dancewater: April 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

05/01/17 MAY DAY GENERAL STRIKE

This is International Workers Day. On May 1st, Asheville will be joining International Worker's Day celebrations all over the country and worldwide. We are asking for community members to not go to work, school and to not buy anything. There will be workshops, presentations and other activities throughout the day, followed up in the afternoon with a march and rally to discuss issues that affect certain communities in Asheville, including immigrant rights and workers rights, demanding a better world for the working class. Please email AVLmayday2017@riseup.net if you are interested in speaking, performing or organizing workshops this May 1st. From 10 AM to noon there will be a vegetarian potluck breakfast at Firestorm. There will be workshops in the afternoon, with time, place and topic TBD. March at 5 PM from Aston Park, rally at 6 PM at Pritchard Park. This is a Facebook event, but you can call Firestorm for more information.

05/01/17 DINNER WITH PROGRESSIVES

We are gathering together this Monday evening at Green Sage cafe in Westgate with fellow progressives. Time is 5:30 PM. We ask that attendees purchase dinner, a beverage and/or dessert and RSVP so we can give our gracious friends at Green Sage a headcount. Anyone is invited to give an announcement or ask for signatures on a petition. Please send a quick email to let us know how much time you need. Our speaker is Dee Williams, she is not only running for Asheville City Council but she knows a lot about Asheville's past and has a lot of ideas about Asheville's future. Dee also has an amazing past! She is native born and bred and she knows the history of Asheville and the history of Black Asheville. Her grandmother’s grandmother was a slave in New Orleans. Dee Williams is Creole, a mix of French, Spanish, African and Native American cultures. A century ago, her family moved from New Orleans to Asheville. When Dee was nine, she and her brother became orphans when their parents died. They were raised in Asheville by their grandmother, a full-blooded Creek. At first, Dee attended The Allen School, an all-black high school in North Asheville, run by the United Methodist Church. It was a private school where diplomats and other wealthy African Americans, nationwide, sent their daughters. Then Dee attended Asheville High and was the first African-American valedictorian to graduate AHS, which was no mean feat in a graduating senior class of 876 students. The day after graduation, she got on a Greyhound bus and rode down the mountain to persuade the admissions officers at Winston-Salem State University (HBCU) to not only admit her, but give her a full scholarship. She graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in public administration and a in B.S. accounting and business administration. Currently, Dee is a self-employed contractor and an activist. Dee currently works with Minority Business Owners & Contractors to become business certified for federal DOT projects through the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification Program. Dee says she is running for City Council because she knows how to help decent, hard working people help themselves. Asheville is making national lists as an unaffordable place to live and Dee feels this is caused by low wages that are paid by a proliferation of service sector and entry level jobs without portals of advancement. As a tourist town, real estate is prohibitively expensive and out of reach for average citizens. The cost of housing is high and transportation options are few and unreliable. Dee feels that the city must invest in local business and stop incentivizing low wage hoteliers to come to Asheville. Dee has so much more to say about where she came from, and where Asheville needs to go. Contact Cheryl to RSVP and for more information at ctorengo@gmail.com.

05/02/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

Speakers will address our elected representatives about a variety of topics. Time is 5 to 6 PM and location is Historic Courthouse Square in Hendersonville. Progressive Organized Women (POW) is a grassroots, non-partisan activist group of women and men formed to ensure our elected national and state legislators are responsible to their constituents and adhere to the Constitution. Based in Hendersonville and begun in January 2017 by two local teachers, POW focuses on issues immediately before Congress and NC General Assembly such as healthcare and immigration. Tuesday afternoon POW rallies take place in front of the Historic Courthouse. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information.

05/02/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

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.

05/02/17 TEACHING KIDS ABOUT RACISM AND RACIAL JUSTICE

“What is Racism? Structure, Intersectionality & Experience” is part one of a four part series on teaching kids about racism and racial justice. This series is designed to start with basic concepts to deepen your understanding of racism in our culture then move into more complex needs and scenarios for helping children to learn in classrooms and at home. These sessions will help you feel more empowered as parents and educators to be in discussion and supportive with kids developing a healthy understanding of racial diversity and how to work toward racial justice. Each event will include both a presentation of ideas and a workshop to engage those ideas. Events are run by Justina Prenatt, LPCA of Clover Heart Concepts, and Megan McCarter Martell, Executive Director of Programs at Odyssey. April 4 is “What is Racism? Structure, Intersectionality & Experience.” April 18 is “How do we talk about Race? Communication, Presence & Developmental Awareness.” May 2 is “What can teachers and parents do? Representation, Discussion, & Justice.” May 16 is “What's your Culture? Diversity, Similarities & Celebration.” Time is 6 to 8 PM and location is Odyssey Community School at 90 Zillicoa Street in Asheville. This is a Facebook event. Attendance at all four events is encouraged but is not required. The cost of the events and the childcare are free. Donations for the childcare are welcomed. For more information, including instructions on how to register for the event and for childcare, contact learn@odysseycommunity.org or 828-259-3653.

05/02/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

Every Tuesday, Veterans for Peace Chapter 099 holds a vigil at Vance Monument in downtown Asheville. Time is 5 PM. This has been happening since 2002. No matter the weather, no matter if it falls on a holiday, they are out there standing for peace. Last year, our former president dropped 26,000 bombs on seven different countries. The current president seems to be trying to match or beat that horrible record. Meanwhile we are banning refugees from those countries we have destroyed. Show you are publicly against our country's endless wars and occupations by standing with Veterans for Peace.

05/02/17 STANDING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT

Join us for another night of roleplaying difficult conversations and practicing SURJ's core value of “calling in” versus “calling out.” Our leader David is especially focused on moving us into less discussion and more roleplaying. Let's practice these difficult conversations to prepare us to be better agents of change and racial justice accomplices. We meet downstairs in the main building of the UU congregation of Asheville on Charlotte and Edwin Streets. Easiest to enter through the playground gate. If you enter upstairs, just come downstair. Parking on the street or in lot (if available). Part of the WUWW!?! What's Up with Whiteness Wednesdays educational series, an ongoing ASURJ series endeavoring to dismantle white supremacy. Like all Asheville SURJ meetings, this session is open to anyone who wants to participate and is interested in anti-racism work and supporting the movement for Black Lives. More about the purpose of the ‘Calling In: Role Playing Conversations about Race’ sessions: We all encounter racism all the time, whether it's in the form of jokes or comments or attempts to belittle the importance of Black Lives (i.e. Don't All Lives Matter?). For most of us, it's very challenging to respond to racist speech or action in ways that feel constructive. Many of us either stay silent, or get into arguments, neither of which will begin the essential process of educating and “calling in” white people to become part of multi-racial coalitions for racial justice. So, in this workshop, we'll role play having these conversations, so we can all feel better prepared to engage in them when opportunities arise. Reminder that we try to pass the hat at all ASURJ events and meetings as a form of Grassroots Reparations. 100% of money collected goes to People of Color led initiatives. If you have $ to share in your pocket, great, if not, do not let that be a barrier to participation. Note: continuing on first Tuesday of the month. Time is 6:30 PM. This is a Facebook event.

05/02/17 NON-VIOLENT COMMUNICATION CONSCIOUSNESS EVENT

Asheville NVC Consciousness is for those in the Asheville area interested in exploring what it means to embody and practice NVC. Nonviolent Communication (NVC) was developed by Marshall Rosenberg as a paradigm and tool to facilitate connection, authenticity, and understanding with ourselves and others. NVC is also called Compassionate Communication, Empathetic Communication, Life-Connecting Life-Serving Communication, and Empowered Communication. NVC is not about being nice. Unless nice is authentic for you in that moment. It's about honest expression and empathetic listening. If you seek more fulfilling relationships with others, a more fulfilling and nurturing relationship with yourself, and increased personal fulfillment and clarity overall, NVC will likely be of benefit to you. Asheville NVC Consciousness meets the first Tuesday of every month from 7 - 9 PM. Location is Kairos West at 742 Haywood Road. Contact Matthew at info@myswl.org for more information.

05/03/17 ELDERS FIERCE FOR JUSTICE FORUM

This will be from noon to 1:30 PM. No lunch provided. Bag lunch encouraged. Location is Edington Center at 133 Livingston Street in Asheville. The forum presenter will be Dan Snyder, speaking on non-violent resistance. Contact eldersffj@gmail.com for more information.

05/03/17 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

On Wednesday, May 3rd, the Sierra Club will present a program on “Flowers, Trees, and Mountains of our Appalachian Spring” with Scott Dean, naturalist and photographer. Dean has been a part of both UNCA and Great Smoky Mountain Spring Pilgrimages for many years. He teaches at the North Carolina Arboretum. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 1 Edwin Place (corner of Charlotte & Edwin) in Asheville. Time is 7 PM. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Judy Mattox at judymattox@sbcglobal.net or call 828-683-2176.

05/03/17 CITIZENS-POLICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING

This meeting is organized by the City of Asheville. This meeting is free and open to the public. They meet in the first floor Conference Room at the Public Works Building at 161 South Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 5 PM. Call 251-1122 for more information.

05/03/17 TALK AT UNCA ON AFRILACHIA

Plan to attend this talk by DeWayne Barton on how Hood Hood Huggers International LLC is raising awareness of ‘Affrilachia' - the African-American communities in Appalachia. Hood Huggers International, LLC offers services in these three categories: social enterprise, the Pearson Plan, and the arts. A key way Barton pursues his mission is through the organization's Hood Tours, which shuttle participants in a brightly painted van through Asheville's historically African-American neighborhoods. This presentation is part of the 'More than a Month' series, providing information throughout the year to raise awareness for OLLI members about African American culture and politics locally and nationally. Time is 3 to 5 PM and location is Reuter Center 102 at UNCA.

05/03/17 IWOC SPEAKING EVENT AT FIRESTORM

The Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee (IWOC) of the IWW functions as a liaison for prisoners to organize each other, unionize, and build solid bridges between prisoners on the inside and fellow workers on the outside. An organizer with IWOC will be giving a talk and leading a discussion on prison organizing. Anyone interested in prison solidarity and abolition will not want to miss this. No Walls! No Cages! No Bosses! Time is 6 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

05/03/17 STANDING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT

“What’s up with whiteness?” discussion group. Free to attend. Time is 6 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

05/04/17 to 05/07/17 RACIAL WEALTH DIVIDE

Faced with the challenges of our time, how do we build a strong and lasting movement to address economic and racial inequality? This training will explore the role of popular education in movement building and share tools that educators, organizers and activists can use with their communities to analyze the roots of our current crisis and take action for profound change. This will be held at Montreat Conference Center in Montreat. Facilitators are Jeannette Huezo, Eroc Arroyo-Montano and Riahl O’Malley of United for a Fair Economy. The Institute will offer Spanish/English interpretation, depending on the needs of the participants.Focus will be on reviewing and practicing popular education principles and practices and exploring the intersection of class, race, and gender inequities and their relationship to economic trends and addressing the consequences of economic and racial inequality through education for movement building. Institute fee is based on a sliding scale ($500 – $1,500) which includes room & board, all materials, travel to and from the Asheville Regional Airport or Charlotte Douglas Regional Airport. Flight is not included. Limited scholarship available, based on ability to pay. The training begins on Thursday at 6 PM and goes through Sunday at 1 PM. Space is limited and preference will be given to those engaged in economic and racial justice campaigns and to organizations that send two or more participants. For more information, email Eroc Arroyo-Montano at eroc@faireconomy.org. This was a Facebook event.

05/04/17 DOCUMENTARY SHOWING IN ASHEVILLE - URANIUM AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE IN AUSTRALIA

A documentary about a celebration of Wangkatja country and a testament to the strength of the community who have fought to stop uranium mining at Yeelirrie, Western Australia for over forty years. This annual Walk enables people from all parts of the globe to come together to share our commitment to a sustainable future without nuclear. It is a chance to reconnect with the land, and to revive the tradition of walking for country, with the Indigenous elders of the land. Free admission. Time is 7 PM and location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in Asheville. For more info, contact Mary at 828-252-8409. This is a Facebook event.

05/04/17 VOTER ENGAGEMENT ACTION GROUP MEETING

Join us for a Voter Engagement Action Group Meeting on May 4th at 7 PM as follow-up to the Voter Engagement breakout groups from our 3/20 Coalition Kick-Off meeting. This is the regular monthly planning meeting where core folks will come together to help chart-out and plan events for the next month. We'll discuss events and priorities already on the calendar and things that will be added. This meeting is for folks who want to help lead our work by contributing as planners, facilitators, etc. Location is Universalist Unitarian Congregation of Asheville at One Edwin Place in north Asheville. RSVP below to let us know you'll be there. For more information, place contact Darlene Azarmi at 828-216-3430 or darlene@democracy-nc.org.

05/05/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

A weekly group focused on Standing Up For Racial Justice core values for people beginning to wake up to the impact of white supremacy on our culture and seeking a safe place to begin to talk about it. Time is 10 AM and location is 23 Edwin Place, next to Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@lainschell.com for more information.

05/05/17 WELLS FARGO DIVESTMENT MOBILIZATION

Join us May 5, from 4 to 6 PM,for a rally outside Wells Fargo Bank, 1 Haywood Street across from Pritchard Park. Please bring a sign, banner, drum, or just yourself. We will have flyers to hand out to inform passers-by about the importance of defunding fossil fuel infrastructure. All over the world, as part of the Global Divestment Mobilization, people are sending a message to the big banks: don't invest our money in fossil fuels! This week, people are divesting and holding the banks accountable--in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Japan, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, and more. Join people around the world to take our power back and move our money in a better direction. By taking our money out of the big banks that fund fossil fuel infrastructure such as pipelines, and putting it into credit unions or local banks, we are voting with our wallets for a cleaner energy future! This movement is an initiative of 350org and locally, Defund DAPL. This is a Facebook event.

05/05/17 CALLING OUT THE AGGRESSOR: CONSENT, ASSAULT AND SAFETY - MULTIPLE EVENTS

An inquiry into how we can create healthy models for talking about and dealing with abuse and assault in alternative/radical communities. Many different events over Friday, Saturday and Sunday on various topics at various locations - too many to list. Click here for a detailed list of other events: https://acab2017.noblogs.org/files/2016/09/acab-poster.pdf. This is a Facebook event.

05/06/17 WALK A MILE FOR OUR VOICE

#WalkaMileAsheville is accepting event sponsors. For more information on how your business can stand with Our Voice in creating a community free from sexual violence, email walk@ourvoicenc.org or visit walkamileasheville.com.

05/06/17 REDISTRICTING CANVASSING IN SWANNANOA

We will host a nuts and bolts canvassing training from 10 to 10:45 AM, then head out into the field to canvass. We'll canvass from 11 AM to 1 PM in groups of two. There is an optional shared lunch after from 1 to 2 PM in Swannanoa. All necessary information and materials will be provided. Meet at Swannanoa Library at 101 West Charleston Avenue in Swannanoa. RSVP below to let us know you'll be there. For more information, place contact Edward Peters at 336-601-9534 or edwardpeters@democracy-nc.org.

05/07/16 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY RIGHTS MEETING

We are working to dismantle corporate rule in Asheville / Buncombe County through asserting our right for self-governance and recognition of the rights of nature. We are working with CELDF to write an ordinance that will prohibit the actions of corporations that we, the people, don't want in our community. If you want to get involved in making this happen please join us on Sunday May 7th. We will share the update on our progress so far and help organize people into action teams to expand the work. Time is 5 to 7 PM and location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

05/07/17 POLITICAL PRISONER LETTER WRITING NIGHT

Each month on first Sundays, join members of Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross for an evening of solidarity with long term political prisoners: people who have been incarcerated due to their activism and resistance to systems of domination and oppression. We come together each month to celebrate their birthdays by sending words of encouragement and support. We let them know that they--and their sacrifices for our movements--are never far from our minds and hearts. Time is 5 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

05/07/15 JUBILEE! COMMUNITY MEETING ON IMMIGRATION

Please join us to learn about how WE, as a community of faith, can help support our immigrant neighbors. Speakers from Pisgah Legal Services and CIMA will be at this event, to share what we can do to help. Time is 7 to 8:30 PM and location is Jubilee Community Church at 46 Wall Street in Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

05/08/17 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE SOCIAL

Samantha Beharrysingh will be addressing the problems of unwanted insects and diseases in your garden. Solutions include attracting beneficial insects. If you have already planted your garden and are noticing these issues, be sure and come. If you are planning your next garden, this will help you get started. Ms. Beharrysingh has a diploma in Horticulture Technology and speaks on a variety of topics such as urban gardening. Time 6:30 to 8 PM and First Congregational UCC at 20 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Contact Rebecca Mahan at 812-334-0176 or palmtree747@gmail.com for more information.

05/09/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

05/09/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

05/09/17 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 the Center for Art and Spirit at Saint George, address is One School Road in west Asheville. For more information, contact Gerry at gwerhan@gmail.com.

05/09/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

05/09/17 DINNER AND GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR OCCUPY WNC IN SYLVA

Dinner is at 5:30 and General Assembly is at 7 PM. Free. Location is the Sneak E Squirrel at 1315 West Main Street in Sylva. This is a Facebook event.

05/10/17 JUST PEACE FOR ISRAEL/PALESTINE MEETING

This meeting will be at 9:30 AM at Black Mountain Presbyterian Church at 117 Montreat Road in Black Mountain. Contact Suchi at suchi1025@bellsouth.net for more information.

05/10/17 ELDERS FIERCE FOR JUSTICE FORUM

This will be from noon to 1:30 PM. No lunch provided. Bag lunch encouraged. Location is Edington Center at 133 Livingston Street in Asheville. The forum presenter will be Roberta Madden and Amanda Kraus, speaking on the ERA. Contact eldersffj@gmail.com for more information.

05/11/17 FILM FESTIVAL ON ISRAEL/PALESTINE

Stories of Struggle, Conscience and Spirit: A Film Festival on Israel/Palestine. There will be a total of six evenings of films and discussions between March 2 and May 18, 2017. PAJET (Palestinian and Jewish Egalitarian Team) and JPIP (Just Peace for Israel/Palestine) are collaborating on this film series because of the importance of bringing these little-known narratives to Asheville. Both groups are committed to human rights for all people, focusing on the struggle for a just, and therefore sustainable, peace in Israel and Palestine. Our participants live in the questions surrounding that commitment. JPIP takes specific stands on issues related to Israeli and U.S. policies enabling the Occupation. PAJET formed as a dialogue group between Jewish and Palestinian residents of Asheville, and explores how to advocate together for peace and justice. Both groups invite the public to view these films and join the dialogue. The film festival is free, donations are welcome. “Disturbing the Peace” is the title of tonight’s film. Directors Stephen Apkon and Andrew Young’s documentary illustrates the universality of suffering by juxtaposing the stories of former combatants on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The film illustrates the universality of suffering by juxtaposing stories of former combatants on both sides of the conflict. This historic and contemporary coming together of Israeli and Palestinian veterans to seek peace inspired a rapturous ovation when it screened at Ebertfest. After viewing the film, we will have a Skype discussion with the director and producer. It is possible that one of the veterans featured in the film will be with us in person. A co-sponsor is UNC Asheville Political Science Department. Time is 7 PM and location is Reuter Center, Room 102, at UNCA.

05/11/17 TRANSPORTATION STRATEGIC PLAN MEETING

NC Public Transportation Division announces upcoming community workshops. Public input welcomed as strategic plan is developed. This May, stakeholders and the public are invited to provide input at community workshops across the state as part of the North Carolina Public Transportation Statewide Strategic Plan. The N.C. Department of Transportation is developing the Public Transportation Statewide Strategic Plan to improve bus, rail, and paratransit services across the state by better matching transit services to the needs of North Carolinians. The workshops will be free and open to the public. No registration is necessary to attend. Time is 12:30 to 3:30 PM and location is NC Arboretum at 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way in Asheville. For more information, contact Davis at dbender@ncdot.gov or (919) 707-4678.

05/12/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

05/12/17 ENVIRONMENTAL FILM AT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST IN ASHEVILLE

Environmental & Social Justice Film, “How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can't Change”, will be on Friday, May 12th at 7 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. On Friday, May 12th, we are screening the important new documentary “How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can't Change”, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. In How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can't Change, Oscar Nominated director Josh Fox (Gasland) continues in his deeply personal style, investigating climate change – the greatest threat our world has ever known. Traveling to 12 countries on six continents, the film acknowledges that it may be too late to stop some of the worst consequences and asks, what is so deep within us that no calamity can take it away? Location is Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville One Edwin Place in Asheville. There is no charge for viewing the film Donations are welcome. Contact Charlie at mnpopi@charter.net for more information.

05/13/17 MOUNTAIN TRUE PROGRAM

Equity in Planning: A MountainTrue program on the lasting impact of urban renewal policies. Join MountainTrue on Saturday, May 13 from 9 AM to noon as we explore the legacy of urban renewal policies and their impacts on Asheville’s communities of color. With Asheville rated one of the fastest gentrifying cities in the U.S., it is critically important that we make land use, planning and development decisions thoughtfully and inclusively. This program will include a facilitated discussion at the Wesley Grant Center, followed by a trolley tour led by Hood Huggers International’s DeWayne Barton and MountainTrue’s Co-Executive Director Julie Mayfield. In addition to DeWayne and Julie, special guests lending topic area expertise to the facilitated discussion will include locals from Asheville, a professor of history from UNC Asheville, and other community representatives to provide insights into how Asheville has changed as a city. As Asheville continues to grow, MountainTrue is committed to supporting neighborhoods and residents in protecting the integrity of their communities and advocating for policies that will keep the city walkable, bike able and affordable for current and long-time residents. Participants will learn how the history of urban renewal in Asheville impacted African-American communities and we will discuss ways we can help prevent this in the future. Tickets for this event are $25 for members of MountainTrue and $40 for non-members, which includes a 2017 membership to MountainTrue. Space is limited due to the size of the trolley, so sign-up today. Contact Mary Kate at 828-258-8737 or marykate@mountaintrue.org for more information including how to register.

05/13/17 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING

Come join us to help advance our mission to build political will for a livable world. We'll listen to the national call and talk about our strategies in Asheville and WNC to help pass national bipartisan legislation on climate change - called Carbon Fee & Dividend. All political parties are welcome to join in this effort - conservative, liberal, progressive, libertarian, etc. Citizens Climate Lobby meets the second Saturday of each month at Kairos West Community Center, 610 Haywood Road (enter in back) 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.

05/13/17 REP. MARK MEADOWS EMPTY CHAIR TOWN HALL

Time is 10 to 11 AM and location is Jackson Park Road in Hendersonville. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information.

05/16/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

05/16/17 TEACHING KIDS ABOUT RACISM AND RACIAL JUSTICE

05/16/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

05/16/17 CITIZENS ACCOUNTABILITY PROJECT

A monthly progressives meet-up that features short films and discussions. Time is 6:30 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

05/16/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

05/16/17 LUNCH AND LEARN AT PISGAH LEGAL SERVICES

We are hosting our first of our community event series as a Lunch'n Learn about Pisgah Legal Services and child poverty in WNC. This is presented by Buncombe County League of Women Voters. Learn how Pisgah Legal Services works to alleviate and prevent child poverty. Lunch will be catered. Time is 11:30 to 1 PM and location is 62 Charlotte Street in Asheville. RSVP to brent@pisgahlegal.org or call 828-210-3405.

05/17/17 GREEN DRINKS

This is a Sustainability and Social Justice Meet-up. Come early for community connections and green drink specials. This happens on the third Wednesday of each month. Socializing from 5:30 – 6PM and presentation from 6 – 7PM. Location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street at Asheville. Call 828-254-9277 for more information.

05/17/17 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 in February they are reading Dr. Barber's The Third Reconstruction. Time is noon and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

05/17/17 WHAT’S UP WITH WHITENESS? ASURJ EDUCATION SERIES

This session is part of Asheville Stand Up For Racial Justice's “What's Up With Whiteness” series. The group is for anyone who is willing and able to explore their whiteness or whiteness as a race with a racial justice lens. Time is 6 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

05/17/17 ELDERS FIERCE FOR JUSTICE FORUM

This will be from noon to 1:30 PM. No lunch provided. Bag lunch encouraged. Location is Edington Center at 133 Livingston Street in Asheville. The forum presenter will be Gene Bell, speaking on Asheville racial justice challenges. Contact eldersffj@gmail.com for more information.

05/18/17 FILM FESTIVAL ON ISRAEL/PALESTINE

Stories of Struggle, Conscience and Spirit: A Film Festival on Israel/Palestine. There will be a total of six evenings of films and discussions between March 2 and May 18, 2017. PAJET (Palestinian and Jewish Egalitarian Team) and JPIP (Just Peace for Israel/Palestine) are collaborating on this film series because of the importance of bringing these little-known narratives to Asheville. Both groups are committed to human rights for all people, focusing on the struggle for a just, and therefore sustainable, peace in Israel and Palestine. Our participants live in the questions surrounding that commitment. JPIP takes specific stands on issues related to Israeli and U.S. policies enabling the Occupation. PAJET formed as a dialogue group between Jewish and Palestinian residents of Asheville, and explores how to advocate together for peace and justice. Both groups invite the public to view these films and join the dialogue. The film festival is free, donations are welcome. “The Occupation of the American Mind” is the title of tonight’s film. Directors Loretta Alper and Jeremy Earp’s documentary examines how public relations efforts in the U.S. have shaped media coverage and public attitudes about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This film examines how public relations efforts shape U.S. media coverage and perception about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The movie is especially powerful and relevant because of the recent cascade of “false news” and manipulation currently affecting our mass media. Discussion after the film will open with panelists commenting briefly from their different perspectives and then be followed by observations and questions from the audience. A co-sponsor is UNC Asheville Political Science Department. Time is 7 PM and location is Reuter Center, Room 102, at UNCA.

05/19/17 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING

Physicians, health personnel and everyone; all are welcomed at our monthly meetings held on the third Friday of each month. Bring a brown bag lunch around noon. This will be held at The First Congregational United Church of Christ, Room E205, at 20 Oak Street (just off College St. in downtown Asheville). Time is noon to 2 PM. Meeting starts at 12:30. Parking is available behind the church. Enter the church or ring doorbell at the glass doors on Oak Street. For more information contact Dr. Terry Clark, Chair, 633-0892 or Dr. Lew Patrie, 299-1242.

05/19/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

05/20/17 TRANSFORMATION HAS BEGUN

The transformation has begun. Maitreya, the world teacher, is in the world. Rise of people power. Economic, social, environmental justice. Signs/miracles. Free presentation. Time is 2 PM and location is Asheville Friends Meeting House at 227 Edgewood Road in Asheville. Call 398-0609 for more information.

05/20/17 FRENCH BROAD RIVER CLEANUP

On water in canoes provided by Greenworks, and on land, if enough sign ups. Party and free beer after at Highland Brewing. Contact Mark Threlkeld at focusmdt@gmail.com to RSVP and for more information. Time is 10 AM.

05/22/17 DIPLOMACY & MEDIA IN A CHAOTIC WORLD

Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Colton, Diplomat-in-Residence at Lenoir-Rhyne University-Asheville, will present four lectures focused on Diplomacy, Politics and News. Dr. Colton is an Emmy-award winning journalist who has worked for ABC News, NBC News, Newsweek, and NPR. The Asheville native also had a distinguished career as a U.S. Foreign Service diplomat in seven Middle Eastern countries. The Monday night series includes: May 22 - Global Diplomacy and Asheville in the world. All lectures will take place at Lenoir-Rhyne’s Asheville Center, which is located at 36 Montford Avenue in downtown Asheville. Doors will open each night at 5 PM, and lectures will begin at 5:30 PM. RSVP is required, so please call 828-407-4263. This is a Facebook event and was in the Mountain Express.

05/23/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

05/23/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

05/23/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

05/24/17 AUTHOR EVENT IN ASHEVILLE

The Mediation Center will be presenting Chuck Collins, author of “On Coming Home: A Pathway to Reducing Inequalities.” Chuck Collins, a storyteller, researcher, agitator and campaigner who grew up in the wealthiest 1 percent, has spent the last 30 years working on issues of racial and economic justice and shifting the stuck national debate about wealth inequality, racial wealth divisions, and taxation. His newest book is “Born on Third Base: A One Percenter Makes the Case for Tackling Inequality, Bringing Wealth Home, and Committing to the Common Good.” The PBS Newshour called this book “one of the five new books that makes you think about what it means to be human.” Join the conversation about finding common ground to create stronger communities for everyone. Location is Asheville Masonic Temple at 80 Broadway Street in Asheville. Tickets are $12, event only/$42, with pre-event reception. Time is 5:30 PM for reception with Mr. Collins, and 6:30 - 8 PM for the talk by Chuck Collins. Contact Laura Jeffords at laurahj@mediatewnc.org with questions or for sponsorship opportunities.

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ONGOING EVENTS

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TUESDAY

Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square, Vance Monument during most of the year, but after standard time kicks in, they meet at 4:30 PM.

Showing Up for Racial Justice Do!scussion at Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. 10 AM. Educating and organizing white people for racial justice.

Rally at historic Courthouse in Hendersonville at 5 PM. Organized by the Progressive Organized Women.

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.

Green Grannies Book Club meets at noon at Firestorm at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville.

Green Drinks meets at 7 PM at The Block Off Biltmore on the third Wednesday of the month.

Sierra Club meets at 7 PM at Unitarian Universalist in Asheville on the first Wednesday of the month.

THURSDAY

Political Prisoners Letter Writing at Firestorm Coffee & Books at 6 PM on fourth Thursday of the month. Materials provided.

Welcome Home Tour by Homeward Bound on the third Thursday of the month at 11 AM. Call 258-1695 for more information.

Asheville Prison Books Program is held at Downtown Books & News from 4 to 7 PM.

FRIDAY

Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the City Hall in Hendersonville.

Standing Up For Racial Justice event is held at 10 AM at 23 Edwin Street, next to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. Educating and organizing white people for racial justice.

SATURDAY

French Broad Riverkeeper has a paddle-n-plant to prevent sediment erosion most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Registration required at anna@mountaintrue.org.

Mountain True holds urban forest workdays on the second Saturday of the month at Richmond Hill Park from 9 AM to 1 PM. Call 258-8737 for more information.

Citizen’s Climate Lobby meeting at 12:30 PM at Kairos West Community Center on second Saturday of the month.

Food Not Bombs serves free vegan/vegetarian food every Saturday at noon at Pritchard Park.

SUNDAY

Asheville National Organization for Women meeting at 2:30 PM at YWCA of Asheville on second Sunday of the month.

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ACTIONS AND READINGS

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Do you care about the EPA and clean water and clean air? Then speak up.

Please comment by May 15 on the proposed changes to the EPA. We need clean air and clean water, and we need to express this need every chance we get. We are not the ones with the power and money, we therefore need to push back repeatedly to protect our planet, country and our health.

More information here:

http://www.businessinsider.com/epa-public-comment-pollution-rules-2017-4

And you can leave comments here:

https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OA-2017-0190-0042

This was my first comment:

We need clean air and clean water. This includes clean ground water. Once things are totally mucked up, it is almost impossible to get them cleaned up again. I care more about my health and the health of my fellow US citizens than I do about saving tax dollars or even creating jobs. I think we can create jobs while providing strong environmental protections.

I have loved the outdoors and been camping my entire life (age 62 this year) and I have always felt that protecting the environment was one of the most important functions of my government.

And this was my second comment:

I wanted to add that we need protection from radiation also. It is invisible and odorless, but I do think it contributes to early deaths from cancer. I suspect that my own father died of cancer from radiation exposure while in the US military. Please make sure the EPA protects everyone from exposure to radiation. Do not reduce or eliminate rules around radiation. Please make the rules stronger instead.

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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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dancewater

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Upcoming events for the week of April 30, 2017