dancewater: Upcoming events for the week of October 22, 2017

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR BY DANCEWATER

10/23/17 COMMUNITY CLIMATE BILL OF RIGHTS FORUM

Community Climate 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.

10/23/17 ASHEVILLE SURJ MEETING

Asheville SURJ weekly evening meeting: Monday, 6:30-8:30pm at Asheville Unitarian Universalist Congregation (downstairs main building). Accountability group for folks seeking to focus on anti-racism work. Meetings include opportunities such as discussion, educational opportunities, or role-playing difficult conversations, and building connections. For more info email avlsurj@gmail.com.

10/23/17 CREATIVE DESTRUCTION OF THE PRISON INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX

Mon, Oct 23 @ 7:00pm. The Creative Destruction of the Prison Industrial Complex. Stephanie Rearick, from the Mutual Aid Network in Madison, Wisc. will speak on how time-banking is being used to disrupt the prison-industrial complex and the school-to-prison pipeline. Despite the state of Wisconsin’s longstanding traditions of progressive and cooperative action, the capital city of Madison reveals stark examples of the United States’ brutal and racist prison-industrial complex as well as its school-to-prison pipeline. Stephanie Rearick will speak about how the organization she founded, Mutual Aid Networks, has collaborated with multiple partners since 2006 to build and run timebanking-supported restorative justice youth courts through the Dane County TimeBank (DCTB). She will also speak and answer questions about Mutual Aid Networks, a new type of cooperative that brings people together around a common vision to build community savings pools, along with timebanking, other forms of mutual credit, and resource sharing, in order to meet the needs of members and their projects. This is at Firestorm at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact them for more information.

10/23/17 DIVEST FROM FOSSIL FUELS

Monday, 12:30 pm in Pritchard Park, Asheville. Please join this action to support indigenous led efforts to promote divestment from fossil fuels. Dear Water Protectors, Want to join indigenous groups in calling for "Consent, not Consultation"? On Monday, Oct. 23, a group called Mazaska Talks is calling for a day of actions, "Divest the Globe." On that day, ninety-two of the world's largest banks will meet in São Paolo, Brazil to discuss policies on the climate and Indigenous People's rights to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC). These banks include Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) financiers such as Wells Fargo, Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase, and many more. Mazaska Talks is calling on indigenous people and allies everywhere to join us for 3 days of mass global action that make it clear to the banks: Financing climate disaster and the abuse of Indigenous Peoples will result in a massive global divestment movement. On 10/23 at 12:30-2pm, we are gathering at Pritchard Park/Wells Fargo in solidarity with indigenous peoples threatened by pipelines. Please come, bring signs, drums, and let's make some noise! I'd love to know if you plan to be there! Contact Cathy Holt at cathyfholt@gmail.com for more information.

10/24/17 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. 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.”

10/24/17 PLAY AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY

Tue, October 24, 7:00pm – 8:30pm at Broyhill Chapel, 338 Cascade St, Mars Hill. “GO, GRANNY D!” Currently touring nationwide, actress Barbara Bates Smith and musician Jeff Sebens will present "Go, Granny D!” “You're never too old to raise a little hell,” the 90-year-old Doris “Granny D” Haddock in 2000 blazed a 3200-mile trail across America for campaign finance reform, precipitating the passage of the McCain-Feingold Act. She continued her bipartisan reform efforts in country wide voter registration drives, issuing her final challenge in 2010 at age 100: “Democracy is a running game. You huddle and you go back in. You keep going.” Contact mandy.proffitt83@gmail.com for more information.

10/24/17 PEACE CORPS PANEL AT UNCA

Peace Corps Panel 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM Tuesday, October 24, 2017 - 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM - Karpen Hall 139 - Laurel Forum

10/24/17 SURJ - DO!SCUSSIONS

10:00:00 AM to 12:00:00 PM. Location:Firestorm Books & Coffee, 610 Haywood Rd, Asheville. Focused 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. Meetings facilitated by Matilda Bliss. Contact Firestorm for more information.

10/24/17 ENDING AMERICA’S LONGEST WAR: FROM DARKNESS INTO LIGHT

America has waged a war on drugs for over 100 years. Since America's formal War on Drugs began in 1971, the United States has spent well over $1 trillion and is now, on a per capita basis, the world's leading jailer. The burden of prison has fallen most heavily on the poor and minorities. The black market created by this war has spread violence across the land and brought billions of dollars to criminals. The war has destroyed millions of lives, tearing apart families and whole communities, in our own country and around the world. It has turned criminals into millionaires and sick people into criminals. Yet, the supply of drugs of all kinds has vastly increased, including easy availability to those most at risk--our youth. In short, the drug war has done exactly the opposite of what it was intended to do. It has been the equivalent of pouring gasoline on a fire to put it out. The way to reduce the market for drugs is to reduce the demand for them. That means healing the mind and body of the addict and creating the social and emotional supports necessary to foster recovery. Only then will America begin to heal the incalculable damage done by its disastrous and misguided War on Drugs. This four-part series will present an enlightened understanding of drug use, abuse, and addiction based on the latest discoveries in brain science and the work of leading experts in the field of addiction research and treatment. This knowledge will lead to a more successful and compassionate way of dealing with the problems related to drug use, abuse, and addiction. All programs at Unitarian Universalists of Transylvania County at 24 Varsity Street in Brevard. Please arrive early, as seating is limited. For details contact Jim Hardy: 828-862-6969 or jh2@comporium.net. Sponsored by Transylvania County NAACP and UUTC – Unitarian Universalists of Transylvania County. Part Three: Tuesday, October 24, 7:00 pm: Enlightened, Compassionate, Accessible Treatment for Opioid Addiction: Dr. Dale Nash, Medical Director, Western Carolina Treatment Center.

10/24/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS CONSTITUTIONAL STUDY COURSE

Join us for "We The People" a six-week study of the history and contemporary role of the Constitution of the United States. Sessions will examine relevant topics such as freedom of speech, the right to assemble, executive power, voting rights, and procedural due process. Organized by the League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County the series is being co-sponsored by additional nonprofit, nonpartisan organizations including AAUW - Asheville, NC, YWCA of Asheville, and ACLU of NC - Western NC Chapter. Sessions are FREE and open to the public. They will be held at the YWCA on Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 pm on October 3, 10, 17, 24 and November 7, 14. Email we.people.us@gmail.com to reserve your seat.

10/24/17 OCCUPY WNC - CANCELED - SEE EVENT ON 10/25/17

The non-partisan group meets every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at the Sneak E Squirrel in Sylva. The next meeting is October 10th at 7:00PM in the restaurant’s Community Room. Supper beforehand at 6:00PM. OccupyWNC has worked for economic and social justice in WNC since 2011. Newcomers and visitors are welcome. Submitted by Lucy Christopher (828-743-9747 or lucy.christopher42@gmail.com.

10/24/17 CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL FILM SERIES

The next selection in The Collider’s monthly climate and environmental film series is “Setting the Bar: A Craft Chocolate Origin Story” on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. The documentary follows a group of craft chocolate makers as they visit the Peruvian jungle to strengthen direct relationships with farmer communities and find new kinds of cacao to bring to market. Sample single-origin chocolates while representatives of French Broad Chocolates and climate scientist Scott Stevens discuss the natural environment in which the treats are produced. Beer from series co-sponsor Oskar Blues Brewery and popcorn will be provided. Suggested donation is $10 per person/$20 per family. 1 Haywood St. Asheville.

10/24/17 KEEP ASHEVILLE IN STITCHES

Tuesdays, 9am - "Keep Asheville in Stitches," gathering of people who crochet, cross-stitch, knit and otherwise puncture the status quo. Free. At 68 Haywood Outdoor Space at 68 Haywood St., Asheville. Time is 9 AM. No contact information.

10/25/17 WHEE THE PEOPLE EVENT BY OCCUPY WNC

Instead of OccupyWNC's regular 4th Tuesday meeting, the non-partisan group is sponsoring an event at WCU on Wed. October 25. WHEE THE PEOPLE is being advertised by local students to inform and organize students and faculty to end the use of fossil fuels on their campus. The meeting start time is 6:30 PM in the WCU University Center Multipurpose room. All students and faculty are invited. WHEE is a group of locals seeking to push the WCU campus towards clean energy sources. Our goal is to inform and organize Western students and faculty to make real progress for the future. OccupyWNC is a western NC group (located in Sylva and surrounding areas) who have worked since 2011, for social and economic equality for the 99%. Contact Lucy Christopher at 828-743-974 for more information.

10/25/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF ASHEVILLE - BUNCOMBE MEETING

Board Meeting, Public Comment Open at beginning of each meeting. Wed, September 27, 6:30pm – 8:00pm. Monthly on the fourth Wednesday. Location is The Cathedral of All Souls, 9 Swan St, Asheville. Join us in the CE Room. Contact alanapie@gmail.com for more information.

10/25/17 INDIGENOUS FILM FESTIVAL AT UNCA

Oct. 25 – “Heritage Africa” – at 6:00 pm-8:00 pm at Humanities Lecture Hall. This drama tells the story of a Ghanaian who becomes a colonial officer, but re-examines his role and identity during his nation’s struggle for independence. This is the third of four films in UNC Asheville's 2017 Indigenous Film Festival. Heritage Africa, from 1989, was the second film directed by Kwaw Ansaw, who in 1998 was awarded the Acrag Prize, the Living Legend Award for Contribution to the Arts of Ghana. An excerpt from the TimeOut London description of Heritage Africa: “Set in 1955 in the violent run up to Ghanaian independence, this ambitious political drama follows the conversion of conscience of the first black District Commissioner, an anglicised Cambridge man so dedicated to his duties that he refuses to attend his mortally ill son. Ansah presents a diffuse political analysis - he is at pains to distinguish both between the 'enlightened self-interest' of the Governor and the cruder reactionary methods of sneering civil servant Snyper, and the rivalries in the 'Association of Freedom' led by Kwame Nkrumah.” 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. 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. For more information about the Indigenous Film Festival, contact Juan G. Sánchez Martinez at jsanche1@unca.edu or 828.251.6277.

10/25/17 WORKSHOP AT FIRESTORM IN ASHEVILLE

Oct 25- Building healthy relationships in an unhealthy world - cultivating healthy relationship dynamics in a world of violence. (led by Helpmate organizer Hannah). Workshop runs from 5 to 7 pm at Firestorm Coop at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Free. For more information, contact: callistocollective@protonmail.com.

10/25/17 ACCOUNTABILITY THROUGH ACTION MEETING

Our next Accountability through Action Meeting will be Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 6-9 pm at Kairos West Community Center. We'll be hearing from a Person of Color community partner who is starting a theater project. For more info,contact avlsurj@gmail.com.

10/25/17 MOUNTAIN TRUE ANNUAL GATHERING

Join Us for Our 2017 Annual Gathering at New Belgium Brewing on October 25. Gather with your fellow MountainTrue members to celebrate another great year and to welcome the Asheville Design Center (ADC) to the MountainTrue family! Our MountainTrue Annual Gathering returns to New Belgium Brewing in Asheville for the second year in a row. We’ll look back at our accomplishments in 2017 and forward to how merging with ADC will benefit both organizations. Proceedings will include a membership vote to ratify the new board and the merger with ADC.2017 MountainTrue Annual Gathering on October 25 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. We who are MountainTrue have much to celebrate this year. In the response to threats to our waters, lands and communities, we have come together to raise our collective voice on behalf of the future we want to uphold and protect. We will also be welcoming the Asheville Design Center to the MountainTrue family. Our merger creates one organization better able to pursuing a holistic approach to our built and natural environments. To celebrate these developments and also camaraderie of fellow MountainTrue members, we hope you will come out to the 2017 Annual Gathering – see you there. Location is New Belgium Brewery, 21 Craven St, Asheville. See Mountain True website for information on tickets. Must RSVP.

10/25/17 ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUM

This forum is on LGBTQ Equality. Sponsored by Blue Ridge Pride Foundation, Campaign for Southern Equality, Tranzmission, Carolina Jews for Justice/West, and Western NC AIDS Project. Time is 6:30 to 8:30 PM and location is First Congregational UCC at 20 Oak Street in Asheville. Childcare available, must RSVP via their Facebook event.

10/25/17 AFTER CAPITALISM, WHAT’S NEXT?

A progressive utilization theory discussion series to explore the theory and practice of PROUT. Free to attend. Time is 7 PM. Location is Firestorm Cafe and Books at 610 Haywood Road. Call 255-8115 for more information.

10/25/17 CREATION CARE ALLIANCE CELEBRATION

Creation Care Alliance Collaborators, Supporters, Volunteers, and Friends join us for the Creation Care Alliance Pre Gathering Celebration! Wednesday, October 25, 5:15-6pm. Just before the Mountaintrue Fall Gathering. New Belgium Brewery (outside at the Liquid Center) 21 Craven Street in Asheville. One week from Wednesday people will come together for the Mountaintrue Annual Gathering, friends of Creation Care Alliance are invited to a pre-event just a little bit before the larger gathering so we can celebrate together the work of compassion and love that continues to grow. Come hear good news stories, say hello to CCA friends, then if you are planning on heading to the Mountaintrue Members Gathering we will walk over together to the next building to continue the celebration of the greater Mountaintrue community. Come just to the CCA Celebration or stay for 2 celebrations. Snacks and nonalcoholic beverages will be served.

10/25/17 BANK DIVESTMENT RALLY

October 25, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Pack Square in Asheville. Host Contact Info: Tyler Hill Facebook. On October 23rd, ninety-two of the world's largest banks will meet in São Paolo, Brazil to vote on a policy that upholds indigenous people's right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) to allow or disallow projects on their lands. These banks include Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) financiers such as Wells Fargo, Bank of America, J.P. Morgan Chase, and more. As Energy Transfer (the company behind DAPL) made clear in their lawsuit against Greenpeace and others, divestment works.

10/26/17 RELIGIOUS FREEDOM TEAM MEETING

Religious Freedom Team Meeting. October 26 @ 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm. We’ll be continuing our discussion of: Disintegration of Separation of Church and State, Lack of Faith Diversity Represented in Politics, Stop Imposing Specific Religious Beliefs on Citizens, Lack of Respect for Different Faiths. If you are interested in learning more, joining our group, or sharing information, you can reach us at info@indivisibleavl.org. Contact them for meeting location.

10/26/17 LUNCH GATHERING FOR PISGAH LEGAL SERVICES

Sample delicious menu items and old-world style beers in Wicked Weed’s private tasting Room. Time is 12 -2 PM. Suggested donation: $15/person. Space is limited RSVP required to attend. Please contact Nora at 828-210-3774 or nora@pisgahlegal.org.

10/26/17 FUNDRAISER FOR PUERTO RICO

Fundraiser for Puerto Rico on October 26 from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm at The Block off biltmore at 39 S. Market Street in downtown Asheville. Call 828-254-9277 for more information.

10/26/17 LECTURE ON MAKING HUNGER HISTORY AT UNCA

Making Hunger History: Global Famine and What Historians Can Do About It. This free public lecture, presented by UNC Asheville's History Department, will be delivered by Douglas Palmer, Provost at Walsh University and a UNC Asheville graduate. Date: 10/26. Time: 4:30 pm. Location: Karpen Hall - Laurel Forum. This free public lecture, presented by UNC Asheville's History Department, will be delivered by Douglas Palmer, Provost at Walsh University and a UNC Asheville graduate. Right now, the world is facing five major famines. The United Nations estimates that food production will need to increase by 100% in the next 30 years to feed the global population. Both of these are likely going to be exasperated by the effects of global climate change. What do historians have to do with the present and the future? Dr. Douglas Palmer will argue that in the face of these and other global issues, the voice of historians is more important than ever. Students of history, he will argue, must have a “seat at the table” with scientists, social scientists and policy makers in order to best respond to the major issues of the 21st century. Dr. Palmer graduated from UNCA in 1996 with a degree in history where he was the Phi Alpha Theta Award winner and president of the PTA chapter. He then earned his MA from the University of Oregon and a Ph.D. in history from Ohio State University. He was a Fulbright Scholar in 2001-2002 at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands and then a Research Fellow at the Center of Law and History at Emory University. He has been at Walsh University in North Canton, Ohio since 2005 where he has been a professor of history, chair of the Division of Humanities, Executive Director of Global Learning, Associate Dean of Academic Innovation and now is the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. Contact for this event: history@unca.edu or 828.251.6415.

10/27/17 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY CLIMATE BILL OF RIGHTS

Public comment on Asheville’s Community Climate Bill of Rights is open. Be part of crafting Asheville’s renewable future, join us to learn more about North Carolina’s first Community Bill of Rights and influence what it says. A Community Bill of Rights is a city ordinance that allows the people to make decisions about what happens where we live, not letting the state or corporations decide. This Bill of Rights focuses on our right to a healthy climate and a sustainable energy future. To truly reflect the wishes of our entire community, this Bill needs input from all residents of Asheville. Community Climate 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. Upcoming public comment session: Friday October 27 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Jubilee Community in downtown Asheville (enter 101 Patton Avenue). Contact Cathy Holt at cathyfholt@gmail.com for more information.

10/27/17 DOCUMENTARY AT FIRESTORM

Friday, Oct 27th @ 7:30pm. “Trouble” Screening. Every fourth Friday since September 2017.

sub.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 Road in west Asheville.

10/27/17 CONSCIOUS PARTY IN MARS HILL

A screening of three documentary short films to benefit the Community Housing Coalition of Madison County. WHEN: Friday, Oct. 27, 6:30-9:30 p.m. WHERE: Belk Auditorium at Mars Hill University, 100 Athletic St., Mars Hill. WHY: In 2016, filmmaker Kevin Peer let a few of his Marshall neighbors know he was available to screen his documentaries for a fundraiser in case a local nonprofit needed support. At that juncture, he’d already heard about the good work of the Community Housing Coalition of Madison County and was thrilled when the group contacted him in late summer about collaborating. “Their mission is to facilitate home repair, rehabilitation and the creation of new affordable housing in Madison County,” Peer says. “I really appreciate how CHC combines compassion and good intent with intelligent and effective and down-to-earth approaches. This allows them to fulfill their mission in ways that not only get good stuff done but that also honor the pride and sense of community that the county is so well-known for.” On Friday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m. at Mars Hill University’s Belk Auditorium, Peer will screen 1988’s Way of the Wodaabe (27 minutes), about the last true cattle nomads of Africa and their travel to the remote site of their traditional rainy-season celebrations after a severe drought; 1986’s Masterpieces in Chalk (17 minutes), a profile of renowned street painter Kurt Wenner and his sidewalk art in Italy and Switzerland; and 1985’s The Pigeon Game (14 minutes), which looks at the pigeon wars of Brooklyn and the men who command the birds from their rooftops. The three short documentaries are his personal favorites among the numerous films he made for National Geographic and ones that, in his words, “celebrate culture and art and passion in ways that are visually rich and fun.” Peer hopes attendees emerge from the event “feeling very entertained and at least a little better about humankind’s capacity for beauty and wisdom and ingenuity.” In between each film, he will field questions and “inevitably tell stories of the adventures and humorous misadventures involved in making each movie.” The screening takes place from 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27, at Mars Hill University’s Belk Auditorium. $12 advance ($10 in person), $15 at the door. $7 for students and children under 12 years old.

10/28/17 NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP IN ASHEVILLE

Roberta Wall will guide us in applying the principles and consciousness of Nonviolent Communication in this day-long interactive workshop, “Connecting Across Divides.” 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 AM – 4:00 PM 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. For registration options and info, including about scholarships: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connecting-across-divides-expressing-your-truth-and-creating-connection-tickets-37718247293?utm_source=eb_email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=order_confirmation_email&utm_term=eventname&ref=eemailordconf. Further details will be sent after you register.Roberta Wall is certified as a trainer in Nonviolent Communication (NVC) by the Center for Nonviolent Communication. Roberta is trained as a lawyer, mediator, trainer, facilitator, parent, activist, mindfulness practitioner and coach.

10/28/17 THE NAKBA TOUR IN ASHEVILLE

The North America Nakba Tour and Asheville Committee for Palestinian Human Rights invite you to “The Exiled Palestinians: Stateless Palestinians from the Camps in Lebanon”. Khawla Hammad has been a stateless refugee in Lebanon for 69 years. At the age of sixteen, she was expelled from her village of Kabri, in Palestine. Now she is 84 years old and still a refugee in Lebanon, with no citizenship in any country at all. Israel expelled most of the population in 1948, and has prevented them from returning to their homes. Kabri and hundreds of other towns and villages were leveled to the ground, a crime that Palestinians call al-Nakba (the Catastrophe). But Israel did not stop there. It repeatedly attacked Palestinian refugees in Lebanon, killing three of Khawla’s children among many others. Before the Nakba, Khawla’s father died as a Palestinian freedom fighter. Khawla has a message that she wants to bring to North America. So does 23-year-old Palestinian refugee, journalist and translator Amena Elashkar, the great granddaughter of other Nakba survivors. She and her parents were born as stateless refugees in Lebanon and have never lived in their own country. Khawla and Amena want to meet you. They have a different message from other Palestinians. They do not live in Palestine, under Israeli occupation. Israel does not allow them to visit their homes, much less live there. Amena first met an Israeli during last year’s tour, and Khawla not since 1948. They have a different perspective from Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, Gaza and the part of Palestine that became Israel. When: Saturday, Oct 28, 3-5 pm. Where: Block Off Biltmore at 39 South Market Street in downtown Asheville. This local event is supported by Asheville Veterans for Peace Chapter 099 and the Peace & Earth Committee of the Asheville Friends Meeting. The North America Nakba Tour is operated under the fiscal sponsorship of the Association for Investment in Popular Action Committees, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt corporation. The project is administered by a committee of Al-Awda Right to Return Coalition, Free Palestine Movement, Black 4 Palestine and the International Solidarity Movement – Northern California. Contact Ken at jonesk@maine.edu for more 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.

10/29/17 ENVIRONMENTAL FILM IN ASHEVILLE

Join us for a screening of the award-winning documentary “Tomorrow” which takes a proactive and hopeful approach to the many pressing environmental issues we currently face. The film has been called “required viewing for anyone wondering what they could do to pitch in and save the planet.” Following the screening we will divide into 5 topical ‘idea incubators’, focusing on the main topical areas it covers: Food, Energy, Economy, Politics and Education. Sponsors include: Alliance for Energy Democracy, Earth Equity Advisors, Nemec Construction, NC Warn, and individual sponsors Ken Brame and Judy Mattox. The event is free, but donations are happily accepted. “Tomorrow”: Film Screening & Idea Incubator. October 29 @ 3:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Organizer: Indivisible Asheville/WNC. Email: info@indivisibleavl.org. Location is First Congregational UCC at 20 Oak St in Asheville.

10/29/17 FUNDRAISER FOR COMMUNITY CENTER IN CANTON

An Evening with Gladys Knight and Friends - On Sunday, October 29, 2017, the RHS Community Foundation presents An Evening with Gladys Knight and Friends at the U.S. Cellular Center in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. The concert will feature performances by Motown legend Gladys Knight, Little Big Town, and local Asheville musician Lyric, as well as surprise guests. All proceeds from ticket sales will be used to support the development of the Reynolds Community Center in Canton. The Reynolds Community Center is the flagship project for the RHS Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Gladys Knight and her husband William McDowell, who grew up in Canton. Ticket prices for “An Evening with Gladys Knight and Friends” range from $55 to $125, plus fees, for general admission. There are also VIP tickets available for $500 (plus fees), which include priority seating, a pre-show reception with Knight and Little Big Town, and access to exclusive auction items such as vacation packages and music memorabilia. The Thomas Wolfe Auditorium is located at 87 Haywood Street in downtown Asheville. Tickets for this event can be purchased in person at the U.S. Cellular Center box office, online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling (800) 745-3000.

10/30/17 ASHEVILLE SURJ MEETING

10/30/17 CANDIDATES FORUM ON FOOD POLICY

Candidates Forum on food policy and action. Join ABFPC, Bountiful Cities, and Youth Empowered Solutions (YES!) for a public candidates forum on Food, Health, and Agriculture. Date: Monday, October 30, 2017. Time: 6:30-8:30. Location: Lenoir-Rhyne University, 36 Montford Ave, Asheville. This event is FREE and open to the public, childcare and Spanish translation services will be provided. Asheville Buncombe Food Policy Council welcomes Asheville City Council and Mayoral candidates in a public forum on food policy and action. This event will provide a venue for the public to hear the positions of each candidate on issues related to food, health and agriculture. The question and answer forum will be moderated by Ameena Batada, associate professor of Health and Wellness at UNC Asheville and Crystal Guevara-Alday Youth Empowered Solutions Youth Staff. An informal reception will follow. The event is co-sponsored by Bountiful Cities and YES, refreshments provided by Gypsy Queen. Please RSVP for childcare, contact Kiera Bulan at coordinator@abfoodpolicy.org.

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

10/31/17 SURJ - DO!SCUSSIONS

10/31/17 ENDING AMERICA’S LONGEST WAR: FROM DARKNESS INTO LIGHT

America has waged a war on drugs for over 100 years. Since America's formal War on Drugs began in 1971, the United States has spent well over $1 trillion and is now, on a per capita basis, the world's leading jailer. The burden of prison has fallen most heavily on the poor and minorities. The black market created by this war has spread violence across the land and brought billions of dollars to criminals. The war has destroyed millions of lives, tearing apart families and whole communities, in our own country and around the world. It has turned criminals into millionaires and sick people into criminals. Yet, the supply of drugs of all kinds has vastly increased, including easy availability to those most at risk--our youth. In short, the drug war has done exactly the opposite of what it was intended to do. It has been the equivalent of pouring gasoline on a fire to put it out. The way to reduce the market for drugs is to reduce the demand for them. That means healing the mind and body of the addict and creating the social and emotional supports necessary to foster recovery. Only then will America begin to heal the incalculable damage done by its disastrous and misguided War on Drugs. This four-part series will present an enlightened understanding of drug use, abuse, and addiction based on the latest discoveries in brain science and the work of leading experts in the field of addiction research and treatment. This knowledge will lead to a more successful and compassionate way of dealing with the problems related to drug use, abuse, and addiction. All programs at Unitarian Universalists of Transylvania County at 24 Varsity Street in Brevard. Please arrive early, as seating is limited. For details contact Jim Hardy: 828-862-6969 or jh2@comporium.net. Sponsored by Transylvania County NAACP and UUTC – Unitarian Universalists of Transylvania County. Part Four: Tuesday, October 31, 7:00 pm: Into the Light: Local Sources of Hope and Compassionate Support and Healing for Those Dealing with Drug Abuse and Addiction: A panel of regional experts who are using best practices to treat and heal those dealing with substance abuse and addiction.

11/01/17 HOLOCAUST EDUCATION SEMINAR FOR TEACHERS

Dr. Walter Ziffer to Speak at Holocaust Education Seminar. The NC Council on the Holocaust will host a teacher workshop on Wednesday, November 1 in Burnsville and provide sub pay for teachers. Dr. Walter Ziffer will give the Survivor Testimony. Teacher Workshop on the Holocaust: History of the Holocaust, Burnsville/Yancey County, NC. Wednesday, November 1, 2017 from 8:00 am - 3:30 pm. Topic: History of the Holocaust. Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2017. Time: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm. Location: Burnsville Town Center, 6 South Main Street, Burnsville. The NC Council on the Holocaust, an agency of N.C. Department of Public Instruction, reimburses the County School District (LEA) for substitute teachers. Attending teachers must sign a substitute reimbursement form for his/her county. For more information, contact Audrey Krakovitz, Director of Teacher Workshops, ncholocaustworkshops@gmail.com

11/01/17 NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP FORUM IN ASHEVILLE

Bring Your Brave Face to the WNC Nonprofit Pathways Leadership Forum. 2017 Nonprofit Leadership Forum-Bring Your Brave Face. We're Gonna Talk Race, Equity and Inclusion. Please join us for the 2017 Nonprofit Leadership Forum with Denise Barreto, where we will dive deep into the sudden urgency driving equity and inclusive leadership and why it's so difficult for the majority of American's leaders to act. Doors open at 1:30 pm, Program 2:00 pm-5:00 pm, Networking reception 5:00 pm-6:00pm. WNC Non Profit Pathways is offering a Leadership Forum with speaker Denise Barreto “Bring your Brave Face - We’re Gonna Talk Race, Equity, and Inclusion” Wednesday, November 1, 2:00 – 6:00 PM at the Asheville Double Tree. The DoubleTree by Hilton-Biltmore in Asheville at 115 Hendersonville Road, Burghley Room, Asheville. Contact Debbie Haeger, WNC Nonprofit Pathways, at 828-242-9028 or debbie@nonprofitpathways.org for more information, including how to register.

11/01/17 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.

11/01/17 SIERRA CLUB MEETING

Sierra Club Nov. 1: Methane, Pipelines, and Climate Change. Sierra Club’s November 1 program will feature Kelly Martin, Director of Sierra Club's national Beyond Dirty Fuels program. She will discuss how the Sierra Club's efforts to curb methane pollution by keeping fossil fuels in the ground is making a difference. Learn how the club’s efforts are helping stop the creation of fracked gas pipelines and are leading to the enactment of public health safeguards. This event is free and open to the public. Date: Wednesday, November 1, 2017. Location: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place (corner of Charlotte and Edwin) Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Contact: Judy Mattox, judymattox@sbcglobal.net, (828) 683-2176.

11/01/17 ELECTION FORUM

November 1, 6 PM - 7 PM @ Pack Memorial Library. Asheville Municipal Candidates. Presented by League of Women Voters of Asheville-Buncombe County.

11/01/17 RACE RELATIONS STATION

Wed, Nov 1 @ 7:00pm. Race Relations Station. A pilot program where diverse groups of people meet once a month to share stories, build trust and break down barriers which will aid the community in healing, connecting and regeneration. What is the Race Relations Station? The Race Relations Station is a lightly guided structure for diverse groups of three people to meet once a month to share stories, knock down walls, overcome assumptions and connect authentically. We believe that by sharing stories, we can weave a thread of understanding, healing and community together. The conveners of this project are very different humans when it comes to race, religion, age, experience and so much more, yet we are committed to walking together in curiosity, care and love. Over the past 18 months we've "walked" together once a month with tremendous success and are now launching a pilot initiative here in Asheville for others to experience the power of healing and connecting through story and intimate conversations. We invite you to join the catalysts of this initiative for a short presentation followed by questions and responses. This is at Firestorm at 610 Haywood Road in west Asheville. Contact them for more information.

11/02/17 WOMEN IN STEM - MEDICINE AT UNCA

Asheville’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) will present a new lecture series, Women in STEM, covering disciplines this fall ranging from astronomy to medicine. The Women in STEM lectures are free and open to everyone and will take place from 4:30-6 p.m. in the Reuter Center on campus. The series will highlight the significant contributions made by women in STEM, and shed light on the obstacles women have faced historically as well as persisting issues of gender bias in the sciences. Laura Jones, UNC Asheville assistant professor of health & wellness who also teaches in the university’s Neuroscience Program and is a National Certified Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor. Amanda Rollins Maxwell, M.D., UNC Asheville adjunct assistant professor of chemistry and health & wellness, who trained in the MAHEC Rural Family Medicine Program in Hendersonville. The Women in STEM lectures will continue in the spring 2018 semester with talks focusing on physics, nursing and forestry. For more information, contact olli@unca.edu or call 828.251.6140.

11/03/17 DEMOCRACY SCHOOL COMES TO ASHEVILLE

The Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund (CELDF), a non-profit, public interest law firm is sending representatives to Asheville for their flagship education program titled, Daniel Pennock Democracy School. Named for a boy in Pennsylvania who died after exposure to sewage sludge, the Democracy School is a stimulating and illuminating course that teaches residents and activists how to reframe exhausting and often discouraging single issue work (such as opposing fracking, pipelines, GMOs, etc.) in a way that we can confront corporate control and state preemption on a powerful single front: people’s inalienable rights. The event, hosted by Community Roots, takes place on Friday, November 3 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm and Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at Lenoir Rhyne University at 36 Montford Ave, Asheville. Tickets are $90 with scholarships available. At the event, Democracy School explores the limits of conventional regulatory organizing and offers a new organizing model that helps citizens confront the usurpation by corporations of the rights of communities, people, and earth. Lectures cover the history of people’s movements and corporate power, and the dramatic organizing over the last decade in Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Ohio, Colorado, Washington, and Oregon by communities confronting agribusiness, the oil and gas industry, corporate hegemony over worker rights, and others. Included with enrollment in the Democracy School is a 300 plus-page notebook of background reading material. We encourage those interested to purchase tickets early, as space is limited and participants are encouraged to read background information prior the event. Contact Ben Harper at 985-789-2690 at benharper1984@gmail.com.

11/04/17 ASHEVILLE TIMEBANK POTLUCK LUNCH

Saturday, Nov. 4, 12:30pm: Asheville TimeBank potluck lunch at Kairos in West Asheville, downstairs from Firestorm Books; enter from State Street. All are welcome. Come learn about an online system for exchanging services without cash, join this expanding community banking their skills and getting their needs met! Share delicious food, meet and network with interesting folks. Contact Cathy Holt at cathyfholt@gmail.com for more information.

11/04/17 GERRYMANDER WALK/RUN

Gerrymander 5K Walk/Run, on Sat. Nov. 4 at 1 pm, will follow the actual dividing line between Congressional districts 10 and 11 as it winds through West Asheville. It’s an eye-opening experience to walk or run this route because you can see firsthand the scope of what has been called “surgically precise” gerrymandering. This event is an opportunity to demonstrate your concern about the serious voter suppression issue of gerrymandering. By participating, you can stand with the League, calling for a permanent solution—the creation of a nonpartisan commission to redraw voting districts. We are still looking for more walkers and more sponsors. Support a fair vote and walk the line with the League. Time : 1pm-3pm. Where : West Asheville along Districts 10 & 11. Start @ Admiral Parking Lot. End @ The WALK. Registration fee is $20 for adults, and $10 for children. Must register. Contact alexnuesse@gmail.com for more information, including how to register.

11/05/17 INTERFAITH INITIATIVE TO SPONSOR GREEN ENERGY FORUM

The Interfaith Initiative, made up of representatives of 14 faith communities in the Asheville area, has organized a Green Energy Forum. This will be an action forum about local green energy efforts to help individuals and congregations enrich their lives by being good stewards in caring for our earth. The meeting will take place at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak Street in Asheville beginning at 2:30 PM. It is free and open to the community. Panelists will include representatives from Creation Care Alliance/MountainTrue, Southern Coalition for Clean Energy, Citizens Climate Lobby, Energy Savers’ Network and the First Congregational United Church of Christ. Each will have handouts and other information available. The program is Co-Chaired by Eman Moustafa and Yolanda Adams. CONTACT Marilynne Herbert at (828) 551-7005 or mherbert1@aol.com or Eman Moustafa at emantherapynow@gmail.com for more information.

11/06/17 ASHEVILLE SURJ MEETING

11/07/17 GENERAL ELECTION FOR ASHEVILLE CITY COUNCIL

Vote at your local precinct. Must be a registered voter.

11/07/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS CONSTITUTIONAL STUDY COURSE

11/07/17 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 4:30 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.”

11/08/17 ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY CLIMATE BILL OF RIGHTS

Public comment on Asheville’s Community Climate Bill of Rights is open. Be part of crafting Asheville’s renewable future, join us to learn more about North Carolina’s first Community Bill of Rights and influence what it says. A Community Bill of Rights is a city ordinance that allows the people to make decisions about what happens where we live, not letting the state or corporations decide. This Bill of Rights focuses on our right to a healthy climate and a sustainable energy future. To truly reflect the wishes of our entire community, this Bill needs input from all residents of Asheville. Community Climate 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. Upcoming public comment session: Wednesday, Nov. 8,@ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Edington Center Community Room, 133 Livingston Street in Asheville. Contact Cathy Holt at cathyfholt@gmail.com for more information.

11/09/17 HENDERSONVILLE GREEN DRINKS

Nov 9, 5:30 PM: Hendersonville Green Drinks Citizen’s Climate Lobby presentation and social, location to be determined. Citizens Climate Lobby - Asheville Chapter

11/09/17 CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY TALK IN SYLVA

Nov 9, 6:00 PM: Sylva CCL talk @ City Lights Bookstore. Citizens Climate Lobby - Asheville Chapter

11/12/17 CONNECTION PRACTICE

Sunday, Nov. 12, 1:30-4:30pm: Discover the synergistic power of empathy and insight! The Connection Practice is an experiential course taught by Cathy Holt, where you'll gain skills in calming emotions, giving empathy to ourselves and others, and attaining insight - the wisdom of our own hearts. Drawn from Non-Violent Communication and HeartMath, these scientifically-based skills help people to have more inner peace and harmonious relationships. Sponsor: Wellness Team. Suggested Donation: $15. All welcome. To reserve your space, please RSVP to Cathy Holt, cathyfholt@gmail.com.

11/13/17 ASHEVILLE SURJ MEETING

11/14/17 LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS CONSTITUTIONAL STUDY COURSE

11/14/17 VETERANS FOR PEACE VIGIL - BECAUSE THE WARS STILL GO ON

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ONGOING EVENTS

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MONDAY

Asheville SURJ weekly meeting at 6:30 pm at UU Congregation in Asheville, downstairs

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.

SURJ Discussion 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.

Gathering of people who like to stitch and otherwise puncture the status quo at 68 Haywood Street Outdoor Space at 9 AM.

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 6 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.

Indivisible Asheville does political letter writing at 5:30 every Wednesday at The Block Off Biltmore.

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.

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Sunday, October 22, 2017

Upcoming events for the week of October 22, 2017

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