Local protest at Vance Monument on July 4, 2017.
UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER
07/10/17 CURRENT EVENTS BOOK CLUB
Join host Bruce Roth for a lively discussion on topics of current interest including war and peace, the economy, the environment, and other hot political topics. This month’s book is “Citizen Scientist: Searching for Heroes and Hope in an Age of Extinction” by Mary Ellen Hannibal. Time is 7 PM and location is Malaprops. Contact Malaprops for more information.
07/10/17 TRANSYLVANIA NAACP MEETING
Take action to protect our kids in our schools: We are working in the aftermath of the racial threats against a Brevard High School student. Here's the crux of the story, if you haven't seen it. And here's the WLOS follow up from our last NAACP general membership meeting on June 12. We are involved in many ways to find long-term solutions to systemic racism in our county. Join the effort by e-mailing us. Come to our next membership and executive committee meeting on Monday, July 10 at 6:15 p.m. at Bethel A Baptist Church, 290 Oakdale St., Brevard. All are welcome. No contact information, this came from an online post.
07/10/17 MEET FINALISTS FOR CITY OF ASHEVILLE’S EQUITY AND INCLUSION MANAGER
Meet the finalists for the City of Asheville’s first Equity and Inclusion Manager. After months of public engagement, planning, and interviewing, the City of Asheville is excited to announce that two finalists have been selected for the position of Equity and Inclusion Manager. This position will lead the City of Asheville’s effort to expand equity in City services and programs, and will be dedicated to helping the City achieve meaningful progress by evaluating the delivery of City programs, services and its decision-making in order to operationalize equity. The Asheville community is invited to engage in conversations with the finalists at a finalists meet-and-greet from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, July 10, at the U.S. Cellular Center Banquet Hall. “We are really looking forward to getting the community’s input on the two finalists,” said Dawa Hitch, Director of Communication and Public Engagement — and supervisor for the new position. “This is an important position to the City, and we believe identifying the best candidate for Asheville relies on the thoughts, ideas and experiences of the community.” More information on the position and the previous public input opportunities can be found on the City’s Equity Manager Project Page.
07/11/17 OCCUPY WNC MEETING
The non-partisan group meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at the Sneak E Squirrel in Sylva. The next meeting is July 11th at 7:00 PM in the restaurant’s Community Room. Supper at 6:00 PM. OccupyWNC has worked for economic and social justice in WNC since 2011. Newcomers and visitors are welcome. Contact Lucy Christopher at (828)743-9747 or lucy.christopher42@gmail.com for more information.
07/11/17 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.
07/11/17 DEMOCRACY-NC EVENT FOR REDISTRICTING CANVASSING TRAINING
Learn to Canvass for Fair Maps. We gathered over 4,000 petitions for non-partisan redistricting reform in Western North Carolina. Now we're taking the next step. We are going door-to-door to talk about redistricting in the home districts of NC House Reps who are not in support reform. Come learn how to canvass (talk with folks at the door) about this complicated issue in a simple way. We are looking for volunteers but also have some temporary paid opportunities to do this work. Join us for a Redistricting Canvassing Training on July 11 at 6:00 p.m. in Asheville (Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville) to get started. If you have questions, contact Darlene at (828) 216-3430 or darlene@democracy-nc.org.
07/11/17 ASURJ DO!SCUSSION
Every Tuesday since December 2016. The Do!scussion is a safe space in which to talk about what we see that encourages us to continue to create multi-racial coalitions in Asheville. It is also a space in which we talk about what we are struggling with. Hard for you to get out of bed and get to work on dismantling the white supremacy? Come on over, and we'll talk about it. Then, we'll get to Do!ing! The six organizing principles of SURJ are: 1) Accountability through Action, 2) Mutual Interest, 3) Take Risks and Keep Going, 4) Calling in More, 5) Enough for Everyone, and 6) Growth is Good. Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
07/13/17 DOCUMENTARY FILM IN ASHEVILLE
July 13th movie “FIX IT” — Health Care At The Tipping Point. Location is the Pack Memorial Library, Lord Auditorium in downtown Asheville. 6:00 PM doors open, 6:15 – 7:15 movie, followed by Q & A. Free. Email: healthcare@indivisibleavl.org.
07/13/17 THE ALLY DRAMA TRIANGLE: DOING ALLY WORK WITH RESONANCE AND LESS DRAMA
A Courageous and Challenging Meetup for Persecutors, Victims, Rescuers, Bystanders and Allies. Sexism. Queerphobia. Racism. Who are you doing it to? Who's doing it to you? Who's saving whom? Who's doing nothing? Who are you allying with? What's happening when you act out the “Drama Triangle” in any and all the roles of persecutor, victim, rescuer, bystander and ally with others in our world of White male privilege and domination? We explore the dynamics of interpersonal, structural, economic and institutional systems of injustice and the ways each of us is the oppressed, the oppressor and the savior, and learn to serve as allies with less drama and deeper resonance and respect in all our engagements.Time is 7 to 8:30 PM and location is Firestorm Cafe at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Duncan Tam at duncan2729@yahoo.com for more information.
07/14/17 SOCIAL JUSTICE FILM IN ASHEVILLE
Environmental & Social Justice Film, “Equal Means Equal”, Friday, July 14th, 7 PM, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. On Friday, July 14th, we are screening the important award-winning documentary “Equal Means Equal”, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. “Equal Means Equal” is an unflinching look at how women are treated in the United States today. By following both real life stories and precedent setting legal cases, director Kamala Lopez discovers how outdated and discriminatory attitudes inform and influence seemingly disparate issues, from workplace matters to domestic violence, rape and sexual assault to the foster care system, the healthcare system and the legal system. Along the way, she reveals the inadequacy of present laws in place that claim to protect women, ultimately presenting a compelling and persuasive argument for the urgency of ratifying the Equal Rights amendment. The film screening is at 7 PM, and is open to the public. Location is the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville at One Edwin Place. There is no charge for viewing the film. Donations are welcome. Contact Charlie at 612-860-6628 or mnpopi@icloud.com for more information.
07/14/17 OVERCOMING GLOBAL WARMING DENIAL SPEECH
Anthony Marr Speaks: How to Overcome Global Warming Denial. Optional potluck starts at 5:30. Bring your own plate, TBob supplies eating utensils. Snacks are available for purchase at the bar. Anthony Marr will speak at 6:30. Join AVS in welcoming Anthony Marr to Asheville for the first of three different talks over three days, as part of his Journey of H.O.P.E tour. On this tour, to Heal Our Planet Earth, Anthony and his wife Shannon Wright will cover 48 states in 8 months. Anthony received the Henry Spira Grassroots Animal Activist Award in 2010 for his outstanding contribution to animal liberation. Anthony Marr holds a science degree and has worked as a field geophysicist and an environmental technologist. In 1995, he became a full-time wildlife preservationist, which has brought him to India three times, earning him the title of the “Champion of the Bengal Tiger” in the [Champions of the Wild] TV series aired in 20 countries. As found of Heal Our Planet Earth he has conducted high profile campaigns in Canada for the bears and seals, and been to Japan twice for the whales and dolphins. He is the author of the critically acclaimed Omni-Science. Whether protecting tiger reserves in India, risking his life in undercover investigations of the illegal trade in endangered species parts, challenging any and all forms of hunting, hosting a radio show, writing visionary books on science, philosophy, and cosmology, embarking on marathon coast-to-coast Compassion for Animals Road Expeditions, covering dozens of US states, or mobilizing scientific research to awaken the complacent of the imminent dangers of irreversible ecological crisis, Anthony Marr is raising awareness, effectively campaigning and blazing new trails. For anyone skeptical of what one person can do alone, or in a strategic alliance with others, or what can be accomplished without large bankrolls…look no further. - Anthony Marr winning the [Best All-Around Activist] award presented by N.I.O. Location is The Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in Asheville. Call 828-254-9277 for more information.
07/15/17 HOW TO SAVE A MILLION SPECIES AT A TIME SPEECH
How to Save A Million Species at A Time. Join the Asheville Vegan Society in welcoming Anthony Marr to Asheville for the second of three different talks over three days, as part of his Journey of H.O.P.E Tour. On this tour, to Heal Our Planet Earth, Anthony and his wife Shannon Wright will cover 48 states in 8 months. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Call 775-560-2460 for more info.
07/16/17 ETHICAL HUMANIST SOCIETY EVENT
“Health Systems Around the World: Myth and Reality” will be presented by Bradley Fuller at the Sunday, July 16, 2017 meeting of the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, 2:00-3:30 PM, at Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Road, Asheville, NC. All are welcome to attend. Join Bradley Fuller for a surprising discussion of the myths and realities of the healthcare systems and outcome measures of several developed countries around the world. He will summarize the salient systems, costs and quality of care in Germany, Japan, Switzerland, the UK and Taiwan. How do these international healthcare systems compare to the US both as it is today and as repeal and replace is envisioned? Informal discussion and refreshments will follow the presentation. For more information: call 828 687-7759, email EHSAsheville@gmail.com.
07/17/17 DEMOCRACY-NC ASHEVILLE MEETING
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. Please join us for the next Democracy Asheville Meeting at the Wesley Grant Center (285 Livingston Street in Asheville) on July 17, at 6 p.m. Join us for our regular monthly coalition meeting for updates on the latest voting rights news and plan our next steps for our #FairMapsNC campaign for redistricting reform, including petitions, canvassing, and more. For more information on how to RSVP, place contact Darlene Azarmi at 828-216-3430 or darlene@democracy-nc.org.
07/18/17 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 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.
07/18/17 ASURJ DO!SCUSSION
Every Tuesday since December 2016. The Do!scussion is a safe space in which to talk about what we see that encourages us to continue to create multi-racial coalitions in Asheville. It is also a space in which we talk about what we are struggling with. Hard for you to get out of bed and get to work on dismantling the white supremacy? Come on over, and we'll talk about it. Then, we'll get to Do!ing! The six organizing principles of SURJ are: 1) Accountability through Action, 2) Mutual Interest, 3) Take Risks and Keep Going, 4) Calling in More, 5) Enough for Everyone, and 6) Growth is Good. Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
07/18/17 STANDING UP FOR RACIAL JUSTICE MEETING
Tue, July 18, 7pm – 9pm. Contact David Greenson at davidgreenson@gmail.com or (718)809-2132 for more information. This is a monthly meeting- every Third Tuesday. Location is Kairos West at 742 Haywood Road in Asheville.
07/18/17 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.
07/19/17 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.
07/20/17 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE MEETING
Creation Care Alliance Meeting. Thursday, July 20, 5:30-7pm. First Baptist Church Room MB306 Upstairs, at 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC 28801. Please park near the playground closer to College Ave. Join us to share stories of sustainability, the Wild Goose Festival, and our ongoing work. No contact information.
07/20/17 POTLUCK AND REPORT BACK FROM UN NUCLEAR BAN TREATY
Pot luck and community report-back from the United Nations Nuclear Ban Treaty session. Mary Olson, Dr Bert Crain, Linda Modica, Dan Keyser, Frances Lambert were in NYC at the United Nations during its negotiations on a new global treaty to ben nuclear weapons. Come learn more—join us on July 20 for a meal at 5:30 on Thursday July 20, or arrive by 6:30 pm for the program—your questions and comments welcome! Location is Friendship Hall - First Congregational Church at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Sponsored by: Physicians for Social Responsibility; Nuclear Information and Resource Service; Stir the Soul Cafe. For more information, contact Mary at maryo@nirs.org or 828-252-8409 / 828-242-5621 cell.
07/20/17 MEN DOING OPPRESSION, MEN DOING OPPRESSED, MEN DOING ALLY
Every second Thursday at 7:00 pm since Sep 2016 Sexism. Queerphobia. Racism. Who are you doing it to? Who's doing it to you? Who's saving whom? Who's doing nothing? Who are you allying with? What's happening when you act in any and all the roles of persecutor, victim, rescuer, bystander and ally with others in our world of White male privilege and domination? We gather as men to explore interpersonal, structural, economic and institutional systems of injustice and the ways each of us is the oppressed and the oppressor, and learn to serve as allies, being responsive and accountable for what we choose to brave in our own lives, and with and for all our relations. Who's welcome: All Men – White, Cis, Indigenous, Queer, of Color, Trans, and Those called to do Ally. Facilitated by Duncan Tam. Time is 7 PM and location is Firestorm. Call Firestorm for more information.
07/21/17 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.
07/22/17 SIERRA CLUB PICNIC
Sierra Club July 22: 8th Annual Summer Picnic. Come one, come all to the 8th Annual Sierra Club Summer Picnic on Saturday, July 22. The picnic is scheduled from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Blue Ridge Parkway sheltered picnic grounds located on Bull Mt. Rd. near the VA Hospital on Riceville Rd. This event is free and will be held rain or shine. Please bring a pot luck dish to share and your own place settings. Drinks will be provided. Badminton and horseshoes will add to the festivities. Directions: Exit 7 on I-240; go east on Tunnel Rd for 2 miles; turn north on Riceville Rd; go past VA Hospital, turn left on Bull Mt. Rd. The fenced-in, sheltered picnic area is on the left about ½ mile up the road. Contact Judy Mattox, judymattox@sbcglobal.net, 828-683-2176.
07/23/17 FUNDRAISER FOR CREATION CARE ALLIANCE
CCA Concert and Fundraiser at Lake Junaluska, Sunday, July 23, 5-7pm. Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center / 91 North Lakeshore Drive Lake Junaluska, NC 28745. Join us for a lovely night in a truly beautiful place! William Ritter & Sarah Ogletree, singers and traditional fiddle, banjo, and guitar players, will begin playing at 5:00 p.m. and will wrap up the night around 7:00 in the evening. They are excited to be putting on a concert for CCA. This came from their website. This kid-friendly event will serve as a fundraiser, a time of fellowship, and an opportunity for new faces to become acquainted with us and our mission. We so look forward to our time at the lake.
07/25/17 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.
07/25/17 LUNCH & LEARN AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY SERIES
Buncombe County Lunch & Learn - African American History Series. Don’t miss this African American History in Buncombe County lunch and learn series featuring three great local speakers. This free lecture series will feature: July 25 - Dr. Darin Waters presenting the history of African American education in Asheville and WNC; August 23 - County Commissioner Al Whitesides presenting the wage gap and historical wealth disparities in the African American Community; September 27 - Dr. Sharon West presenting the access and availability of health care for African Americans in Buncombe County. Come learn more about the history of the African American community in Buncombe County-- the challenges, the triumphs and the future of our community. The lecture series will be held from Noon till 1:30 p.m. on each of the dates listed above at the Stephen's Lee Community Center (30 George Washington Carver Avenue in Asheville) free of charge with everyone welcome.
07/25/17 ASURJ DO!SCUSSION
Every Tuesday since December 2016. The Do!scussion is a safe space in which to talk about what we see that encourages us to continue to create multi-racial coalitions in Asheville. It is also a space in which we talk about what we are struggling with. Hard for you to get out of bed and get to work on dismantling the white supremacy? Come on over, and we'll talk about it. Then, we'll get to Do!ing! The six organizing principles of SURJ are: 1) Accountability through Action, 2) Mutual Interest, 3) Take Risks and Keep Going, 4) Calling in More, 5) Enough for Everyone, and 6) Growth is Good. Time is 10 AM and location is Firestorm Coffee & Books at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
07/25/17 MEN’S DIVERSITY CIRCLE
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 Books & Coffee, 610 Haywood Rd, Asheville. Contact Firestorm at info@firestorm.coop for more information.
07/26/17 BRIDGE THE GAP BOOK CLUB
Bridge the Gap Book Club discusses “Tell Me How It Ends” at Malaprops in downtown Asheville. Structured around the forty questions Valeria Luiselli translates and asks undocumented Latin-American children facing deportation, Tell Me How It Ends (an expansion of her 2016 Freeman's essay of the same name) humanizes these young migrants and highlights the contradiction of the idea of America as a fiction for immigrants with the reality of racism and fear--both here and back home. Time is 7 PM. Call Malaprops for more information.
07/11/17 ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE NAACP MONTHLY MEETING
Join the local branch of NAACP for our regular monthly meeting on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm at Hill Street Baptist Church, 135 Hill St. in Asheville. Now through the General Election in November we will discuss the issues facing voters locally, in NC and the country. We educate and engage on these important issues.
07/28/17 SILENT VIGIL FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM
Time is 5 to 7 PM and location is Henderson County Courthouse on Main Street (between 1st and 2nd Street) in downtown Hendersonville. This is put on by a coalition of non-profits and churches.
07/29/17 PEACE PILGRIMAGE POTLUCK
Come for a send-off pot luck gathering Asheville Friends Meeting House at 227 Edgewood Road in Asheville (between Merrimon and UNCA). Time is 5:30 pm. Please bring a dish to share and meet and listen to our Peace Pilgrimage walkers talk about their upcoming walk to Oak Ridge. The atom bomb started in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, when the Y12 Plant produced the highly enriched uranium fuel for Little Boy, the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima, Japan. Seventy- two years later, Y12 is still in the bomb business. Current plans call for a new bomb plant, the Uranium Processing Facility, to be built there to manufacture the thermonuclear cores and cases for nuclear warheads and bombs. The UPF bomb plant is the flagship facility for the “modernization” of the US nuclear weapons complex. This 8-day pilgrimage will arrive in Oak Ridge on August 6, to coincide with the events scheduled there by the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance (OREPA) remembering the dropping of the bomb on Hiroshima in 1945. Each day along the way, our meditative walk will be led by the Buddhist monks of the Nipponzan Myohoji order who are building the Great Smoky Mountains Peace Pagoda. Our pilgrimage raises a voice opposed to the UPF and in favor of the abolition of all nuclear weapons and a world beyond war. For more information: Ken Jones at kwjj1949@gmail.com.
07/30/17 PEACE PILGRIMAGE FROM ASHEVILLE TO OAK RIDGE
Peace Pilgrimage from Asheville to Oak Ridge July 30 – August 6, 2017. The atom bomb started in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, when the Y12 Plant produced the highly enriched uranium fuel for Little Boy, the bomb that destroyed Hiroshima, Japan. Seventy- two years later, Y12 is still in the bomb business. Current plans call for a new bomb plant, the Uranium Processing Facility, to be built there to manufacture the thermonuclear cores and cases for nuclear warheads and bombs. The UPF bomb plant is the flagship facility for the “modernization” of the US nuclear weapons complex. This 8-day pilgrimage will arrive in Oak Ridge on August 6, to coincide with the events scheduled there by the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance (OREPA) remembering the dropping of the bomb on Hiroshima in 1945. Each day along the way, our meditative walk will be led by the Buddhist monks of the Nipponzan Myohoji order who are building the Great Smoky Mountains Peace Pagoda. Our pilgrimage raises a voice opposed to the UPF and in favor of the abolition of all nuclear weapons and a world beyond war. This pilgrimage will leave from Pack Square, Vance Monument at 9 AM. For more information: Ken Jones at kwjj1949@gmail.com.
07/30/17 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 is Youth Outright. Act I is Michael Jefry Stevens Duo and Act II is Wendy Jones Quintet. 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.
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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 on the first Tuesday of the month. 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 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.
Dances of Universal Peace on the third Saturdays at 7:30 at 1 School Road in Asheville.
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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U.S. Forest Service to Hold Open Houses on Forest Plan Revision
ASHEVILLE, N.C., June 6, 2017 - The U.S. Forest Service will hold open houses across the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests from late June to early August to provide the public with opportunities to talk with Forest Service staff about local issues, district projects, and the Nantahala and Pisgah Forest Plan revision.
"Public attendance at meetings like these helps us to understand your needs, concerns, and values and helps you understand Forest Service programs and activities," explains Allen Nicholas, Forest Supervisor for National Forests in North Carolina.
The open houses allow the public to talk directly with Forest Service staff one-on-one. Each District Open House will highlight the areas within that district. District rangers and members of the Forest Plan revision team will be available to discuss the materials on each of the following days and locations:
June 29, 6-8 p.m.: Grandfather Ranger District at Foothills Conference Center, 2128 S. Sterling St., Morganton
July 11, 6-8 p.m.: Nantahala Ranger District at Tartan Hall, 26 Church St., Franklin
July 13, 6-8 p.m.: Pisgah Ranger District Office, 1600 Pisgah Hwy, Brevard
July 25, 3-6 p.m.: Appalachian Ranger District at Appalachian District Office, 632 Manor Road, Mars Hill
July 25, 3-6 p.m.: Cheoah Ranger District at Cheoah District Office, 1070 Massey Branch Road, Robbinsville
August 8, 3-6 p.m., Tusquitee Ranger District, Brasstown Community Center, 255 Settawig Rd, Brasstown
The Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests have been revising their Forest Plan, a required document that provides a general framework to guide management of the Forests. As part of the process, 30 public meetings have been held in communities throughout western North Carolina.
Over the past year, the Forest Service has been releasing pre-draft plan materials on the National Forests in North Carolina website - www.fs.usda.gov/goto/nfsnc/ncprevision. Additional materials are posted to the site's Plan Revision Under Construction page as they become available.
"This material is not a preferred alternative or even a draft plan. It represents our latest thinking which has been shaped by public input," said Michelle Aldridge, planning team lead. "In particular, we heard a lot from the public about how places matter to them, so we created a new chapter on Geographic Areas to reflect that."
By separating the Forests into 12 distinct landscapes, Geographic Areas highlight opportunities for restoration and sustainable recreation; connections to nearby communities; and partnerships with the public, other organizations, and governments in different parts of the Forests. Each geographic area also has goals identified that will serve as emphases for management during plan implementation.
Management Area plan components outline how the general forest areas of Interface, Matrix, and Backcountry will be managed. A set of pre-draft maps shows these places on the forest landscape, and adjacent lands not managed by the U.S. Forest Service are included for context. Results from the required Wild and Scenic River Evaluation and information on possible Special Interest Areas are also currently posted on the website.
By fall 2017, the public will have had an opportunity for early review and input on nearly all aspects of the developing plan. When the Forest Plan draft is finalized, the public will again have an opportunity to review the plan during the formal comment period after the complete draft plan and alternative analyses are released in spring 2018.
While there is no formal NEPA or legal comment period at this time, the Forest Service is accepting input at NCplanrevision@fs.fed.us with the subject line "Spring 2017 material Plan Building Blocks" or by mail at this address: Attn: Plan Revision, National Forests in North Carolina, 160A Zillicoa St, Asheville, NC 28801. Comments will be most useful when received by August 31.
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