services to bring people of different races together. Time is 6:30 to 8 PM and location is St. Mary’s Episcopal Church on Charlotte Street in north Asheville. Contact Rebecca at palmtree747@gmail.com for more information.
10/10/16 MARCH IN SOLIDARITY WITH INDIGENOUS RESISTANCE
Support Indigenous Resistance, Stop the Dakota Access Pipeline. March in solidarity with the Standing Rock occupation. Meet at the Federal Building (corner of Otis St. and Patton Avenue) at 5 PM, march to Vance Monument at 5:30 PM. Celebrate Indigenous People's Day (which is October 10) by showing your support for the indigenous uprising against the Dakota Access Pipeline being built on stolen land. Celebrate the unbroken spirit of resistance to 500+ years of colonialism, genocide, white supremacy and resource extraction in North America. Support indigenous communities defending their land, water, and air! Including in North Carolina. For more information contact: Matt Wallace, bloodroot@riseup.net. #NODAPL
10/10/16 WATER IS LIFE FUNDRAISER
This is an action to unite the people of western NC as well as our surrounding areas, to support and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous led movement. #NODPAPL at Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota. We are collecting donations and supplies to help sustain the camps throughout the winter. Time is 4 to 10 PM and location is the Salvage Station at 468 Riverside Drive in Asheville. There will be music (Rising Appalachia, Nematic, Santos GlocalSoul, I,Star) and speakers and a silent auction and raffle. #NODAPL
10/11/16 NAACP MEETING
The Branch’s regular monthly meeting is the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 PM at Hill Street Baptist Church at 135 Hill Street in Asheville. If you have questions, contact Carmen Ramos-Kennedy at (828) 423-6476, or 4ward2getherCall2Action@gmail.com.
10/11/16 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
On the second Tuesday of each month, Western North Carolina Veterans for Peace meets to coordinate group activities and programs.Veterans For Peace is a global organization of Military Veterans and allies whose collective efforts are to build a culture of peace by using our experiences and lifting our voices. We inform the public of the true causes of war and the enormous costs of wars, with an obligation to heal the wounds of wars. Our network is comprised of over 140 chapters worldwide whose work includes: educating the public, advocating for a dismantling of the war economy, providing services that assist veterans and victims of war, and most significantly, working to end all wars. Time is 6:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
10/12/16 SESSION ON FOREST MANAGEMENT IN BREVARD
The US Forest Service will hold a session on forest management/ wilderness Wed, Oct 12 from 3-6pm at the Pisgah Ranger District Office in Brevard. This comes from the Sierra Club. See the end of this email for more information.
10/13/16 MOUNTAIN TRUE FALL GATHERING AND ANNUAL MEETING
Join MountainTrue staff, board members, general body members and other community members in an annual gathering to talk about the organization and meet environmental advocates in Western North Carolina. Stay tuned for more information about the Fall Gathering/Annual Meeting. Time is from 4:30 to 7:30 PM.
10/13/16 CANDIDATE FORUMS: VOICE YOUR VIEW
Are there questions that you would like our local and state candidates to answer? Now is your chance to voice your view! Go to www.bit.ly/2cOmbGa for the online question survey and then come out to a candidate forum. Candidate forums are free and open to public! This is moderated by Carolina Public Press, and presented by Children First, League of Women Voters, and Democracy NC. Cosponsors includes the American Association of University Women, YWCA of Asheville, Warren Wilson College, Carolina Jews for Justice, Spirit In Action, Western NC Community Health Centers, and The Council on Aging of Buncombe County. Time is 6 PM and location is TC Roberson High School (tentative location). This forum will cover Commissioner District (2 seats), State House District 116 and State Senate District 48.
10/13/16 CANDIDATE FORUM FOR SCHOOL BOARD - HENDERSON COUNTY
This is a League of Women Voters event. The Henderson County School Board Candidates will hold a forum at City Operations building at 305 Williams Street in Hendersonville. Time is 6 PM.
10/14/18 VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR 2016 GENERAL ELECTION
10/14/16 SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM AT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST
On Friday, October 14th, we are screening the documentary “Audrie and Daisy”, a film that takes a hard look at American’s teenagers who are coming of age in this new world of social media bullying, spun wildly out of control. “Audrie and Daisy” is an urgent real-life drama that examines the ripple effects on families, friends, schools and communities when two underage young women find that sexual assault crimes against them have been caught on camera. The film screening is at 7 PM. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville at One Edwin Place in north Asheville. There is no charge for viewing the film - donations are welcome. Contact Charlie at mnpopi@charter.net for more information.
10/15/16 to 10/16/16 COMMUNICATION SKILLS
‘Be peace: empathy and insight for healing relationships’ with HearthMath coach Cathy Hold. This will be at Unity of the Blue Ridge. Call 828-545-9681 for more information and to register.
10/16/16 WORLD FOOD DAY CELEBRATION
A mini-fair and food justice gathering at The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. “If you don’t love Monsanto, come join us for Sunday brunch!” On October 14-16, Monsanto will be put on trial at the International Court in The Hague for crimes against humanity, including ecocide. Time is 1 to 5 PM. For more information, contact The Block Off Biltmore.
10/18/16 TRANSIT COMMITTEE MEETING IN ASHEVILLE
This will happen at 3:30 PM and location is the 4th floor Training Room at the Municipal Building at 100 Court Plaza in Asheville. Call the City of Asheville for more information.
10/19/16 REBUILDING AFFRILACHIA - PEARSON PLAN WORKSHOP
DeWayne Barton will be offering a Pearson Plan Workshop on October 19 and November 16 from 5 to 6 pm at the Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton Street, in Asheville. Learn more about this plan for Rebuilding Affrilachia and how you can be a part of it. There is no charge for the workshop, though contributions to support the Pearson Plan will be accepted. If you'd like to be part of this, please join him; there is no pre-registration necessary. Questions? Email info@hoodhuggers.com.
10/19/16 GREEN DRINKS
Sustainability and social justice meet-up group will meet at 5:30 PM for socializing and 6 PM for the program or presentation. Location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. Contact The Block Off Biltmore for more information.
10/20/16 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS - HENDERSON COUNTY
This is a general meeting that will focus on money in politics. Location is Chamber of Commerce meeting room at 204 Kanuga Road in Hendersonville. Time is 3 PM.
10/21/16 RIVERLINK ART GALA SHOW AND FUNDRAISER
There will be music, drinks, and food, and various artworks to view and purchase from 20 local artists. Music by renowned cellist, Ron Clearfield. Also there will be historic art and artifacts of the French Broad River. Time is 6 – 9 PM and location is Zealandia, at 1 Vance Gap Road (on Beaucatcher Mountain) in Asheville. This fundraiser is to benefit RiverLink, and you can obtain tickets through their website.
10/21/16 TO 10/23/16 CHRONIC CONFERENCE IN ARDEN
This is the Carolina Human Rights OrgaNizing Conference (CHRONIC). The conference is about understanding human rights. The conference focus is to bring together activists and organizers from a diverse range of movements to provide a holistic understanding of human rights issues in the Carolinas. Civil rights/political rights/economic rights/social rights/cultural rights/environmental rights/developmental rights/sexual rights. Ubuntu Institute for Community Development & New South Network of War Resisters are the organizers of CHRONIC 2016 - Carolina Human Rights OrgaNIzing Conference. Ubuntu Institute provides information and forums on social and economic development in the Spartanburg - Greenville SC area. New South Network of War Resisters are committed to action, collaboration & training in organized nonviolence. This will happen at the Lutheridge Camp & Conference Center at 2511 Hendersonville Road in Arden. Tickets are between $105 and $255. No further information at this time. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chronic-2016-carolina-human-rights-organizing-conference-tickets-25577436802
10/22/16 STOP POLICE BRUTALITY PROTEST
In the USA, October 22nd is a day when people have mobilized every year since 1996 for a National Day of Protest to Stop Police Brutality, Repression and the Criminalization of a Generation. It is crucial that we bring forward a powerful National Day of Protest in cities and towns across the USA to challenge the ongoing violence against the people. This October 22nd, stand with thousands across the country to express our collective outrage, creativity, and resistance in response to the crimes of this system.
10/24/16 THIRD MOUNTAIN MORAL MONDAY IN ASHEVILLE
Keynote speaker is Rev. Dr. William Barber, President NC-NAACP. If you would like to volunteer for this inspiring event, contact Melissa Murphy at mcoxmurphy@gmail.com. Location is Pack Square Park, Roger McGuire Green. Time is 4 to 6 PM. In coalition with the Mountain People’s Assembly, the local Branch of NAACP and other regional branches of NAACP, will host Asheville’s third Mountain Moral Monday at 4 PM on Monday, Oct 24 in Pack Square. Rev. Dr. William Barber will be the keynote speaker. If you have questions, contact Carmen Ramos-Kennedy at (828) 423-6476, or 4ward2getherCall2Action@gmail.com. Democracy NC is also helping to organize this event.
10/27/16 WORKS IN TRANSLATION BOOK DISCUSSION
Works in translations book club will discuss “Voices From Chernobyl: The Oral History of a Nuclear Disaster” By Svetlana Alexievich and Keith Gessen. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville. Contact Malaprop’s for more information.
10/28/16 AUTHOR EVENT AT MALAPROPS
Activist author Medea Benjamin joins us once more to celebrate her new book, “Kingdom of the Unjust: Behind the U.S.-Saudi Connection.” Medea’s book tackles the issue of foreign policy and the controversial relationship between the United State and Saudi Arabia. Medea is the cofounder of the peace group CODEPINK and Global Exchange, an international human rights organization. She has published articles on The Huffington Post, AlterNet, and more. In 2014, she was the recipient of the Gandhi Peace Award. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprop’s at 55 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville. For more informatin, contact Melanie at (828) 254-6734 or melanie@malaprops.com.
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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 at Firestorm Cafe and Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. 10 AM. 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.
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.
French Broad Riverkeeper has a paddle-n-plant to prevent sediment erosion most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Registration required at anna@mountaintrue.org.
SUNDAY
Peace Vigil at All Souls Cathedral in Biltmore Village. This is from 5 to 5:30 PM. This vigil will last until election day 2016.
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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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Forest Service to Hold Open Houses at District Offices
The U.S. Forest Service will hold open houses at district offices on the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in September and October to provide the public with opportunities to talk with forest staff about local issues, district projects, and forest plan revision. The open houses will have a flexible format allowing the public to come at any time during the specified hours and talk directly with Forest staff one-on-one. District rangers and members of the forest plan revision team will be present from 3 to 6 pm on each of the following days and locations:
• October 6, Grandfather Ranger District, 109 Lawing Dr, Nebo
• October 12, Pisgah Ranger District Office, 1600 Pisgah Hwy, Brevard
• October 13, Appalachian Ranger District Office, 632 Manor Rd, Mars Hill
The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests have been revising their forest plan, a required document that provides a general framework to guide management of the forest. As part of the process, 24 public meetings have been held in communities throughout western North Carolina.
"A successful forest plan depends on the engagement of local residents, organizations, and local governments," explains James Melonas, Deputy Forest Supervisor for National Forests in North Carolina. "We will continue to engage the public in a transparent and thoughtful manner."
Throughout the spring and summer, the Forest Service has been releasing draft plan materials on the National Forests in North Carolina website, www.fs.usda.gov/goto/nfsnc/nprevision. Additional materials will be available this fall and posted to the Plan Revision Under Construction page as they become available.
"Like all parts of our forest plan, we are accepting public feedback on these initial building blocks and we expect to make changes before we complete the draft plan," said Michelle Aldridge, planning team lead. "Feedback will also help us shape our analysis. Specific feedback about desired changes, as well as information gaps is very useful at this stage.”
By fall 2016, the public will have had an opportunity for early review and input on nearly all aspects of the developing plan, and will again have an opportunity to review the plan during the formal comment period once a complete draft plan and alternative analysis are released. While there is no formal NEPA or legal comment period at this time, the Forest Service is accepting input on the building blocks at NCplanrevision@fs.fed.us with the subject line "Summer building blocks" or by mail at this address: Attn: Plan Revision Team Leader; National Forests in North Carolina; 160 Zillicoa St. Suite A; Asheville, NC 28801.
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From the Sierra Club:
Need Your Help for Nanthala/Pisgah Forests Wilderness Comments (including the Craggy Mountains)
Congressman Mark Meadows will hold a session on Wilderness Tues, Oct 4, 10 am, at Haywood Ct Courthouse in Waynesville. The US Forest Service will hold a session on forest management/ wilderness Wed, Oct 12 from 3-6pm at the Pisgah Ranger District Office in Brevard.
Please email/write to the US Forest Service (address below) to ask for wilderness recommendations in the Nantahala/Pisgah Forests. (Talking points below.) See Craggy Mountains: #1.
The background:
The US Forest Service has been working on the 20 year revision management plan for Nanthala/Pisgah National Forests since 2012-3. In 2015 the Forest Service expanded its wilderness inventory to include close to 360,000 acres in the two forests. In July 2016 the US Forest Service released their draft wilderness evaluations of this inventory, which unfortunately, whittled this acreage down by roughly 80% or more. The results fail to properly document the wilderness characteristics of the areas evaluated. This will inevitably prevent deserving areas from being recommended for wilderness and could potentially block them from even being protected under backcountry management, which could leave them open to logging.
The Forest Service is accepting public comments on the evaluation. The Forest Service needs to properly evaluate these areas, with the most deserving being considered for wilderness recommendations.
1. Please advocate for the Craggy Mountains. On Sept 20, 2016 Buncombe County Commission voted unanimously (7-0) to adopt a resolution recommending that the extended Craggy Mountains Wilderness Study Area be recommended for Wilderness designation to the US Forest Service and thereby, for them to recommend this to the US Congress for such a law to be passed. Buncombe County resolved that 7900 acres be designated as wilderness. However, in the Forest Service July Wilderness Evaluation, they stated that only under 5000 acres could be considered for Wilderness.
2. Tell the Forest Service to reconsider and greatly expand the areas carried forward for analysis. All of the 52 areasin the Wilderness Inventory have excellent wilderness characteristics and should not be so quickly dismissed by the Forest Service as having “no wilderness character.”
3. Ask the Forest Service to include deserving areas that were promoted by the public such as: Terrapin Mountain, Tellico Bald, Wesser Bald, and Dobson Knob.
4. Tell the Forest Service to reinstate Overflow Wilderness Study Areas in their recommendations -- an area that has already been designated by the US Congress as wilderness study area.
5. Tell the Forest Service that Mackey Mountain, and Tusquitee Bald should be included in Wilderness recommendation at a larger size than the Evaluation document suggests. Tusquitee Bald was inventoried at 23,000 acres, but the current evaluation whittled it down to 8000 acres. The Forest Service should NOT rule out or whittle down areas that have better Wilderness qualities, more solitude, and less intrusions of sites & sounds from the outside world than existing Wilderness areas like Shining Rock & Linville Gorge.
6. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement must include a broad range of reasonable alternatives for Wilderness Designation. The current draft alternatives are too narrow.
USFS contact:
Address your comments to the Plan Revision Team Leader
Email: NCplanrevision@fs.fed.us
Subject line: Summer Building Blocks
Or mail to:
Attn: Plan Revision Team Leader
National Forests in North Carolina
160 Zillicoa Street, Suite A
Asheville, NC 28801
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