Hot off the heels of learning how not to solve climate change, we’ve got practical ways you can save energy and make a difference. Plus a bona fide doctor of play will tell us how being playful improves the world, and Asheville’s favorite councilmember, the legendary Kim Roney, will demystify what your local government actually does.
September 10th, 2026 doors 6pm, show 7pm at River Arts District Brewing Co.
Pre-sale tickets $10, door $15 (cash or Venmo). Get your pre-sale tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/nerd-nite-asheville-september-2026
This month’s lineup:
Steffi Rausch
Are You Saving or Wasting Energy?
Ever consider that the best and cheapest way to save energy is not to waste the energy you have? It’s all about keeping it airtight baby–but let it breathe too! In the face of extreme temperatures due to climate change, it is time to think about how to save money on your energy bill through simple at-home weatherization techniques including our free blower door assessment, upgrading to a heat pump with subsidies, and how to get your hands dirty helping others in need while having fun with some sexy carpentry puns.
Steffi Rausch is the Director of Operations for the non-profit Energy Savers Network who has had many dirty-talking carpenter boyfriends who taught her the art of using tools. She likes to get her hands dirty in more ways than one, so dive in with this hardcore climate activist, college sex-educator math major, and land developing hobbit home dweller. www.energysaversnetwork.org, facebook.com/EnergySaversNetwork
Dr. Amieris Lavender
Play Will Change The World
Want to make the world a better place? You probably need to play more. Play is scientifically proven to make you smarter, more creative, and a problem solver. Play is a stress reliever and community builder. Together we’ll explore intergenerational and multicultural play as a powerful force for world building, personal, and collective liberation.
Dr. Amieris Lavender is an Education Policy PhD, strategist, implementation and culture specialist ready for a revolution. Dr. L thrives when planning an event (virgo stellium), and is a writer and gardener. She is an attentive party host, adventurer, traveler, and lives to play.
As the founder of LoveJoyLiberation Community Relations Firm, she leads a values driven, forward thinking, and effective team of multi-disciplinary freelance professionals.
Website: lovejoyliberation.com Email: Facebook: Lovejoyliberation Community Relations Firm Instagram: @LoveJoyLiberation
Kim Roney
How Your Local Government Works
Every day, Asheville City Hall makes decisions that impact our lives–from housing and roads to parks, trash pickup, emergency response, and keeping the water on. So who actually decides where our money goes, and how do regular people get a say? We’ll pull back the curtain on how our city works, why local government matters, and how Asheville can work better for the people who call it home. Because it’s our freaking city, y’all!
Kim Roney is a small business owner, music educator, transit rider, your Asheville neighbor for the past 20 years, a current City Council member, and a candidate for Mayor on your Nov. 3rd ballot. She was a founding member and Station Manager at 103.3 AshevilleFM where she was covering the news before she was in the news. She enjoys music, a good story, Tetris for Nintendo 64, and the process of growing, cooking, and sharing food with friends & neighbors. KimRoney4Asheville.com Instagram: @kimroneyforasheville (campaign IG: @electkimroney)
With your host, Von
We’re hosting an extended Q&A at the end of Kim’s presentation!
To make the most of our opportunity to learn about the inner workings of Asheville politics, Kim will be answering all of your nerdy questions (or at least many–y’all can ask questions for hours). Bring questions to better know your local government!
Von claims this show for the Romulan Empire. (IG: @nerdniteAVL)