‘Rat Pack’ show sails despite no Sammy
Carl Mumpower wins BCGOP chair
— See REVIEW, Pg. B1
Heritage Dance event wows crowd
— See STORY, Pg. A2
See REVIEW, Pg. B1
LLE I V HE AS ASHEVILLEʼS GREATEST NEWSPAPER
April 2017
Vol. 13, No. 05
An Independent Newspaper Serving Greater Asheville
Asheville Mardis Gras parade rolls
www.ashevilledailyplanet.com
Tougher hurdles for building hotels reviewed, disputed By JOHN NORTH
john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com
Above are scenes captured at the 10th Annual Asheville Mardi Gras Parade. It rolled through downtown Asheville on Feb. 26, beginning at 3:05 p.m.,The parade’s theme was “X” (the Roman numeral for 10). The parade featured
Insecurity blanket
Q: I’m extremely insecure about my looks, though objectively, I know I’m pretty. I constantly ask my boyfriend for reassurance. He gives it to me, but feels bad that I feel this way. Now I’m worrying that I’m making such a good case for what’s wrong with me that he’ll start believing me. Possible? — Bag Over Head A: One oft-overlooked beauty secret is to avoid constantly giving a guy the idea that you might actually be ugly. People will sneer that it’s “shallow” to care about how you look, and they’re probably right — if it’s all you care about. However, research confirms what most of
Special photos by KEISHA GILROY
live bands, floats and costumed revelers. The parade started at the corner of Haywood and Wall streets. Immediately following the parade was the Queen’s Ball, held at Pack’s Tavern at 20 S. Spruce St. downtown.
The Advice Goddess Amy Alkon
us recognize about the especially eyepleasing among us: They get all sorts of benefits — everything from social perks to job opportunities to discounts when they act like dirtbags (with judges assigning them lesser fines and a lower rate of bail for misdemeanors). As a woman, being babe-alicious is a pretty vital tool for landing and maintaining a relationship, because the features that men — across cultures — evolved to consider beautiful are actually health and fertility indicators. See ADVICE GODDESS, Page A7
FREE
Two members of Asheville City Council addressed how to get approval to build a hotel in Asheville — following a tightening of developmental rules in the Unified Development Ordinance — during a March 3 meeting of the Council of Independent Owners at UNC Asheville’s Sherill Center. About 40 people attended the earlymorning breakfast meeting. Following the presentation, CIBO member Mac Swicegood asserted during a question-and-answer session, “This (with its tighter hotel rules) is like ‘pay for play’… It’s like extortion.” The two council members then vigorously disagreed with Swicegood’s claim. Swicegood listened and did not respond. The two council members — Julie Mayfield and Cecil Bothwell — had pressing obligations and needed to leave early, so CIBO flipped its agenda and started with the hotel discussion. The other item on the agenda — a panel discussion of future growth plans at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College — was shifted to the second and final item of the CIBO meeting. Speaking first, Mayfield said she would strive “to set the stage on why we’re having this conversation.... “Council has made two decisions on
hotels. First, in early February, council unanimously voted to deny that permit (to Park Hospitality Group) for a number of reasons. For me, it was the concentration of hotels around that area and concerns about parking. (After the permit denial, Raleigh developer Shaunak Patel, PHG president, told local news media that he plans to challenge the city’s decision in court.) “The second thing, two meetings ago, we adopted changed to the UDO about hotel development across the city, but especially all hotels over 21 rooms must come to the council” for a construction permit. Mayfield added, “There are two dynamics, I think, that are happening. One is Asheville is in a position where we don’t want things to be done to us as a city. One is I-26... But we’re going to get to a better outcome because of it (the UDO rulestightening)... Our hotels are not small. Most are over 130 rooms and have parking decks associated with them. They’re not small and they’re impacting downtown. “We’re saying we want to work with you, but we want to make sure they’re beneficial to the city — and not just to the hotel.” Further, Mayfield said, “The other dynamic, I think, is the ongoing and long-festering resentment about the tourism industry here. Some people say they don’t feel the city is for them anymore. I hear, ‘I just don’t come downtown anymore.’ See HOTELS, Page A4
Mayor admonishes Bothwell for ‘Pit of Despair’ email From Staff Reports
In an unusual step, Asheville City Councilman Cecil Bothwell was publicly admonished by Mayor Esther Manheimer during a council meeting on March 14 for an email he sent that she said was tantamount to him exerting “undue influence” over a council-appointed advisory team. The mayor said that “I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to interfere with the task force and their work.” She was referring to his March 8 email to Haywood Street Advisory Team Chairman Andrew Fletcher and moderator Chris Joyell, the director of the nonprofit Asheville Design Center. They were hired by the city to help officials resolve what to do with the city-owned land
downtown referred to by some cynics as the “Pit of Despair.” Bothwell, who is running for re-election and wants Cecil the property to be used for Bothwell a park, wrote the email after attending a March 8 public meeting. The meeting’s intent — as stated — was for the advisory team to review with anyone interested what it had learned after almost a year of meetings during which it gathered public input on the land across from the U.S. Cellular Center. Bothwell’s email with a subject line “FAIL,” began with “What the hell? You promised people a ‘vision’ and delivered a pile of crap.” Later in the email, he called the process “really utter b------t.”
A2 - April 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Mumpower elected chairman of BCGOP
From Staff Reports Dr. Carl Mumpower, an Asheville psychologist, was elected chairman of the Buncombe County Republican Party during during the party’s annual convention on March 25 at Reynold High School. The convention drew a record turnout, party officials said aferward. Mumpower took office immediately after his election, as former Chairman Nathan West announced in January that he would not seek re-election for the two-year term. Mumpower faced challenges for the chairman’s post from Fremont Brown, a tea party activist from Bent Creek; and Chuck Archerd, a real estate investor and former Republican candidate for chairman of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Mumpower has served on Asheville City Council and also ran for Congress.He works as a clinical and family psychologist. Also elected were Vice Chair Bill Lack, Second Vice Chair Lisa Baldwin, Treasurer Kathy Penland and Secretary Loretta Reynolds. Elected as members-at-large were Andrew Brooks, Timothy Elkin, Jerry Green, Betty Hudson, and Jerry Rice. Regarding the election of Mumpower and other conservatives to lead the party, the Asheville Tea Party stated on its website that “many congratulations to all of us for these new BCGOP officers. They are a game-changer and a breath of fresh air of proven conservative leadership. “This is a game-changer for us. ATP looks forward to working with these folks on common projects. So glad we were able to help to make this happen. Thank to all
who attended the convention to vote for these folks.” A posting on the ATP webiste asked, rhetorically, “Why it was crucial to elect conservatives to the BCGOP? “Our county GOP’s image has been tarnished by unethical Republican leadDr. Carl ers who handed out Mumpower marked ballots during last year’s primary, a violation of the (GOP) party rules (not ATPAC’s) “The local party must recruit quality candidates for EVERY open seat instead of leaving them unfilled; Buncombe Democrat for NC House had NO Republican opponent for the state legislature last year! Unopposed Democrat judges are legislating from the bench in Buncombe. Sponsoring a campaign school for candidates and volunteers is a must. “Vetting potential candidates is crucial — they must support conservative Republican principles. NO MORE RINOS!” Meanwhile, Mumpower said he would like, as chair, to “celebrate the guiding principles of the Republican Party as summed in three core missions, including: • “Protect the resources, properties and liberties of American citizens. • “Promote the American Success Equation – Liberty + Opportunity + Responsibility = Prosperity • “Preserve the U.S. Constitution and its core dedication to big people and little government.”
Buncombe Democrats to elect leaders From Staff Reports BLACK MOUNTAIN — The Buncombe County Democratic Party will be seeking new leadership when it holds its annual convention at 10 a.m. April 8 at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly here. The convention is open to all registered Democrats.
Denise Marecki is seeking the post of first vice chair, while both Second Vice Chair Michael Vavrek and Treasurer Keith Thoimpson are running for re-election. Jeff Rose, a sofeward developer, has said he will seek the chairman’s post, held by Kathy Sinclair for six years. Sinclair has announced that she is not seeking re-election.
Asheville Daily Planet — April 2017 - A3
A4 - April 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Hotels
Continued from Page A1 “There’s that and then there are people who are frustrated by the influx of tourism,” Mayfield said. “It’s wrapped up with the lower wages they get paid… There are a whole host of thing wrapped up in that. It’s just something that’s there.” “Both of those sentiments are what drove our decision on the UDO…. We’re trying to give people some assurance that City Council is watching this” — that its “on the job and (council is) trying to address these concerns.” Mayfield added, “There are people who feel City Council is in charge of building hotels. It’s our fault. We hear their ire. None of that is true, but what is behind that feeling is City Council should have more of a role in what’s getting built in the city.” The second speaker, Bothwell, asserted, “My objection was to the the parking study” on the PHG permit rejection. “There were flaws with the plan. Such as they said there’d be no queing. But there already is. The study was the product of a laboratory experiment. If you’re familiar with North French Broad (Avenue), going from Haywood Street, south, there’s a hump there. “We cannot. under state law, impose anything more than the state building code. “We (council) constantly get blamed. “Frankly, people don’t show up at Planning and Zoning meetings ... Until recently, P&Z approved all but two hotel projects. “Then again, we’re elected — and P&Z is appointed... I don’t think it’s going to change much (with the UDO tightening). The projects that are approved. It will be healthier to get things out in the opening. “Airbnb… huge amount of money coming into the community. That’s why I’ve been a supporter of allowing people to rent their” spare rooms. “It seems a little skewed that those who benefit are coprorations from out of state — from the tourism boom (on hotel rooms). “In addition to the room taxes, city taxpayers are underwriting the tourism industry. If they are, shouldn’t the taxpayers be able to get some benefit from them,” Bothwell said. During a question-and-answer session that followed, the two council member strongly opposed CIBO member Mac Swicegood’s assertion that “this is like ‘pay for play’… It’s like extortion.” To the contrary, Mayfield said, “I would say we’re doing something about it. It can’t go any faster than its going “I would say on water and sewer, the city has many, many projects going. “We can always disagree about where we’re spending our moneuy… Budgets are moral documents. So it’s perfectly understandable that the values on City Council now” are clear. “In terms of the ‘pay to play,’ anybody who wants to do a major project in this city — who doesn’t come and speak with all of us — is not being very smart. It’s just something that should happen.” To Swicegood’s comment, Bothwell said, “I would note in regard to Save the Roads, for instance — I discovered that the city is on a 70-year repaving schedule, versus best practice of 30 years. The reason was past councils chose lower taxes over doing the repaving. I mean… you get what you pay for. I’m not afraid to raise taxes. It’s up to the voters….” Also asking commenting during the Q&A was Mark Brooks, who asserted, “Any project…. there are going to be people who don’t want to see changes. That’s just part of the job. There are going to be people who don’t want to see anything. That’s just a part of your job. In response, Mayfield said, “Please do not make assumptions about us. I want to hear what you have to say. Please do not make the assumption that my ears are closed to you….
It’s not a huge universe... Mac (Swicegood), to your point ... I understand the ‘pay to play’… To some degree, it’s pretty unseemly. I do think those things can be avoided.” At that point, Mayfield praised hotel developer John McCibbons, who “walked in and had done his homework” and got approval to renovate the former BB&T building on Pack Square into hotel rooms and condominiums. Bothwell added, “It might be worthwhile for y’all to read the municipal code on the city website. It’s pretty well laid-out. We didn’t change those rules at all in essence. It’s taking a lot that had been going to Planning and Zoning and moved in on up to council. “We didn’t change any rules,” Bothwell said. “We just moved it to where people can see what’s going on. We don’t want to stop development. We need it.” On a separate matter, a panel discussed future growth plans for A-B Tech. The panel included Joe Brumit, CIBO member and a businessman and the chair of A-B Tech Board of Trustees; Dr. Dennis King, A-B Tech’s president; and Mike Fryar a member of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Brumit and King stressed the college’s importance to the community, providing “a gateway to the middle class,” as well as economic development by providing “a lot of people (who) are employed by A-B Tech. King spoke about the need for a large new building at A-B Tech to meet both current and future needs. Brummit said, “One of the best community partners we have is the largest private employer west of Charlotte — Mssion Health. To work with them, it’s going to take more infrastructure…. “Y’all know where health care is going. It’s going more to physician’s assistants, etc. Those are the folks we train. “Whatever you think of Mission Health, it’s one of the best health care providers in the area,” Brummit said. Fryar, while speaking positively about A-B Tech in general, said he and other commissioners want to make sure that a close watch is kept on the school’s budget. “I’m between a rock and a hard place,” Fryar said. “I love the school, but as a county commissioner I’m responsible for the money.... “I’m not against this school and I’m not against building. It’s not the school’s fault... The only thing I can tell you is a $7 million was approved and we ended up with a $27 million (art, science and engineering) building. “We’re over-budget…. How many business-owners in this room can be overbudget by that much and make it work?” Fryar added, “My thing is, I want to fix what we have left... Open Enka (campus) back up. The buildings are still there. Let’s turn the electricity back on. “I have to watch out for the taxpayers’ dollars… If we let this keep blooming, we’ll owe $400 million “There are a lot of things we could do, if we wait for the taxes to come in. Fryar also disagreed with Brummit’s and King’s assertion earlier about new buildings being needed because the school is growing. “The enrollment is not up,” Fryar said. “It’s gone down a bit. Let’s bring this through the people... We’ve got a lot of space we can still build out there.” During a brief question-and-answer session afterward, CIBO’s Swicegood said, “I’ve got a lot of respect for A-B Tech, as well. A lot of it was lost through Dr. (Hank) Dunn (former A-B Tech president) and the ‘horse and pony show’” that Swicegood implied that Dunn had conducted with the public. “What is the enrollment” at A-B Tech. King replied that there are “10,000 students who are curriculum-enrolled” and 23,000 students total. About 20 percent of our students are enrolled in online classes.”
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Asheville Daily Planet —April 2017 - A5
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A6 - April 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Critics: Jewelry store’s billboard sexist
Activist challenges council member’s voter registration
The Buncombe County Board of Elections has set a hearing date to determine if Asheville City Councilman Keith Young is eligible serve on council after buying a house outside city limits. The hearing was prompted by a complaint from neighborhood activist Mike Lewis, who cited paperwork showing Young purchased a home in Arden, outside city limits last summer. Lewis noted the paperwork shows that Young said he would live in the Arden home. But he claims he lives at an Asheville address. Young
has to live within the city to keep his council seat. The hearing was to be held at 5:30 p.m. March 30 (after the Daily Planet’s press deadline for this edition) at the Board of Elections on McDowell Street in Asheville. On Feb. 28, Lewis directly addressed Young during the public comment period, asserting that “it appears that there has been some misrepresentation about your current residency, which could affect your qualification to hold your council seat.....”
From Staff Reports A downtown Asheville jewelry store’s billboard stating that “Sometimes, it’s OK to throw rocks at girls....” has ignited a firestorm from critics who say it is a sexist message Spicer Greene Jewelers’ advertisement — off Patton Avenue near Interstate 240 — drew a number of negative postings on the Internet. It also has gotten numerous comments, along with phone calls, emails and comments. In the aftermath, Spicer Greene is considering taking down its ad on the billboard, Eva-Michelle Spicer, a co-owner, told reporters. She also emphasized that she does not want to offend the community. The company
usually changes its billboard ever four weeks. Another ad is planned for April, she said. Spicer Greene has been based in Asheville for 91 years, with its fourth generation recently taking over. “It was a fun play on words; we certaintly didn’t mean harm by it,” Spicer told the Asheville Citizen-Times. “I don’t take offense to it and I didn’t mean offense by it.” She emphasized that she does not advocate violence against anyone. She also noted that Spicer Greene Jewelers has donated to Helpmate, a domestic violence support and prevention agency; and Our VOICE, the local rape prevention and support nonprofit.
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Advice Goddess
Continued from Page A1 So, for example, full lips and an hourglass bod are basically evolution’s bumper sticker: “Your genes passed on here!” Not surprisingly, psychologist Tracy Vaillaincourt, who researches competition among women, explains that women attack other women “principally on appearance and sexual fidelity” because men prioritize these qualities in their partners. One way women chip away at rivals is by trash-talking another woman’s looks to a man — suggesting he really could do better. That’s what you’re doing — but to yourself. It’s the relationship version of “Ewww, you’re not really gonna eat that, are you?” (And you’re the fricasseed crickets.) Beyond that, constantly begging a romantic partner for reassurance — while being kind of a black hole for it — can be toxic to a relationship. Also, the fact that your need for reassurance seems bottomless suggests it’s not your exterior, but your interior that’s in need of work. Get cracking on that, and try to remember that your boyfriend is with you for a reason — and it probably isn’t that your mom and grandma are crouched behind your sofa, holding him at gunpoint.
Rebooty and the beast
I’m a woman in my 30s. I was married for five years, but now, thank God, I’m divorced and about two years into a wonderful new relationship. Disturbingly, I occasionally call my boyfriend by my awful ex-husband’s name. He laughs it off, but it really freaks me out. Should I see a neurologist? Is my memory going? Or — gulp — do I miss my ex on some subconscious level? — Disturbed Right about now, you’ve got to be recognizing the unexpected benefits of those gas station attendant shirts with the guy’s name sewn onto them. As with dead bodies carelessly submerged after mob hits, it’s unsettling to have your ex’s name bobbing up when you love somebody new. Naturally, you suspect the worst — that you’re subconsciously pining for the ex. But — good news! — the likely reason for your name swapperoos
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is something you should find comfortingly boring. According to research by cognitive scientists Samantha Deffler and David C. Rubin, we’re prone to grab the wrong name out of memory when both names are in the same category — for example, men you’ve been seriously involved with or, in the pet domain, gerbils you’ve dressed in tiny sexy outfits. You might also keep in mind that your ex’s name was the default for “man in my life” for more than twice as long as the new guy’s. Other memory research suggests that especially when you’re tired, stressed, or multitasky, it’s easy to go a little, uh, cognitively imprecise. You send your mindslave off into your brain — back to the “My Guy” category — and the lazy little peasant just grabs the name he spent five years grabbing. So, you might think of this as a mental workforce issue. The Department of Emotions isn’t even involved. However, research by cognitive psychologist Robert Bjork suggests that you can train your memory to do better through “spaced retrieval” — correcting yourself just post-flub by asking and answering “Who is the man in my life?” and then letting a few minutes pass and doing it again. But considering that you have a partner who just laughs at your errors, your time would probably be better spent appreciating what you have: an easygoing sweetheart of a guy and no readily apparent need for a neurologist. Bottom line: Your calling the guy by the wrong name probably points to a need for a nap, not unwanted company — as in, a tumor named Fred squatting in the crawlspace behind your frontal lobe.
Hello hath no fury
Though my boyfriend is loving and attentive, he’s bad at responding to my texts. He’s especially bad while traveling, which he does often for his work. Granted, half my texts are silly memes. I know these things aren’t important, so why do I feel so hurt when he doesn’t reply? — Waiting You’d just like your boyfriend to be more responsive than a gigantic hole. (Yell into the Grand Canyon and you’ll get a reply.
Asheville Daily Planet - April 2017 - A7
And it isn’t even having sex with you.) What’s getting lost here is the purpose of the GIF of parakeets re-enacting the Ali/ Frazier fight or the cat flying through space on the burrito. Consider that, in the chase phase, some men text like crazy, hoping to banter a woman into bed. But once there’s a relationship, men (disproportionately) use texting as a logistical tool -- “b there in 5” -- while women continue using it as a tool for emotional connection. That’s probably why you feel so bad. Feeling ignored is also not ideal for a relationship. In research psychologist John Gottman did on newly married couples, the newlyweds who were still together six years down the line were those who were responsive toward their partner’s “bids for connection” -- consis-
tently meeting them with love, encouragement, support, or just attention. Explain this “bids for connection” thing to your boyfriend. (That mongoose in a dress is just meme-ese for “Yoo-hoo! You still there?”) However, especially when he’s traveling, a little reasonableness from you in what counts as a reply should go a long way. Maybe tell him you’d be happy with “Ha!”, “LOL,” or an emoji. You’d just like to see more than your own blinking cursor -- looking like Morse code for “If he loved you, he’d at least text you that smiling swirl of poo.” • (c.) 2017, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or email AdviceAmy@aol.com.
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A8 - April 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
what serves each individual’s highest purpose. A suggested love offering of $20 will be accepted.
Faith Notes
Friday, May 12
SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVIE NIGHT, 7 p.m., Sanford Hall Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. The UUCA will hold its monthly Social Justice Movie Night. A discussion will following the film screening. Admission is free.
Send us your faith notes
Please submit items to the Faith Notes by noon on the third Wednesday of each month, via email, at spirituality@ashevilledailyplanet.com, or fax to 252-6567, or mail c/o The Daily Planet, P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490. Submissions will be accepted and printed at the discretion of the editor, space permitting. To place an ad for a faith event, call 252-6565.
Monday, April 3
LENTEN PROGRAM, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 Sixth Ave. W, Hendersonville. The finale of “A Lenten Journey” program series will be led by Brenda Williams, a fellow of the Association for Music and Imagery. Admission is free, but registration is required. To register, call 693-4890 or visit bit.ly/grace-guided.
Wednesday, April 5
LENTEN SERVICES, 6 p.m., Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 Sixth Ave. W, Hendersonville. Lenten services will be held on Wednesdays through April 12 focusing on Martin Luther’s Small Catechism. Preceding the service at 4:45 p.m., a supper of soup, salad and dessert will be served. Supper prices are $5 for adults, $3 for ages 12 and younger and a family cap of $16 — and reservations are required. To make a reservation, call 693-4890.
Friday, April 14
SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVIE NIGHT, 7 p.m., Sanford Hall Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville. The UUCA will screen “After Spring,” a documentary about the Syrian refugee crisis, during its monthly Social Justice Movie Night. A discussion will following the film screening. Admission is free.
Saturday, April 15
CHAKRAS FOR BEGINNERS PRESENTATION, 10 a.m.-noon, Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. A presentation, “Chakras for Beginner,” will be given by Teresa Eidt. Students will be introduced to the chakra system and will learn of chakra structure, location, color, main functions, and age of development. Students also will learn about the gems, elements, metals, senses,and sounds associated with each chakra. In addition, Eidt will dis-
Teresa Eidt
Armand and Angelina
cuss the glands, organ systems and body parts, as well as the physical and emotional dysfunctions associated with each chakra. She will explain how the chakras affect one’s health on every level — emotional, psychological, physical and spiritual. Eidt is a licensed spiritual health coach, health intuitive, medium, chakra healer and Reiki practitioner. She is licensed by the Federation of Spiritual Healer Licensing Boards. Suggested love offering is $20.
Sunday, April 23
WOMEN’S SUCCESS WORKSHOP, 1:30-3 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. The Rev. Cynthia James, an author and inspirational speaker, will lead a women’s workshop on “Creating The Best Year of Your Life.” The workshop is for those wanting to create a life that is dynamic, powerful and passion-driven. James will help participants to achieve clarity on what is calling them forward, barriers to fulling their best life and to ceae a plan to take them to the next level. Her lastest book is “ I Choose Me: The Art of Being A Phenomenally Successful Woman at Home and at Work.”
Wednesday, April 26
VARIETY SHOW, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. A variety show, “An Evening of Music, Message and Mirth,” will include music, comedy and dance. It wll feature international performers and recording artists Armand and Angelina. The duo “have been living their dream together since 2001,” Unity noted. ”They offer a fantastic, uplifting show, full of humor, passion for life and love for each other.” Their music is a blend of rock and opera, incorporating Native American flute. The duo will also be performing their versions of “Hallelujah,” “Age of Aquarius,” songs from “Phantom of the Opera,” as well as their own original love ballads and humorous songs. A love offering will be taken.
Friday, April 28
CONCERT FUNDRAISER, 7 p.m., sanctuary,
Rev. Cynthia James
First Baptist Church of Weaverville, 63 N. Main St., Weaverville. Asheville’s Sweet Adelines International Song O’ Sky Chorus and Class Act will perform in a concert sponsored by the Weaverville Music Study Club. It is a fundraising program for the North Buncombe Music Scholarship. A free-will offering will be collected.
Sunday, April 30
ACCESSING WISDOM WORKSHOP, 1-3 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. Teresa Eidt will lead a workshop titled “Access the Wisdom of Your Higher Self.” “We are all on a journey of growth, and already have everything we need to be successful,” Unity noted. “All of our answers lie within us. We simply need to access that information.” Eidt will share tools such as pendulum use, looped finger test — and more— to access answers to the participants’ questions. Her techniques will show attendees how to make decisions based on
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Asheville Daily Planet — April 2017 - A9
Commentary
Fundamental questions at the heart of #HB2 debate Pete Kaliner is the host of a daily radio talk show on Asheville’s WWNC (570AM) that airs from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. This column features posts from his daily blog. • The following was posted on Feb. 24:
T
his exchange between FOX News host Tucker Carlson and Democratic Party adviser Zac Petkanas hits on several core questions that are never addressed in the debates or reporting over bathroom access. In summary... Q: Is there a biological anchor to determine sex? A: No. Q: What is the standard, then, for determining sex? A: It’s whatever a person claims to be. Your gender identity determines your gender. Q: If I’m a scientist and I want to know if you are a man or a woman, how do I determine that? A: You should ask a transgender person to help you on that. Despite Petklanas’s protests, Carlson is asking legitimate questions that are usually unchallenged assumptions in the transgender debate. For example, there is no discussion about legal tests in North Carolina’s HB2 debate. I suspect that Petkanas’s inability to answer these questions is, in large part, why they are never examined. As such, it’s instructive Petkanas was simply incapable of offering a standard to determine sex. I should note here, that for purposes of this post I am conflating sex with gender because that is what the Obama Administration did in its reinterpretation of Title IX. I recognize that the argument mostly associated with transgenderism is that sex and gender are not the same thing. Petkanas provides a standard is solely determined within one’s own brain. This means there is no universal standard to determine sex. This is radical. It matters. Here’s why... Q: If I say I am a man, does that mean I
Pete Kaliner can play on a women’s sports team? A: Yes. The logical and expected ramifications of idea requires the obliteration of all existing boundaries when it comes sex-segregation. Carlson also offered other areas where women and men are treated differently: prison and government contracts. These are not small issues. And contrary to Petkanas’s assertion otherwise, the prison scenario has already occurred. Further, the contract preferences that women-owned businesses enjoy is also fertile territory for exploitation. After all, there are businesses that claim to be women-owned, but are only so in name. The system is already being exploited. It’s ridiculous to assume it would not gamed under an expanded regime. If there is no standard to determine one’s sex, there is no way to determine if a man is fraudulently claiming to be a women simply for such an economic benefits. The paradox that this creates has implications across other aspects of our lives, too. Q: If I can determine my own sex, can I determine my own race? A: No. Q: Why not? A: It’s about inherently who people are. This is where Petkanas’s argument veers into a dictate of what is and is not “inherent.” The implication is that he shall decide what is - and what is not - real. If sex is not inherent, then how can race be? How could any genetic characteristic would be? And here is the danger in this type of argument.... “In the end the party would announce that two and two made five, and you would have to believe it. It was inevitable that they should make that claim sooner or later: the logic of their position demanded it. Not merely the validity of experience, but the very existence of external reality was tacitly denied by their philosophy.” — George Orwell, “1984”
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A10 — April 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
The Daily Planet’s Opinion
Gladys Knight, husband give Canton a terrific lift
W
e thank Gladys Knight (an Asheville-area resident and Motown Records legend) and her husband William McDowell (an entrepreneur and Canton native married to Knight since 2001) for their willingness to give back to — and restore history for — Western North Carolina. Specifically, Knight and McDowell — in 2013 — purchased a dilapidated 20,000-square-foot segregation-era high school (listed in Haywood County property records as in “very poor” condition and adjoining 6.5 acres — located in the Gibsontown community southeast of downtown Canton — at auction for $80,000. The couple plans to turn it into a $5 million community center by 2019, if the Reynold High School Community Foundation meets its fundraising goals. To that end, the RHSCF announced in mid-February that the proposed Reynolds Community Center would provide childcare, exercise and performing arts facilities, a food pantry, substance abuse counseling and musical instruction. Of course, the musical offering is no surprise, given Knight’s multiple Grammy Awards and long-standing reign as “The Empress of Soul.” The peak of her singing career was in the mid- to late 1960s with Gladys Knight and the Pips, her iconic Motown soul group. The foundation said it will be seeking grants and federal funding, sell pavers with the donor’s name inscribed on them, even (possibly) sell naming rights to parts of the facility and hold some charity concerts at which Knight would perform — most likely in the Asheville area, but her fundraising concerts for the center could possibly be national in scope. We heartily agree with Canton Mayor Mike Ray’s recent assertion that “this would mean so much in bringing our communities together... and promoting it for all people.”
Fixing HB2 needs a good meal together
CHAPEL HILL — Where are Ruby and Jack Hunt when we need them? Somebody needs to sit our political leaders down and guide them into talking to each other about how to get our state out of the HB2 mess we have made for ourselves. That is what former Cleveland County state Representative Jack Hunt and his wife, Ruby, used to do in Raleigh. I admired their ability to get people of different views together at the same table for meals and fellowship. Here is the way I described their magic meals in my new book, “North Carolina’s Roadside Eateries.” “Jack and Ruby regularly invited their government friends for informal suppers of country ham, baked chicken, cornbread, biscuits with sourwood honey and molasses, and vegetables from her garden, including corn frozen minutes after it was picked the previous summer. There were always desserts of homemade cakes and pies. Of course, there was also the opportunity to make friends with governors, Supreme Court justices, and legislative leaders. “Once, when UNC President Dick Spangler and Governor Jim Hunt were at loggerheads about the governor’s budget proposals for the university, they could hardly speak to each other until Jack invited them to breakfast with Ruby. Neither the governor nor the university president could say no to Ruby. It only was after they sat down to Ruby’s cooking and warm spirit that they worked out a compromise.“ North Carolina has a history of people with hard-line different views coming together informally to hear each other out, and working something out of situations that had seemed intractable. It happened in Charlotte during the school desegregation turmoil when people at war with each other sat down and ate wonderful food together at the black-owned McDonald’s Cafeteria or at potluck meals organized by teacher Maggie Ray. People in Durham still celebrate the unlikely friendship that developed between Ku Klux Klan leader C.P. Ellis and black community leader Ann Atwater when they addressed community and school challenges in an informal setting. Ellis explained what happened this way, “I used to think that Ann Atwater was the meanest black woman I’d ever seen in my life. But, you
D.G. Martin know, her and I got together one day for an hour or two and talked. And she is trying to help her people like I’m trying to help my people.” At last the governor and some legislators are proposing bills that attempt to craft workable solutions. But each proposal has met only with critical resistance from those on both sides who are unwilling to consider compromises. Summarizing his longer commentary on possible solutions to the HB2 situation, Chapel Hill attorney Patrick Oglesby writes, “No middle ground will satisfy everyone. Folks on both sides--call them hardliners--sincerely yearn for victory based on principle and morality, and despise symbolic defeat. But a principled return to ‘pre-existing law and practice’ sows pardon where there is injury, and it relegates the non-problem of the wrong bathroom to old, tried and true trespassing law--and to the jury. We can ask our leaders to sit down together and assemble a package to make the fighting stop. As a Christian pastor put it: ‘We can live together as brothers or perish together as fools.’” Oglesby’s quote about living together comes from Martin Luther King Jr. It calls out for good will and a willingness to put aside absolutism in order to find a good pragmatic, if imperfect, accommodation. It reminds me of how the togetherness around Ruby and Jack’s table could foster a spirit of trust and willingness to compromise. Where are they when we need them? • Note: Oglesby’s complete statement is at http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/ state-local-politics/320667-how-can-northcarolina-close-the-door-on-its • D.G. Martin hosts “North Carolina Bookwatch,” which airs at 9:30 p.m. Fridays and at 5 p.m. Sundays on UNC-TV.
Letters to the Editor
Gentrification? It isn’t new for city’s black residents
Gentrification in Asheville isn’t a new occurrence; this has been a long -time coming for Asheville’s black residents. Black residents of Asheville have been talking about this issue since the demise of The Block, where black homeowners and black business-owners were “relocated” so that things like parking lots, sanitation facilities and police stations could be built. As of the 2010 United States Census, the median black household income in Asheville is $30,000, compared to the $42,333 that non-blacks make in Asheville. What does this mean? It means that when the average cost of a home in Asheville is now $235,000, where it was only $125,000 15 years ago, it means that blacks can’t afford to live in Asheville. The problems with gentrification span beyond the most obvious, and arguably the most detrimental, to low-income families, in that the city loses its identity. When I moved here five years ago, this city was heralded for being a small city where they supported small, locally owned businesses. Now, driving around, I see many big-box retailers, as well as more Bojangles than one can count. Asheville is losing that small-town identity to cater to tourism, to provide familiarity to the outsiders when visiting. This gentrification is pricing out the people that have called this place home for many years, and for Asheville’s black residents, they are migrating to other major cities where it’s more affordable to live. Recently there has been a push to reinvest in the people of Asheville and not just the businesses here. As Mandy Stone said
during an interview with the (Asheville) Citizen Times, “We make large economic development investments to bring business into our community and those are smart… It’s equally smart to invest in the talents and skills we have within our community.” If this doesn’t happen soon, Asheville’s black residents will be priced out of the community, and Asheville will be just like every other major city. Indistinct. JEREMY LETT Swannanoa EDITOR’S NOTE: Lett is a senior majoring in political science at Warren Wilson College. He is graduating in May.
Trump, wrecking ball team, must be stopped in tracks
The Trump administration is nothing more than a cabal, that is a private group hell-bent on foisting their private views on the people of this nation and assuming we’ll go along with their sinister agenda. Nothing could be further from the truth and that seems a word completely foreign to the president and his cabinet made of people chosen by (Donald J.) Trump, who are committed to dismantling the very departments they head! President Trump and his wrecking ball team need to be stopped before we are stripped of basic rights, constitutional rights and the right to voice our opinions in opposition to this administration’s dastardly race to oblivion via their own brand of fake news and alternative facts! HERB STARK Mooresville See LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, Page A12
The Candid Conservative
Our drug war is fake
“Conserve (v. kuh n-surv) To use or manage wisely; preserve; save.” • atlinburg’s 2016 catastrophic fire tragedy killed 14 people. They’re busy cleaning up, recovering and making sure it never happens again. Fire gets in your face and forces you to act. Asheville’s 2016 smoldering drug tragedy killed seven times that number. We’re busy building greenways, wringing our hands and hoping for magic. Smoke gets in your eyes and makes you blind. Ours is a community where finding one’s happy place in a pill, pipe, straw or needle is cool. Those dealing with the consequences are concerned, but paralysis by analysis is not an action plan.We need one. Per Southern culturist Flannery O’Connor, “Truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.” Mind if I take her lead? We’re taking stupid pills to fight our drug war.
G
A broken safety net
Relying on a broken treatment system has been a big mistake. Of those who jump into the deep end of the drug pool, abysmal percentages drown with or without intervention. Narcotics are central nervous system superglue – handholding and “it’s not your fault’ passes can’t break that connection. Note also how casually we sidestep the
Carl Mumpower
rippling touch of drugs on Asheville’s crime, safety net, healthcare, child-abuse, poverty and homeless stats. It’s simpler to record versus improve statistics — chasing symptoms is always easier than attacking problems. Witness the desperation of Narcan enthusiasms. Stacking hope on this hit or miss opioid overdose antidote is the equivalent of advocating stop, drop and roll to someone in the middle of a forest fire. Speaking of traps, one of the slickest is the widespread pretense of marijuana’s innocence. No matter what anybody sells you, marijuana is very psychologically addictive and like all forms of escape, fraught with risks. For everything it does right, it has matching wrongs. Yes, there’s evidence marijuana has medical applications. Unfortunately, for most conditions the assumptions of healing and symptom relief are proving sketchy. Everyone feels better when they’re stoned. That’s not the same thing as being better off. See CANDID CONSERVATIVE, Page A14
Asheville Daily Planet - April 2017 - A11
Commentary
Feeling sadness for those who believe in Trump
B
elieving is a gift, a blessing. Over the years, I’ve observed that believing people are settled, certain, content. Sometimes I envy them. But myself, I’ve never been able to buy wrapped packages of beliefs from anybody. I’m a Christian and a Democrat, but I’m just not wired to follow all the doctrinal byways of either group. Growing up, my family had a great array of right ways to live – including how to interact with colored people. And everybody else in our town seemed to have the same Georgiacorrect ways of living. I didn’t rebel, but after I left home, I picked and chose as best I could. Most of those who stayed in our town continued the traditions and no doubt taught them to their children. I spent many years with a conservative foreign missions organization. Again, I didn’t rebel. I had my work to do. But I smiled at some of their doctrines that are no more than human guesses at truth. So there I was watching a TV interview with a staunch Trump supporter. I didn’t smile. He said: “You know it’s the truth. It came from his heart. You know the man is speaking the truth to us. All the promises he’s said, he’s doing. So anything President Trump says, I believe. I’m just a firm believer of everything he does. Because he tells us, we the people. He’s just like us, but he’s the President.” The man was way beyond happy; he seemed ecstatic, giddy. I think he giggled. What’s wrong with that? I want to say that
Lee Ballard nothing is wrong with it. The man believes in Trump, and it makes him happy. But basing his happiness on Trump truth is a problem. I don’t say President Trump exactly lies. It’s not a lie to blurt out whatever comes to your mind and let the chips fall where they may. It’s careless blabber. But it’s not truth. Three million illegal aliens didn’t vote in the last election for Clinton. Obamacare was not designed to collapse in 2017 when Obama was out of office. The news media don’t cover up terrorist attacks around the world. His own intelligence agencies are not like Nazis. Our Trump voter in the interview may be Top Ten in enthusiasm, but he’s not alone by any means. According to what I read, Trump voters believe in him. For example, a Quinnipiac poll showed that 86 percent of Republicans agree with Trump that the news media are the enemy of the American people. Trump people disregard the day-by-day shockers from the White House – some, no doubt, because they disregard the media. Instead, they hold to the reasons they voted for him, trusting that he will fulfill promises from the campaign: the wall across the southern border, bringing factories back to America,
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better and cheaper health care, tough immigration policies. It’s becoming clear that Trump won’t fulfill those promises – not really. He will appear to be working on them – precisely to keep his followers loyal – but it’s a scam. He will get bids on the wall, but Congress will never approve the billions to build it. Republicans will pass repeal of Obamacare and replace it, but it’s a “replace with something, anything” deal, and the replacement won’t actually improve anybody’s health care. He will tout new jobs and companies that
stay in the U.S., but the factories won’t come back. (I concede he may indeed be active on immigration, whether or not it’s effective for national security or anything else.) I don’t know how to feel about this whole thing. I’m angry at the presidential cynicism. But what about the Trump people themselves, who believe in him? I feel great sadness.. • Lee Ballard lives in Mars Hill. For more of his work, readers may visit his blog at mountainsnail.com.
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A12 — April 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Letters to the editor Continued from Page A10
Speech from the past remains applicable today?
Dear Asheville – These famous words may serve to shape our dialogue with the universe, tune it in to our future and lend it to our children. Wise then, wise now. Namaste. WSC. “I’m sorry, but I don’t want to be an emperor. That’s not my business. I don’t want to rule or conquer anyone. I should like to help everyone if possible — Jewish, Gentile, black men, white… “We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each others’ happiness, not by each other’s misery. We don’t want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone. And the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. The way of life can be free and beautiful, but we have lost the way. “Greed has poisoned men’s souls; has barricaded the world with hate; has goosestepped us into misery and bloodshed. We have developed speed, but we have shut ourselves in. Machinery that gives abundance has left us in want. Our knowledge has made us cynical; our cleverness, hard and unkind. “We think too much and feel too little. More than machinery, we need humanity. More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. Without these qualities, life will be violent and all will be lost. The aeroplane and the radio have brought us closer together. The very nature of these inventions cries out for the goodness in man; cries out for universal brotherhood; for the unity of us all. “Even now my voice is reaching millions throughout the world, millions of despairing men, women, and little children, victims of a system that makes men torture and imprison innocent people. “To those who can hear me, I say, ‘Do not despair.’ “The misery that is now upon us is but the passing of greed, the bitterness of men who fear the way of human progress. The hate of men will pass, and dictators die, and the power they took from the people will return to the people. And so long as men die, liberty will never perish. “Soldiers! Don’t give yourselves to brutes, men who despise you and enslave you; who regiment your lives, tell you what to do, what to think and what to feel! Who drill you, diet you, treat you like cattle, use you as cannon fodder! “Don’t give yourselves to these unnatural men — machine men with machine minds and machine hearts! You are not machines! You are not cattle! You are men! You have a love of humanity in your hearts! You don’t hate! “Only the unloved hate; the unloved and the unnatural. “Soldiers! Don’t fight for slavery! Fight for liberty! “In the seventeenth chapter of St. Luke, it is written: “the kingdom of God is within man,” not one man nor a group of men, but in all men! In you! You, the people, have the power, the power to create machines, the power to create happiness! You, the people, have the power to make this life free and beautiful, to make this life a wonderful adventure. Then in the name of democracy, let us use that power. “Let us all unite. “Let us fight for a new world, a decent world that will give men a chance to work, that will give youth a future and old age a security. By the promise of these things, brutes have risen to power. But they lie! They do not fulfill their promise. They never will!”
This, one of the most inspirational speeches in recorded history was given by a comedian by the name of Charlie Chaplin in the movie “The Great Dictator.’ WILLIAM S. CHALK Asheville
Most Americans termed in the dark on Islam’s perils
We presently have an almost uninformed — or misinformed — America. This includes our government leaders, news people, educators, and the rest of us. Those who knew about the Muslim 30-year plan to conquer America, through immigration into our country, failed to put that information out to the public, or the media didn’t touch it. That plan, such as, “Expanding the Muslim presence by birth rate, immigration, and refusal to assimilate,” is being carried out, as well as other parts of the plan. Not only by Muslims, but by many well-meaning Americans, who haven’t got a clue, they are being used, by them in their quest for “world domination.” Being naïve and uninformed is no excuse. All countries are more than justified to ban Muslims from their country because all are endangered. America is no exception, but may be the prime target. America should declare the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group, not because we want to, but because that’s what they are. All news organizations, which are failing to inform America, should first read, “The Muslim Brotherhood’s Strategic Plan.” The plan has been called, “To Conquer America Through ‘Civilization Jihad.’” One can easily see that Islam is not the word from the “ Living God our Creator.” It goes against His Commandments. God’s plan of salvation/heaven is by the blood of his precious Son, Jesus. Theirs’ is by spilling innocent blood of other humans. Murderers go to Hell in God’s plan. Manuel Ybarra Jr. Coalgate, Okla.
Testimony proves Trump unsuited... What now? Jeff Messer is the host of a daily radio talk show on Asheville’s WPEK (880AM, The Revolution) that airs from 3 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. This column features posts from his daily blog. • The following was posted on March 21: eadlines are screaming what we all already knew: Trump is either wrong, stupid, or a liar. Perhaps all three. Wrong for his accusations of Obama wiretapping him, as well as wrong about the innocence of his campaign and White House team’s entanglement with Russia. The fact that he may actually believe the false facts that he shouted loud and proud from Twitter Tower, might prove his stupidity. If he honestly believed any or all of it. And, if he did all this on purpose, because he thought he could, that would make him an intentional liar. It’s pretty cut and dry. Wire tap? It didn’t happen. Russian involvement? It did happen, and the FBI are looking into how much, and how deep it goes. Remember when Trump and MANY of his surrogates spoke out about Hillary Clinton and how she was unfit to be president based on the fact that she was under investigation by the FBI? Well, it seems that Team Trump were being looked into by the FBI since July. And, you may recall that Director Comey later said Clinton was off the hook (but only after looking awfully partisan by making her look bad publicly
H
Jeff Messer as he and the FBI took a fresh look at her emails in the heat of the election.) “If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it. The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.” That sure sounds like the prevailing philosophy of Trump’s White House (and a good deal prior to occupying that location.) In truth, that is a full quote from Nazi party propagandist Joseph Goebbels. There is some dispute that he actually said that exact quote. Kind of like Abraham Lincoln and the Internet. Now, how often do you see Lincoln’s name in the same paragraph with the Nazis?
It’s hot! Asheville Daily Planet
LETTERS The Asheville Daily Planet invites Letters to the Editor of 200 words or less. Please include your name, mailing address, daytime telephone number and e-mail address. For more information, call (828) 252-6565. Send mail to: Letters, Asheville Daily Planet P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, NC 28814 Send e-mail to: letters@ashevilledailyplanet.com
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Asheville Daily Planet — April 2017 — A13
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A14 - April 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Candid Conservative Continued from Page A10 Unlike alcohol, being high on marijuana doesn’t seem to trigger anger and antagonism. That, too, seems to be a half-truth because both arrive when the party is over. Marijuana takes the effort out of coping. Consequently, one’s natural stress management skills tend to atrophy – or in the case of teens – never develop. When the high goes down, the stress goes up. There are two insurmountable problems with marijuana. One, every time you use it, you get stoned. One can have a beer, cocktail or glass of wine and let it go at that. With today’s weed it’s a full on superbuzz that makes your brain want more. Two, marijuana – just like Nancy Reagan said – is a natural gateway to other drugs. I know, most hardcore drug addicts have also eaten pizza and fried chicken, but neither one taught anyone how to get high or hang out in bad places. Weed enthusiasts may get lost in the complexities of a demanding world, but they need not worry about running out of product. In a nation busily downgrading its culture, legalization is likely. The revenue opportunities and ‘something for nothing’ pretense – think the lottery – associated with marijuana will be too tempting to resist. Regardless if its marijuana, heroin, coke, painkillers, or morning glory seeds, the big problem with all drugs is the reality we’re stuck on a hard world. Its clear God wants us all in and that all forms of escape are thus packaged with penalties. The greater the escape – the greater the consequence. Routinely taking time out with drugs is the equivalent of nighttime skinny dipping at Sea World.
It’s a phony war
Remember Vietnam? In spite of our best efforts to make it a police action, we actually won that one three or more times. Each time our politicians surrendered and allowed communist aggressors to seize the initiative. In the end, a Congress controlled by the Democratic Party reneged on our promises to the South Vietnamese and essentially handed the keys to some really bad guys. The results – genocide conveniently ignored by the media and our politicians. In a performance repeated by
Obama in Iraq and Afghanistan, American leaders turned their backs on fifty-seven thousand American dead and faked virtue in the action. What is commonly derided as a “Drug War” is a repeat. We’re not in a war, we’re in a holding action and always have been. Were it a real war, we’d get serious and go after everybody involved with passion matching our follow-up to Pearl Harbor. Instead, we continue to play at containing this social scourge and drop crocodile tears on the casualties. Ask anyone over 50 raised in WNC if in they could have ever foreseen a time where a family’s greatest nightmare was having a loved one kidnapped by drugs. We’re there – and we should be ashamed of our complacency in allowing it to happen.
Solutions?
In contrast to those suggesting it’s time to end the war on drugs, may I suggest we need to recognize we’re surrounded and attack in all directions? The wrong side is winning and the assuredly understated toll noted earlier confirms it. That way out begins with a hard reset on the archaic disease theory of addiction. This therapeutic fiction has its roots in a nineteen-seventies attempt to recognize substance dependence as more than a matter of bad character. That worthy mission was long ago corrupted into fake science essentially absolving the addict of personal accountability. “I’ve got a chemical imbalance and can’t help myself,” has become a license for self-destruction. The strongest hand of treatment contrastingly recognizes five fingers of opportunity – physical, social, moral, genetic, and behavioral. Getting a decent hold on recovery takes them all. Some remain enthusiastic about fixing chemical addiction with more chemicals. Good luck with that. The necessity of positive lifestyle choices will never be replaced by a pill. Most of our anti-drug energy goes into existing addicts. Lifelines matter, but better potentials lie with intercepting new recruits. Doomed to failure are those pulling drowning victims out of the river while ignoring the upstream forces throwing them in.
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On that point, our biggest drug threat isn’t Mexican cartels, street-corner dealers or home delivery agents. That distinction falls on the shoulders of hyper-regulated pharmaceutical companies and licensed physicians who, around the turn of this century, partnered to promote a second scientific fantasy – ‘non-addictive’ painkillers. The emergence of a stealth drug source in the residential medicine cabinet followed. It’s there, and amidst the enticements associated with marijuana’s pretend innocence, that most addicts take their first step on the road to nowhere. Spoiler Alert -— please resist the temptation of portraying drug users as innocent victims. Remember what they do to get high – fuel broken families; Mexico’s narco-terrorists; our horrific gang wars; an overwhelmed healthcare delivery system; and a host of other miseries. Let me say it clearly – drug-users are predators. They do not deserve endangered species status.
Getting serious
Reciting statistics and dated assumptions is more about motion than action. That reactive approach to drug harms is the equivalent of a walking behind a forest fire trying to put it out. Real firefighters understand that to kill a fire you have to attack it at its source. Squirting water on a burning building is giving up. Those looking for a global model of success might consider Singapore – zero tolerance means their culture is not being held hostage to drugs. At the local level, constructive action begins with recreating a community drug commission charged with something more than conversation and understanding. That commission should be comprised of those on the frontline of our drug problem – police, hospital, social service, and other safety net administrators. It can be fleshed out with change agents bringing something to the table besides obstructionism, selfservice and dead-end thinking. Developing practical strategies to address criminal justice, healthcare, family, education, technology, spiritual, cultural, economic and other forces affecting our drug problem is job one. In turn those strategies must be tied to gradable action plans. It’s then time to stop talking and start doing.
$
Two-thirds of the earth is covered by water AND the other third is covered by the
Asheville Daily Planet
Thanks for enabling us to reach an all-time record pressrun of 15,500 copies recently!
In the 1960s film “The Sand Pebbles” – a story loosely based on the gunboat exploits of the U.S.S. Asheville – Steve McQueen’s character is forced to watch the onshore torture of a Chinese friend. No longer willing to endure the suffering, the sailor grabs a rifle to answer the victim’s call for relief. Mirroring our community’s convoluted approach to drugs, his paralyzed captain responds with the backwards declaration, “Holman, if you fire that weapon I’ll have you shot.” The sailor’s reasoned call for action sums it up, “Well shoot something, damn it.” Want to do something about a modern version of death by a thousand cuts? Start thinking like the guy on the gunboat…. • Carl Mumpower is a psychologist and former elected official. He is chairmanelect of the Buncombe County Republican Party. He can be reached at drmumpower@aol.com.
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Asheville Daily Planet - April 2017 - A15
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A16 — April 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
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for adjustable beds, Colton Mattress can build the bed that is perfect for you. It makes beds with infinite mattress positions and that include head and foot massage. Create your own adjustments to relieve back pain, improve circulation, and sleep deeply. Any mattress Colton Mattress builds — including the luxurious Pantheon line, the fine Heirloom collection and the durable Artisan series — can be turned into an adjustable bed. Want a super-firm mattress, a super-soft mattress or something in between? Colton Matress can create the precise firmness you desire. It sells a lot of beds made with latex, a natural material that naturally inhibits dust mites, mold and mildew. Derived from the tropical rubber tree, latex instantaneously conforms to the shape of your body, relieving pressure points for an uninterrupted sleep. Talalay latex used by Colton reduces high-pressure areas that shut off capillary blood flow and cause you to toss and turn all night. Mattresses made from Cooling Gel Memory Foam conform to the body, relieve pressure points and aid circulation. Choices range from pillowy soft to bodycontouring firm. The Cooling Gel Memory Foam provides additional support and cooler sleeping surface. Memory foam mattresses virtually eliminate motion transfer (and you won’t feel your sleep partner move). Emerson stated, “We offer a 30-day comfort guarantee because we want you to love your new mattress.” When you purchase a new mattress from Colton, they will donate your old mattress to people in need, if it is still sleepable. There are 25 different models to choose from
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Entertainment & Calendar of Events
Special Section PULLOUT
Asheville Daily Planet — April 2017
That old ring-a-ding-ding still shines
‘The Rat Pack’ show swings despite lacking Sammy fill-in
Shelley Wright Investigating in the field: Haunted New Orleans, Part one
W
By JOHN NORTH
john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com
HENDERSONVILLE — “The Music of the Rat Pack,” featuring hits by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and (at least in theory) Sammy Davis Jr., was often toe-tapping, finger-snapping fun during a swinging performance of the tribute show on March 17 at Flat Rock Playhouse’s downtown Hendersonville venue. Highlights included an unforgettable rendition of Sinatra’s “That’s Life,” with two of the singers providing ethereal falsetto backup harmony, to a terifically bluesy lead, a spot-on version of Sinatra’s “My Way” and a cover of Martin’s “Sway” that captured the song’s essence. The show, which ran May 9-19, mainly featured songs by Sinatra, with a sprinkling of Martin — and, sadly, only “That Old Black Magic” by Davis. Of the three featured singers, Matt Faucher resembled Sinatra — and Adair Watkins looked somewhat like Martin. However, the other key member of the Rat Pack — Davis, a 5-foot-5 AfricanAmerican who not only could sing but could dance magnificently — was not represented. Indeed, Greg Frens, the third singer in FRP’s version of the Rat Pack, is a bearded and very tall white man. See ‘THE RAT PACK,’ Page B7
B1
Photo courtesy of FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE
Singing in a show honoring the music of “the Rat Pack” were (from left and in the forefront) Greg Frens, Matt Faucher and Adair Watkins. The trio also are members of the Garden State Guys group that salutes Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons.
The Rat Pack’s three best-known members were (from left) Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. and Frank Sinatra. Donated photo
hen we planned our haunted excursion to New Orleans, we were going to do all the tours: vampire, cemetery, swamp, haunted. The reality was we spent our whole trip totally drained from what I believe was our haunted hotel. The following represents a day-by-day accounting of what happened: Thurs, 3/9/17 — Montgomery, Ala. No paranormal activity but we ate some frighteningly good appetizers. Fri, 3/10/17- New Orleans, LA Checked into Hotel Provincial. I went with Patty to her suite in the attic since my room wasn’t ready. Within five minutes of sitting down in the living room, Patty felt nauseous and like she had vertigo. I sat in a chair by the window and while I felt a bit woozy, I mostly felt wrapped in a comfortable cocoon of spiritual energy. At 10:25 that evening, Patty texted that her bed was shaking. For three whole minutes! And then it shook throughout the night. She did the usual paranormal investigator stuff and hopped out of bed and looked under it and felt for wires. She tried moving the bed and looking under the mattress, but it was just too heavy. She continued searching for reasonable explanations as we went to press. I kept waking up to the feeling of being gently rocked. Muscle spasms? I’ve had muscle spasms before and they never felt like being wrapped in someone’s arms and rocking back and forth. See WRIGHT, Page B7
Heritage Classic draws some of world’s top dancers By JOHN NORTH
john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com
TheHeritageClassic.com website photo
Emmanual Pierre-Antoine and Liana Churilova, former World and United States Professional Rhythm Champions, left the crowd in awe as they danced their final show performance together on March 4 at the Omni Grove Park Inn.
Once again, the pro show was a highlight of the 30th annual Heritage Classic Dancesport Championships, which featured competitive ballroom-style dancing from Feb. 28 to March 4 at the Omni Grove Park Inn in North Asheville. The pro show — performed in four different segments during the finale night between competitions — featured dazzling performances by Emmanual PierreAntoine of Haiti and Liana Churilova of Rusia, former World and United States Professional Rhythm Champions. Now retired from competition, it was their final show performance.They live in New York. The crowd cheered and applauded and, after a final farewell performance, gave the pair a standing ovation in the Grand Ballroom. Dancers, fueled by energy, passion and excitement, included world professional champions in the NDCA-sanctioned, ballroom dance competition. Elevated seating on three sides provided sweeping views of the dance floor. The organizers, Colin and Joy Hillary,
are former competitors and champions, They represented their native country, Australia, in the 1970 World Professional Latin Championships in London, England. A number of local participants won top awards, including 22-year-old Ariah Avery, who danced with with her teacher Zeki Maviyildiz in the pro-am competition. They represented the Asheville Ballroom. In a March 18 interview with the Daily Planet at the ballroom, Avery said with a smile in reference to Maviyildiz, “He’s the ‘pro’ and I’m the ‘am.’” Avery won first place in her individual heats. “All of my dances were done as pro-am open gold american rhythm,” a division for young adults, she noted. Avery said she was excited to take lessons and coaching from Pierre-Antoine at the Asheville Ballrom after the Heritage Classic. During the coaching session, she danced with Maviyildiz as the Haitian native tweaked her routines. “He (Pierre-Antoine) talked mostly about footwork and floor pressure. He was really into technique.” See HERITAGE CLASSIC, Page B5
Donated photo
Ariah Avery, with teacher-partner Zeki Maviyildiz, clutches her winning trophy
B2 - April 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Calendar
of
Events
Send us your calendar items
Please submit items to the Calendar of Events by noon on the third Wednesday of each month, via e-mail, at calendar@ashevilledailyplanet. com, or fax to 252-6567, or mail c/o The Daily Planet, P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 288148490. Submissions will be accepted and printed at the discretion of the editor, space permitting. To place an ad for an event, call 252-6565.
Saturday, April 1
MARCH FOR HEALTH, 1-3 p.m., Bridge Park, Sylva. CommonGround WNC, Organizing for Action and other progressive groups in the region, are hosting a nonpartisan March For Health on April Fool’s Day because. they say, “Health care is no joke. We march for equitable and affordable access to quality health care for all.” The Sylva march will be held simultaneously with the March For Health scheduled in other cities across the country. Highlights will include speakers and musicians. Attemdees are being urged to bring their “Protect ACA” signs. The event will end with a march down Mill and Main streets — with signs. MAIRTIN O’CONNOR CONCERT, 8 p.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 Pack Place, downtown Asheville. Billed as figureheads of Irish music, the Mairtin O’Connor Trio will perform in concert. “The group combines the rich sounds of the accordion, fiddle and guitar in dazzling sets, making it one of the more versatile and dynamic ensembles on the Irish music scene,” DWT noted. For tickets, call the DWT box office at 257-4530. SIMON AND GARFUNKEL TRIBUTE SHOW, 8 p.m., Downtown venue of Flat Rock Playhouse, downtown Hendersonville. A tribute show, “The Music of Simon and Garfunkel,” will be presented through April 9. The show runs Thursday through Sunday. Thursdays shows are at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit FlatRockPlayhouse.org, or call 693-0731.
Sunday, April 2
HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR’S TALK, 3 p.m., Reuter Center, UNC Asheville. Walter Ziffer will speak about his new memoir, “Confronting the Silence: A Holocaust Survivor’s Search For God.” Ziffer will share his reflections and his life story – from working as a child in Czechoslovakia and being held prisoner in eight Nazi concentration camps until liberated by Soviet troops, to resettling in the U.S. and becoming an engineer and then a minister and a scholar. Ziffer is the author of several books on Judaism and early Christianity, and has taught classes at the University of Maine in Orono, Mars Hill University, UNCA and in theological seminaries. Ziffer’s book will be available for purchase and he will sign books. Admission is free and open to all. “EXISTING WHILE BLACK” SHOW, 5:30 p.m, The Block Off Biltmore, 39 S. Market St., downtown Asheville. “Existing While Black,” billed as a onewoman spoken word show, will be presented. The show “will unapologetically dig deep into the realities of navigating through a white supremacist society
The Beach Boys will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 6 at the Smoky Mountain Center for Performing Arts at Franklin. Above is the group as it appears today. To the left is a photo of the Beach Boys in the early to mid-1960s, featuring (front row from left) Al Jardine, Carl Wilson, Brian Wilson and Mike Love. On drums is Dennis Wilson.
while existing in a black body,” The Block noted. “Attendees should expect to be challenged, as they will not be pacified.” Admission is by donation. CLINT BLACK CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, Tenn. Clint Black, a country music traditionalist from Texas, will perform in concert. Black was one of the first artists to kick-start the massmarket popularity of country in the 1990s. Black is also one of the first artists of a generation that was equally inspired by rock-oriented pop — like 1970s’ singer/songwriters and 1960s’ rock ‘n’ roll — as well as country artists like Merle Haggard, Bob Wills, and George Jones. Black is a singer, songwriter, musician, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and actor. For tickets, visit www.NPACgreeneville.com.
Monday, April 3
PANEL ON THE FUTURE OF WNC WILDFIRES, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Highway, Asheville. A panel will address “Before We Burn Again: A Panel on the Future of Wildfires in WNC.” The event will bring together leading experts in the fields of wildfire management, fire ecology, climate change and community planning to discuss the dangers and ecological benefits of wildfire, critical issues at play in last year’s historic wildfire season and appropriate, proactive responses and strategies to manage future wildfire phenomena, mitigate threats and economic impacts, and save human lives. Doors will open at 5 p.m. MountainTrue members will be admitted for free.
Tuesday, April 4
RACISM AND RACIAL JUSTICE FOR KIDS, 6-8 p.m, Odyssey Community School, 90 Zillicoa St., Asheville. “What is Racism? Structure, Intersectionality & Experience,” part one of a four-part series on teaching kids about racism and racial justice, will be presented.The series is designed to start with basic concepts to deepen kids’ understanding of racism in American culture, then move into more complex needs and scenarios for helping children to learn in classrooms and at home. Each event will include both a presentation of ideas and a workshop to engage those ideas. Events will be run by Justina Prenatt, LPCA of Clover Heart Concepts, and Megan McCarter Martell, executive director of programs at Odyssey. The April 4 program is “What is Racism? Structure, Intersectionality & Experience.” On April 18, a program on “How do we talk about Race? Communication, Presence & Developmental Awareness” will be held. Attendance at all four events is encouraged, but not required. Admission is free, but donations for the childcare are welcomed. To register for the events and for childcare, visit https://goo.gl/forms/Hw85y5dXNEdeAT6d2.
Wednesday, April 5
POLICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING, 5 p.m., first floor conference room, Public Works Building, 161 S. Charlotte St., downtown Asheville. The Citizen-Police Advisory Committee, organized by the City of Asheville, will meet. Admission to the meeting, which is open to the public, is free.
See CALENDAR, Page B3
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Asheville Daily Planet - April 2017 - B3
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Denver & The Mile High Orchestra will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 21 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts at Franklin.
Calendar of Events Continued from Page B2
Wednesday, April 5
BILL AYERS PRESENTATION, 6 p.m., Firestorm Coffee & Books, 610 Haywood Rd., West Asheville. Bill Ayers will speak in Asheville, as a stop on a national tour to celebrate the release of his latest book, “Demand the Impossible! A Radical Manifesto.” What’s more, Firestorm Books noted, “In an era defined by mass incarceration, endless war, economic crisis, catastrophic environmental destruction and a political system offering more of the same, radical social transformation has never been more urgent. We must imagine a world beyond what this rotten system would have us believe is possible. In Bill Ayers critiquing the world around us, Ayers uncovers cracks in the system, raising our sights for radical change, and envisioning strategies for building a movement to create a more humane, balanced and peaceful world.” Ayers is a social justice activist, teacher, distinguished professor of education (retired) at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and author of two memoirs, “Fugitive Days” and “Public Enemy.” SIERRA CLUB MEETING, 7-9 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place. North Asheville. A meeting of the local Sierra Club will feature a report on the status of installing solar and wind clean energy generation in North Carolina. Experts will discuss the state’s success in becoming a national leader in installed solar generation and the beginnings of wind power in North Carolina. Attendees will learn what the future holds for both expanding solar and onshore/ offshore wind energy generation. The event is free and open to the public.
Thursday, April 6
GREEN DRINKS/HENDERSONVILLE, 5:30 p.m, Black Bear Coffee, 318 N. Main St., downtown Hendersonville. Hendersonville Green Drinks will present a program on “Community-Supported Agriculture” by Allison Perrett of Appalachian Sustainable Agricultural Project. All are welcome and admission is free. STUDY GROUP METING, 5:30-7.30 p.m., The Block Off Biltmore , 39 S. Market St., downtown Asheville. Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund’s local study group will meet to learn more about the community rights movement. DOCUMENTARY SCREENING, 6:30 p.m., upper showroom, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 33 Meadow Road, Asheville. A documentary, “ReUse: Because You Can’t Recycle the Planet,” will be screened. It is billed as a “mind-opening film.” Light refreshments will be served. Doors open at 6 p.m., with a few short opening remarks at 6:15. After the screening, a storewide flash sale will be held until 9 p.m. The event is free, but donations to Habitat will be accepted. BEACH BOYS CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Rd., Franklin. The Beach Boys will perform in concert. “Fifty years ago, we started something very big,” said Brian Wilson, a co-founder of the Beach Boys. “So now we’re celebrating together in a very big way..” Co-founder Mike Love added, “It’s pretty miraculous that we can start out as a bunch of guys
who didn’t know anything about fame or money, or anything like that. All we knew was we liked to sing and make harmonies together. So to have it become part of American musical culture is pretty amazing.” To that end, the SMCPA noted, “Now this singular West Coast story continues with a global celebration that is befitting of the remarkable and enduring legacy of these Rock & Roll Hall of Famers. To mark their 50th anniversary, the founding members of The Beach Boys are reuniting for a major international tour and a brand new studio album that represents a whole new harmonic convergence from a group that has brought so much joy and harmony to this whole world.” For tickets, which are $45, $50 and $55, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com. NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE SHOW, 7:30 p.m., mainstage, Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Old Greenville Highway, Flat Rock. A tribute show, “Cherry Cherry: Experience Neil Diamond’s Music Like Never Before,” will run through April 9. The show will feature “a famed Neil Diamond tribute artist with his nine-piece band,” performing hits such as “America,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” “Sweet Caroline” and “I Am…I Said.” Other showtimes are 8 p.m. April 7, 8 p.m. April 8 and 2 p.m. April 9. For tickets, which are $15 to $33, visit FlatRockPlayhouse.org, or call 693-0731.
Saturday, April 8
MARKETING YOUR BUSINESS SEMINAR, 9 a.m.-noon, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd., Enka. A seminar, “Marketing Your Business for the 21st Century,” will focus on how to effectively and efficiently use marketing tools. Admission is free but advance online registration is required at ahsevillescore.org. CITIZENS CLIMATE LOBBY MEETING, 12:30-3 p.m., back entrance, Kairos West Community Center, 610 Haywood Road, West Asheville. Citizens Climate Lobby, which is advocating for a carbon fee and dividend, will hold its monthly meeting FILM SCREENING, 2 p.m.,Firestorm Coffee & Books, 610 Haywood Road, West Asheville. “Their Eyes Were Watching God” will be screened as one of six films in a spring series presented by Black Star Line, Asheville’s new queer-, blackwoman-owned brewery. The film is an American Broadcasting Company television movie based on Zora Neale Hurston’s 1937 novel of the same name. The film was directed by Darnell Martin and produced by Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Productions. PLANNED PARENTHOOD SUPPORT RALLY, 2 p.m., Vance Monument, downtown Asheville. A gathering to protest the current presidency and legislation that aims to defund Planned Parenthood will be held. The rally will highlight women’s reproductive rights and the right to choose what to do with their own bodies. The rally also will be a donation-based fundraiser for the local Planned Parenthood. GIBSON BROTHERS CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, Tenn. The Gibson Brothers will perform in concert. For tickets, visit www.NPACgreeneville.com.
Thursday, April 13
ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL, 7 p.m., Fine Arts Theatre, 36 Biltmore Avenue, downtown Asheville. The film “1945,” based on the short story “Homecoming” by Gabor Santo, will be screened as part of the annual Asheville Jewish Film Festival. The film also will be shown at 1 p.m. April 14. Admission is $10.
See CALENDAR, Page B4
Open M-F 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. • Sat., Noon-4 p.m.
Closed March 9-18 for a jam-packed buying trip and haunted adventures in New Orleans. Check Nevermore’s Facebook page and SpeakingOfStrange.com often for updates and video clips!
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Hundreds of other items! 423-2400 Experience Navajo educator
MARK CHARLES!
‘“Understanding the Roots of Social Injustice!!” Friday, April 21 7-9 p.m.
Truth-Telling on Race & Doctrine of Discovery Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church 101 Chapel Drive Swannanoa, N.C.
Free and open to the public. Donations welcomed. No one turned away.
Saturday, April 22
Workshop on “Decoding America’s Greatness and the Difference Between Power and Authority” 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting, 137 Center Ave., Black Mountain Fee: $35. Limited to 30. For more information, contact Paul at phultberg@charter.net or (828) 505-1026
Learn more about Mark at www.wirelesshogan.com Learn more about events at www.swannanoavalleyfriends.com Events hosted by Swannanoa Valley Friends Meeting with the support of Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church
B4 - April 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Calendar of Events Continued from Page B3
Friday, April 14
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION, 11:30 a.m., Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, 223 W. State St., Black Mountain. The SVM&HC Book Club will meet to discuss Ron Rash’s 2007 work, “The World Made Straight.” All are welcome to attend. Admission is free.
Saturday, April 15
BOOKKEEPING BASIC SEMINAR, 9 a.m.-noon, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd., Enka. A seminar, “Basics of Bookkeeping,” will focus on gaining a working knowledge of how to properly record financial transactions for one’s business. Attendees will discover the three most important financial reports and how to use them to make the best-informed business decisions. Admission is free but advance online registration is required at ahsevillescore.org. FILM SCREENING, 2 p.m., Firestorm Coffee & Books, 610 Haywood Road. West Asheville. “Queen” one of six films presented by Black Star Line, Asheville’s new queer-, black- woman-owned brewery, will be screened. The film portrays a Delhi girl from a traditional family sets out on a solo honeymoon after her marriage gets cancelled. Rani Mehra is an under-confident young Punjabi woman from Delhi. One day prior to her wedding, her fiancé Vijay tells her that he no longer wishes to marry her. He explains that his lifestyle has changed after living abroad, and her conservative habits would be a wrong match for him. Stunned at the development, Rani shuts herself in her room for a day. Wanting to take control of the situation, she asks her parents for permission to go alone on her pre-booked honeymoon to Paris and Amsterdam. In Paris, Rani meets Vijayalakshmi, a free-spirited woman of French-Spanish-Indian descent, who works at the hotel in which Rani stays. Overwhelmed by the new city and having gotten into trouble twice (once with the local police and once with a robber), Rani intends to return to India. However, Vijayalakshmi helps her out and gives her a tour around the city. The two have a series of adventures, during which Rani relives the memories of Vijay patronising her and forbidding her from dancing and drinking, which she is free to do in Paris.
Sunday, April 16
“CONNECTION ACROSS DIVIDES” PROGRAM, 2-3:30 p.m., at Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Road, Asheville. Roberta Wall will address “Connecting Across Divides” at the monthly meeting of the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville, Wall will share insights on conversing and connecting with others across religious, political and cultural divides. She will draw from her work in the service of peaceful transformation of the planet, most recently through nonviolent communication training in the Mideast (West Bank and Israel). “In today’s politically charged world, possessing the tools and techniques of deep listening and reflecting each others’ humanity is ever more important for our community, our family and for us as individuals,” the EHSA noted. Wall is a certified trainer with the Center for Nonviolent Communication. She was a civil rights lawyer in NYC, and is a mediator, trainer, facilitator, parent, grandparent, activist, mindfulness practitioner and coach. Informal discussion and refreshments will follow the presentation. All are welcome to attend.
Tuesday, April 18
COMMUNITY VIEWING AND DISCUSSION OF THE MOVIE “13TH,” 6 p.m., Dogwood Building, Francine Delany New School for Children, 119 Brevard Road, West Asheville. The school will host a viewing of the Netflix documentary “13th” by filmmaker Ava DuVernay. “13th” explores the history of racial inequality in the United States, focusing on the reality that the nation’s prisons are disproportionately filled with African-Americans. The subtitle for the film is “From Slave to Criminal With Just One Amendment.” A discussion of the movie will follow at 7:45 p.m.
Thursday, April 20
FUNDRAISER FOR CHILDREN FIRST, 6-9 p.m, Morris Hellenic Cultural Center, 227 Cumberland Avenue, Asheville. The 6th annual “Are You Smarter Than an Elementary Student?” trivia night fundraiser will be held. The hosts are still recruiting teams
made up of four to six people — at $300 a team. Costumes are encouraged. Food, childcare and an adult beverage will be provided for participating team members.Proceeds benefit Children First/Communities in Schools. To register, contact Kate at KateF@ childrenfirstbc.org or call her at 214-5052 for more information, including how to register a team.
Friday, April 21
TRUTH-TELLING ON RACIAL CONFLICTS AND ‘THE DOCTRINE OF DISCOVERY,’ 7-9 p.m., Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church, 101 Chapel Drive, Swannanoa. Navajo educator Mark Charles will give a presentation on a domination framework giving moral and legal rights to invade, seize and enslave people who were not Christian. Dating back to the 15th century, numerous historical documents are still encoded in America’s legal system today — as shown by U.S. Supreme Court rulings as recently as 2005. Following his presentation, Charles will field questions. Refreshments will be served.. The event is free and open to the public, although donations will be accepted. DMHO CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Rd., Franklin. Denver & The Mile High Orchestra will perform in concert. “Blending a red-hot horn section, along with jazz and big-band roots, Denver and the Mile High Orchestra have created a power funk sound that defies description and is unlike any other,” the SMCPA noted. “With Denver Bierman, writing and arranging the band’s music, the diverse sounds of legends such as Stevie Wonder, Chicago, and Earth Wind and Fire combine for a fresh look at contemporary pop. Denver and the Mile High Orchestra wowed all of America, as they made the finale of the FOX-TV ‘American Idol’ spin off ‘The Next Great American Band.’” The unit garnered praise and a devoted fan base from Greece to Hollywood, having played the Summer Olympics in Athens, and the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. e “DMHO live” an experience like no other. For tickets, which are $20 and $24, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com. “SMOKEY JOE’S CAFE” SHOW, 8 p.m., Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy., Flat Rock. “Smokey Joe’s Café,” will be performed through May 13. The show, featuring the music of Leiber and Stoller, will include hits such as “On Broadway,”S “tand by Me,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “Yakkity Yak” and “I Am Woman.” Shows are at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. For tickets, visit FlatRockPlayhouse.org, or call 693-0731.
Saturday, April 22
EARTH DAY SKILL SHARE FAIR, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., First Congregational UCC, 20 Oak St., downtown Asheville. A Skill Share Fair will be hosted by Transition Asheville and the Earth Team of First Congregational UCC to honor Earth Day. Participants may choose from a variety of practical skills that can help individuals to live more sustainably. MARCH FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS, 2-3:30 p.m.,. Pritchard Park, downtown Asheville. A March for Medical Cannabis in North Carolina will begin with speeches in Pritchard park, after which the gathering will march to Vance Monument. “We are here not to break the law, but to reform it,” a press release noted. “Bring signs, smiles, and respect.” The march is part of a statewide event. EARTH DAY FILM SCREENING/PANEL, 5:30 p.m, Lenoir-Rhyne University in Asheville, 36 Montford Avenue, Asheville. An Earth Day film, “Seed: The Untold Story,” will be screened, followed by a panel discussion. The documentary tells of seed diversity and its sad demise. The film takes viewers on a journey through heartwrenching stories of betrayal and loss, sober-ing facts about where seed is today — and is not — and the threats to seed diversity that threaten Americans’ very existence. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted at the door. CONCERT, 8 p.m., Diana Wortham Theatre, 2 Pack Place, downtown Asheville. A trio — including Liz Carroll, John Doyle and Billy McComiskey — will perform in concert. For tickets, call the DWT box office at 257-4530. J. MARK MCVEY CONCERT, 8 p.m., Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon. Broadway actor-singer J. Mark McVey, who is billed as having an “awesome” vocal range, will perform in concert. For tickets, visit tryonarts.org, or call 859-8322.
See CALENDAR, Page B6
Heritage Classic
Asheville Daily Planet - April 2017 - B5
Continued from Page B3
Antoine-Pierre said that “he didn’t believe me,” referring to the passion of her dancing. “Later, after working with me, he said, ‘I believe you,’” now,” Avery said, looking pleased. As for memorable humorous moments at Heritage, Avery said, with a laugh, “My earring flew off (her ear) during the competition,” but fortunately did not hit or hurt anyone. “Last year my earring flew off and hit another instructor, John King, while he was dancing on the floor close by, with his student. Although I didn’t know it was missing until I was off the dance floor and realized I only had one earring!” On another amusing note, Avery said, “My heel got stuck to my mid-thigh dress. I had to yank it (the heel) out of my fringe,” tearing her dress — “and I had to bow after that.” So what were some of the memorable highlights of this year’s Heritage Classic for Avery? “The older ladies in the category for ages 51 and up doing splits or balancing on one leg,” she said “It’s amazing because it’s inspiring” to younger dancers. “If they can do it, I feel I can do it.” Also, Avery said, “It amazes me the dresses.” She told of admiring what she described as “a simple dress, but beautiful — for $6,500... The dresses are one of a kind.” As Avery has learned, she noted, “The dresses are all done by hand. The stones are placed by hand. Price range for (ballroom competition) dresses” range from $1,500 to $10,000.” She added that the dresses’ cost are high because they feature Swarovski crystals, quality material, embelishments abd “lots of opening in places — and sometimes are strappy” and/or have lots of feathers. She added, “Men pretty much wear allblack, but a couple of the men wore shirts that picked up the color of their partner’s dress. I like when the leader’s costume complements their partner. It makes a couple stand out on the floor!” As for the Heritage Classic, she said there were “definitely a lot of collisions” between the couples competing. “It’s all about two couples with a routine going in different directions. In rhythm dancing, it’s nobody’s fault.” At that point, Avery defined “rhythm dances” — featuring a distinctive hip motion — as including cha cha, swing, bolero, mambo and rumba. In contrast, she said the “smooth dances” — featuring a gliding motion — include tango, foxtrot, waltz and Viennese waltz. “When waiting to go out (to perform) — I’m usually asking for words of encouragement,” Avery said. “Zeki (her partner and dance teacher), with a Turkish accent (but in English),” would tell her, “You’d better do good!” she said with a laugh. Then, he would add, “Just be confident, breathe and focus.” As a competition dancer, she said, “If you mess up, you just keep going on like nothing happened at all. Keep your poise. “It’s part of the acting. You walk out there, with your body up and fierce with attitude — and you have confidence. Some judges watch how you walk onto the dance floor. They want to see your confidence and what makes you stand out. “I have experienced some mild muscle pain in my leg while performing and because I knew it was nothing serious, I just went on like nothing happened. When competitors make mistakes or have collisions, they are to go on with the dance like a champ!. “When I perform, I try to be in ‘the zone’ and focus on what I;m going to do. I don’t focus on what’s going on in my personal life. I have to leave my drama at the door.”
Ariah Avery, dancing with teacher-partner Zeki Maviyildiz, performs a dramatic move.
Donated photo
Among the dancers that impressed her at the Heritage Classic were “a brother and sister couple …. They danced smooth…. They had extreme confidence and they were really comfortable with each other. You could tell that they were connected They were in their 20s.” Avery added, “I love making eye contact with audience members” while dancing. They smile back at me — or clap... I’ve been dancing socially for five years. I’ve been competitievly for a year in January. Regarding her interest in dancing, Avery said, “It’s definitely my passion, I want to be a stronger competitor. I am also a new instructor, I was certified in bronze american smooth and rhythm about six months ago. I love it!” There were four general categories of dance competition at Heritage: American Smooth, American Rhythm, Standard and Latin. Also, there were theater arts and solos. These categories were represented with Pro-Am and Pro-Pro. For a list of the winners, visit www. theheritageclassic.com.
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B6 - April 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Calendar
Continued from Page B4
Sunday, April 23
EARTH DAY VIGIL IN ASHEVILLE, 5-7 p.m., Pritchard Park, 67 Patton Avenue, downtown Asheville. An Earth Day vigil, “Active Hope,” will be hosted by the Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina. The vigil will celebrate God’s creation and call on people of faith to care for it. The vigil wil feature song, poetry, reflection and messages of inspiration and calling for action from local faith and community leaders. A reception will follow at Jubilee! Community Church at 46 Wall St. in downtown. Jubilee! is also the “rain-out” location. This event is free and open to the public.
Monday, April 24
PUBLIC LECTURE SERIES, 5:30 p.m., LenoireRhyne University, 36 Montford Ave., Asheville. Dr. Liz Colton will address “Navigating Flash Points of Foreign Policy” in a public lecture series titled “Diplomacy and Media in a Chaotic World. Colton is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and former U.S. diplomat in the Middle East. Doors open at 5 p.m. Registration is required. To register, call 407-4263, or visit Asheville.LR.edu.
Tuesday, April 25
ANALYSES OF EARLY TRUMP ADMINISTRATION, 7:30 p.m., Broyhill Chapel, Mars Hill University, Mars Hill. Following U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s first 100 days, MHU will hold an event to reflect on his actions and project how the rest of the president’s term may take shape. The event, “President Trump’s First 100 Days: Perspectives From the Left and the Right,” will feature a panel discussion. The panelists will include Rick Glazier of the North Carolina Justice Panel and John Hood of the John William Pope Foundation. The moderator will be Heather Hawn, a professor in MHU’s poltitical science department. Glazier has served as the exucutvie director of the N.C. Justice Center since 2015, following 13 years representing Cumberland County in the state
Singer-songwriter-actor Alice Cooper will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. April 29 in the Event Center at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in Cherokee. General Assembly. He has been teaching at Campbell University School of Law for 20 years. Hood is president of the John William Pope Foundation, a Raleigh-based grant-maker that supports public policy organizations, educational institutions, arts and cultural programs and humanitarian relief in North Carolina and elsewhere. Admission is free and open to the public.
Thursday, April 27
ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL, 6 p.m., Fine Arts Theatre, 36 Biltmore Avenue, downtown Asheville. The film “Wrestling Jerusalem” will be screened. Writer-actor Aaron Davidman embodies seventeen different characters in and around the city of Jerusalem as he takes viewers on an eye-opening journey into the heart of the IsraeliPalestinian story. Exploring universal questions of identity and human connection, the film challenges the audience to reconsider its views on the Israeli-Palestinian story in light of the film. This is a closing night reception to the Asheville Jewish Film Festival and director Aaron Davidman will be present. Admission is $25. BEATLES TRIBUTE SHOW, 6-9:30 p.m., Isis Restaurant & Music Hall, 743 Haywood Rd., Asheville. The fifth annual Sounds Effects concert’s featured headliner will showcase a performance — with full instrumentation — of the
entire Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour” album. Among the songs that will be performed are “I Am the Walrus” and “All You Need Is Love.” Proceeds from the event will go to the Asheville Music School. For tickets, which are $15 in advance and $18 at the door, visit — virtually — the Isis website at isisasheville.com or visit — in person — AMS, which is located at Pack Square in the center fo downtown Asheville. ECONOMIC CRYSTAL BALL PROGRAM, 7 p.m., Lipinsky Auditorium, UNC Asheville.Crystal Ball XXXIII will be hosted by Parsec Financial and UNCA’s Department of Economics. A reception will precede the program from 6:15 to 7 p.m. in Lipinsky’s foyer. Admission is free, but preregistration is required.
Friday, April 28
ASHEVILLE JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL, 1 p.m., Fine Arts Theatre, 36 Biltmore Avenue, downtown Asheville. The film “Wrestling Jerusalem” will be screened. (See April 27 listing for a capsule film summary). Admission is $10. GOODWILL FASHION SHOW, 7 p.m., The Orange Peel, downtown Asheville. This year’s “Color Me Goodwill” fashion show will add some four-legged models to the runway. Besides some fashions worn on the models, some special dogs, sporting their own fashion apparel, also will be included to represent the need of finding homes for the canines. A cocktail reception will precede the show at 6 p.m. For tickets, which are $15, visit www.colormegoodwill.org. SARA EVANS CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, 1028 Georgia Rd., Franklin. Sara Evans will perform in concert. Evans has amassed an impressive collection of awards, including female vocalist from the Academy of Country Music and video of the year from the Country Music Association for her ground breaking clip “Born to Fly.” At the root of all those accolades is a talent fueled by a Midwestern work ethic instilled by her parents. She grew up singing in her family’s band and then moved to Nashville, looking for a record deal. Legendary songwriter Harlan Howard heard her on a demo and helped open a door for her at RCA Records where she’s been ever since. For tickets, which are $30, $34 and $38, visit www. greatmountainmusic.com.
Saturday, April 29
FILM SCREENING, 2 p.m., Firestorm Coffee & Books, 610 Haywood Road. West Asheville. “Introducing Dorothy Dandridge,” one of six films presented by Black Star Line, Asheville’s new queer-, black- woman-owned brewery, will be screened.The biography of Dorothy Dandridge follows her career through early days on the club circuit with her sister to her turn in movies, including becoming the first black actress to win a Best Actress Nomination in 1954 for “Carmen Jones” to her final demise to prescription drugs, which was debated whether it was suicide or accidental. Brent Spiner plays her faithful manager who stood beside her through all of the roller coaster of her career. The film also examines her love affair with director Otto Preminger, which is shown to have probably initially helped her career, but later probably led her to some wrong decisions. The film also examines 1950s racism as the black star is not permitted to use white bathrooms or the Las Vegas pool. In the first situation, she was given a bathroom cup in which to urinate. In the second situation, the hotel drained the pool and scrubbed it after she dared put her foot in the water. ALICE COOPER CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Cherokee. Alice Cooper will perform in concert. Cooper, a singer, songwriter and actor, has performed for more than five decades. “With his distinctive raspy voice and a stage show that features guillotines, electric chairs, fake blood, deadly snakes, baby dolls, and dueling swords, Cooper is considered by music journalists and peers alike to be ‘The Godfather of Shock Rock,’” according to Wikipedia. “He has drawn equally from horror films, vaudeville, and garage rock to pioneer a macabre and theatrical brand of rock designed to shock people.” For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Sunday, April 30
WNC SOLIDARITY CONCERT SERIES, 3-5 p.m., The Block Off Biltmore, Eagle and South Market streets, downtown Asheville. Performing will be the Al Schlimm Quint. All of proceeds go to Our Voice, a nonprofit organization. Suggested donation is $10, and tickets are available the day of the event.
Dance with poise and confidence on that special day!
Your Wedding Dance can become one of the most memorable of life’s moments. We will help you look wonderful on the dance floor, giving you the poise and confidence you need as you dance your first dance as man and wife. A wedding dance can be fun, romantic, elegant, passionate, all or any of the above! We will take you step by step through your dance, matching easy to learn choreography to your special song.
Wedding Lesson packages are available in three levels:
Silver: Two 1 hour lessons and complimentary practice party. Lesson covers entrance to dance floor, dancing to music timing, correct dance hold, posture and dance frame. You will learn several figures to create an enchanting dance. $129 per couple. Gold: Three 1 hour lessons and complimentary practice party. Lesson includes all Silver fundamentals with a the addition of several turns and flourishes that will add charm and grace to your wedding dance. The additional practice time you will have with your instructor will bring you and your partner additional confidence. $179 per couple. Platinum: Four 1 hour lessons and 2 complimentary practice parties. Look your absolute best on the dance floor as you perform this most memorable and beautiful of all dances! You will learn more dramatic steps filled with grace, advanced styling and technique, and a beautiful finale to your dance. This level can include a Father/Daughter Dance and Mother/Son Dance if you wish! $239 per couple. Wedding Dance lessons make a wonderful gift for the new Bride and Groom.
Wedding Gift Certificates are available, please call John @ (828) 712-0791.
‘The Rat Pack’
Continued from Page B1 Frens did not resemble Davis or any of the Rat Pack members, even the extended version that included Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop.To his credit, Frens has a powerful voice and admirably sang his share — and more — of the show’s renditions of songs. Early in the show, Faucher noted that, “obviously,” it is “not a traditional tribute act,” in that Davis was not represented in the trio, but that the show instead was intended as a more general tribute, emphasizing the music and vocals of the Rat Pack. The two-set, two-hour show ended with “New York, New York,” which triggered a standing ovation from the roughly two-thirds filled auditorium that seats 250 people. The singers and band stayed on stage, bowing, and then asked the auidence if it would like to hear one more song. The crowd cheered for an encore. The group then launched into “My Way,” which could be said to be Sinatra’s signature song. The audience once again stood to applaud, but this time the singers and band bowed —and left the stage for good. The tight-sounding band was top-notch and included Nathan Hefner, keyboards; David Gaines, synthesizer; Bill Altman, guitar (and the show’s music director); Ryan Guerra, bass; and Paul Babelay, drums. During the performance of the songs, the trio members often would take turns singing the verses, while, on other songs, there would just be one lead singer. A show highlight for the vocalists was their impeccable three-part harmony and ability to sing falsetto. Earier, the show began after three dapper-looking men strode onto the stage, looking elegant in their black tuxedos, black bowties, black trousers and black shoes, accented by white shirts and white pocket squares. The band struck up the music and the trio lauched into two Sinatra hits, beginning with “The Best Is Yet to Come,” followed by a sizzling “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” At that point, the singing trio noted that they are part of the group, The Garden State Guys, which got its start on the Flat Rock Playhouse stage in 2012 and has experienced much success ever since, performing a tribute to the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons all over the country. They also noted that Valli and his group made “Ive Got You Under My Skin” a top 10 hit with their falsetto rendition in 1966. But it was Sinatra who made it one of his signature songs in 1956 with a definitive big-band arrangement by the late great Nelson Riddle. The show’s third song was Bobby Darin’s 1959 classic “Beyond the Sea” — a bizarre choice, given that Darin was never accepted by the Rat Pack, according to a Darin biographer. Other first-set songs included “You Make Me Feel So Young,” “Smile,” “Luck Be a Lady,” “Summer Wind,” “The Lady Is a Tramp,” “Foggy Day,” “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head” and “World on a String.” All of the songs were Sinatra hits, except for “Kick in the Head,” which was a Martin hit. The second set began with “That Old Black Magic,” followed by “That’s All,” “For Once in My Life,” “Just in Time,” “Fly Me to the Moon,” a Dean Martin medley, :”When You’re Drinking,” “I Love Vegas,” “You’re Nobody ‘til Somebody Loves You,” “Nobody Reprise,” “Sway,” “Where or When,” “Come Fly With Me.” The regular show concluded with “New York, New York.” Throughout the show, the vocal trio encouraged the audience to dance on the expansive floor in front of them, but the crowd seemed reluctant until later. While the trio did a good job of mixing drinks and joking in the background during the songs (a la the Rat Pack), it was
Wright
Instagram photo
Playing the Rat Pack are (from left) Greg Frens, Matt Faucher and Adair Watkins.
puzzling to see them without cigarettes in their hands. For Sinatra, Martin and Davis, cigarettes were ever-present. And a pleasant surprise in the show was Faucher’s wife Anne Marie, who sang — movingly — several Rat Pack songs. She also was stunning-looking, with a red 1940s knee-lengrth dress — and her hair was styled in victory curls. The otherwise terrific show would have been better with the addition of two of Martin’s greatest songs, “That’s Amore” and “Volare.” And it would have been wonderful to hear a rendtion of Davis’ version of “Mr. Bojangles,” which became his signature song; along with his biggestseller, “The Candy Man.” Also, it would have been a joy to hear other Davis hits, such as “I’ve Gotta Be Me” and “What Kind of Fool Ami I?” Next for the Music on the Rock Series at the downtown Hendersonville venue are “The Music of Simon and Garfunkel” from March 30 to April 9 — and “The Music of Johnny Cash” from May 4 to 14.
Asheville Daily Planet - April 2017 - B7
Continued from Page B1 Sat., 3/10/17 Patty & I hit the Voodoo shops. New Orleans is full of wonderful spiritual shops, some touristy, some for practitioners, some for shop owners. All are fun in their own way, but Voodoo Authentica was by far my favorite. The employees are super friendly and helpful and I felt right at home in the back of their shop asking for herbs from various sizes and shapes of glass containers with cork tops and swapping stories. Sun., 3/11/17 Patty bought a Ouija Board at Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo. We’ll try it out later and see what happens. If we can stay awake. I swear this building is draining every ounce of energy from each one of us. We can barely get out bed. We stopped by the hotel bar before heading back to Patty’s suite. She wanted to get the real story about her room and bartenders know everything. We found out that the haunted part of the hotel is Building 5. That’s where we were staying. He talked about the original part of that building being a hospital during some skirmish that pre-dated the Civil War and that guests reported seeing a dark haired woman with long hair and a bib dress. One guest snapped a picture of her on the patio. Also, he related that he was in the Latrobe Room, a banquet and meeting space located on the first floor of Building 5, on many occasions when a man would run into the kitchen area and tell him his wife was mad at him and yelling at him in another language. “What language?” he asked. The man answered that he didn’t recognize it. “Well, what languages does she know?” The man answered, “That’s the
thing. She doesn’t know any other languages.” He was a believer when the same thing kept happening over and over and it was always the same story, almost word for word. Mon, 3/13/17 Ouija board session last night. We kept getting a bunch of gibberish in answer to our questions, which made me feel like we were being played with. That made me cranky. I got a bit terse in my questioning and asked it the hard questions like, “What is your name?” Gibberish. So I began calling it Prissy Bunny and Kitten much to Justin and Patty’s dismay, especially Patty’s, since I was talking smack in her room and she would probably reap the fallout once Justin and I left and she turned out the lights. For once in my life, I finally remembered to close out a ouija board session and I gave stern orders that whatever was there was not allowed to follow any of us home or attach itself to us in any way. We sprinkled baby powder on the ouija board and placed the planchette on top. We figured if it wanted to communicate, the planchette would leave swirly patterns in the powder. As it turned out, no shaking bed last night but she did feel like she was being rocked. This was way after her full spectrum camera battery died. In 30 minutes. Spectral activity or crappy battery? Patty and Justin settled for crappy battery. Once again, I was awakened by the sensation that I was being gently rocked. Nice. I like huggers. In next month’s installment of our Paranormal Tour, I’ll tell you all about what else we found out about our haunted hotel and invite you along to a vampire speakeasy.. • Shelley Wright, an Asheville native, is a paranormal investigator. She owns and runs Nevermore Mystical Arts shop and works at Wright’s Coin Shop, both in Asheville.
B8 - April 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet