dancewater: Upcoming events for the week of April 16, 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

04/17/17 STAND UP, SPEAK OUT FOR RESPECT & DIGNITY

A-B Tech Community College will hold a community-wide Stand Against Racism event to the college from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., Thursday, April 13 in the Mission Health/A-B Tech Conference Center on the Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College main Asheville campus. The event is free and open to the public. This year's event is titled, "Stand Up, Speak Out for Respect and Dignity." There will be a panel discussion that explores how to embrace and support each other. The panel will include members of our diverse faith community, our LGBT community, and our minority communities.We will discuss what services are available, what actions we need to take to support each other, and where to direct people for assistance. Panel members scheduled to speak are Oralene Simmons, founder of Asheville's Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast; Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, minister in the United Church of Christ; Marshay Proctor-Bates, Success Coach and Advisor at A-B Tech; Michael Harney of the WNC AIDS Project, Lael Grey, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Center; Timothy Cross of Asheville Urban Dharma; and a representative from Asheville Latin Americans Achieving Success (ALAS). Area organizations will have tables in the outer lobby of the building to share materials or answers questions after the event. Any organization interested in sharing resources at the event may contact Kenet Adamson at kenetmadamson@abtech.edu or at 828-398-749.

04/17/17 DEMOCRACY ASHEVILLE COALITION MEETING

Please join us for the next Democracy Asheville meeting at the Wesley Grant Center on April 17, at 6 PM. We'll brief what we were up to in the past month, what's on the calendar for the next month, and any important updates you need to know. What is the Democracy Asheville Coalition? Our local coalition brings together organizational representatives and individuals who agree to work together to change and use the political system so it equips people to take action, promotes grassroots leadership, and serves ‘the good of the whole.’ We want an elections process that is accessible, fair, and secure. And we want a government ‘of, by, and for the people’ that fosters equity, solidarity, and justice. Location is the Wesley Grant Center at 285 Livingston Street in Asheville. For more information and to RSVP, place contact Darlene Azarmi at 828-216-3430 or darlene@democracy-nc.org.

04/17/17 LIBERATION STITCH NIGHT

Use your Crafting Powers for Resistance. Come gather for Liberation Stitch In! We're putting the finishing touches on our Liberation blanket which will be raffled off to benefit My Sistah Taught Me That. We'll probably do some weaving in of ends and discuss preparing the blanket for blocking and strategizing about raffle ticket sales. We may also brainstorm more about yarn bombing activism for Black Lives Matter. You can come help with any of this while working on whatever your hands need to as we explore ideas. As long as you're open to conversation about liberation for all, especially in relation to the movement for Black Lives, then you are welcome! This is from 6 to 7 PM and location is Purl's Yarn Emporium on Wall Street in downtown Asheville.

04/18/17 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, contact learn@odysseycommunity.org or 828-259-3653. Registration for the events and for childcare, please go to https://goo.gl/forms/Hw85y5dXNEdeAT6d2

04/18/17 COMMUNITY VIEWING AND DISCUSSION OF THE MOVIE “13TH”

Francine Delany New School will be hosting a viewing of the Netflix documentary by Filmmaker Ava DuVernay. “13th” explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the fact that the nation's prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans. Subtitle for the film is: from slave to criminal with just one amendment. Time is 6 PM for the movie. If you have seen the movie before, feel free to join us at 7:45 PM for the discussion. Location is Francine Delany New School for Children at 119 Brevard Road in Asheville. Dogwood Building. This is a Facebook event.

04/18/17 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 has already bombed one country, and has likely bombed a couple more. Meanwhile we are banning refugees from those countries we have destroyed. I am impressed at the protests against banning Muslims, but mystified at the lack of large protests against bombing Muslims. Isn’t bombing them worse than banning them? Show you are publicly against our country's endless wars and occupations by standing with Veterans for Peace.

04/18/17 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.

04/18/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

Speakers address our elected representatives about a variety of topics. Time is 5 to 6 PM and location is Historic Courthouse Square in Hendersonville. This came from the Progressive Organized Women of Henderson County. Happens every Tuesday. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information.

04/18/17 COMBATING STRUCTURAL RACISM IN THE WORKFORCE

The WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition is proud to be participating in the YWCA's Stand Against Racism campaign for 2017! Come raise a glass with us as we take a Stand Against Racism at Bhramari Brewhouse on Tuesday, April the 18th from 5:30 - 7:30. There will be a brief presentation of some of the work that the WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition is doing to combat structural racism in the workforce followed by networking and socializing. Come ready to connect with other professionals in the community that are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Hors d'oeuvres will be provided. Please register in advance with Paulina Mendez at paulinam364@gmai.com.

04/18/17 INDIVISIBLE RACIAL JUSTICE ACTION

Indivisible’s mission is to combat white supremacy at the local, state, and national levels. They meet twice per month to check in on group projects and homework, keep each other up-to-date on community news, and make future plans for action. New visitors are welcome and asked only to familiarize themselves with the Indivisible Guide. 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.

04/18/17 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.

04/18/17 JUST ECONOMICS BIMONTHLY MEETING

Every other month Just Economics hosts a general meeting where we discuss the latest happenings relevant to our organization and then we break out into 3 committees--1) Policy Advocacy, 2) Grassroots Leadership Development, and 3) Certification--where we strategize and conduct the work of Just Economics. Everyone is welcome to attend. Food is provided but you are welcome to bring a dish to share if you are able. Time is 6:30 PM and location is the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County at 50 South French Broad Avenue in Asheville. This is a Facebook event.

04/19/17 PORTRAITS OF PALESTINE PRESENTATION AT FIRESTORM

“Portraits of Palestine: Lives in the Shadow of the Occupation” is a visual arts and oral history project which recounts stories of resistance of Palestinians living under Israeli occupation. The photographs and personal accounts were recorded during a two and a half week trip through cities and villages in the West Bank as well as the historical Palestine. These stories illustrate both the horrendous conditions Palestinians are subject to under Israeli oppression as well as the their steadfastness and dignity in the face of injustice. Through individual ‘portraits’ and audio interpretations of true stories, “Portraits of Palestine” tells the individual stories which make up the fabric of the greater collective struggle for justice and freedom in Palestine. 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.

04/19/17 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.

04/19/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ADVOCACY TRAINING IN ASHEVILLE

Participants will have the opportunity to gain knowledge and tools to advocate for causes and topics of importance to them in a fact-based and effective manner. In addition, they could learn how to set priorities for themselves or identify organizations that could benefit from their skills and enthusiasm. This workshop outlines how state and federal legislation is enacted and focuses on key elected officials that represent the Asheville area at the local, state, and federal levels. AARP Mountain Region and UNCA Asheville OLLI are offering an Advocacy Workshop on Wednesday, April 19 at the Reuter Center. Information will be presented on ways to advocate effectively and how legislation is enacted. You must register by calling 1-877-926-8300 or by going to their webpage. Time is 2 to 5 PM and location is Reuter Center on UNCA campus.

04/19/17 IMMIGRATION LUNCH AND LEARN IN HENDERSONVILLE

For members of the community who are concerned about our immigrant neighbors, join Pisgah Legal Services immigration law experts and agriculture industry leaders for a lunch session to learn about the immigration crisis affecting our neighbors. We will share ways that Pisgah Legal Services' staff and volunteers are helping, and how you can plug in. Lunch will be provided. $10 suggested donation. Time is noon to 1:30 PM and location is Grace Lutheran Church in 1245 6th Avenue West in Hendersonville. Space is limited, so please RSVP to Eleanor Ashton at eleanor@pisgahlegal.org or 828-210-3443 by April 14.

04/19/17 WORKSHOP ON RACE, POWER, AND PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY

Many people in our region have been asking how they can help protect voting rights for all. Join us for a community workshop on Race, Power, and Participatory Democracy coming up on Wed., April 19. This informative workshop will explore the link between current barriers to meaningful civic engagement and the historical struggles of people of color, women, poor, and young people by examining the intersections of race, class, and power. Analysis will include the history of racial discrimination in voting practices in North Carolina, stories of resistance and organizing, ways we can protect and advance voting rights in today's political climate, and how we can collectively move toward a more equitable participatory democracy. Time is 6 to 8:30 PM and location is the YWCA of Asheville in downtown Asheville. Please RSVP with Democracy NC. If you have questions or want more information including how to RSVP, contact Vahisha at vahisha@democracy-nc.org.

04/19/17 EMPOWERING WOMEN AND POPULATION TALK

A talk by John Seager, President & CEO of Population Connection Action Fund presented by Lenoir-Rhyne University's Reese Institute for Conservation of Natural Resources. Also hosted by Asheville Bioneers. Doors open at 5:30; talk starts at 6 PM. Location is Lenoir-Rhyne University at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville. Come to 2nd Floor Board Room. For more information including how to RSVP, contact Professor Keith McDade at 828-407-4276 or 734-223-3297 or Center Affairs Coordinator Susy Chandler 828-407-4263 or susy.chandler@lr.edu. This is a Facebook event.

04/20/17 IMMIGRATION ALERT FOR HENDERSON COUNTY

Sheriff McDonald has signed an agreement with ICE to deputize his officers as immigration agents through federal law 287g. This law has sharply increased immigrant civil rights violations across our nation. The Henderson County Sheriff’s steering committee annual meeting for federal law 287g will be on April 20, 2017 at 1 PM at the train room at the Sheriff’s office at 100 North Grove in Hendersonville. This is open to the public and there are many concerns and questions that need to be addressed. Who is on this steering committee? How are they appointed, based on what qualifications? What is the cost of implementing this agreement? Five counties in NC – more than any other state - signed an ICE agreement and it costs Mecklenburg County taxpayers $5.5 million dollars a year! How many immigrants in our county are being arrested, detained or deported through the ICE agreement, especially if their only infraction is being undocumented? Given the unprecedented aggressiveness toward undocumented immigrants announced this week by Trump and Jeff Sessions, and the unprecedented number of anti-immigrant bills proposed this year by some NC legislators, how will this influence the intensity of our Sheriff’s deputies in going after Henderson County residents? What is the procedure for cancelling the agreement with ICE, as some states have done, and is our Sheriff inclined to do that or not? The 287g agreements with ICE have had disastrous results for immigrant communities around the US. It does NOT belong in Henderson County. If you are free to go to the steering committee meeting, please attend and try to find out what is going on!

04/20/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HENDERSON COUNTY MEETING

The April general meeting is on “Preserving Our Environment.” Speakers are Katie Breckheimer, President, MountainTrue Board of Directors, and Gray Jernigan, Southern Regional Director of MountainTrue. Highlighting the League's local, state, and national positions on natural resources, and current environmental policy, law, and advocacy to meet the impact of society on nature in Henderson, Transylvania, Polk, and Rutherford Counties. Come and see how you can make a difference. Open to the public. Location is the Chamber of Commerce Meeting Room at 204 Kanuga Road in Hendersonville. Time is 4 to 6 PM.

04/20/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS BALLOT INTEGRITY PROGRAM IN MADISON COUNTY

Our sister League in Madison County is hosting a presentation on ensuring Ballot Integrity by the Director and Chairman of Madison County's Board of Elections. Concerned that your vote may not count ? People not eligible to vote may cast ballots? What safeguards are in place to ensure the integrity of the vote? Time is 6:30 PM and location is the Madison Campus of A.B.Tech. Co-sponsored by the Political Science Program at Mars hill University and the News Record and Sentinel. Contact the League of Women Voters or Madison County Board of Elections for more information.

04/20/17 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE GENERAL MEETING

Join the Creation Care Alliance of WNC for a general meeting as we inspire one another to good work and discuss our work empowering care for creation. We will connect with one another and explore ways to care for creation. Everyone is welcome. The meeting will be held in the First Baptist Church of Asheville in Room MB306, which is upstairs. Address is 5 Oak Street in downtown Asheville. Time is 5:30 to 7 PM. If you have any questions, please contact Scott Hardin-Nieri at scott@creationcarealliance.org.

04/20/17 FUNDRAISER FOR CHILDREN FIRST/COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOL

We are hosting our 6th annual “Are You Smarter Than an Elementary Student?” trivia night fundraiser on Thursday, April 20 and we would appreciate your support in helping to spread the word about this event. We are still recruiting teams and we would love to have you and your friends and colleagues join us for the fun. Teams are made up of 4 to 6 people for $300 a team, costumes are highly encouraged and food, childcare and an adult beverage will be provided for participating team members so a great time can be had by all. Gather 4 to 6 of your smartest or most fun friends, family and colleagues to form a trivia team for local non-profit Children First/Communities In Schools (CIS) 6th annual “pub-style” trivia contest, “Are You Smarter Than an Elementary Student?” Teams will answer basic knowledge and pop-culture questions with a few surprises thrown in. Groups will vie for great prize packages from local recreational facilities, area restaurants, The Omni Grove Park Inn and more. Time is 6 to 9 PM and location is Morris Hellenic Cultural Center at 227 Cumberland Avenue in Asheville. Proceeds benefit Children First/Communities in Schools. Contact Kate at KateF@childrenfirstbc.org or 828-214-5052 for more information, including how to register a team.

04/20/17 BUILDING BRIDGES PRESENTS: HOW RACISM HAS CHANGED OVER 25 YEARS

Since 1993, Building Bridges of Asheville has worked to dismantle racism by fostering relationships that respect diversity, seek understanding and encourage action. Join us for a Stand Against Racism event on Thursday, April 20, 6 pm to 8 pm at Rainbow Community School’s Omega Middle School (62 State Street, Asheville, NC 28806). There will be a panel discussion that includes members of Building Bridges past and present discussing how the paradigm of racism has changed since in the inception of Building Bridges in 1993 to where we are now in 2017. For more information contact Gerry Leonard at gerryleonard7@gmail.com.

04/21/17 TRUTH TELLING ON RACIAL CONFLICTS AND ‘THE DOCTRINE OF DISCOVERY’

Experience Navajo educator, Mark Charles, in a presentation on a domination framework giving moral and legal rights to invade, seize and enslave people who were not Christian. Dating back to the 15th century, numerous historical documents are still encoded in our legal system today - as shown by U.S. Supreme Court rulings as recent as 2005. This dynamic visionary speaker will be at Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church at 101 Chapel Drive in Swannanoa. Time is 7 to 9 PM. Time includes Q & A and refreshments. This event is free and open to the public (donations will be welcome). For more information, contact Paul at phultberg@charter.net or (828) 505-1026.

04/21/17 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.

04/21/17 to 04/23/17 ASHEVILLE CELEBRATES EARTH WEEK

“We Are All Connected” – Asheville Celebrates Earth Week April 21-23. We are all connected! The City of Asheville has joined forces with numerous community partners to bring you a weekend full of earth day events and family-friendly activities to celebrate this important holiday. The City of Asheville, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, Equinox, GreenWorks, New Belgium Brewing, Organic Grower’s School, Mountain True and RiverLink are hosting Asheville Earth Week on April 21, 22, and 23. With multiple events at different locations over three days, Asheville Earth Week organizers hopes this celebration reinforces a mantra that our community embraces, which is “We are all connected.” On Friday, April 21, MountainTrue is coordinating corporate Earth Day service projects including river clean ups on the French Broad River and invasive plant removal at local parks. To sign your company up, contact Susan Bean at susan@mountiantrue.org or (828) 258-8737 x216. Also on Friday, April 21, join us for a sustainability tour along the newest section of the French Broad River Greenway, which starts at a new trailhead at the intersection of Emma Road and Craven Street. The self- guided tour begins at 3:30 PM and will include stations along the way to learn more about greenways, riverfront redevelopment, complete streets and the Asheville Edibles program. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new greenway and the Craven Street Improvements project at 4:30 PM.

04/21/17 DOCUMENTARY SHOWING AT UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

An Earth Day film “Before the Flood” with Leonardo DiCaprio will be shown at 7 PM. Follow Leonardo DiCaprio as he travels around the globe to witness first hand the effects of climate change and what can be done to solve the problems, through interviews with global leaders such as Pope Francis and former President Obama. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at 1 Edwin Place (corner of Charlotte and Edwin) in Asheville. Sponsors are the WNC Sierra Club (WENOCA) and Creation Care Alliance of WNC. Contact Jane Laping at janelaping@sbcglobal.net or 828-277-7342 for more information. Donations requested.

04/21/17 FILM TO HONOR ARMENIAN GENOCIDE

“Ararat” is a film by Atom Egoyan (Canada/France 2002; 126 min). This film is being shown to honor the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, which is April 24th. This is about a family and film crew in Toronto working on a film based loosely on the 1915 defense of Van during the Armenian genocide. In addition to exploring the human impact of that specific historical event, “Ararat” examines the nature of truth and its representation through art. The genocide is disputed by the government of Turkey, an issue that partially inspired and is explored in the film. Time is 8 PM and location is the Flood Gallery Fine Art Center at 2160 Highway 70 in Swannanoa. Call 828-273-3332 or email info@ashevillecourtyard.com for more information.

04/21/17 FILM SCREENING AT FIRESTORM

A 72 minute film screening and discussion about the brand spankin' new documentary on the Ovarian Psycos Bicycle Brigade: “The film Ovarian Psycos rides along with the Ova’s, exploring the impact of the group’s activism, born of feminist ideals, Indigenous understanding and an urban/hood mentality, on neighborhood women and communities as they confront injustice, racism, and violence, and take back their streets one ride at a time.” Time is 5:30 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

04/21/17 CAROLINA PUBLIC PRESS EVENT ON RENEWABLE ENERGY IN WNC

Join us for a free and public conversation about renewable energy in North Carolina during the next Carolina Public Press Newsmakers forum, which will be held on Friday, April 21, 2017, from 8:30-10:30 AM at Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville. This will be your chance to hear and to discuss the issues surrounding renewable energy. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, 7.1 percent of North Carolina’s utility-scale net electricity generation in 2015 came from renewable energy resources — conventional hydroelectric power, biomass and solar energy, specifically. North Carolina now ranks second in the nation, behind California, in solar capacity. Is that too much, too little or enough? And what are the challenges and opportunities facing renewable energy efforts in Western North Carolina? Panelists include David Neal, staff attorney with the Southern Environmental Law Center; Maggie Ullman, board chair of the N.C. Sustainable Energy Association; and Jason Walls, communication manager at Duke Energy. Journalists with Carolina Public Press will moderate the event, which includes networking, a panel discussion and audience Q&A. The event is sponsored by Lenoir-Rhyne University’s Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville, Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and Self-Help Credit Union. Location is 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville. Tickets are limited and RSVPs are required. Carolina Public Press will live-stream the forum for those who are unable to attend in person; RSVP for details on how to connect remotely. For more information, please call Carolina Public Press at 828-774-5290 or email us at anewsome@carolinapublicpress.org.

04/21/17 DOCUMENTARY SHOWING “BEFORE THE FLOOD” IN SYLVA

The movie “Before The Flood” will be shown at Mad Batter Food and Film at 617 West Main Street in downtown Sylva. Time is 7 PM. This is sponsored by the Canary Coalition and Mountain True. There will be a discussion following the film. Call 586-3555 for more information. This is a Facebook event.

04/22/17 POETS FOR PEACE AT FIRESTORM

Poets For Peace is a collective movement of bringing hope and inspiration onto the road to combat the negative impacts of the Western war machine through dialogue and storytelling. This installment will be fronted by Sam Lane, Jay Morris, and Marshall James Kavanaugh. Sam Lane from Athens, GA writes poetry that focuses on the tension that arises when two disparate spaces confront one another. Jay Morris is a poet from the Athens/Atlanta area and co-founder of Goetry Open Mic in Athens who performs spoken word centered on the personal and political aspects of social identity. Marshall James Kavanaugh has spent the last few years traveling the country, collecting haikus from the expansive big skies found out west and fast-paced cities back east, most recently publishing a collection of essays from his experiences with the Water Protectors at Standing Rock in North Dakota. In each word these three poets share is the intention of a better world manifested through communal exchange. Together their poetic musings will direct the audience towards a sense of inner peace that will shine a beacon of light onto the darkness of the outer world. 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.

04/22/17 MARCH FOR SCIENCE IN ASHEVILLE

The march starts in Aston Park at 336 Hilliard Avenue in downtown Asheville at 10 AM and ends at Pack Square downtown, where there will be speakers on the importance of investment in science as nonpartisan and fact-based. Contact Luke Shealey at lukeshealy99@gmail.com or 828-702-1122 for more information.

04/22/17 INTERACTIVE WORKSHOP ON DECODING AMERICA’S GREATNESS AND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POWER & AUTHORITY

“Decoding America’s Greatness and The Difference between Power and Authority” is the title of this interactive workshop facilitated by dynamic, visionary Navajo educator, Mark Charles. This interactive workshop will help us understand the roots of social injustice including systemic racial structures. Event will be held at the Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting at 137 Center Avenue in Black Mountain. Fee is $30 before April 1st and $35 thereafter. Fee includes lunch. Workshop limited to 30 participants. Make checks payable to Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting and mail to Paul Hultberg at 212 Richmond Hill Drive in Asheville, NC, 28806. Please include your email and phone number. For more information, contact Paul at phultberg@charter.net or (828) 505-1026.

04/22/17 MARCH FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS FOR NORTH CAROLINA

We can no longer fear Big Pharma because 70% of NC citizens support medical cannabis. The citizens of North Carolina understand that denying the sick safe access to safe medicine is not only dangerous, but morally wrong. We are uniting in a statewide campaign to push our legislators to protect those who want to treat their illness with a safer alternative. Vote yes to House Bill 185. We are tired of being locked up and denied rights to what keeps us well. You do not have to smoke cannabis to stand with the sick who need it, to understand this will fight the opiate epidemic, and begin to heal our community naturally. This is a statewide effort with marches taking place across the state. Time is 2 to 3:30 PM. We will meet at Pritchard Park for some speakers, then march to Vance Monument. We are here not to break the law but to reform it. Bring signs, smiles, and respect. Looking forward to seeing you. This is a Facebook event, hosted by NC NORML of Asheville.

04/22/17 DOCUMENTARY SHOWING FOR EARTH DAY

Earth Day film and panel discussion on “Seed: The Untold Story.” Join us for this wonderful film and discussion. “Seed: The Untold Story” tells a beautiful tale of seed diversity and its sad demise. The film takes us on a journey through heart wrenching stories of betrayal and loss, sobering facts about where seed is today -- and isn't -- and the threats to seed diversity that threaten our very existence. From 544 varieties of cabbage, we have just 28; from 158 varieties of cauliflower, we now have 9, and the list goes on. “We have lost 94% of vegetable seed varieties in the 20th century,” we are told at the start of the film. It is truly enough to make you weep...and to inspire action to save our heritage for a sustainable future. Time spent with both traditional seed savers and seed saving pioneers working daily to bring back what was stolen from us through chemical use, GMO technology and corporate control of world politics, is also time spent with the innate beauty of seed. Filmed with reverence and an understanding of the miracle of life that seed truly is “Seed: The Untold Story” carries us closer to seed in a very intimate, even sensual, way. From seed is born the root of our existence. We'll gather together in community for an exploration of seed, as never does a gathering of caring people convene that a seed of hope is not planted.Time is 5:30 PM and location is Lenoir-Rhyne University in Asheville at 36 Montford Avenue. Donations accepted at the door. This is a Facebook event.

04/22/17 EARTH DAY SKILL SHARE FAIR

Transition Asheville and the Earth Team of First Congregational UCC will sponsor a Skill Sharing event to honor Earth Day. Participants can choose from a variety of practical skills that can help us live more sustainably on earth. Among the skills being shared by experienced teachers are the following: making homes more energy efficient; a range of tips for conserving resources; how to make a solar oven; vegetarian cooking; worm composting for gardeners; principles of permaculture; tree identification; basic carpentry; and how to plant and care for trees. The event will take place at the First Congregational UCC at 20 Oak St. in downtown Asheville. This will happen from 10 AM until 3PM. For more information, contact Ron Martin-Adkins at skillsforresilience@yahoo.com.

04/22/17 SPEAK UP! FINDING THE RIGHT STRUCTURE FOR YOUR STORY

Think through issues of racial and cultural identity in this all levels bookbinding workshop with multimedia artist Rachel Mauser on Saturday, April 22, 10 am - 1 pm. Participants will use 6-word memoirs, critical questioning, and collaborative techniques to explore different ways to share a story. Quick bookbinding structures and paper folding techniques will be taught in order to find the best form to help get a message across. No prior experience necessary, all supplies included. This is a collaboration of The Center for Craft, Creativity & Design and the YWCA’s Stand Against Racism. Register now at https://bookmakingwithrachelmauser.eventbrite.com/. Pre-registration is required and it is $40 per person, and there are a limited amount of free slots available. For more information contact Gerry Leonard at gleonard@ywcaofasheville.org.

04/22/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS ASHEVILLE-BUNCOMBE COUNTY FILM SCREENING

“Equal Means Equal” film screening at Francine Delany New School for Children at 119 Brevard Road in Asheville. Time is 7 PM. Contact 1-828-333-0893 or info@lwvab.org for more information.

04/23/17 EARTH DAY VIGIL IN ASHEVILLE

Time is 5 to 7 PM and location is Pritchard Park at 67 Patton Avenue in downtown Asheville. Earth Day Vigil with the Creation Care Alliance called “Active Hope.” Time is 5 to 6:30 PM with a reception to follow. The Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina will host a vigil celebrating God's creation and calling on people of faith to care for it. We will gather Pritchard Park for an afternoon of song, poetry, reflection, and to hear messages of inspiration and action from local faith and community leaders. All are welcome. A reception will follow at Jubilee! Community Church at 46 Wall Street in downtown Asheville. Jubilee is also our rain out location. This event is free.

04/23/17 FILM SCREENING AT THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE

Join us for a free screening of “Cowspiracy” which explores the impact of animal agriculture on the environment, and investigates the policies of environmental organizations on this issue. Time is 4 to 7 PM and location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. Phone 828-254-9277 for more information.

04/23/17 MEDICARE FOR ALL TOWN HALL IN WAYNESVILLE

Over the past few months, the people of the NC 11th District have tried to make their voices heard to Congressman Mark Meadows about the Affordable Care Act (ACA). As chairman of the House Freedom Caucus his primary agenda has meanwhile been focused on pushing through a full repeal of the ACA even though it will gravely affect his own constituents. Meadows opposed the TrumpCare bill–which the GOP had to pull for lack of votes–for all the wrong reasons. He felt it did not do enough to strip “entitlements,” like essential health benefits and Medicaid, from the people of his district. Meadows continues to ignore us, saying he will “have a town hall in August,” and that’s unacceptable. Congress is in recess again beginning 4/7, and we’re requesting Meadows’ presence at a town hall on Sunday, April 23. It’s time we moved past the ACA. We need Medicare for All. There have been town halls, rallies, petitions, letters, and other actions that have occurred over the past few months. The 4/23 town hall will unify all of these events. The size and scope of this event is unprecedented in the 11th. It’s time we came together as a district–as western North Carolinians–and made our voices heard. We’ll meet on the lawn in front of the Haywood County Courthouse at 285 North Main Street in downtown Waynesville. This is right next to Meadows’ office. Free. Time is 3 to 5 PM.

04/24/17 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: April 24 - Navigating Flash Points of US Politics, Foreign Policy and World Diplomacy; and 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.

04/24/17 COLLABORATIVE CONVERSATIONS: CREATING EQUITY IN SCHOOLS

Join us for a collaborative conversation with parents, teachers, students and community members on Monday, April 24, 6 - 8 pm at Rainbow Community School’s Omega Middle School (62 State Street, Asheville, NC 28806). What does equity look like for education in Asheville and Buncombe County? What are our roles and responsibilities for ensuring all students have access to quality learning environments? This is a registered Stand Against Racism event.

04/24/17 STAND UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP

ASURJ Grant Writing Working Group Meeting from 6 to 8 PM at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville at Charlotte and Edwin Streets. Please go to the downstairs room. Calling all writers and non-writers. Come to ASURJ's new Grant Writing Working Group meeting to learn how you can make a difference by helping POC-led organizations get funding for their initiatives. You don't have to be a writer to join. Researchers, liaisons, and excel masters are just some of the roles we'll need to fill. Much of the work will be done and shared online. If you're interested but can't attend this first meeting, please contact Sara Murphy at Sara.A.Murphy@gmail.com. This is a Facebook event.

04/24/17 AUTHOR EVENT AT MALAPROPS

There have been numerous books on genocide in the last twenty years, but “To Kill a People” offers a different approach. It is one of the few books on genocide expressly written for use in the college classroom. The book includes four case studies--the Armenian, Nazi, Cambodian, and Rwandan genocides--and substantive introductory and concluding chapters that contribute to two key debates within genocide studies: how to define ‘genocide’ and place it in relation to other mass atrocities, and how to detect and analyze the social, historical, and cultural forces that produce genocidal violence. “To Kill a People” examines a vast range of the latest research, offers original interpretations and arguments, and draws upon the author's own archival research on three continents. The case studies are supplemented by primary readings and thought-provoking questions, and the book concludes with a chapter that synthesizes the lessons and issues that arise from the study of genocide. A chapter-length bibliographic essay further distinguishes this book and will be useful to students and experts alike. Author John Cox will present this book. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprops in downtown Asheville.

04/25/17 WNC DIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT COALITION LUNCH AND LEARN

The WNC Diversity Engagement Coalition invites you to join us for a free lunch and learn on Tuesday, April the 25th from 12:00 - 1:00 at the MAHEC Education Center in Pisgah. Marisol Jimenez, an accomplished equity and inclusion organizer, facilitator, and advocate, with Tepeyac Consulting, will lead this workshop that serves as an opportunity for you to develop some language and frameworks for advancing equity within your organizations and communities. Together, we will look at how history, culture, policies, and resource distribution uphold a structure of power, privilege, and oppression that can only be interrupted by strategies that move beyond diversity. Lunch will be provided and space is limited! Registration is required. Contact paulinam364@gmail.com to register. This is a registered Stand Against Racism event.

04/25/17 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING ASSOCIATION YOUTH CELEBRATION

Youth Celebration: Tuesday, April 25, 2017: 6:00 p.m. Ferguson Auditorium, A-B Tech campus. Free and open to the public. Call 828-335-6896 for more information.

04/25/17 MOVIE NIGHT AT THE COLLIDER

The Collider and Oskar Blues Brewery launch a new monthly climate and environmental film series at The Collider, open to the public. Doors open at 6:30 PM, the film starts at 7. The first four evenings will feature episodes from the award-winning series, “Years of Living Dangerously.” Oskar Blues will provide beer and, of course, we’ll also have popcorn. Tonight we will show “Safe Passage” with Bradley Whitford and “The Road Ahead” with Ty Burrell, and “Uprising” featuring “The Coal Wars” with America Ferrera and “Elephant in the Room” with Sigourney Weaver. This is a Facebook event.

04/25/17 ASHEVILLE TIMEBANK POTLUCK

Asheville TimeBank will hold its monthly potluck dinner on the 4th Tuesday of April at 5:30 PM until sunset, at West Asheville Park (foot of Vermont St.). All welcome. Come hear stories of services exchanged and share delicious food! Contact Cathy Holt at cathyfholt@gmail.com for more information.

04/25/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

04/25/17 SHOWING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE EVENT DO!SCUSSION

04/25/17 WEEKLY PROGRESSIVE ORGANIZED WOMEN RALLY IN HENDERSONVILLE

04/25/17 WNC DIVERSITY ENGAGEMENT COALITION LUNCH AND LEARN

04/25/17 MEN’S DIVERSITY CIRCLE AT FIRESTORM

From circle organizer Duncan Tam: As men of color and culture, we navigate the margins of power and privilege from cradle to grave. We inherit the legacies of our ancestors and pass down our love and pain to our children. In circle, we give support, voice and strength to each other in our personal challenges with the experiences of exclusion and inclusion, and celebrate the contributions we make in our lives and in all our relations. All men of color are welcome. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.

04/25/17 THE RIPPLE EFFECT WITH MIA BIRDSONG

The Ripple Effect with Mia Birdsong. April 25th at 6pm at the Diana Wortham Theatre. Join us for community conversation on how your actions create positive change, featuring Mia Birdsong and the voices of our neighbors and community members. Register at www.miabirdsong.eventbrite.com. Mia Birdsong is an acclaimed community advocate who speaks about the value of community and self-determination. She is best known for her TED Talk: The story we tell about poverty isn't true, which has now been watched over 1.5 million times. This is a registered Stand Against Racism event.

04/26/17 PASTORS FOR PEACE IN ASHEVILLE

Pastors for Peace is part of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organizations (IFCO). It has been organizing caravans to Cuba since 1992 offering US citizens an opportunity to express their support for changing relations with Cuba. The Executive Director, Ms. Gail Walker states: “While President Obama made some efforts to begin opening US relations with Cuba before leaving office, the embargo is still in effect and there are still some restrictions on travel to Cuba. This year, in the early days of the Trump administration, we are focusing on opposition to any roll-back of the gains made under the Obama administration.” This will be a potluck dinner (please bring a dish to share) followed by a talk and discussion with Ms. Walker Time is 6:30 PM and location is Asheville Friends Meeting House at 227 Edgewood Road in Asheville. Ms. Walker will focus on what life is like in Cuba today and on the current state of US-Cuba relations. Pastors for Peace began organizing Friendshipment caravans to Cuba in 1992. This is a fundraising tour. Please donate what you can. For more information, please contact Ken at jonesk@maine.edu.

04/26/17 PASTORS FOR PEACE AT WARREN WILSON

From their website: “Pastors for Peace is a special ministry of the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO), and was created in 1988 to pioneer the delivery of humanitarian aid to Latin America and the Caribbean. Pastors for Peace offers concerned US citizens an opportunity to demonstrate and enact an alternative people-to-people foreign policy based in justice and mutual respect. We have organized dozens of Pastors for Peace Caravans to various countries delivering life-giving aid, and organizing at home for a more just policy toward our neighbors in the hemisphere.” Pastors for Peace started organizing caravans to Cuba in 1992. Gail Walker, Executive Director, will speak about what is it like in Cuba today and about the current state of US-Cuba relations. Then the film “All Guantanamo is Ours” will be shown. This film shows the perspective and sentiment of the Cuban people, in particular those living in the towns around Guantanamo, about the illegal occupation of the U.S. Naval Base. This will be from 4 to 5:30 PM and location is Jensen Lecture Hall at Warren Wilson College. This is a fundraising tour. Please donate what you can. For more information, contact Ken at jonesk@maine.edu.

04/26/17 MIGRANT EDUCATION PROGRAM AND DONATION DRIVE

Leah Charbonneau, MA, with AmeriCorps Vista, NC Department of Public Instruction, and the Migrant Education Program will discuss the regional Migrant Education Program that works with this vulnerable population, their needs from the community, and opportunities that MHU students have in helping them through ESL internships and donating needed materials for them and their families. Time is 6 to 7 PM and location is the Chapel at Mars Hill University.

04/27/17 ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

Writer-actor Aaron Davidman embodies seventeen different characters in and around the city of Jerusalem as he takes us on an eye-opening journey into the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian story. Exploring universal questions of identity and human connection, this film challenges the audience to reconsider their views on the Israeli-Palestinian story in light of the film. This is a closing night reception to the Asheville Jewish Film Festival and director Aaron Davidman will be present. Time is 6 PM and location is Fine Arts Theatre at 36 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Admission is $25.

04/27/2017 MI HISTORIA: LATINOS TODAY IN WNC

The Literacy Council will be hosting the "Mi Historia: Latinos Today in WNC" exhibit from the Center for Diversity Education at UNC Asheville. On Thursday, April 27, 9 am - 7:30 pm and Friday, April 28, 9 am - 4:30 pm, community members are encouraged to drop in and view the exhibit which provides a glimpse into the varied and important stories of Western North Carolina's Latino immigrant population. Activity guides will be available for participants as they walk through.

04/27/17 DIVERSITY IN WNC CONTRIBUTORS TO MUSIC AND MEDICINE

Diversity in WNC Contributors to Music and Medicine. Discussion leaders: Pat McAfee, author of Western North Carolina Musical Legacies: Hidden in the Melodies of Life; and Micki Cabaniss, publisher of History of Medicine in Asheville, "Early Black Physicians," authored by Freeman Irby Stephens. This is in the setting of our monthly Interfaith Program at Grateful Steps and a registered Stand Against Racism event.

04/27/17 YWCA OF ASHEVILLE HOSTS WOMEN OF COLOR LEADING CHANGE

Join us for the YWCA's Stand Against Racism panel discussion on Thursday, April 27, 6 - 8 pm at the Wesley Grant Center, highlighting local women of color (WOC) who are leading grassroots efforts towards equity and inclusion. The focus of the event will be on challenges faced and success stories from WOC leaders along with words of wisdom for others looking to make change in their communities. Despite outpacing other groups in college education, leading social progress since the very beginning, and often being the primary breadwinner in their households, WOC are consistently underrepresented in positions of leadership throughout all sectors nationwide. Asheville is not an exception to this imbalance, but the YWCA is on a mission to shed more light on this disparity and inspire our community to embrace the leadership of women and WOC. Only through diverse voices will true equality emerge. Because women, and especially WOC, see and experience the world through different lenses, their presence in leadership roles is imperative to help shape more equitable policies, workplaces and systems in our communities. For more information contact Marsha Davis at marsha.davis@ywcaofasheville.org.

04/27/17 TRANSMISSION PRISON PROJECT

Help the Tranzmission Prison Project distribute free literature to incarcerated members of the LGBTQ community. Every fourth Thursday of the month volunteers meet from 6 - 9 PM, preparing packages of books and zines for mailing to prisons across the United States. Books have already been selected for each inmate, you just need to help get them wrapped and addressed. 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.

04/27/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HENDERSON COUNTY EVENT

Speaker and facilitator Laura Jeffords, Executive Director of the Mediation Center in Asheville, will discuss “What is the value of civility? What impact can we have as individuals and as a community? on our elected officials? our children? our neighbors? our colleagues?” Please join us for an interactive community discussion, and leave empowered to make a difference. Time is 5:30 to 7:30 PM and location is the Kaplan Auditorium at Henderson County Main Public Library in Hendersonville.

04/27/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS HENDERSON COUNTY EVENT

Please join us for an interactive community discussion on “Civil Discourse in Divided Times” and leave empowered to make a difference. Speaker/Facilitator: Laura Jeffords, Executive Director, The Mediation Center, Asheville. What is the value of civility? What impact can we have as individuals and as a community? On our Elected Officials? Our Children? Our Neighbors? Our Colleagues? Location is the Kaplan Auditorium at Henderson County Main Public Library. Time is 5:30 to 7:30 PM.

04/28/17 UNCA STUDENT ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER ACTION

On Friday April 28, UNCA Student Environmental Center will present to UNCA Board of Trustees a request for divestiture from fossil fuel funds. Location is UNC Asheville at Brown Hall #217, time TBA between 9-12 PM. Contact James Smith, at jsmith18@unca.edu or 919-724-5087 for more information. UNCA students are requesting the community to come and support them.

04/28/17 ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL

Writer-actor Aaron Davidman embodies seventeen different characters in and around the city of Jerusalem as he takes us on an eye-opening journey into the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian story. Exploring universal questions of identity and human connection, this film challenges the audience to reconsider their views on the Israeli-Palestinian story in light of the film. Time is 1 PM and location is Fine Arts Theatre at 36 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville. Admission is $10.

04/28/17 ANTI-RACISM ACCOUNTABILITY GROUP AT UNITARIAN CONGREGATION

04/28/17 SILENT VIGIL FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM IN HENDERSONVILLE

This will be at the Henderson County Courthouse on Main Street in Hendersonville (between 1st and 2nd Streets) from 5 to 6 PM. There will be signs available for people to hold, or you can bring your own. This is a coalition of churches and nonprofits. This came from the Progressive Organized Women of Henderson County. Happens monthly. Contact POWHvilleNC@gmail.com for more information.

04/29/17 SIERRA CLUB BUS TO DC FROM ASHEVILLE

The People’s Climate March is April 29 in Washington DC and Sierra Club WENOCA has chartered a bus to take you there. We are grateful to the national Sierra Club and the NC chapter for subsidizing the cost of the bus. Therefore, your cost for a round trip ticket is $48.47 ($30 for bus + $10 for MetroRail card + $5 for water, snacks, etc. + $3.47 service charge). Please print your ticket and show it when boarding the bus. The bus will leave the night of April 28 and return the morning of April 30. You will not need a hotel because the bus will be traveling through the night. If you cannot make the trip but would like to make a donation to help someone who wants to go but can’t afford it, you can do that at the same link. Don’t delay - we are expecting this bus to fill up fast. Contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net for more information. Go here to get tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peoples-climate-march-bus-asheville-to-dc-tickets-32859388315

04/29/17 GREENWORKS HARD 2 RECYCLE COLLECTION

Bring out your dead electronics, tvs, computers, small appliances, batteries and more to be recycled here in the US. We need a good amount of folks to help keep this event moving. Please consider helping out for a shift. Time is 10 AM to 2 PM and location is the City Public Works parking lot at 161 South Charlotte Street in downtown Asheville. Contact Eric Bradford at 828-232-7144 or eric@ashevillegreenworks.org for more information.

04/29/17 ASHEVILLE PEOPLE’S CLIMATE RALLY AND MARCH

This will be in Pack Square from 10 AM to 2 PM. Host Asheville Indivisible Climate Sub Group and 350.org along with the Sierra Club are organizing the Sister Climate March (to the DC event) here in town on April 29. We will kick off with a rally in Pack Square at 10 am. Come out on April 29 to rally in support of climate action at all levels of government. Contact Ulla at ulla.reeves@gmail.com for more information. Contact Ken at kenbrame@sbcglobal.net or call 828-423-8045 to march under Sierra Club banner or volunteer to help.

04/29/17 MOVIE SHOWING OF “13TH” IN ASHEVILLE

View the movie “13th” followed by a discussion with Max Parthas of New Abolitionists Radio, foremost authority in the field of prison slavery. Free admission for showings followed by discussion of film; one showing at noon and another one at 6 PM. Location is the Dr. Wesley Grant Sr Southside Center at 185 Livingston Street in Asheville. The film, directed by Ava DuVernay, is titled after the 13th Amendment which freed slaves and prohibited slavery except as a punishment for crime. Event sponsored by Asheville Friends Meeting, Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, Asheville Black Lives Matter, and Asheville SURJ (Showing Up for Racial Justice). No contact information given.

04/30/17 WNC SOLIDARITY CONCERT SERIES

The final Sunday of each month in 2017, two groups of WNC-based musicians and their ensembles will each perform a benefit concert to raise funding for WNC nonprofits. The music performed each week will fluctuate between jazz, rhythm & blues, soul, jazz funk, jazz fusion, and swing. Each event will host two groups, playing, consecutively between 3 and 5 PM with a brief intermission. All of proceeds go to the nonprofit organization. The nonprofit for today’s concert is Our Voice. Act I is the Al Schlimm Quintet and Act II is the Chuck Lichtenberger Quartet. Location is The Block Off Biltmore at Eagle and South Market Streets in downtown Asheville. Suggested donation is $10, and are available the day of the event. This is a Facebook event. Please call The Block Off Biltmore for more information.

04/30/17 STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN PIONEERS

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Association of Asheville and Buncombe County, in partnership with the Residents Council of Asheville Housing Authority, will host an event titled, “Standing on the Shoulders of African American Women Pioneers” on Sunday, April 30, 3 pm at the Edington Center. We will celebrate the lives of the following individuals: Mrs. Vivian Cline Cooper, taught in Asheville for over 40 years; Mrs. Willie F. Hennessee, First Black Voter Registrar in western NC; Mrs. Beatrice Francine Delany, the first senior graduating class from Asheville-Biltmore College, the Francine Delany New School for Children is named in her honor; Mrs. Minnie Jones, Co-founder of the Minnie Jones Family Health Center and civil rights pioneer. The organizations will also recognize the following change agents: Johnnie Grant, Terry Bellamy, Brenda Mills, Clara Jeter, Willie Mae Brown and Thelma Porter. This is a registered Stand Against Racism event.

04/30/17 DOCUMENTARY AT THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE

In 2016, Standing Rock, North Dakota became one of the most watched places on earth. Josh Fox James Spione Myron Dewey Digital Smoke Signals present a new documentary “AWAKE, A Dream From Standing Rock” which captures some of the many stories of the Native-led resistance against the Dakota Access Pipeline, which forever changed the way people approach the fight for Indigenous sovereignty and the resistance to fossil fuel infrastructure, Big Oil and climate change. Time is 7 PM and location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. Phone 828-254-9277 for more information.

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

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

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.

05/06/17 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.

05/07/17 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.

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

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

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. A co-sponsor is UNC Asheville Political Science Department. Time is 7 PM and location is Reuter Center 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.

05/13/17 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 USA, 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.

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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 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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THE LAST DAY TO COMMENT ON THIS IS MONDAY, APRIL 17TH.

On Tue, Apr 11, 2017 at 9:44 PM, Cathy Scott wrote:

Dear friends,

At a recent meeting with city officials and Duke Energy, I learned that the City of Asheville’ s hands are tied when it comes to mandating that new buildings meet high standards of energy efficiency and energy conservation. Why is that? It’s because in our fair state, it is illegal for municipalities to have stricter building codes than the state itself has required.

Now the office in Raleigh in charge of building codes is considering new standards for 2018, and guess what? The new codes would be WEAKER than the existing codes!

This means that it will be even harder for the City of Asheville to require new buildings (and we have a lot of them) to be built better, smarter, greener.

A friend who is in the know about building codes and so forth, and who very much wants to see Asheville be able to set high standards for new construction and for restoration of existing buildings, recommends that we write to Mr. Barry Gupton (see below) and say, in effect, that the Building Code Council should adopt the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) in its entirety, and reject the proposed 2018 North Carolina Energy Conservation Code (NCECC).

Please write to the address below (which, curiously enough, it the Office of Insurance, which oversees all this) and say, in your own words of course:

Don’t DUMB DOWN Building Codes!

The time is ripe for requiring that

---- all new construction meet the highest possible standards of energy efficiency in building;

----that new buildings should be required to utilize both conservation and energy efficiency measures AND the use of renewable energy generation;

----that older buildings undergoing rehabilitation should be required to replace old windows and old roofing, as is the case with national model codes and standards.

DON’T DUMB DOWN OUR BUILDING CODES! ADOPT THE 2015 IECC IN ITS ENTIRETY.

The Office is waiting to hear from YOU, but only until Monday, April 17th!!

S0--please--do it today!! It is through such mundane matters as these that we will bend the arc of the universe towards harmony.

Here’s the man who needs to hear from you! ---> Barry.gupton@ncdoi.gov

For anyone who wants more detailed information about this, just get back to me and I'll send it to you!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Cathy

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dancewater

Sunday, April 16, 2017

Upcoming events for the week of April 16, 2017

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