October Newsletter
- Mortellus
- 4 days ago
- 8 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Hey y'all! Here at Indivisible RuCo we're excited to transition our newsletter over to the blog space on the website, that way, it'll always be there for you to refer back to and to pass along to a friend. Don't worry—we'll still let you know when there's a new one by email. As always, we're here to build community, fight for justice, and if not encourage Rutherford County leadership to put the people of this county first, at least make 'em feel bad about it. As always, if there's anything going on that you'd like to be a part of? Please reach out and let us know!
Hometown Highlights
Leading into October our core team of planners for RuCo Pride 2026 will be meeting in the first couple of weeks of the month (we haven't set a date yet!) and should have a guest from the LGBTQ+ Dems Caucus to chat with us about forward progress on our charter. If you want to be a part of that meeting, definitely reach out and let us know because we'd like to center as many local LGBTQ+ voices in the planning process as possible.
We're holding off on planning a bookclub and planning meeting in October because there's a lot of behind the scenes work going on as we plan for Trick or Treat on Main and No Kings Part II, but look for new information come November.
Our Labor day Workers Over Billionaires protest was a big success with nearly a hundred souls turning out in the middle of a workday on a Monday no less to participate in our protest and general strike. We're always so proud of our community pulling together like this, and we had a blast hanging out at Luna's Pizza afterward for a decompression and planning sesh for public facing actions in the month of October like No Kings and Trick or Treat on Main.
On September 24th we met up at Dreaming Stone Arts and Ecology Center for our Books and Better Futures meeting to discuss Art Spiegelman's "Maus." We probably spent more time hanging out than doing book club chat, but it was a great time with great folks.
The September meeting of the Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy “Personnel & Policy Committee” didn’t exactly sound like a party (8AM, need I say more?), but what I walked into was three straight hours of “old man yells at cloud.” The committee spent the better part of the morning trying to decide how to treat legal marijuana products like a hard drug—or, in one particularly puritanical member’s words, like bikinis. Meanwhile, they openly admitted that students have shown up drunk for their finals. Truly, a spectacle. Highlights included yet another standoff between myself and Officer Hernandez, who continues to insist on misgendering me (try and see my perspective he says, all while ignoring mine) while enforcing the Board’s only-sometimes-enforced demand that I show ID and sign in just to attend a public meeting. Wild, y’all. Absolutely wild.
On top of it all, we've spent about every waking hour and then some working on our directory, improving it bits at a time, and getting it live. There's still hundreds of businesses we need to get listed, but if you see one we missed shoot us a message and we'll get it up there sooner rather than later. Remember too that we're non-partisan (though our values align best with the democratic party) and recognize that one person's "boycott" list, might be another's "support," so, use it however suits you.
News To Watch
Federal: Earlier this summer, President Trump invoked a rarely used provision to federalize control of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in D.C., declaring a crime emergency and deploying federal and National Guard forces, something we're all keeping a weather-eye on. Right now, we're staring down a shutdown standoff, while Democrats hold out for reversing Medicaid cuts and restoring ACA subsidies; Republicans are largely refusing to budge.
State: Because the General Assembly hasn’t fully funded Medicaid for October, cuts are looming. Governor Stein is pushing hard for a “clean bill” from the legislature to restore the program. In a major shift, the legislature passed—and courts partially blocked—a law transferring election board appointment powers from the Governor (a Democrat) to the State Auditor (a Republican). Governor Stein and other Democrats argue this is a partisan power play that undermines checks and balance. Stein is actively challenging parts of it in court. Republicans in the legislature are openly discussing another round of congressional redistricting before 2026 — possibly to gain an extra U.S. House seat. In western NC, post-Helene recovery remains slow. The Governor marked the one-year anniversary, and insurance/DOI commissioners are calling for continued support.
Local: The Rutherford County Board of Elections has announced the 2026 candidate filing window (Dec 1–Dec 19, 2025) for county, state, and federal offices.
Red Alert -- Expanding “Terrorist” Labels
The Trump administration has just declared Antifa a “domestic terrorist organization,” despite no legal framework for such a designation, raising alarms about weaponizing federal power against protest movements. At the same time, Heritage-aligned groups are pressuring the FBI to classify “transgender ideology–inspired extremism” as terrorism — a move designed to stigmatize and criminalize LGBTQ+ communities. Taken together, these efforts signal a dangerous precedent that could be used to target grassroots organizers, including Indivisible chapters like ours, under the guise of counterterrorism.
If You're looking to take action?
Call your Members of Congress: Demand they oppose misuse of “terrorism” designations against political opponents.
Support civil liberties defenders: ACLU, PEN America, GLAAD.
Stay loud and visible: Don’t let intimidation tactics silence organizing.
Blue Business Spotlight
Tucked into downtown Rutherfordton, Enchantments is more than a crystal shop — it’s a sanctuary for holistic, intentional living. Founded in 2023 by Gayle and Kathleen, two longtime corporate professionals who turned their spiritual passion into a Sunday-vibe storefront, they curate a welcoming space for healing, discovery, and connection. At Enchantments, you’ll find: Crystals, altar tools & decor, and handmade candles/essential oils — many crafted by local artists and responsibly sourced. Healing services & energy work, and a focus on community and belonging — this is a women-owned, LGBTQ+–friendly space that emphasizes safety, creativity, and spiritual exploration. Why they matter locally: Enchantments brings foot traffic and vibrancy to Rutherfordton’s downtown corridor, gives local artisans, makers, and healers a platform to showcase their work, and is a gentle counterpoint to “big box” retail — a shop with heart, intention, and community roots. You can support by dropping in on a Saturday to shop, explore, or just hang out (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.), by booking or refer someone for a healing session or energy work, following and engaging with them on social media — simple likes, comments, and shares help small businesses grow, and by spreading the word! Recommend them to folks looking for holistic, locally rooted services or unique spiritual gifts.
Their Deets:
Address: 178 N. Main St, Rutherfordton, NC
Hours: Open Saturdays 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (or by appointment)
Website: www.enchantmentscrystalshop.com
Phone Number: (828) 351-9101
Community Connections
Just an FYI that our planning meeting and book club meeting for October are up in the air while we wait to hear from all of you on what day of the month works best!
Thomas Jefferson Classial Academy, Facilities Meeting
October 1, 2025 | 12:00PM | TJCA High School – 2527 US 221A HWY, Mooresboro
Mortellus always does meeting watch at TJCA.
Rutherfordton Town Hall Meeting
October 1, 2025 | 5:30PM | Town Hall – Council Chambers, 129 N. Main Street, Rutherfordton
AMA with Local Pagan Clergy and Trans Non-Binary Author Mortellus
October 3, 2025 | 7:00PM | Via Zoom
Space is limited, so sign up soon!
October 4, 2025 | 7:00PM | Dreaming Stone – 382 Pleasant hill Road, Rutherfordton
Hailing from the rich musical traditions of Uganda, Chinobay is a musician, cultural ambassador, educator, and a beacon of harmony who has embarked on a journey that has taken him across the globe.
Rutherford County Comissioners Meeting
October 6, 2025 | 6:00PM | Town Hall – 289 N. Main Street, Rutherfordton
Rutherford County Board of Elections Meeting
October 7, 2025 | 10:00AM | 145 College Avenue, Suite C, Rutherfordton
Thomas Jefferson Classial Academy, Finance Meeting
October 7, 2025 | 5:00PM | TJCA High School – 2527 US 221A HWY, Mooresboro
Mortellus always does meeting watch at TJCA.
Ruff'ton Roots Community Garden Meeting
October 7, 2025 | 5:30PM | 128 Hospital Drive, Rutherfordton
Thomas Jefferson Classial Academy, Board of Directors Meeting
October 7, 2025 | 5:45PM | TJCA High School – 2527 US 221A HWY, Mooresboro
Mortellus always does meeting watch at TJCA.
Rutherford County Democratic Party Meeting
October 9, 2025 | 6:30PM | JD Cooley Democratic HQ – 142 West Main Street, Forest City
Mortellus always does meeting watch at the Democratic Party HQ.
We're still not feeling so sure about the situation over there, but we meet someone new every time, and that makes it worth it.
Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Meeting
October 16, 2025 | 12:00PM | 179 West Main Street, Suite 128, Forest City
This one isn’t open to the public, but here’s a fun fact: the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce doesn’t actually function like an open-membership business collective. Even if you apply and pay the membership fee, you’re not guaranteed a spot. Indivisible RuCo decided to test that out by purchasing memberships for two local entities that the Chamber might not exactly welcome with open arms. So far, the results? One awkward phone call, ignored emails, and the discovery that every single application has to be approved—or denied—by a vote of the Board of Directors. Looks a lot less like a community resource and a lot more like a private club to us, but we'll find out on October 16th.
No Kings Part II
October 18, 2025 | 12:00PM to 2:00PM | Courthouse – 229 North Main Street, Forest City
Sign up at Political Revolution
Sign up at Nvunheard
Or just send us a message on Signal to get in on the conversation!
October 22, 2025 | 5:30PM | Dreaming Stone – 382 Pleasant hill Road, Rutherfordton
Revelation Breathwork is an active style of breathing that gets you out of the mind and into the body, helping to release stored energy and emotion.
October 23, 2025 | 6:00PM | RCGOP HQ – 171 East Main Street, Forest City
Thomas Jefferson Classial Academy, Facilities Meeting
October 28, 2025 | 12:00PM | TJCA High School – 2527 US 221A HWY, Mooresboro
Mortellus always does meeting watch at TJCA.
Trick or Treat on Main
October 31, 2025 | 4:00PM to 6:00PM | Main Street, Rutherfordton
We'll be out there handing out candy at our very own table, so just look for all the crows! We'll be sure to have copies of the October issue of It Doesn't Have To Be This Way, until we run out that is. So far we can print about 200, and expect about 1000 participants. If you want us to produce more copies, jump into our wishlist below and send us some paper!
If you wanted to volunteer, send us an email, and if you want to pitch in on candies or goodies, here's an Amazon wishlist (or donate via PayPal or Venmo here) with what's still needed – and a big thanks to everyone who's donated so far!
Trick or Treat on Main Street
October 31st, 2025 | 4:00PM to 6:00PM | Main Street, Forest City
October 31, 2025 | 6:00PM to 11:00PM | Rutherfordton
Additionally:
On Tuesdays from 6PM-7:30PM over at Dreaming Stone, there are Salsa Dancing Classes, and on Thursdays from 6PM-7:30PM over at Dreaming Stone, there are West African Drumming Classes.
Did we miss something, or get something wrong? Reach out to us with any corrections!
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