Posted by admin on Aug 30, 2010 in
Uncategorized 
This week was a special one for AFM: we held our first joint Asheville Friends Meeting/Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting Potluck on Saturday evening, and on Sunday, we celebrated the recent marriage of Laura Maynard Lane to Doug Lane, and the transferral of membership of Edie Patrick to AFM from JCFM. These two potlucks in a row were wonderful feasts for minds and bodies! Our former Friend, and always friend, Phil Neal joined us along with about 15 other folks from SVFM.
For the second potluck, on First Day, Robin Wells made an enormous, delicious gluten-free chocolate cake which you could not tell didn’t have wheat or gluten in it – this was quite a treat, especially for our gluten-free folks! Many children joined us for these festivities, and this lent a great air of jollity to the whole event! We of course look forward to the return of these children, who are friends of one of our own.
Provided for us by Susan Oehler
09/02/10 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING
Meeting is at 6:30 at VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street (the corner of Haywood and Roberts), Asheville, 28801. (828-258-1800).
09/10/10 UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST MOVIE NIGHT
The movie this month will be “DIRT”, shown at 7:00 PM on Friday, Sept. 10th. You are urged to see this delightful social justice film for all ages, It provides an astonishing, humorous & meaty look at the glorious, under-appreciated ground beneath our feet. We couldn’t exist without dirt. It feeds us, shelters us, heals us and above all it regulates our earth’s climate. Yet most humans ignore, abuse, and destroy this most precious living natural resource. This film provides insight to change ourselves & treat dirt with respect. It offers a vision of a sustainable relationship between humans and dirt through profiles of many global visionaries who are determined to repair the damage we’ve done.
09/11/10 GREEN PARTY – PEACETOWN PICNIC
This will be at the pavilion at French Broad Riverside Park, time is noon to 6 PM. They will provide hot coals and cold drinks, and shuttle rides to canoe/kayak trips on the river. Bring a dish to share.
09/12/10 EPISCOPAL PEACE FELLOWSHIP MEETING
This will start at 6 PM and will be in the library at All Souls Cathedral in Biltmore Village. All are welcome.
09/14/10 WARREN WILSON COLLEGE SUSTAINABILITY SPEAKERS SERIES
Anita Brown-Graham on September 14, 2010 @ 7 PM will present in the Warren Wilson College Chapel. More information at http://www.warren-wilson.edu/~ELC/New_ELC_Website_/Audio_Recordings.php
09/14/10 EPA HOLDING HEARINGS ON COAL ASH IN CHARLOTTE, NC
This is one of seven hearings in the entire USA. This is a chance to speak publicly against coal ash and the deadly toxins it contains: lead, arsenic, mercury, cadmium, selenium and more. Carpooling will be arranged from Asheville by Richard Fireman. More information to come.
09/17/10 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING
Lunch will be eaten at noon, and meeting starts at 12:30. Location is NIRS office at 45 Riverside Drive, please park on the street. This meeting is open to all, and a short program is usually included. Please contact Lew at patrie.wncpsr@main.nc.us for more information.
09/18/10 to 09/21/10 PEACE FOR THE WORLD’S CHILDREN
This is going to be held at Lake Junaluska. Peace Conference Leaders include: Marian Wright Edelman, Dr. Jeni Stepanek, Bishop Kenneth Carder, and Dr. Luther E. Smith. More information at this website: http://www.lakejunaluska.com/peace/
09/19/10 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE ORIENTATION
Time is 1:30 to 3 PM at the Unity Center at 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road in Mills River. If you or your friends would like to know more about the Transition Initiative and what Transition Asheville has to offer, consider attending an orientation. You will see a short film with a discussion to follow and learn about opportunities to create a resilient community in the Asheville area.
09/21/10 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER FOR PEACE
This is sponsored by NC Council of Churches. For more information: www.nccouncilofchurches.org/programs/peace/
n
09/21/10 INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE
Peacetown will hold a commemoration/celebration of the International Day of Peace in Asheville. The public is invited to gather at the Peace Pole near City Hall at 6:30 PM. A perfect time to reflect on how we can all work for peace in our families, locally, nationally and globally. (More information to come.) More information on International Day of Peace at http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org/ UN Secretary Ban Ki-Moon has called this year’s celebration Peace, Youth and Development.
09/25/10 to 09/26/10 VOICES OF THE MOUNTAINS
Conference and workshops in DC around Mountain Top Removal. More information on http://appalachiarising.org/voices-from-the-mountains/. This will be followed with a National Day of Action (nation wide) and a lobbying day in DC.
09/27/10 to 10/1/10 BE PEACE FOUNDATIONS COURSE
This is in Charlotte at Unity of Charlotte , and is a multi-day event. BePeace is a practice of coherence through appreciation, and connection to universal needs through empathy and honesty. Lectures and experiential small group exercises will be used. Registration fee. For more information, go to www.rasurinternational.org.
09/27/10 NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION ON MOUNTAIN TOP REMOVAL
More information at http://appalachiarising.org/day-of-action/. This will be followed on 9/28/10 with a lobbying day in DC.
10/02/10 ONE NATION WORKING TOGETHER MARCH IN DC
A major mobilization, One Nation Working Together (ONWT), is being planned for October 2, 2010, with a large march in DC. United for Peace and Justice has endorsed this effort and is participating in core planning and organizing. This was also endorsed by Veterans for Peace.
10/03/10 TO 10/10/10 KEEP SPACE FOR PEACE WEEK
10/06/10 WARREN WILSON COLLEGE SUSTAINABILITY SPEAKERS SERIES Bill McKibben on October 6, 2010 @ 7 PM will present in the Warren Wilson College Chapel. He is the founder of “350.org” which is holding a day of action on 10-10-10. More information at http://www.warren-wilson.edu/~ELC/New_ELC_Website_/Audio_Recordings.php
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Ongoing Events
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SUNDAY
Episcopal Peace Fellowship holds a weekly vigil from 5:30 to 6 PM (daylight savings time) at All Soul’s Cathedral.
TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square Peacetown meets on Tuesdays. Contact Steveatearthsun2@gmail.com for more information.
WEDNESDAY
Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood Country Courthouse in Waynesville. Asheville Cop Watch meeting at 5 PM at Firestorm Cafe.
THURSDAY
Asheville Homeless Network meeting at 2 PM at Firestorm Cafe.
FRIDAY
Women in Black have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square in Asheville Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the Old Courthouse in Hendersonville WORLD CINEMA EVERY FRIDAY at the Courtyard Gallery at the Phil Mechanic Building at 109 Roberts St in Asheville. Door opens at 7:30 PM and closes at 8 PM. Donations accepted. Film reviews at http://www.mountianx.com/movies.
SATURDAY
Transylvanians for Peace have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard.
Tags: Asheville Homeless Network, Be Peace, EPA Hearings, Episcopal Peace Fellowship, Green Party, Haywood Peace Vigilers, International Day of Peace, International Day of Prayer for Peace, Keep Space for Peace Week, National Day of Action on Mountaintop Removal, One Nation Working Together, Peace for the World's Children, Peactown, social action, Transition Asheville, Transylvanians for Peace, UU Movie Night, veterans for peace, Voices of the Mountains, women in black, WW College Sustainability Speakers Series
Posted by admin on Aug 2, 2010 in
Uncategorized Provided for us by Susan Oehler
08/05/10 VETERANS FOR PEACE MEETING, CHAPTER 099 Our next chapter meeting will be Thursday the 5th at 6:30pm at HQ. Among the items of business: Nominations for chapter officers. Contact Kim Carlyle at kcarlyle@main.nc.us for more information.
08/06/10 Anniversary of the bombing of Hiroshima – 65 years ago.
08/09/10 Anniversary of the bombing of Nagasaki – 65 years ago. Nuclear weapons are still with us.
08/11/10 PEACETOWN MEETING This will be at the Top Floor Studio office http://www.topfloorstudio.com/index.php?/directions.html at 58 ½ North Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC. Time is 6:30 PM. When you follow the above link for directions, there are parking suggestions given. After 6, street parking is free and Rankin and Civic Center parking decks are also close. There will be a peacetown sign on the door.
09/11/10 GREEN PARTY PICNIC This will be at Riverside Park, time TBA.
09/27/10 to 10/1/10 Be Peace Foundations Course This is in Charlotte at Unity of Charlotte , and is a multi-day event. BePeace is a practice of coherence through appreciation, and connection to universal needs through empathy and honesty. Lectures and experiential small group exercises will be used. Registration fee. For more information, go to www.rasurinternational.org.
11/20/10 STAND UP, STAND DOWN BY VETERANS FOR PEACE More information to come!
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Ongoing Events
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TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square Peacetown meets on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays. Contact Steve at earthsun2@gmail.com for more information.
WEDNESDAY
Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood Country Courthouse in Waynesville.
FRIDAY
Women in Black have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square in Asheville Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the Old Courthouse in Hendersonville
WORLD CINEMA EVERY FRIDAY at the Courtyard Gallery at the Phil Mechanic Building at 109 Roberts St in Asheville. Door opens at 7:30 PM and closes at 8 PM. Donations accepted. Film reviews at http://www.mountianx.com/movies. SATURDAY Transylvanians for Peace have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard.
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VETERANS FOR PEACE INFORMATION Veterans For Peace has a radio program on WPVM-103.5 FM at 5 PM every Wed. They are also on URTV on Wednesday at 7 PM. VFP CHAPTER 099: http://vfpchapter099wnc.blogspot.com/ WAR CRIMES TIMES:http://www.WarCrimesTimes.org/
RESERVE THE DATE: November 20, 2010 — “Stand Up / Stand Down” Diana Wortham Theater, Asheville, NC Visit VFP HQ at the Phil Mechanic Studios: 109 Roberts Street (the corner of Haywood and Roberts), Asheville, 28801. (828-258-1800 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 828-258-1800 end_of_the_skype_highlighting). Hours: Tue-Sat 11 to 3 pm The above is a new location and is in the River Arts District.
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Actions and Readings
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LEGACY OF OUR ATTACKS ON FALLUJAH IN 2004
Toxic legacy of US assault on Fallujah ‘worse than Hiroshima’
Dramatic increases in infant mortality, cancer and leukaemia in the Iraqi city of Fallujah, which was bombarded by US Marines in 2004, exceed those reported by survivors of the atomic bombs that were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, according to a new study. Iraqi doctors in Fallujah have complained since 2005 of being overwhelmed by the number of babies with serious birth defects, ranging from a girl born with two heads to paralysis of the lower limbs. They said they were also seeing far more cancers than they did before the battle for Fallujah between US troops and insurgents. Their claims have been supported by a survey showing a four-fold increase in all cancers and a 12-fold increase in childhood cancer in under-14s.
Infant mortality in the city is more than four times higher than in neighbouring Jordan and eight times higher than in Kuwait.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/toxic-legacy-of-us-assault-on-fallujah-worse-than-hiroshima-2034065.html
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Why Do We Gather at the Trident Base On This Day
“Lest We Forget’… that sixty-five years ago 150,000 people, mostly non-combatants, were instantaneously killed by atomic bombs dropped on the cities of Hiroshima (August 6) and Nagasaki ( August 9). Subsequently, many additional thousands of Japanese citizens died of radiation poisoning from these two US nuclear weapons. that there are more Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) on the 5 Tridents and in the bunker area at Kings Bay than at any other place on the Planet.that the US will commit a staggering $ 170,200,000,000 ( billion that is) to the Trident system through the year 2032 yet leave its citizens without adequate health coverage, education, housing, jobs, etc …
(www.nationalpriorities.org/sources/tradeoffsources.html) that while the Deep Water Horizon accident threatens all sea-life in the Gulf, a Trident accident threatens all life on the planet. that the 14 U.S. Trident submarines have the real capability to kill more than 14,300,160,000 (14 billion) people, which is 2 & 1/3 times the Planet’s population.
We come on this day to stand for a few hours at the main gate of this site of ultimate destruction lest we forget the awful and awesome reality of the nuclear age. Trident is the end of the world. Come stand with us and begin to build a new world before it is too late.
Join us.
Sponsored by: The FROM TRIDENT TO LIFE CAMPAIGN in the Southeast and
Florida Coalition for Peace & Justice.
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Tags: social action
Posted by admin on Jul 12, 2010 in
Uncategorized Provided for us by Susan Oehler
07/13/10 PEACETOWN MEETING Ty Hallock said that we could meet at the Top Floor Studio office http://www.topfloorstudio.com/index.php?/directions.html at 58 ½ North Lexington Ave, Asheville, NC this Tuesday, July 13, for our peacetown meeting at 6:30p. When you follow the above link for directions, there are parking suggestions given. After 6, street parking is free and Rankin and Civic Center parking decks are also close. There will be a peacetown sign on the door.
07/16/10 FILM AT UU CHURCH ASHEVILLE What if all the expectations you have about the future are completely wrong? ”Blind Spot” is a documentary film that illustrates the current oil and energy crisis that our world is facing. Whatever measures of ignorance, greed, wishful thinking, we have put ourselves at a crossroad, which offers two paths with dire consequences. If we continue to burn fossil fuels we will choke the life out of the planet and if we don’t our way of life will collapse. Come see a showing of this film Friday, July 16 at 7 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1 Edwin Place, in Asheville.
07/22/10 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE MEETING 90-minute orientations consist of a 30-minute video and then some discussion. They are the perfect event to bring friends and family to if you’d like them to know more about the Transition movement. The following orientations are scheduled: Unitarian Universalist Church at Charlotte and Edwin in Asheville, at 7 pm on Thursday, July 22. Also on the first Mondays of the month at Firestorm Cafe at 7 PM.
11/20/10 STAND UP, STAND DOWN BY VETERANS FOR PEACE
More information to come!
UPCOMING EVENTS – courtesy of Susan Oehler
05/25/10 FUNDRAISER FOR HAITI There will be a fund raiser to support Mission Manna’s work with malnourished children in Haiti. It will be May 25th, 6 to 10 pm at Jack of the Wood. $10 admission. There will be music by Kellin Watson band and the Honeycutters as well as a silent auction of Haitian art and local crafts and gift certificates.
05/25/10 ALTERNATIVES TO VIOLENCE PROGRAM – CANCELED The presentation by Turtle McDermott of West Knoxville Friends Meeting on her work with the Alternatives to Violence Project in Rwanda, originally scheduled to take place on the 25th, has been rescheduled for Monday the 24th at 4 p.m., at the home of Kay Parke at Highland Farms in Swannanoa. Call 669-0932 if you are interested in attending.
06/17/10 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE DISCUSSION ON PEAK OIL Just as climate change will affect the stability of our ecosystem, the coming decline in petroleum production will soon affect the stability of our economy and our entire way of life. Come find out about this and the Transition Town movement, which seeks to pro-actively rebuild local resilience and prepare for these coming crises. The meeting will consist of a 30-minute movie, followed by discussion. June 17th 7:00 – 8:30 PM North Asheville Library meeting room All Transition Asheville events: http://transitionasheville.ning.com/events/event/listUpcoming
07/03/10 – 07/05/10 RESISTANCE FOR A NUCLEAR-FREE FUTURE AT MARYVILLE COLLEGE, MARYVILLE & Y-12 NUCLEAR WEAPONS COMPLEX, OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE This gathering is for people who advocate, practice and/or support nonviolent direct action, civil resistance and civil disobedience in the struggle to stop nuclear power and abolish nuclear weapons. At a critical time in the movement for a nuclear-free future, we are coming together to increase awareness and action around nuclear issues, and create an opportunity for new and seasoned activists to meet and strategize for a nuclear-free future! More information at: http://nukewatch.com/30th/index.htm
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ONGOING EVENTS
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TUESDAY Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square Peacetown meets on the first, third and fifth Tuesdays at the Veterans for Peace Headquarters at the Courtyard Gallery, 9 Walnut Street, Asheville. Contact Steve at earthsun2@gmail.com for more information. WEDNESDAY Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood Country Courthouse in Waynesville. FRIDAY Women in Black have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square in Asheville Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the Old Courthouse in Hendersonville SATURDAY Transylvanians for Peace have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard.
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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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“NO MORE VICTIMS” APPEAL Here is an example of raw footage that we shot with Mustafa and his father while we waited for their visas in Amman. As you watch this brief video, you should know that Mustafa was within a few weeks of an agonizing death from internal injuries caused by an American missile. His life was saved by emergency care in Portland, which he was able to receive thanks to your financial support: are very grateful for your past support, and hope that you can help us continue our mission of Peace. If you can donate 250.00 or more, your name will be listed in the credits. You can make an online donation by clicking here: http://nomorevictims.org/donate.php
REPORT ON HOW THE OIL LEAK IN THE GULF HAPPENED http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klhIFBks_yYWe There are not enough cuss words in the English language to describe this obscenity. CBS 60 Minutes Video: Broadcast May 16, 2010 http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article25474.htm
“ASHEVILLIANS AGAINST AFGHANISTAN WAR” PETITION ”We, the people of Asheville, NC urge our City Council to represent our views to our elected representatives in Congress that reflect our desires for a nonviolent and diplomatic solution to end the War in Afghanistan and along its borders with Pakistan. Our millions in tax dollars need to be directed instead to constructive programs at home, such as providing healthcare for all, jobs, housing, improved mass transit, public safety, education, parks and renewable energy. We do not support continued destructive violence that has been inflicted on citizens in Afghanistan since 2001.” Sign this petition here:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/ashevillians-against-afghanistan-war
AND THEN:
Please consider one more action on the resolution: Stop Spending Our Tax Dollars for Hostilities in Afghanistan. Send an email. Today, at a meeting with a city council member, we learned that council members will act in response to emails from concerned citizens. So please take this next step: Contact newmanasheville@gmail.com, cecil@braveulysses.com, jandavis@main.nc.us, emanheimer@vwlawfirm.com,gordonsmithasheville@gmail.com, mayorbellamy@gmail.com and ask them to put our resolution http://vfpchapter099wnc.blogspot.com/2010/01/urges-cessation-of-combat-operations-in.html on the city council agenda.
SENATE VOTES SOON ON AFGHANISTAN WAR
You don’t need a crystal ball to know that the Senate will vote next week to approve an additional $33 billion for the U.S. War in Afghanistan. The real question is whether the Senate will continue to feed the monster war, digging the U.S. Deeper into the Afghan quagmire, or come to its senses, stop digging, and find a ladder for climbing out of that hole. We at FCNL oppose any new funding for the U.S. War in Afghanistan. FCNL lobbyists are on the Hill right now asking senators to insist that the administration set a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. Troops. Senator Russ Feingold (WI) will offer this proposal as an amendment to the war supplemental. Take Action: urge your senators to insist that the administration set a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. Troops from Afghanistan.
PETITION TO CONGRESS TO SUPPORT IRAQI CIVIL SOCIETY
Promoting a just, representative, and accountable Iraqi government-a pillar of the United States policy towards Iraq-means also promoting the work of human rights defenders, women’s rights activists, and independent journalists. Tell Congress to support Iraqi civil society by signing our petition
REPUBLICANS WANT IDEAS ON HOW TO CUT FEDERAL SPENDING
A congressperson is asking for help figuring out where voters would like to see federal spending cut. Hmm, where to cut, where to cut? Http://republicanwhip.house.gov/YouCut/ Not being all that worried about mohair subsidies I ignored the instructions to vote on the choices offered before submitting my own. I skipped right to Submit Your Idea and proposed ”Withdraw our military forces and contractors
from Iraq and Afghanistan immediately.”
PETITION TO TELL OBAMA TO NEGOTIATE WITH IRAN
During the Presidential campaign, Senator Obama repeatedly quoted President Kennedy: “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.” But now the Obama Administration appears to be missing a key opportunity to deescalate conflict with Iran through negotiation. This week, Iran agreed to send 2,640 pounds of its low-enriched uranium to Turkey within a month as part of a confidence building measure negotiated by Turkey and Brazil. Ivan Oelrich, vice president of the Strategic Security Program at the Federation of American Scientists, says the technical difference between the deal Iran just agreed to and the deal the Obama administration proposed in October is small and that Iran is offering a key opportunity for engagement. But, as author Stephen Kinzer notes, the U.S. Seems to be “reflexively dismissing” the deal, appearing to be “unreasonable and petulant.” Help us remind President Obama of his campaign pledge to “negotiate with our enemies” by signing our petition. Http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/act/iran
Tags: benefit performance, Mission Manna, social action, sustainability, Transition Asheville
05/21/10 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY MEETING This will be held at noon at Mary Olson’s NIRS office, 45 Riverview Dr. in west Asheville. Please park on the street. Please call Lew at 299-1242 for more information.
05/22/10 GOAT TRAIL WALK The Veterans Quarters is home to about 200 vets. It’s out on Tunnel Road, about a mile from the VA Hospital. Many of the residents have appointments at the VA during the day, but there are no sidewalks or bus service. So the vets have worn what they call a “Goat Trail” in the grass beside Tunnel Road. If you drive that way, you’ll usually see them dodging cars, trying to get to the hospital. This is just one small stretch of Asheville that needs sidewalks, but there are many others. Please join us for the Sidewalks for Safety walk to draw attention to our pressing need for more sidewalks throughout Asheville. We’ll start walking at Groce Medothist Church, 954 Tunnel Road, and continue to the Veterans Quarters, 1329 Tunnel Road on Saturday, May 22 at 9 AM. [One small correction: the Veterans Quarters are technically outside the city of Asheville.]
05/22/10 MAY HOPE CONCERT 2010 The 4th annual May Hope Mental Health Benefit Concert takes place on Saturday, May 22, at 7 p.m. At All Souls Cathedral in Biltmore Village. Proceeds from the May Hope Concert will be divided among A Hope, a day program for the homeless operated by Homeward Bound; Copestone Inpatient and Outpatient Psychiatric Services of Mission Hospitals; All Souls Counseling Center, which provides counseling services for the uninsured; and NAMI of Western Carolina, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness which offers education, support, and advocacy for the mentally ill and their families. The featured entertainer this year is nationally known and locally based composer, performer and producer, Chris Rosser. He has opened for John Mayer and for Nickel Creek and won songwriting contests at the Rocky Mountain Folk Festival and the Merle Watson Festival. Also performing will be Annie Lalley, Joe Ebel and Aaron Burdette, Richard Sacket and Friends, and Susan Ward. Along with the entertainment, a silent auction and a snack bar will be offered in the Parish Hall. The magnitude of this benefit has never been more critical as vital mental health services in our community have been drastically cut. Asheville is fortunate to have several agencies that are providing essential help and advocacy. Tickets are $15. Advance tickets available through 5/21/10, at NAMI.org; then link to May Hope Concert. For more information contact Richard Sackett at (828) 777-0783 (828)777-0783
or Rnotesackett@charter.net.
05/23/10 ACLU ANNUAL MEETING The ACLU Western North Carolina chapter will hold an annual meeting at 2 PM at Asheville Friends Meeting at 227 Edgewood Road in Asheville. The Evan Mahaney Champion of Civil Liberties Award will be presented to Bob Smith, Executive Director of the Asheville-Buncombe County Community Relations Council. This meeting is open to everyone. For more information call 252-7666.
05/23/10 FINAL EXIT NETWORK PRESENTATION ”What is MOST and Why Do I Need It?” This question will be answered by Ellen Kaczmarek, M.D. At the meeting of the spring Final Exit Network of the Blue Ridge Mountains, May 23rd, 2:00 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, corner of North Charlotte Street and Edwin Place. Dr. Kaczmarek, a board-certified internist with a certificate of added qualifications in geriatrics, is medical director at Highland Farms and was recently named medical director of Mission Hospitals new Geriatric Consultation Service. In addition to your Medical Power of Attorney and Advance Directive Dr. Kaczmarek recommends Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST). Come learn about this document, when and why it is recommended. Advance Directive and Medical Power of Attorney forms will be available. All are welcome. For information: 828 687-7759
05/25/10 FUNDRAISER FOR HAITI There will be a fund raiser to support Mission Manna’s work with malnourished children in Haiti. It will be May 25th, 6 to 10 pm at Jack of the Wood. $10 admission. There will be music by Kellin Watson band and the Honeycutters as well as a silent auction of Haitian art and local crafts and gift certificates.
06/17/10 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE DISCUSSION ON PEAK OIL Just as climate change will affect the stability of our ecosystem, the coming decline in petroleum production will soon affect the stability of our economy and our entire way of life. Come find out about this and the Transition Town movement, which seeks to pro-actively rebuild local resilience and prepare for these coming crises. The meeting will consist of a 30-minute movie, followed by discussion.
June 17th 7:00 – 8:30 PM North Asheville Library meeting room
All Transition Asheville events:
http://transitionasheville.ning.com/events/event/listUpcoming
Tags: ACLU, benefit performance, Final Exit Network, haiti, sidewalks, sustainability, Transition Asheville
Provided for us by Susan Oehler
05/10/10 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE DISCUSSION ON PEAK OIL
Just as climate change will affect the stability of our ecosystem, the coming decline in petroleum production will soon affect the stability of our economy and our entire way of life. Come find out about this and the Transition Town movement, which seeks to pro-actively rebuild local resilience and prepare for these coming crises. The meeting will consist of a 30-minute movie, followed by discussion.
May 10th 7:00 – 8:30 PM West Asheville Library meeting room
June 17th 7:00 – 8:30 PM North Asheville Library meeting room
All Transition Asheville events:
http://transitionasheville.ning.com/events/event/listUpcoming
05/12/10 COMMUNITY MARCH FOR GLTBQ March starts at 6 PM at Tod’s Tasties at the corner of Montford and Courtland Avenues and goes until 8 PM. There have been attacks on members of the GLTBQ community lately. (I got this from facebook and this is all I know about this event.)
05/16/10 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE OPEN SPACE EVENT
The May Open Space is scheduled for Sunday, May 16th, from 2 pm to 5 pm at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak Street, Asheville. Come and help us shape the vision for Transition in our area!
05/23/10 ACLU ANNUAL MEETING
The ACLU Western North Carolina chapter will hold an annual meeting at 2 PM at Asheville Friends Meeting at 227 Edgewood Road in Asheville. The Evan Mahaney Champion of Civil Liberties Award will be presented to Bob Smith, Executive Director of the Asheville-Buncombe County Community Relations Council. This meeting is open to everyone. For more information call 252-7666.
05/23/10 FINAL EXIT NETWORK
“What is MOST and Why Do I Need It?” This question will be answered by Ellen Kaczmarek, M.D. at the meeting of the spring Final Exit Network of the Blue Ridge Mountains, May 23rd, 2:00 at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville, corner of North Charlotte Street and Edwin Place. Dr. Kaczmarek, a board-certified internist with a certificate of added qualifications in geriatrics, is medical director at Highland Farms and was recently named medical director of Mission Hospitals new Geriatric Consultation Service. In addition to your Medical Power of Attorney and Advance Directive Dr. Kaczmarek recommends Medical Orders for Scope of Treatment (MOST). Come learn about this document, when and why it is recommended. Advance Directive and Medical Power of Attorney forms will be available. All are welcome. For information: 828-687-7759
05/25/10 FUNDRAISER FOR HAITI
There will be a fund raiser to support Mission Manna’s work with malnourished children in Haiti. It will be May 25th, 6 to 10 pm at Jack of the Wood. $10 admission. There will be music by Kellin Watson band and the Honeycutters as well as a silent auction of Haitian art and local crafts and gift certificates.
05/25/10 ALTERNATIVE TO VIOLENCE PROGRAM
This will be presented by Turtle MacDermott (from Knoxville). It is a workshop developed by Quakers as an alternative to violence in prison, but has found a wider audience and application. Friends Peace Teams has developed AVP-based programs in several areas, including Africa, Indonesia, and Latin America. In Africa, the African Great Lakes Initiative has developed a program they call Healing and Restoring our Communities, to deal with trauma in the wake of the Rwanda genocide and many other situations. Details are available at www.aglifpt.org. This talk will be held at the Asheville Friends Meeting House at 227 Edgewood Road in Asheville. Time TBD.
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ONGOING EVENTS
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TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square Peacetown meets weekly at the Veterans for Peace Headquarters at the Courtyard Gallery, 9 Walnut Street, Asheville. Contact Steve at earthsun2@gmail.com for more information.
WEDNESDAY
Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood Country Courthouse in Waynesville.
FRIDAY
Women in Black have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square in Asheville Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the Old Courthouse in Hendersonville
SATURDAY
Transylvanians for Peace have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard.
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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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Mother’s Day Proclamation – 1870
by Julia Ward Howe
Arise then…women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts!
Whether your baptism be of water or of tears!
Say firmly:
“We will not have questions answered by irrelevant agencies;
Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with carnage,
For caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.
We, the women of one country,
Will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs.”
From the voice of a devastated Earth a voice goes up with
Our own. It says: “Disarm! Disarm!
The sword of murder is not the balance of justice.”
Blood does not wipe out dishonor,
Nor violence indicate possession.
As men have often forsaken the plough and the anvil
At the summons of war,
Let women now leave all that may be left of home
For a great and earnest day of counsel.
Let them meet first, as women, to bewail and commemorate the dead.
Let them solemnly take counsel with each other as to the means
Whereby the great human family can live in peace…
Each bearing after his own time the sacred impress, not of Caesar,
But of God.
In the name of womanhood and humanity, I earnestly ask
That a general congress of women without limit of nationality,
May be appointed and held at some place deemed most convenient
And the earliest period consistent with its objects,
To promote the alliance of the different nationalities,
The amicable settlement of international questions,
The great and general interests of peace.
Tags: End of Life, glbt, haiti, peacemaking, social action, Transition Asheville
provided to us by Susan Oehler
04/12/10 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE DISCUSSION ON PEAK OIL
Just as climate change will affect the stability of our ecosystem, the
coming decline in petroleum production will soon affect the stability
of our economy and our entire way of life. Come find out about this and the Transition Town movement, which seeks to pro-actively rebuild local resilience and prepare for these coming crises. The meeting will consist of a 30-minute movie, followed by discussion.
April 12th 7:00 – 8:30 PM West Asheville Library meeting room
April 16th 6:00 – 7:30 PM Firestorm Café, 48 Commerce St
May 6th 7:00 – 8:30 PM North Asheville Library meeting room
May 10th 7:00 – 8:30 PM West Asheville Library meeting room
June 17th 7:00 – 8:30 PM North Asheville Library meeting room
All Transition Asheville events:
http://transitionasheville.ning.com/events/event/listUpcoming
04/12/10 CANDIDATE FORUM for the Democratic candidates for US House of Representatives. Time is 7:30 PM and location is Black Mountain Library. This is sponsored by Democrats on the Move.
04/15/10 MOVIE sponsored by War Resisters League.
“Death and Taxes” will be shown at World Cinema building on Walnut Street in Asheville. Pot luck is at 6:30 and film is at 7:30. Free.
04/16/10 WNC PHYSICIANS FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY meeting WNCPSR’s next ‘bring your own lunch’ meeting will be Friday, April 16, from Noon till 2 PM in the office/residence of Nuclear Information & Resource Service (NIRS) at 45 Riverview Dr. in West Asheville. To get there from Patton Ave. in East Asheville, turn south on Clingman Ave., continue across French Broad River on River Link Bridge; then take the 1st left which is Riverview Dr. In a very short distance you reach #43 Riverview on the right followed by the driveway leading to the NIRS house #45, directly behind #43. PLEASE PARK ON RIVERVIEW DR.
04/19/10 ASHEVILLE ENERGY INDEPENDENCE TOWN HALL MEETING The Asheville City Council, Buncombe County Commissioners and Blue Ridge Sustainability Institute are sponsoring a Town Hall Meeting on Monday, April 19, from 5:30- 7:30 PM about the proposed Asheville Energy Independence Initiative. People want Asheville to be a national leader in developing clean, renewable energy. To that end, on January 12, 2010 the Asheville City Council unanimously voted to support in principle a proposal called the Asheville Energy Independence Initiative. Buncombe County is also considering the concept.
04/21/10 ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION: Weapons in Space? Nukes on Earth?
Physicians for Social Responsibility, UNCA Student Environmental Center, and Nuclear Information and Resource Service invite you to two opportunities to have a follow-on discussion from Karl Grossman’s March 25th talk.
2:00 – 4:00 in the home of Leah Karpen – RSVP required, and for directions – call Mary Olson 828-242-5621
7:00 at UNCA — Swannanoa River Room, Highsmith Student Union room 104 This is an opportunity to reconvene – think together. Mary Olson, Veteran activist, radioactive waste specialist, new reactor license intervener and Southeast Regional Coordinator for Nuclear Information and Resource Service will be available to answer questions and facilitate a discussion about the immediate issues / facilities / developments in this area that relate to the possible weaponization of space and the terrestrial expansion of nuclear energy and the nuclear weapons complex.
04/23/10 ASHEVILLE CONNECTS holds an Open Space meeting. This will be held at Mt. Olive Baptist Church. Time is 9 to 2 PM.
Asheville Connects is a series of community meetings designed to strengthen Asheville’s social service networks by reducing duplicated efforts, and discovering untapped resources. More information at Asheville Connects
04/23/10 DISCUSSION ON THE SOCIAL EFFECTS OF CHEAP OIL
Asheville Green Drinks, BoBo Gallery, Lexington St., Asheville
Cecil Bothwell will discuss the social effects of cheap oil, including
the way in which war costs have not been attributed to the low price of oil. Time is 6 PM.
04/24/10 WNC DOWNTOWN COFFEE PARTY will meet at 2 PM at Asheville Friends Meeting house on Edgewood Road. The Coffee Party is working to explore and develop ways that citizen’s can work to effect positive change in our government, and to facilitate greater control by the citizenry.
Please enter by the rear doors and go upstairs. For more information contact Rylin at gammarae55@gmail.com
04/29/10 BOOK RELEASE
Book release at Malaprop’s Cafe and Books. Cecil Bothwell will talk about the consequences of belief when he introduces his new book, Whale Falls. Time is 7 PM.
04/29/10 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE PICNIC
Everyone is invited to a picnic at Malvern Hills Park on Thursday, April 29th. We’ll be out there from 5:30 until dark. Bring your own picnic supper and socialize with others interested in Transition.
We’re celebrating the conclusion of our first round of Handbook study groups, the arrival of spring, and our general gratitude! Malvern Hills Park is located at 75 Rumbough Pl., Asheville. Click here for more information.
04/30/10 STAND AGAINST RACISM
Stand Against Racism event at Asheville Friends Meeting will take place from 7 – 8:30 pm on April 30th and will involve the three faith communities of the Friends, Bah’ai and Ethical Society of Asheville. The agenda invites participants to read aloud quotes on racism, sing a couple of songs and worship in a short silent meeting with a closing opportunity to recite a pledge against racism. There will be other actions at other locations in Asheville.
05/16/10 TRANSITION ASHEVILLE OPEN SPACE EVENT
The May Open Space is scheduled for Sunday, May 16th, from 2 pm to 5 pm at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak Street, Asheville. Come and help us shape the vision for Transition in our area!!!
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ONGOING EVENTS
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TUESDAY
Veterans for Peace have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square
Peacetown meets weekly at 6 PM at the Veterans for Peace Headquarters at the Courtyard Gallery, 9 Walnut Street.
WEDNESDAY
Haywood Peace Vigilers have a weekly vigil at 4 PM at Haywood Country Courthouse in Waynesville.
FRIDAY
Women in Black have a weekly vigil at 5 PM at Pack Square in Asheville
Women in Black have a weekly vigil at noon at the Courthouse in Hendersonville
SATURDAY
Transylvanians for Peace have a weekly vigil at noon in front of the courthouse in Brevard.
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ACTIONS AND READINGS
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Call Congress the Week of April 12 Against the War in Afghanistan
Groups are collaborating in generating calls to Congress against the war, urging: opposition to the war supplemental, support for a military withdrawal timetable, support for a public exit strategy and support for peace negotiations. Spread the word. – From Just Foreign Policy
GOOGLE FIBER
There is 30 days of voting for which city gets Google fiber installed
in the city as a pilot program. Link
ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
This is a petition anticipating the 40th anniversary of Earth Day which is intended to promote our energy independence as it is to be delivered to our NC Senators on April 22. You may check it out at Environment North Carolina’s Web site.
CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION TO STOP FUNDING WARS
7-1 in favor vote April 5, 2010
BRING OUR WAR $$ HOME
CITY OF PORTLAND, MAINE, Resolution – This is the text of the resolution passed on April 5, 2010.
IN THE CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION ASKING THE U.S. CONGRESS TO END THE EXPENDITURE OF OUR CITIZENS’ TAX DOLLARS FOR EXCESSIVE AND UNAFFORDABLE WAR FUNDING
*WHEREAS, the financial resources available for use by governments at the local, county, state and federal levels in the United States are and must be limited; and
*WHEREAS, the people of Portland, Maine are collectively paying or becoming indebted for approximately 15 million dollars per year of their limited financial resources for warfare in Iraq, Afghanistan and
Pakistan; and
*WHEREAS, such expenditure is inordinate to the identified public benefits to Maine and the nation; and
*WHEREAS, this warfare too often creates great and unnecessary harm to U.S. military personnel and their families, and to the people of Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan; and
*WHEREAS, essential public services such as education, infrastructure repair, family and small-business financing, and community policing in Portland and throughout the State of Maine have been substantially reduced while an excessive portion of available financial resources is diverted from the constructive economy to largely unnecessary warfare.
*NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
THAT the City of Portland, Maine respectfully requests that the U.S.
Representative from the First Maine Congressional District and both of Maine’s U.S. Senators oppose all legislation brought before the 111th U.S. Congress that provides further funding of the U.S. warfare and U.S. military occupations in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan; and that the City of Portland, Maine also urges these members of Congress to take strong and forceful action to influence the U.S. Congress to terminate funding of these military operations.
Tags: Earth Day, energy independence, nuclear awareness, social action, social justice, social responsibility, sustainability
Posted by admin on Feb 27, 2010 in
Uncategorized Dear Friends,
After rise of worship this week, there will be a called meeting for the
conduct of one item of business. As many of you undoubtedly have heard, there is a movement afoot in the City of Asheville to extend health care benefits to same-gendered partners of City employees. Below is a statement being circulated among various welcoming denominations in Asheville that our clerk has requested that we consider and see if we are led to unite with.
Also, this being fourth Sunday, we will have our monthly Sandwich Sunday potluck. Friends are invited to bring a wholesome homemade dish, but welcome even if all you bring is your appetite. Please be mindful of those among us who have special diets and/or food sensitivities, and label your ingredients. Our table conversations this month will center on “FCNL Priorities”. Kitti Reynolds will provide more information when we gather.
Here then is the statement we will be considering during our called
meeting for business:
*Faith Leaders’ Personal Appreciation for*
*Asheville City Council’s leadership on *
*Domestic Partner Benefits for Asheville City Employees*
February 4, 2010
We, the leaders of a number of faith communities in Asheville, express our personal appreciation for the leadership and foresight of the Asheville City Council in proposing and moving toward a positive vote for Domestic Partner Benefits for City employees who are in same-gender relationships. As clergy, we are aware that the passage of this measure is significant to many members of our congregations, regardless of sexual orientation.
We conclude that despite varying religious views about homosexuality, a civil society should work toward fairness and equitable compensation for everyone in the community, including public workers. Providing Domestic Partner Benefits for City employees who are in same-gender committed relationships contributes toward this goal and creates a stronger, family-supporting community, of which we are proud to be a part.
Posted by admin on Feb 1, 2010 in
Uncategorized …… we can still share Quaker community-building despite the storm and inability to physically ‘cluster’ as we usually do, Thanks to local print media we have opportunity to ‘hear’ (well. read!) messages from, and about, two of our Asheville Friends Meeting regulars:
1] The current Mountain Xpress (Jan 27 — Feb 2, bottom of page 7) has a fine letter from Susan Oehler, decrying the on-going war efforts of our nation, particularly in the Middle East (could access to petroleum be behind all this calculated mahem?) .
2] The Asheville Citizen-Times (Thursday, Jan 28 — page A6) has a page-long single column commentary on our Laura Maynard and her seven-year journey as a ‘Big Sister” to a young woman in our community.
Well written, and a lovely tribute to Friend Laura.
Stay warm and dry, Jim
(The Citizen-Times’ tribute to Laura MAY be on the website, but I can’t locate it, The Mountain Xpress letter from Susan is re-printed, below)
This week was a special one for AFM: we held our first joint Asheville Friends Meeting/Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting Potluck on Saturday evening, and on Sunday, we celebrated the recent marriage of Laura Maynard Lane to Doug Lane, and the transferral of membership of Edie Patrick to AFM from JCFM. These two potlucks in a row were wonderful feasts for minds and bodies! Our former Friend, and always friend, Phil Neal joined us along with about 15 other folks from SVFM.
