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Land Acknowledgment: We acknowledge that this beautiful land that we call our home was forcibly and violently vacated of its original and rightful caretakers, the Iswa (Catawba) and AniKituhwa (Cherokee) peoples who have lived as relatives to the land for millennia and, through resilience and persistence, despite generations of state-supported acts of removal and genocide, continue to do so. Our intent in this acknowledgment is to strive to be adequate stewards of this land for its eventual return, and liberation from so called “ownership”. Learn more about the Indian Removal Act that dispossessed entire peoples while continuing to benefit us, as the settler-colonizers who live here today. Learn about and support the Cherokee peoples in Oklahoma and North Carolina.

Millie and Pramad pause their conversation to smize for the camera during July’s potluck.

August Outdoor Potluck Modified with COVID Safety in Mind

Please join us this Wednesday, August 18th at our home at 34 Blue Ridge Avenue, Asheville from 6pm to 9pm. Unfortunately, nationally and locally, we are in the middle of an exponential uptick of COVID 19 cases and the Delta Variant, with some areas experiencing an unprecedented surge, putting a strain on healthcare systems, and impacting the lives of individuals, families, and communities. While cases continue to mainly occur among people who are unvaccinated, breakthrough cases are occurring among a small percentage of fully vaccinated people. Please refer to the CDC and the NCDHHS for the latest information and data. New guidance includes a recommended “booster” vaccination for immunocompromised individuals.

At the same time, we cannot wait for official guidance to best take care of our community, in the spirit of an abundance of caution.

**This gathering will be modified to minimize potential droplet exposure.**

1. We will continue to gather outside
2. Instead of sharing dishes as with a traditional potluck, we ask that if you plan to have supper, to pack a personal picnic for your own pod.
3. We ask that individuals wear a mask when moving about in case distancing is not possible, until you can be stationary in seating/gathering areas.

We will provide single serving beverages.

Hopefully, we can maintain the sense of community that these gatherings bring while also keeping vigilant for one another during this ongoing pandemic. Please leave pets at home (service animals excepted). To keep a comfortable distance, and with consideration for very young and otherwise more vulnerable people, it will be still be capped at 40. Please RSVP by following this link if you plan to attend.

Masks will be available, along with plenty of space outdoors, and outdoor handwashing station.

We welcome neighbors, friends, people interested in or involved with end of life work, and colleagues to come together to share a meal and strengthen connections. Meet new people; expand and deepen your community.

The grounds include a paved driveway, and while navigable by wheelchair, the yard pathways are grass with some uneven areas. There is a ramp into the house for bathroom access. Please continue to wear a mask if needing to use the bathroom inside.

(While there are a few parking spaces right next to the house, please reserve this for people needing to park close. Please do not park on the grass – there are fig trees planted there. There is a Baptist Church on the corner of the next street over, Mitchell Ave, and Haywood Road, that has a large parking lot 0.2mi from the house. There is also street sparking on Haywood Road. The house itself has a ramp that can be used by people who use a wheelchair to get into the main floor of the house if needed; all activity of the potluck will take place outdoors.)

Circa 2004 photo of Gabriel’s Americorps NCCC Class XI Blue 2, working on a roof with Habitat for Humanity.

In Anticipation of the Americorps NCCC Team

As announced last month, from September 26 – October 18, 2021, Holding Space will be hosting an Americorps NCCC team of 18-24 year olds from across the country to work on projects that will increase the accessibility of our community gathering spaces. We hope to also develop materials and a course to be able to present a general introduction to end of life issues and concepts for people without a formal background or experience. It will be a great chance for these young people to see a different part of the country, while also being able to offer some assistance in getting projects done to help us hold space and care for our community.

Group gathered to listen to Asher Leigh's music in pavilion

Asher Leigh August 14th Backyard Concert

On August 14, friend of Holding Space, Asher Leigh held a musical evening of sacred remembering, in honor of her mother Sharon’s recent death and other losses that participants held. A heavy rainstorm shifted the initial intent to hold it in our back yard, and Erik was able to find an alternate venue at a pavilion at French Broad River Park. The sounds of rain, the river, and the birds, frogs, and insects gave a beautiful backdrop to listen to Asher’s captivating voice and music. Participants were able to hold space for each other in remembrance of Asher’s mother, and other grief and losses shared in the circle.

As always, feel free to reach out to us with any questions or suggestions.

Have a Great Month!

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Modified Potluck for August

August Outdoor Potluck Modified with COVID Safety in Mind