Mission, BCBSNC clash over contract
Asheville wins 3rd on ‘best’ list — See Story, Pg. A5
— See STORY, Pg. A2
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ bursts with vitality See REVIEW, Pg. B1
LLE I V HE AS ASHEVILLEʼS GREATEST NEWSPAPER
August 2017
An Independent Newspaper Serving Greater Asheville www.ashevilledailyplanet.com FREE
Vol. 13, No. 09
State passes district elections for council seats Passage follows compromise that changes the process for drawing lines
From Staff Reports
The North Carolina General Assembly on June 29 passed Senate Bill 285, an act requiring Asheville City Council members to be elected by district. Because the bill was strictly local, no gubernatorial signature was required. The new districts will apply to the 2019 election, provided the city fails to win any legal challenges. The idea was largely supported by Republican and business interests that feel the population of South Asheville is underrepresented.
It was not the motivation, but it was added later. As an afterthought, advocates pointed out districts could also help minorities be elected to council, but that depended on where the lines would be drawn. Districting is typically advocated by minority parties, using geography to increase partisan representation. All members of Asheville City Council are currently Democrats. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Chuck Edward, R-Henderson, won support from Rep. Brian Turner, D-Buncombe, when Edwards agreed to support having an
Legislature’s actions rated terrific, horrific
independent commission draw the district lines. The commission would have seven members appointed by council, with no more than three belonging to the same political party. The bill directs council to divide the city into six districts and change its charter to reflect the election of candidates to council from the districts and by the districts. The mayor will continue to be elected at-large. Should council fail to comply before Nov. 1, the General Assembly will create the districts during the 2018 legislative session. Turner said he believed the commission would advance redistricting reform in the
state. Traditionally, the majority party has been able to use their powers to draw representatives and candidates from the minority party out of their strongest constituencies and sometimes double-bunk them. This, in turn, leads to uncertainties with legal challenges, calls for special elections, and holds thereon. Turner was “for it before he was against it” because Rep. David Lewis, R-Harnett, later amended the bill to give Asheville’s council the option of drawing the lines itself. See DISTRICT ELECTIONS, Page A4
Linda Ronstadt given salute
By JOHN NORTH
john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com
Sharply contrasting reports on the just completed “long session” of the North Carolina General Assembly were presented by two local legislators representing the two major political parties during the July 14 meeting of the Council of Independent Business Owners. The hour-long breakfast meeting, which drew about 70 CIBO members and others, was held in the Mountain View Room at UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center. Making diverging presentations to the extent that they may have seemed akin to a parallel universe were Sen. Chuck Edwards, R-Henderson; and Rep. Brian Turner, D-Buncombe. Edwards spoke for 20 minutes and Turner, 10 minutes. Following party lines, a bright and glowing assessment of the GOP-dominated legislature’s accomplishments was given by Edwards, while Turner gave a decidedly dark and dire summary. Edwards also used part of his time to slam the coverage of the Asheville CitizenTimes, contending that the newspaper — decidedly liberal, in his assessment — is unwilling to print positive news about the actions of the General Assembly, where he and other conservatives hold sway.
State Rep. Brian Turner
State Sen. Chuck Edwards
Leading off, Turner said, wryly, “Yeah, I lost the coin toss, so I get to go first. “We just finished the long session… There were 925 bills filed in the House, only 380 made it to the Senate. Only 145 made it potentially to law. It’s a rough ride trying to get anything done in Raleigh.” At that point, Turner noted his concerns about the legislature making questionable moves. “No. 1 is the cuts in the Department of Justice,” he said. “Reduction of 120 attorneys. Those are the folks we rely on for felony repeals. So that will be a big shift.” Also, he said that the legislature has made cuts to funding for consumer fraud and elder abuse. “For those of you who have to deal with elder abuse and evictions, those things will be slowed down. See ACTIONS, Page A9
Special photos courtesy of SCOTT WOODY
Jack and Jilted
Q: My boyfriend of three years cheated on me, and when I found out, he dumped me. I’m getting over it, but boy, it’s a slow process. Some days, I’m fine, and others, I feel super sad or really angry. Is there some way I
A tribute show to Linda Rondstadt (shown above in the 1970s) was performed by singers (in photo to left) Paula Hanke (left) and Peggy Ratucz to a packed house July 15 at Isis Music Hall is West Asheville.
The Advice Goddess Amy Alkon
can speed up my recovery so I can get on with my life? — Wasted Enough Time
Want to know the answer?
See ADVICE GODDESS, Page A11
A2 - August 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Mission terminating contract with BCBSNC From Staff Reports
Asheville-based Mission Health System plans to leave Durham-based Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina’s network by Oct. 5. The contract termination makes Mission Health the only system in North Carolina outside of the payer’s network, BCBSNC said. As a result, BCBSNC policyholders would likely pay more to access Mission Health’s hospitals, outpatient facilities and most physicians. Some Mission Health physicians would remain in-network with the payer until March 2, 2018. Mark Werner, vice president of provider network at BCBSNC, said, “We are disappointed that Mission Health chose to cancel its contract with us rather than work toward a solution to keep healthcare and health insurance as affordable as possible for our customers in western North Carolina.” Mission Health cited six months of unresolved rate negotiations as a reason for leaving the payer’s network. “BCBSNC’s latest proposal imposes effective payment rate reductions to our health system at a time when modest annual increases are more important than they have ever been,” Charles Ayscue, senior vice president of finance and CFO at Mission Health, said in a release obtained by WLOS. “Even if we earn every dollar of pay for performance incentives offered by BCBSNC, we could at best get back to zero for three straight years.” BCBSNC is the state’s largest insurer with 72 percent market share, WLOS reported,. Mission Health began contract discussions nearly six months ago but stated in the press release that the health system isn’t any closer today to a contract resolution than when negotiations started. “BCBSNC’s latest proposal imposes effective payment rate reductions to our health system at a time when modest annual increases are more important than they have ever been,” said Charles Ayscue, Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer at Mission Health. “Even if we earn every dollar of pay for performance incentives offered by BCBSNC, we could at best get back to zero for three straight years. It’s simply impossible to keep up with rising medical supply,
pharmaceutical, and other operating costs, let alone provide future wage increases to our fantastic team members without appropriate annual adjustments to our payment rates from BCBSNC in the coming years.” Mission boasted that its health system is significantly more efficient than most health systems in the state and nation, and that efforts must continue to reduce costs amid an everchanging health care industry. As the region’s only safety net provider for all of WNC, Mission said any contract that puts Mission at risk would put the community at risk. Between 2014 and 2018, Mission Health will have eliminated more than $240 million in costs, including $70 million in reductions in 2017 alone. Mission has also made the difficult decision to cut its labor force and close vital services at several of its rural hospitals. In the last two months, Mission Health has announced the closure of its labor and delivery units at Angel Medical Center in Franklin and at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine. Those closures will leave maternity patients to drive at least 30 minutes to the nearest hospital to deliver their babies. Mission CEO Dr. Ron Paulus stated the labor and delivery units at those facilities were losing too much money to keep it going. Mission closed labor and delivery at Transylvania Regional Hospital a couple of years ago, claiming there weren’t enough deliveries occurring there to keep it open. However, just because Mission is terminating its existing contract, it doesn’t necessarily mean negotiations for a new contract can’t or won’t continue. Mission’s press release stated that putting an Oct. 5 deadline on the table would create more incentive for BCBS to adjust payment rates for Mission because failure to do so would result in a contract renewals with a perpetual zero percent increase. “The next few weeks may tell about BCBSNC’s intentions during the negotiations. Mission Health has agreed in principle to most of BCBSNC’s terms except for payment rates. We have embraced BCBSNC’s performance-based measures that pay us for quality and improved outcomes,” Ayscue said. “However, it is also true that these arrangements must be built on a foundation of fair payment rates from BCBSNC and a recognition that Mission already outperforms most health systems nationwide.”
Insurer fires back, calls Mission decision a ‘disappointment’ From Staff Reports The same day Mission Health announced its intentions to terminate its contracts with Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina, the insurer released its own statement for the public. Contrary to Mission’s claims that the notice of intent was a standard operating procedure, BCBSNC, for the public arena, expressed “disappointment” in the hospital’s literal decision. The blog post says the hospital, “Has chosen to cancel their contract with us rather than work toward a solution to keep healthcare and health insurance as affordable as possible for our customers in Western North Carolina.” BCBSNC claims it was Mission that “refused to budge,” after, “demanding rate increases that we can’t in good conscience ask our customers to pay.” It calls Mission out for high prices, not only for state-of-the-art, complex procedures, but for “common inpatient procedures such as deliveries, knee replacements and imaging procedures.” The insurer counters it is Mission’s request for “continued, significant price hikes” that is not sustainable. It further levels that it has been able to reach agreements with forty-three other hospitals in the state on terms similar to what it is asking of Mission. Both parties agree “runaway costs have become too large of a problem to ignore.” It’s gotten to the point neither hospitals nor insurance companies feel they are getting enough from patients in copays or premiums. In May, BCBSNC appealed to the state for permission to raise rates 22.9 percent, on average, for persons on Obamacare plans.
Asheville Daily Planet — August 2017 - A3
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A4 - August 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
City hires equity chief for $80K From Staff Reports Asheville City Manager Gary Jackson announced in late July that Kimberlee Archie will serve as the city’s first-ever equity and inclusion manager, effective July 31. Archie, who will be paid an $80,000 salary, will work with internal and external partners, nonprofits, the public and stakeholders to establish the use of an equity lens in all city program and policies. Initial areas of focus will include hiring and human resource management, purchasing, public engagement, sustainability, public safety and community and economic development. Her office will be in City Hall, where she will have a direct line of communication with the city manager. She will also be part of the
Communication and Public Engagement division, where she will have easy and regular access to all services, programs and initiatives across the organization through the division’s day-to-day support for the services and programs Kimberlee provided by all departments. Archie During its annual retreat in January 2016, City Council developed a 2036 vision in which it articulated the community as it is and as it strives to be in 2036. One of the eight focus areas of the vision articulated – “A Diverse Community” – encompass the equity lens through which the city seeks to achieve its goals, deliver services and programs, and maximize the quality of life for all, Jackson said.
Continued from Page A1 Lewis said the change was “largely clarifying” the bill, while Turner described it as “completely undermining” it and setting members of council up for allegations of self-dealing. The House approved the bill with Lewis’ amendment 31-12; the Senate, 63-47. But Mayor Esther Manheimer said the legislation could be challenged as “unconstitutional.” Uncertain of whether the proposed legislation would be voted into effect, Asheville City Council began what could be described as a campaign against it. Council commissioned a poll, which determined citizens were largely in favor of keeping council elections at-large, while also in favor of holding a referendum to gauge support for district elections. Now that the bill has been signed into law, council remains intent to continue with the referendum, a peculiar move, since North Carolina is a Dillon’s Rule state in which cities derive all their powers and their very existence from the good graces of the state. Julie Tisdale, city and county policy analyst for the John Locke Foundation, agreed there was probably more to this than meets the eye. The referendum would show public support for the city’s position in a legal battle; but, generally speaking, she said the state has the power to override anything the city does with its charter. City Attorney Robin Currin said she was not going to reveal her legal strategies. She
did, however, share that, based on certain case law, “We think we’re allowed to do that and let the referendum control.”
District elections
Published monthly by Star Fleet Communications Inc. JOHN NORTH Publisher
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Asheville Daily Planet —August 2017 - A5
Asheville wins No. 3 ranking on ‘Best Small Town to Visit’ list
From Staff Reports
College town. Bluegrass home. Culinary destination. Try as you might, it’s impossible to give Asheville just one label. Located in western North Carolina just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, the city is an unexpected gem, where a vibrant arts scene intertwines with Southern traditions and beautiful scenery. It’s safe to say, no matter what your interests, Asheville has something to offer you. “While history buffs get lost on the grounds of the Biltmore Estate, epicureans can sample from a culinary smorgasbord and test their taste buds at one of the city’s many breweries.” What’s more, it touts the River Arts District as a destination for “culture hounds,” and it suggests adventure seekers can “go full-throttle hiking, biking, zip lining or whitewater
Asheville was the only North Carolina city to make the cut in a recent U.S. News & World Report story about the “Best Small Towns to Visit in the USA.” Asheville snagged the No. 3 spot on the list — just behind Sonoma, Calif., No. 1; and Breckenridge, Colo., No. 2. While the city has experienced a surge in tourism in recent years, reaching nearly 11 million visitors last year, the ranking is likely to trigger an even larger turnout of tourists. The U.S. News & World Report ranking detailed many of the reasons why. THe magazine described Asheville as a “quaint mountain town. Hipster haven. Beer City USA. Outdoorsman’s retreat.
rafting in one of the numerous parks and forests.” “Asheville meshes together these personalities to make something uniquely its own, with an identity that is always changing, but somehow stays true to its roots,” it reads. The magazine chose cities from places with a population of “fewer than 100,000 that offer plenty of restaurants and attractions, plus have a unique character all their own.” To rank its list, the magazine analysed all small towns in America with a population of less than 100,000 that offer a wide range of restaurants and attractions, plus have a unique character all their own. Asheville also was ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 20 in Best Places to Visit in the U.S. — just behind Seattle (No. 19) and Yosemite (No. 18).
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Country for a Cause (2-Step) Last Thursday
Michael & Garry’s Blues Dance Party Second Monday
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DJ Kent Scott Late Night Friday (18th & 25th)
Jazz-n-Justice w/ Swing Asheville Tuesday
Salsa Lesson & Salsa Dance w/ DJ Malinalli Saturday
Peggy Ratusz’s Female Artist Spotlight Night Third Wednesday
WNC Solidarity Concert Series w/ Jason DeCristofaro & friends Last Sunday
Hemp & Hops Day Last Wednesday Jay Brown & LazyBirds -1-4 Thursday
Blue Spiral Tango Milonga Dance Last Sunday
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A6 - August 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Honduran Cuisine
OPEN NOW!
Located inside Dickie’s • Sara Vasquez, Owner
Serving breakfast 7:30-10:30 a.m. • Lunch and supper till 5:30 p.m.
Serving baleadas, fried chicken w/ green banana chips, Mexican plates, etc. •
(828) 713-9675
The ONLY authentic Honduran restaurant in Asheville!
Pollo Frito “Fried Chicken”
A quick and satisfying breakfast, lunch or dinner meal. Baleadas are thick flour tortillas folded over a variety of fillings, most typically know for a simple mix of beans, cheese and Honduran-style sour cream known as “mantequilla.”
Crispy fried chicken accompanied by green banana chips, topped with cabbage and a special handmade sauce.
Enchiladas Hondureñas
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Tacos Hondureños
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Not your typical taco. A deep-fried tortilla stuffed with meat, chicken and veggie.
Pupusas
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A thick corn stuffed tortilla filled with chopped pork, beans and cheese.
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Asheville Daily Planet - August 2017 - A7
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A8 - August 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Faith Notes 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.
Tuesday, Aug. 1
ABUNDANCE WORKSHOP, 6:30-9 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2014 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. A workshop “On Creating Consciously” will be led by Dr. Michael Ryce, the founder and director of HeartLand, a self-healing center in the Ozark Mountains. He is billed as a world-renowned lecturer and teacher on health and healing, with doctorates in naturopathic medicine and in holistic philosophy. He is perhaps best-known as the author of the 1997 international bestseller, “Why Is This Happening To Me ... Again?!” The workshop will explore the keys to abundance in health, finances and realationships; undoing blocks to expression; the four stages of prosperity; and the links between abundance and forgiveness. Admission will be on a love-offering basis.
Wednesday, Aug. 2
HEALING THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS WORKSHOP, 6:30-9 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2014 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. A workshop on “Healing Through Relationships” will be led by Dr. Michael Ryce. The experiential workshop will explore such questions as: Why relationships ... commitment ... or love? Why bother?” Ryce will explain the process of moving through fear and guilt to real love, how to form healing relationships and how to use forgiveness in relationships. Attendees are expected to gain awareness of issues that “keep you stuck” and tools that work. Admission will be on a love-offering basis. .
Thursday, Aug. 3
COMMUNICATION WORKSHOP, 6:30-9 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2014 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. A workshop on “Communication – Did You Hear What I Think I Said?” will be led by Dr. Michael Ryce. The workshop will explore ways to enhance aliveness, support creativity, open mutual support and communications in relationships and provide a system for spotting and changing life patterns. Ryce will teach how to see with clarity the detrimental effects of “projec-
tion communication” and grasp the simple shift required to enter the safety and effectiveness of “respons-ability communication.” Admission will be on a love-offering basis.
Friday, Aug. 4
RELATIONSHIP WORKSHOP, 6:30-9 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2014 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. A workshop on “Codependence to Interdependence” will be led by Dr. Michael Ryce. The workshop will explore if intimacy can be created through codependence, what the cause and cure of addiction is, what the precious gifts of a codependent relationship are and how are they acted upon. Ryce will explain that, when denial is removed, conscious relationships provide a forum for recovery. He will review tools for transforming dysfunction into health and wholeness through relationship and introduce the concept of the “Power Person” that is at the root of one’s personality formation. Ryce will show how to move past survival to the delight and aliveness that is not only possible, but, Ryce contends, one’s natural birthright. Admission will be on a love-offering basis.
Saturday, Aug. 5
BREATHING WORKSHOP, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2014 Old Fanning Bridge Road, Mills River. A daylong workshop on “Breathing,” using MindShifters and StillPoint, will be led by Dr. Michael Ryce. The workshop will explore the role of the breath in self-healing, how to use MindShifters to acess suppressed realities and how to remove emotions that promote unconsciousness. “StillPoint Breathing is deep, process-oriented work,” Ryce noted. “Experience the breath’s ability to reduce stress and remove limiting realities.” To preregister,which is required with a $125 fee for the workshop; call (954) 205-4996.
Sunday, Aug. 6
SUMMER SERVICE, 10:30 a.m., Anderson Auditorium, Montreat Conference Center, Montreat. The Rev. Mary Katherine Robinson, pastor of Black Mountain Presbyterian Church, will address “Enough??” in MCC’s Summer Worship Series. SPEAKER, 10:30 a.m., Stuart Auditorium, Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center, Lake Junaluska. The Rev. John Ed Mathison will be the sixth and final speaker in the six-week 2017 LJ Summer Worship Series. He is a retired UMC pastor and was “Man of the Year” in Montgomery, Ala., for 1978 and Citizen of the Year in 2006. He served 36 years as senior minister of Frazer Memorial UMC in Montgomery, during which the church grew from 400 to more than 8,800 members.
Friday, Aug. 11
SOCIAL JUSTICE MOVIE NIGHT, 7 p.m., Sandford Hall Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place, Asheville. The UUCA will screen its monthly Social Justice Movie Night offer-
ing, which is to be announced. After the sreening, a discussion will be held. Admission is free.
Friday, Aug. 25
COPTIC CONFERENCE, 2-8 p.m., Conference Hall, Blue Ridge Community College, East Flat Rock. The 2017 WNC Coptic Conference will be held Aug. 25-26. It will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Aug. 26. The conference, co-sponsored by The Namaste Center and Coptic International, is titled “Embracing Inner Peace: A Gathering of Light Workers 2017.” Personal service providers will be available for healing services and personal readings from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 25. Also, a bookstore and gift shop will be available, as well as a catered lunch. Speakers will include James Twyman, an internationally renowned author, musician and “Peace Troubadour;” Victoria Johnson, a seasoned practitioner of shamanic arts who focuses on assisting clients to live fully and to die consciously; Rob Wergin, a clairvoyant, clairsentient and clairaudient who leads transformational sessions throughout the United States; Barb and Bob Huttinga, both Coptic Ministers who use their spiritual training to counsel people who are seeking ways to create amazing lives; and John Davis, director of Coptic Fellowship International, an action-oriented modern philosophy based upon laws of balanced living. All are welcome to attend and admission will be a free-will offering. To register for the event or for additional information, visit www.copticwnc2017. com, or call Lori France at 676-2977. Fox Family Gospel Quartet Concert, 7 p.m., First Baptist Church, Weaverville. The Fox Family will perform in a concert, sponsored by the Weaverville Music Study Club. A freewill offering taken to benefit local music programs.
Sunday, Sept. 3
Labor Day Weekend Rummage Sale, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m., Congregation Beth Israel, 229 Murdock Avenue, Asheville. The synagogue will hold a two-day rummage sale at the same hours on Sept. 3 and 4. A large selection of quality recycled household items, boutique clothing, children’s stuff, arts and crafts supplies, garden goods will be offered for sale.
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Continued from Page A1 “We’re reaching crisis level funding for the courts,” Turner said. “We’re getting into constutitionally shaky areas for justice for the state” due to “lack of funding for court system in the state,” as a result of spending reductions by the General Assembly. “Another thing is cuts to the Department of Environmental Quality — cuts of service people,” Turner asserted. “Buncombe County has 59 hazardous waste sites. Those are all handled by DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality). So that backlog will get worse.” At that point, Turner conceded that there also are “good things that are happening” in the General Assembly. Sen. Edwards and others in the WNC delegation are trying to get through a bill to increase the number of school counselors. Turner said the current number of counselors is inadequate to meet the large numbers of state students affected by trauma. “I’ve got a bill dealing with mental health services in Buncombe County.” Turner added that his bill “would have diverted resources to where they were needed. Turner also said there is “a big push” for dealing with opioid problems “in Buncombe County, particularly,” and statewide. He praised the efforts of Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan (a Democrat) to get the opioid reversal drug Narcan “in the hands of those who need it... We’ve had some bumps in the road. We hope to get some of that money back (for the Narcan program) in the short session.” Finishing with a humorous flourish that had CIBO members and others laughing, Turner quipped, “I don’t want to take too much time because I know Mac (Swicegood) has a bunch of questions.” (Swicegood is known for asking tough questions of CIBO’s guest speakers.) Following Turner, Edwards began his address by holding up a July 12 printed edition of the Asheville Citizen-Times — and noted that the headline stated: “Buncombe Democrats frustrated by GOP.” Edwards said he showed the headline to his wife over dinner recently, promting her to order a second alcoholic drink. “She was just fuming,” he told the CIBO crowd. “Up to this point, I felt the newspaper was fairly accurate and fair,” Edwards asserted. “If I were writing the headline, it would have said: ‘North Carolina is doing great and the Asheville Citizen-Times won’t print it.” Edwards also complained that “I’ve sent several press releases with some great things that have essentially been ignored and have not been covered by the AC-T. As a result, he said, good news — he reiterated — not being reported by the newspaper. Next, in an apparent verbal jab at Buncombe’s Democratic legislators, he said, “If you spent your time in this past session trying to name spiders or legalize marijuana, then you deserve to be frustrated.” Continuing, Edwards said, “Let me tell you… some great things that are happening.” Edwards then turned to face Turner, who was sitting in the audence, and said, “And there are great things happening, Mr. Turner.” Turner remain silent, but smiled. Ticking off a list of what he termed great accomplishments as a result of the actions of the current General Assembly, Edwards noted the following: • The state recently has earned AAA bond rating, which is considered excellent. • North Carolina recently has amassed a $528 million surplus, meaning it has achieved fiscal stability. • Forbes magazine recently reported that North Carolina now ranks as “the national model for tax reform.” • The state tallied record tourism numbers for 2016. • “We’ve seen unemployment drop from 11percent in 2010 (under a Democratcontroled General Assembly) to 4.5 percent
this May” with Republicans at the helm. • North Carolina was rated on July 11 as 15th best among states for fiscal strength by George Washington University’s Mercatus Center. • North Carolina recently recored its highest-ever reading proficiency in its public schools. Edwards then noted that “Rep. Turner alluded to a number of things... It turns out any time you cut out jobs it becomes a crisis. I don’t think that’s ever going to change. “Early part of the session was dominated by differences between the governor and the legislature. That truly took the oxygen out of the air... “House Bill 2 (known as the “bathroom bill) no longer is a hindrance to business in North Carolina. We’ve taken care of that, while leaving bathrooms safe for women and children.” Edwards added, “It is important for North Carolina to save your tax money in years to come by helping make sure that kids are prepared for life when they come out of the third grade. “The third-grade, fourth-grade reading scores are one of the most critical factors, I’ve learned. If someone is a living, thriving human being, they’re much less likely to be dependent on society.” What’s more, Edwards noted with pride, “We did manage to hold the (state) budget to a 3 percent growth... “On the subject of taxes, we had a middle-class tax cut. Personal rates will fall… Ninety-nine percent of North Carolinans will see some sort of tax reduction with this tax package.... “We raised teacher pay. We added $700 million more for public education... Even while I’ve been in Raleigh, I’ve seen us accused of cutting public education” — and that is not true, he said. “Right here at home, we got $15.5 million for the North Carolina School of Medicine at MAHEC,” Edwards said. “We added money for firefighting aircraft... We did give every state employee a $1,000 raise — and I know every businessowner knows one way to keep employees involved is to give them an opportunity to raise their lifestyle.” Further, he said, “The Asheville Airport received about $4 million in funds for improvements. Asheville Airport is now fourth-largest airport in North Carolina... “We exempted military veterans from paying state income taxes... We raised principal and assistant principal pay... We provided performance-based bonuses “Representative Turner did reference the STOP Act. I wasn’t aware the impact opioids are having on our society. It truly is a crisis. I’m excited that we’re beginning to make some steps on that. At that point, Edwards quipped, as CIBO master of ceremonies loomed ever closer to him, “I see the hook coming.” The audience erupted in laughter. “The legislature — and me in particular— have taken a lot of flak for being cruel to municipalities. The people in Asheville sent me a 22-page report and said, ‘You figure it out.’ We can improve our footprint with our representation in Raleigh. “Last but not least is the Asheville districting bill. Folks, that’s not the end — that’s just the beginning. If we just have 6 percent turnout, as we’ve had in the past, districts are not going to help us,” Edwards said, in finishing his address. During a question-and-answer session that followed, a man asked, “What’s it look like in the future for projections for future spending?” The state is projecting “a major shortfall for 2019,” Turner replied. “So we’ve got major work to do by reducing costs or increasing revenue. I talked about cutting 40 percent of the budget in the state Department of Justice. Likewise, when you’re talking about education spending, we are spending more. But if you’re talking about spending per student, it’s down.”
Asheville Daily Planet — August 2017 - A9
RAD budget shortfall explained; questions fly; mayor catches flak By JOHN NORTH
john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com
The budget shortfall for improvements in the River Arts District was explained by Asheville city officials during the Council of Independent Business Owners meeting July 14 at UNC Asheville’s Sherrill Center. City officials spent about 10 minutes reviewing the situation, after which CIBO members and guests fired questions at them for nearly 20 minutes. Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, a Democrat, began the RAD update by thanking state Sen. Chuck Edwards, R-Henderson, for his efforts, noting that “he is right that are some good things happening that aren’t publicized.” She also praised (Rep. Brian) Turner (D-Buncombe) for his efforts. (Both Edwards and Turner had given CIBO a legislative update earlier in the meeting.) “As you have heard in the news, the bids for this (RAD) project came in very high,” Manheimer told the CIBO crowd. She noted that, to answer technical questions, she had brought along City Manager Gary Jackson and Jude Dundas, interim Assistant city manager and capital projects. “We’re trying to provide a palette for private investment,” the mayor added. “Because of the costs coming in higher than projected, it means future phases will have to be cut... These projects will be part of a future phase as funding becomes available.” Manheimer noted that the next steps include public work sessions and community engagement. During a question-and-answer session that followed, Asheville resident Shelia Surratt asked if a referendum to measure
citizen interest in splitting Asheville into districts for the election of City Council still will be on the ballot in November. “Yes,” Manheimer said. “It will be on the ballot in November.” CIBO member Mac Swicegood asserted, “It’s very embarrassing that the RAD cost is so much higher. So when we get into these greenways, which will be so much more expensive,” what will happen with their maintenance? In response, Manheimer said, “I will say parks and rec maintenance is a problem — not just in good times, but in a recession. Part of the bond referendum is going to go a long way to do that,” regarding Swicegood’s concerns about covering the costs of greenway maintenance. Jackson, the city manager, added, “All of the infrastructure that gets built… It’s not over-budget. Its a matter of being within budget — and the greenways were not part of the prioritization.” A man then said that “politics is about listening and getting things done At the last City Council meeting, you said you were shocked at how much the RAD project went over budget. “We’re seeing construction costs increasing 10 percent annually… My question is... how did this come about? Was it due to the facts weren’t related to public officials? Or a combination of all of the above?” “I think your question was how council didn’t know before the meeting,” Manheimer said in response. “The costs were looking higher, but not this dramatic. The bids did come in and they were very dramatic. The main concern was to keep the funding. They figured out the solution.”
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A10 - August 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
The Daily Planet’s Opinion Process needs to change after RAD overhaul cost blindsiding
T
he process was flawed and city officials did a poor job of keeping both Asheville City Council and the citizenry in the loop at a crucial point in the timetable of the massive River Arts District overhaul. Projected to cost $50 million, it came in $26 million higher. In the aftermath, project managers said skyrocketing local land and construction costs are to blame for the bids exceeding original projections by more than 50 percent. The RAD overhaul, paid for by taxpayers’ dollars and a huge federal grant, is designed to transform the arts-and-industry-dominated area along the French Broad River — a potpourri of art galleries, restaurants and industrial buildings — into a multimodal “green” hub and and an example for future development efforts. Alas, with the blindsiding over the recently revealed bidding sticker-shock, the city will have to, at least temporarily, shelve some popular features of the overhaul — three greenways, several bike-safety improvements (including a separate bike path) and significant upgrades to Livingston Street, a long-neglected area packed with public housing — to stay within its budget. As to what can be done, we strongly agree with the sentiment of Councilman Brian Haynes, who recently said he felt the process — involving the RAD overhaul — was flawed and that there was a lack of transparency at a crucial point in the project. “If we can only come up with two bidders for a major project such as this, then we need to revisit the bidding and qualifying process,” Haynes told the Asheville CitizenTimes recently, adding that it might be a good idea to divide “massive projcts such as this into a series of smaller projects,” which “would increase the pool of qualified bidders allowing smaller, local and minority-owned companies to participate.” Haynes also hit the nail on the head when he added that changes to the process for such projects as the RAD need to be made to restore community trust and to prevent a repeat of this imbroglio. City projects needs to proceed in a timely and fiscally conservative way, with a minimum of shocks to council members and taxpayers.
Don’t let the riptide of angry politics pull you under CHAPEL HILL — What is the biggest challenge that we, as individuals, face in this time of angry, petty, and deceptive politics that has infected our public life and seems to be pulling each of us under, sucking out of us every ounce of our humanity? It is as if we are in an angry and turbulent ocean. The riptide is carrying us away from shore, and even as we fight with all our strength, it is still pulling us under. So it is with the riptide of politics of anger and disrespect. We fight and flail with all our strength, and lose our battle in the ocean of politics by our own anger and mean-spiritedness. So what can we do to save ourselves and not give up our strong political beliefs and principles? I have no magic answers. I’m still caught in that riptide. But I think there are things we can do to calm our personal waters without giving up our commitment to participate in the political system and try to strengthen our country and improve the lives of its citizens. Here are a few things I am going to try to do: 1. Cut back or cut out cable news and opinion channels. Instead, watch the informative and enriching programs like those on UNC-TV’s Explorer and North Carolina channels. 2. Be kind to those who oppose you, even when they show no kindness and reek of anger. 3. Resist mean-spiritedness. It is so easy to let provocative statements that ooze with anger jar us off balance and tempt us to respond in a similar fashion. Such responses are almost always ineffective and drag us down to the level of the person who made the original statement. 4. Think critically, check facts, and frame your conversation about issues based on your own thinking, rather than on what people on your side have asserted. In The New Yorker in 1983, Ken Auletta wrote that the most important thing he had learned was to “have an independent mind-to think for oneself, to analyze by oneself, not to follow fashions, not to think like everyone else, not to seek honor or decorations, not to become part of the establish-
D.G. Martin ment.” 5. Build relationships with people who have distinctly different political views. Find ways to work with them in areas in which you both can agree to be helpful to others. Habitat for Humanity, prison ministries, and food services seem to be able to gather volunteers from all political persuasions to work together. In a recent column in The Herald-Sun, retired minister Joe Harvard asked, “When someone does something to you that hurts or something happens that shakes you to the core, how do you respond?” His answer: Build bridges. 6. Set aside a quiet time each day for reflection. In your prayers or meditations, seek wisdom rather than ask for specific help for your partisan political cause. 7. Generously support those who’ve taken on the burden of political service, and even give appropriate moral support to officials with whom you disagree. 8. Rejoice when there are unexpected acts of kindness from opponents. For instance, the next time the governor sends out cookies for you when you are demonstrating in front of the governor’s mansion against him or her, be gracious. Take a break and invite the governor to come eat the cookies with you before you go back to your protest. 9. Be cheerful, even when it hurts. 10. Smile. 11. Don’t give up your fight for your principles, but never give in to the evil mean-spiritedness that too many others on all sides have adopted. Don’t let that riptide of angry politics pull you under. Swim away, find calm waters, and save yourself. • 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
City termed unaffordable after wild spending spree
What most people don’t know is that our (Asheville’s) budget problems didn’t start in 2009 with the Great Recession. We actually had balanced budgets with cautious spending for years. Our problem started four years ago, when Mayor (Esther) Manheimer and her current (city) council came to power. The last four years this council, along with our city manager of 12 years, Gary Jackson, have been on a reckless spending spree, causing our budget to explode 70 percent. Their out-of-control spending has caused them to raise fees and taxes six times in the last four years. According to my figures, they will need to keep raising them for the next 10 years. This council will need millions of dollars on top of the bond money to keep the government afloat with their current budget obligations. What really bothers me most about this group of self-serving Jackson bureaucrats is the methodical way they mislead the voters. In last year’s budget, they had to raise taxes so it would balance. What’s really scary is that it had a $150 million budget with zero money left for the savings account. This year’s $176 million budget is worse. They had to raise taxes, pass a $74 million bond and re-evaluate everybody’s properties — and there’s still ZERO money in the savings account. How do you do that? The Jackson bureaucrats hit us with these taxes in the two weeks and the reason they did it this way was to ensure they have money for their high salaries, which is up
$10 million over the last year. You don’t have to be a mathematician or a business expert to know that if you are spending $90 million in salaries and only taking in $87 million in property and sales tax, that is a huge red flag. Other problems that have contributed greatly is that you have five city managers averaging $250,000 a year (in salaries), a mayor and council that have zero budet experience and only rubber stamp a budget that is spoonfed to them by Jackson. Now you can see why the 1 percent Jacskon bureaucrats need to keep feeding the machine. The machine has to pay for high salaries, unneeded greenways, a broke transit system, a river that floods, Belgium Beer Co. promises, cheap tourist jobs ... with water bills and taxes. The good news is that City Manager Gary Jackson will be retiring and moving away in 2018, which is the year when all of the tax bills come due. Unfortunately, he won’t be here to pay the price, but we will. Taxpayers have been lied to in the worst way for years, but you won’t read this in our paper, or hear it from the Chamber Zombies because they work hand in hand to keep this system going. CHRIS PETERSON Asheville
EDITOR’S NOTE: Peterson, a former Asheville vice mayor, filed a lawsuit in January 2016, along with retired attorney Sidney Bach, over the city’s $74 million bond referendum, suing over language used on ballots and other legal documents. They contend that the voter measures are invalid. See LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, Page A12
The Candid Conservative Eagles don’t flock — or use blue hair dye
“Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.” — John F. Kennedy
The Problem
M
y wife and I celebrated our anniversary at a nifty place – Chestnut – one of the many downtown eateries feeding Asheville’s much-deserved
culinary rep. Being humble souls, we skipped the elegance of the establishment’s deeper recesses for our favored seats – the platform fronting the window. We double dip there – eat well and people watch. The evening was not a disappointment – inside or out. The steady parade of faded T-shirts, tattoos, blue hair and grunge was remarkably consistent. For every person of dressier countenance, there were five draped in a China-generated cotton-T sporting a full-tilt grunge protestation. You’ve heard the echoes – “Asheville – Cesspool of Sin,” “Trump is not my President,” “Hate is not a family value,”” Keep Asheville Weird,” and my personal favorite, “Unleash Asheville.” To the extent Asheville has got to be one of the most unimpaired cities on the planet, the only thing left for the further ‘unleashed’ to do is set the place on fire. Watching the people parade was fun and got me thinking. You know, that thing nonconforming minds do to break the monotony. My conclusion – Asheville has become a cesspool of conformity.
What?
Yep – when half the shoppers at Walmart
Carl Mumpower are sporting blue hair, tats and Buddha belly button rings, the progressive-liberalsocialist movement has reached its apex. It’s downhill from here. What did you guys expect? Most of your material has timed out with bell-bottoms and lava lamps. Your central reference – Woodstock – has been mined of every possible slogan, clever protestation and cool looking anti-establishment look to be found. You dudes have been fighting the establishment so long you don’t know you’ve become the establishment.
Downgrading the culture
Someone recently asked why a psychologist bothers to wear suits. I didn’t tell the truth. It’s mostly because, beyond the tie I wear, I don’t have to make any morning decisions. My typical response is something like, “The less you’ve got in the package, the more you have to jazz up the wrapping.” That statement is at least half true. Polish can lift you and distract others. May one also suggest that today’s T-shirts and tats have become my generation’s version of button-downs and khakis? The not insignificant advantage of khakis is you can take them off. See CANDID CONSERVATIVE, Page A12
Asheville Daily Planet - August 2017 - A11
Commentary Conservative schism could result in political reset
T
he soap opera “Days of Our Lives under Trump” plays daily to an ever-growing TV audience. Some take it as comedy. Some take it as fantasy spun by the
Lee Ballard
media. Myself, I pay attention to details: the growing glossary of political cliches, how articulate print journalists are on camera and the awesome intellect of Indian-American pundits (interestingly, a word that came to English from colonial India). I noticed that hard-shell conservatives in Congress weren’t being very conservative. They betrayed states’ rights by collecting voter records in Washington. To get a healthcare bill through Congress, they threw billions of dollars around like birdseed, with no regard for national debt. And conservative stalwarts, like Charles Krauthammer, were pounding their Republican president mercilessly. I was driven against my will to write on conservatism and President Trump. By chance, my colleague who writes across the fold from me in these pages gave
us an essay on how well various political philosophies handle “responsibility,” a term mostly defined in his column by what Progressives-Liberals-Socialists don’t have. He gives Conservativism an A-plus in “responsibility.” Mr. Mumpower’s A-plus grade is correct. Personal responsibility has been a key principle of conservatism at least since William F. Buckley Jr. 70 years ago. In “The Conscience of a Conservative” (which I read back when I still was one), Barry Goldwater called it “individual responsibility.” The Goldwaters and Buckleys of the past – almost all elite intellectuals – passionately believed in an ideology that included limited government, low taxes, free trade, laissezfaire economics, foreign intervention, strong
Continued from Page A1 You wish him all the best, which is to say you hope a giant scorpion crawls out of the sand and bites his private parts. It’s understandable that you’re feeling overdue for a little emotional fumigation. But consider that there’s an upside to the downer emotions and not just for the dry cleaner who’s about to buy Crete after getting the mascara stains out of all your clothes. Though we tend to see our gloomier emotions — like sadness and anger — as “bad” and the “whoopee!” emotions, like joy and happiness, as “good,” evolutionary psychologist and psychiatrist Randolph Nesse explains that emotions are neither good nor bad; they’re “adaptive.” They’re basically office managers for our behavior, directing us to hop on opportunities and avoid threats through how good or crappy particular things make us feel. As Nesse puts it, “People repeat actions that made them feel happy in the past, and they avoid actions that made them sad.” Nesse believes that sadness may, among other things, be evolution’s version of a timeout. Note that a term psych researchers use to describe sadness is “low mood” (though it would more helpfully be called “low-energy mood”). Sadness, like depression, slows you down; you repair to your couch to boohoo, lick your wounds, and seek comfort from the two men so many women turn to in times of despair, Ben & Jerry. And yes, there’s value in this sort of ice cream-fueled Kleenexapalooza. Being sad is telling you “don’t do that again!” — while giving you the time and emotional space to figure out what exactly you’re supposed to not do. Because your emotions have a job to do, you can’t just tell sadness and anger, “You’re no longer wanted here. Kindly show yourselves out.” They’ll go when you show them that they’re no longer needed, which you do by reprocessing your painful experience into something useful. Unfortunately, there are some challenges to this, because when you’re upset, your emotions and all the things you’re emotional about become a big tornado of stuff whirling around in your mind “Wizard of Oz”-style. But what do we humans understand really well? Stories. And it turns out, studies on coping with breakups by communications researcher Jody Koenig Kellas find that creating a story about the relationship and the breakup
seems to help people adjust better and faster. Essential elements in this seem to be relating your complete story in a “sequential” way (in order), having a narrative that hangs together and makes sense, and illustrating it with examples of things that happened and giving possible reasons for them. The need to mentally organize what happened into a detailed and coherent story pushes you to reflect on and make sense of your experience in ways that less directed thinking does not. What seems especially important for moving on is making meaning out of the situation — turning the ordeal into a learning experience that gives you hope for living more wisely (and less painfully) in the future. Kellas’ results dovetail with decades of research by psychologist James Pennebaker, who finds that “expressive writing” (similar to what Kellas recommends) speeds people’s recovery from emotional trauma. But say you hate to write. Research by social psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky finds that recording your story (say, with the voice memo app on your phone) also works. You could also just tell the story to a friend or a homeless guy at a bus stop. (Give him a few bucks for lending an ear.) Finally, consider the difference between healthy storytelling, used to find meaning in what you went through so you can move on, and unhealthy “rumination” — obsessively chewing and rechewing bits from your relationship without insight, solutions, or relief. Psychologist Susan Nolen-Hoeksema finds that this builds “a case for hopelessness,” prolonging distress and recovery. A powerful way to unbuild a case for hopelessness is by recognizing that you have some control over what happens to you. You get to this sense through accountability — admitting that you have some responsibility for your present situation (perhaps by ignoring red flags and letting wishful thinking run the show). Sure, blaming someone else probably feels more gratifying in the moment. Unfortunately, this tends to lead to insights with limited utility — such as the revelation that Cheerios, oddly enough, do not actually cheer you up (not even when paired with a lactose-free milk substitute such as Jim Beam). • (c.) 2017, Amy Alkon, all rights reserved. Got a problem? Write Amy Alkon, 171 Pier Ave, #280, Santa Monica, CA 90405, or e-mail AdviceAmy@aol.com.
Advice Goddess
military and anti-communism. Their torch is carried today brilliantly by theoreticians like John Podhoretz and William Kristol. And at a level lower, old-time conservatism fires the blood of millions, definitely including politicians. Their belief is also intellectual, however, not experiential. When pure conservative principles have been applied to actual governing, they’ve flopped. The problem is, conservatism is not the way ordinary people think and live their lives. I don’t argue with the viewpoint commonly stated that America is a conservative nation. But grassroots conservatism doesn’t come from the ivory tower. American conservatives are just like everybody else in America. Practically speaking, they don’t buy into limited government or personal responsibility. They may talk about Medicaid’s being a giveaway program for their irresponsible neighbors, but dear old Mom is in the nursing home because of Medicaid. When the GOP planned to whack $800 billion from Medicaid funding in their healthcare plans, I’m convinced Paul Ryan and his ideological colleagues were fulfilling their dreams to force people to be personally responsible. And when only 12 percent approve of these health care bills, I think it shows that people don’t agree that Mom in the nursing home is their personal responsibility. Ideological conservatives live in another world from rank-and-file conservatives – so different they shouldn’t both be covered by the same word.
When I was a boy in Georgia, everybody was conservative – in the dictionary sense of hating change. Their patriotism was split between U.S.A. and C.S.A. And later, they jumped from Democrat to Republican after the Civil Rights Act. Evangelical Christians denounced the “liberalism” of northern denominations. By 1980, the various strains of “conservative” were under the shade of the GOP umbrella. And so it has been. Then along came Donald Trump. Ideological Republican conservatives flatout despised him. He was a charlatan, they said, a liberal, an opportunist. He preached tariffs, isolationism, universal health care and never touching entitlements. And he praised dictators. But those Southerners, thrifty rural folk and evangelicals flocked to Trump. Even now, they can be heard saying that critics of Trump are liberals. Evangelicals, Southerners and ideologues have all shared the conservative label for generations. But only the ideologues care about ideology. For the rest, it’s Trump-brand “conservatism” that’s sacred. They don’t give two hoots for free trade as an issue. Mr. Mumpower ended his piece with a section, “Political Reset,” but he didn’t say anything about a political reset. In fact, that’s what may well happen to conservatism, whether conservatives like it or not. • Lee Ballard, who lives in Mars Hill, writes a blog at mountainsnail.com.
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A12 — August 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Candid Conservative
Continued from Page A10 Everybody is struggling so hard to look different that we’re all looking alike. With this very apparent cultural slide in mind, might it be helpful to suggest that a sloppy look and a sloppy kitchen share the same impact? Striving for that Keep on Truckin’ 3 days of Peace and Music and mud and overrun Port-a-Johns look isn’t going to advance you, the culture or anyone but Chinese sweatshop owners.
The shrill voice of liberal media bias
It doesn’t take a genius to recognize the signs of desperation and disintegration in the left. For the moment let’s lay aside the reality their tax and spend ways have loaded us up with more debt than can ever be repaid. That’s a pretty sick legacy to hand the kids Mr. and Mrs. Woodstock. There are so many other clues I don’t know where to begin, so let’s pick a standout. How about the complete betrayal of ethical journalism standards by the mainstream media? Look up that profession’s code of conduct and you’ll be amazed. Most must have been smoking weed the day their liberal professor gave the 10-minute ethics lecture required for graduation. A quick summation of their stated standards of conduct finds five key components – Truth and Accuracy; Independence; Fairness and Impartiality; Humanity; and Accountability. Show me a mainstream media person who isn’t routinely satisfied with two out of five, and I’ll pass on a “I support President Trump” bumper sticker. It’s really scary that so many journalism
outlets – including our local daily – have abandoned any pretense of objectivity and are now unadulterated advocates for liberalism. Most are selling a leftist agenda like they sell cars and groceries. Unethical journalism is a big deal. These men and women keep the lights on and without all five fingers conscientiously on the switch, the world will get darker.
Dependency assures a liberal demise
Anyone searching for the left’s heartbeat need look no further than the promise of something for nothing. That’s how they seduce voters; project virtue; justify hostility; and sell unilateralism – they promise people things people do not believe they can earn for themselves. It’s a cheap trick with expensive consequences Cultivating dependency is easy. If you don’t believe me, start feeding those bears that seem to have Asheville surrounded. Watch how they become less afraid and more demanding. Then witness the hostility you inherit upon deciding you don’t want to feed the bears. It’s called ‘hostile dependency’ – something the left apparently doesn’t understand. Nature rewards personal responsibility and punishes dependency by making sure the latter always comes with a matching ounce of hostility. Cultivating neediness is similar to unleashing a virus that turns humans – and bears – into ravenous zombies with limited social graces. Watch this cycle in the elitist left’s anger over loss of power and control. Though leaders and followers alike derive immense satisfaction in channeling their rage at conservatives, both are naive on the consequences. As surely as depen-
Letters to the editor Continued from Page A10
‘Concerned’ voices in 2 local U.S. senators urged Asheville called hypocrites to back ACA repeal/replace One of the persisting lamentations over In May, the House passed the American Health Care Act, their version of an Obamacare (Affordable Care Act) repeal and replace. Though the AHCA was not a full repeal of Obamacare, it did move the debate to the Senate. Now the Senate has an opportunity to make the AHCA more conservative. There’s three things that the Senate must push for to ensure the final bill addresses our major concerns here in Western North Carolina. First, the Senate must make sure that Obamacare taxes are repealed once and for all. The AHCA did just that, and now the Senate must ensure this isn’t diluted in their version of the bill. Secondly, any Obamacare repeal bill in the Senate should roll back Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion, lock in new reforms, and make sure we do not bankrupt our nation. And finally, the Senate’s bill must empower states. The House bill included language that allows states to opt out of some of Obamacare’s burdensome mandates, and it’s important the Senate version gives states the ability to control their insurance markets. The American people have been waiting for Obamacare repeal for seven years. Now it’s up to the Senate to make it happen by repealing Obamacare’s taxes, rolling back Medicaid expansion and empowering states. Senators (Richard) Burr and (Thom) Tillis — it’s time to get it done! JANE BLEVINS Chair, Asheville Tea Party Hendersonville
Asheville district elections centers on the lack of local input. May one invest matching enthusiasm in suggesting with today’s endless accessibility, input is never a problem. Having an audience as you seek to orchestrate your preferred outcome – actions more devoted to control than contribution – might be. One of the best measures of political sincerity is a willingness to challenge your own team while they hold the reins of power. Contrary to the pretense of virtue, most liberal media outlets and citizen groups busily beating up Republican officials have a long history of silence when it comes to their own. That trail of resistance marks a passion for supremacy, not justice. As for the hand-wringing over the absence of a referendum, state Sen. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson) is correct in noting it makes no sense to give those who’ve seized control opportunity to repeat their mission. For proof-positive of the insincerity of so many “concerned” voices in Asheville, one need look no further than their input on Asheville’s longstanding 7-0 governance imbalance. This ultra-liberal power block has been met with one cohesive progressive response – a persisting barrage of silence. CARL MUMPOWER Chairman, Buncombe County Republican Party Asheville
Districts’ referendum vote termed ruse by city leaders
Municipal district elections are coming to
dency is linked to hostility, anger is linked to depression. Angry people are miserable. Miserable people do not inspire allegiance and thus the left is losing its sticky grip on the hearts and minds of more Americans.
An indifference to nature
If you want to set yourself up for failure, pursue a course that runs counter to nature’s truths. You can’t successfully swim up a river or against nature. Need an example? How about three? Nature is persistently antagonistic to the left’s core fascinations – gender swapping, abortion and casual sex. Most mature adults – Islamists excepted – got beyond the hate thing with the LBGTQ crowd some time ago. Unfortunately, we skipped over balance and honest discussion and landed in the opposite ditch of celebrating sexual elasticity. It’s not a festive matter. Gender swapping pits one against physical, emotional and social realities concealing a magnitude of consequences. Hate people who’re gender confused? Not if one believes in love and the Bible’s voice. Pretend the health, mortality, natural consequences and other statistical realities don’t matter? Nope – and for the same reasons. No matter what advocates say, abortion rights are more about convenience than choice. There are no easy answers on this one, but the right to casually chose to end the futures of 60 million wannabe children because they don’t yet have a name and voting rights seems a tad off the mark. Allow me one additional observation – women civilize the world. To trifle with that special power is more about trampling than empowering. Ending a life that’s found traction has echoes lasting a lifetime. Speaking of casual, no matter how much the left tries to hyper-sexualize America,
Asheville. This voting method separates the city into six geographical areas for electing six city council members. Candidates must reside in their separate districts and be elected by voters from that district. The mayor is still be elected by all of the city. District elections are all about regional representation, increased democracy, and decentralization in city politics. A law requiring this election method for Asheville was passed by the state legislature in June. Senate Bill 285 mandates that the city change its charter by November 1st to provide for election districts starting with the 2019 elections. On Tuesday, July 25, Asheville City Council voted to place a referendum on the ballot that purports to allow the voters of Asheville to decide the matter. This is a ruse. You are being lied to. This issue has already been decided by law and a vote against it would only be used to manufacture evidence for a court challenge in a desperate play to maintain the status quo by a few. Senate Bill 285 is clear and in no way allows the results of a local referendum to take precedent over legislation passed by the General Assembly. TIM PECK Asheville See LETTERS TO THE EDITOR, Page A14
TO REPORT AN ERROR
The Asheville Daily Planet strives to be accurate in all articles published. Contact the News Department at news@ashevilledailyplanet.com, (828) 252-6565, or P.O. Box 8490, Asheville, N.C. 28814-8490.
sex is not a without consequence action. Treating women as toys for little boys mocks equality. It’s no wonder so many young women are embracing the ravenous model of men. In liberalism’s carelessness, we’ve abandoned too much of what nature tells us makes women special. When women begin to think becoming as stupid as men is a good thing, our social order is at grave risk. Nature is clear that we live in a self-correcting world. Liberalism – per its antagonism to nature – is busy strangling itself.
In conclusion
Liberalism in today’s America has nothing to do with the search for truth, justice and opportunity that once characterized the movement. Deception, control and dependency have silently become their soulpoisoning mantras. Ironically, conservatism – with its dedication to reality, reason, responsibility and right – has become this century’s counterculture. Need proof? Witness the left’s shock at the election of President Trump. They’ve had control for so long, they assumed national conformity. The existence of a conservative majority got missed in the midst of liberal orthodoxy. Need more proof? Just head up town and find a good place to people watch. You’ll see a lot of lost souls frolicking in a cesspool of progressive conventionality. It’s not too late to step out of the puddle and become a real non-conformist. I know of a candid conservative who’d be happy to help.… • Carl Mumpower, a psychologist and former elected official, is chairman of the Buncombe County Republican Party. He can be reached at drmumpower@aol.com.
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Asheville Daily Planet — August 2017 — A13
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A14 - August 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Letters to the editor Continued from Page A12
Area business group CIBO voices its support for police
On behalf of the Council of Independent Business Owners, I would like to take this opportunity to voice our support for local law enforcement agencies. We often forget how much we depend on these agencies. Whether it is a minor fender-bender or a tragic event, we all expect an immediate response from them. A perceived minor event can quickly turn into a serious one, and split-second decisions and quick reactions may make the difference between life and death. As an organization that represents the business community in Asheville and Buncombe County, we would like to go on record as wholeheartedly supporting the law enforcement community. We appreciate the important job they do, along with their willingness to dedicate themselves to public service. Nathaniel E. Cannady President Council of Independent Business Owners Inc. Asheville
Harry Prime’s death marks loss of a top big band singer
Dorsey and Ralph Flanagan orchestras during the Big Band Era, recording most of his songs with the Flanagan band. His biggest hit was with the Dorsey band ... “Until” was a million-seller, but many recordings with Flanagan revealed a top-quality voice with impeccable phrasing. “Dear Hearts and Gentle People,” “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning,” “Nevertheless” and “Just One More Chance” (my personal favorite) are excellent examples of Harry’s vocal prowess. Harry Prime He belongs right up there with the likes of Bob Eberle, Billy Eckstine, Joe Williams, Frank Sinatra and Perry Como. I’ll remember Harry for his kindness to me — just a fan — and for letting me take a picture of him and Flanagan’s female vocalist Peggy King, when they worked with Ralph back in 1951. RIP, Harry Prime. Your congenial personality will also be remembered along with your unique singing style. Herb Stark Mooresville
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Sad news. One of the best big band singers, Harry Prime passed away from natural causes on Thursday, June 15, at age 97. Harry sang with the Randy Brooks, Jack Fina, Tommy
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References
Asheville Daily Planet - August 2017 - A15
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A16 — August 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
“Return to your heart .... come home to Namaste!”
Highlight Events for August:
John Dumas on August 4 and 9
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Coming in September! Ana Hernandez
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Entertainment & Calendar of Events
Special Section PULLOUT
B1
Asheville Daily Planet — August 2017
‘Fiddler on the Roof’ fueled by sheer exuberance, great songs
By JOHN NORTH
john@AshevilleDailyPlanet.com
WAYNESVILLE — HART Theater’s production of the often-revived musical comedy “Fiddler on the Roof” was nothing less than a sparkling jewel — and its universal theme remains relevant today. Highlights included the high energy and enthusiasm of the performers, coupled with renditions of some of the greatest songs ever written for a Broadway show. The show’s director, Steve Lloyd, who also is executive director of HART, was spot-on when he termed it “one of the best musicals ever written” in the show’s playbill. Under Lloyd’s sharpe-eyed direction, the show faithfully adhered to the theme on which it was written, and avoided sucPhoto courtesy of HART THEATER cumbing to the temptation of modern-day revisionism and political correctness. Above, some cast members of HART’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof” “Fiddler on the Roof” was also HART’s perform a folk dance. Below left is Tevye alone and below right is a fatherbiggest production of the year — and daughter scene. the July 8 show on which this review is centered was a near-sellout of the 255seat James Auditorium. Reportedly, it was nearly a sellout on opening night, too. The show, which ran July 7-30, featured a cast of 30, a live orchestra and elaborate costumes and sets. Opening night included a big bash in the theater’s lobby. The much-beloved show, with the book written by Joseph Stein, music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, was appropriately high-spirited and featured a musical score that is nothing less than stellar. The central character is a Jewish milkman, Tevye (played masterfully by Jeffrey Streitfeld), who lives in a Russian shtetl in the town of Anatevka in 1905, on the eve of the Russian Revolution. Tevye constantly expresses his consternation, shakes his fist and jests with what he sees as an indifferent God. (Lyn Donley), Tevye’s wife; and Tzeitel As the show ends, the Jews of AnatAs outside influences encroach upon the evka — under an edict from the tsar that (Martine Rose), Tevye’s oldest daughter; and family members’ lives, Tevye, the father Yente, the matchmaker (Susan Rudniak). evicts them from their village — are of five daughters, attempts to maintain his The talented orchestra, directed and marching toward their unknown destinies Jewish religious and cultural traditions. in the shadow of a threatened pogrom. conducted by Daniel Hensley, included Isaac He must cope both with the strongUltimately, “Fiddler on the Roof” is the Fulk and Sarah McCoy, piano; Sabrina Kuwilled actions of his three older daughstory of the gradual disintegration of a mar and Jim Anthony, winds; Sadie McLure, ters, who wish to marry for love instead violin; Mary Jo Sparrow and Jai Kumar, of the parents making a suitable match, as family — and a community. In addition to Streitfeld’s top-notch perforbrass; Jason Slaughter, brass/bass; and Dave per tradition. What’s more, each daughmance of Tevye, especially good efforts were Bruce, percussion. ter’s choice of a husband moves further registered in the roles of dark-haired Golde away from the customs of his faith. See ‘FIDDLER,’ Page B7
Shelley Wright
Traveling like an explorer ....
I
love going on an investigation or expedition and later seeing it on a TV show, where I can excitedly exclaim, “I’ve been there!” Of course, for paranormal investigators, it’s more like, “I was strangled there!” or “Dracula bit me there!” In the case of Dracula, I was watching the opening montage of one of Josh Gates’ special behind-the-scenes episodes for “Expedition Unknown” one evening when I stopped cold. I mashed the button on my DVR to go backwards and then hit play. Is that...? No, it couldn’t be.... I backed it up again and hit play. Holy crap! It was the same guy that played Dracula in a dinner theater that our group participated in shortly before we came back home. Dracula was a little long in the tooth; age — not actual teeth. I believe the story was that we were all guests in the castle of Count Dracula. He was a little older than I imagined. He was very pale and his cape was wrinkled like he’d slept in it. It also looked like he might’ve rolled around in the dirt a bit. I guess it got there when he laid down in his coffin. Everyone knows Dracula has to sleep in his native soil. Duh. The evening was progressing nicely. We ate a hearty dinner and drank wine as Dracula stopped by all the tables to chat with the guests a bit. Every so often, he would offer his outstretched hand to one of the ladies and take them into his arms and dance with them. Demented Patty was one of the chosen ones. She couldn’t suspend her disbelief and laughed through the whole thing. A little while later, he made his way back to our table and offered his outstretched hand to me! I was caught up in the moment. I was drawn into his waiting arms where I caught a scent of... eww... that’s dirt. I danced around and laughed. And then this older gentleman with the shockingly white hair narrows his eyes and closes in on my neck slowly. Oh so slowly.... And then he bit me! With real teeth! I could honestly say that I went to Transylvania and Dracula gave me a hickey! It’s true. I had the bruise to prove it. Luckily, he did not break the skin. See WRIGHT, Page B7
Dirty Dancing gala to offer film screening, shimmying Aug. 18-19 From Staff Reports
“Dirty Dancing” movie website photo
Jennifer Grey and Patrick Swayze get close in a scene from the 1987 film “Dirty Dancing.”
LAKE LURE — The eighth annual Dirty Dancing Festival will celebrate its namesake film’s 30th anniversary with movieinspired fun sure to move “Dirty Dancing” fans out of the corner and into the spotlight in Morse Meadow on Aug. 18 and 19. Special guest Stacey Widelitz, who co-wrote “She’s Like the Wind” with Patrick Swayze, will also share his experiences
working on the film and his continued relationship with the Swayze family. “Dirty Dancing” fans will celebrate the film with movie-inspired dance lessons and performances, live music, watermelon carrying games, the Lake Lift competition, food, beer and wine garden, arts and craft vendors.
See DIRTY DANCING, Page B7
B2 - August 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Nevermore Mystical Arts A paranormal boutique Donated photos
The annual Dirty Dancing Festival at Lake Lure will be held Aug. 18 and 19. The 1987 classic film “Dirty Dancing” will be shown on a large outdoor screen, beginning at 8 p.m. Aug. 18, in Morse Park Meadows. Bands performing at the festival include The Extraordinaires (top left), The Mighty Kicks (top right) and the Asheville dance band Dashboard Blue (bottom center). Aug. 19 will feature a full day of music, dancing and fun, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in the park.
Calendar
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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.
Wednesday, Aug. 2
“DREAMCOAT” SHOW, 2 and 7:30 p.m., mainstage, Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock. The show “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” will be performed through Aug. 20. The show is billed as “an irresistibly family-friendly” reimagining of the biblical story of Joseph, Israel’s favor son. It features a memorable score by Andrrew Lloyd Webber and Time Rice. Showtimes vary. For tickets, visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.
Thursday, Aug. 3
PARK RHYTHMS CONCERT SERIES, 7-9 p.m., Lake Tomahawk, Black Mountain. The band A Social Function will perform classic Top 40 music in the weekly Park Rhythms concert series. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets. Admission is free. MOTOWN SUMMER NIGHTS TRIBUTE SHOW, 7:30 p.m., downtown venue of Flat Rock Playhouse, downtown Hendersonville. A tribute show, “Motown Summer Nights,” will be presented Aug. 3-13. Thursdays shows are at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit FlatRockPlayhouse.org, or call 693-0731.
Friday, Aug. 4
LEAF DOWNTOWN, 3 p.m., Pack Square Park, downtown Asheville. The third annual LEAF Downtown, a free two-day music and arts festival, will feature the funk masters, The Family Stone, as its headliner band. The event, which runs Aug. 4-5, showcases international and local musical talent, along with immersive cultural arts performances and local arts, crafts and food. (The festival starts at 9 a.m. Aug. 5.) Other musical acts will include the Easy Star All-Stars, Rare Essence, Escort,
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LEAF Funk Mix-Tape Band, Billy Jonas, Black Masala, The Digs and I-Star. Among the other performers will be The Paper Crowns, The Hustle Souls, Back South Band, Nex Millen, DJ Malinalli, The Lefties, Lisa Zahiya, Otta Aquaboogy, Big Chief Shaka Zulu, Toy Box Theater, Hood Huggers Community Talent Show and LEAF International NOLA. Three stages will be set up in the downtown park. Admission is free. FILM DIRECTOR TALK/Q&A/FILM SCREENING, 7 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin. The film “Is Genesis History” will be screened, with special guest Thomas Purifoy Jr., director of the documentary, serving as the program’s highlight. Purifoy will introduce the film. After the screening, he will hold a question-and-answer session. The documentary features more than a dozen scientists and scholars explaining how the world intersects with Genesis. From rock layers to fossils, from lions to stars, the film is billed by the SMCPA as being able to “change the way you see the world. The film’s goal is to provide a reasonable case for Creation in six normal days, a real Adam and Eve, an actual fall, a global flood and a tower of Babel.” Dr. Del Tackett, creator of “The Truth Project,” serves as the documentary’s guide — hiking through canyons, climbing up mountains, and diving below the sea — “ in an exploration of two competing views and one compelling truth,” the SMCPA noted. For tickets, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com. MUSIC ON MAIN STREET CONCERT/DANCE, 7-9 p.m., outside of Visitor Center, 201 S. Main St., downtown Hendersonville. The weekly Music on Main Street summer concert series will feature the dance band Gotcha Groove. In addition to listening and watching, many in the crowd dance in a large roped-off area in front of the stage. Attendees are urged to bring chairs and/or blankets. A classic car show also will be held along the street adjoining the concert area. Admission to the concert and car show is free. “A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM” PERFORMANCE, 7:30 p.m., Gangmeyer Theater, Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be performed by HART from Aug. 4 through Aug. 20. Showtimes vary. For tickets, visit www.harttheater.org.
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Asheville Daily Planet - August 2017 - B3
The Return: A Tribute to the Beatles (left) will perform its salute to the Fab Four at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts in Franklin.
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Calendar of Events Continued from Page B2
Saturday, Aug. 5
ART & CRAFT FAIR, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., on the grounds of the Cathedral of All Souls, Biltmore Village, Asheville. The 45th annual Village Art & Craft Fair will be held Aug. 5-6 in Biltmore Village. The outdoor fair will run from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 6. The fair features 114 artists from 16 states, with full spectrum of craft media available to purchase in all price ranges — jewelry, ceramic, wood, fiber, metals, two-dimensional art and more. Fair-goers also will be aforded the opportunity to discover new artists (26 are first-time exhibitors) — and to talk with crafters one-on-one. Some 36 artists are from Western North Carolina. Attendees are invited to take a look inside the church while they are there. Admission to the fair is free.
Thursday, Aug. 10
PARK RHYTHMS CONCERT SERIES, 7-9 p.m., Lake Tomahawk, Black Mountain. The Big Deal Band will perform bluegrass music in the season finale of the weekly Park Rhythms concert series. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and/or blankets. Admission is free.
Friday, Aug. 11
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 Sharon McCrumb’s 2012 work, “The Ballad of Tom Dooley: A Ballad Novel.” All are welcome to attend. Admission is free. MOVIES IN THE PARK, dusk, Pack Square Park, downtown Asheville.The film “Moana” will be shown in the Movies in the Park summer series. Attendees are urged to bring blankets and/or lawnchairs. Admission is free. MUSIC ON MAIN STREET CONCERT/DANCE, 7-9 p.m., outside of Visitor Center, 201 S. Main St., downtown Hendersonville. The weekly Music on Main Street summer concert series will feature the band Dashboard Blue. In addition to watching, many in the crowd dance in a large roped-off area in front of the stage. Attendees are urged to bring chairs and/or blankets. A classic car show also will be held along the street adjoining the concert area. Admission to the concert and car show is free. SHENANDOAH REUNION CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin. The country music group Shenandoah will perform in concert as part of its 30-year anniversary tour. For tickets, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com. “THE LOVES OF ELAINE” PERFORMANCE, 7:30 p.m., The Feichter Studio, Haywood Arts Regional Theatre, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville. William Shakespeare’s “The Loves of Elaine” will be performed by HART from Aug. 11 through Aug. 20. Showtimes vary. For tickets, visit www.harttheater.org.
Saturday, Aug. 12
TRAIN EXCURSION, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Walmart Super Center, 25 Northridge Commons Parkway, Weaverville. A scenic train trip through the mountains of the Southern Appalachian region will be offered on the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad. The train will follow the route of the former Southern Railway’s Murphy branch line, established in 1891, with a 5 percent grade, many bridges and highlighted by the sparkling whitewater Nantahala Gorge. Passengers may ride in Coach Class ($83 for adults and $69 for children ages 2 to 12), Crown Class ($96 for adults and $79 for children ages 2
to 12) or First Class ($152 for adults ages 21 and older). For Asheville-area residents, the triip will begin at 10 a.m., where they will be picked up by a bus at 10 a.m. at Walmart in Weaverville and arrive in Bryson City in time to shop and snack. They then will board the excursion train at 1:45 p.m. for the 4.5-hour roundtrip to the Nantahala Gorge for sightseeing. The Asheville-area contingent is expected to return to Weaverville at 7:30 p.m. For tickets or information, call (423) 753-5797, or email wataugavalley@embarqmail.com.
Tuesday, Aug. 15
FAITH AND FREEDOM RALLY/BBQ DINNER, 6:30-8 p.m., WNC Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher. Congressman Mark Meadows Annual Faith and Freedom Rally will be held. In addition to the keynote speech by Meadows, R-Asheville, the special guest speaker will be Adam Brandon, chief executive officer of FreedomWorks. Lt. Gov. Dan Forest will serve as the master of ceremonies. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., with the event running 6:30-8 p.m. Admission is $40 per person, which includes a barbecue dinner.
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Thursday, Aug. 17
RHYTHM & BREWS CONCERT, 7-9 p.m., Main Street (between Caswell and Allen streets), downtown Hendersonville. The summer Rhythm & Brews outdoor concert series will headline the band Come Back Alice. Earlier, from 5 to 7 p.m., local singerssongwriters and opening acts will perform. The event also will showcase local brews. Admission is free.
Friday, Aug. 18
DOWNTOWN AFTER 5 CONCERT, 5-9 p.m., North Lexington Avenue (near the I-240 overpass, downtown Asheville. The DA5 summer outdoor concert series will feature — at 7 p.m. — the headliner, Cedric Burnside. Opening at 5 p.m. will be Lyric and The Stump Mutts. Admission is free. DIRTY DANCING FESTIVAL, 5:30 p.m., Morse Park Meadows, Lake Lure. The two-day annual Dirty Dancing will open on what have been film star Patrick Swayze’s 65th birthday — to ticket-holdersonly — with live music by the Dashboard Blue band, to which the audience can dance. Early entry for ticket-holders will begin at 5 p.m. Admission will be free to an outdoor screening — on a giant screen — of the classic 1987 film “Dirty Dancing” at 8 p.m. The film, partially shot at Lake Lure, starred Swayze as dance instructor Johnny and Jennifer Grey as resort visitor and dance student Baby. Attendees are invited to bring blankets and lawnchairs, but no coolers or oversized bags will be permitted. Festival tickets at the gate are $25 for adults and $10 for children. Onsite parking is $5 per vehicle. For the Aug. 19 activities at the festival, see calendar listing under Aug. 19. For tickets, visit www.dirtydancingfestival.com. MUSIC ON MAIN STREET CONCERT/DANCE, 7-9 p.m., outside of Visitor Center, 201 S. Main St., downtown Hendersonville. The weekly Music on Main Street summer concert series will feature Flashback — the Party Band. In addition to watching, many in the crowd dance in a large roped-off area in front of the stage. Attendees are urged to bring chairs and/or blankets. A classic car show also will be held along the street adjoining the concert area. Admission to the concert and car show is free. NEWBOYS CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., South Terrace, Biltmore House, Asheville. The Christian group Newsboys, with special guest Mandisa, will perform contemporary Christian music in the 21st annual Biltmore Concert Series. For tickets, visit biltmore.com.
See CALENDAR, Page B6
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B4 - August 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
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Asheville Daily Planet - August 2017 - B5
B6 - August 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet
Calendar
Continued from Page B3
Saturday, Aug. 19
DIRTY DANCING FESTIVAL, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Morse Park Meadows, Lake Lure. The two-day annual Dirty Dancing will conclude. Highlights will include live bands featuring 1960s beach and soul music by the bands The Mighty Kicks and The Extraordinaires, with open dancing. Also dance performances will be presented by the Asheville Ballet, along with watermelon games, arts and crafts vendors, a lake lift competition and a storytellers film tent. Food and beverage vendors will be selling their wares onsite. Day of the Festival tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children. In addition, onsite parking is $10 per vehicle. Attendees are invited to bring blankets and lawnchairs, but no coolers or oversized bags will be permitted. For tickets, visit www.dirtydancingfestival.com. BEATLES TRIBUTE CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin. The Return: A Tribute to the Beatles will will present its salute in concert. For tickets, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com. TONY BENNETT CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., South Terrace, Biltmore House, Asheville. Pop-jazz-show tune singer extraordinaire Tony Bennett, famous for his signature song “I Left My Heart in San Francisco,” will perform in the 21st annual Biltmore Concert Series. He has been nominated for 34 Grammy awards and won 18, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. Bennett has been nominated for three Emmy awards and won two. During World War II, Bennett fought in France and Germany and participated in the liberation of a concentration camp. These experiences led Bennett to become a pacifist and anti-war activist. For tickets, visit biltmore.com. AARON LEWIS CONCERT, 8 p.m., The Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Cherokee. Singer-songwriter Aaron Lewis will perform in concert. For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745-3000.
Sunday, Aug. 20
ETHICAL HUMANIST SOCIETY MEETING, 2-3:30 p.m., Friends Meeting House, 227 Edgewood Road, Asheville. “Ethics in Journalism” will be addressed by Larry Blunt at the monthly meeting of the Ethical Humanist Society of Asheville. For more than 30 years, Blunt has reported and anchored the news, including the past 12 at WLOS-TV in Asheville. Blunt will discuss the impact of technology, changes in broadcasting, government regulation and the effects of a polarizing political climate. We’ll also discuss the role and actions of individuals in improving ethical accountability. An informal discussion and refreshments will follow the presentation. All are welcome to attend and admission is free.
Wednesday, Aug. 23
BUZZ BREAKFAST SERIES, 8 a.m., Expo Center, Crowne Plaza Resort, West Asheville. UNC Asheville’s Buzz Summer Breakfast Series will feature a panel discussion on “How will Asheville grow thoughtfully? The private sector response.” Panelists will include Elizabeth Button, co-owner and chief executive officer of Heirloom Hospitalty Group; John McKibbon, chair-
Wikipedia photo
Pop-jazz-show tune singer extraordinaire Tony Bennett will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 19 on the South Terrace at the Biltmore House in Asheville.
man of McKibbon Hospitality; Jay Richardson, general manager of New Belgium Brewing; and Steve Woody, chief executive officer and founder of Avadim Technologies and a UNCA alumnus. Breakfast wil begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the panel discussion at 8, after which a question-and-answer session that will last till 9:15 a.m. Admission is $20, including breakfast, and is open to everyone. For tickets, visit leadershipasheville. unca.edu, or call 255-7100.
Thursday, Aug. 24
REO SPEEDWAGON CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., South Terrace, Biltmore House, Asheville. The group REO Speedwagon will perform in the 21st annual Biltmore Concert Series. For tickets, visit biltmore.com. PETER ROWAN CONCERT, 8 p.m., Cataloochee Ranch, 119 Rand Drive, Maggie Valley. Internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Peter Rowan will perform. Rowan is a Grammy-winner and a former Bluegrass Boy. His solo show, marking his seventh appearance at the Ranch, will include songs from his latest album, “My Aloha.” For tickets, visit CataloocheeRanch.com.
Friday, Aug. 25
ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER TRIBUTE SHOW, 8 p.m., mainstage, Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock. A tribute show, “Music of the Night: The Songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber,” will be performed through Sept. 3. Weber is billed by the FRP as “one of the best musical theater composers of all time.” Among his top hits are “Jesus Christ, Superstar,” “Evita,” “Cats” and “Phantom of the Opera.” Showtimes vary. For tickets, visit www.flatrockplayhouse.org.
comedy show. His accolades include two Grammy nominations, a Gold Record, two of the top rated one-hour specials in television’s “Comedy Central” history, a book that appeared on the New York Times Best Seller List, and CD and DVD sales of more than 10 million units. For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745-3000. EASTON CORBIN CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Niswonger Performing Arts Center, Greeneville, Tenn. Easton Corbin will perform in concert. For tickets, visit www.npacgreeneville.com, or call (423) 638-1679.
Thurs., Aug. 31
ROSEMARY CLOONEY TRIBUTE SHOW, 7:30 p.m., downtown venue of Flat Rock Playhouse, downtown Hendersonville. The show “Everything Is Rose: A Tribute to Rosemary Clooney” will be presented Aug. 31-Sept. 3. The Sept. 1-2 shows are at 8 p.m., while the Sept. 3 show is at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit FlatRockPlayhouse.org, or call 693-0731.
Friday, Sept. 1
N.C. APPLE FESTIVAL, 10 a.m.-midnight, Main Street, downtown Hendersonville. The annual N.C. Apple Festival will feature freshly picked apples, arts and crafts, festival food and free entertainment. The festival will run 10 a.m.-midnight Sept. 1-3 and 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. Sept. 4. Admission is free. BUDDY K BIG BAND CONCERT/DANCE, 7 p.m., outdoor stage in front of old courthouse, Main Street, downtown Hendersonville. The Buddy K Big Band will perform in concert — and attendees are invited to dance — as the Friday musical headliner at the N.C. Apple Festival. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and blankets. Admission is free. CROWDER CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., Smoky Mountain Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin. David Wallace Crowder, known by his stage name Crowder since 2012, will perform in concert. He is an American Christian folktronica musician. He was the lead singer in the defunct David Crowder Band. For tickets, visit www.greatmountainmusic.com. MOTOWN TRIBUTE CONCERT, 8 p.m., The Foundation for the Performing Arts Center, Isolthermal Community College, Spindale. The Legacy Motown Revue, four talented performers who dance and sing — backed by a six-piece horn band, will pay tribute to legendary icons of
Motown. For tickets, visit FoundationShows.org.
Saturday, Sept. 2
ATLANTA PLEASURE BAND CONCERT/DANCE, 7 p.m., outdoor stage in front of old courthouse, Main Street, downtown Hendersonville. The Atlanta Pleasure Band will perform in concert —— and attendees are invited to dance — as the Saturday musical headliner at the N.C. Apple Festival. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and blankets. Admission is free.
Sunday, Sept. 3
TONY HOWARD BAND CONCERT/DANCE, 7 p.m., outdoor stage in front of old courthouse, Main Street, downtown Hendersonville. The Tony Howard Band will perform in concert —— and attendees are invited to dance — as the Sunday musical headliner at the N.C. Apple Festival. Attendees are urged to bring lawnchairs and blankets. Admission is free. LIONEL RICHIE/DIANA ROSS TRIBUTE SHOW, 7:30 p.m., downtown venue of Flat Rock Playhouse, downtown Hendersonville. A tribute show, “The Music of Lionel Richie and Diana Ross,” will be presented Sept. 28-Oct. 8. Thursdays’ shows are at 7:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. For tickets, visit FlatRockPlayhouse.org, or call 693-0731.
Monday, Sept. 4
KING APPLE PARADE, 2:30 p.m., from North Main Street at Five Points (in Hendersonville) to Caswell Street in downtown Hendersonville. The 2017 King Apple Parade, will conclude the annual N.C. Apple Festival. More than 60,000 people usually attend the parade.
Saturday, Sept. 16
DOOBIE BROTHERS CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., The Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Cherokee. The Doobie Brothers, a rock band from San Jose, Calif., will perform in concert. The group has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide throughout its career. For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745-3000.
Saturday, Aug. 26
CONCERTS IN THE PARK, 7-9 p.m., Cecil Park, (in front of Hickory Tavern and Brixx Wood Fired Pizza), Biltmore Park Town Square, South Asheville. The soul band Westsound will perform in an outdoor concert. Admission is free. GOO GOO DOLLS CONCERT, 7:30 p.m., South Terrace, Biltmore House, Asheville. The group Goo Goo Dolls, with special guest Phillip Phillips, will perform in the 21st annual Biltmore Concert Series. For tickets, visit biltmore.com. RON WHITE COMEDY SHOW, 7:30 p.m., The Event Center, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino, Cherokee. Ron “Tater Salad” White, best-known as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking funnyman from the “Blue Collar Comedy” phenomenon, will perform his
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‘Fiddler on the Roof’
Continued from Page B1 Among the many standout vocal performances were renditions of such timeless classics as “Tradition,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “If I Were a Rich Man” and “Miracle of Miracles,” “Sunrise, Sunset” and “Do You Love Me?” “Fiddler on the Roof” is based on “Tevye and his Daughters” (or “Tevye the Dairyman”) and other tales by Sholem Aleichem. The original Broadway production of the show, which opened in 1964, had the first musical theatre run in history to surpass 3,000 performances. “Fiddler on the Roof” held the record for the longest-running Broadway musical for almost 10 years until “Grease” surpassed its run. It remains Broadway’s sixteenth longestrunning show in history. The production was extraordinarily profitable and highly
Dirty Dancing
Continued from Page B1 A portion of ticket sales benefits the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. On Aug. 18, a lakeside film screening will be offered free to the public at Morse Park, where all of the festival activities will be centered. The gates will open to the public for the screening at 8 p.m. A special pre-event celebration will be held — for festival ticketholders only — from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Special pre-event performances include the Lake Lure Cloggers, Dashboard Blue Band, and a storytelling meet and greet with Stacey Widelitz. Then, at 8:30 p.m. the festival will honor what would have been Patrick Swayze’s 65th birthday, followed by the screening of the original “Dirty Dancing” at dusk. All food, beverage, arts and craft vendors will be open 5 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. On Aug.19, the galas Family Dance & Music Festival will be held, as festival gates and vendors open at 8:45 a.m. with DJ Jeff Foster playing classic beach, soul and “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack hits. Energetic soul and beach music bands performing throughout the day include Cindy & Randy Floyd (formerly of Billy Scott and the Party Prophets) with the silky-smooth voice of Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame Inductee Gene Pharr, plus The Mighty Kicks, and The Extraordinaires. Attendees can have the “time of their lives” in the dance lessons tent, watching live dance performances from the film, listening to first-hand movie experiences in the Storytellers Tent, racing with watermelons to benefit PANCAN, or showing off fancy footwork in the amateur shag competition. Perhaps the most anticipated event is the annual Lake Lift Competition, growing from three couples in 2010 to 16 at last year’s competition. Following the festival, after-parties will be held at multiple locations in Lake Lure, including Rumbling Bald Resort, the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa, and Geneva Riverside Motel & Tiki Bar. Free public parking for the festival is available along the Lake Lure Beach boardwalk and at the Arcade Building. On-site parking in Morse Park is $10 per car. Parking in two nearby shuttle lots is $5 per car and located in Lake Lure at Riverside Pavilion at 3105 Memorial Highway and the old Lake Lure School Building lot at 2556 Memorial Highway.
acclaimed. It won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical, score, book, direction and choreography. “Fiddler on the Roof” spawned five Broadway revivals and a highly successful 1971 film adaptation. The show has enjoyed enduring international popularity. Prior to the recently completed HART production, “Fiddler on the Roof” was performed at least twice before in the Waynesville area, including once in 1990, when Lloyd (the current HART director) first came to Waynesville, and once when the play was produced by the Chancel Choir of Waynesville First United Methodist Church. Upcoming HART shows include “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Aug. 4-20, in the new Fangmeyer Theater; and “The Loves of Elaine,” Aug 11-20, in the Feichter Studio.
Tickets are available online at www.dirtydancingfestival.com. Admission to the Aug. 18 film screening is free, starting at 8 p.m. Advanced tickets are $20 for adults and $5 for children, and prices increase at the festival gates to $25 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets are non-refundable and the festival occurs rain or shine. Chairs and blankets are allowed, but no coolers, oversized bags or pets will be accepted. For Dirty Dancing Festival news and updates, “Like” the event on Facebook. For additional questions, email info@dirtydancingfestival.com. The Dirty Dancing Festival was founded in 2010 in Lake Lure, where much of the classic movie was filmed. With the support of Lionsgate Films and several of the film’s cast and crew, the event was co-founded by Lake Lure resident and PR-guru Michelle McConnell Yelton of McConnell Group Public Relations and former dancer-turned-event producer Jo Beyersdorfer of JNB Events in Los Angeles. The festival debuted in 2009 with more than 2,000 attendees from 24 states and two foreign countries. In 2011, JNB Events took over direction of the festival, and produced the event until 2015. In 2016, JNB Events handed the festival over to the Chamber of Hickory Nut Gorge located in Lake Lure, making it truly a homegrown event.
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Asheville Daily Planet - August 2017 - B7
sat up and breathing hard, scanned the dark Continued from Page B1 During this same trip, I walked down a cob- room for any sign of it. Patty heard me breathing. I related what happened and then blestone street one night, by myself, thinking she said, “Let me tell you what happened to during the whole trip back to the hotel that all horror movies begin this way. In fact, the night me.” She said something was watching her from the ceiling. did end up having potential After she fell asleep, horror written all over it. Patty said she heard me We started out at the rummaging around in the building where Vlad Tepes, bags at the foot of our beds. the inspiration for Bram She turned on her flashlight Stoker’s Dracula was born. light app and aimed it at It was now a restaurant that me. But I wasn’t there. I was supposedly haunted. We didn’t show up for hours. were to eat dinner and later We hopped up, grabbed that evening, go back with our equipment and started our equipment and explore documenting what we the tunnel in the basement. could. A few minutes I will say, it was a very later, we heard rocks being strange evening, not the thrown toward my bed. We least of which was the male moved all the furniture and stripper our fearless leader Donated photo checked underneath the ordered up for two of the bed. Nothing. The rocks Paranormal investigaladies having their birthkept coming and the room tor Shelley Wright gets a days. He showed up very kept getting colder. I was neck bite from Dracula. late and quickly undressed offended at having things to reveal cheetah print thrown at me, so I cussed. A lot. And I thongs. Footage exists. taunted. It finally got disgusted at us for not Patty started the ghost hunt, but wasn’t screaming in fear and threw all of its rocks feeling well and wanted to go back to our at us at once. room and crash. But not before she yanked on That just goes to show you that somemy hair really hard to show me how hard hers times truth can be even more exciting than had been yanked when she was in the tunnel. what you see on TV. I got back to our room around 3:30. The • room was freezing cold from the open winShelley Wright, an Asheville native, is dows. Odd. I’d just come from outside and a paranormal investigator. She owns and it wasn’t that cold. After cleaning up, I got runs Nevermore Mystical Arts shop and into bed still in my jeans and sweatshirt. works at Wright’s Coin Shop, both in As soon as I laid down, I saw a blackerAsheville. Wright also is a weekly particithan-black teeming mass swoop down from pant in the “Speaking of Strange” radio the chandelier over my bed and change show from 9 p.m. to midnight on most Satform and try to cover me. I instinctively urdays on Asheville’s WWNC-AM (570).
B8 - August 2017 - Asheville Daily Planet