East End community residents get to know their neighbors. Photo: Urban News
by Sarah Williams
Many years after the neighborhood was torn apart by urban renewal, residents of the East End/Valley Street area have begun a series of meetings reestablish their lost sense of community. The first gathering, on January 21, offered residents a chance to meet and discuss why residents should rediscover, or recreate, their neighborhood’s identity — including identifying the boundaries of East End. A steering committee was also formed to decide on an agenda for the next two meetings and discuss election of officers.
Veterans for Peace Rally, Pack Square, downtown Asheville, NC.
by Ronald Harayda
On Sunday, March 14, from noon to 6 p.m., the Western North Carolina Chapter of Veterans For Peace will host an open house with entertainment, refreshments, and information at their new downtown Asheville headquarters at the Courtyard Gallery, 9 Walnut, 1-D (downstairs), Asheville.
Chapter president Kim Carlyle explains, “Since President Obama’s escalation of the war in Afghanistan, we have stepped up our efforts to engage the public and inform them of the futility and wastefulness of this counter-productive military adventure. This open house and our ‘PeaceTown’ project are extensions of this work.”
Renowned record producer Elliot Mazer has joined the faculty at UNC Asheville this spring to teach an upper-level course on record production. Some 21 students are currently enrolled in the course, which is examining musical creativity, musicianship, musical expression and recording engineering and producing.
The class is designed as a tour through the recording process from a raw song to a finished recorded product. It is the first university course anywhere taught by Mazer.
The Governor of North Carolina has proclaimed March 2010 as “Women’s History Month” in North Carolina and has called upon the citizens of this state to observe and commemorate Women’s History Month. 2010 marks the 30th anniversary of celebrating women’s achievements in the month of March. This year’s theme, “Writing Women Back into History,” seeks to uncover the “hidden” stories of women’s contributions throughout our nation’s past.
The Asheville Jewish Film Festival promotes the diversity of Jewish identity through film. Festival activities are meant to create a space for dialogue about what it means to be Jewish, creating awareness and pride in various and differing aspects. The festival strives to bring attention to a constantly evolving and vibrant Jewish culture.
Two opportunities for Clear Water Contractor training are being offered on March 13 and March 27. Several development related organizations have joined together to provide training for regional contractors on the laws and best practices pertaining to sediment, erosion, and stormwater control. Agency representatives from the NC Division of Water Quality, Army Corps of Engineers, and NC Geological Survey will share information on practices and tools to help address land stabilization and maintaining water quality.
Patti Sutherland, Assistant Principal at Owen High School and breeder of Newfoundlands, established a therapy dog program in schools more than ten years ago. Five years ago she began bringing Hudson, her dog, to Owen High School for one special needs student who required extra attention and support. The student flourished and from that beginning, Hudson’s Ambassadors, a club open to all students was started.
Over time Hudson’s Ambassadors has grown into an innovative and popular group with 2-3 therapy dogs reporting for daily duty. Students walk, feed and care for the dogs that attend classes and have been known to “sing” in chorus. The group is also a great support for students who are at risk for not graduating, as members of the club must attend school regularly and work hard in their academic classes.
Umoja is Swahili meaning unity; unity is to be in harmony and of one accord. We are best known for our summer festival and unity is the heart of this event with a history of more than a decade of successful celebrations. The Umoja/Unity Committee is an all-volunteer arts and cultural organization.
While Umoja puts a heavy emphasis on the African American population, it strives to be the most diverse festival in the area. The commitees’ dedication was so strong that East Tennessee State University approached us to become a vital part of the festival, and for the past two years recognized storytellers have been a part of our celebration.
200,000 individuals expected to participate April 30.
According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the number of hate groups operating in the United States has grown by 54 percent in the last eight years, reaching nearly 1,000 today. SPLC’s Intelligence Report sites “immigration fears, a failing economy, and the successful campaign of President Obama” as the factors that have fueled the increase.
Recognizing that racism divides a community and keeps individuals from achieving success in education, economics, employment, and quality of life, the YWCA created the Stand Against Racism to combat the spread of hate and intolerance, and to honor and celebrate the richness of diversity.
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