dancewater: Upcoming events for the week of September 17, 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

09/18/17 PEACE WEEK ACTIVITIES

The Center for Art and Spirit at St. George (in west Asheville) will again mark the International Day of Peace with a week of activities. Throughout the week, the World Peace Village will be on display in the sanctuary. The World Peace Village offers visitors the opportunity to experience the presence and spirit of peace from the perspectives of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Native American spirituality. A small labyrinth for walking will also be available. Everyone is invited to participate in all programs and activities:

• Heart Wisdom, Dances of Universal Peace & Applied Sufi Practice, Friday, September 22 from 7:30-9:30 pm (also a retreat Saturday & Sunday, September 23-24 registration required)

• Brief noon-day prayers at the Peace Pole M-F, September 18-22, with leadership shared by members of various faith communities

• World Peace Village open for self-guided tours with materials provided. Tuesday, September 19, noon-3:00 pm. Thursday, September 21, 9:30-11:30 am. Friday, September 22, 12:30-3:30 pm

• Creative Peacemakers (K-3 after school program) Peace Walk, 4:00-5:30 pm, Tuesday, September 19 - Themes: Peace for Me, Peace for Us, Peace for Everyone, and Peace for the Planet.

09/18/17 SIERRA CLUB POLITICAL ACTION FUNDRAISER

Sierra Club Political Action Fundraiser-- Mon, Sept 18, 5:30pm. You are invited to attend our annual Sierra Club Political Action Fundraiser on Monday, Sept 18, from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Grove Arcade, 5th floor, in downtown Asheville. Special guests will be our environmental champions in the state legislature and on county commission. Contact: Ken Brame, kenbrame10@gmail.com, 828-423-8045 for more information.

09/18/17 CANDIDATES FORUM ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL

6:00 pm at Highsmith Student Center at UNCA. Sponsor: UNCA Student Government and the Political Science Club. Mayor and City Council candidates.

09/18/17 DEMOCRACY ASHEVILLE MEETING

We have important work ahead of us this fall in Asheville preparing for local elections, fighting for fair maps, and more. Whether you're already involved or if you are looking for a way to get started, our local coalition meetings are designed to connect you with other people passionate about voting and voting rights in your local community and to prepare you with the training and opportunities you need to take action. Join us for the next meeting of your local Democracy Asheville Coalition on Monday, September 18 at 6 PM at the Wesley Grant Center (285 Livingston Street, Asheville). If you have questions, contact Darlene directly at 828-216-3430 or darlene@democracy-nc.org.

09/19/17 CANDIDATES FORUM ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL

6:30 pm at Deerfield at 1617 Hendersonville Road in Asheville. Sponsor: Deerfield Retirement Community

09/19/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - INTERNATIONAL PEACE WEEK EDITION

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. From Veterans for Peace newsletter: “The president’s speech at its core is more of the same disastrous policies that we have seen for sixteen years, except this administration wants to completely abandon pursuit of a political solution and shroud the war in a cloak of secrecy. Veterans For Peace, once again, calls for a different direction other than war. We call for U.S. troops to leave Afghanistan and a robust pursuit of a political solution to end the war.”

09/19/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING

On the third 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.

09/19/17 DACA AND IMMIGRATION UNDER CURRENT ADMINISTRATION TALK

DACA and Immigration Under President Trump. Tue, September 19, 7pm – 8pm. Where

Belk Auditorium at Mars Hill University. Contact mikethornhillcreative@gmail.com for more information. Immigration Attorney and MHU lecturer, Natalie Teague, will discuss the US immigration system under the Trump Administration.

09/19/17 WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL

World Affairs Council - Elizabeth O. Colton on the Media and Diplomacy, 09/19, 7:30 pm-9:00 pm,at the Reuter Center - Manheimer Room at UNCA. Veteran journalist, diplomat and educator Elizabeth O. Colton will begin the fall World Affairs Council lecture series with a talk titled “Conflicting Headlines: The Politics of Foreign Policy & Diplomacy in the News,” at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center. Colton’s career as a journalist included Emmy-winning work covering foreign policy and world news for ABC News. She also worked for NBC News, Newsweek, NPR, Mutual Broadcasting, Asiaweek, Far Eastern Economic Review. Colton also established the International Journalism Center at Shenandoah University, where she was professor of mass communication. She was a founding member of the Women’s Foreign Policy Council. As a U.S. Foreign Service officer, she was the spokesperson/press attaché in frontline posts in Egypt, Pakistan, Iraq, Sudan, and Algeria, and held diplomatic posts in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. She also served as chief of staff in the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Oceans, Environment and Scientific Affairs. An Asheville native who once wrote columns for the Asheville Citizen-Times as a teenager, Colton is now working to complete several books as a visiting research scholar at UNC Asheville. Through her firm, EO Colton & Associates Global Collaboration, Colton also is a consultant linking people and groups internationally, and serving as a moderator and trainer for online diplomacy courses offered by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research. The World Affairs Council lecture series at UNC Asheville will continue with lectures in October, November and December. Admission to World Affairs Council presentations at UNC Asheville is $10 for the public; free to members of the World Affairs Council and UNC Asheville students. For more information, call 828.251.6140. Presented by OLLI - Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNCA.

09/20/17 LUNCH AND LEARN ON CHILDHOOD HUNGER PANEL

Sept 20, 12 PM: Lunch and Learn: Childhood Hunger Panel. Roughly 25% of WNC’s children experience food insecurity. No child deserves to go without food, so please make plans to join us for this very special panel discussion on the status of childhood hunger in WNC and how MANNA is working to increase the amount of healthy food we distribute to children across our community. Space is limited for this presentation, so please RSVP to Matt by emailing mfarr@mannafoodbank.org. Also contact him for location.

09/20/17 ERA TEAM MEETING

This meeting is for those who are interested in ratifying the ERA NC that live in the 10th district of NC. This is hosted by the ERA NC Alliance. Join the League's ERA Action Team to learn more about these types of events. ERA Team 10 Meeting. Wed-20 September 2017 @ 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Habitat Tavern and Commons, 174 Broadway, Asheville. League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County. Created by alexnuesse@gmail.com.

09/20/17 GREEN DRINKS

Meet-up every 3rd Wednesday of every month at 6pm at The BLOCK off biltmore. 39 S. Market Street, Asheville. We encourage folks from all points of view and backgrounds to join us for informal networking focused on the science of sustainability. Bring a friend and enjoy an organic cocktail or local beer, make new friends and join forces to make Western North Carolina a model of sustainability. Vegan food is often available as well as live music.

09/20/17 TRAINING FOR UPCOMING DUKE RATE HIKE PUBLIC HEARINGS

Inexperienced with rate hike public hearings? There will be a training to prepare folks for public comment and participation at Lenoir-Rhyne University Asheville at 36 Montford Avenue in Asheville on Wednesday, September 20th at 3:00pm. Join us for a community training on how to effectively communicate with elected officials. Learn how to get you voice heard. This session is in preparation for the Rate Hike Hearing on September 27th and these skills will be useful for ongoing productive citizen lead campaigns. The session will be facilitated by community organizers from The Sierra Club, Citizens Climate Lobby, Clean Water for NC and Community Roots. This is a free event and open to the public. Can't attend? Written comments may be sent by email through mid-November to statements@ncuc.net (include “Docket E-2 Sub 1142” in the subject line) or by mail to North Carolina Utilities Commission, 4325 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-4300.

09/20/17 CONFRONTING CLIMATE CHANGE

Beer & Politics: Confronting Climate Change. September 20 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm. There is a dangerous disconnect between the reports on news outlets and the whole story about why we are experiencing such intense hurricanes, wildfires that go on for months, floods, droughts, and other ‘natural’ disasters around the world. These crises are Nature’s response to fossil fuel extraction and use, and the intractable connection between government and the corporations that profit from them. This week we will be writing to our Members of Congress and Governor Cooper to insist they lead on the issue of Climate Change, begin to connect the dots between continued addiction to oil and fracked gas, steep increases in CO2 and Methane in our atmosphere, increased surface and air temperatures, and more frequent and more intense storms and fires. As Bill McKibben says, “We’ve been given a warning by science, and a wake-up call by nature; it is up to us now to heed them.” Beer & Politics is a fun, easy, and educational way to reach out and make our voices heard. Drop by after work any time between 5:30 and 7:00. We’ll supply fact sheets on this week’s topics, plus address labels, postcards, stationery, envelopes, and stamps. The Block Off Biltmore at 39 S Market Street in Asheville. Call 828-254-9277 for more information.

09/21/17 ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUM

Step Right Up - A Primary Asheville City Council Candidate Forum. Thursday, Sept 21, 6 PM Wedge at Foundation, 5 Foundy Street in Asheville. Hosted by Asheville on Bikes and Just Economics with main emphasis on city's transportation system and related policy.

09/21/17 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

International Day of Peace may be a quiet one this year. But some of us will be gathering at the Peace Pole, Thursday, Sept. 21, 11:30 AM to meditate and pray for peace. This will be the time set aside around the world to honor the hopes and prayers for peace. Interested in joining us? The Peace Pole is between City Hall and Pack Tavern. Please contact Rachael if you have any questions or suggestions for this event at rachael at rachael_bliss@yahoo.com.

09/21/17 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING

Next Meeting: Thursday, September 21st 6:30pm - Newcomers, 7-8:30pm - Members. Location: Kairos West Community Center (behind Firestorm Books & Cafe). Address: 610 Haywood Rd, West Asheville, NC. For more information, contact asheville@citizensclimatelobby.org.

09/21/17 PEACE DAY FILMS AT GRAIL MOVIE HOUSE

Join Peace Day Asheville in celebrating the International Day of Peace with a double blast of peace. Peace Day Asheville is pleased to announce that we are hosting a screening of “Inside Peace” a film by Studio View Productions. The Inside Peace documentary follows a group of inmates doing hard time in a Texas prison as they embark on a journey of personal discovery while struggling with society’s roadblocks and dangers.We will also be streaming “Together For Peace”- Produced by Unity Foundation, in cooperation with the Peace Channel, to Celebrate the International Day of Peace. Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 6:30 PM at The Grail Movie House at 45 South French Broad Avenue in Asheville. For more information, contact Grail Movie House or colinneiburger@aol.com.

09/21/17 HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION

If you've read, or plan to read Matthew Desmond's book “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City” before the event (the Affordable Housing Summitt), please join us for a book discussion on Thursday, September 21 from 4-5 pm. Asheville Habitat Executive Director Andy Barnett will lead the discussion. It will be held in Habitat's Conference Room and attendees are invited to bring a snack to share. To RSVP, please email Laura at lwalker@ashevillehabitat.org. Contact her for more information. About the book: Harvard sociologist and MacArthur “Genius” Matthew Desmond follows eight families in Milwaukee as they struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Hailed as ‘wrenching and revelatory’ (The Nation), ‘vivid and unsettling’ (New York Review of Books), “Evicted” transforms our understanding of poverty and economic exploitation while providing fresh ideas for solving one of 21st-century America's most devastating problems. Its unforgettable scenes of hope and loss remind us of the centrality of home, without which nothing else is possible.

09/21/17 EARLY VOTING BEGINS

You can register and vote at the same time. At the Board of Election: 77 McDowell Street in Asheville.

09/22/17 DOCUMENTARY AT FIRESTORM IN ASHEVILLE

Friday, Sep 22nd @ 7:30pm. “Trouble” Screening. Media offers “Trouble” a brand-new monthly show offering an in-depth anarchist analysis of current struggles, tactics, and movement dynamics. Trouble broadcasts first-hand accounts and perspectives from organizers on the ground, with the aim of cutting through the fog of misinformation that often clouds our understanding of the world, and provoking people into taking bold, collective action. This monthly, half-hour film on topics of interest to people fighting the settler colonial capitalism is hosted by Blue Ridge Anarchist Black Cross and will include a discussion of the film with questions provided by the film makers. Location is Firestorm at 610 Haywood Street in west Asheville. Contact them for more information.

09/23/17 COMMUNITY BILL OF RIGHTS FORUM

Community Bill of Rights forums will be held in several venues throughout the city. Come learn about how we as citizens can take back our rights over our land, air, and water! Saturday, 9/23, 5-7pm, the Block off Biltmore, 39 S. Market Street in downtown Asheville. Contact Cathy Holt at cathyfholt@gmail.com for more information.

09/23/17 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE

The Community Roots team has been hard at work these past months, and we want to update everyone on what we've accomplished, and what's next. We've got an Asheville Community Bill of Rights Ordinance drafted! You can read it here: http://cmroots.com/asheville-community-rights/climate-bill-of-rights-for-asheville-nc/. We want your feedback. You can comment online at the link above, or come to one of our in-person public comment sessions. In those sessions, we'll be teaching about the ordinance and asking how you'd like to see the draft evolve. We'll also provide next steps if you want to be more involved. Come to one of the upcoming Public Comment Sessions: Sat., 9/23 5-7 PM at the BLOCK off Biltmore and Weds., 10/11 6-8PM at Pack Memorial Library. For more information, contact Asheville Community Rights at ashevillecommunityrights@gmail.com. (same event as above)

09/24/17 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 Planned Parenthood. Act I is Tyler Kittle Quartet and Act II is Paula Hanke 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. Please call The Block Off Biltmore for more information.

09/25/17 EMPTY BOWLS FUNDRAISER

Empty Bowls is a unique and memorable event that celebrates community, art, and collaboration while bringing awareness to the very real problem of hunger here in WNC. This year celebrates the 16th year of MANNA Food Bank’s Empty Bowls fundraisers. Attendees choose a bowl hand-made by local artisans and enjoy a meal of soup, bread, and dessert. The bowl they take home reminds them of all the empty bowls in the world. Everything for the event is donated: the soup, the event space, the desserts, and over 1,000 hand-made ceramic bowls. This allows for all the profits to go directly toward feeding our neighbors facing hunger in Western North Carolina. In addition to the bowls that each ticket holder can select and take home, there is the Collector’s Corner at Empty Bowls, where special works of high-end craft and art are available for purchase. Collector’s Corner items are selected by the artists, and are gallery-quality pieces. All proceeds collected from the sale of Collector’s Corner items support MANNA’s mission to provide food to families struggling with an empty bowl throughout MANNA’s 16-county service area. Tickets are available for either lunch 11AM-1PM or dinner 5-7:30PM. Contact Matt at mfarr@mannafoodbank.org for more information including how to get tickets.

09/25/17 CANDIDATES FORUM ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL

6:00 pm at The Wedge at Foundation at 5 Foundry Street in Asheville. Sponsor: Asheville on Bikes

09/25/17 PEACE & JUSTICE COFFEEHOUSE AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY

Peace & Justice Coffeehouse. Mon, September 25, 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Timberline at Mars Hill University. Contact mhuchaplains@gmail.com for more information. Join the Chaplains' Office and the Christian Student Movement as they co-sponsor the new P&J Coffeehouse. Coffee will be ready at 6:30pm. Bill Lowrey will speak about peace building. Come and be inspired by the powerful work he and his wife did while in South Sudan.

09/26/17 CITIZENS UNITED TALK AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY

Citizens United and the Problems of Money in Politics. Tue, September 26, 7:00pm – 8:30pm. Belk Auditorium at Mars Hill University. Contact tebuckner4@gmail.com for more information. Speaker Avram Friedman: A series of US Supreme Court decisions, including the 2010 'Citizens United' decision, based on the premise that 'corporations are people' and 'money is speech,' have opened the floodgates for a huge influx of money into politics from powerful special interests and threatened the foundation of our one person-one-vote democratic system of government. The NC We the People Campaign addresses this central issue and what we can do as citizens to take back our democracy. The discussion will be led by Avram Friedman, Executive Director of The Canary Coalition, 1st Vice-President of the Jackson County Branch of the NAACP and co-founder the NC We the People Campaign. This event is open to the public and is sponsored by Pi Sigma Alpha, Mars Hill College Republicans, and Mars Hill College Democrats.

09/26/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

09/26/17 OCCUPY WNC MEETING

The non-partisan group meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at the Sneak E Squirrel in Sylva. The next meeting is September 26th at 7:00PM in the restaurant’s Community Room. Supper beforehand 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 lucy.christopher42@gmail.com for more information.

09/27/17 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.

09/27/17 DUKE RATE HIKE HEARINGS AND PROTEST

Duke Energy Rate Hike Hearings, all hearings start at 7:00 pm. September 27: Asheville, Buncombe County Courthouse, Courtroom 1A, 60 Court Plaza in Asheville. Contact Clean Water for NC for more information at ericka@cwfnc.org. Begins at 7:00pm; Arrive at 6:00pm to sign up to speak. The North Carolina Utilities Commission is taking public comment on Duke Energy / Progress's largest proposed increase to residential bills since the 1980s - a 16.7% increase, or about an extra $20 per month! Duke Energy Progress wants you to pay on your bills for: $195 million per year of coal ash cleanup costs, as a result of Duke’s own legacy of coal ash negligence and $416 million for the construction of new fracked gas plants, which have been used to justify expensive and unneeded pipelines, such as the Atlantic Coast Pipeline (ACP). Duke also wants to almost double the fixed charge we pay them before we even flip a switch! For information about participating in a rally prior to the hearing, contact xavier@cwfnc.org or 828-251-1291. Can't attend? Written comments may be sent by email through mid-November to statements@ncuc.net (include “Docket E-2 Sub 1142” in the subject line) or by mail to North Carolina Utilities Commission, 4325 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-4300.

9/27/17 ASHEVILLE SURJ ACCOUNTABILITY THRU ACTION

Monthly Accountability thru Action Meeting of Asheville SURJ, 6-9pm at Habitat Tavern & Commons, 174 Broadway. Potluck, ASURJ/Racism 101, and presentation by accountability partner Nicole Townsend of Southerners on New Ground regarding the Bail Out project. For more info, contact avlsurj@gmail.com.

09/28/17 PINCHED POVERTY SIMULATION

Poverty simulations are events that MANNA coordinates with community partners to help people understand the daily struggles of those living in poverty. We utilize 20+ volunteers to play the role of service providers in a simulation where people are forced to make tough decisions about how to spend a monthly family budget. These events are aimed at raising hunger awareness and learning how hunger is aggravated by common issues of poverty. These are powerful experiences for participants and volunteers alike. On September 28th, we’ll be hosting a simulation North Carolina Public Health Association at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Asheville. There will be two shifts, 1:30-3:30PM and 4-6PM. Contact Matt at mfarr@mannafoodbank.org for more information.

09/28/17 EVICTED: HOUSING CRISIS IN WNC

Tickets are already on sale for the Poverty Forum featuring Princeton sociologist and Pulitzer Prize winner Matthew Desmond. He is also the author of “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City.” Did you know that more than 1100 families are on the waitlist for government or subsidized housing just in Buncombe County? Join us on Sept. 28 at 7 pm at the Sherrill Center at UNC Asheville to learn more about the housing challenges facing our region, and what we can all do to help. Contact Pisgah Legal Service for more information and how to obtain tickets. To buy tickets or sponsor by phone, contact Brent McKnight at (828) 210-3405 or brent@pisgahlegal.org. 5:30pm Cocktail Reception ($50/person) and 7:00pm Forum ($15/person).

09/29/17 AFFORDABLE HOUSING SUMMIT

Join developers, planners, investors, local government leaders, and policy advocates to discuss strategies to meet affordable housing needs in WNC. This free event on Friday, September 29th is presented by Pisgah Legal Services, City of Asheville, and Buncombe County. Matthew Desmond, author of “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City” will make opening remarks. Time is 8:30 AM to 3 PM and location is the Sherrill Center/Kimmel Arena at UNCA. Join developers, planners, investors, local government leaders, and policy advocates to discuss strategies to meet affordable housing needs in the WNC region. Local and regional experts will present on practical and solutions-oriented topics in development, policy, finance, and emerging trends in the field. Pulitzer Prize winner Dr. Matthew Desmond, author of “Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City”, will make opening remarks, followed by morning and afternoon sessions and a lunch plenary presentation on small-scale and incremental development strategies. For questions or more information, please contact Justin Edge at 828-210-4493 or justin@pisgahlegal.org. Fri, September 29, 2017. 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM EDT. Sherrill Center/Kimmel Arena. UNC Asheville.

09/29/17 CONVERSATION WITH CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVISTS IN ASHEVILLE

Friday Sept. 29, 5:30-7, A CONVERSATION WITH CIVIL RIGHTS ACTIVIST BREE NEWSOME, A-B Tech, Ferguson Auditorium, 340 Victoria Rd. Doors open at 5:00. Supported by regional local activist organizations. Donations benefit NAACP and Co-Thinkk.Contact Ellie for more information at elliebhope@gmail.com.

09/30/17 AMERICANS WHO TELL THE TRUTH EXHIBIT

Saturday, Sept. 30, 4:30-6:30, YMI, 39 S. Market, St. AMERICANS WHO TELL THE TRUTH exhibit opening and portrait unveiling of activist Bree Newsome’s portrait with with artist Robert Shetterly. Opening includes: Music by Daniel Barber, Spoken Word, Students from Francine Delany New School for Children Being the Hero of my Own Life presentation, Sumptuous appetizers from Homegrown. Tickets available at https://awtt2017.eventbee.com. Contact Ellie at elliebhope@gmail.com for more information. This exhibit runs until November 19, 2017. Hours are 11 AM to 4 PM on Tuesday to Saturday and 1 to 4 PM on Sunday.

10/02/17 SOLUTIONS FOR CLIMATE CHANGE TALK

“Science, creativity, and compassion: 5 solutions for climate change” Creation Care Alliance hosts Author Katharine Wilkinson on Monday, October 2 from 5:30-7pm at Lenoir-Rhyne University, 36 Montford Ave, Asheville. We will explore 5 solutions to address climate change from the book “Drawdown: the Most Comprehensive Plan ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming” and how faith communities can act on solutions in Western North Carolina.

Katharine will be our guide for the evening. Katharine Wilkinson is the senior writer of the bestselling book, Drawdown, edited by Paul Hawken. She is also the author of Between God and Green. Her background melds research, strategy, and thought leadership on climate action. Katharine holds a D.Phil. in Geography & Environment from Oxford University and a B.A. in Religion from Sewanee. Many Thanks to Earth Equity Advisors for supporting this event and for their ongoing sustainability work for Western North Carolina and the planet. Contact Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina at (828) 258-8737 or creationcare@mountaintrue.org for more information.

10/03/17 SPEAKERS ON EARTH EQUITY

Earth Equity Advisors Speaker Series Featuring Katharine Wilkinson and John D. Sutter on October 3, at 6pm at Collider, 1 Haywood Street, Asheville. Seating is limited, must RSVP. Katharine Wilkinson is the senior writer of the bestselling book, Drawdown, edited by Paul Hawken. She is also the author of Between God and Green. Her background melds research, strategy, and thought leadership on climate action. Katharine holds a D.Phil. in Geography & Environment from Oxford University and a B.A. in Religion from Sewanee. John D. Sutter is an award-winning columnist for CNN and creator of the networks “2 Degrees” project, which aims to involve readers in climate change coverage. Sponsored by Creation Care Alliance. Contact them at (828) 258-8737 or creationcare@mountaintrue.org for more information, including how to RSVP. Doors for The Collider event open at 5:30 pm, with light refreshments available, and the talk starts at 6:00 pm.

10/03/17 CURRENT EVENTS BOOK CLUB AT MALAPROPS

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 the club begins its discussion of “An American Sickness: How Healthcare Became Big Business and How You Can Take it Back” by Elisabeth Rosenthal. Contact Malaprop’s for more information. Time is 7 PM.

10/03/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

10/04/17 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.

10/04/17 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

Sierra Club Oct. 4: “Fossil Fuel Divestment and Responsible Investing” On Wednesday, Oct. 4, the Wenoca Group Sierra Club presents Peter Krull, CEO and Director of Investments at Earth Equity Advisors (formerly Krull & Company). Krull will discuss fossil fuel divestment and responsible investing. You’ll learn how to judge different investment opportunities and pick those that are most closely aligned with your values. This event is free and open to the public. Date: Oct. 4, 2017. Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place (off of Charlotte). Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Krull will explain what performance might look like for responsible investments and will also look “under the hood” of your mutual fund. He’ll address portfolio screening, shareholder advocacy and community investing, and will share some real-life examples. After launching his career in the financial services industry with Merrill Lynch in 1998, Krull founded Krull & Company in 2004 out of his desire to help clients align their investments with their values. The company has since grown to well over $50 million in assets with clients in 22 states. Client investments are socially and environmentally responsible and fossil-fuel-free. In 2009, Krull was selected by the Savannah Business Report & Journal as one of its “40 under 40” business leaders. In 2015, he traveled to Washington, DC with Environmental Entrepreneurs (E2) to advocate for environmentally responsible legislation. A recognized authority in his field, Krull has been quoted in the Washington Post, US News & World Report, and various local newspapers. For more information, contact Judy at judymattox@sbcglobal.net or (828) 683-2716.

10/04/17 LWV FORUM IN ASHEVILLE

The League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County is holding forums for all municipalities in Buncombe County this year. The League will hold a forum for Asheville City Council candidates in October after the primary, date and location TBD. Asheville City Mayor forum on October 4 from 6:00-7:00pm at South Buncombe Library. Go to their website for more information.

10/04/17 INDIGENOUS FILM FESTIVAL

Indigenous Film Festival - Mortu Nega (Those Whom Death Refused). 10/04 from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm at Humanities Lecture Hall. This is the second of four films in UNC Asheville's 2017 Indigenous Film Festival. Through cinema, the series will present the experiences and perspectives of indigenous peoples around the world, not often reflected on American movie screens. The screenings are free and open to everyone and a short Q&A will follow the film. Mortu Nega (English: Those Whom Death Denied) is a 1987 film, the first directed by Flora Gomes of Guinea-Bissau, and the first produced in that nation post-independence. The movie blends contemporary history with African mythology. It got two honorable mentions at the Venice Film Festival in 1988 and also has screened at the Cannes and London film festivals and many others internationally. The Indigenous Film Festival is curated and will be hosted by UNC Asheville faculty members Trey Adcock, assistant professor of education and director of American Indian Outreach; Agya Boakye-Boaten, associate professor of Africana studies and director of Interdisciplinary, International and Africana Studies Programs; Juan G. Sánchez Martinez, assistant professor of Spanish; and Jeremias Zunguze, assistant professor of Africana and Lusophone studies. Contact for this event: Juan Sánchez at jsanche1@unca.edu or 828-251-6277.

10/05/17 AUTHOR EVENT IN ASHEVILLE

An Evening with Altered Genes, Twisted Truth Author Steve Druker: Discussion /Q & A, Thursday October 5, 7 pm, Kenilworth Presbyterian Church, 123 Kenilworth Rd. Book endorse by Jane Godall and internationally acclaimed for investigative journalism. Hosted by GMO Free NC - Asheville Chapter, GMO NC and Trusted Sharing.

10/06/17 SIXTEEN YEARS OF A WAR OF AGGRESSION ON AFGHANISTAN

10/07/17 KEEP SPACE FOR PEACE WEEK

10/07/17 EARLY VOTING ENDS

On Saturday at 1:00 pm.

10/07/17 ART PUBLIC MEETING

In January 2018, ART will begin new service including 1 additional daily trip on Route 170, Sunday/Holiday Service on all routes, and 8 additional hours of evening service on select routes. City staff requests your feedback via surveys and public meetings. ART Public Meeting takes place Saturday, October 7, 2017 between 1-3pm at Edington Education Center, 133 Livingston Street in Asheville. Interpreter assistance needed? Contact: iride@ashevillenc.gov, (828) 259-5943.

10/8/17 AUTHOR EVENT AT MALAPROPS

Sunday, October 8 at 3 pm. Howard Covington presents “Lending Power: How Self-Help Credit Union Turned Small-Time Loans into Big-Time Change.” Throughout its history, Self-Help has never wavered from its mission to use Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of justice to extend economic opportunity to the nation's unbanked and underserved citizens. At a time when calls for economic justice are growing ever louder, Lending Power shows how hard-working and dedicated people can help improve their communities. Call Malaprop’s for more information.

10/10/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

10/10/17 AUTHOR EVENT AT MALAPROPS

Tuesday, October 10 at 6 pm. YA Author Amy Reed launches “The Nowhere Girls” - An Authors for Action Event. Told in alternating perspectives, this groundbreaking novel is an indictment of rape culture and explores with bold honesty the deepest questions about teen girls and sexuality. OurVoice will also be represented at the event. Call Malaprop’s for more information.

10/10/17 VANDANA SHIVA RESIDENCY AT UNCA

Oct. 17-19 - Vandana Shiva Residency - The world-renowned activist and author described by Bill Moyer as a “rock star” of the anti-GMO movement, will visit UNC Asheville for a three-day residency, highlighted by a free public lecture at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18 in Lipinsky Auditorium.

10/10/17 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE FALL BOOK STUDY

Creation Care Alliance Fall Book Study--Limited Space. “Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming” Edited by Paul Hawken; with Katharine Wilkinson as Senior Writer. This book study will be on Tuesdays, October 10-November 7th at Jubilee! Community at 46 Wall Street in Asheville. Sign-up by emailing facilitator Chas Jansen at chas.jansen@mtsu.edu. Class size is limited! Creation Care Alliance is sponsoring a 5-part book discussion of Drawdown meeting from 6 to 7:15 on Tuesdays, 10/10 to 11/7/2017, at Jubilee! Community. If interested in joining this discussion, please sign up through the Creation Care website or email Chas Jansen who will send out a schedule of assignments & guide the discussion sessions (chas.jansen@mtsu.edu). This large, paperback book should be available at Malaprops Bookstore (828-254-6734) for $23.54. In the face of widespread fear and apathy, an international coalition of researchers, professionals, and scientists have come together to offer a set of realistic and bold solutions to climate change. One hundred techniques and practices are described here--some are well-known; some you may have never heard of. They range from clean energy to educating girls in lower-income countries to land use practices that pull carbon out of the air. We will kick off the discussions of Drawdown by attending a conversation with Senior Writer Katharine Wilkinson and CNN columnist John Sutter on “Reversing Global Warming” to be held at The Collider in downtown Asheville on Tuesday, 10/3.

10/10/17 PRIMARY ELECTION DAY

There are 12 candidates; you can vote for 3. Also, you get to vote for Mayor. Must be registered to vote prior to primary election day. You must be registered in early September.

10/11/17 COMMUNITY BILL OF RIGHTS FORUM

Community Bill of Rights forums will be held in several venues throughout the city. Come learn about how we as citizens can take back our rights over our land, air, and water! Wednesday, 10/11, 6-8pm, Pack Library, Haywood Street in downtown Asheville. Contact Cathy Holt at cathyfholt@gmail.com for more information.

10/11/17 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY BILL OF RIGHTS ORDINANCE

The Community Roots team has been hard at work these past months, and we want to update everyone on what we've accomplished, and what's next. We've got an Asheville Community Bill of Rights Ordinance drafted! You can read it here: http://cmroots.com/asheville-community-rights/climate-bill-of-rights-for-asheville-nc/. We want your feedback. You can comment online at the link above, or come to one of our in-person public comment sessions. In those sessions, we'll be teaching about the ordinance and asking how you'd like to see the draft evolve. We'll also provide next steps if you want to be more involved. Come to one of the upcoming Public Comment Sessions: Sat., 9/23 5-7 PM at the BLOCK off Biltmore and Weds., 10/11 6-8PM at Pack Memorial Library. For more information, contact the Asheville Community Rights at ashevillecommunityrights@gmail.com. (same event as above)

10/12/17 TEACH IN AT MALAPROPS

Thursday, October 12 at 6 pm. Teach-in with Rima Vesely-Flad presents “Racial Purity And Dangerous Bodies: Moral Pollution, Black Lives, and the Struggle for Justice.” At the center of contemporary struggles over aggressive policing practices is an assumed association in U.S. culture of blackness with criminality. Rima L. Vesely-Flad examines the religious and philosophical constructs of the black body in U.S. society, examining racialized ideas about purity and pollution as they have developed historically and as they are institutionalized today in racially disproportionate policing and mass incarceration. Call Malaprop’s for more information.

10/12/17 RAISE A GLASS FOR RAISE THE AGE IN ASHEVILLE

Since you have been involved for the last few years in advocating to Raise the Age of our juvenile offenders in NC, we are asking you to do one last action step-- Raise a Glass for Raise the Age! Beginning in 2019, 16 and 17-year-olds charged with misdemeanors or low-level felonies will be in the jurisdiction of our juvenile justice system. This protects their safety, provides developmentally appropriate interventions and consequences, engages their family, and offers resources for mental health and substance abuse treatment. Children First/Communities In Schools has been working with local and state advocates to pass this legislation for the past 10 years. Now, we can celebrate this important victory for our youth. So please join us on Thursday, October 12 from 5:30 to 6:30 at the Wedge Foundation at 5 Foundy Street in the River Arts District to Raise a Glass for Raise the Age! Drop in for all or part of the celebration. We will have a very short presentation on the importance of this legislation and how we can continue to advocate for our youth, followed by a toast and conversation. Food and adult beverages available to purchase on site and at surrounding food trucks. Non-alcoholic beverages are available to purchase and we welcome youth under 18 to join the celebration. Thank you to the Wedge Foundation for providing the event space at no charge. Host Contact Info: Jodi Ford JodiF@childrenfirstbc.org or call 828-620-9091. Contact her for information on how to RSVP.

10/15/17 ETHICAL CULTURAL SOCIETY

“Latin America: What the Left Got Right and What It Got Wrong” will be presented by Dada Maheshvarananda at the Sunday, October 15, 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 Dada Maheshvarananda for an examination of What the Left Got Right and What It Got Wrong in Latin America. Dada’s 21 years, having taught and organized for social justice in Brazil (1992-2003) and in Venezuela (2003-2016), provide a hands-on perspective. His first book, “After Captalism: Prout's Vision for a New World” (preface by Noam Chomsky), was published in 2003 and has been translated into 10 languages. His second book, “After Capitalism: Economic Democracy in Action,” was published in 2012. His latest book, “Cooperative Games for a Cooperative World,” was just released in May 2017. He gives seminars and workshops about social activism and cooperatives and has spoken at the UN and with several world leaders about Economic Democracy. Informal discussion and refreshments will follow the presentation. For more information: call 828 687-7759 or email EHSAsheville@gmail.com.

10/17/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

10/17/17 LWV FORUM IN WEAVERVILLE

The League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County is holding forums for all municipalities in Buncombe County this year. The League will hold a forum for Asheville City Council candidates in October after the primary, date and location TBD. Weaverville forum on October 17 from 6:00-7:00pm at Weaverville Library. Go to their website for more information.

10/18/17 LWV FORUM IN BLACK MOUNTAIN

The League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County is holding forums for all municipalities in Buncombe County this year. The League will hold a forum for Asheville City Council candidates in October after the primary, date and location TBD. Black Mountain & Montreat forum on October 18 from 6:00-7:00pm at Black Mountain Library. Go to their website for more information.

10/18/17 LECTURE AT UNCA

Vandana Shiva is visiting UNCA. Lecture scheduled for Wednesday, October 18th 2017 at 7 pm. Location: Lipinsky Auditorium. Vandana Shiva, the world-renowned activist and author described by Bill Moyers as a ‘rock star’ of the anti-GMO movement, will visit UNC Asheville for a three-day residency Oct. 17-19 2017. After earning a bachelor's degree in physics, a master's in the philosophy of science, and Ph.D. in philosophy, Shiva came to focus on environmental and social issues, becoming a leading activist working to promote biodiversity, especially native seed, and promoting fair trade and organic farming. She is the founder of the Navdanya movement in India, which has established 60 seed banks and contributed to the conservation of more than 3000 rice varieties. She is on India's National Board of Organic Standards and chairs the Commission on the Future of Food in Tuscany, Italy. Shiva's advocacy and writing, including her books, Ecofeminism and Staying Alive: Women, Ecology and Development, tie in gender and environmental issues. She is a founding board member of the Women's Environment & Development Organization (WEDO), established by the late U.S. Congresswoman Bella Abzug. Shiva's most recent book is Earth Democracy: Justice, Sustainability and Peace.

10/20/17 AFRICAN AMERICANS IN WNC CONFERENCE

African Americans in WNC Conference 2017 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Friday, October 20, 2017. 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM - Sherrill Center 417 - Mission Health Mountain View Conference Room The African Americans in Western North Carolina Conference began in 2014. It offers scholars and the community an opportunity to meet and discuss issues related to the African American experience in western North Carolina. Original scholarship that sheds new light on the African Americans in Appalachia is preferred. Asheville has a long history as a regional center for African Americans in western North Carolina. Its vibrant culture and diverse communities serve as a model for this conference, which seeks to address scholarly and community issues of both past and current significance.The event is open to the public and no tickets are required.

10/23/17 COMMUNITY BILL OF RIGHTS FORUM

Community Bill of Rights forums will be held in several venues throughout the city. Come learn about how we as citizens can take back our rights over our land, air, and water! Monday, 10/23, 6-8pm, Kenilworth Center, 4 Chiles Avenue, behind Kenilworth Presbyterian Church in Asheville. Contact Cathy Holt at cathyfholt@gmail.com for more information.

10/24/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

10/28/17 WORKSHOP ON NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION IN ASHEVILLE

Roberta Wall has been involved in Nonviolent Communication (NVC) for many years, and she gave a presentation about it to the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville in April. Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville and the Peace and Earth Committee of Asheville Friends are co-sponsoring this event. The suggested donation would be $80 for members of EHSA and Friends, and $100 for non-members. The workshop will be held on Saturday, October 28, from 10:00 – 4:00 at Asheville Friends Meeting, 227 Edgewood Road, Asheville. Please brown bag it for lunch. To register by mailing a check, please make your check payable to EHSA (and please add a notation that it is for NVC) and mailed to: Jim Tobin, EHSA Treasurer, 20 Stonebridge Drive, Asheville, NC 28805. Please mail it by September 29, 2017. No contact information.

10/29/17 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 Helpmate. Act I is Rita Hayes Quartet and Act II is Jonathan Pearlman 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. Please call The Block Off Biltmore for more information.

10/31/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

*******************************************

ONGOING EVENTS

*******************************************

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-11:30 AM. Followed by Do!sessions from 11:30-1:30 PM.

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 first 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.

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.

*******************************************

ACTIONS AND READINGS

*******************************************

From ART: Public Meeting Notice: January 2018 Service Expansion

In January 2018, ART will begin new service including: 1 additional daily trip on Route 170, Sunday/Holiday Service on all routes, and 8 additional hours of evening service on select routes. We want to hear from you, the riders, in choosing which routes should benefit from the additional evening hours of service. An online survey is available in English and Spanish; paper surveys will be available at the ART Station and on board buses. There will also be multiple outreach opportunities where the public can meet with City Staff to provide feedback and learn more about the upcoming service expansion. Please see the dates below:

• ART Station; September 28; 4:00-6:00PM

• Eddington Center, 133 Livingston Street; October 7; 1:00-3:00PM

• ART Station; October 17; 7:00-9:00AM

ART- Asheville Redefines Transit

iride@ashevillenc.gov

828-253-5691

************************

Take down the Vance Monument

August 19

I passed by the Vance monument tonight at 9:30. There were two police officers who were apparently guarding it and a group standing around them who were apparently tourists.

A woman asked one of the officers if Vance was a Confederate monument. He said no, that Vance had been a slave owner, but that was all. He was also a governor and that this was not a Confederate monument.

I told the group that it was indeed a Confederate monument, that Vance had fought against the United States as a colonel in the Confederate Army. The Constitution defines treason as "waging war against the United States." Vance had done that.

And I said that when Vance was a senator after the war, he voted against anti-lynching legislation repeatedly. So, yes, he was a slave owner, plus a whole lot more.

The officer said that we would have to agree to disagree.

I'm not sure it's the duty of the police to take sides on such a hot public issue while on duty, but he had an excellent idea for us. Talk to the tourists!

We should do that. We should have a few pickets at peak tourist hours around the Vance Monument. We could carry signs and hand out flyers explaining who Vance was. Maybe the tourists will sign our petition!

Link to petition.

The Daughters of the Confederacy know it's a Confederate monument. That's why they often lay a wreath at the Vance Monument on Confederate Memorial Day.

In the aftermath of the nine murders in the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, a great movement began to remove those symbols of hate from our public spaces.

The white supremacy rally and resulting murder in Charlottesville have given this movement greater momentum. We must stop honoring slave holders and traitors in our public spaces.

If City Council hears from enough of us, they will vote to remove the Vance Monument. And it won't hurt if they hear from the tourists too.

************************

dancewater

Sunday, September 17, 2017

Upcoming events for the week of September 17, 2017

No comments: