Sunday, August 15
Compassionate Communication
“Compassionate Communication: an Empathetic Approach to Conflict Resolution” will be presented by Jerry Donoghue at the meeting of the Ethical Society of Asheville, 2:00-3:30 at the Botanical Gardens Visitor Center, 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd. Mr. Donohue, Director of the Asheville Compassionate Communication Center, will provide an experiential introduction to the Compassionate Communication model, also known as Nonviolent Communication.
Donohue will share a brief overview of the compassionate communication model and then demonstrate how the model works in difficult situations by doing role-plays of real-life situations with those in attendance. You will see how this way of communicating is a powerful alternative to the right/wrong paradigm many of us normally use. There will be a discussion period following the presentation then time for informal conversation. All are welcome! For more information contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , www.aeu.org or (828) 687-7759.

Sunday, August 15
Mayors Cup Raft Race
City and county elected officials and staff will battle it out on the French Broad River at 3:30 p.m. during the Mayors Cup Raft Race hosted by Land-of-Sky Regional Council. The finish line is at the French Broad River Park on Amboy Road in Asheville. Last year, the Town of Montreat claimed the coveted trophy.
The purpose of the race is to acknowledge the importance of the French Broad as a cultural, economic, natural and recreational resource for the region, according to Bill Eaker of Land-of-Sky Regional Council. Elected officials from Buncombe, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties have been invited to participate. Citizens are encouraged to come out and cheer their community’s team on to victory!
Asheville City Council hosts the race, and all equipment is donated by Huck Finn Rafting Adventures. Call (828) 251-6622 for more information.

Monday, August 16
Black Business Alliance
We invite you to join our steering committee to help create unique workshops and events to support local Black business owners enhance their business skills. In this meeting, we will be planning the logistics for our MED Week 2010 business expo.
We are an alliance of Black business owners and professionals dedicated to strengthening each other with resources, tools, and networking opportunities in order to make our businesses prosper and to build an even stronger Asheville economic environment.
From 6-7 p.m. Light finger food and refreshments provided. RSVP by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or phone (828) 253-2834 ext. 11. ABIPA, 39 South Market Street, Suite A.

Tuesdays, August 17, 24, & 31
Toastmasters
The Ardent Toastmasters Club meets every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the YMI Cultural Center, 39 S. Market St., Suite A. Come learn how to speak in front of a group or sharpen your current speaking skills. All are welcome.

August 17 & September 7
Buncombe County Commissioners Meetings
The Commissioners meet on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 30 Valley Street in downtown Asheville. The Board will hear general public comment at the end of the meeting during the designated public comment period. For more information, contact the Clerk at (828) 250-4105 or e-mail her at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

August 24 & September 14
Asheville City Council Meetings
Asheville City Council meets the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 5 p.m. in the Council Chamber located on the
second floor of City Hall. The meeting agenda is posted at 3 p.m. the Friday before the meeting date.

Saturday, September 11
West Asheville Garden Stroll
The second annual West Asheville Garden Stroll sponsored by the West Asheville Business Association will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine. The event, which is free and open to the public, will kick off at 10:30 a.m. at the West Asheville Branch Library at 942 Haywood Rd.
More than a dozen new gardens are included in three areas of West Asheville: the neighborhood adjacent to the library, the Horney Heights/Buttermilk Creek area, and Malvern Hills. Types of gardens include traditional, mixed-use, permaculture, a community garden, a greenway, and gardens featuring bees, chickens, and more!
The Stroll emphasizes sustainability in urban gardening, networking among neighbors, and question-and-answer sessions. Maps of the tour and information about the featured gardens will be available at the West Asheville Branch Library on September 11. 
Strollers are encouraged to car-pool, bike, and walk. Parking will be available near the featured neighborhoods at West Asheville Baptist Church on Haywood Road, St. George’s Episcopal Church on School Rd., and at Malvern Hills Park. Additional information and volunteer opportunities are available at www.WestAshevilleGardens.com, or by calling the West Asheville Branch Library at (828) 250-4750, or Anne Higgins at (828) 713-8688.

Monday, September 13
Black Business Expo
As part of the 2010 MED Week activities, we want YOU to participate in the Black Business Expo! This event is a free opportunity created by the Black Business Alliance for you to network and sell your wares.
From 6-8 p.m. Set up starts at 5 p.m. at AB Technical Community College, Magnolia Building, Room 103, Asheville Campus. For more information, contact James Lee, Minority Business Program Coordinator with the City of Asheville, (828) 232-4566 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Don’t miss this opportunity to hit your target market! For more information on other MED Week activities visit www.wncmedweek.org.