Mountain Xpress 02.07.18

OUR 24TH YEAR OF WEEKLY INDEPENDENT NEWS, ARTS & EVENTS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA VOL. 24 NO. 29 FEB. 7 - FEB. 13, 2018

WELLNESS SERIES PART 2

DUMP THE JUNK Eating right for a healthy life

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OUR 24TH YEAR OF WEEKLY INDEPENDENT NEWS, ARTS & EVENTS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA VOL. 24 NO. 29 FEB. 7 - FEB. 13, 2018

C O NT E NT S

DUMP THE JUNK WELLNESS SERIES

PART 2

Eating right for a healthy life

NEWS

FEATURES 10 CARE-FULL CONSIDERATIONS Navigating WNC’s long-term care options

PAGE 18 YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT How do you choose a diet that’s best for you? In Part 2 of Xpress’ Wellness series, we check in with local experts about several diets touted as healthy, serving up the pros and cons of each to help people make more informed decisions about what they eat.

COVER DESIGN Hillary Edgin

SPECIAL

WELLNESS SECTION

8 BREAKING IT DOWN 19 INSIDE OUT 22 PALEO PARADIGM 26 PUZZLE XPRESS

Tue-Fri 11-6, Sat 12-5 • 828.505.2506 842 Haywood Rd. West Asheville

KIDS ISSUES 2018 Coming MARCH 14 & 21 4

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33 LIFE IN THE RAW

GREEN

5 LETTERS

45 EAT YOUR HEART OUT, ASHEVILLE Valentine’s Day adventures for food lovers

5 CARTOON: MOLTON 6 CARTOON: BRENT BROWN 8 COMMENTARY

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17 ASHEVILLE ARCHIVES 18 WELLNESS 38 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 40 CONSCIOUS PARTY 42 GREEN SCENE 45 FOOD

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42 LEAN ON US ‘Friends’ groups provide vital support for public lands

51 CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE Valentine’s Day events around Asheville

48 SMALL BITES 51 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 57 THEATER REVIEW 58 SMART BETS 62 CLUBLAND

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Handmade custom fit lingerie and ethically made brands from around the world

14 BUNCOMBE BEAT Opioid abuse takes center stage at town hall

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27 SUGARCOATED WORLD

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53 RUN RABBIT RUN Different Strokes! confronts censorship through the tale of the ‘bunny book crusade’

69 CLASSIFIEDS 70 FREEWILL ASTROLOGY 71 NY TIMES CROSSWORD

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OPINION

Send your letters to the editor to letters@mountainx.com.

STA F F PUBLISHER: Jeff Fobes ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson MANAGING EDITOR: Virginia Daffron A&E EDITOR/WRITER: Alli Marshall FOOD EDITOR/WRITER: Gina Smith NEWS EDITOR/WRITER: Carolyn Morrisroe OPINION EDITOR: Tracy Rose WELLNESS EDITOR/WRITER: Susan Foster STAFF REPORTERS/WRITERS: Able Allen, Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Virginia Daffron, David Floyd, Max Hunt, Carolyn Morrisroe CALENDAR EDITOR: Abigail Griffin

CARTOO N BY RAN D Y M O LT O N

Bucking the schoolsas-a-business model Corporations (and partnerships) were created as legal fictions to allow their owners and managers to evade legal and financial responsibility for their actions. Fifty years ago, Milton Friedman suggested that their sole social responsibility was to increase profits. At a stroke, his proposal enabled the very worst of animal spirits by promoting a brutally simple view of management — if you drank his Kool-Aid, there was no longer any need to consider anything other than profits.

Two hundred years earlier, Adam Smith — he of the invisible hand — had foreseen the problem: “People of the same trade seldom meet together, even for merriment and diversion, but the conversation ends in a conspiracy against the public, or in some contrivance to raise prices.” Although capitalism has morphed many times since those words were written, you have only to look at the likes of Amazon, Facebook and Purdue Pharma to see that he wasn’t far from the truth.

The growth of schools-as-a-business exposes Friedman’s catastrophic error in a particularly acute form.

Seeking to deliver the best education for its students at the least cost means that a school faces conflicting

objectives. Friedman and his followers would have it ignore the education and welfare of its students in favor of cost-saving and money-making schemes: If it’s not making and selling kiddie porn, then it is failing in its “sole social responsibility.”

Every dollar that goes to profit, interest or transfer payments to the head office is a dollar not spent on the students’ education.

Trapped by the marketing imperative, a school-as-a-business will need to create an image of success — the simplest and most cynical way is to be selective: to only enroll kids they like the look of and ruthlessly expel those who don’t excel. That way, they should improve their own overall results and, by burdening the competition with their rejects, worsen others. We may have gotten rid of de jure apartheid in this country, but this sort of behavior helps to perpetuate de facto apartheid even longer.

For so long as Raleigh continues to gift our tax dollars to these businesses while our public school teachers are paid — even in part — out of lottery money, the future of our state is predictable. In the global competition for innovation and investment, we will continue to lose. It says a lot about how the world sees us that one of the largest recent investments was when Shuanghui took over Smithfield: Apparently environmental regulations surrounding pig-farming are

CLUBLAND EDITORS: Abigail Griffin, Max Hunt MOVIE REVIEWERS: Scott Douglas, Francis X. Friel, Justin Souther CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Jonathan Ammons, Liisa Andreassen, Kari Barrows, Leslie Boyd, Jacqui Castle, Scott Douglas, Tony Kiss, Bill Kopp, Cindy Kunst, Kate Lundquist, Monroe Spivey, Lauren Stepp, Daniel Walton ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER: Susan Hutchinson GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Norn Cutson, Hillary Edgin, Scott Southwick, Olivia Urban MARKETING ASSOCIATES: Sara Brecht, Bryant Cooper, Niki Kordus, Tim Navaille, Brian Palmieri, Heather Taylor INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES & WEB: Bowman Kelley, DJ Taylor BOOKKEEPER: Amie Fowler-Tanner ADMINISTRATION, BILLING, HR: Able Allen, Lauren Andrews DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Jeff Tallman ASST. DISTRIBUTION MANAGER: Denise Montgomery DISTRIBUTION: Gary Alston, Russell Badger, Frank D’Andrea, Jemima Cook Fliss, Adrian Hipps, Clyde Hipps, Jennifer Hipps, Joan Jordan, Laura Stinson, Brittney Turner-Daye, Thomas Young

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OPINION

Send your letters to the editor to letters@mountainx.com.

C A RT O O N B Y B R E NT B R O W N less stringent in North Carolina than in China.

We can try to buck this trend by investing in our city schools in ways that the state budgeting process cannot touch: volunteering time and donating money or resources. The rancid rhetoric we have heard for so long is wrong. These efforts are not wasted, but are the best investment we can make — for our kids, obviously, but also for ourselves. Eventually, we will be looking to them and their peers for support in our old age.

— Geoff Kemmish Asheville

Debtors prison and ‘Me Too’ articles offer food for thought I appreciate your articles in the Jan. 24 Xpress on the debtors prison and Asheville’s “Me Too” movement [“Debtors Prison: Low-income Defendants Jailed for Months Awaiting Trial for Misdemeanors” and “Speaking Out: Global ‘Me Too’ Movement Hits Close to Home”]. The first offers an example of how our criminal justice system is supported and sustained by the disenfranchised.

Our laws encourage dependence and

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recidivism, not reintegration and selfreliance. They prey on the poor.

Asheville’s “Me Too” movement is one tip of a many-pronged iceberg in our oversexualized culture, which both fosters and condemns the desecration of human sexuality. Our young adults and children have been raised in a culture where sexual innuendo is woven into sitcoms and where “sexting,” internet porn and the F-word are all normalized.

On the other hand, a sexting teen can be prosecuted as a sex offender, as can an 18-year-old in a consensual relationship with a 16-year-old. No wonder we’re all confused.

No matter one’s religion or philosophy, if the notion of treating others as we would like to be treated provided the foundation for morals, values, laws and civil discourse, we might start on fresh ground.

— Lois Finelli

Asheville

Biltmore Estate was worth the wait I toured the Biltmore Estate in Asheville back in November, and I had a great time. It truly is America’s largest home, the estate of George

Vanderbilt and his family. I am glad George Vanderbilt’s descendants left this treasure to America and to the friends of the state of North Carolina and the city of Asheville.

I loved that you presented your family’s tickets to the attendant at the gate on 1 Lodge St., and that you had to drive a long way up to the estate because Asheville’s mountains and outdoor beauty are exceptional.

After my family parked our car, we were glad we got a chance to take a long-awaited tour of the building. Our bus guide took us to the front of the building, where we saw the fountain outside and a long line of people waiting to get in and tour the building.

I really enjoyed my family’s tour of the Biltmore Estate. I enjoyed beautiful rooms, such as the entrance hall, the banquet hall, music room, secondfloor living hall and library.

I really enjoyed touring the banquet hall. Its table could seat 64 guests, and it is the largest room in the house. George Vanderbilt invited all his friends from up North to dine with him there. My family’s tour of the house was in November, so they already had Christmas decorations up for the holidays in the room. And that was something else.

I also enjoyed the library, which was also on the first floor like the

banquet hall. I appreciated George Vanderbilt collecting 10,000 volumes of books in various languages and works of art. And these are displayed in the library.

I enjoyed going up the elevator to the second floor of the house.

The second floor displayed the living quarters of Mr. Vanderbilt and his wife and family. The second floor has the living hall, George Vanderbilt’s gilded bed and also his wife’s Louis XV-style bedroom.

The Biltmore Estate is truly an exceptional place. My family put off a long-awaited visit to the place, and I’m glad I made the trip in November. I look forward to going back and touring the museum again with more members of my family and a myriad of friends. It truly is America’s largest home.

— Steven Hawkins

Freelance writer

Greenville, S.C.

We want to hear from you!

Please send your letters to: Editor, Mountain Xpress, 2 Wall St., Asheville, NC 28801 or by email to letters@mountainx.com.

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SPECIAL

OPINION

WELLNESS

COMMENTARY

Breaking it down

BY MARC N. WILLIAMS Here in Western North Carolina, we are lucky to have a wealth of fermented food makers — from producers of sauerkraut and Ethiopian crepes to kombucha and mead.

But why should we care about fermented foods? Simply put, they offer a multitude of benefits. They act as probiotics, which help aid digestion and ward off disease. Challenging microbes also may be held in check through the presence of beneficial microflora, thereby improving the overall microbiome — the collection of microbial organisms present on and in an individual. Its importance is slowly being uncovered through scientific research.

Nutrients are also made more available through the process of fermentation. Digestive enzymes are created that help the body break down complex proteins. The complex proteins of soybeans, for example, are broken into more simple amino

The surprising health benefits of WNC’s fermented foods

acids. The sometimes hard-to-digest sugar in milk known as lactose is broken into lactic acid through the process of fermentation. Detoxifying compounds are created through the process of fermentation. And potentially deleterious compounds also may be broken down in the process of fermentation: phytic acid, for example, which blocks the absorption of zinc. Fermentation also adds variety, unique textures and flavors to foods. Umami is a term used to define this flavor.

ANCIENT WAYS What exactly is fermentation?

Simply stated, it is the action of microbes upon various materials that leads to a transformation and breakdown of the substrate, often into sugars such as alcohol, acids such as vinegar and carbon dioxide, among other things. The history of fermentation in human history is a long one.

MARC N. WILLIAMS Fermentation has been used for thousands of years all over the world by every indigenous group that I am aware of.

It was one of the first methods used to preserve food. It empowered the age of exploration on long voyages; sauerkraut, for example, was rationed to sailors to prevent illnesses such as scurvy, which is related to a vitamin C deficiency.

Many of the first globally popular ferments of trade were stimulants such as chocolate, coffee and tea. In a traditional context, these would often be consumed in a bitter form, which was later watered down with milk and sugar in the industrial age. Some folks, such as internationally renowned fermenter Sandor Katz in his book Wild Fermentation, have posited that these products indeed became a type of fuel for the Industrial Revolution. Traditional fermented products are often used sparingly as condiments. This is probably a good practice to follow due to their often salty and acidic nature.

LOCAL CONNECTIONS You might not realize how many foods are fermented, but there is quite a diversity of products that undergo this process before reaching consumers. Here are some major categories of fermented products, along with their WNC connections.

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Vegetable ferments: Those include sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, tempeh, tamari, soy sauce, miso and gv-nohe-nv, a traditional corn ferment of the Cherokee, for those interested in indigenous traditions of WNC. We are lucky to have several sauerkraut/ kimchi and pickle makers locally, including Green River Picklers, Our Daily Kraut and Serotonin Ferments.

Fermenti is another local kraut company that also ferments beets, chutneys, hot sauces and salsas, among other things. Great Eastern Sun, which produces Miso Master, is one of the major producers of that product for the whole country. WNC also benefits from the presence of Smiling Hara Tempeh. The main difference to me between sauerkraut and kimchi is that for the former, European cabbage and one or two flavorings (i.e., caraway or juniper berries) are used versus Asian cabbage and the addition of garlic, ginger, hot peppers and root vegetables for the latter.

Breads/porridges: Njera, dosas, sourdough wheat breads and various porridges fit in this category. After years of requests in the Mountain Xpress annual readers’ poll, we have been blessed to get the Ethiopian restaurant Addissae, where one can try njera, a spongy, sour type of crepe.

Dosas are a type of Indian fermented pancake that are typically gluten-free since they are made of lentils and rice. They are a perennial favorite in my fermentation classes.

Beverage/liquid/stimulant ferments: Those include coffee, tea, chocolate, jun, kefir, kombucha, kvass and vinegar. The WNC region has quite a range of producers of the first three. I have tasted kombucha from coast to coast and in several other countries and find Buchi to be the best I have ever had commercially.

Buchi will also start manufacturing kefir shortly. Jun is similar to kombucha but is sweetened with honey; Shanti Elixers is one local producer with a tasty product line. And Locally Good Farm lives up to its name as a maker of apple cider vinegar.

Alcohol ferments: Mead, cider, beer, liquor, sake and wine are covered in this category. Asheville, of course, is known as Beer City. We currently have at least 26 breweries in the city proper, at least 34 more in the region, with single digits of producers for most other

SPECIAL

WELLNESS

beverages. However, cider production is increasing, and the region is home to a majority of the meaderies in the state, including Alchemy, Fox Hill Meadery and Bee & Bramble.

Ben’s Tune Up is one of the only sake producers in the country. I am one of the authors of a zine that partly describes the local brewing scene in Asheville; it can be accessed online at the Culture and Agriculture section of the American Anthropological Association. The real health benefits that may be gained from consuming alcoholic beverages are mostly related to incorporating medicinal ingredients like plants and fungi into the brew. Personally, I have imbibed over 150 species in that pursuit.

Dairy ferments: Those include yogurt, kefir, cheese and buttermilk.

The expense of equipment and economies of scale probably prevent anything developing locally other than our artisanal cheese products, such as those offered by Spinning Spider Creamery, Three Graces Dairy and Yellow Branch Cheese. Some cheeses are also crafted without the use of fermentation.

Meat ferments: Prosciutto, salami, bacon, ham, fish, miriss (fat),

COMMENTARY

and doddery (bone) round out this category. The folks at Hickory Nut Gap Farm in Fairview and Foothills Local Meats are starting to produce artisanal meats in this style. Local author Meredith Leigh is a nationally acclaimed author who has written on this subject quite eloquently in 2017’s Pure Charcuterie: The Craft and Poetry of Curing Meats at Home, and with Jean-Martin Fortier in 2015’s The Ethical Meat Handbook: Complete Home Butchery, Charcuterie and Cooking for the Conscious Omnivore.

There remain many business opportunities for the enterprising local food fermenter. Some prime examples include makers of mead, soda, kvass, jun, seed cheese and dosas. Here’s to celebrating this important and diverse technique of food production in hopes that its products continue to proliferate locally for the health and wellbeing of everyone. X Ethnobiologist Marc Williams (marc@botanyeveryday.com) has taught hundreds of classes to thousands of students about nature, people and their interface. He is the executive director of Plants and Healers International and has traveled in all 50 states and 28 countries pursuing biological knowledge.

Valentine’s Day Special

Free glass of wine upon arrival Wine Talk with sommelier Paul Parsons

Includes a bottle of Prosecco, one dozen fresh oysters, your choice of 3 charcuterie items, and a cannoli (Reg. price $100)

$75

Also, the fabulous Jesse Barry will be performing from 6 to 9!

2 HENDERSONVILLE RD • BILTMORE STATION • 828.222.6555

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NEWS

CARE-FULL CONSIDERATIONS Navigating WNC’s long-term care options

BY MAX HUNT mhunt@mountainx.com Few words have the ability to inspire more fear, frustration and trepidation among older Americans across the country than “nursing home.”

“Everybody says the nursing home is where you go to die,” says Carol Ball, a resident of Weaverville whose younger sister, Barbara Knight, has lived at the Madison Health and Rehabilitation Center in Mars Hill for the past three years. “To me, making that jump to [Barbara] going to a nursing home was just horrible.”

Yet as the baby boomer generation ages, the pressure on families to provide care for their loved ones will likely lead them to lean more heavily on such facilities in the coming years.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, nearly 20 percent of Buncombe County residents are over 65 years of age, while 9.5 percent of those under the age of 65 live with a disability that may require higher amounts of care as they get older.

For those confronting the prospect of needing long-term care, a variety of care options and support services across Western North Carolina provides information to help residents find the best care available.

THE LONG ROAD HOME: For older residents of Western North Carolina and those like Barbara “Barb” Knight, above, who has cerebral palsy, finding a suitable and affordable long-term care facility can be a dizzying experience. Luckily, a variety of local resources and professionals can assist in finding the right home for residents and their loved ones. Photo

by Max Hunt

WHERE TO START? Navigating the health care system can be a challenge for anyone, but for those seeking long-term care for a family member, the process can be especially daunting. While the term “nursing home” is commonly used to describe a multitude of care options, there are stark differences in the types of services offered, based on a client’s needs, the length of stay and their financial situation, says Amy Fowler, a certified care manager and owner of WNC Geriatric Care Management in Asheville.

“Our society does a great job preparing for the beginning of life, but we don’t put much emphasis around the end of life or the years leading up to it,” Fowler says. “Our health care system is complicated, and families and clients do not have the time to become experts on aging.”

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For those embarking on the process, just knowing where to begin can be daunting. Such was the case for Ball when the decision was made that Knight, who has cerebral palsy, could no longer live independently.

“Because my sister was so young, I was looking at any place that I could find — assisted living, nursing homes — anybody that would take her,” Ball recalls. “It’s more complicated than you would imagine; I didn’t really know what to do.”

Accepting that she could no longer live independently was a tough pill for the energetic Knight to swallow. “I lived by myself forever in Ohio,” says Knight, an animal rights activist. “The next thing I know, they brought me home to North Carolina, and I was catless. I was so mad at my sister and family.”

Despite her initial reluctance, Knight eventually came to enjoy living at the Hominy Valley assisted living facility in Candler (now known as Pisgah Manor), where she lived for several years. “I loved it there,” she says. “We knew the people who ran it, and I had my own

room. They even painted it purple — my favorite color!”

PAY TO STAY In Buncombe County alone, there are 20 licensed facilities that offer some form of assisted living. While costs often depend on the type of care required, a skilled nursing facility can average $8,000 a month for long-term residents, according to Andrew Atherton, an attorney at McGuire, Wood & Bissette who specializes in elder care law.

Contrary to popular belief, long-term stays are usually not covered by Medicare, says Haley Niebes, director of admissions and marketing for StoneCreek Health and Rehabilitation in Asheville.

“Medicare only pays for short-term care, if you’ve gotten a hospital stay,” she says.

While some individuals are able to pay out of pocket or are covered by insurance policies, many people living in longterm nursing facilities rely on Medicaid to pay for their stay. According to Tina Wilson, income maintenance supervi-

sor for Buncombe County Health and Human Services, her department served 1,155 clients who receive longterm care services in 2017. Of the nearly $293 million the county spent on Medicaid last year, $45.1 million was related to long-term care.

In order to qualify for Medicaid, however, patients must first exhaust their personal savings, notes Atherton.

Generally, adds Kathleen Rodberg, another elder law attorney with McGuire, Wood & Bissette, a patient’s income must be less than a facility will get in reimbursement from Medicaid.

She says that even on the low side, that cost will be upward of $4,000 a month.

Medicaid recipients are exempted $30 a month, which they can keep for personal expenses, according to Julia Gibson, an ombudsman with Land of Sky Regional Council who serves Buncombe County.

“That [amount] has not changed in decades,” Gibson notes. “It doesn’t cover much, especially if you’re a smoker, or buying Christmas gifts — it’s not like [residents] cease to become people with families and other outside interests when they go to the nursing home.”

For Knight, the establishment of a trust fund by her late father eased the financial burden on her family.

However, her income level also excluded her from receiving financial assistance toward many local assisted living facilities, including Hominy Valley.

A WRINKLE IN TIME Faced with having to find another facility for her sister, Ball began scouring the internet and reaching out to any local care facility she could find.

Both the N.C. Division of Health Service Regulation and the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provide a rating system for skilled nursing facilities based on annual surveys of each location. These ratings offer a glimpse into a nursing home’s overall environment, says Gibson, including staffing levels, quality measures and state inspections.

“It’s just a snapshot,” Gibson says, “but it at least gives people something to go by.”

However, the ratings can also lead to misconceptions about a facility,

HERE TO HELP: “Our society does a great job preparing for the beginning of life, but we don’t put much emphasis around the end of life or the years leading up to it,” says Amy Fowler, above, whose company, WNC Geriatric Care Management, helps clients navigate the complex and ever-changing nursing care system for older residents. Photo by Cami Calnan says Tom Dula, administrator at The Laurels of Summit Ridge in Asheville.

“Sometimes, an employee makes one mistake, and it can cause you to lose stars, but it doesn’t mean that you’ve stopped giving good-quality care,” he says. “We’ve been as high as five stars, as low as two stars, but our quality of care hasn’t changed.”

Delving into the details behind the ratings is where ombudsmen like Gibson come in. “Part of our job is to be a voice for those who aren’t able to advocate for themselves,” Gibson explains. “Another part is providing resources to people when they’re looking for long-term care.”

While Land of Sky publishes a longterm care directory online and in print for families, “mostly, we try to narrow it down for them, to talk about their loved one and what their needs are, and try to help them decide which facilities might be able to help them,” Gibson says.

HELPING HANDS In addition to the ombudsman, a host of local professionals can help ease the transition into a nursing facility, such as nonprofit advocacy groups, elder care attorneys and private care managers like Fowler.

Inspired to go into the field by her father’s end-of-life travails, Fowler says

having a trained care manager by your side can make all the difference in a client’s quality of life. “Care managers are the certified experts in aging well,” she says. They can assist with creating a road map for future health care; connecting clients with the appropriate resources; managing schedules; and providing a conduit for communication among doctors, caregivers and the family.

For attorneys, practicing elder care law requires “the soul of a social worker,” Atherton says. “Your conversations are not, ‘Let’s execute X, Y, Z documents.’

There are a lot of emotionally charged decisions. You have to have that sort of underlying desire to want to help people.”

While the cost of hiring an attorney may seem unnecessary to some, Rodberg says it can save a lot of money (and headaches) in the long run. “It’s cheaper to pay us a little bit to do something that’s a simple fix,” she notes. “It’s just such an unfamiliar world; I wouldn’t expect any layperson — or for that matter, attorneys unfamiliar with the regulations — to get it right away.”

It was advice from a lawyer that eventually led Knight to her current home at Madison Health and Rehabilitation. “An attorney said to me, ‘Go and look at Mars Hill,’” says her sister. “I went out there, and they would accept Barb — even though she’s one of the youngest ones there. It’s a wonderful place.”

THE BUSINESS OF AGING The complexities of modern-day nursing care aren’t just a challenge for clients and their families. Expanding options for home care and assisted living have changed the type of long-term residents who come to nursing facilities, says Dula.

“It’s caused us to take sicker patients, that may have some psych diagnoses or Alzheimer’s,” he says. “In the past, you’d get the nice little old lady with the fractured hip; now, we’re almost like a stepdown hospital.”

In response, many nursing facilities increasingly emphasize their rehabilitation and short-term services, which are funded through Medicare and yield higher dividends than Medicaid payments, according to Dr. Cheryl Phillips, the recently retired senior vice president of public policy and health services for Leading Age, a nonprofit advocacy and support organization for older Americans needing long-term care.

It has also led to a rising number of nursing homes being owned by national franchises, Phillips adds: “There are about 15,600 nursing homes [nationally], and maybe 2,500 are nonprofits.”

With the exception of a couple of local nonprofit facilities, such as Deerfield

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N EWS Episcopal Retirement Community, and state-run homes like Black Mountain’s N.C. State Veterans Home, most skilled nursing facilities in the region are owned by franchises. Some, like StoneCreek, are part of locally owned chains; others, like The Laurels at Summit Ridge, are one of many facilities across several states.

“Unfortunately, a lot of facilities in our area are these large chains, and they’re not even operated from our area or even our state,” Gibson says.

BUILDING COMMUNITY While it’s easy to view all for-profit nursing facilities as money-driven, Phillips says most facilities want what’s best for their clients, even if they sometimes struggle to meet those needs.

“I believe that everybody can be doing something better, but there’s a good segment of nursing homes out there that are really doing pretty well,” she says. “Some of them do better in some areas than others. That’s why I think the best answer for families is to go and visit.”

Dula agrees that not all nursing facilities do a good job but says that’s where The Laurels franchise stands out from the pack. “Our mission statement is ‘exceeding the needs of our patients,’ so we try to determine exactly what they need and go a little bit above that,” he says.

This includes renovations to increase the number of private rooms at Summit Ridge, a variety of daily activities that range from the ever-

ADVOCATES FOR THE AGING: To help aging residents explore their options for long-term care and help keep tabs on nursing facilities in the region, Land of Sky Regional Council employs several ombudsmen such as Julia Gibson, front and center. Together with a team of local volunteers, Gibson and other ombudsmen serve as advocates for those in nursing facilities. Photo by Max Hunt popular bingo to trips to see Asheville Tourists baseball games, and staff members listening to residents’ input.

“We have a resident council group we meet with monthly to talk about whether there’s a special activity they want to do, or a special meal that they’d like,” says Dula. “I’m out on the floor a lot. If there’s any concern, they know where my office is and can come and talk to me.”

At StoneCreek, residents and staff work with community partners to provide training opportunities for students at A-B Tech and the Western North Carolina

School of Massage, and to connect residents with the outside community, says Niebes. This includes an innovative partnership with Warren Wilson College on the Music Is Medicine program (see “Music as Medicine at Local Long-term Care Facilities,” Xpress, Nov. 10, 2016).

Making sure residents are active and engaged is a key indicator of whether a nursing home is doing well, says Gibson.

“We all need to continue to participate in life and contribute somehow,” she says.

“Do the people look happy? Are they well-groomed, out of their rooms and doing something important to them?

Those are the things we tell people to look for.”

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Whether for-profit or not, nursing homes must all navigate the same bureaucratic regulations set at the federal level. “We’re one of the most regulated industries in the United States,” says StoneCreek’s executive director, David Fardulis. “Regulations are constantly changing all of the time, [and] there’s not a ton of interpretive guidelines.”

While Phillips says “there absolutely needs to be a floor of regulation,” she notes that overregulation can be counterproductive to providing quality, person-centered care. “There are so many regulations that are so exact that if you don’t do it in the exact right way, you can get cited.”

With fines as high as $100,000, citations can actually do more harm than good for a struggling facility. “You have so many fines, people then end up taking away money

from what you can do to improve,” Phillips says.

A shortage of qualified nursing staff also impacts nursing homes’ ability to provide quality care. “You can just drive by these places, and you’ll see a sign out in front of almost everyone that says ‘hiring CNAs,’” Rodberg says. “If they can’t find the staff to fill the empty spots, that puts a higher burden on the staff that is there, which burns them out, and you end up in this cycle.”

To combat this trend, places like StoneCreek go out of their way to make employees feel appreciated, hosting cookouts and special events for various staff throughout the year.

“They put a lot of time into that,” says Niebes. “We have great insurance, but we also do little fun things for the staff, just to make work more pleasurable.”

SETTLING IN Looking back on her and Knight’s personal journey, Ball says she wishes she’d utilized more community resources when searching for a home for her sister. “Finding somebody that you can trust that’s in the system, and knows how to work the system, is priceless,” she says.

Fowler says being proactive in one’s long-term care planning can also go a long way toward making the transition smoother for all involved. “Really think about what matters — your environment, interventions wanted/not wanted, how your medical team will work with you,” she advises. “And know that despite your plans, you may have to change them.”

YOUNG AT HEART: Keeping residents at long-term care facilities engaged and active is a key part of the quality of care that nursing homes provide, says Land Of Sky Regional Council ombudsman Julia Gibson. At the Laurels of Summit Ridge, offerings include bingo, a community garden, trips to see Asheville Tourists baseball games and parties on campus. “We’re liable to do about anything,” says Vestie Surrett, above, a resident at the Laurels of Summit Ridge.

Photo courtesy of the Laurels of Summit Ridge Families should visit nursing homes in person, unannounced, says Phillips, and talk with staff and residents to get a first-person view of the facility. “There is nothing that replaces the sense of actually being there and looking for yourself, using your eyes and ears,” she says.

For her part, Knight’s advice to others in her situation is to keep an open

mind and accept the changes that life presents. “Try to let go of the things that you love, like your pets, and just know that the situation — it might not be the best, and that’s why you have to move,” she says. “Let it happen. You can cry or gruff about it if you want to — that’s fine — but sooner or later, you’ll get used to your new place.” X

Aging assistance Below is a list of several organizations that offer resources and information on skilled nursing facilities and elder care options around the region: Medicare Nursing Home Compare medicare.gov/ nursinghomecompare/search.html North Carolina Division of Health Service Regulation ncdhhs.gov/dhsr/index.html Land of Sky Ombudsman Program landofsky.org/ombudsman.html 828-251-6622 Council on Aging of Buncombe Co. 46 Sheffield Cir Asheville, NC 28803 coabc.org 828-277-8288

CarePartners PACE program 286 Overlook Road Asheville, NC 28803 carepartners.org/ services_adult_pac.html 828-213-8442 Leading Age leadingage.org 202-783-2242 info@leadingage.org Aging Life Care Association aginglifecare.org 520-881-8008

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FEB. 7 - 13, 2018

13

B U N C O M B E B E AT

Opioid abuse takes center stage at town hall

A TOUGH PILL: Members of the audience, including Asheville City Council member Vijay Kapoor, right, and Buncombe County Commissioner Al Whitesides, second from left, listen to a presentation by Dr. Melissa Hoffman during an opioid town hall held at A-B Tech on Jan. 30. Photo by David Floyd In 2016, 17 million painkillers were prescribed in Buncombe County, a sum that amounts to about 68 pills for every person living in the county.

Opioids, a broad category of drugs that includes codeine, oxycodone, Vicodin, fentanyl and heroin, are at the center of a nationwide epidemic that counties across the U.S., including Buncombe, are scrambling to solve.

Between 2014 and 2015, North Carolina was one of 20 states that witnessed an increase in the number of drug overdoses related specifically to opioids, rising almost 15 percent.

“We’re calling it an epidemic because the number of people who are dying, particularly from overdoses of opioids whether they be … prescribed by the doctor or bought on the street, that number continues to rise,” said Dr. Melissa Hoffman, a trauma surgeon with Mission Health and a fellow in hospice and palliative medicine at the Mountain Area Health Education Center.

Hoffman was the keynote speaker at a town hall organized by Buncombe County on Jan. 30 at A-B Tech about the dangers of opioid abuse. Hoffman’s presentation was followed by a Q&A

session in which members of the audience had the opportunity to ask commissioners and recovery specialists about the issue. Audience members asked the panel questions about prescribing practices and the availability of resources for addicts who are ready to seek treatment, among other things.

This was the fourth town hall that the county has hosted about opioid abuse and marks an intensified effort to focus on the issue after the county Board of Commissioners voted in December to make opioid abuse one of its six strategic priorities.

“This affects the brain the way that nothing else can,” Commissioner Ellen Frost said at the town hall. “There’s no reason, there’s no logic. … No one wakes up in the morning and says, ‘I’m going to become a heroin addict.’

No one does that. We know that in Buncombe County you’re more likely to die from a heroin overdose than being hit by a car. We know that 80 percent of the folks that are addicted to heroin start off with a legal prescription.”

PRESCRIPTION PROBLEMS The U.S. has 4.6 percent of the world’s population but uses 80 percent of the

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world’s opioid prescriptions, according to Hoffman. “So the question is why,” she said. “Why have doctors been prescribing like it’s going out of style, basically?”

Hoffman offered an explanation that was drawn in part from her personal experiences as a physician. In the 1990s, she said, pain became the fifth vital sign, measured alongside a patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation and temperature.

Doctors would ask patients to define their pain level on a scale from 1 to 10.

“So I think what ended up happening was patients have that expectation that doctors are going to treat their pain and that their pain level is going to be a 0,” Hoffman said. “So I’ll let you in on a secret: Doctors are human beings just like everyone else. I want people to like me, I want my patients to like me, I want people to be happy when they leave the office. So what ends up happening is we want to treat your pain, we want you to feel good and we want you to be a happy customer. So we prescribe more and more opioids.”

Hoffman also remembers being told during her training that if patients took these medications as prescribed, they would not become addicted.

“Unfortunately, we were completely wrong,” she said.

THE ROOTS OF ADDICTION Addiction is a deeply ingrained neurological disease, Hoffman said. “It actually changes how the brain works, and it changes how the brain looks,” she said. “So when you look at images of people who are addicted, put them in an MRI machine, show them pictures of drugs, different portions of their brains light up.”

Once opioids enter the human body, they bind to receptors in the brain, spinal chord and gut. This prevents pain signals from reaching the brain and produces euphoria.

So why do some people become addicted and others don’t? “The problem is we don’t know, but we do know there are things that put people at risk,” Hoffman said.

Referencing a 2010 study, Hoffman said individuals who have experienced abuse, neglect or household dysfunction have a higher likelihood of developing an addiction.

Hoffman said that in North Carolina, almost 50 percent of children up to age 17 have at least one adverse childhood experience and about 25 percent have at least two adverse childhood experiences. Those statistics are both higher than the national average.

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NEWS BRIEFS Teenagers are also more at risk of becoming addicts. Hoffman said 90 percent of adults with substance abuse disorders started using drugs before they were 18 years old. “The teenage brain is often more reliant on impulse and emotions than on rational-decision making,” she said, “especially when it is under stress or under other influences like peer pressure.”

Even the youngest members of society are not out of the reach of opioid addiction. Hoffman said between 2004 and 2013, North Carolina saw a 604 percent increase in hospitalizations associated with drug withdrawals in newborns. In 2015, almost 400 babies born at Mission hospitals tested positive for substances.

“These mothers deserve our love and compassion and support,” Hoffman said. “Mark my words: No pregnant mom would ever be saying, one, I want to be addicted to heroin, and two, I want my child to be addicted to heroin, too.”

A PERSONAL ISSUE Anne Seaman, whose son Stuart died of a heroin overdose at A-B Tech in July, spoke at the end of the town hall, delivering a short speech that earned a standing ovation from the audience. “Curious, inquisitive, selfassured — these are the traits that I remember most about Stuart as a teenager,” she said.

Seaman said her son was a gifted student; he enrolled in Advanced Placement classes as a freshman in high school, finished his freshman year with an unweighted 4.0 grade point average and received academic awards in his sophomore year. “But something was missing,” she said. “There was just not a lot of excitement in his daily activities. He just needed to feel more.”

In high school, Seaman said Stuart began to pillage his grandparents’ medicine cabinets. His addiction grew, his grades slumped and as a result, he barely graduated.

“Stuart did not start out a heroin addict,” Seaman said. “Nobody does.

Access to pills of every description were readily available in the homes of friends and relatives and in the school lunchroom.”

Seaman said Stuart sought help more times than she can remember. “It is exhausting for me to recount all of the ER visits, psychiatric hospitalizations, inpatient and outpatient drug treatment facilities,” she said.

The damage that heroin addiction inflicted on Stuart’s brain left him incapable of acting in his own best interest,

CONTINUES ON PAGE 16

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by Max Hunt | mhunt@mountainx.com CITY COUNCIL MEETS FEB. 13 Asheville City Council will hold its next formal meeting Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 5 p.m. in Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall.

No public hearings have been scheduled as of this time.

An agenda for the meeting will be posted online at avl.mx/3xb before the meeting.

More info: avl. mx/3xb or mburleson@ ashevillenc.gov BUNCOMBE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT MEETS FEB. 14 The Buncombe County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing Wednesday, Feb. 14, at noon in the meeting room at 30 Valley St., Asheville.

The board will consider the following applications: a variance from dimensional requirements to reconfigure property boundaries between 5 Elvis Lane and 8 Lytle Cove Road, Swannanoa; a variance from the steep-slope/ high-elevation ordinance at 47 Charmeldee Old Toll Road, Black Mountain; a variance from dimensional requirements to reconfigure property boundaries between 55 and 83 Bartrams Walk Drive, Asheville; and a conditional use permit to develop lots at Oakley Dogwood Drive and 70 Fox Drive, Asheville.

More info: avl.mx/45o ASHEVILLE INSTALLS ’SMART’ PARKING METERS DOWNTOWN The city of Asheville is in the process of installing “smart” parking meters to replace the conventional meters currently in place throughout downtown. The new meters will allow drivers

to pay parking fees with a debit or credit card, in addition to displaying parking payments paid through the Passport app. The meters will also accept traditional coin payment, including dollar coins.

Smart meters will allow parking service staff to track and analyze parking data, as well as pinpoint malfunctioning meters quickly and replace or repair them. Parking management staff can also program personalized welcome messages in accordance with special downtown events.

The new meters will be installed in batches of 100-200 through June, or until all 700 meters in downtown Asheville are replaced. Parking fees will remain $1.50 per hour for street spaces; $1.25 per hour for parking garages (first hour free).

More info: avl.mx/4lx CITY SEEKS INPUT ON LEXINGTON AVE. PUBLIC ART PROJECT The city of Asheville’s Public Art & Cultural Commission, in partnership with a seven-member jury team, is seeking additional public input on the final design proposal for the Lexington Avenue Public Art Project (avl.mx/4ly).

The Lexington Avenue Public Art Project seeks to reflect the neighborhood’s identity and celebrate Lexington Avenue’s century-old storefronts and buildings. The art installation will be placed at 65 N. Lexington Ave., near Downtown Books & News and Shady Grove.

Residents are invited to weigh in on the final design proposal through an online survey at avl. mx/4lz. Feedback will be considered by the city, the Public Art & Cultural Commission

and jury team as they select the final design for the project. Surveys must be completed by 11 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18.

Installation of the final design chosen will begin in the spring.

More info: avl.mx/4m0 SCHOLARSHIPS FOR WOMEN’S STEM CAMP AVAILABLE The Western North Carolina chapter of Women’s Transportation Seminar International is accepting applications for two scholarships designed to help girls ages 10-17 to attend a science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, camp of their choice this summer.

Scholarship amounts range up to $250 and are open to young women residing in Alleghany, Alexander, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Swain, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties.

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15

NEWS Seaman said, and his choice to forgo medication intended to treat his addiction only left him vulnerable. “He could not will away the disease and he was unable to articulate how desperate he was for relief,” she said.

Seaman stressed the importance for communities to offer as many different treatment options as possible to individuals suffering from addiction.

“I would not ask my father who suffers from emphysema to forgo oxygen because he smoked cigarettes in his past,” she said. “Why would I discourage anyone with opioid dependence from seeking medication-assisted treatment when they clearly can’t function without it?”

Seaman said Buncombe County no longer has the luxury of trial-and-error solutions, especially with the emergence of even more dangerous drugs like fentanyl and carfentanyl, which can be lethal even in small doses.

INTENSIFIED EFFORT: Participants at a Jan. 30 opioid town hall included, from left, Buncombe County commissioners Al Whitesides, Robert Pressley, Mike Fryar, Ellen Frost and Joe Belcher, with peer support specialist Natasha Penland and Dr. Melissa Hoffman. The Board of Commissioners voted in December to make opioid abuse one of its six strategic priorities. Photo by David Floyd

STOPPING A KILLER Opioid abuse has become entwined in many facets of society. “It’s in our doctor’s offices, it’s in our schools, it’s in our workplace, it’s in our homes, it’s in our families and it’s in our hearts,” Hoffman said.

From January to August 2017, there were 230 emergency room visits associated with opioid overdoses in Buncombe County, Hoffman said.

That’s a jump from 84 visits during the same period in 2016.

But Hoffman offers some simple ways to start combating the problem.

Parents talking to their kids about the dangers of prescription pills can be a helpful early way of staving off potential issues, she said.

People can also limit their exposure to prescription opioids by dropping off excess pills at designated drop-off locations. Locally, individuals can dispose of extra medication in the lobbies of

CECILIA JOHNSON Attorney at Law

the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, the Buncombe County Courthouse, the Asheville Police Department and at the Walgreens Pharmacy at 1835 Hendersonville Road.

As a means of limiting the amount of pills patients take home from the doctor’s office, North Carolina passed a law that went into effect at the beginning of this year. Called the STOP Act, the law states doctors can only prescribe five days of opioids for acute pain and seven days of opioids for post-surgical pain.

No matter what preventive measures are taken, however, Hoffman said one of the greatest barriers to treatment is stigma. “The negative public perceptions that surround addiction really make it difficult for individuals or their families to admit there is an issue or to reach out for help,” she said. “We know that addic-

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tion is not curable, but it is treatable. But the reality is if you don’t treat it, you have a high likelihood of dying of this disease.”

MOVING FORWARD Meetings like the one on Jan. 30 are part of Buncombe County’s effort to foster a greater understanding of the epidemic in the community, but the county hopes to do more than just raise public awareness. Buncombe County also filed a suit in federal court on Nov. 14 against opioid manufacturers and distributors, a plan of attack that other local governments in North Carolina and across the U.S. have also made. On Feb. 1, Burke County became the most recent local government in North Carolina to announce that it would be filing a similar suit in federal court.

Buncombe County has also compiled a list on its website of measures that it is implementing in the hope of limiting the spread and effects of opioid addiction.

The list also includes initiatives that the county is still considering. These include: • Working with community partners to develop materials to teach kids about opioid abuse as well as provide resources to school administrators and parents.

• Working with medical leaders to offer support to pregnant and new mothers who are suffering from substance use disorders.

• Increasing the availability of Narcan, a medication that helps reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, in emergency response settings.

— David Floyd X

Kids Issues

Coming March 14 & 21

FE AT U RES

ASHEVILLE ARCHIVES

by Thomas Calder | tcalder@mountainx.com

Up and down the hill An exercise in perseverance at Highland Hospital

ADVOCATE OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES: Dr. Robert S. Carroll, founder of Highland Hospital, poses with the facility’s nursing staff, circa 1910. Part of the hospital’s treatment involved physical activities, such as swimming, hiking and tennis. Photo courtesy of North Carolina Collection, Pack Memorial Public Library, Asheville On Sept. 29, 1912, the Historical and Trade Edition of The Asheville Citizen declared: “Every year Asheville becomes better and more favorably known as a health resort, and no one thing has done more to make its remarkable advantage recognized, than the location here of Highland Hospital[.]”

Dr. Robert S. Carroll founded the facility in 1904. Originally located on Haywood Street in downtown Asheville, it was first known as Dr. Carroll’s Sanitarium. An advertisement in The Asheville Citizen’s Sept. 23, 1904, edition notes that the establishment “[o]ffers superior accommodations for a limited number of Nervous, Chronic and Drug Habit cases.”

In 1907, the sanitarium relocated to 75 Zillicoa St. By 1912, two more buildings were added to the property’s 38 acres.

That same year, the establishment was renamed Highland Hospital.

The 1912 edition of the Historical and Trade Edition of The Asheville Citizen went on to proclaim: “A more complete combination of hospital, sanatarium and home could hardly be imagined.” Amenities included steam-heated rooms, many of which had open fireplaces. The paper also noted the facility’s “splendid pool for swimming and diving and all conveniences for massage and electric treatment.”

Physical activity was a large component of the hospital’s program. In the same article, The Asheville Citizen wrote: “In addition to music, reading and parlor games, tennis and other outdoor sports for which there is ample room, drives unsurpassed in beauty and variety, horseback riding over perfect roads and through scenes of unrivaled diversity, with climbs which invigorate, strengthen and inspire are provided for the patients.

Trips to surrounding points of interest are arranged from time to time, tramps along trout streams, hunting excursions in the mountains, camping parties, climbing expeditions, anything that will bring back the bloom of health again to the cheek, and the old vigor to the weakened constitution.”

The hospital’s attention to physical exertion is further examined in Nancy Milford’s 1970 biography, Zelda. Throughout the mid-1930s and up until her death, Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald — wife of writer F. Scott Fitzgerald — sought treatment at Highland Hospital.

Tragically, on March 10, 1948, she and eight other patients perished in a fire at the facility. (See “Tuesday History: The Fire at Highland Hospital,” March 21, 2017, Xpress) In her book, Milford shares a unique activity assigned to patients. She writes: “An example of Carroll’s system was his belief in the benefits of an exercise he had devised which involved climbing a hill. The patient was to climb a particular distance, up and down the hill, so many times each day. Each individual had a certain level of achievement, determined for him by the doctor. This was not hiking, nor was it supposed to be a particularly enjoyable exercise; it was to teach the disturbed to overcome obstacles by learning perseverance. A nurse who was at the hospital at that time said that the exercise ‘was to accustom the patient to the reality of endeavor, endless and routine. The monotonous plodding along of everyday life might be a sound analogy.’”

The biographer goes on to note that additional physical activities included “calisthenics, medicine ball, and volleyball in the mornings and at 10:30 [patients] took nourishment such as milk and whole-wheat bread with peanut butter.”

While exercise and diet were imposed on all who sought treatment, Milford adds that additional guidelines were enforced on the hospital’s female patients. She writes that Carroll forbade “the use of mirrors, for he felt that primping in front of them, as well as the use of rouge and lipstick, were false modes of concentration on the self.”

Carroll donated the hospital to Duke University in 1939. By then the facility was composed of nine buildings, as well as a 400-acre parcel in Beaverdam.

Carroll stayed on as Highland’s director until 1944. Psychiatric Institutes of America purchased Highland Hospital in 1981. The hospital closed in October 1993.

Editor’s note: Peculiarities of spelling and punctuation are preserved from the original documents. X

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YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT Diets are tricky. There are so many out there — paleo, vegan, vegetarian, raw food, Mediterranean, low-carb, no white, ketogenic — to name just a few.

How do you choose a diet that’s best for you? Is there one “best” diet to promote health? Or do they all promote health in different ways? Does the “best” diet come down to the one that matches your genetics or body type? Or does the “best” diet depend on your goals — whether weight loss, bodybuilding or preventing diabetes? If you want to lose weight and you find a diet that helps you take it off, will that diet help you keep it off? What diets are sustainable?

Are sugar and salt — frequently added to foods for flavor — bad for you, or are certain amounts allowable or even necessary for health?

With so many things to consider when choosing a diet, it’s easy to get confused.

And to compound the problem, experts change their minds every few years.

First, fat was the enemy; then news spread that certain fats are good for you.

Next, high-protein and low-carb diets became all the rage before they too lost some of their popularity.

Part 2 of Xpress’ Wellness series looks at several diets touted as healthy, serv-

ing up the pros and cons of each to help people make more informed decisions about what they eat. The adage “You are what you eat” makes more sense when you know which foods are most conducive to your health.

— Susan Foster, Wellness editor X

IN THIS SECTION: • “Eating right for your body type” examines the health aspects of diets tailored to different body characteristics such as shape, constitution and blood type.

• “Area health and wellness experts weigh in on raw food diets” considers the feasibility of a completely raw diet as well as the health benefits it can bestow.

• Different opinions about whether sugar can be a part of a healthy diet duke it out in “Asheville’s ambivalent relationship with sugar.”

• “How the hunter-gatherer diet changed the way some Ashevilleans eat” explores the paleo approach, which takes inspiration from the whole, unprocessed foods eaten by our ancestors.

• “How much is too much?” looks at the question of how much salt is needed for a healthy diet.

INSIDE OUT

Ideas differ on how to eat right for your body type

inner points of light awaken and illumine authentic presence

EATING BY THE ELEMENTS: Asheville ayurvedic specialist Greta Kent-Stoll helps clients determine the best nutritional plan for their particular collection of traits, also known as their doshas. Photo by Joe Pellegrino

BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN earnaudin@mountainx.com Eat more kale. Eat less red meat. Eat more oils. Eat fewer carbs. As the hot trends in diets come and go, they often have one thing in common: They are prescriptive across the board, marketed as one-size-fits-all solutions to losing weight and improving health. But not everyone subscribes to this idea, and some local professionals follow different interpretations of eating right for one’s body type in their work to help clients achieve their health goals.

LIVING IN HARMONY The ancient Indian philosophy ayurveda teaches that all things in nature are composed of five elements: earth, water, fire, air and ether. These elements combine in various permutations to form the three doshas: vata (air and ether), pitta (fire and water) and kapha (earth and water).

Practitioners believe each person has a unique balance of the three doshas, called their prakruti.

At Asheville Ayurveda, specialist Greta Kent-Stoll assesses each client’s physical constitution and physiological, psychological and emotional habits.

She also looks at the person’s appetite and metabolism, ability to gain and lose weight, ideal number of meals per day and reaction to missing a meal.

Kent-Stoll says one or two of the doshas usually predominate in each person and natural tendencies reinforce these, which can lead to problems. “If we are eating foods and living in such a way that simply exaggerates who we are, and we keep doing that day after day over time, then that will eventually create some kind of imbalance,” she says.

Ayurveda gives practitioners the tools to help the body heal itself, Kent-Stoll believes. “It’s not about what we do once in a while,” she says. “It’s about what we’re doing on a consistent basis.”

Each dosha has its own dietary means to achieving and maintaining harmony. Vata types tend to have drier, colder and lighter constitutions, so if they eat a lot of dry, cold, light foods, it will cause an excess of vata over time and lead to health problems. Instead of cold salads, dry crackers and cold drinks, Kent-Stoll says vatas should balance their qualities with warmly spiced and cooked foods. People with this constitutional type tend to do well with more healthy oils such as coconut, avocado and olive in their diet, plus root vegetables, whole grains, nuts and, if their system can handle it, dairy.

Kapha types are in some ways the opposite of vata, because they naturally have a heavier constitutional makeup, but because they run cool, they need foods that are warm but light. Hot, well-spiced foods agree with them, and they can typically benefit from more leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower and thin, broth-based soups.

Characterized by an intense appetite, pitta types tend to run hot and have strong digestion; they can typically handle more salads, especially in summer.

While Kent-Stoll notes that everybody should be eating cooked food in colder months, once temperatures rise, pittas can enjoy cooler foods, including green juices and smoothies.

In choosing corresponding recipes, Kent-Stoll recommends Usha Lad’s Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing and The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook by Kate O’Donnell. Of the latter, she says, “That’s a nice one because if people don’t know their constitution or they’re not sure, she actually does it by season because the doshas are considered to predominate more or less in certain seasons. So she makes more seasonal recommendations for food and then talks about how the summer is the pitta season, fall and early winter are vata season, and spring is kapha season.”

Kent-Stoll adds that ayurveda places as much emphasis on how one eats as it does on what one eats. “It’s really not so much about choosing the perfect ingredient or avoiding this or that. A lot of it is about your habit, lifestyle and how it all fits together,” she says. “There are a lot of guidelines in ayurveda about how to eat your food in order to most benefit digestion.

Things like sitting down and eating in a peaceful setting, not being distracted while you’re eating, not checking your

CONTINUES ON PAGE 20

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phone or email or watching TV while you eat.”

The practice also teaches to eat the right amount, which is only to the point that a person feels 75 percent full. “You don’t want to eat beyond that point or walk away from the table hungry,” Kent-Stoll says.

Kent-Stoll’s office is located in a yoga center and therefore tends to attract a lot of yoga students as clients. She sees a range of ages, from people in their early 20s up through those in their

70s, and while she tends to get more women, she says she’d be happy to work with a greater number of men.

“I think it’s people who are looking for a more holistic way to get well and to stay well, so it’s people who are looking for more dietary assistance, herbal remedies [and] lifestyle shifts,” KentStoll says of her clientele. “It generally is not going to attract people who are wanting a quick fix, but it’s people who are willing or at least curious to shift something in the way that they’re living

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and the way that they’re eating and the way that they’re managing their lives.”

IN THE VEIN In 1996, naturopath Peter J. D’Adamo published Eat Right 4 Your Type, arguing that because people’s blood type reflects their internal chemistry, it therefore determines the foods they should eat.

Dr. Elizabeth Pavka, wholistic nutritionist at Wellspring Wellness Center in Asheville, says when she first browsed through the book, she didn’t believe its findings. But she gradually came around to the approach. “Back then, we were taught — and the government is still teaching — that we’re all the same and we’re all supposed to eat the same way. And that’s just not true,” she says.

“We’re all different people. The concept is called ‘biochemical individuality,’ a long term that means you are different even than somebody else in your family, even though you share a lot of genetics and that kind of thing.”

Pavka helps her clients put together an eating plan that’s appropriate for them, with blood type being one aspect of that; however, she notes, it’s been around five years since a client asked her about the blood type diet. “People read books, and they get all excited, and then put it away, and maybe they put it on their shelves and pretend it’s not there,” she says.

According to D’Adamo, who updated his book in 2016, people who have blood Type A have low levels of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and high levels of the intestinal disaccharide digestive enzyme. The combination allows for a more efficient digestion of carbohydrates, but, along with low levels of intestinal alkaline phosphatase, makes it difficult to digest and metabolize animal protein and fat.

As a result, D’Adamo recommends a mostly vegetarian diet for this type.

“That’s what I find to be true about myself,” says Pavka, who is Type A. “I limit my meats personally to chicken and some fish, and I don’t do what I call ‘the heavier meats.’”

Type Os tend to have higher levels of stomach acid. Thanks to an increased secretion into the digestive tract of the intestinal alkaline phosphatase enzyme and ApoB48 lipoprotein, they’re also able to metabolize the cholesterol in animal products more efficiently, better assimilate calcium and have an increased ability to heal their digestive tract. At the same time, simple carbohydrates, namely from grains, are more readily converted into fats and triglycerides. In turn, D’Adamo says to eat lean, organic meats, vegetables and fruits and abstain from wheat and dairy.

Those with Type B are considered to have the most tolerant digestive system of all the blood types. Corn, wheat, buckwheat, lentils, tomatoes, peanuts and sesame seeds affect the efficiency of their metabolic process and encourage weight gain. D’Adamo also discourages Type Bs from eating chicken, due to an agglutinating lectin in its muscle tissue that attacks the bloodstream and can lead to strokes and immune disorders.

He suggests replacing the popular poultry with goat, lamb, mutton, rabbit and venison, as well as focusing on green vegetables, eggs and low-fat dairy.

As for Type AB, it behaves as a chameleon, exhibiting traits of A, B or both. D’Adamo says Type AB has Type A’s low stomach acid as well as Type B’s adaptation to meats, meaning they lack sufficient stomach acid to metabolize them efficiently, which tends to store the meat as fat. To lose weight, he endorses tofu, seafood, dairy and green vegetables and abstaining from all smoked or cured meats.

While Pavka has seen clients’ health improve by making changes according to D’Adamo’s book, she does not believe that all Type Os, for example, need to eat alike. She also does some testing with

GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM! Asheville-based Genova Diagnostics, asking certain clients to do blood tests that look at how their immune systems respond to commonly eaten foods, and says the results can be very different from the blood type dietary suggestions.

INDIVIDUAL NUTRITIONAL NEEDS Another approach to eating based on body type aligns with one’s body shape and the three somatotypes developed by psychologist and physician William H. Sheldon in the 1940s. These general categories are: ectomorph (long-limbed and not very muscular), mesomorph (muscular and proportionately built) and endomorph (round and more prone to gaining weight). This school of thought overlaps with identifying oneself as one of three fruit and vegetable shapes: apples, who are prone to stomach fat but typically have a slim lower body; pears, who store fat on their hips and thighs; and narrow-shaped chili peppers, who have an even distribution of weight.

Plentiful eating and exercise plans tailored to each shape exist online, but Leah McGrath, registered dietitian for Ingles Markets, doesn’t recommend using this method — which she calls “kind of old-school thinking” — to achieve a healthy lifestyle.

“The body-type diet isn’t a scienceor evidence-based approach,” McGrath says. “Eating plans to gain, lose or maintain weight are best if they are individually managed to take into consideration a person’s food preferences, lifestyle, cooking ability, ethnic background, work habits, weight gain/loss/ maintenance goals, health and disease.”

She says registered dietitian nutritionists are trained to take all those factors into account.

McGrath says she’s constantly asked about whatever diet happens to be in fashion. Lately, she has been fielding inquiries about the ketogenic diet. In 17 years of working for Ingles, however,

she has never received a call or email inquiring about the body shape diet.

While there are certainly people with a genetic predisposition to gain weight or muscle in certain areas and who correspond with one of the three shapes, McGrath says eating according to those guidelines has its limitations. “What we look like doesn’t necessarily equate with what foods we should eat, nor does it necessarily equate with our energy/calorie need or food preferences,” she says.

That being said, “carrying excessive weight around your waist may be related to hormonal changes (for women) as much as eating habits, and a higher waist circumference has been linked to increased risk of heart disease and Type 2 diabetes,” McGrath says.

In addition to being critical of the body shape approach, McGrath notes that the issue of weight and dieting is fraught with problems. She warns against being influenced to follow a diet based on a celebrity endorsement or to “achieve or maintain an unrealistic body size based on artificial cultural norms or expectations.” She also points to the connection between food and emotions, noting that many serial dieters struggle with issues that manifest themselves in limiting food intake to the point of developing an eating disorder.

Furthermore, considering the struggles many Western North Carolina residents face with food security, McGrath feels that it’s insensitive to promote dieting, which she defines as “the ability to refuse or restrict food” and “an exercise that those with access to food can do.”

“I’m not going to endorse any of these diets,” McGrath says. Instead, she recommends a balanced eating plan such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Dietary Guidelines for Americans that encourages variety and moderation. She also advises using tools to track calorie intake, steps and exercise “because it’s not just about calories in, but calories expended.” X

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PALEO PARADIGM How the hunter-gatherer diet changed the way some Ashevilleans eat

BY JAMESON O’HANLON brewkitchen86@gmail.com Dr. Daniel Stickler, founder and chief medical officer of Apeiron Center for Human Potential in Asheville, remembers a time when he ate whatever he wanted. “Back in 2003, I was eating pizza and drinking Mountain Dew,” he says. At the time, he was running marathons.

But that year, he made some drastic changes. He had first read about the concept of paleo nutrition in a 2002 article in The New York Times. After hearing a lecture on the “caveman diet” by nutritionist and author Robert Crayhon, he decided to give it a try. “I shifted to [eating] paleo, started doing CrossFit, and I went from 26 percent body fat down to 8 percent.”

He might not have realized it at the time, but “ancestral nutrition” — the paleo way of eating — would go on to gain popularity with a wide range of health enthusiasts and professionals.

Drawing inspiration from the whole, unprocessed foods our ancestors ate, paleo diet adherents believe that sticking close to a similar regimen offers a range of health benefits while avoiding some of the pitfalls associated with today’s industrialized food supply.

PALEO PROPONENT “Junk foods containing refined sugars, refined grains, refined vegetable oils, salt and other ingredients have contributed to adversely affecting human health since their widespread introduction in the U.S.

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MO’ HEALTHY: Asheville massage therapist and epigenetic coach Mo Goldstein helps clients customize their diets based on whole, unprocessed foods for optimal health. Photo by Jameson O’Hanlon following WWII,” says scientist Loren Cordain, who is widely considered one of the founders of the paleo diet movement.

These problematic foods, he explains, make up between half and three-quarters of the calories in a typical American diet.

Unfortunately, these highly processed items “are known to promote cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and obesity, and various cancers and certain autoimmune diseases,” Cordain says.

Cordain’s work was inspired by a 1987 paper authored by radiologist S. Boyd Eaton. “It made so much sense to me on an evolutionary basis that I have pursued this concept for the rest of my life,” Cordain says. In 2001, he published The Paleo Diet to outline some of the fundamental concepts of the dietary theory in a way that is accessible to a general audience.

“When most people replace processed foods with fresh fruits, fresh vegetables, fresh fish, grass-produced fresh meats, free-ranging eggs, freeranging poultry, nuts and seeds, they generally lose weight and their health improves,” Cordain says.

The Paleo Diet (revised in 2011) lists six “ground rules” for eating according to a primal template: • All the lean meats, fish and seafood you can eat.

• All the fruits and nonstarchy vegetables you can eat.

• No grains.

• No legumes.

• No dairy products.

• No processed foods.

The eliminated foods, the book explains, developed as humans evolved from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle toward an agriculture-based food system.

While it brought with it many benefits, that transition happened more quickly than our digestive systems and genetics could adapt, leading to a mismatch between our biological needs and the food that is readily available to us, Cordain asserts.

Now an emeritus professor at Colorado State University, Cordain says that, at 67, he enjoys high energy

levels as a result of his years of adhering to the paleo diet. ’A PHILOSOPHICAL DIET’ These days, Stickler views the diet differently from when he first started it. “Paleo is a philosophical diet,” he says. “It’s a higher-than-average protein and fat intake, with a lower carb intake.” He notes that some general dietary standards have grown out of a strict paleo regimen that are now widely accepted as nutritional fact. “Eat organic, healthy, real foods and minimize the carbohydrates, especially simple carbohydrates,” he says. “Some people do paleo with a lot of complex or starchy carbs. But using paleo as a broad terminology has fallen by the wayside because there are so many variations.”

Stickler says that even though the paleo regimen was a great fit for him, it’s not right for everyone. Now, he follows its principles more generally and eats foods he wants on occasion. “I would say I’m paleo-esque,” as he still eats bread and enjoys pizza a couple of times a month.

Yet he points to troublesome reactions that come from processed foods. “Some

people can handle soy, but most people can’t because soy is actually an estrogenreceptor modulator, mimicking aspects of hormones,” he says.

“Dairy is complex because some people have lactose intolerance, other people have allergies to certain milk proteins, and some have leaky gut, and they can potentially react negatively to dairy,” Stickler continues. While not definitively proven, the theory of “leaky gut syndrome” maintains that some people have especially permeable membranes in their digestive tracts, allowing particles of undigested food to cross over the gut barrier into the bloodstream, where the substances can cause inflammation.

Sugar, too, creates inflammation, Stickler says, so people should “eliminate that significantly from their diets.”

Even as he credits Dr. Robert Atkins for flipping conventional nutrition wisdom on its head by saying that people are healthier on a high-fat, low-carb diet, he claims that paleo changed the diet game. “It was revolutionary,” he says. “Paleo developed its own momentum, especially with CrossFit. All of us early adopters of CrossFit were following Robb Wolf, author of

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The Paleo Solution, because he was the nutrition guy.”

“It changed the paradigm of the way people viewed healthy eating,” he recalls.

FINDING THE MIDDLE WAY One of Mo Goldstein’s massage clients tipped him off to the paleo diet in 2011. “I have never seen her since,” he says, “but I’m grateful for her nudge to read Robb Wolf’s book.”

He tried paleo for 30 days. “In two days, my chronic gas went away, which made my wife really happy,” Goldstein says. “It took the full month, but my chronic chest congestion and low-grade aches, the old-man feeling, went away.”

Excited, he went paleo full time.

“What did I eat? It’s very simple,” says Goldstein. “Veggies, but limit starchy vegetables like squash and sweet and white potatoes; pasture-raised mammals and birds and wild-caught fish; eggs; organic or wild berries or other lowsugar options; and nuts (but not peanuts, because they’re beans).” He mentions the best fats for paleo, which are coconut or olive oil and animal fats. What’s not on the plate? “Sugary beverages, including juice; grains (especially wheat); beans, except for green beans; sugar and other refined sweeteners; and vegetable oils.”

A licensed massage and bodywork therapist, Goldstein is also an epigenetic coach with Apeiron. The emerging field of epigenetics looks at the ways environmental factors, including diet, change the ways genes are expressed.

A person might have a genetic tendency toward a particular illness or condition, for example, but not everyone with that tendency will develop the condition.

Environmental or lifestyle factors have the ability to turn certain parts of the genetic code on or off, Stickler explains.

According to Goldstein, people now tend to create their own diets, modifying healthy regimens with individual food preferences. And Apeiron, he continues, leverages an individualized approach based on epigenetics to suggest the best lifestyle practices for clients.

“I think of paleo now as a good jumping-off point,” Goldstein says. “But there is no ideal diet. We’re all individuals, and the genetic variability really determines a lot.”

Preferences also play a part. “Our own history with food, what you like to eat — makes a big difference,” Goldstein says. In his coaching role, he gives clients information on lifestyle choices, including nutrition, sleep, meditation, environment and exercise, so they can make their own decisions. “There are some people whose genetics match well with a paleo diet, but they don’t like eating that way,” he says. “So what the hell’s the 24

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PAYING ATTENTION: Dietitian Margaret Ruch says, “When people think about paleo, it just makes them more aware of their diet in general, and what they add, not what they give up, is the improvement.” Photo by Jameson O’Hanlon point of living a long, miserable life?”

Goldstein, who also describes himself as “paleo-esque,” doesn’t stray too far from the diet most days. “I’ve found I can eat a few corn tortillas here and there, some butter, a little bit of cheese. But if I push it and eat too much dairy, I get a little phlegmy.” ’DIETS HAVE RULED US’ Margaret Ruch, a registered dietitian at Asheville-based Nutritious Thoughts, offers another perspective. She says she has seen all kinds of diets come and go, and she dismisses them all. “I don’t like this diet,” she says, referring to the paleo regimen. “Short-term, fad diets like the paleo diet work because they’re calorically restrictive. If you take in less calories for a period of time, you will lose weight.” But eventually, she says, your metabolism or your mind catches up, and you can’t do it anymore.

“Diets have ruled us in that we consider ourselves the problem when we fail at them,” Ruch says. “People are mad at themselves, but I think the diet didn’t set us up for success.”

She says she understands why people might flock to this diet, as it relates to how our forebears lived and ate as huntergatherers. “The whole reason for paleo was to get back to the good old days, when we didn’t have the same health problems and chronic illnesses,” she explains. “I get where they’re coming from, but I also know that our chronic illnesses occur

because of many different reasons. We are sedentary as a nation, which Paleo people weren’t. Now we have farms and grocery stores.”

But she hastens to add that there are benefits in today’s world: “We have such a variety and an abundance.

We’re lucky that we don’t have to eat like a caveman.”

Ruch doesn’t recommend restricting certain food groups or particular foods, even sugar. “Sugar is a vital component of our diet,” she says.

“Sugars come from carbohydrates, and we use the sugar from the carbs as fuel. It’s what allows our brain to think and muscles and digestive system to work. If people are avoiding a food group that they don’t have a medical need to avoid, I see that as disordered eating. It’s a slippery slope.”

Ruch is a CrossFitter, and even though some local gyms request that their members eat paleo, her gym, Summit CrossFit, doesn’t. “Luckily, Summit is one of those gyms that does not push their beliefs about food or nutrition on you,” she says.

“I don’t think that avoiding grains or milk or sugar makes you develop muscles faster.”

What helps people lose weight, Ruch says, is paying attention to what they are eating and adding healthy foods to their diet.

“When people put more thought than they might have before into their diet, there can be improvements,” she says. “Maybe that’s the first step. When people think about paleo, it just makes them more aware of their diet in general, and what they add, not what they give up, is the improvement.”

For his part, Goldstein points out that paleo can introduce foods that people might not be eating enough of. “For most people, it’s going to be an improvement over what they’re already eating. It’s focusing on goodquality, whole foods,” he says. “There’s no one-size-fits-all diet. I think of paleo as a different lens to look through.” X

MORE INFO Dr. Daniel Stickler apeironcenter.com Mo Goldstein mothehuman.net Margaret Ruch nutritious-thoughts.com/ who-we-are/team-bios.html

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PUZZLE XPRESS

by Sarah Boddy Norris

participatorydemocrossy@gmail.com

C O M PA S S I O N F R U I T

ACROSS

1. Katie Button, for example 5. Torn 9. Downtown hotel with a popular parking lot 14. “Nourish, Empower, ___” (credo of Nutritious Thoughts, local dietitians) 15. The only warmblooded fish 16. Gan Shan West, compared to Gan Shan Station 17. ____ eating (“sense”ible approach to nutrition) 19. Hell describer 20. Star Wars abbr.

21. Narrative shape 23. Surreptitious look 24. Fragrant Grove Arcade shop 27. Optional wear at Studio Zahiya, where the rules prohibit negative body talk 29. Much-mocked toast topping 32. As yet undeveloped spaces 33. Sauce, literally and trademarked 34. Fill with love 37. “Health __________” (inclusive wellness movement) 41. Turns over a Table table?

42. Sit in Biltmore traffic?

45. “Asheville ___ Library” 47. Pritchard Park denizens, stereotypically 49. Substitute for detergent or Diet Coke 53. The planets, since Pluto got the boot-o 54. Mustard-making monk’s sin?

55. Dickey’s Barbecue area 56. Past 57. Noted razor wielder 59. “____ are good bodies” (anti-shaming credo) 64. Theater showing “Fattitude” (a film on body stigma/ acceptance) March 1, sponsored by T.H.E. Center for Disordered Eating 65. Asheville Hardware offering

66. So 67. Laxative on the World Health Organization’s List of Essential Medicines 68. Tar Heel Antawn Jamison’s award 69. Droops

DOWN

1. Daoist Traditions class topic 2. ___Dough (chicken and doughnuts shop south of Asheville) 3. Nourish oneself 4. Type of handsaw 5. Chai Pani flatbread 6. Expensive pen type?

7. The only military bases North Carolina lacks 8. “___’s no ___ ___” 9. “Food ___ Body Rebels,” a body acceptance program from counselor Jamie Earnhardt 10. Emphatically accept, as an offer 11. Part of CIBO 12. Celebrated in French?

13. Extensive adventures in Pisgah National Forest 18. ___ Factory Dance School 22. Larger-than-life statues

24. The Double Crown or DeSoto Lounge 25. Gardner from Smithfield 26. 22-down outfit 28. Famous Miss Spelling?

30. Use the Darkroom?

31. Place in math 35. Is, for you 36. The Grove Park’s Pink Lady...maybe 38. Cupid, in Corinth 39. 28801 through -6 40. Improve, in a way 43. Stephens-___ Center 44. Time in our 39-down 45. Strada’s style, specifically 46. Get 48. Springy stick 49. Mountain Thunder footwear 50. Filthy rich(es) 51. Arbus at the Asheville Art Museum 52. “____ Obscura,” recommender of the Asheville Pinball Museum 56. With competence 58. UNCA’s English Dept. style 60. Half a kissing couple 61. ___ B. Jones Elementary 62. Source of 6 grams of protein 63. 7-down cry for help

SEE ANSWERS ON PG. 71

The

Sustainability

CELEBRATING EARTH DAY 2018

Every week in April

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Series

SUGARCOATED WORLD

Asheville’s ambivalent relationship with sweeteners SUGAR AND INFLAMMATION

BY JAMESON O’HANLON brewkitchen86@gmail.com Julia Cassell, a weightlifting trainer in Asheville, stepped on the scale after giving birth to her last child in 2009 and saw that she weighed 200 pounds. That’s when she knew she would have to make better choices about sugar.

“I was drinking Coke every day,” Cassell recalls. “There was no doubt; if I had a drink, it was a Coke.”

Cassell is not alone in struggling with sugar and how to combat its effects. From weightlifters to naturopathic doctors to pediatricians to dietitians, local professionals grapple with the sugar question every day: whether to cut its consumption a lot, a little or not at all.

HEAVE HO: Weightlifting trainer Julia Cassell lost 40 pounds in five months by giving up sugar and lifting weights at WNC Barbell. Photo by Jameson O’Hanlon

LAST CHANCE

Dr. Leslie Meyers, a naturopath at Asheville’s Waterleaf Naturopathic Medicine, says she primarily treats patients with a holistic blend of herbs, homeopathy, diet and lifestyle. Sugar, she says, is a common link in many symptoms patients report. “Sugar triggers an immune response in the gut and causes inflammation all over the body. It makes anything worse — joint pain, ADHD, energy levels, mood, digestion, weight, heart disease,” Meyers says. “If people with back pain take sugar out of their diets, two weeks later they’ll notice that it has noticeably lessened. If they eat sugar again, within 15-20 minutes they would have the pain again. I see it over and over.”

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Meyers names a cluster of symptoms, any three of which qualify as metabolic syndrome, that are highrisk factors for Type 2 diabetes and heart disease — insulin resistance, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol (the beneficial kind), hypertension and obesity. “Some inflammation occurs inside the blood vessels, contributing to diabetes and atherosclerosis,” she continues. “I believe that sugar intake is a bigger contributor to atherosclerosis than cholesterol intake.”

Meyers and her wife, Dr. Emily Colwell, who represents the other half of the practice at Waterleaf Naturopathic, are especially careful with the amount of sugar they allow their children to consume. “We stay away from highly processed foods because they’re more likely to have added sugar,” Meyers says. “But we do have times we enjoy sugar. When we go to a party, we tell the kids to go nuts and enjoy. We occasionally go to The Hop for ice cream with friends, and since these events occur weekly, I don’t feel like we are depriving the kids.”

Not having sugar as part of her family’s daily routine helps prevent colds and the flu and puts them at lower risk for ADHD, anxiety, behavioral issues, sleep issues, gut issues and obesity, Meyers says.

“The trail of health issues that sugar leaves behind is enormous,” Meyers adds. “We need to get a hold of this in our country, particularly for our kids. We are training their taste buds at an early age and teaching them how to eat for the rest of their lives.”

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Dr. Lauren Keely Carlisle, a pediatrician at French Broad Pediatrics in Woodfin, remembers the 12-week outpatient weight management program for kids that she worked in all the way through medical school and residency at LSU New Orleans from 1992 to 2005. The severely to morbidly obese children, ages 6-16, were put on a diet of protein and fats, similar to the ketogenic diet, which is a lowcarb, high-fat diet. The children also spent time with a dietitian, a behavioral psychologist and an exercise physiologist. “We were pretty successful,” Carlisle says. “We told them they couldn’t have any carbs at all.”

However, the main culprit wasn’t starchy carbohydrates. “The No. 1 thing for Americans is sugar drinks,” Carlisle says, referring to soda, juice,

FIGHTING OBESITY: Dr. Lauren Keely Carlisle of French Broad Pediatrics advises her patients not to drink sugary beverages. Photo

by Jameson O’Hanlon sports drinks and energy drinks.

“A can of Coca-Cola is about 15 teaspoons of sugar. Imagine making an iced tea and putting 15 teaspoons of sugar in it. You would never do that.”

Carlisle treated young children with Type 2 diabetes, among other conditions. “The youngest with Type 2 diabetes was in the 8-10 age range,” she says. “I also saw polycystic ovarian syndrome and precocious puberty, which is when children develop early, and fatty liver disease, which is directly correlated with weight.”

The research hasn’t definitively linked all those conditions with being overweight, Carlisle says, but the national conversation is ongoing, particularly because it took decades to dispel old nutritional myths. “When I was a kid, fat was the evil thing, not sugar, and it took us a long time to figure out that it is sugar and carbs,” she says. “Our bodies are still programmed that if we think we’re going to go through starvation, we hold on to the fat. If we eat a bunch of sugar, the body says, ‘We’re going to burn some of this

for energy, but we’ll store the rest as fat, because who knows where your next meal is coming from?’”

According to Carlisle, every day children should eat five or more servings of fruit and veggies; they should have two or fewer hours of recreational screen time; they should participate in at least one hour of physical activity; and they should consume no sugary drinks.

Still, even though Carlisle says she thinks we are giving children way too much sugar, she concedes it’s difficult to take it away completely. “I go through it with my own kids,” she admits. “We’re from the South. Culturally, dessert is a part of life.”

But, Carlisle says, the children shouldn’t always get to choose what they eat. Her advice to parents: “You are the parent. You make the decisions. If you don’t want your kid to have chocolate, they don’t have to have chocolate.

And it’s OK.” The key, Carlisle says, is choosing the times kids can enjoy sugar.

“What are things we can have as a treat that we know we’ll get once a week?” she asks parents to consider for their children. “Is it ice cream? Should we make a special trip to The Hop on Fridays?

That will give them motivation — Friday’s right around the corner.”

vegetables and dairy. When you consume sugar, whether that be from a potato, banana, muffin or yogurt, it is broken down in the body and absorbed. In fact, the preferred source of fuel for your entire body is a simple sugar known as glucose,” she notes.

Beck disputes the notion that sugar should be minimized greatly or eliminated from the diet altogether. “The phrase ‘quitting sugar’ sounds a lot like we are equating sugar to substances like alcohol or drugs. Blaming sugar as the root cause for modern disease is entirely too simplistic,” she adds. “The idea that sugar in and of itself will cause disease is false. One’s lifestyle — including diet, movement, mental status and overall health — should be considered when looking at disease risk and development.”

Beck concedes, however, that certain diseases demand a closer look at sugar intake: “There are certain chronic or physiological conditions like diabetes that may require closer monitoring of the carbohydrates and sugars consumed on a daily basis. But even in those cases, sugar can still be incorporated regularly as part of a complete diet.”

THE NATURAL FOODS APPROACH JoAnne Kushi, a whole foods cooking instructor in Asheville, counselor and chef, remembers a childhood beset with illness. “I used to eat the supermarket shelf diet,” she says.

“Pop-Tarts for breakfast, doughnuts, white bread with butter and sugar. We ate sugar cereal and added scoops of sugar, and it sounded like sand when you scraped the bottom,” she recalls.

Repeated hospitalizations for chronic infections, headaches, allergies and digestive issues made her want to change her diet. “The more natural I ate, the healthier I got,” she says. “Every time I went back, all the problems came back. After five years, I said, ‘Enough!’ I couldn’t believe food could matter that much. I ended up eliminating sugar, dairy, all flour products, and I was eating hardly any meat, so I went vegan.” After spending several years studying whole foods and learning in her own kitchen, she began teaching cooking classes to show people how to cook sugar-free, plant-based and natural cuisines.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 30

BALANCING ACT Catherine Beck, a dietitian in Asheville, recalls studying sugar at the University of Georgia — from the chemical reaction that occurs in baking with sugar (the Maillard reaction) to the science behind the body’s breakdown and metabolism of carbohydrates into sugars.

“It was never truly categorized as healthy or unhealthy,” she says.

“We were taught that a balanced diet full of a variety of nutrientdense foods is important and that complete elimination or restriction of any one food or food group is unnecessary.”

Beck, who works part time at Nutritious Thoughts, points out that the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting intake of added sugars to no more than 10 percent of total calories, but not because of negative health effects related to sugar; rather, keeping added sugar intake at this level allows sufficient room to include other important nutrients.

Sugar is found in all kinds of foods, Beck says, “including fruits,

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Kushi’s diet isn’t as restrictive anymore, but she still doesn’t consume sugar. “It’s toxic,” she says.

“It creates an acidic condition in the blood, where most diseases thrive. It interferes with your body processing, producing and utilizing vitamins and minerals, and contributes to everything from arthritis, gum diseases, hypertension, diabetes, mood swings and cancer,” she continues. “It’s the No. 1 enemy of your immune system, so you’re much more prone to diseases and infections. You can see why people get sick so much.”

High fructose corn syrup, found in soft drinks like Coca-Cola and many other foods on every aisle of conventional grocery stores, is especially pernicious, Kushi says.

“High fructose corn syrup is the No. 1 toxic form of sugar. It’s in a high concentration that isn’t recognizable by the body — it’s like a foreigner,” she says. “And because it’s made from corn, it’s also genetically modified. Some health-minded grocery stores don’t allow it,” such as Earth Fare and Whole Foods, she adds.

Kushi recommends alternative sweeteners. “Honey is good, but raw is better than pasteurized,” she says. “But the two best choices are stevia, which is the leaf of a plant that is 200-300 times sweeter than sugar, and it has a glycemic index of one, the lowest you can go. And coconut sugar, which comes from the flowers of the coconut plant and is also low-glycemic. It’s delicious, and it doesn’t give you the hypoglycemia roller coaster.”

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and 200 pounds post-pregnancy, she was home-schooling her four children and couldn’t leave the house to exercise. “I had a very carb-centric diet — always bread, pasta, cereal,” she says. “The standard American diet ensured that I was overweight for most of my life.”

So Cassell got involved in an online weightlifting community, participating for the first year with the help of Tom Venuto’s book, Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle. As she lifted, she followed his food recommendations, which took sugar and carbs off her plate and out of her glass. The new diet and weightlifting helped her gain muscle and drop body fat. In five months, her weight fell to 160, completely changing her physique.

The before pictures she took remind her just how far she has come. “For me, being at 50 percent body fat and bringing it down to 18-20 percent, I didn’t want to take the pictures at the time, but I’m so glad I have them today. It’s incredibly motivating,” she says.

Although Cassell now stays away from sugars most of the time, she says she makes allowances once in a while for comfort foods, tweaking them for healthier versions, as her tastes have changed. “When I was a kid, a Hershey bar couldn’t be better,” she says. “But now, I eat 90 percent dark chocolate. If the kids are doing s’mores and I try one, I don’t enjoy the flavor. I never thought I would see that day.” X

TO SALT OR NOT TO SALT

Introduces the STRAWBERRY

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INCH LOSS should aim for at least 500 milligrams of sodium a day, and an athlete who exercises for more than an hour a day may need to shoot for a higher number. “Those are the people you most often hear about with too low sodium,” she says. “It usually happens when they drink too much water and don’t pay attention to electrolytes like salt and potassium.”

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LESS IS MORE: An array of fresh food, all of it without sodium, awaits the healthy diner. Photo courtesy of Sarah Barratt Photography

BY KIM DINAN dinankim@gmail.com Salt is everywhere. It’s buried underground, floating in our oceans and packed into many of the foods that we buy at the grocery store. And it’s essential for human health. “Sodium is a mineral our body needs to function properly,” explains Mary Lindsey Jackson, a clinical nutritionist educator at Mission Weight Management Center. “It plays a role in maintaining our blood pressure.

It’s also used for muscle contractions and nerves. We definitely need sodium to survive.”

But sodium is a tricky element. Too much, and we could face high blood pressure, heart disease, strokes and a host of other problems. Too little can lead to nausea, feelings of weakness and, in the case of elite athletes or others facing tremendous physical exertion, even death.

Dietary guidelines recommend that adults consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of salt per day. But according to the latest findings by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 90 percent of children and 89 per-

cent of adults eat more than the recommended daily allowance.

“A lot of people don’t realize that one teaspoon of salt is 2,300 milligrams,” says Jackson. “For most Americans, the problem is getting too much salt.”

But is eating more than the recommended amount of salt really as serious as we’re led to believe? Jackson says yes. “Over time, having too much sodium in your diet can put you at risk for developing high blood pressure, heart disease and having strokes,” she says.

When we have too much sodium in our bodies, our kidneys have a hard time processing it. As a result, the body holds onto extra water in order to dilute that sodium in our blood. The extra water increases our blood volume, and our heart has to work a lot harder. “It puts a lot of pressure on your blood vessels,” says Jackson. “Over time, that pressure can stiffen your blood vessels and lead to serious conditions.”

The opposite alternative is having too little salt in your diet. “When a person doesn’t have enough salt, they can’t retain the fluid they need, and they can’t hydrate their cells,” says dietitian Denise Barratt, owner of Vine Ripe Nutrition in Asheville. “Their electrolytes are out of balance, basically.” Barratt says that one

Though low salt intake is a problem that shouldn’t be ignored, the focus for most of us should be on reducing the amount of sodium we consume. And according to the CDC, more than threequarters of sodium in the American diet is estimated to come from processed and restaurant food.

“I never recommend restricting sodium intake,” says Clara Norfleet, a registered dietitian in Asheville. “I recommend restricting or eliminating processed or packaged foods. By doing that you’re inherently restricting sodium intake.”

Processed foods are high in sodium partly because manufacturers put a lot of salt in them to extend shelf life and partly because salt enhances the natural flavor of foods.

Restaurants are heavy-handed with salt because Americans have a high craving for it, says Barratt. And while chain restaurants are required to publicly share the sodium content in their food, small restaurants don’t have the same requirement. One good way to avoid salt overload is to try to limit how many meals you eat out.

“Eat more whole foods, fresh fruits, vegetables, shop around the perimeter of the grocery store — those items are going to be naturally lower in sodium because they’re not processed,” advises Jackson.

And if you do buy processed items like bread and canned vegetables, choosing the low sodium or no-salt-added options will help you cut salt from your diet, Jackson says.

Reading food labels can also assist in keeping your sodium levels in check. “A good rule of thumb on a food label is: if 5 to 8 percent of the label is sodium, that’s a lower source of salt,” explains Barratt. “If the label has more like 20 percent sodium, that’s a higher source.”

Cutting out or cutting back on fast food, frozen meals, frozen pizza, chips, crackers

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and things that are typically packaged will go a long way in reducing your salt intake, says Jackson. Some other common grocery items that have high levels of hidden salt include salad dressings, soups, premade spaghetti sauces and even canned tomatoes. The good news is that many of these items are easy to make at home without high levels of salt. Take salad dressing, for example.

“An easy way to lower salt in the diet is to make your own salad dressing,” says Barratt. “You can even add a little salt at the table or a little salt while you’re cooking, and it’s not as significant as the amount of salt in processed foods.”

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ALTERNATIVE TYPES OF SALT NO BETTER FOR OUR HEALTH Pink salt is all the rage right now, but how does it stack up against sea salt, kosher salt or regular old table salt? “There’s no difference in terms of sodium,” says Jackson. “If you compare it by weight, a gram of Himalayan salt is the same as a gram of table salt.”

Because of the way that Himalayan salt and sea salt are processed, she explains, they do retain some trace minerals. But you should think twice before running out to the store to replace your table salt with a “healthier” alternative. “It’s a really tiny amount of potassium or phosphorous or calcium,” she says. “The minerals are in such tiny amounts that they’re not going to have an impact on your overall nutrient intake.”

Stephanie Romine, an ACEcertified health coach and co-

author of The No Meat Athlete Cookbook, says, “To my knowledge, there are no clinical studies that support using pink salt over table salt. At the end of the day, salt is salt. Sea salt, kosher salt, Himalayan pink salt, fancy artisanal French salt and table salt is all just sodium chloride.”

KEEPING THE FLAVOR BUT LOSING THE SALT Luckily, salt isn’t the only option when it comes to flavoring our food.

“Vinegar is a great seasoning and flavorful,” says Barratt. She also recommends flavoring food with fruity olive or walnut oils and some citrus juices like lemon or lime, instead of salt.

Jackson recommends using herbs or salt-free spice blends as well as things like onion and garlic.

“They add flavor without having to rely heavily on the salt shaker,” she says.

Barratt reminds us that no matter what kind of salt we choose, it’s the amount of salt we use that matters.

“If someone treats salt cautiously and eats more fresh foods and tries to flavor with herbs and spices and fruit juices and peppers, then whatever salt they choose, they should just use it with a slight hand.”

And, like most things in life, Romine adds, “All salt needs to be consumed in moderation.” X

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LIFE IN THE RAW Area health and wellness experts experts weigh in on uncooked foods based” products tripling in 2017, according to 1010Data. To get a professional take on the pros and cons of a raw foods diet, we spoke with a few Asheville nutrition experts and entrepreneurs, who say it can be extremely difficult and is not necessarily the best path for everyone.

THE BASICS

SUPER BOWL: The acai bowl at Elements Real Food features nutrient-dense uncooked edibles, including acai, chaga, nuts, seeds, berries and other fruits. But even with restaurant options in Asheville such as Elements, which specializes in cold-pressed juices, nut milks and unprocessed vegan fare, “travel and social events can sometimes make it difficult to remain truly raw,” says co-owner Jenni Squires. Photo by Zack Bier

BY SHAWNDRA RUSSELL shawndra@shawndrarussell.com Most of us recognize that processed foods with impossible-topronounce ingredients fail to provide the fuel our bodies need. But what happens if you take your diet to the other extreme and only eat raw, unprocessed foods?

In reality, very few people actually follow a 100 percent raw foods diet, according to the Best Overall Diets listing from U.S. News & World Report. Although there are endless variations based on personal preference, says the report, the typical raw diet consists of about 80 percent plant-based foods with nothing being heated above 115 degrees to ensure that no nutrients are lost during the cooking process. Research shows that a majority of people who adhere to

a raw foods diet are vegan, although there are some followers who consume raw animal products such as unpasteurized milk and raw fish.

Some believe that 2018 could become the year of the plant-based diet, with online searches for “plant-

Amy Lanou, chair of UNC Asheville’s health and wellness department, says the benefits of raw food diets come from “being built largely from whole, unprocessed or lightly processed foods, so they tend to be very high in antioxidants and other beneficial phytochemicals [plant chemicals], and for most people they are also usually entirely or mostly plant-based.”

Yet, people who adopt this food lifestyle must keep an eye on their intake of sugars and fats, because go-to foods in a raw foods regimen are fruits and nuts. Also, Lanou points out that “many people find many raw vegetables, raw grains and legumes are difficult to digest in their raw forms, and dietary variety often drops precipitously when people transition to a diet of all or mostly raw foods.”

This lack of diversity can make it challenging to stick to a raw foods diet exclusively, not to mention the additional planning and preparation that comes with going raw.

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For anyone ready to take the raw foods plunge, Lanou suggests a stepwise approach. “Start by increasing the raw foods eaten for meals and snacks — vegetables, seeds, nuts, fruit — while decreasing the highly processed foods — lunch meat, cheese, baked goods, salty, crunchy snack foods,” she says.

Lanou recommends that people first focus on moving to an all or nearly all whole foods eating pattern.

“Then assess how you are feeling and whether you are meeting your health goals.” If you’re feeling good and want to do more, she advises experimenting with consuming a higher percentage of your food in raw form.

People drawn to a raw diet are often looking for weight loss, improvements in gut function or management of a chronic condition.

However, since the typical U.S. diet is omnivorous, switching to a whole foods, plant-based raw diet could have unexpected results, says Lanou.

“Surprising things that sometimes happen are things like fewer problems with allergies — food or environmental, improvements in skin conditions [such as] acne, eczema, etc. and decreased feelings of sluggishness and higher energy levels,” she says.

“Many of these benefits have to do with removing the highly processed foods from the diet and increasing fiber and phytochemicals.” For others, a raw foods diet could have negative effects, such as a worsening of gastrointestinal symptoms, discomfort or very quick elimination.

Acupuncturist Chad Johnson, who has studied in Japan and China in addition to earning his master’s degree from Tri-State College of Acupuncture, emphasizes that, in general, Chinese medicine does not advocate cold, raw foods. “We think of the digestion as a furnace, which transforms the food into blood and qi,” he explains. “The cold aspect of raw foods dampens the fire; it takes more fire to transform the raw food.”

However, Johnson says, there are times when consuming raw foods makes sense, such as in the spring and summer, when yang energy is rising. “It can be helpful for cleansing — raw juices and raw foods can help detoxify the body,” he says.

“They can transmit a tremendous amount of energy and uplift the spirit.” He cautions that his recommendation is not for a permanent change to a raw diet but for using it as a tool over short periods of time during the warmer months.

A SALAD FOUNDATION: A raw meal, pictured, prepared by Brynda Bechtold and William Najger. Bechtold, organizer of the Asheville Raw Matrix meetup, urges raw-foods newcomers to start by making salads the basis of meal planning. Photo by Brynda Bechtold But regardless of whether someone adopts a raw foods diet yearround, seasonally or just for a cleanse, getting enough protein is a must. Some of the best raw sources of protein are “a wide variety of plant-based foods, including nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables — up to one pound per day,” advises vegan cookbook author Jennifer Murray in The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Eating Raw. Brynda Bechtold, owner of raw cacao snack business Mannaplanet and organizer behind the Asheville Raw Matrix meetup, recommends that people interested in trying a raw foods diet start by making their kitchen a sanctuary. “If you prepare most of your food at home, you need to enjoy your kitchen time, as you will have a lot of it,” she says.

“But then the food lasts most of the week, and it’s easy after that.”

Bechtold’s tricks for staying on track include bringing food from home to add to restaurant salads and keeping presoaked, blended nuts on hand to make a variety of homemade milks, sauces, dressings, and snack foods. She also urges raw food newcomers to start by cutting out store-bought items and making salads the foundation to meal planning.

However, Bechtold says, most members of the 938-member strong Asheville Raw Matrix eat cooked foods in addition to raw, because “they are so delicious and wonderful in themselves.”

But for group potlucks, foods are required to be gluten-free, vegan, raw and as organic as possible. “So fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds comprise the basic ingredients, and that includes sprouted foods like microgreens and ferments,” she says.

OUTSIDE THE KITCHEN One local resource for easing the challenges that come with following a raw foods diet is Elements Real Food, a café and juice bar on Liberty Street just north of downtown. Owners Zack Bier and Jenni Squires started their business as a food truck that doled out fresh, glass-bottled, cold-pressed juices.

The mobile venture quickly evolved into a brick-and-mortar vegetarian eatery and marketplace.

“Travel and social events can sometimes make it difficult to remain truly raw, and bringing your own food everywhere you go is certainly an option, but an inconvenient one,” says Squires. “Eating

FRESH START: Zack Bier and Jenni Squires of Elements Real Food offer raw, organic juice cleanses that provide an easy way to jump-start a raw foods diet. Photo by Zack Bier and gathering socially is also such a quintessential part of our society; sometimes it is better to practice balance and enjoy a meal without feeling guilty that it is not raw.”

One of Elements’ most popular offerings is the build-your-own sixpack, which Squires says is “for people who want fresh juices every day but don’t have time, energy or the equipment to make them for themselves.” Elements also offers three juice cleanses that are 100 percent raw and organic as an easy way to jump-start a raw foods diet or take a break from meal prepping and planning.

One of the cleanse options, the Juice + Raw Food cleanse, comes with seven “meals” — five cold-

pressed juices, a salad and “maca mylk” made from raw cashews.

Each bottle of juice contains 2-4 pounds of vegetables and has a shelf life of three days.

“Our cleanses were created through experimenting with different combinations and portion sizes and experiencing them personally,” Squires explains. Elements also serves raw dessert specials daily for those who want to get a sweet-tooth fix.

In the end, the decision to go raw needs to be well thought out and informed. Those considering following a raw foods lifestyle should first consult with a physician and do their research. X

Raw for a day Interested in what a day in the life of a raw foods follower looks like? Here’s a sample menu from The Rawtarian, a popular raw vegan blog operated by author and nearly 10-year raw veganite Laura-Jane Koers.

Breakfast Green smoothie, large serving of fruit raw granola or raw oatmeal made from sprouted greens

Lunch Salads with healthy fat (avocado, extra virgin olive oil, or crushed nuts), a soup, raw noodles, raw veggie burgers, or raw vegan meatloaf

Morning snack Fruit or small serving of raw nuts or seeds

Afternoon snack Raw crackers, fruit, vegetables and dip, raw vegan cake or pudding

Dinner Lunch options or a raw pizza “cooked” in a dehydrator at low heat Dessert Raw cheesecake, raw brownies or raw puddings

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Experience deep relaxation with crystal bowls, gongs, didgeridoo and other peaceful instruments. • Donation suggested. At Skinny Beats Sound Shop, 4 Eagle Street. www. skinnybeatsdrums.com TAI CHI TEACHER TRAINING WORKSHOP (PD.) Led by International Tai Chi Champion David-Dorian Ross at Haywood Regional Medical Center’s Fitness Center. March 3-4, 2018.

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THE HUMAN ENDOCANNABINOID SYSTEM (PD.) Sunday, February 18, 2-5pm at Jubiliee Community Church. Come learn about the system that replenishes, restores and returns the body back to balance—and the remarkable plant that helps. Also better understand why and how CBD works! RSVP via Text: 828 229 2967 or Email: AVLCBDinfo@gmail.com BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • TU (2/13), 6pm - "The Benefits of Massage," presentation on the history, various techniques and benefits of massage.

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documentaries and brief guided meditation sessions throughout the day. Free. Held at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. FLAT ROCK CINEMA 2700 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock, 828-697-2463 • MO (2/12), 4-6pm Fix It:Healthcare at the Tipping Point, documentary screening followed by question and answer session with Marsha D. Fretwell, M.D. $5.

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SUPPORT GROUPS ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS & DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES adultchildren.org • Visit mountainx.com/support for full listings.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS • For a full list of meetings in WNC, call 254-8539 or aancmco.org ANXIETY SUPPORT GROUP 828-231-2198, bjsmucker@gmail.com • 1st & 3rd THURSDAYS, 7-8:30pm - Learning and sharing in a caring setting about dealing with one's own anxiety.

Held at NAMI Offices, 356 Biltmore Ave. ASHEVILLE WOMEN FOR SOBRIETY 215-536-8026, womenforsobriety.org • THURSDAYS, 6:30-8pm – Held at YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave. ASPERGER'S TEENS UNITED facebook.com/groups/ AspergersTeensUnited • For teens (13-19) and their parents. Meets every 3 weeks. Contact for details.

BRAINSTORMER’S COLLECTIVE 828-254-0507, puffer61@gmail.com • 3rd THURSDAYS, 6-7:30pm - For brain injury survivors and supporters. Held at Kairos West Community Center, 610002 Haywood Road BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP 828-213-2508 • 3rd THURSDAYS, 5:30pm - For breast cancer survivors, husbands, children and friends. Held at SECU Cancer Center, 21 Hospital Drive CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT 828-989-1555, deb.casaccia@gmail.com • 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 6 pm – Held in a private home.

CODEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS 828-242-7127 • FRIDAYS, 5:30pm Held at First United Methodist Church of Waynesville, 556 S. Haywood, Waynesville • SATURDAYS, 11:15am – Held at First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St. • TUESDAYS 7:30pm Held at Asheville 12-Step Recovery Club, 22B New Leicester Highway

DEBTORS ANONYMOUS debtorsanonymous.org • MONDAYS, 7pm - Held at First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St. DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR SUPPORT ALLIANCE 828-367-7660, depressionbipolarasheville. com • SATURDAYS, 2-3pm – Held at Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance Meeting Place, 1316-C Parkwood Road EATING DISORDERS ANONYMOUS 561-706-3185, eatingdisorders anonymous.org • FRIDAYS, 4:30pm Eating disorder support group. Held at 12-Step Recovery Club, 22B New Leicester Highway FIRESTORM CAFE AND BOOKS 610 Haywood Road, 828-255-8115 • 2nd WEDNESDAYS - Transformers support group.

• 1st & 3rd THURSDAYS, 6:30pm - Queer Alcoholic support group.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ASHEVILLE 5 Oak St., 828-252-4781, fbca.net • 3rd THURSDAYS, 6:308pm - Support group for families of children and adults with autism to meet, share and learn about autism. Childcare provided with registration: aupham@ autismsociety-nc.org. Meet in classrooms 221 and 222.

FOOD ADDICTS ANONYMOUS 828-423-6191 828-242-2173 • SATURDAYS, 11amHeld at Asheville 12-Step Recovery Club, 22B New Leicester Highway FOUR SEASONS COMPASSION FOR LIFE 828-233-0948, fourseasonscfl.org • TUESDAYS, 3:30-4:30pm - Grief support group.

Held at Four Seasons Checkpoint, 373 Biltmore Ave. • THURSDAYS, 12:30pm Grief support group. Held at SECU Hospice House, 272 Maple St., Franklin G.E.T. R.E.A.L. phoenix69@bellsouth.net

• 2nd SATURDAYS, 2pm - Group for people with chronic 'invisible' autoimmune diseases. Held at Fletcher Community Park, 85 Howard Gap Road, Fletcher GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS 828-483-6175 • THURSDAYS 6:307:30pm - Held at Biltmore United Methodist Church, 378 Hendersonville Road GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 1245 6th Ave W, Hendersonville, 828-693-4890, gracelutherannc.com • 2nd THURSDAYS, 1-3pm - Seeds of Hope chronic condition support group.

Registration required: 828-693-4890 ex. 304.

GRIEF PROCESSING SUPPORT GROUP 828-452-5039, haymed.org/locations/ the-homestead • 3rd THURSDAYS, 4-5:30pm - Bereavement education and support group. Held at Homestead Hospice and Palliative Care, 127 Sunset Ridge Road, Clyde LIFE LIMITING ILLNESS SUPPORT GROUP 386-801-2606 • TUESDAYS, 6:30-8pm For adults managing the challenges of life limiting illnesses. Held at Secrets of a Duchess, 1439 Merrimon Ave. LIVING WITH CHRONIC PAIN 828-776-4809 • 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 6:30pm - Hosted by American Chronic Pain Association. Held at Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston St., Swannanoa MINDFULNESS AND 12 STEP RECOVERY avl12step@gmail.com • WEDNESDAYS, 7:308:45pm - Mindfulness meditation practice and 12 step program. Held at Asheville 12-Step Recovery Club, 22B New Leicester Highway MISSION CHILDREN'S FAMILY SUPPORT NETWORK 828-213-9787 • 2nd TUESDAYS, 5:30-7:30pm - Mission Children's Family Support Network youth group from

ages 11 to 21. Dinner is provided. Held at Mission Reuter Children's Center, 11 Vanderbilt Park Drive MOUNTAIN MAMAS PEER SUPPORT GROUP facebook.com/ mountainmamasgroup • 2nd THURSDAYS, 1-3pm - Held at The Family Place, 970 Old Hendersonville Highway Brevard NARANON nar-anon.org • WEDNESDAYS, 12:30pm - For relatives and friends concerned about the addiction or drug problem of a loved one. Held at First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville, 204 6th Ave. W., Hendersonville • MONDAYS, 7pm - For relatives and friends concerned about the addiction or drug problem of a loved one. Held at West Asheville Presbyterian Church, 690 Haywood Road NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS 828-505-7353, namiwnc.org, namiwc2015@gmail.com • 2nd MONDAYS, 11am Connection group for individuals dealing with mental illness. Held at NAMI Offices, 356 Biltmore Ave. ORIGINAL RECOVERY orboardofavl@gmail.com • WEDNESDAYS, 7:30pm - Alternative support group organization meeting to discuss service projects, workshops and social events to support the recovery community. Held at Firestorm Cafe and Books, 610 Haywood Road OVERCOMERS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE 828-665-9499 • WEDNESDAYS, noon-1pm - Held at First Christian Church of Candler, 470 Enka Lake Road, Candler OVERCOMERS RECOVERY SUPPORT GROUP rchovey@sos-mission.org • MONDAYS, 6pm - Christian 12-step program. Held at SOS Anglican Mission, 1944 Hendersonville Road OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS • Regional number: 277-1975. Visit mountainx.com/support for full listings.

2018

RECOVERING COUPLES ANONYMOUS recovering-couples.org • MONDAYS 6pm - For couples where at least one member is recovering from addiction. Held at Foster Seventh Day Adventists Church, 375 Hendersonville Road REFUGE RECOVERY 828-225-6422, refugerecovery.org • THURSDAYS, 7:30pm - Held at Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness, 370 N Louisiana Ave. • WEDNESDAYS 5:30pm - Held at Heartwood Refuge and Retreat Center, 159 Osceola Road, Hendersonville • FRIDAYS, 7-8:30pm & SUNDAYS, 6-7:30pm Held at Urban Dharma, 77 Walnut St. • TUESDAYS, 7:30pm & SATURDAYS, 6pm - Held at Asheville Insight Meditation, 175 Weaverville Road, Woodfin

SANON 828-258-5117 • 12-step program for those affected by someone else's sexual behavior.

Contact 828-258-5117 for a full list of meetings.

SEX ADDICTS ANONYMOUS saa-recovery.org/ Meetings/UnitedStates • SUNDAYS, 7pm - Held at First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St. • MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS, 6pm - Held at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 789 Merrimon Ave. SMART RECOVERY 828-407-0460 • THURSDAYS, 6pm - Held at Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave. • FRIDAYS,2pm - Held at Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness, 370 N Louisiana Ave. • TUESDAYS, 6-7pm - Held at Unitarian Universalists of

Transylvania County, 24 Varsity St., Brevard

with autism to meet, share

SUNRISE PEER SUPPORT VOLUNTEER SERVICES facebook.com/ Sunriseinasheville • TUESDAYS through THURSDAYS, 1-3pm Peer support services for mental health, substance abuse and wellness.

Held at Kairos West Community Center, 610002 Haywood Road

Registration requested:

SUPPORTIVE PARENTS OF TRANSKIDS spotasheville@gmail.com • 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 7pm - For parents to discuss the joys, transitions and challenges of parenting a transkid. Held at First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St. SWEET THOUGHTS RESPITE CARE 67 Bryson Road, Bryson City • TH (2/8), 6-8pm - Autism Society of Jackson, Swain and Qualla Boundary Chapter meeting for families of children and adults

and learn about autism. jacksonswainqbchapter@ autismsocietync.org.

T.H.E. CENTER FOR DISORDERED EATING 50 S. French Broad Ave. #250, 828-337-4685, thecenternc.org • WEDNESDAYS, 6-7pm

Meditation Center, 894 E. Main St., Sylva WNC ASPERGER'S ADULTS UNITED facebook.com/ WncAspergersAdultsUnited • 2nd SATURDAYS, 2-4pm - Occasionally meets additional Saturdays. Contact for details. Held at Hyphen, 81 Patton Ave. • 2nd SATURDAYS, 3-5:30pm - Monthly meet and greet. Bring a finger-

food dish to share. Free.

Held at The Autism Society, 306 Summit St. WOMENHEART OF ASHEVILLE 786-586-7800, wh-asheville@womenheart. org • 2nd THURSDAYS, 10am Support group for women with heart disease. Held at Skyland Fire Department, 9 Miller Road, Skyland

Wellness Series Every week thru March 7th!

Contact us today!

828-251-1333 x 320

advertise @mountainx.com

– Adult support group, ages 18+.

WIDOWS IN NEED OF GRIEF SUPPORT 828-356-1105, meditate-wnc.org • 1st WEDNESDAYS, 7pm - Peer support group for anyone who has survived the death of their spouse, partner, child or other closed loved one.

Registration required.

Held at The

MOUNTAINX.COM

FEB. 7 - 13, 2018

37

COMMUNITY CALENDAR FEB. 7 - 15, 2018

CALENDAR GUIDELINES For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 251-1333, ext.

137. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 251-1333, ext. 320.

ANIMALS ASHEVILLE ROTARY CLUB rotaryasheville.org • TH (2/8), 5:30-6:30pm "Bears and Bear Behavior in our Area," presentation by bear expert, Adam Warwick. Free. Held in the basement conference room at Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave. FELINE URGENT RESCUE OF WNC 38 Safe Haven Drive, Waynesville • SA (2/10), 1-4pm Valentine's Day adoption event. $35 adoption fees.

BENEFITS FOLKMOOT USA 828-452-2997, folkmootusa.org • TH (2/8), 6-9pm Proceeds from this wine tasting event with live music and food benefit Folkmoot USA. $60. Held at The Classic Wineseller, 20 Church St., Waynesville SINGING VALENTINES 866-290-7269 • Through MO (2/12) Proceeds from orders of singing valentines delivered by The Land of the Sky Chapter of The Barbershop Society benefit The Land of the Sky Chapter of The Barbershop Society.

Valentine's are delivered by Chapter quartets on Tuesday, Feb. 13 and Wednesday, Feb. 14. $45 and up.

SOUPER BOWL 828-253-4911, bethhatephila.org • SU (2/11), noon-1:30pm - Proceeds from the annual Souper Bowl, soup tasting event with a cookbook, and raffle event benefit projects of the Lotte Meyerson Tikkun Olam committee.

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FEB. 7 - 13, 2018

$12/$10 advance. Held at Congregation Beth Ha Tephila, 43 N. Liberty St. THE VANISHING WHEELCHAIR 175 Weaverville Road, Suite L., 828-645-2941, VanishingWheelchair.org • 2nd & 4th FRIDAYS, 7pm - Proceeds from “Magic, Mirth & Meaning,” family-friendly, hour-long production featuring storytellers, singers, jugglers, and magicians benefit The Vanishing Wheelchair. $10/$5 children.

WINTER BAZAAR 828-338-9005 • SA (2/10), 8am-2pm - Proceeds from this bazaar featuring local artists, crafts and businesses benefit Fairview Elementary’s Destination Imagination Teams.

Free to attend. Held at Fairview Community Center, 1357 Old Charlotte Highway, US 74A, Fairview

BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY A-B TECH SMALL BUSINESS CENTER 828-398-7950, abtech.edu/sbc • SA (2/10), 9amnoon - "Becoming the Boss of the Best," seminar. Registration required:conta. cc/2yzOL7o. Free.

Held at A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Road, Candler ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM 175 Biltmore Ave., 828-253-3227 • SA (2/10), 8:30am - Professional development workshop in math for 3rd-5th grade teachers. Registration required.

Free.

MOUNTAINX.COM

BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • TH (2/15), 5-8pm - Presentation by Mountain Bizworks and the New Economies Coalition. Free. Held at Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston St., Swannanoa WESTERN WOMEN'S BUSINESS CENTER 828-633-5065 x101, carolinasmallbusiness.org • WE (2/14), 9am-4pm - "Quickbooks for the Creative Business," workshop. Registration required: 828-633-5065, x102. Free. Held at A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Road, Candler

CLASSES, MEETINGS & EVENTS CLASS AT VILLAGERS (PD.) Restoring Balance in the Gut and Body: Sunday, February 18. 5:307pm. $25, per person.

Registration/information: www.forvillagers.com VILLAGERS is an Urban Homestead Supply store offering workshops to support a healthy lifestyle.

EMPYREAN ARTS CLASSES (PD.) Beginning Aerial Arts on Sundays 2:15pm, Mondays 6:30pm, Tuesdays 1:00pm, Thursdays 5:15pm.

Beginning Pole on Sundays 3:30pm, Mondays 5:15pm, Thursdays 8:00pm.

Floor Theory Dance on Wednesdays 7:30pm.

Intro to Sultry Pole on Sundays 6:15pm more Information at EmpyreanArts.org Call/text us at 828.782.3321.

FOURTH WAY SCHOOL (PD.) Know Thyself - Wisdom Through Action, a Fourth Way School in the tradition of Gurdjieff & Ouspensky teaching practical application of the Work. Meets Thursday evenings.

720.218.9812 www. wisdomthroughaction. com

ALL SMILES: Oshin (pronounced “Oh-sheen”) was born in Jamaica in 1994 and lived there until moving to Asheville in 2011 to join her mother. She soon began attending Open Hearts Art Center, drawing and painting, sewing blankets and pillows, and quickly making friends. Her prolific artwork has been featured in multiple local shows and was chosen for an international exhibition called Perceptions: The Art of Citizenship in Cork Ireland, in 2016. Oshin’s solo show, Creative License: Expression in Color, opens Saturday, Feb. 10, 4-7 p.m. at the Open Hearts Gallery and runs through March 30.

For more information, visit openheartsartcenter.org. Photo courtesy of Open Hearts Art Center (p. 61) ASHEVILLE AIRPORT Terminal Drive, Fletcher • TU (2/13), 5pm - Open registration for the "Wings for Autism" event which provides an airport "rehearsal" specially designed for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, their families and aviation professionals.

Registration required: flyavl.com. Free.

ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY 828-251-5702, ashevillehabitat.org, emellert@ashevillehabitat. org • TH (2/8), 11am Information session for affordable home repair program. Free. Held at Senior Opportunity Center, 36 Grove St. ASHEVILLE CHESS CLUB 828-779-0319, vincentvanjoe@gmail.com

• WEDNESDAYS, 6:30pm - Sets provided. All ages and skill levels welcome.

Beginners lessons available. Free. Held at North Asheville Recreation Center, 37 E. Larchmont Road ASHEVILLE NEWCOMERS CLUB ashevillenewcomersclub. com • 2nd MONDAYS, 9:30am - Monthly meeting for women new to Asheville.

Free to attend.

ASHEVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT 828-259-5881, ashevillenc.gov/ Departments/Police • Through WE (2/28) - Open registration for the Asheville Police Department’s spring Citizens Police Academy.

Registration: bit.ly/2uVozmf. Free.

ASHEVILLE TAROT CIRCLE meetup.com/ Asheville-Tarot-Circle/ • 2nd SUNDAYS, noon General meeting. Free to attend. Held at Firestorm Cafe and Books, 610 Haywood Road AZALEA MOUNTAIN SCHOOL 27 Balm Grove Ave., 828-575-2557, azaleamountain.org • WE (2/7), 4-5:30pm Informational session with Torin Finser PhD, regarding Waldorf Education Foundation Studies and Building Bridges. Free to attend.

BIG IVY COMMUNITY CENTER 540 Dillingham Road, Barnardsville, 828-626-3438 • MO (2/12), 7pm Community meeting. Free.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • Through TU (4/17), 10am-4pm - Free tax preparation for taxpayers with low and moderate income. Mondays & Wednesdays at Pack Memorial Library. Tuesdays at West Asheville Library. Thursdays at Weaverville Library.

Free.

• WE (2/7), 5pm Beginner's 8-week Spanish course for adults. Registration required. Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. • SA (2/10), 2-4pm - "Make Duct Tape Roses," art activity.

Free. Held at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, Leicester

LITERACY COUNCIL OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY 31 College Place, Suite B-221 • FR (2/9), 8:30-9:30am - Coffee and tour to learn how literacy changes students' lives.

Registration required: litcouncil.com/literacychanging-lives-tour/.

Free.

DISABILITY PARTNERS - ASHEVILLE OFFICE 108 New Leicester Highway, 828-298-1977, disabilitypartners.org • FR (2/9), 2-5pm Adult coloring class followed by a spaghetti potluck at 3:30pm.

Coloring materials provided. Free/Bring side ingredients for spaghetti dinner.

ONTRACK WNC

HENDERSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 301 N. Washington St., Hendersonville, 828697-4725 • TU (2/13), 2-3pm Adult coloring club.

Basic materials are provided or bring your own. Free.

HOMINY VALLEY RECREATION PARK 25 Twin Lakes Drive, Candler, 828-242-8998, hvrpsports.com • 3rd THURSDAYS, 7pm - Hominy Valley board meeting. Free.

LEICESTER COMMUNITY CENTER 2979 New Leicester Highway, Leicester, 828-774-3000, facebook.com/Leicester.

Community.Center • 2nd TUESDAYS, 7pm - Public board meeting.

Free.

• 3rd THURSDAYS, 7pm - The Leicester History Gathering, general meeting. Free.

N.C. ARBORETUM 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, 828-665-2492, ncarboretum.org • Through SU (5/6) - Roots of Wisdom: Native Knowledge, Shared Wisdom, exhibition showcasing the relationship between indigenous peoples and cutting-edge science.

Admission fees apply.

50 S. French Broad Ave., 828-255-5166, ontrackwnc.org • WE (2/7), noon1:30pm - "Budgeting and Debt," class.

Registration required.

Free.

• WE (2/7), 5:30-7pm or TH (2/15), noon-1:30pm - "Understanding Credit. Get it. Keep it. Improve it."

Registration required.

Free.

• WE (2/14), 5:307pm - "Emotions & Spending," class.

Registration required.

Free.

DANCE For dance related events, please see the dance section in the A&E Calendar on p. 59

ECO 25TH ANNUAL SPRING CONFERENCE (PD.) March 9-11, 2018. at UNCA. 150+ practical, affordable, regionallyappropriate workshops on organic growing, homesteading, farming, permaculture. Trade show, seed exchange, special guests.

Organicgrowersschool. org. (828) 214-7833

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF ASHEVILLE 1 Edwin Place, 828-254-6001, uuasheville.org • FR (2/9), 7pm Environmental & Social Justice Film Series: Whose Streets? Film screening.

Free.

FARM & GARDEN BUNCOMBE COUNTY EXTENSION MASTER GARDENERS 828-255-5522, buncombemaster gardener.org, BuncombeMaster Gardeners@gmail.com • TH (2/15), 10am-noon - "All About Pruning: Tool Selection and Tool Sharpening," workshop.

Registration required: 828-255-5522. Free. Held at Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Office, 49 Mount Carmel Road HAYWOOD COUNTY MASTER GARDENERS 828-456-3575, sarah_scott@ncsu.edu • Through FR (3/16) Proceeds from this plant sale featuring edibles, native plants and perennials benefit plant sale fund education-related horticulture projects in Haywood County. To order: 828-456-3575 or mgarticles@charter.net.

FOOD & BEER ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE 43 Patton Ave., 828-254-7162, colburnmuseum.org • WE (2/14), 7pm Valentine’s date night and mixer for couples or individuals. Event includes beer, wine and activities related to love, gemology and exploring the museum after hours. $15.

FAIRVIEW WELCOME TABLE fairviewwelcometable.com • THURSDAYS, 11:30am1pm - Community lunch. Admission by donation. Held at Fairview Christian Fellowship, 596 Old Us Highway 74, Fairview

MALAPROP'S BOOKSTORE AND CAFE 55 Haywood St., 828-254-6734, malaprops.com • TH (2/8), 6pm - Authors for Action: Cathy Cleary presents her cookbook, The Southern Cookbook: Recipes Celebrating Four Seasons.

Free to attend.

FESTIVALS ASHEVILLE MARDI GRAS EVENTS 828-335-3986, ashevillemardigras.org • SU (2/11), 3:05pm Asheville Mardi Gras parade. Free. Begins at the corner of Coxe and Hilliard Avenues • SU (2/11), 7pm "Queen's Ball," Mardi Gras event with live music and costume contest.

Free to attend. Held at Club Eleven on Grove, 11 Grove St.

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS ASHEVILLE CITY HALL 70 Court Plaza, 828-251-1122 • TU (2/13), 5pm - "Love Asheville, Pack the Hall," community support at the Asheville City Council proclamation of "Go Local Week". Free.

BLUE RIDGE REPUBLICAN WOMEN’S CLUB facebook.com/BRRWC • 2nd THURSDAYS, 6pm - General meeting. Free to attend. Held at Gondolier Restaurant, 1360 Tunnel Road.

BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • TU (2/13), 6:30-7:30pm - Presentation by Phillip Price, democratic candidate for the 11th district.

Free. Held at Weaverville Public Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville CITY OF ASHEVILLE 828-251-1122, ashevillenc.gov • 1st WEDNESDAYS, 5pm - Citizens-Police Advisory Committee meeting. Free.

Meets in the 1st Floor Conference Room. Held at Public Works Building, 161 S. Charlotte St.

• TU (2/13), 5pm Asheville City Council public hearing. Free.

Held at Asheville City Hall, 70 Court Plaza HILL STREET BAPTIST CHURCH 135 Hill St., 828-254-4646, hillstreetbaptistchurch.org • TH (2/8), 7-9pm - "The Poor People's Campaign: A National Call for Moral Revival" town hall on health care, the environment, hunger and justice reform. Organized by North Carolina’s Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II and Rev. Dr. Liz Theoharis.

Free.

INDIVISIBLE COMMON GROUND-WNC Indivisible-sylva.com • 1st WEDNESDAYS, 6:30-8pm -General meeting. Free. Held at St. David's Episcopal Church, 286 Forest Hills Road, Sylva PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY PDOBPresident@gmail. com • MO (2/12), 6:30-8pm General monthly meeting.

Free. Held at Buncombe County Democratic Headquarters, 951 Old Fairview Road

KIDS APPLE VALLEY MODEL RAILROAD & MUSEUM 650 Maple St, Hendersonville, AVMRC.com • WEDNESDAYS, 1-3pm & SATURDAYS, 10am2pm - Open house featuring operating model trains and historic memorabilia.

Free.

ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM 175 Biltmore Ave., 828-253-3227 • 2nd TUESDAYS, 11am12:30pm - Homeschool program for grades 1-4.

Registration required: 253-3227 ext. 124. $4 per student.

ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE 43 Patton Ave., 828-254-7162, colburnmuseum.org • 2nd & 4th FRIDAYS, 9-9:45am - Little Explorers Club: Guided activities for preschoolers (with their

caregivers). Admission fees apply.

• 2nd FRIDAYS, 5:307:30pm - "Night at the Museum," parents night out event for children 4-10 years old. Event includes pizza, movie and activities.

Registration required. $15.

ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL 126 College St., 828-252-6244, ashevillemusicschool.com • WE (2/7), 5-6:30pm Andrew Finn Magill fiddle workshop for ages 7 and up. $15.

BARNES AND NOBLE BOOKSELLERS ASHEVILLE MALL 3 S. Tunnel Road, 828-296-7335 • SA (2/10), 11am Storytime reading of the children's book, Click, Clack, I Love You. Free to attend.

BLUE RIDGE BOOKS 428 Hazelwood Ave., Waynesville • WE (2/14), 9:30am "Book Babies," event for children under age 2 (with guardian). Registration required. Free to attend.

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Happy Valentine’s Day!

2 Regent Park Blvd. | 828-252-8300 Like us on facebook.com/greenteasushi

BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • WE (2/7), 4pm - After School Book Club: Save Me a Seat, by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan. Free. Held at Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sandhill Road, Candler • WE (2/7), 4-5pm - "Art After School," art activities with the Asheville Art Museum, for children over 5. Free. Held at East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Road • FR (2/9), 2-5pm - Drop-in event to make a valentine card. Materials provided.

Free. Held at Skyland/ South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road • FR (2/9), 4pm - Teen cosplay club for ages 13 and up. Free. Held at Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sandhill Road, Candler • SA (2/10), 11am & FR (2/16), 4-6pm - Read with J.R. the Therapy Dog. Registration required: 828-250-6486. Free. Held at Swannanoa Library, 101 West Charleston St., Swannanoa

MOUNTAINX.COM

FEB. 7 - 13, 2018

39

C O N S C I O U S PA R T Y

by Edwin Arnaudin | earnaudin@mountainx.com

Thursday Night Throwdown

COFFEE SPORTS: Baristas vie in a Thursday Night Throwdown latte art competition at Vortex Doughnuts. The next TNT takes place Feb. 8 and benefits the Tranzmission Prison Project. Photo by Lyle Mitchell WHAT: A barista latte art competition to benefit Tranzmission Prison Project WHEN: Thursday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m.

WHERE: Vortex Doughnuts, 32 Banks Ave. WHY: With a name that sounds lifted from professional wrestling while highlighting a slightly different skill set, Thursday Night Throwdowns have become popular gatherings for those in the caffeinated beverage industry and beyond.

“It’s an opportunity for people to get together and have a party and practice latte art skills,” says Vortex Doughnuts barista Ronika McClain. “It kind of feels like coffee sports.”

Organized by McClain and fellow Vortex barista Jordan Wilkie, the latest TNT takes place at their job site on Thursday, Feb. 8. Signups start at 7 p.m. with a cut-off at 20 or 30 entrants. The competition begins at 7:30 p.m. and follows a bracket-style format in which two people face off at a time.

Working with a latte or cappuccino, the coffee athletes do their best with shots and steamed milk — occasionally pouring into a random vessel on the bar — then set down the drinks. (A projector will be set up so attendees may see what’s going on.) A trio of judges then look at the results, count to three and point to the one they think is the best.

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The winner moves on to the next round, and the face-offs continue until only one barista remains.

“People cheer and yell,” McClain says.

“It’s like being at a basketball game.

People get really into it and sometimes people who are pouring are superserious about it.”

Free food and beer will be provided, and there is no cost to attend. A $5 buy-in for each competitor will go to help Tranzmission Prison Project with its monthlong Gay Romance fund drive, as will donations and money from a raffle for merchandise donated by OWL Bakery, High Five Coffee, Summit Coffee Co. and Trade and Lore Coffee.

The volunteer-run organization supports LGBTQIA inmates nationwide by mailing them books and resources and is a cause about which McClain is personally passionate.

“I care about the well-being of trans and queer people generally, but also those who are incarcerated who may not have access to resources or literature,” she says. “I think it’s a worthwhile cause to help out those across the country who are feeling isolated because they’re incarcerated.”

Thursday Night Throwdown takes place Thursday, Feb. 8, 7 p.m. at Vortex Doughnuts. Free to attend. $5 buy-in for competitors. avl.mx/4lv X

COM M U N I TY CA LEN DA R

• SA (2/10), 10am-2pm - "Adventure Play!"

Outdoor activities for children. Free. Held across from the library. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. • SA (2/10) & SA (2/24), 10:30 - 11:30am - Drone aviation and racing for all ages. Registration required: Erin.Makara@ buncombecounty.org.

Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. • 2nd SATURDAYS, 1-4pm & LAST WEDNESDAYS (1/31), 4-6pm - Teen Dungeons and Dragons for ages 12 and up.

Registration required: 828-250-4720. Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. • MONDAYS, 10:30am - Spanish story time for children of all ages. Free.

Held at Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sandhill Road, Candler • MO (2/12) & (2/19), 4-5:30pm - Read with Olivia the Therapy Dog. Registration required: 828-250-6482. Free. Held at Weaverville Public Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville • WE (2/14), 10:30amnoon - Preschool storytime and Valentine's tea party.

Free. Held at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, Leicester • WE (2/14), 4pm - "Art After School," art activities with the Asheville Art Museum for school-aged children. Free. Held at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, Leicester • WE (2/14), 4-5pm - "Teen Book Speed Dating," activity for teens to "date" a book until they find a match. Snacks and free gift books provided. Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. CALDWELL ARTS COUNCIL 828-754-2486, caldwellarts.com • Through FR (3/16) Submissions accepted from Caldwell and contiguous counties high school students for the Shakespeare Monologue Competition. Information: caldwellarts.com/227shakespeare-monologuecompetition/.

FIRESTORM CAFE AND BOOKS 610 Haywood Road, 828-255-8115 • SATURDAYS, 10:3011:15am - Spanish class for children aged 3-5. Free to attend.

• SATURDAYS, 11:15am12:30pm - Spanish class for children aged 6-10.

Free to attend.

FLETCHER LIBRARY 120 Library Road, Fletcher, 828-687-1218, library. hendersoncountync.org • WEDNESDAYS, 10:30am - Family story time. Free.

HANDS ON! A CHILDREN'S GALLERY 318 N. Main St., Hendersonville, 828-697-8333 • WE (2/7), 4-5pm - “Science on Wheels,” science activities for kids.

Registration required: 828-890-1850. Free. Held at Mills River Library, 124 Town Center Drive Suite 1. Mills River • TH (2/8), 11am-noon - "Blue Ridge Humane Day," kids activities and a visit with the Blue Ridge Humane Society animal.

Admission fees apply.

• TUESDAYS until (2/27) - "Mad Science Lab," science activities for ages 3 and up. Registration required. Admission fees apply.

• WE (2/14), 1-2pm Valentine tea party for ages 3-6. Registration required. $20.

MALAPROP'S BOOKSTORE AND CAFE 55 Haywood St., 828-254-6734, malaprops.com • WEDNESDAYS, 10am - Miss Malaprop's Story Time for ages 3-9. Free to attend.

RIVERLINK 828-252-8474, riverlink.org • Through MO (3/19) Submissions accepted for the RiverLink Art and Poetry Contest. Open to pre-kindergarten to 12th grade students. See website for full guidelines.

SWANNANOA VALLEY MUSEUM 223 W State St., Black Mountain, 828-669-9566, history. swannanoavalleymuseum. org

by Abigail Griffin

• 2nd & 4th SATURDAYS, 2-4pm - Historically oriented crafts and activities for children. Free to attend.

OUTDOORS CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK (PD.) Buy one ticket and receive one Free for your sweetie from Saturday, February 9, through Tuesday, February 13 for Valentine’s Day. Offer valid with coupon.

Info at chimneyrockpark. com FRIENDS OF THE SMOKIES 828-452-0720, friendsofthesmokies.org, outreach.nc@ friendsofthesmokies.org • TU (2/13), 7pm - "Elk & Black Bear in Western North Carolina," presentation. Free to attend.

Held at Blue Ghost Brewing Company, 125 Underwood Road.

Fletcher LAKE JAMES STATE PARK 6883 N.C. Highway 126 Nebo, 828-584-7728 • SA (2/10), 2pm - "Who Was Here?" Ranger-led 2-mile hike and presentation. Free.

PISGAH CHAPTER OF TROUT UNLIMITED pisgahchaptertu.org/ New-Meeting-information. html • 2nd THURSDAYS, 7pm General meeting and presentations. Free to attend.

Held at Ecusta Brewery, 36 E Main St., Brevard

PARENTING MALAPROP'S BOOKSTORE AND CAFE 55 Haywood St., 828-254-6734, malaprops.com • TU (2/13), 6pm - iGen: Why Today's Super-Connected Kids Are Growing Up Less Rebellious, More Tolerant, Less Happy--And Completely Unprepared, presentation by Carolina Day School Middle School Principal, Jeff Kalil. Free to attend.

PUBLIC LECTURES BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • TH (2/8), noon1:30pm - Continuing the Conversation, African American History: "Access and Availability of Health Care," presentation. Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. • TH (2/15), noon1:30pm - Continuing the Conversation, African American History: "The Wage Gap and Historical Wealth Disparities," presentation. Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. PUBLIC EVENTS AT A-B TECH 828-398-7900, abtech.edu • WE (2/7), 3pm Community Voices Lectures Series: Black History Month lecture by Oralene Simmons. Free.

Held at AB Tech, Ferguson Auditorium, 340 Victoria Road PUBLIC LECTURES AT UNCA unca.edu • TU (2/13), 7:30pm - World Affairs Council: "Global Health: Progress and Challenges," lecture

by John Stewart, M.D. $10. Held at UNCAsheville Reuter Center, 1 Campus View Road RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL 574 Haywood Road, 828-258-9264 • WE (2/7), 7pm - Torin Finser PhD, presents his book, Education for Nonviolence: The Waldorf Way. Free to attend.

SENIORS BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • TH (2/8), 2pm - Beginner chair yoga class for seniors. Free. Held at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. COUNCIL ON AGING OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY, INC. 828-277-8288, coabc.org • TU (2/13), 6-8pm "Medicare Choices Made Easy," workshop.

Buying, Selling or Investing in Real Estate?

Send your event listings to calendar@mountainx.com

(828) 210-1697

Registration required. Free.

Held at Skyland/South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES OF WNC, INC. 2 Doctors Park, Suite E, 828-253-2900 • TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 11am-2pm - The Asheville Elder Club Group Respite program for individuals with memory challenges and people of all faiths. Registration required: 828-253-2900. $30.

• WEDNESDAYS, 11am2pm - The Hendersonville Elder Club for individuals with memory challenges and people of all faiths. Registration required: 828-253-2900. $30. Held at Agudas Israel Congregation, 505 Glasgow Lane Hendersonville

SPIRITUALITY A COURSE IN MIRACLES (PD.) A truly loving, open study group. Meets second and fourth Mondays. 6:30pm, East Asheville, Groce United Methodist Church.

Information, call Susan at 828-712-5472.

ABOUT THE TRANSCENDENTAL MEDITATION TECHNIQUE • FREE INTRODUCTORY TALK (PD.) Meditation is fully effective when it allows you to transcend—to effortlessly settle inward, beyond the busy or agitated mind, to the deepest, most blissful and expanded state of awareness. TM is a tool for personal healing and social transformation that anyone can use to access that field of unbounded creativity, intelligence, and well-being that resides within everyone. NIH research shows deep revitalizing rest, reduced stress and anxiety, improved brain functioning and heightened mental performance. Thursday, 6:30-7:30pm, Asheville TM Center, 165 E. Chestnut.

828-254-4350. TM. org ASHEVILLE INSIGHT MEDITATION (PD.) Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation. Learn how to get a Mindfulness Meditation practice started. 1st & 3rd Mondays.

7pm – 8:30. Asheville Insight Meditation, 175 Weaverville Road, Suite H, ASHEVILLE, NC, (828) 808-4444, www. ashevillemeditation.com.

ASTRO-COUNSELING (PD.) Licensed counselor and accredited professional astrologer uses your chart when counseling for additional insight into yourself, your relationships and life directions. Readings also available. Christy Gunther, MA, LPC. (828) 258-3229.

EXPERIENCE THE SACRED SOUND OF HU (PD.) In our fast-paced world, are you looking to find more inner peace? Singing HU can lift you into a higher state of consciousness, so that you can discover, in your own way, who you are and why you’re here.

• Sunday, February 11, 2018, 11am, fellowship follows. Eckankar Center of Asheville, 797 Haywood Rd. (“Hops and Vines” building, lower level), Asheville NC 28806, 828-254-6775. (free event). www.eckankar-nc.org GROUP MEDITATION (PD.) Enjoy this supportive meditation community.

Mindfulness meditation instruction and Buddhist teachings at Asheville Insight. Thursday evenings at 7pm and Sunday mornings at 10am. www. ashevillemeditation.com.

OPEN HEART MEDITATION (PD.) Now at 70 Woodfin Place, Suite 212. Tuesdays 7-8pm. Experience the stillness and beauty of connecting to your heart and the Divine within you.

Suggested $5 donation.

OpenHeart Meditation. com CHABAD HOUSE 660 Merrimon Ave., 828-505-0746, chabadasheville.org • TH (2/8), 10:30-11:30am - "Torah and Tea," ladies morning out, at the Jewish Women's Circle.

Registration required: 828-505-0746. Free.

FIRESTORM CAFE AND BOOKS 610 Haywood Road, 828-255-8115 • 2nd SUNDAYS, 2:30pm - Pagans for a Just

Asheville, general meeting.

Free to attend.

GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 1245 6th Ave W, Hendersonville, 828-693-4890, gracelutherannc.com • WEDNESDAYS through (2/7), 5:45-7pm - “Anxious for Nothing” adult class regarding spirituality and anxiety. Free.

• 2nd FRIDAYS, 1-2pm - Non-denominational healing prayer group. Free.

SHAMBHALA MEDITATION CENTER 60 N Merrimon Ave., #113, 828-200-5120, asheville.shambhala.org • THURSDAYS, 7-8:30pm & SUNDAYS, 10am-noon Meditation and community.

Admission by donation.

URBAN DHARMA 828-225-6422, udharmanc.com/ • THURSDAYS, 7:30-9pm Open Sangha night. Free.

Held at Urban Dharma, 77 Walnut St.

SPOKEN/ WRITTEN WORD For spoken/written word related events, please see the spoken/written word section in the A&E Calendar on p. 60

SPORTS ASHEVILLE WOMEN’S RUGBY ashevillewomensrugby.com, ashevillewomensrugby@ gmail.com • Through SA (4/7) - Open registration for the spring season that runs through Sat., April 7. No experience necessary to participate.

Free.

VOLUNTEERING

• 1st & 3rd THURSDAYS, 10am-noon - Workshop to teach how to make sleeping mats for the homeless out of plastic shopping bags. Information: 828-707-7203 or cappyt@att.net. Free.

www.TheMattAndMollyTeam.com

HENDERSONVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY 301 N Washington St., Hendersonville, 828-697-4725 • WE (2/14), 11am-noon Blue Ridge Literacy Council volunteer information session. Free.

LAND-OF-SKY REGIONAL COUNCIL OFFICES 339 New Leicester Highway, Suite 140, 828251-6622, landofsky.org • MO (2/12), 9am-4:30pm - Volunteer training to become "A Matter of Balance" falls coach to help increase independence and quality of life in older populations. Registration required: 828-251-7438 or stephanie@landofsky.org.

LITERACY COUNCIL OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY 828-254-3442, volunteers@litcouncil.com • TU (2/13) 9:00am, TH (2/15) 5:30pm - Information session for those interested in volunteering two hours per week with adults who want to improve reading, writing, spelling, and English language skills.

Free. Held at Literacy Council of Buncombe County, 31 College Pl., Suite B-221

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MOUNTAINTRUE 828-258-8737, mountaintrue.org • WE (2/7) - Volunteer to help fight sediment erosion by planting live stakes along the French Broad River. Registration required.

STITCHES OF LOVE 828-575-9195 • MO (2/12), 7-9pm Volunteer to create handmade articles to donate to local charities. Free. Held at New Hope Presbyterian Church, 3070 Sweeten Creek Road

Each week in April Nature’s Vitamins & Herbs (formerly Nature’s Pharmacy)

Offering professional advice & great products since 1996

Professional advice on CBD oil & supplements!

TRAUMA INTERVENTION PROGRAM OF WNC

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF WNC 50 S. French Broad Ave. Ste. #213., 828-253-1470, bbbswnc.org • TH (2/8), noon Information session for those interested in volunteering to share their interests twice a month with a young person from a single-parent home or to mentor one-hour a week in elementary schools and after-school sites.

828-513-0498, tipofwnc.org • Through FR (3/2) - Open registration for a training academy for those interested in volunteering as part of a team of volunteers who provide immediate emotional and practical support to survivors of traumatic events. Academy takes place nights and weekends from March 8 - 17. For information or registration: 828-513-0498.

HAYWOOD STREET CONGREGATION 297 Haywood St., 828-246-4250

For more volunteering opportunities visit mountainx.com/ volunteering

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FEB. 7 - 13, 2018

41

GREEN SCENE

LEAN ON US

‘Friends’ groups provide vital support for public lands

BY DANNY BERNSTEIN

VOICE OF THE PARKWAY

danny@hikertohiker.com We all need friends, and public lands in Western North Carolina increasingly receive care in the form of “Friends” nonprofit groups. In an era of shrinking federal budgets for parks and forests, these organizations are stepping up to preserve and maintain public spaces.

“Friends groups used to be the margin of excellence; now they’re the margin of survival,” Sally Jewell, thenU.S. secretary of the interior, said in Tennessee in 2014.

As just one example of the decreased cash flow for public lands, the 2018 National Park Service budget request for operations is $2.2 billion, a drop of $143.8 million from 2017. Picking up the slack are Friends groups for public lands, nonprofit organizations that help a park or forest with funding and volunteers. Usually, such groups have a formal relationship with the official land manager, and informally they give people a chance to give back to the landscapes they enjoy.

SMOKIES GET LOCAL LOVE

FRIENDS IN FORESTED PLACES: Asheville-based licensed contractor Sean Perry and his crew spent several days restoring the Cook Cabin in the Little Cataloochee section of the Smokies last year. The project was supported by Friends of the Smokies, one of several nonprofits in the region that help care for public lands. Photo by Elly Wells

Friends of the Smokies was created in 1993 to provide funds for that “margin of excellence,” says Anna Zanetti, North Carolina director of the group.

“With increasing maintenance backlog and a rise in visitation that outpaces the federal budget, our funds now contribute to the more basic needs of Great Smoky Mountains National Park,” she says.

Local individuals and businesses often add to the efforts of nonprof-

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its to improve the condition of public lands. Last spring, Asheville-based licensed building contractor Sean Perry and his crew spent several days restoring the Cook Cabin in the Little Cataloochee section of the Smokies.

His firm donated time, labor and expertise on the project while Friends of the Smokies provided almost $9,300 for materials. Perry and his team also plan to refurbish a large ramp lead-

ing to the Palmer House Barn, also in Cataloochee.

This year Friends of the Smokies has pledged over $1.2 million for projects and programs to the park in North Carolina and Tennessee. The North Carolina office recently moved to Asheville, a step the organization hopes will create opportunities for new relationships with Smokies enthusiasts and businesses in the community.

The 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, which received more than 15 million visitors in 2016, gets a boost from the Asheville-based Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation. In 1997, its first year of operation, the foundation donated a few thousand dollars to the parkway; last year, it gave $1.2 million. Altogether the foundation has raised over $12 million in projects and programs.

Specialty license plates are an important part of this fundraising; for each plate sold, $20 goes to the foundation.

“Over 27,000 cars have our specialty plate,” says Carolyn Ward, executive director of the foundation.

“We’re the voice of the park. We serve the park — and not just with money,” says Ward. The group surveys its donors regularly and responds to their changing areas of interest. Three years ago, its donors said their primary issue was protecting the environment; this year, it’s advocacy.

“We need to educate and advocate for federal dollars for our parks,” Ward says. To that end, the foundation staff meets with legislators to explain the park’s needs.

The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation undertakes projects to better visitors’ experiences. For example, it has refreshed the interpretive information at the Buck Springs Lodge site. George W. Vanderbilt’s hunting retreat there is long gone, but the signs help visitors imagine life at the beginning of the 20th century. The foundation also provided funds to build a restroom facility and expand the parking lot at the Graveyard Fields trailhead.

Phil Francis, retired superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway and

WATERFALL FRIENDS: High Falls in DuPont State Recreational Forest can be enjoyed by visitors, in part due to the preservation and maintenance efforts of Friends of DuPont Forest.

Photo by Danny Bernstein former acting superintendent in the Smokies, says nonprofits enhance the visitor experience by working with the National Park Service to make improvements.

“Friends groups fund a list of projects approved by the park superintendent. Friends groups usually don’t fund routine expenses,” Francis says.

“But with the budget cuts the parks have taken, things are different now. I don’t know what we would have done without Friends groups in either the Smokies or the Blue Ridge Parkway.

They provide money and thousands of volunteer hours.”

without FMST and Carolina Mountain Club.” CMC is a hiking and trail-maintaining club based in Asheville.

Kate Dixon, executive director of Friends of the MST, points to tangible results of the group’s efforts. “Thanks to the work of committed volunteers and donors, the portion of the trail which connects the Smokies to Waterrock Knob is close to completion,” she says.

“Volunteers were instrumental in the Waterrock Knob project, an extraordinary trail-building feat. When you walk it, it looks like it’s always been here.”

CREATORS OF TRAIL MAGIC

The Pisgah Ranger District, which extends 162,000 acres from Bent Creek west to the Middle Prong Wilderness, now has a champion in the Pisgah Conservancy. A newcomer to protecting national forests in the area, the Pisgah Conservancy was created in 2015 to provide funding to preserve the natural resources and beauty of Pisgah Ranger District and to enhance the recreational experience of all visitors.

Founder John Cottingham has been camping in Pisgah with friends for 40 years. He noticed that trails were degrading, and when he couldn’t find a Friends group for the forest, he was introduced to Carleton Murrey, the executive director

Running through the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail extends over 1,100 miles across North Carolina, from Clingmans Dome in the Smokies to the Outer Banks. Friends of the MST, or FMST, is a statewide organization based in Raleigh with several board members living in WNC, including the group’s current president, Steve Metcalf.

“The MST is a beautiful expression of North Carolina and her people,” Metcalf says. “The magic of the MST is the service provided by the many volunteers who build and maintain the trail. The trail in the mountains wouldn’t exist

FORESTS NEED FRIENDS, TOO

CONTINUES ON PAGE 44

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G REEN S CEN E of the Cradle of Forestry Interpretive Association. Cottingham and Murrey pulled together representatives of user groups — hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, hunters — for the conservancy’s advisory board.

The group’s signature event is Pisgah Pride Day, a work day that helps volunteers feel invested in the forest.

Last year, more than 350 volunteers pitched in for trail maintenance, trail building and trash pickup. This year’s Pisgah Pride Day is scheduled for May 5, and the group also hopes to hold monthly work days.

Lavoe Davis, director of development for the Pisgah Conservancy, says the group works closely with the Forest Service. “We entered an agreement with the U.S. Forest Service, which is still figuring out how to accommodate visitors. They don’t have the funds or personnel to maintain trails or get rid of invasive species,” she says. “All our projects are approved by the USFS.” David Casey, district ranger for the Pisgah District, explains there’s a formal agreement, a general memorandum of understanding, between the USFS and the Pisgah Conservancy as well as other agreements that are project-specific. “Right now, we’re not

MOUNTAINS TO SEE: The work of the Friends of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail recently led to the completion of the portion of the trail that connects the Smokies to Waterrock Knob, pictured. Photo by Danny Bernstein

OFFER EXPIRES 03/07/18

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MOUNTAINX.COM

able to serve recreational visitors like we’d like to serve them,” he says. “We’d like to have an increased presence in the forest. But we’re fortunate to have active volunteers.”

DuPont State Recreational Forest, located between Brevard and Hendersonville, was once a private chemical industrial site but has transitioned into an outdoor mecca. The state forest was established in 1995 and has been growing ever since as a hybrid public space that combines recreation with forestry.

Friends of the Falls, formed in 2000, is credited with rallying public support to save DuPont’s three iconic waterfalls: High, Triple and Bridal Veil Falls. After the land was preserved for the public, Friends of the Falls morphed into Friends of DuPont Forest, a group dedicated to trail work, trail signs and education.

Until now, Friends of DuPont Forest was managed completely by volunteers.

At the beginning of January 2018, Sara Landry became its first executive director and first permanent staff member.

“We have 450 members and work in partnership with the state. Our funds go directly to trails and education. We maintain 84 miles of trail and work with the N.C. Forest Service on major projects,” she says. “Our organization is going to expand with so many new people moving into Henderson and Transylvania counties.”

The group is helping fund new bathrooms at the Hooker Falls trailhead and parking area and building relationships

with chemical company DuPont, which is still cleaning up its core site and plans to turn the land over for public use.

GETTING ON BOARD FOR GREENWAYS Parks in town can also benefit from local groups’ support. “Believe it or not, there are plenty of Asheville residents who do not leave Asheville,” Marcia Bromberg, past president of Connect Buncombe, said at a recent talk to the WENOCA Chapter of the Sierra Club.

“That’s why we need greenways.”

In 2012, Buncombe County approved the greenway master plan but without any funds to implement it. Friends of Connect Buncombe was formed to support the implementation of the master plan. Bromberg sees a hundred miles of greenways in the future, including paved paths as well as temporary or permanent unpaved trails for walkers and cyclists.

The group has grown steadily since its inception in 2014 — from 109 members, friends and individual contributors that year to 211 as of the end of 2017, according to Bromberg.

While Connect Buncombe has ambitious plans with miles of new greenways in its future, Friends of Hominy Creek Greenway is very focused. Formed in 2012, it’s a small but active group that protects land bordering part of the northern side of Hominy Creek and Buttermilk Creek between Sand Hill Road and Hominy Creek Road in Asheville. A natural surface greenway runs about threequarters of a mile through the property.

Jack Igelman, past president of the Friends group, points to individual contributions to the greenway project.

“Doug ‘Brotherhug’ Barlow deserves enormous credit for the greenway.

Without him it would likely have been developed or, at least, closed to the public,” Igelman says. “He and Marc Hunt did a world-class job of raising funds and building support that led to its purchase by the city.”

The Friends of Hominy Creek Greenway holds the community vision for the park and has a partnership agreement with the city of Asheville designating the organization as stewards.

When asked about the number of members in the Friends group, Igelman sees the success of the group differently.

“I will say that the number of members is not a metric that’s particularly important to our board and a poor measure of our reach and impact,” he says. “As a small grassroots group, our goal was to build a coalition of dedicated volunteers and community members to help steward the 14-acre park that we manage in cooperation with the city.”

Igelman says from his perspective, spending an afternoon clearing invasive plants is as valuable as a $25 membership. “We’ve had hundreds of volunteers improve trails and facilities and build enthusiasm for the greenway,” he says.

“I’m proud of helping to build an allvolunteer organization that maintain one of my favorite chunks of public land in all of Western North Carolina.”

Danny Bernstein is an active volunteer with Friends of the Smokies. X

FOOD

EAT YOUR HEART OUT, ASHEVILLE

A SpeciAl Menu to celebrAte the SeASon of love

Valentine’s Day adventures for food lovers ton while enjoying some of Asheville’s best food,” says Zijp. Cost is $95 per person. The dinner is BYOB. Space is limited. thefarmershands.com For another off-the-beaten-path approach that honors local culinary traditions, French-educated chef, cooking instructor and author Susi Gott Séguret offers an installment of her monthly Appalachian Culinary Experience on Saturday, Feb. 17. The class opens at 2 p.m. with a welcoming beverage followed by a foraging expedition on Sugarloaf Mountain in rural Madison County.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 46

Week-long vAlentine’S celebrAtion februAry 9th - 18th Reservations highly recommended!

(828) 398-6200 • 26 All Souls Crescent, AVL

HEART AND SOUL: Asheville-area chefs and food artisans wear their creativity on their sleeves when it comes to Valentine’s Day specials and events. Pictured is a collection of craft chocolates from The Chocolate Fetish. Photo courtesy of The Chocolate Fetish

BY GINA SMITH gsmith@mountainx.com Despite its cultural pervasiveness this time of year, Valentine’s Day’s rose-tinted focus on conventional romance doesn’t warm everyone’s heart. But whether one holds with the ancient Greek notion of eros (romantic love) or prefers to honor philia (deep friendship) or philautia (love of self) — or something else entirely — many Asheville foodies would agree with George Bernard Shaw that, ultimately, “There’s no greater love than the love of food.”

And in Western North Carolina, there’s no reason for a celebration of that passion to be a pedestrian affair.

While many area restaurants are taking reservations or offering special menus for the occasion, there are also plenty of unconventional avenues for making Valentine’s Day an epicurean escapade.

TURN UP THE HEAT An educational way to experience culinary bliss is to get hands-on in the kitchen. Chef Sebastiaan Zijp and his wife, Ariel, of The Farmer’s Hands will offer a Valentine’s Daythemed cooking class and dinner in the pastoral setting of their 2-acre Madison County farm 6-9 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 13.

The evening starts with a glass of bubbly, then guests will learn how to prepare a feast with the Zijps in the kitchen of their 150-year-old farmhouse. The menu features oysters on the half-shell with shallot and black pepper mignonette, poached shrimp with lemon horseradish sauce, panseared scallops with herbed brown butter, grilled beef tenderloin with potatoes and a port reduction and, finally, chocolate mousse. “You get to have an amazing meal with all local ingredients, and you get to learn a

local, ingredient driven cuisine. since 1979

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FEB. 7 - 13, 2018

45

FOOD

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Downtown & Biltmore

www.hopeyandcompany.com

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From there, Séguret will welcome guests into her home to prepare dinner as a group on her wood- and gaspowered stoves. The menu of local ingredients prepared with a French twist — a style she likes to refer to as “Frappalachian” — will include wild mushroom tartines, tomato-goat cheese ramekins with rosemary, boeuf à la Bourgignonne with Tater Gap taters and Moonshine Mountain mousse au chocolat, all paired with wine and served by candlelight.

The feast will conclude in the evening with local tales and songs around the fire (Séguret is also an Appalachian fiddler, singer and songwriter). Couples can expect to bond, says Séguret, “not only through wandering the woods together, but also through wielding knives in the kitchen and clinking glasses at the table.” The experience is $150 per person or $250 per couple. Space is limited.

828-301-2792 or schoolofculinaryarts.org SWEET TALK In Asheville, Valentine’s Day sweets can be participatory, too. Chocolate enthusiasts of all ages can get a head start on the holiday with a free sen-

sory chocolate tasting 3-6 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 10, at the French Broad Chocolates production facility at 21 Buxton Ave. on the South Slope. The drop-in, family-friendly event will include samples from French Broad Chocolates’ seasonal Aphrodisiac Collection and opportunities to taste, touch and smell ingredients such as pomegranate seeds, honey and rose petals.

Mini-tours of the facility will be offered every half hour, and there will be sparkling wine, hot chocolate, coffee and savory snacks as well. The retail space will be open for those inspired to do some shopping for their valentine. RSVP is requested. avl.mx/4ll Those enamored of edible art can check out what’s new at The Chocolate Fetish at 36 Haywood St. The shop, which has been operating downtown since 1986, is wellknown for its detailed chocolate sculptures, including everything from winsome, jewelry-clad bears to chocolate Champagne bottles that, when cracked open, are filled with candy bubbles.

Chocolatier Jessica Leid is also known for making incredibly realistic, hand-decorated chocolate highheeled shoes. This year, though, Leid takes that concept up a notch with one-of-a-kind designer shoes adorned with tiny chocolate chains, buckles and hand-sculpted roses.

“They’re not custom, because we can’t make them that quickly,” says general manager Elizabeth Foley.

“But each one is totally unique.”

The Chocolate Fetish also has special Valentine’s Day truffles, chocolate-dipped strawberries and heart-shaped boxes that can accommodate anywhere from one to more than 100 painted chocolate hearts or other candies. The chocolatiers can even seal rings or other gifts inside chocolate containers for a sweet surprise. The shop gets busy this time of year, says Foley, so it’s helpful to call ahead for large or special orders. chocolatefetish.com But sweet doesn’t have to mean chocolate. For the second year, Hole Doughnuts owner Hallee Hirsh will host the family-friendly Hole Lotta Love party at the West Asheville gathering spot 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14. Hole will create three love-themed flavors for the get-together — cherry amaretto, French Broad Chocolate malt and one inspired by Persian love cake with pistachios, rose and cardamom. hole-doughnuts.com

SIT AND SIP Tipplers may want to try the three valentine’s cocktails on special all month at Capella on 9, the rooftop bar and restaurant at the downtown AC Hotel Asheville. Dubbed Heart, Love and Prosperity, each is made with meads (honey wine) from Alchemy Herbal Wine that are blended with herbs and spices, such as ginger, cinnamon, clove and rose petals, to benefit the health and spirit. capellaon9.com To linger longer over the views at the elegant indoor/outdoor space, reserve seats for Capella on 9’s fourcourse Spanish wine dinner. With a nod to the ancient Roman tale of romance between the goddess of love and the god of war, the Feb. 14 dinner offers a choice between two menus: Venus or Mars. Venus goes light with a beet and cucumber salad and a main course of seared salmon, while Mars revels in roasted Brussels sprouts hash and short ribs with butternut squash farrotto. Vegetarian options are available. Cost is $55 per person.

Seatings are at 6 and 8 p.m. avl.mx/4ls The fifth annual Perfect Pairings pre-Valentine’s Day dinner at Addison Farms Vineyard at 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 10, caters to chocolate lovers, matching courses with wines made right on the premises. Chef Corey Marino’s menu opens with chocolate-candied bacon with local cheese, then moves on to a shared plate featuring white chocolate and wasabi ahi tuna, pear salad with chocolate vinaigrette and butternut squash soup — of course, with chocolate. The entrée is cocoa and coffee-encrusted beef tenderloin with scalloped potatoes and broccolini. And, yes, there’s a yet-to-be-announced dessert. Tickets are $90 per person. addisonfarms.net For tea-totallers (pun intended), Ivory Road Café and Kitchen will collaborate with Asheville Tea Co. to host the Candlelight Valentine’s Tea Service and Tasting at 6 p.m. on Valentine’s Day. The event features full afternoon tea service with homemade scones and shortbread cookies, seasonal jams, honey butter, Devonshire cream, finger sandwiches and petit fours served with a teatasting flight of seasonal blends from Asheville Tea Co. Live classical guitar music will set the mood, and an educational component will provide information about WNC teas. Cost is $27.95 per person. Gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free options are available for an extra $2. Reservations are required. avl.mx/4lr X

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SMALL BITES

FOOD

by Thomas Calder | tcalder@mountainx.com

‘Repair the world’ with soup Since 2014, soup has been the key ingredient in the fundraising efforts of Congregation Beth HaTephila’s social justice committee, Tikkun Olam. “Tikkum Olam means ’repair the world’ in Hebrew,” explains the committee’s chair, Alice Cohen.

“That’s a big central theme in the Jewish community.”

The tradition continues with the congregation’s fifth annual Souper Bowl, which takes place Sunday, Feb. 11. The event will feature 15 teams competing for first- and second-place honors in three categories: traditional, international and wild card. Vegan and vegetarian recipes are welcome.

For the first time in its history, the CBHT Souper Bowl will be open to the general public. Attendees will be able to sample and vote on all 15 soups and will have a chance to buy the event’s cookbook, Soups of CBHT Souper Bowl. The collection costs $8 and contains more than 30 recipes from the previous gatherings that run the gamut from African safari soup to a family recipe for chicken soup that goes back five generations to Mexican caldo tlalpeño.

There’s even a recipe called Chili So Good You’ll Crow.

“It’s a really fun family event,” says Cohen. “You’ll leave with a lot of good ideas for soup recipes and, hopefully, a cookbook.”

But more importantly, adds Cohen, it’s a chance to support a great cause. “Tikkun Olam works to repair the world in a number of ways — from social justice to environmental justice, from literacy to educating children about nutrition,” she says. “The committee works to

CLEAN MEAL ALTERNATIVES Epione Clinic for Integrated Healing will host a weekly Tuesday evening class Feb. 13-27 that focuses on clean eating strategies. The sessions, which will be led by nutritional therapy consultant Amber DelainiNielsen, will offer recipes and tips for following a diet free of grains, dairy and processed foods.

Clean Meal Alternatives begins at 7 p.m. each Tuesday, Feb. 13-27, at Epione Clinic for Integrated Healing, 17 Zillicoa St. Tickets are $20 per class.

For more information, visit avl.mx/4l3.

SOUP FOR A CAUSE: Each year Congregation Beth HaTephila hosts its annual Souper Bowl fundraiser. This year’s event will feature 15 teams serving global flavors. Photo by Alice Cohen help create a safer and fairer community for everyone.”

The CBHT Souper Bowl runs noon-1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at Dave Family Social Hall at Congregation Beth HaTephila, 43 N. Liberty St. Tickets are $3 for children, $9 for adults or $24 for a family. For tickets, call Craig Frustaci at 828-253-4911 or email execdir@bethhatephila.org.

VEGAN WINE AND CHEESE TASTING Plant restaurant, Greenlife Grocery and Asheville Vegan Outreach will host a vegan wine and cheese tasting on Thursday, Feb. 8, to benefit Brother Wolf Animal Sanctuary. Dairy-free artisan cheese prepared by Plant owner and chef Jason Sellers will be paired with vegan wines from Greenlife. The evening’s featured cheeses and wines will also be for sale at the event.

The tasting runs 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8, at Greenlife Grocery, 70 Merrimon Ave. The event is donationbased; $5-$10 is suggested. For details, visit avl.mx/4l6.

VEGAN BARBECUE AT SANCTUARY BREWING CO. Fat Rabbit Comfort Catering will host a vegan barbecue event at Sanctuary Brewing Co. on Friday, Feb. 9. The menu will include barbecue soy curls, candied Brussels sprouts, mac and cheese, pinto beans and cornbread. Plates range from $10-$12.

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and Gaining Ground sweet potato flan. Wine pairings are available.

The Great Southern Appalachian Farm Nosh runs 5-10 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11. Tickets are $65 for general admission; the wine pairing option is an additional $25. Visit avl.mx/4lb for details and tickets.

MOUNTAINX.COM

The vegan barbecue begins at 6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 9, at Sanctuary Brewing Co., 147 First Ave. E., Hendersonville.

For details, visit avl.mx/4l0.

WNC CHEESE TRAIL TASTING EVENT On Sunday, Feb. 11, Addison Farms Vineyard partners with the WNC Cheese Trail to host an official kickoff event for the 2018 Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest, which happens in April. Samples of Addison Farms wines will be paired with products from local cheesemakers, and guests can learn why certain cheeses and wines go well together. Door prizes include tickets to the Carolina Mountain Cheese Fest. Tickets are $15.

The tasting runs 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 11, at Addison Farms Vineyard, 4005 New Leicester Highway, Leicester. For tickets, visit avl.mx/4lu.

THE GREAT SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN FARM NOSH The Blind Pig Supper Club will host a pop-up for the Organic Growers School’s annual fundraiser dinner on Sunday, Feb. 11. The evening will feature local produce and goods from Ten Mile Farms, GG Farms, Recovery Ventures Corp., Orchard Valley Farms, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, Three Graces Dairy, OWL Bakery and Sunburst Chef & Farmer. Menu highlights include Ten Mile roasted beets, stroganoff with Orchard Valley mushrooms and Hickory Nut Gap beef

SHROVE TUESDAY PANCAKES AND JAZZ The Cathedral of All Souls will host its annual Shrove Tuesday (Mardi Gras) pancake supper on Tuesday, Feb. 13. According to the event’s Facebook page, the purpose of the gathering is to celebrate “the end of the season of Epiphany and look forward to our journey through Lent.” Admission is donation-based. The event will include live jazz music and pancakes for all.

Shrove Tuesday Pancakes and Jazz runs 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at the Cathedral of All Souls, 9 Swan St. Suggested donation is $5 per person, $15 per family. For more information, visit avl.mx/4l7.

CORNER KITCHEN CATERING IS CLOSED Corner Kitchen Catering closed in January. However, owners Joe Scully and Kevin Westmoreland will continue operating their restaurants, Corner Kitchen and Chestnut. In a press release, Westmoreland called the decision to end the catering business a matter of focus. “We love what we do, but the catering company drew us away from Corner Kitchen and Chestnut in a way that was ultimately not sustainable for us,” he said. According to the same statement, the catering kitchen’s location at 48 Biltmore Ave. will be repurposed “as a commissary to supply even more house-made foods, chips, ice creams and great desserts to both restaurants.”

For details, visit avl.mx/4l4. X

by Edwin Arnaudin

earnaudin@mountainx.com

LOVING CUPS 1478 Patton Ave

Asheville-area breweries and beer services celebrate Valentine’s Day

ACROSS FROM SKY LANES

Serving craft cocktails with locally distilled spirits Kitchen open late

SWEETHEART OF A DEAL: Thirsty Monk quality manager Jeremiah Tracy, far right, leads a past installment of the bar’s monthly Monk Beer Academy series. The Feb. 13 edition centers on beer and chocolate pairings featuring French Broad Chocolates. Photo courtesy of Thirsty Monk Asheville-area restaurants are sure to be popular destinations on Wednesday, Feb. 14, as people celebrate Valentine’s Day. Combining the allure of a night out with their own distinct products, multiple local breweries and beer-related services will also offer special onenight events, matching their beverages with a variety of food options.

SWEETS AND DRINKS Thirsty Monk gets a head start on the holiday with its monthly Monk Beer Academy class on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 7 p.m. at its Biltmore Park bar. Led by quality manager Jeremiah Tracy, the event centers on beer and chocolate pairings from French Broad Chocolates, a union he feels combines the idealized romantic notion of receiving confections

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on Valentine’s Day with the community’s passion for the robust local brewing industry.

“There’s so many different types of beer and so many creative chocolates out there, and beer sort of has the intensity to stand up to a lot of chocolates because of the carbonation, which wine doesn’t necessarily have a lot of times or spirits certainly

CONTINUES ON PAGE 50

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2018 Poetry Contest Xpress announces a poetry contest in celebration of National Poetry Month and our four-issue Sustainability series in April.

Poets are asked to submit work around the themes of sustainability, environmental awareness or nature, and should refer to Western North Carolina’s environs.

Submissions will be accepted throughout the month of February and at least one winning poem will be published in print in our April 18th Earth Day issue.

Find full details at

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F OOD don’t have,” Tracy says. “The other big thing is you get sort of crossover, interesting flavors from a lot of dark malts. … We’ll probably only include one or two dark [beers] in the pairings, but you do get those crossover chocolatey, roasty flavors.”

Thirsty Monk uses French Broad Chocolates’ cacao nibs in its Brother Noah Belgian-style Chocolate Stout, which will be on the menu.

Otherwise, Tracy’s goal is to include styles that people might not expect would go well with chocolate, potentially a sour or hoppy selection.

“I’m really going to be relying on the expertise of the French Broad chocolatiers to help me sort through the catalog and narrow down the choices and find things that will work well with the beers,” he says. avl.mx/4lc On Valentine’s Day itself, Highland Brewing Co. will offer a paired flight of its beers and French Broad Chocolates. A special holiday beer made with the local chocolate and bergamot will be on tap, and there will be additional French Broad Chocolates offerings, flowers from Flora Asheville and heartshaped pizzas by Tin Can Pizzeria for sale. The tasting room’s walls will be also covered in paper hearts available for writing valentine love notes. avl.mx/4lh Elsewhere, Catawba Brewing Co. turns to a different corner of the dessert world by collaborating with the Asheville-based Baked Pie Co. On Feb. 14 at 7 p.m. in the brewery’s Rickhouse bar at its Banks Avenue location, four pairings of pies and Catawba beer will be available for $30. avl.mx/4ld BIG MEAL DEAL For the second installment in its three-month Winter Beer Dinner series, held Feb. 14 at 6 p.m., Twin Leaf Brewery and Smash Events draw inspiration from Valentine’s Day, French cuisine and The Beatles’ Love album.

“We’re putting the finishing touches to the menu, but a few examples are ‘Glass Onion’ (French onion soup served in individual glass dishes), ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ (steak au poivre with a brandy sauce, new potatoes and watercress), and ‘Savoy Truffle’ (house-made chocolate truffles),” says Nestor Teran, executive chef and owner of Smash Box Mobile Kitchen.

Dishes will be offered a la carte or as a full five-course menu, and each item will be paired with a different

Twin Leaf beer. The brewery will be decorated for the occasion with flowers and other holiday-appropriate items. avl.mx/4le The same night, Oskar Blues Brewery in Brevard meshes the talents of its brewers and CHUBwagon food truck chefs for a five-course meal. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with passed hors d’oeuvres and smoked cured salmon crostini paired with Pinner Throwback IPA, followed by a warm kale salad with wheat berries and Mama’s Little Yella Pils. Next up is braised short rib with mushroom risotto and Dale’s Pale Ale. The fourth course matches Bourbon Barrel-aged Ten FIDY Imperial Stout with either grilled pork chop with Ten FIDY onions, blue cheese herb butter and bacon, smashed fingerling potato and asparagus, or a vegetarian option of grilled vegetable Napoleon with Ten FIDY onions, smashed fingerling potato and asparagus. The finale is a Death

By Rum Cake and Rum Barrel-aged Death By Coconut Irish Porter.

“Our lead brewer, John McGreggor, will be leading everyone through the meal and the beer pairings,” says Aaron Baker, marketing manager of Oskar Blues Brewery North Carolina. Tickets are $130 for couples and include music from the Charlotte-based folk band Sinners and Saints. “There just might be some slow dancing by the end of the night,” Baker adds. “Fingers crossed.” avl.mx/4lf Yet another spin on Valentine’s Day dinner comes from the Brews n’ Butts tour service, which offers a mobile experience Feb. 14. Pickup will be at 7 p.m. in the rear of the Sears parking lot behind the Asheville Mall, at which point the tour guide will give attendees a few local breweries from which to choose.

After a 45-minute visit at the first brewery, participants will return to the bus for a catered family-style barbecue supper from chef Hewitt Emerson, served atop the vehicle’s long center table. The first round of the two-course meal — composed of a total of three meats, three sides and dessert — will be served on the way to the second brewery, with the final dishes made available on the ride back.

Tickets are $69 per person. A second ticket is available at half price as well as four tickets for the price of three, plus an additional drink voucher for each person. Roses will be provided, and vegetarian options are available by request. avl.mx/4lg X

A R T S & E N T E R TA I N M E N T

CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED LOVE Valentine’s Day events around Asheville

BY ALLI MARSHALL

• Student writers ages 13-19 are invited to participate in HomeWord’s upcoming Youth Slam — a performance poetry event. For those testing the waters of slam poetry, there’s a pre-slam open mic (no competition necessary). For those ready to throw down, bring two-three poems for the main event. And for those feeling the romance (or those wanting to tell Cupid, in verse form, where to stick his silly arrows), the Tuesday, Feb. 13, show has been deemed the Sweetheart SLAM. 7-9 p.m. at N.C. Stage, 15 Stage Lane. $5 students/$7 adults/free for performing poets. avl.mx/4jc

amarshall@mountainx.com There are those who live for love, and those who think Cupid is stupid.

Romance — at least the widespread and mainstream celebration of it — is as divisive as politics. One could reasonably argue that a baby brandishing a weapon is a weird mascot for l’amour, but, then again, any love is good love (so says Bachman-Turner Overdrive, those Eroses of ’70s rock).

In fact, there’s probably a deity for every romantic impulse — from lusty Aphrodite to Egyptian goddess Hathor (the patroness of wives) and from Hindu goddess Parvati (dynast of devotion) to the virgin Vesta (who represents purity and honor). Celebrate the multifaceted emotion this year with a multitude of local events.

Find more Valentine’s Day happenings in Clubland, Calendar and at mountainx.com.

• It’s not just a slogan, it’s a directive.

Love Asheville, Go Local Week runs Saturday, Feb. 10, to Saturday, Feb. 17. Asheville Grown Business Alliance, Asheville Downtown Association, Asheville Independent Restaurants, Lexington Avenue Merchant Association and the city of Asheville have teamed up to present eight days of affection for downtown shops, restaurants, arts, events and public spaces.

On Feb. 10, businesses will stay open for late shopping (pick up a parking voucher, good at city decks, from the Asheville Downtown Association and participating businesses). Celebrate Mardi Gras on the South Slope on Sunday, Feb. 11; show up at City Hall for the Go Local proclamation on Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 5 p.m.; dine out at downtown restaurants on Valentine’s Day proper; and visit local artists and galleries on Thursday, Feb. 15. For more happenings, ideas and information, visit ashevillegrown.com/go-local-week • Here’s an event that gets right to the heart of the holiday: DJ and author Bobbi Williams, aka Smokifantastic, is a self-described “adventurer, guide, international scout and love goddess from the planet Venus,” according to her Facebook profile. Apropos of all these designations, she will read from her Zine Exotica to the accompani-

• There’s a lot to love at Isis Music Hall, 743 Haywood Road. On the main stage, the incomparable local vocalist Kat Williams reprises her recent col-

CONTINUES ON PAGE 52

RED-HOT: Author and visionary Bobbi Williams, aka DJ Smokifantastic, will give an erotic reading and book signing from her Zine Exotica at Asheville Raven & Crone.

Photo courtesy of Williams ment of cellist Lady Kindra. This erotic reading and book signing takes place Sunday, Feb. 11, 6-7 p.m. at Asheville Raven & Crone, 555 Merrimon Ave. ashevilleravenandcrone.com • The idea for a Feb. 14 show to benefit Helpmate, a local agency addressing domestic violence, came to singersongwriter Alex Krug because “I wanted to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year in a more meaningful way,” she says.

“I see this event as a ‘love-fest’ for an outfit that works tirelessly every day to provide safety and resources for those in our city who are most vulnerable.” Krug and fellow musicians Lyric and Chelsea La Bate (of Ten Cent Poetry) will host a show at The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave., at 8 p.m. “In addition to live music, the benefit will also include complimentary refreshments, generously provided

by Roots Hummus, Whole Foods and French Broad Chocolates,” says a press release. $12, all proceeds go to Helpmate. theorangepeel.net

• Because the night was made for (synth-dance-pop) lovers, Chicago-based dream-pop band Zigtebra visits The Mothlight, 701 Haywood Road. “Local dance-inducers Tin Foil Hat and prettypretty will also be providing a soundtrack of sexy dance grooves for lovers and the forlorn alike,” says a press release for the Wednesday, Feb. 14 show. 9 p.m. avl.mx/4km • In season 2, episode 16 of “Parks and Recreation,” Amy Poehler’s character threw a “Galentine’s Day” party — an annual event — for her female friends. Like Festivus but better, it gained legs IRL and is now celebrated on the day before V-day by women, for women, everywhere. Violet Owl Wellness, 62 Wall St., carries on the tradition with a Galentine’s Day Yoga & Art event on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 6-8 p.m. “Bring your best gal pal! Let’s come together to celebrate + hang out + be amazing,” says the wellness center. avl.mx/4jb MOUNTAINX.COM

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A &E

FUNNY, HONEY: Local comedians dressed as lovelorn celebrities will stick a fork in romance at the Roast of Love. Moira Goree, pictured, will perform as Yoko Ono. Photo courtesy of Goree laboration with The Richard Shulman Trio for “Gimme Some Lovin,’” a night of jazz and R&B. Music starts at 8:30 p.m. with some tables available for dinner reservations. $20. And earlier in the evening, Jeff Thompson and Aaron Price perform in the venue’s upstairs lounge. 7-9 p.m., $12. isisasheville.com • Going by his stand-up routines alone, one could be forgiven for assuming Andy Woodhull doesn’t like romance or women very much, even though he is married. “We are late to everything, it’s a problem for us as a couple … and I am not the problem,” he jokes of himself and his spouse. “She’s late to everything — she was once late to watch Netflix in our own home.” Nonetheless, Woodhull, who has appeared on “Conan” and premiered a special on Comedy Central, will share his insights on love at a Valentine’s Friday Comedy Special, presented by Funny Business at The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave., on Friday, Feb. 16, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Up-andcoming comedian Maddie Wiener, a native North Carolinian, opens the show. $15 advance/$18 at the door. avl.mx/4j2 • “This workshop is designed to strengthen and enhance your relation52

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ship, increase intimacy and manage conflict,” says the description of The Art & Science of Love Couples, a weekendlong experience. For “couples of every type,” the workshop, led by Gottman therapists, offers tools and exercises to confirm, strengthen or restore love.

Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 17 and 18, at Doubletree Biltmore Hotel, 115 Hendersonville Road. $750 per couple. couplesworkshopsnc.com • “Valentine’s Day is the worst, and love is a lie. Let’s roast the shit out of it,” says a press release for Roast of Love. The tongue-in-cheek event promises comics dressed as celebrities known for their troubled relationships to romance. The lineup includes Chesney Goodson as Kanye West, Kira MagCalen as Britney Spears, James Harrod as Justin Timberlake, Cody Daniel Hughes as Brad Pitt, Kelly Morgan as Taylor Swift, Moira Goree as Yoko Ono, Blaine Perry as Russell Brand, Emily Kidd as Jennifer Aniston, Mario Trevizo as Ricky Ricardo, Lily Campbell as Marilyn Monroe and Cary Goff hosting as Cupid. Thursday, Feb. 15, 9 p.m. at Fleetwood’s, 476 Haywood Road. $15. avl.mx/4iz X

by Daniel Walton

danielwwalton@live.com

RUN RABBIT RUN Steph Hickling Beckman, managing artistic director for Different Strokes! Performing Arts Collective, doesn’t hold back when describing the relevance of Alabama Story, her company’s first production for the current season. “It’s a play about books and censorship, right when Trump tries to ban seven words from the CDC,” she says, referring to reports that Centers for Disease Control and Prevention staff members were recently discouraged from using language such as “transgender,” “diversity” and “evidencebased” in budget documents.

“The action in Alabama Story happened 60 years ago, but the play matters because we’re not out of the woods. If we look at current events, this stuff keeps happening,” Hickling Beckman continues. “Censorship infringes on all of our civil rights.” Different Strokes! brings the timely drama to the BeBe Theatre beginning Thursday, Feb. 8.

The play draws its main plot from the true story of the “bunny book crusade” led by Alabama state Sen. E.O. Eddins Sr. In 1959, Eddins (renamed Higgins in the play) became aware of a children’s book called The Rabbits’ Wedding, which showed the marriage of a white rabbit to a black rabbit, and demanded that the title be pulled from Alabama public library shelves. He claimed that the union of two differently colored rabbits served as subtle advocacy for interracial marriage, illegal in the state at that time.

Alabama public library director Emily Wheelock Reed, an Asheville

WHAT Alabama Story performed by Different Strokes!

Performing Arts Collective WHERE The BeBe Theatre 20 Commerce St. differentstrokespac.org WHEN Feb. 8-24, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, at 7:30 pm. $15 opening weekend advance $18 advance/$21 day of show

Different Strokes! confronts censorship through the tale of the ‘bunny book crusade’ she was a librarian in Hawaii,” she explains. “We see that she can carry a sense of humor but maintain a division between her work and personal lives.”

Alabama Story complements its historical conflict with the fictional story of Joshua and Lily, interracial friends who revisit a charged episode in their past with clear parallels to The Rabbits’ Wedding. “If it is through Higgins and Alabama that we witness the antiquity of some of our laws and biases, it is through Lily and Joshua that we can understand that the issues we are dealing with today stem from our ... racial bias and discrimination,” Hickling Beckman says.

The script has a lot to unpack, but Hickling Beckman had an irreplaceable assistant as she developed the work: playwright Kenneth Jones, who took a personal interest in the

CONTINUES ON PAGE 54

COLOR THEORY: In 1959, Alabama state Sen. E.O. Eddins Sr. became aware of a children’s book called The Rabbits’ Wedding, which showed the marriage of a white rabbit to a black rabbit, and demanded that the title be pulled from Alabama public library shelves. Different Strokes! stages the subsequent play, Alabama Story. Photo by Sean David Robinson native, refused to ban the book.

Alabama Story traces the protracted battle of wills that followed between the librarian and the senator from the Montgomery state library through the state legislature floor, where Higgins threatens Reed’s budget and demands her resignation.

Hickling Beckman notes that Reed, played by Molly Graves, was one of the most difficult roles she’s had to cast at Different Strokes! due to the character’s complexity. “Everybody wants to think librarians are these boring women who don’t have lives, but Emily has traveled the world —

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A &E production after learning more about Different Strokes! and its artistic mission. Jones provided the company with discounted rights for the script and offered deeper perspective on its dialogue.

“There’s a park in the play called Oak Park, which Higgins chose to shut down entirely when the Supreme Court said he couldn’t ban blacks from visiting,” Hickling Beckman offers as an example.

“Kenneth told us about going there and talking to locals about that experience of having no access to this beautiful, chained-up park — it’s his direct knowledge that we wouldn’t have known about otherwise.”

The director acknowledges that working with Jones brought challenges as well as opportunities to the rehearsal process. Less than a month before the opening in Asheville, the playwright sent along changes to the script, which had its official debut in Salt Lake City in 2015. In other cases, Hickling Beckman tweaked her initial artistic vision to reflect Jones’ detailed dramaturgical notes.

On the whole, however, Hickling Beckman says her interaction with

Jones has been positive. “The passion he has about the subject is really appealing and in touch with what Different Strokes! stands for,” she says. “It’s been a great collaborative process, and it’s made me want to do more work in direct collaboration with playwrights.”

Perhaps most importantly, Jones confirmed for Hickling Beckman that Alabama Story’s essential message is one of confidence in progress. She explains that the playwright changed Eddins’ name to Higgins as an expression of hope that the senator moved on from his racist views after leaving public life.

“He wants to leave the play where we can believe that Higgins landed on the right side of history,” Hickling Beckman says.

One of the play’s final scenes touchingly reinforces that wish.

“Reed finds out that Higgins loves [The Adventures of] Tom Sawyer, and she gives a copy to him as a parting gift,” Hickling Beckman says. “You see him soften, and Kenneth put that part in there just so we can see that there is hope for the world.” X

by Edwin Arnaudin

earnaudin@mountainx.com

ENCORE SCREENING

Asheville 90-Second Newbery Film Festival builds on inaugural event’s success shy but go beyond their comfort zones in making a film. Furthermore, based on the increased cinematic vocabulary he’s witnessed among the young artists, Weiner has high hopes that participants will continue pursuing the craft and go on to do great things.

“What I’m seeing more than last year is kids who are actually reading the story with the film in mind and using words like, ‘OK, here’s the shot list,’ and things like that, which we didn’t hear last year,” he says. “Some of it’s catching on, and that’s really cool because now they’re reading the book with the idea that, ‘How am I going to turn this into a film?’ rather than, ‘OK, I’m just going to read the book and then figure it all out.”

Weiner adds, “Someday, somebody’s going to be standing on the Oscar stage, thanking the Newbery Film Festival for his or her start years ago.”

For more information about the festival or to submit a film, visit 90secondnewbery.com. X

COPS AND PENGUINS: Students from the Asheville Community Theatre Youth Theatre program pause between shooting an adaptation of “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” for the inaugural Asheville 90-Second Newbery Film Festival in 2017. The group turned Florence and Richard Atwater’s prize-winning novel into a murder mystery. Photo courtesy of Asheville 90-Second Newbery The young filmmakers who participated in Asheville’s inaugural 90-Second Newbery Film Festival last year were literally given the red carpet treatment.

As the teams and people responsible for 13 brief cinematic takes on a John Newbery Medal winner or Honor book entered Pack Memorial Library’s Lord Auditorium, a “paparazzi” of volunteers bathed them in camera flashes. The artists then got to pose for a photo with a large, inflated Oscar-type statue. Seated in the front of the room, the kids were called up after their film was screened to receive a statuette of their own, as well as thunderous applause from more than 170 attendees.

“They loved it,” says Elliot Weiner, Asheville 90-Second Newbery coordinator. If everyone who was inspired by last year’s festival to submit a film this year actually follows through, Weiner says, “It’ll be wonderful.”

Wednesday, Feb. 14, is the last day for submissions, but the national organizers are fine with a little wiggle room. “If kids want to submit films and they don’t think they can make that deadline, they should just write me [at avl90secondnewbery@gmail.com], and we can work things out since our festival’s not for two months after that deadline. That was a

national deadline, but they’re OK with sliding it as we need to,” Weiner says.

“The most important thing is to make it fun for the kids and to give them time to do what they want to do.”

All local entries will be screened on Saturday, April 14, 1-3 p.m., at Lord Auditorium. Game to turn the event into an annual tradition, Weiner and Jesse Figuera, Buncombe County Libraries’ head of youth services, began planning the 2018 edition mere days after the debut festival. The two helped get the word out to local schools and groups such as Asheville Community Theatre’s Tanglewood Summer Camp, and the selections and approaches Weiner has heard about thus far suggest another eclectic group of films is forthcoming.

“The ones I’ve seen run the gamut from the big-cast, full-of-sword-fight books down to one person telling a story with a puppet,” he says. “There are some old standbys like [E.B. White’s] Charlotte’s Web and [Louis Sachar’s] Holes and other books that seem to be captured every year. And then, every once in a while, a kid will pick out a book that’s never been done before. I’m hoping that will happen this year with the kids in school programs that are interested in doing it.”

Over Christmas break, Weiner and ACT program director Chanda Calentine helped some of Calentine’s students shoot Wanda Gág’s Millions of Cats. Due to limited availability over the holidays, five kids portrayed the numerous felines, rewrote the story and came up with their own costumes and characters.

“They were just really wonderful, and the film came out so much better than Chanda and I pictured, just sticking to the book,” Weiner says. “The whole thing with Newbery is kids should take liberties and make it science fiction, or you can make it horror or a mystery or a musical. You don’t have to just do it the way it was written — but you do have to read the book. That’s the kicker. You’re still telling the basic story in a couple of minutes, but you should take liberties with how you tell it. The more creative, the wilder, the better.”

Weiner stresses that 90-Second Newbery is not a contest, but a celebration of individual imagination. And though everyone receives a trophy, he views the award not as a mere sign of participation, but a recognition of one’s success. Also encouraging is the positive impact he’s seen the festival have on local children, many of whom are typically

COLLEGE-LEVEL ART COURSES FOR THE COMMUNITY

Extraordinary times call for expressive art.

DON’T BOX ME IN Identity & Expression in the Age of Mass Connection Instructor Pamela Lanza, MFA 10-week Mixed Media Class, all skill levels $175 Wed. 6:30 - 9:30pm FEB 14 - APRIL 25 Rainbow Community School 574 Haywood Road INFO/ENROLL: Pam, 415-297-4207 lalanza@earthlink.net www.pamelalanza.com

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by Bill Kopp

bill@musoscribe.com

CARRYING THE TUNE In an unprecedented burst of creativity, New York City-based musician Brian MacWilliams wrote some 300 songs in the space of just a few years. Midway through that streak, he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, often known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. But a community of friends and supporters — in New York, Asheville and beyond — has come together for MacWilliams. Two concurrent projects are underway: One is an album of MacWilliams’ songs, provisionally titled Being Here; the other is Brian’s Songs, a documentary that tells his story.

Before his illness, MacWilliams was an enthusiastic, outdoorsy type. Surfing and skiing were among his favorite pursuits. He often shared those activities with two of his best friends, Scott Reese (a videographer and musician in Asheville) and Michael RossattoBennett (a documentary filmmaker and MacWilliams’ next-door neighbor).

“Brian skied as though he was running out of time,” says Rossatto-Bennett.

“It was like he wanted to achieve a certain level of mastery before his body was old.”

MacWilliams was also putting his heart and soul into music. He and Rossatto-Bennett would play guitar together daily. “We’d start around 10 o’clock at night, and we’d stop around midnight,” Rossatto-Bennett recalls.

Though no one knew it at the time, after those jam sessions, MacWilliams would return home and write songs, often until 4 a.m.

“The songs started coming,” Rossatto-Bennett says. MacWilliams felt that his songwriting spurt was the beginning of a new journey. “He didn’t know where [the songs] were coming from, and he had this feeling like it wasn’t gonna last.” And it didn’t. As MacWilliams fell ill, his ability to play deteriorated, eventually leaving him completely. Today he’s unable to sing, as well.

“Once Brian got diagnosed, there wasn’t a lot of energy to write these songs,” Rossatto-Bennett says. “So he kind of just forgot about them.”

But his friends didn’t forget. Working with MacWilliams, they put together a plan to build upon spare guitarand-vocal demo recordings he had made of his songs. Enlisting the help of top production and musician talent, the songs will be completed professionally. A Kickstarter campaign quickly raised more than $65,000 to 56

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Asheville artists help record the songs of a musician suffering from ALS

LIFE CHANGES: Midway through a burst of songwriting, Brian MacWilliams developed ALS. His friends in Asheville and New York City have banded together to honor him by finishing his work in the form of a double album and documentary film. MacWilliams is pictured above in his home studio before he lost the ability to play and sing. Photo courtesy of briansongs.org

MOUNTAINX.COM

defray the costs of making the album and documentary.

The whole thing needed to be done quickly so that MacWilliams could have time to hear and appreciate the final product. Reese drew upon his friends and music associates in Asheville to help bring the project to fruition. First, MacWilliams’ raw home recordings were cleaned up and put into multitrack digital format at Echo Mountain Recording.

And in a process not unlike what the then-surviving Beatles did in 1994 with John Lennon’s home demos for “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love,” some of Asheville’s best musicians overdubbed instruments and vocals to create finished recordings. Sessions are now complete, and the tracks are being mixed.

Being Here will be released — first to the crowdfunding campaign supporters — as a 2LP vinyl album.

MacWilliams’ songwriting is informed by the music of The Grateful Dead and the lyrical style of Townes Van Zandt, among others. The principals are keeping a tight lid on the work-in-progress; their goal is to first unveil the songs

to project supporters. An early Echo Mountain session — with MacWilliams in attendance — was live-streamed a year ago, but nothing else from the sessions has yet been made public.

The team of producers for the album includes Reese and Josh Blake of IamAVL.com, Echo Mountain engineer Julian Dryer and two New Yorkbased producers. Asheville musicians for the sessions include keyboardist Ryan Burns, guitarist Casey Cramer (Ashley Heath and Her Heathens), drummers Phill Bronson (Evil Note Lab), Nik Hope (Empire Strikes Brass) and Mike Rhodes, upright bassists Craig Sandberg (Resonant Rogues) and Daniel Iannucci, electric bassist Elijah Cramer (Ashley Heath and Her Heathens), and accordionist Sparrow Pants (Resonant Rogues).

Reese explains that the cache of songs — 15 or so of which are being finished for the album – is filled with sad pieces about love. But in hindsight, even though they weren’t written with MacWilliams’ impending illness in mind, the lyrics seem poignantly rele-

vant in light of the songwriter’s struggle with ALS. Rossatto-Bennett’s film is yet to be completed, but he’s doing what he can to finish it in time for MacWilliams to screen it. “I’ve been living with this story,” says the Sundance Awardwinning documentarian. “But I haven’t been able to pick up a camera, because ...” His voice trails off.

Plans are also underway for concerts to be staged in Asheville and New York City, but at this point, details are few. “We haven’t quite figured that,” RossattoBennett admits. “How do you do a concert when the main vocalist can’t sing?

We’re not sure.”

He continues, “Life is hard. Every one of us dies; every one of us suffers. That’s what it means to be human. And if you work together to make life beautiful, even the worst things that life can throw at you become bearable and even joyous.

What we’re really trying to say with this project is this: we’re not alone.”

Learn more at avl.mx/4l5 or avl.mx/4l8. X

T H E AT E R R E V I E W

by Tony Kiss | avlbeerguy@gmail.com

‘Night Music’ at The Magnetic Theatre

NIGHT FALLS: The coming-of-age relationship drama ’Night Music’ is now playing at The Magnetic Theatre. Pictured are, from left, Serena Dotson-Smith, Samuel Quinn Morris and Nick Biggs. Photo courtesy of The Magnetic Theatre.

The Magnetic Theatre has opened its 2018 season with Night Music, a powerful new work from local playwright David Brendan Hopes. But despite the title, there’s no real music here beyond a sortof performance of Joan Jett’s “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll.”

Instead, Hopes and director Christine Eide have painted a touching comingof-age relationship drama about the triangle involving three young people somewhere in the mountains of North Carolina or Virginia — but it could take place anywhere.

The show serves as somewhat of a mirror for the audience, many of whom may recognize themselves at one point or another in their past or current lives.

While the characters are young, Night Music is filled with adult emotions of friendship, love, betrayal, anger, hurt and loss.

The material requires serious acting, and Eide gets strong performances from the trio of Nick Biggs, Samuel Quinn Morris and Serena Dotson-Smith. The characters age from their early teens to young adulthood while grappling with issues many people will face.

Night Music opens with a mountain camping trip by Cleve (Morris) and ath-

letic Jesse (Biggs), and while the two boys have little in common, they form a bond that becomes a strong friendship.

Meanwhile, miles away, Philomela — or Phil, as she calls herself — notices the lights on the mountain and longs to know what’s going on there.

Eventually, the three meet. Phil and Cleve attend the same school for gifted students and become a couple, while Jesse is in public school and joins Little League. Over time, they all come together, and it becomes obvious that in this threesome, one will be left out.

But who winds up with whom? That uncertainty powers Night Music through its second act, as emotions bounce back and forth. There are several surprise twists before it’s all done.

As Cleve, Morris gives a strong turn as the smart one in this bunch, wrestling with insecurity in his relationship with Phil. It’s pretty obvious just how much he needs her or someone in his life.

Biggs comes through as the emotionally stronger Jesse, trying to figure out his feelings for Phil, but it’s uncertain how much he actually cares or if he does at all. Is it just hormones that are working, or is there any heart in there?

In between, Dotson-Smith really shines as Phil, who seems equally attracted to both boys. It’s a great bit of acting that really carries Night Music along.

As the show ends, the three characters are in their late teens and still together, their odd dynamic continuing to play out but with less emotional turmoil. There’s some adult subject matter here in the final scene, so keep that in mind if that bothers you, but it all rings very true. X

WHAT Night Music WHERE The Magnetic Theatre 375 Depot St. themagnetictheatre.org WHEN Through Saturday, Feb. 17.

Thursdays-Saturdays, at 7:30 p.m. $16.

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by Edwin Arnaudin | Send your arts news to ae@mountainx.com

Feeding Fingers

Holly Kays

When composer Justin Curfman formed Feeding Fingers in 2006, the ensemble took the form of an experimental post-punk trio. Over the past dozen year, it’s morphed into what Curfman calls “an interdisciplinary and international music project,” looping in members and contributors from Germany, Austria, Italy, Serbia, Japan, China and beyond.

Pulling from a wealth of influences, the frontman blends his haunting voice with instrumentation that seems both rooted in John Carpenter’s best scores and following its own unique muse. Touring in support of the group’s 2018 release Do Owe Harm, Curfman will be joined by Bradley Claborn (bass, guitar) and Christopher Fall (drums, percussion) on Friday, Feb. 9, at 8 p.m. at Sly Grog Lounge. A pair of Asheville electronic acts — shoegaze duo VIA and Daisy Chains of Battery Powered Hooker Boots — open. $10. slygrog.wordpress.com. Photo courtesy of the band

Holly Kays, a reporter for the Smoky Mountain News, grew up in the Appalachian Mountains, then headed west to Wyoming. In her debut novel, Shadows of Flowers, she draws inspiration from both areas, following Virginia native Dana Stullman as she recovers from the loss of her boyfriend, who died just before the couple’s graduation from Virginia Tech. Relocating out west, Dana heals through a surprise friendship and is forced to confront her history through a crisis in the wilderness. “Dana’s situation is particular, but the themes it unearths are universal — the unrelenting need to reconcile past with present, the search for God and the innate desire for community,” Kays says. She’ll read from her book on Friday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m. at City Lights Bookstore in Sylva. Free to attend. citylightsnc.com. Author photo courtesy of Kays

Mardi Gras parade Taking to the Asheville streets each February (or March, depending), regardless of the usually chilly temperatures, participants and spectators of the Mardi Gras parade unite over a shared fondness for goofy entertainment. The theme for this year’s parade is “Ashevillage People,” certain to inspire its own distinct and creative costumes, props and floats. On Sunday, Feb. 11, promptly at 3:05 p.m., the good times roll along a new route in the South Slope, moving through Hilliard, Coxe, Banks and Buxton avenues with a brief run on Church Street. As in past years, parade organizers note that “Asheville is not Bourbon Street. Alcohol and nudity are not part of our twist on Mardi Gras in the mountains. We are promoting a fun, safe event for all ages — with a definite emphasis on fun.” Free. ashevillemardigras.org. Photo by Paul Clark

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Pedrito Martinez Group Since moving to New York City in 1998, Cuban-born singer and percussionist Pedrito Martinez has collaborated with such stars as Paul Simon, Bruce Springsteen and Sting. When not lending his talents to these high-profile projects, he focuses on his eponymous Latin jazz ensemble, composed of musicians who have come together in the Big Apple. These players include drummer Jhair Sala and multi-instrumentalist Edgar Pantoja-Alemán, a fellow Cuban. The Pedrito Martinez Group — Grammynominated in 2014 for its self-titled debut album — performs at UNC Asheville’s Lipinsky Auditorium on Thursday, Feb. 8, at 7 p.m. $15 general admission/$10 UNC Asheville alumni and OLLI members/free for UNC Asheville students/$5 for all other students and UNCA employees. Martinez will also offer a free master class 9:55-11:10 a.m. that same day in Lipinsky Hall Room 018. unca.edu. Photo by Danielle Moir

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by Abigail Griffin

FAMILIAR YET FRESH: Hailing from Ireland’s County Clare, Socks in the Frying Pan merges traditional Irish melodies with modern wit and energy. The band combines the talents of Aodan Coyne (guitar) and brothers Shane (button accordion) and Fiachra Hayes (fiddle), awardwinning musicians on their own who together have been named New Band of the Year by the Irish Music Association and New Group of the Year by the Live Ireland Awards. The trio opens the Mainstage Celtic Series at Diana Wortham Theatre on Friday, Feb. 9, at 8 p.m. Regular tickets are $32 with discounted rates for students ($27) and children ($20). Photo courtesy of Diana Wortham Theatre (p. 60) ART ASHEVILLE AREA ARTS COUNCIL 828-258-0710, ashevillearts.com • FR (2/9), 2-5pm "Pottery for Veterans," class for veterans living in Buncombe County.

Registration required: ashevillearts.com.

Free. Held at Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Road • MONDAYS until (3/26), 2-5pm - Weaving class for veterans.

Registration required.

Free. Held at Local Cloth, 207 Coxe Ave. MOMENTUM GALLERY 24 North Lexington Ave. • SU (2/11), 2-4pm - Artist talk and demonstration by printmaker, Andy Farkas.

Documentary about Farkas will also be shown. Free to attend.

ODYSSEY COOPERATIVE ART GALLERY 238 Clingman Ave., 828-285-9700, facebook. com/ odysseycoopgallery • 2nd SATURDAYS, 11am-5pm - "Second Saturday Celebration," event with food, music and artist demonstrations. Free to attend.

THE CENTER FOR CRAFT, CREATIVITY AND DESIGN 67 Broadway, 828-785-1357, craftcreativitydesign.org/ • FR (2/9), 6:30-7:30pm - Artist talk by Scale Up artist, Brian Fleetwood.

Free to attend.

TRYON ARTS AND CRAFTS SCHOOL 373 Harmon Field Road, Tryon, 828-859-8323 • TH (2/8), noon1pm - Crafts & Conversation: “World Renowned Arts & Crafts Centers of Mexico,” presentation by Debbie Mounts. Bring your own lunch. Free to attend.

AUDITIONS & CALL TO ARTISTS ASHEVILLE AREA ARTS COUNCIL 1 Page Ave., 828-2580710, ashevillearts.com • Through FR (2-16), 5pm - Applications accepted for the Arts Build Community Grant.

Contact for full guidelines.

ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE 35 E. Walnut St., 828254-1320, asheville theatre.org • SA (2/10), 10am-2pm Open auditions for Diary of Anne Frank. Contact for full guidelines.

FLETCHER AREA ART FAIR director@ fletcherartsheritage.com or 828-691-1255 • Through SA (3/31) Vendors accepted for the Fletcher Area Art Fair taking place on Saturday, April 7.

MUSIC VIDEO ASHEVILLE 828-515-1081, musicvideoavl.com • Through TH (3/15) Submissions accepted for the 11th annual

music video competition. See website for submission guidelines.

DANCE EXPERIENCE ECSTATIC DANCE! (PD.) Dance waves hosted

by Asheville Movement Collective. Fun and personal/community transformation. • Fridays, 7pm, Terpsicorps Studios, 1501 Patton Avenue. • Sundays, 8:30am and 10:30am, JCC, 236 Charlotte Street. Sliding scale fee.

Information: asheville movementcollective.org STUDIO ZAHIYA, DOWNTOWN DANCE CLASSES (PD.) Monday 8am Bootcamp 12pm Bootcamp 12pm Barre Wkt 5pm Teen Dance Fitness & Technique 6pm Hip Hop Wkt 6pm Bellydance Drills 7pm Bellydance Special Topics 7pm Tribal Bellydance Level 1 7pm Sassy Jazz 8pm Tribal Bellydance Level 2 8pm Lyrical 8pm Raks Azure Pro Bellydance Troupe • Tuesday 9am Hip Hop Wkt 6pm Intro to Bellydance 7pm Bellydance 2 8pm Creating a Solo • Wednesday 8am Bootcamp 10am Hip Hop 12pm Bootcamp 5pm Flow and Glow Yoga 6pm Bhangra Series 7pm Tap 1 8pm Tap 2 • Thursday 9am Hip Hop Wkt 3:15pm Kids Hip Hop and Creative Movement 4pm Kids Hip Hop and Creative

Movement 5pm Teens Hip Hop 6pm Stiletto Sculpt Dance 7pm Liberated Ladies 8pm West Coast Swing • Friday 8am Bootcamp 12pm Bootcamp • Saturday 9:30am Hip Hop Wkt 10:45 Buti Yoga Wkt 1pm Hip Hop • $14 for 60 minute classes, Wkt $8. 90 1/2 N. Lexington Avenue. www.studiozahiya.com :: 828.242.7595 THIS SATURDAY • VALENTINE'S DANCE WORKSHOPS FOR SWEETHEARTS AND FRIENDS (PD.) February 10: Two workshops: Take one, or both. 1-3pm: NightclubTwo, called “The Dance of Love” and 3-5pm: “Romantic Rumba”.

With Richard and Sue Cicchetti. Couples only, inclusive. Cathedral of All Souls, Biltmore Village. $30/couple per workshop. • $55/couple for both workshops (Early Bird by February 8, $50). Information/registration: 828-333-0715, naturalrichard@mac.com • Pay at door or online: www.DanceForLife.net ASHEVILLE BUTOH FESTIVAL ashevillebutoh.com • MONDAYS, 6:308:30pm - "Aspects of Butoh," butoh dance practice with the Asheville Butoh Collective. $15-$20.

Held at 7 Chicken Alley ASHEVILLE MONDAY NIGHT DANCE 828-712-0115, oldfarmersball.com • MONDAYS, 7:3010:30pm - Community

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contra dance. $7. Held at Center for Art & Spirit at St. George, 1 School Road FAMILY DANCE oldfarmersball.com • 2nd SUNDAYS, 3-5pm - Family contra/square dances for families with children ages 6-12.

All ages welcome. Free.

Held at Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Road OLD FARMER'S BALL oldfarmersball.com • THURSDAYS, 8-11pm - Old Farmers Ball, contra dance. $7/$6 members/$1 Warren Wilson Community. Held in Bryson Gym Held at Warren Wilson College, 701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa

MUSIC AFRICAN DRUM LESSONS AT SKINNY BEATS DRUM SHOP (PD.) Saturdays 5pm, Wednesdays 6pm. Billy Zanski teaches a fun approach to connecting with your inner rhythm.

Drop-ins welcome. • Drums provided. $15/ class. (828) 768-2826.

by Abigail Griffin

www. skinnybeatsdrums.com ASHEVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 828-254-7046, ashevillesymphony.org • SA (2/10), 8pm - "Mendelssohn's Scottish," concert featuring works by Malcolm Arnold, Debussy, Bruch and Mendelssohn. $24 and up. Held at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, 87 Haywood St. BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS 225 W. State St., Black Mountain, 828-669-0930, blackmountainarts.org • SA (2/10), 7:30pm - Zoe & Cloyd, Americana concert. $16.

DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE 18 Biltmore Ave., 828-257-4530, dwtheatre.com • FR (2/9), 8pm - Socks in the Frying Pan, concert (Irish music). $32/$27 student/$20 children.

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE DOWNTOWN 125 S. Main St., Hendersonville, 828-693-0731, flatrockplayhouse.org • THURSDAY through SUNDAY (2/15) until (2/18) - "Love, Guy," concert featuring love songs sung by Guy LeMonnier.

Thurs.: 7:30pm. Fri. & Sat.: 8pm. Sat. & Sun.: 2pm. $35 and up.

HENDERSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 301 N. Washington St., Hendersonville, 828-697-4725 • TH (2/8), 2-3:30pm "Side by Side Singing," community singing in a relaxed atmosphere for those with memory loss, Parkinson's Disease or are interested in singing as a way to promote healthy aging. Free.

J.E. BROYHILL CIVIC CENTER 1913 Hickory Blvd SE. Lenior, broyhillcenter.com • TH (2/15), 7:30pm "Temptations Revue,"

featuring Bo Henderson. $20/$12 students & children.

JACKSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 310 Keener St., Sylva, 828-586-2016, fontanalib.org/sylva/ • MO (2/12), 6-7pm - Black History Month concert with The Inspirational Gospel Choir. Free.

MUSIC AT UNCA 828-251-6432, unca.edu • TH (2/8), 9:55-11:10am - Master class with Pedrito Martinez, latin/ jazz musician. Free.

Held in room 118 Held at Lipinsky Auditorium at UNC Asheville, 300 Library Lane • TH (2/8), 7pm - Pedrito Martinez, latin/jazz concert. $15/$5 students. Held at Lipinsky Auditorium at UNC Asheville, 300 Library Lane PUBSING 828-254-1114 • 2nd SUNDAYS, 6-8pm - Gospel jam and sing-

Are you running a kids camp this summer?

Please contact Able Allen at aallen@mountainx.com

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along. Optional snack time at 5:30pm. Free to attend. Held at French Broad Brewery, 101 Fairview Road

SPOKEN & WRITTEN WORD ASHEVILLE TOASTMASTERS CLUB 914-424-7347, ashevilletoastmasters. com • THURSDAYS, 6:157:45pm - General meeting to develop leadership, communication and speaking skills within community. Free. Held at YMI Cultural Center, 39 South Market St. ASHEVILLE WRITERS' SOCIAL allimarshall@bellsouth. net • 1st WEDNESDAYS, 6-7:30pm - N.C. Writer's Network group meeting and networking. Free to attend. Held at Battery Park Book Exchange, 1 Page Ave., #101 BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • WE (2/7), 3pm Book discussion: The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead. Free. Held at Weaverville Public Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville • WE (2/7), 3pm Weaverville Afternoon Book Club: The Underground Railroad, by Colson Whitehead. Free. Held at Weaverville Public Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville • SA (3/10), 3pm - West Asheville Book Club: Small Great Things, by Jodi Picoult. Free. Held at West Asheville Public Library, 942 Haywood Road • TU (2/13), 1pm Leicester Book Club: My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry,

by Fredrik Backman.

Free. Held at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, Leicester • TU (2/13), 7-8pm Mull it Over Beer and Books Book Club: The Stranger in the Woods

by Michael Finkel.

Free to attend. Held at

Wedge Foundation, 5 Foundy St. • TH (2/15), 2:30pm - Skyland/South Buncombe Book Club: Hero of the Empire, by Candice Millard. Free.

Held at Skyland/South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road CITY LIGHTS BOOKSTORE 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva, 828-586-9499, citylightsnc.com • FR (2/9), 7pm - Holly Kays presents her novel, Shadows of Flowers.

Free to attend.

FIRESTORM CAFE AND BOOKS 610 Haywood Road, 828-255-8115 • 2nd & 4th FRIDAYS, 2:30pm - Wild Words writing group. Free to attend.

FLETCHER LIBRARY 120 Library Road, Fletcher, 828-687-1218, library. hendersoncountync.org • 2nd THURSDAYS, 10:30am - Book Club.

Free.

• 2nd THURSDAYS, 1:30pm - Writers' Guild.

Free.

FLOOD GALLERY FINE ART CENTER 2160 US Highway 70, Swannanoa, 828-273-3332, floodgallery.org/ • SUNDAYS, 2-5pm - Halcyone Literary Magazine meeting for writers, reviewers, poets and artists interested in reviewing submissions, read and submit their own works and help with the formation of the magazine.

Free.

MALAPROP'S BOOKSTORE AND CAFE 55 Haywood St., 828-254-6734, malaprops.com • WE (2/7), 6pm - Dorje Dolma presents her book, Yak Girl: Growing Up in the Remote Dolpo Region of Nepal. Free to attend.

• WE (2/7), 7pm Malaprop's Book Club: My Name is Red, by Orhan Pamuk. Free to attend.

• MO (2/12), 7pm Mystery Book Club: Final

Rights, by Tena Frank.

Free to attend.

• TU (2/13), 12pm - Discussion Bound Book Club: Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power, by Mark Godfrey. Free to attend.

• WE (2/14), 6pm - Amy Bloom presents her book, White Houses.

Free to attend.

SWANNANOA VALLEY MUSEUM 223 W State St., Black Mountain, 828-669-9566, history. swannanoavalley museum.org • 2nd FRIDAYS, 11:30am - Swannanoa Valley Museum Book Club: This Was My Valley by Fred Burnett. Free.

THE WRITER'S WORKSHOP 828-254-8111, twwoa. org • Through TH (5/31) Submissions accepted for the Hard Times Writing Contest. See website for full details. $25 for up to three entries.

THOMAS WOLFE MEMORIAL 52 North Market St., 828-253-8304, wolfememorial.com • TH (2/8), 5:30-7pm Short story discussion of The Hollow Men led by Brandon Johnson. Free.

THEATER 35BELOW 35 E. Walnut St., 828-254-1320, ashevilletheatre.org • FRIDAYS through SUNDAYS until (2/18) - Skylight. Fri. & Sat.: 7:30pm. Sun.: 2:30pm. $15.

ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE 35 E. Walnut St., 828-254-1320, ashevilletheatre.org • FRIDAYS through SUNDAYS (2/9) until (3/4) - 9 to 5, musical.

Fri. & Sat.: 7:30pm. Sun.: 2:30pm. $15-$30.

BREVARD LITTLE THEATRE 55 E. Jordan St., Brevard, 828-884-2587, TheBrevardLittleTheatre. org • SU (2/11), 3-5pm - On Golden Pond. $18/$12 student/$6 children.

DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE 18 Biltmore Ave., 828-257-4530, dwtheatre.com • WE (2/13) & TH (2/14), 8pm - Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, dance performance. $45/$40 student/$20 children.

DIFFERENT STROKES PERFORMING ARTS COLLECTIVE 828-275-2093, differentstrokespac.org • THURSDAYS through SATURDAYS (2/8) until (2/24), 7:30pm Alabama Story, two-act play by Kenneth Jones. $18. Held at BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce St. HENDERSONVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE 229 S. Washington St., Hendersonville, 828-6921082, hendersonville littletheater.org • FRIDAYS through SUNDAYS until (2/11) - Love, Loss and What I Wore. Fri. & Sat.: 7:30pm. Sun.: 2:30pm. $16.

J.E. BROYHILL CIVIC CENTER 1913 Hickory Blvd SE. Lenior, broyhillcenter. com • THURSDAY through SATURDAY (2/8) until (2/10) - The Diary of Anne Frank, presented

by Foothills Performing Arts. Thurs.-Sat.: 7pm.

Sat.: 2pm. $14/$12 students/$7.50 children.

MAGNETIC 375 375 Depot St., themagnetictheatre.org • THURSDAYS through SATURDAYS until (2/17) - Night Music, by David Brendan Hope and directed by Christine Eide. $16.

NC STAGE COMPANY 15 Stage Lane, 828-239-0263 • WEDNESDAYS through SUNDAYS until (2/18) - Jeeves Takes a Bow. Wed.-Sat.: 7:30pm.

Sun.: 2pm. $18 and up.

THEATER AT WCU 828-227-2479, bardoartscenter.wcu.edu • THURSDAY through SUNDAY (2/8) until (2/11) - J.B., play written

by Archibald Macleish performed by students.

Thurs.-Sat.: 7:30pm.

Sun.: 3pm. $20/$15 students. Held at Western Carolina University Hoey Auditorium, 176 Central Drive, Cullowhee TRYON FINE ARTS CENTER 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon, 828-859-8322, tryonarts.org • THURSDAY through SATURDAY (2/15) until (2/17) - Kiss Me, Kate, musical. Thurs.-Sat.: 8pm. Sun.: 2pm. $22.

GALLERY DIRECTORY

The

Sustainability

ART AT MARS HILL

Series

mhu.edu • Through FR (3/9) - When All God's Children Get Together: A Celebration of the Lives and Music of AfricanAmerican People in Far Western North Carolina, exhibition curated by Ann Miller Woodford. Held at Rural Heritage Museum at Mars Hill, 100 Athletic St., Mars Hill • TH (2/15) through TU (3/13) Exhibition of artwork by Connie Bostic and the MHU Women's Studies Program. Reception: February 15, 6-8pm. Held in Weizenblatt Gallery at Mars Hill University, 265 Cascade St., Mars Hill ART AT UNCA art.unca.edu • Through FR (2/23) - Exhibition of works by David Shurbutt. Held at UNC Asheville - Owen Hall, 1 University Heights • Through FR (2/23) - Drawing Discourse, ninth annual juried international exhibition of contemporary drawing. Held at UNC Asheville Owen Hall, 1 University Heights • Through TU (2/27) - 14 Black Classicists: A Photo Installation, exhibition on black scholars of the postCivil War era. Held at UNC Asheville - Ramsey Library, 1 University Heights • Through TU (2/27) - Understanding Our Past, Shaping our Future, exhibition on Cherokee language and culture. Held at UNC Asheville - Ramsey Library, 1 University Heights ARTS COUNCIL OF HENDERSON COUNTY 828-693-8504, acofhc.org • FR (2/9) through FR (2/16) - The Art of Our Children, group exhibition featuring work from Henderson County elementary students, secondary students and their art mentors.

Reception: Friday, Feb. 9, 5-6:30pm.

Held at First Citizens Bank, 539 N. Main St., Hendersonville ASHEVILLE AREA ARTS COUNCIL 828-258-0710, ashevillearts.com • Through FR (2/16) - Instant, group exhibition curated by Francesca Downing. Held at The Refinery, 207 Coxe Ave. • Through FR (3/2) - My North Carolina, exhibition of artwork by fourth graders of Claxton Elementary.

Held at The Refinery, 207 Coxe Ave. ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM 175 Biltmore Ave., 828-253-3227 • Through SU (3/4) - Exhibition featuring selections from the 2018 WNC Regional Scholastic Art Awards competition.

ASHEVILLE BOOKWORKS 428 1/2 Haywood Road, 828-255-8444, ashevillebookworks.com • Through SA (3/31) - Drawing Ten Thousand Things, exhibition of drawings by Gwen Diehn.

CELEBRATING EARTH DAY 2018

Every week in April

RIDDLE ME THIS: Asheville-based artist Chris Phillips describes his series Big Questions Are Useless Against the Sea as “loosely defined paintings with themes involving loneliness, domestic spaces and obscure portraits of people.” With a style potentially categorized as surreal-expressionism, his active backgrounds create depth and movement that weave throughout each particular piece, seeking to capture “the bittersweet truth of his soul, with the anxiety and stillness (or solitude, or love, or desires) that it possesses.” On Friday, Feb. 9, at 7 p.m., Phillips’ show opens at Downtown Books and News. The exhibit will be on display through April 6. For more information, visit www.dbnbooks.com. Marigolds courtesy of Phillips.

BLACK MOUNTAIN COLLEGE MUSEUM & ARTS CENTER 56 Broadway, 828-350-8484, blackmountaincollege.org • Through SA (5/19) - Variations/ Seven Decades of Painting, exhibition of works by Gerald van de Wiele.

DOWNTOWN BOOKS & NEWS 67 N. Lexington Ave., 828-348-7615, downtownbooksandnews.com • FR (2/9) through FR (3/9) Exhibition of paintings by Chris Phillips. Reception: Friday, Feb. 9, 5-7pm.

FOLK ART CENTER MP 382, Blue Ridge Parkway, 828-298-7928, craftguild.org • Through WE (2/28) - Exhibition of woven works by Tapestry Weaver South.

GALLERY 1 604 W. Main St., Sylva • SA (2/10) through WE (2/28) Retrospective exhibition of photography and fiber arts by Dr. Perry Kelly. Reception: Saturday, Feb. 10, 2-4pm.

GRATEFUL STEPS 30 Ben Lippen School Road, Suite 107, 828-277-0998, gratefulsteps.org • Through WE (2/28) - Exhibition of photography by Cindy Kunst.

Reception: Thursday, Feb. 8, 6-8pm.

NUMBER 7 ARTS Transylvania County Courthouse, 12 E Main St, Brevard, 828-883-2294, number7arts.com • Through WE (2/28) - New Beginnings, group exhibition.

OPEN HEARTS ART CENTER 217 Coxe Ave. • SA (2/10) through FR (3/30)- Creative License: Expression in Color, exhibition of artworks by Oshin. Reception: Saturday, Feb. 10, 4-7pm.

PINK DOG CREATIVE 348 Depot St., pinkdog-creative.com • Through SA (3/31) - A Contemporary Response to Our Changing Environment, group exhibition curated by Joseph Pearson.

THE ASHEVILLE SCHOOL 360 Asheville School Road, 828-254-6345, ashevilleschool.org • Through TU (3/13) - Marking a Movement: Selections From Hear Our Voice, an exhibition of posters by contemporary artists.

THE CENTER FOR CRAFT, CREATIVITY AND DESIGN 67 Broadway, 828-785-1357, craftcreativitydesign.org/

• Through SA (7/28) - Scale Up: 10 Years, 10 Fellows, 10 Projects, curated exhibition of ten craft artists who received $10,000 grants.

TRACEY MORGAN GALLERY 188 Coxe Ave., TraceyMorganGallery.com • FR (2/9) through SA (3/31) - Future Past: Experiments in Photography, group exhibition. Reception: Friday, Feb. 9, 6-8pm.

TRACKSIDE STUDIOS 375 Depot St., 828-545-6235 • Through WE (2/28) - New Artists - Fresh Visions, group exhibition. Reception: Saturday, Feb. 10, 4-7pm.

TRANSYLVANIA COMMUNITY ARTS COUNCIL 349 S. Caldwell St., Brevard, 828-884-2787, tcarts.org • FR (2/9) through FR (3/2) - Connected, curated group exhibition.

TRYON ARTS AND CRAFTS SCHOOL 373 Harmon Field Road, Tryon, 828-859-8323 • Through FR (3/16) - RedCarpet Artist of the Year, group exhibition.

UPSTAIRS ARTSPACE 49 S. Trade St., Tryon, 828-8592828, upstairsartspace.org

Where Adult Dreams Come True

• Through FR (3/9) - Capturing Light: Photographs by Brian S. Kelley, exhibition. Reception: Saturday, Feb. 24, 5-7pm.

• Through SA (2/10) - Have a Heart for Big Brothers, Big Sisters, group exhibition and auction. Reception: Saturday, Feb. 10, 4:30-6pm.

• Through FR (3/9) - R. Olof Sorensen: Paintings and Engravings, exhibition.

WAYNESVILLE BRANCH OF HAYWOOD COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 678 S. Haywood St., Waynesville, 828-452-5169 • SA (2/10) through SA (3/31) - Waynesville and Environs: A Black and White Perspective, exhibition by Linda Dickinson.

Reception: Saturday, Feb. 10, 2-4pm.

WEDGE FOUNDATION 5 Foundy St., wedgebrewing.com/ location-wedge-foundation/ • Through WE (2/28) - Chickens, Barns and Sunsets, recent paintings by Cecil Bothwell.

WOOLWORTH WALK 25 Haywood St., 828-254-9234 • Through MO (2/26) - Seconds Sale, exhibition of imperfect works from local artists.

Contact the galleries for admission hours and fees

LINGERIE BLOW OUT SALE!

30% off Lingerie Only Expires Feb. 28, 2018

2334 Hendersonville Rd., Arden, NC 828-684-8250 www.bedtymestories.com Sun-Thur, 8am-Midnight Fri-Sat 8am-3am

MOUNTAINX.COM

FEB. 7 - 13, 2018

61

CLUBLAND

TAVERN Downtown on the Park Eclectic Menu • Over 30 Taps • Patio 14 TV’s • Sports Room • 110” Projector Event Space • Shuffleboard Open 7 Days 11am - Late Night

Over 35 Beer s on Tap !

FRI. 2/9 DJ MoTo (dance hits, pop)

SAT. 2/10 Flashback (classic rock)

20 S. Spruce St. • 225.6944 packStavern.com 62

FEB. 7 - 13, 2018

MOUNTAINX.COM

THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE: Italy probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of bluegrass music, but that tune might change after hearing Red Wine. Now in its 40th year, the band has become a staple and pioneering force of Europe’s vibrant bluegrass scene, making fans out of Sam Bush, the Steep Canyon Rangers and other bluegrass luminaries with its easy-going melodies and subtly beautiful harmonies. Get a taste of the Old World when Red Wine comes through WNC for a Saturday, Feb. 10 show at Brevard’s 185 King Street at 8 p.m., and a Sunday, Feb. 11 date at Asheville’s Isis Music Hall at 7:30 p.m. Photo courtesy of event promoters WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 185 KING STREET Vinyl Night, 6:00PM 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Les Amis (African folk), 8:00PM ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Brad Hodge & friends, 7:30PM BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Open mic w/ Mark Bumgarner, 7:00PM FLEETWOOD'S Seth Kessel w/ The Dirty Dutch Trio, Colby Nathan & Jesse Smith, 9:00PM FUNKATORIUM John Hartford Jam w/ Saylor Bros (bluegrass), 6:30PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Woody Wood Wednesdays (rock, soul, funk), 5:30PM

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Love Is A Rose Acoustic (Linda Ronstadt tribute), 7:00PM An evening w/ Moonshine Rhythm Club & Russ Wilson, 8:30PM JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Old Time Open Jam Session, 5:00PM LOBSTER TRAP Cigar Brothers, 6:30PM MG ROAD Salsa Night w/ DJ El Mexicano Isaac, 8:00PM NOBLE KAVA Open Mic (sign-up at 7 p.m.), 7:00PM ODDITORIUM Feather Trade w/ The Spiral (rock), 9:00PM ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Evil Note Lab, 10:00PM

POST 25 Albi & The Lifters (American swing, French chanson), 7:00PM SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY French Broad Mountain Valley Acoustic Jam, 6:30PM SLY GROG LOUNGE Get Weird Wednesdays, 8:00PM THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Report from Honduras w/ Ken Jones, 6:30PM DJ Phantom Pantone, 8:00PM THE IMPERIAL LIFE The Berlyn Jazz Trio, 9:00PM THE JOINT NEXT DOOR Bingo Night w/ Bag O' Tricks, 7:00PM

TRESSA'S DOWNTOWN JAZZ AND BLUES JJ Kitchen All Star Jam (blues, soul), 9:00PM TWIN LEAF BREWERY Open Mic Night, 8:00PM WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Jazz Night w/ Michael Jefry Stevens, 7:30PM

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Pleasure Chest (blues, rock, soul), 8:00PM ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Will Ray & The Space Cooties, 7:30PM BLACK BEAR COFFEE CO. Inspiring Ocean Conservation, 5:30PM

ORANGE PEEL Blues Traveler w/ Los Colognes, 8:00PM

THE PHOENIX & THE FOX Jazz Night w/ Jason DeCristofaro, 7:00PM

BLACK MOUNTAIN ALE HOUSE Bluegrass Jam w/ The Big Deal Band, 8:00PM

POLANCO RESTAURANT 3 Cool Cats, 8:00PM

THE SOUTHERN Disclaimer Comedy Open Mic, 9:00PM

BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Paul Cataldo, 7:00PM

CAPELLA ON 9@THE AC HOTEL Capella on 9 w/ Sawyer Johnston, 8:00PM CROW & QUILL Carolina Catskins (ragtime jazz), 9:00PM ELLINGTON UNDERGROUND Brick Squash DJ Dance Party, 10:00PM FLEETWOOD'S Punk Night w/ DJ Jermsburn, 9:00PM

FRENCH BROAD BREWERY

HIGHLAND BREWING

The Brothers Reed (folk, pop), 6:00PM

Roots & friends open

GOOD STUFF

6:30PM

Jim Hampton & friends perform "Eclectic Country" (jam), 7:00PM GREY EAGLE MUSIC HALL & TAVERN Jay Farrar Duo w/ Andrew Duplantis, 9:00PM

COMPANY jam (blues, rock, roots),

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Hoo:Lumes w/ The Dupont Brothers, 7:00PM Brew Davis (CD release party), 8:30PM

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB The Clydes pre-jam, 7:00PM Bluegrass Open Jam Session, 9:00PM

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

LOBSTER TRAP Hank Bones, 6:30PM

ONE WORLD BREWING

NOBLE KAVA Ping Pong Tournament, 8:00PM ODDITORIUM Paperback w/ Ghost Dog & Jaeb (rock), 9:00PM

Mitch's Totally Rad Trivia, 7:00PM Steady Flow, 10:00PM

Rossdafareye (Appalachian space funk), 9:00PM OSKAR BLUES BREWERY Bill & Tad's Excellent Duo, 6:00PM

THIS WEEK AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

PULP Slice Of Life Comedy Open Mic w/ Cary Goff, 9:00PM PISGAH BREWING COMPANY Asheville Rock Collective, 6:30PM PURPLE ONION CAFE Carver & Carmody, 7:30PM SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY Alex Hunicutt, 7:00PM

THIS WEEK AT THE ONE STOP:

THU 2/8 FRI 2/9 SAT 2/10 SAT 2/3

DO CA $

NA H TIO N$

Steady Flow - [Funk] The Fat Catz w/ Juan Holladay - [Livetronica/Funk] Over the Edge + 7 & a Half Giraffe [All Ages] Metaphonia - [Art Rock/Funk/Fusion]

UPCOMING SHOWS - ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL:

WINTER ONESIELAND

FT. MEDISIN, ULTRASLOTH, BRICKSQUASH, PONDER. & STARSPINNER

THE GET RIGHT BAND LIVE ALBUM RECORDING

THE LOVE FUNK TOUR

FRI 2/9 - SHOW 10pm (D OORS 9pm) SUGGESTED D ONATION $11

SAT 2/10 - SHOW 10pm (D OORS 9pm) SUGGESTED D ONATION $5

MON 2/12 - S HOW 9pm (D OORS 8pm) TICKETS $10

FRI

JBOT (FT. MARCUS KING & ALEX BRADLEY) + THE CHRIS COOPER PROJECT

SAT

THE WHITE BUFFALO

9

10 SUN

MON

12

OPEN MIC NIGHT

13

TUE

BUTI YOGA GLOWPARTY

WED

ELIZABETH COOK

THU

FRI

16

TWO SHOWS SAT

17

Tickets available at ashevillemusichall.com @avlmusichall

@OneStopAVL

WHY?

W/ OPEN MIKE EAGLE

15

Umphrey’s McGee Official Afterparty w/ Mungion Travers Brothership with The Orange Constant Broccoli Samurai w/ Psylo Joe CloZee w/ BomBassic & Koresma Zion-I x lespecial + late night lespecial w.s.g. FTO & DJ Jet

W/ ANDREA DAVIDSON

11

14

FT. CORY WONG + MR. TALKBOX & SPECIAL GUEST CODY WRIGHT

2/16-17 2/23 2/24 3/2 3/3

W/ DARRIN BRADBURY

SCOTT H. BIRAM

W/ THE HOOTEN HALLERS, DRUNKEN PRAYER FUNNY BUSINESS PRESENTS:

COMEDIAN

ANDY WOODHULL

RACHAEL YAMAGATA W/ SANDY BELL

OPEN DAILY AT 11AM

TICKETS AVAILABLE AT

HARVEST RECORDS + THEGREYEAGLE.COM

Asheville’s longest running live music venue • 185 Clingman Ave TICKETS AVAILABLE AT HARVEST RECORDS & THEGREYEAGLE.COM MOUNTAINX.COM

FEB. 7 - 13, 2018

63

CLU B LA N D

COMING SOON WED 2/7 FRI, FEB 9 - WED, FEB 14

Bizarre Love Triangle

SPECIAL RELEASE!

French Broad Cacao Nibs and Strawberry 210 Haywood Road West Asheville, NC 28806

(828)744-5151

www.urbanorchardcider.com

7PM–LOVE IS A ROSE ACOUSTIC: CELEBRATING THE MUSIC OF LINDA RONSTADT 8:30PM–AN EVENING OF DINNER & DANCING W/ NASHVILLE’S MOONSHINE RHYTHM CLUB THU 2/8

7PM–HOO:LUMES W/ THE DUPONT BROTHERS 8:30PM–BREW DAVIS CD RELEASE PARTY FRI 2/9

7PM–JON SHAIN AND FJ VENTRE SAT 2/10

7PM–PARKET GISPERT

9PM–EMPIRE STRIKES BRASS MARDI GRAS CELEBRATION SUN 2/11

5:30PM–MICHAEL JEFRY STEVENS QUARTET: CD RELEASE

2/8

thu

h.c. mcentire

w/ house & land, ryan o'keefe

7:30PM–BLUEGRASS FROM ITALY: RED WINE TUE 2/13

7:30PM–TUESDAY BLUEGRASS SESSIONS WED 2/14

2/9

fri

bombadil

w/ the moon and you

2/10 sat strange'r days the doors cover band!

7PM–A VALENTINE’S EVENING W/ JEFF THOMPSON AND AARON PRICE 8:30PM–GIMME SOME LOVIN’ KAT WILLIAMS & THE RICHARD SHULMAN TRIO THU 2/15

7PM–NICK ROSEN TRIO FRI 2/16

2/12 mon carly taich (full band) w/ alex travers, okapi

7PM–CHRISTY SNOW

9PM–FRIDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY W/ JIM ARRENDELL SAT 2/17

2/13

tue

tall tall trees

w/ big brutus, butch parnell

Yoga at the Mothlight

Tuesdays and Thursdays- 11:30am Details for all shows can be found at

themothlight.com

64

FEB. 7 - 13, 2018

MOUNTAINX.COM

7PM–THE WILDMANS

9PM–BARNES, SIPE, SEAL, & THORIN ISISASHEVILLE.COM DINNER MENU TIL 9:30PM LATE NIGHT MENU TIL 12AM

TUES-SUN 5PM-until 743 HAYWOOD RD 828-575-2737

SLY GROG LOUNGE Wonky Tonk w/ M.T. Sullivan & Eggshell Emily, 8:00PM

ELLINGTON UNDERGROUND Low Cut Connie w/ The Dirty Badgers, 10:00PM

PISGAH BREWING COMPANY The Hot At Nights, 8:00PM

CORK & KEG The Gypsy Swingers (jazz, Latin, bossa nova), 8:30PM

THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE "Raising 'Mass' Awareness w/ Kat Williams, 5:30PM LGBTQ Democrats Caucus Interest Meeting w/ John Clay Eddleman, 6:00PM

FLEETWOOD'S Jake Pugh, 8:00PM

SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY Todd Cecil & The Back South, 8:00PM

CROW & QUILL Tom Waits for No Man (Tom Waits covers), 9:00PM

SLY GROG LOUNGE Fedding Fingers // VIA // Daisy Chains, 9:00PM

FLEETWOOD'S A.R.C. #9 Amuse w/ Supervillan & Styrofoam Turtles, 8:00PM

THE FAIRVIEW TAVERN Live Band Karaoke Jam w/ theTRLband, 9:00PM THE IMPERIAL LIFE The Burger Kings, 9:00PM THE MOTHLIGHT H.C. McEntire w/ House & Land and Ryan O'Keefe, 9:00PM TRESSA'S DOWNTOWN JAZZ AND BLUES Jesse Barry & The Jam (blues, dance), 9:00PM UPCOUNTRY BREWING COMPANY Cat & Crow (singer-songwriter duo), 7:00PM WXYZ LOUNGE AT ALOFT HOTEL WXYZ unplugged w/ Eleanor Underhill, 8:00PM

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 185 KING STREET An evening w/ John Trufant, 8:00PM 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Aaron Woody Wood (rock, Americana), 9:00PM ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Winter OnesieLand, 10:00PM BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Acoustic Swing, 7:00PM

FLOOD GALLERY FINE ART CENTER Classic World Cinema, 8:00PM FRENCH BROAD BREWERY CarolinaBound (Americana, folk), 6:00PM FUNKATORIUM West End Trio, 11:30PM GOOD STUFF Ross "Rossdafareye" Healtherly, 8:30PM GREY EAGLE MUSIC HALL & TAVERN JBOT w/ Marcus King & Alex Bradley and The Chris Cooper Project, 9:00PM HABITAT TAVERN & COMMONS Erin & the Wildfire, 8:00PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Delta Troubadours (blues, garage rock), 7:00PM ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Jon Shain & FJ Ventre, 7:00PM JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Tongue In Cheek Jazz Band, 9:00PM JARGON Bill Bares & Zack Page (jazz), 9:00PM LOBSTER TRAP Calico Moon, 6:30PM NOBLE KAVA Comedy Night w/ Tom Scheve, 9:00PM ODDITORIUM Eye of the Destroyer w/ Built On the Ruins, Afterwar & Past Tense of Never (metal), 9:00PM

BOOJUM BREWING COMPANY Nick Dittmeier & the Sawdusters, 9:00PM

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Free Dead Fridays w/ members of Phuncle Sam, 5:30PM The Fat Catz w/ Juan Holladay (livetronica, funk), 10:00PM

CAPELLA ON 9@THE AC HOTEL Capella on 9 w/ Phantom Pantone, 9:00PM

ONE WORLD BREWING Moonlight Street Folk (Indie Folk, Songwriter), 9:00PM

CORK & KEG Sparrow & Her Wingmen (jazz, roots), 8:30PM

ORANGE PEEL ILLin-N-CHILIn (Beastie Boys & RHCP tribute), 9:00PM

BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER Cody Siniard Duo, 7:00PM

CROW & QUILL Seth Kessel Trio (proto rock n' roll, swing), 9:00PM DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE Socks in the Frying Pan, 8:00PM

OSKAR BLUES BREWERY Alexa Rose Duo (Americana), 6:00PM PACK'S TAVERN DJ MoTo (dance hits, pop), 9:30PM

STATIC AGE RECORDS Western Weirdos #1, 9:00PM THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE LEAF Live! (puppetry, hip hop dance), 5:30PM Rhoda Weaver & the Soulmates (Motown, R&B), 9:00PM THE IMPERIAL LIFE Select DJ sets, 9:00PM THE MOTHLIGHT Bombadil w/ The Moon & You, 9:00PM TOWN PUMP The Brothers Reed, 9:00PM TRESSA'S DOWNTOWN JAZZ AND BLUES Bygone Blues (blues, soul), 7:30PM Jesse Barry & The Jam (blues, dance), 10:00PM UPCOUNTRY BREWING COMPANY CyndiLou & The Want To (honky tonk, classic country), 8:00PM WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN The Asheville Jazz Orchestra, 8:00PM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 185 KING STREET Red Wine, 8:00PM 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Fwuit (retro soul), 9:00PM

GREY EAGLE MUSIC HALL & TAVERN The White Buffalo w/ Andrea Davidson, 9:00PM HABITAT TAVERN & COMMONS Momma Molasses, 7:00PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Chris Jamison (Americana, alt. country), 7:00PM ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 An evening w/ Parker Gispert, 7:00PM Empire Strikes Brass Mardi Gras Celebration, 9:00PM JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Mardi Gras Party w/ The Big EZs (New Orleans soul, R&B), 9:00PM LAZOOM ROOM Back 2 Britney (Britney Spears dance party), 8:00PM LOBSTER TRAP Sean Mason Trio, 6:30PM MG ROAD Late Night Dance Party w/ DJ Lil Meow Meow, 10:00PM NOBLE KAVA Zapato (funk, jazz), 9:00PM ODDITORIUM Shellshock Industrial Goth Night, 9:00PM

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL The Get Right Band (Live album recording), 9:30PM

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Metaphonia (art rock, funk, fusion), 10:00PM

BLACK MOUNTAIN ALE HOUSE Daniel Shearin (Americana), 7:30PM

ONE WORLD BREWING Jack Victor & Zack Kardon (folk, soul, psychedelic rock), 9:00PM

BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS Zoe & Cloyd, 7:30PM

ORANGE PEEL Kayzo w/ 4B, Dubloadz, Gammer & JSTJ, 9:00PM

BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Gene Holdway, 7:00PM

OSKAR BLUES BREWERY Berlyn Trio (jazz), 6:00PM

BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER Erin & The Wildfire, 7:00PM

PACK'S TAVERN Flashback (classic rock), 9:30PM

CAPELLA ON 9@THE AC HOTEL Capella on 9 w/ Caromia, 9:00PM CHESTNUT Jazz Brunch, 11:00AM

PISGAH BREWING COMPANY C2 & the Brothers Reed, 8:00PM PURPLE ONION CAFE Lazybirds (Americana, roots), 8:00PM

SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY Yoga w/ Pets, 10:00AM Strange Avenues Angry Valentines Night, 8:00PM SLY GROG LOUNGE The Half That Matters w/ Good Flavor & Corey Parlamento, 9:00PM

BURIAL BEER CO. Three Day Mardi Gras Celebration, All Day

THE OMNI GROVE

CROW & QUILL Sundays Are a Drag, 9:00PM

Bob Zullo (pop, rock, jazz,

FLEETWOOD'S A.R.C. #4 w/ Tongues of Fire & Styrofoam Turtles, 8:00PM

THOMAS WOLFE

SPRING CREEK TAVERN Chicken Coop Willaye (Appalachian percussion), 8:00PM

FLOOD GALLERY FINE ART CENTER True Home Open Mic (5 p.m. sign-up), 5:30PM

THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Latin Rhythms & Saturday Salsa Dance Night, 8:00PM

FUNKATORIUM Gypsy Jazz Sunday Brunch, 11:00AM

THE MOTHLIGHT Strange'r Days (The Doors tribute), 9:00PM THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM Mendelssohn's Scottish w/ Asheville Symphony & Elena Urioste, 8:00PM TIMO'S HOUSE Vinyl Revisions: Breakbeats, 8:00PM TRESSA'S DOWNTOWN JAZZ AND BLUES Pam Jones & Alex Taub (jazz evergreens), 7:30PM Jordan Okrend (soul, dance), 10:00PM UPCOUNTRY BREWING COMPANY Old Sap , 8:00PM

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Classical Guitar Society (players circle), 1:30PM Musicians Jam & Pot Luck, 3:30PM BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Larry Dolamore, 7:00PM BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER Izzi Hughes, 3:00PM

TIMO'S HOUSE BYOV w/ Squad CTRL, 8:00PM

5 WALNUT WINE BAR Siamese Sound Club (R&B, soul, jazz), 8:00PM

GOOD STUFF Bingo Wingo Thingo, 6:00PM

MG ROAD The Living Room Series, 7:30PM

ARCHETYPE BREWING Old Time Jam, 6:00PM

HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Game Night, 4:00PM

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Classical Guitar Mondays, 7:30PM

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Open mic, 9:30PM

ODDITORIUM Risque Monday Burlesque w/ Deb Au Nare, 9:00PM OLE SHAKEY'S Karaoke From Muskogee w/ Jonathan Ammons & Take The Wheel (live band karaoke), 9:00PM

2nd Annual Valentease Burlesque & Variety Show

Benefitting OUR VOICE • Wed., 2/14 @ 7pm AFTER PARTY by DJ Phantom Pantone!

39 S. Market St. • theblockoffbiltmore.com

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Michael Jefry Stevens Quartet (CD release), 5:30PM Bluegrass from Italy w/ Red Wine, 7:30PM JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Traditional Celtic Jam, 3:00PM Quizzo Trivia Night, 7:00PM

ODDITORIUM Free 80s/90s Dance Party w/ DJ Baby Bear, 9:00PM

ARCHETYPE BREWING Post-Brunch Blues w/ Patrick Dodd, Ashley Heath & Joshua Singleton, 3:00PM

Diana Krall, 7:00PM

FLEETWOOD'S Industry Nite w/ Dagger Moon, 6:00PM

HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Reggae Sunday w/ Chalwa, 1:00PM

WXYZ LOUNGE AT ALOFT HOTEL WXYZ live w/ Circus Mutt, 8:00PM

5 WALNUT WINE BAR Purple (funk, jazz, pop), 7:00PM

AUDITORIUM

185 KING STREET Open Mic Night, 6:00PM

GREY EAGLE MUSIC HALL & TAVERN WHY? w/ Open Mike Eagle, 8:00PM

JARGON Sunday Blunch w/ Mark Guest and Mary Pearson (jazz), 11:00AM

185 KING STREET Open Electric Jam, 4:00PM

blues), 7:00PM

LOBSTER TRAP Bobby Miller & friends, 6:30PM

GOOD STUFF Open Mic w/ Fox Black & friends, 6:00PM

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Chuck Brodsky, 8:00PM

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11

PARK INN

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Mr. Talkbox & Cory Wong, 9:00PM

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Bluegrass Brunch, 10:30AM PISGAH BREWING COMPANY Sunday Travers Jam, 6:00PM SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY Mardi Gras Celebration, All Day Chapter Soul, 2:00PM SLY GROG LOUNGE Sly Grog Open Mic, 7:00PM THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Girls Speak! w/ Lisa Zahiya, 11:00AM Pendulum Trio (jazz, funk, bossa nova), 3:00PM THE FAIRVIEW TAVERN Hallelujah Hilliary's Comedy Revival, 9:00PM THE IMPERIAL LIFE Select DJ sets, 9:00PM

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CLU B LA N D OSKAR BLUES BREWERY Mountain Music Mondays, 6:00PM

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Gypsy Jazz Jam Tuesdays, 7:30PM

SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY Open Mic Night, 7:00PM

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Tuesday night funk jam, 11:00PM

THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Porch Magazine's 531 (theme: "the decision point"), 6:30PM

BEN'S TUNE UP Ben's Live Hip Hop Cypher, 9:00PM

THE IMPERIAL LIFE Ghost Pipe Trio, 9:00PM THE MOTHLIGHT Carly Taich w/ Alex Travers & Okapi, 9:00PM THE OMNI GROVE PARK INN Bob Zullo (pop, rock, jazz, blues), 7:00PM TRESSA'S DOWNTOWN JAZZ AND BLUES Ryan Barber's RnB Jam Night (R&B, jam), 9:00PM

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 5 WALNUT WINE BAR The John Henrys (hot jazz), 8:00PM

Open daily from 4p – 12a

Social House Martini Mondays $8 Craft Wednesdays- $6 Feature Craft Cocktail Bite the Bulleit Friday- $5 shots of smoked Bulleit Bourbon WEDNESDAY 7 FEB:

FWUIT

7:00PM – 10:00PM

THURSDAY 8 FEB:

FREEWHEELIN MAMAS 7:00PM – 10:00PM

FRIDAY 9 FEB:

LAZY BIRDS

7:00PM – 10:00PM

SATURDAY 10 FEB:

EVERY BODY DANCE W/ DJ DATABOY 8:00PM – 11:00PM

MONDAY 12 FEB:

JAY BROWN SOLO 7:00PM – 10:00PM

309 COLLEGE ST. | DOWNTOWN | (828) 575-1188

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LOBSTER TRAP Jay Brown, 6:30PM MG ROAD Keep it Classic Tuesdays w/ Sam Thompson, 5:00PM ODDITORIUM Open Mic Comedy w/ Tom Peters, 9:00PM

THE MOTHLIGHT Tall Tall Trees w/ Big Brutus & Butch Parnell, 9:00PM TIMO'S HOUSE Master Class Ableton Workshop w/ XII Olympians, 8:00PM

BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Luke Wood, 7:00PM

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Turntable Tuesday, 10:00PM

DIANA WORTHAM THEATRE Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, 8:00PM

ONE WORLD BREWING Fat Tuesday Party w/ Stevie Lee Combs (New Orleans music), 9:00PM

Early Tuesday Jazz & Funk Jam (jazz, funk), 9:00PM

GOOD STUFF Old time-y night, 6:30PM

SANCTUARY BREWING COMPANY Taco and Trivia Tuesday, 6:00PM

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

SLY GROG LOUNGE Blue Valentines w/ ToyBox Theater (Tom Waits tribute, burlesque), 9:00PM

UPCOUNTRY BREWING COMPANY

GREY EAGLE MUSIC HALL & TAVERN Buti Yoga Glowparty, 6:00PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Dr. Brown's Team Trivia, 6:00PM ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Tuesday Bluegrass Sessions (Flatt & Scruggs tribute), 7:30PM JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Honky Tonk Jam w/ Tom Pittman, 7:00PM

THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Dada Maheshvarananda & Mirra Price (activist skills & social theory), 6:30PM Swing Ashville & Jazz-nJustice Tuesday HeartiGras w/ The House Hoppers (dance lessons @ 7 & 8 p.m.), 9:00PM

TRESSA'S DOWNTOWN JAZZ AND BLUES

Team Trivia Tuesday, 8:00PM

Open Mic Night w/ Arrow Sound, 6:30PM WELL PLAYED Puzzled Pint Asheville, 7:00PM WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Irish jam & open mic, 6:30PM

MOVIES

REVIEWS & LISTINGS

BY SCOTT DOUGLAS, FRANCIS X. FRIEL & JUSTIN SOUTHER

HHHHH =

Helen Mirren stars in Winchester — either a terrible horror movie or a mediocre comedy.

Winchester HH

DIRECTOR: The Spierig Brothers PLAYERS: Helen Mirren, Jason Clarke, Sarah Snook, Eamon Farren, Finn Scicluna-O’Prey, Laura Brent HORROR? RATED PG-13 THE STORY: A laudanum-addicted psychologist is tasked with proving that Sarah Winchester, heir to the Winchester Repeating Rifle Co., is insane so that the board members can wrest control of the corporation from her — but he gets more than he bargained for when he discovers that her labyrinthine mansion may be as haunted as she claims.

THE LOWDOWN: Either a very bad horror movie or a very odd comedy — you be the judge.

As far as obligatory first-quarter, pre-awards season, low-budget horror movies go, Winchester’s not completely unwatchable. That said, there is a reason it got dumped on Super Bowl weekend. It’s certainly not without some major faults, but it does manage to pack some credibly creepy atmosphere and something approaching originality into its mercifully brief running time.

When I say “originality,” I am by no means saying that this film reinvents any cinematic wheel — but at the very least it’s not based on a pre-existing intellectual property, and it takes its somewhat limited story and extremely limited characterization in directions that, while not as byzantine as the house that inspired its story, still lead somewhere unexpected.

It’s not the premise that manages to surprise — the story of Sarah Winchester (Helen Mirren), widowed heir to the Winchester Repeating Rifle fortune and 51 percent owner of said company, whose guilt over the lives taken by its products drives her to what an objective observer would justifiably call madness. It’s nothing if not predictable, at least in this type of movie. Similarly, the role of Jason Clarke’s Dr. Eric Price as that rational (if not quite objective) observer does nothing to significantly shift the narrative course, as he’s tasked with deeming insane a woman who has placed her palatial home under perpetual construction in order to trick the ghosts she believes to be haunting her — which frankly, seems like a bit of a layup from a psychoanalytic perspective. No, the surprise here is that Winchester might secretly be a comedy.

It’s Victorian Gothic by way of James Whale or William Castle, and Winchester bears more than a passing resemblance to J.B. Priestly’s The Old Dark House — a novel adapted for the screen by both Whale and Castle, something not likely to be coincidental. Buried beneath the perfunctory PG-13 jump scares is a satirical note that becomes increasingly difficult to overlook as the performances become broader and the storylines strain credulity to the breaking point. Mirren and Clarke appear to be in on the joke, with Clarke, in particular, seeming to take a subversive glee in his hammier moments.

Co-directors the Spierig Brothers are far from effective as visual stylists, but they may have accomplished something of moderate note in their script with Tom Vaughn. The film touches on the perennial argument over gun control, but does so in a way that is either catastrophically tone deaf and ill-timed, or is intentionally contrived to highlight its own inherent ridiculousness. So Winchester can be seen as either a spectacularly dumb and thoroughly uninventive piece of junk or an epic trolling of fans of unsophisticated cut-rate horror and gun control debaters alike. I, for one, prefer to ascribe to the latter view.

M A X R AT I N G Xpress reviews virtually all upcoming movies, with two or three of the most noteworthy appearing in print.

You can find our online reviews at mountainx.com/movies/reviews. This week, they include: WINCHESTER

HH

Is Winchester worth watching?

Of course not — there’s a reason that it finished third at the box-office behind a movie that’s already been out for almost a month. Is it a film that I’m likely to remember anything about by this time next week? Again, no. Am I reading too much into this thing in the hopes of rendering it more

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2018 Kids

issues

MOVIE S

THE ATE R INFO R M ATIO N ASHEVILLE PIZZA & BREWING CO. (254-1281) ASHEVILLEBREWING.COM/MOVIES CARMIKE CINEMA 10 (298-4452) CARMIKE.COM CAROLINA CINEMAS (274-9500) CAROLINACINEMAS.COM CO-ED CINEMA BREVARD (883-2200) COEDCINEMA.COM EPIC OF HENDERSONVILLE (693-1146) EPICTHEATRES.COM FINE ARTS THEATRE (232-1536) FINEARTSTHEATRE.COM FLATROCK CINEMA (697-2463) FLATROCKCINEMA.COM GRAIL MOVIEHOUSE (239-9392) GRAILMOVIEHOUSE.COM REGAL BILTMORE GRANDE STADIUM 15 (684-1298) REGMOVIES.COM

interesting than it really is? Quite possibly, but sometimes you have to make your own fun — and in the case of Winchester, the only fun you’re likely to have is that which you make yourself. Rated PG-13 for violence, disturbing images, drug content, some sexual material and thematic elements.

Now Playing at AMC Classic River Hills 10, Carolina Cinemark, Regal Biltmore Grande, Epic of Hendersonville.

REVIEWED BY SCOTT DOUGLAS JSDOUGLAS22@GMAIL.COM

FILM

Please contact Able Allen at aallen@mountainx.com

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FLOOD GALLERY FINE ART CENTER 2160 US Highway 70, Swannanoa, 828-273-3332, floodgallery.org/ • FR (2/9), 8-9:30pm - Classic World Cinema: Tokyo Chorus, film by Yasujiro Ozu. Free to attend.

Coming MARCH 14 & 21

MARS HILL UNIVERSITY 265 Cascade St., Mars Hill, 828-689-1571 • TH (2/15), 7pm - Reel Appalachia Film Series: The Ralph Stanley Story, film screening followed by discussion with producer, writer and historian Gary Reid. Free. Held in the Ramsey Center UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION OF ASHEVILLE 1 Edwin Place, 828-254-6001, uuasheville.org • FR (2/9), 7pm - Environmental & Social Justice Film Series: Whose Streets? Film screening.

Free.

MARKETPLACE STA RTI NG F RI DAY

Fifty Shades Freed

The final installment in the Fifty Shades franchise, starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan with James Foley returning to direct. According to the studio, “Believing they’ve left behind the shadowy figures from the past, billionaire Christian Grey and his new wife, Anastasia, fully embrace their inextricable connection and shared life of luxury. Just as the Greys begin to step into their new roles, sinister events come to light and jeopardize their happy ending before it even begins.” No early reviews. (R)

Peter Rabbit

Family-friendly animated/live action hybrid from director Will Gluck, starring Domhnall Gleeson, Rose Byrne, with the voices of James Corden, Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki and Daisy Ridley. According to the studio, “Peter Rabbit, the mischievous and adventurous hero who has captivated generations of readers, now takes on the starring role of his own irreverent, contemporary comedy with attitude. In the film, Peter’s feud with Mr. McGregor (Gleeson) escalates to greater heights than ever before as they rival for the affections of the warm-hearted animal lover who lives next door (Byrne).” Early reviews mixed. (PG)

REA L ESTATE | REN TA L S | R O O M M ATES | SER VI C ES JOB S | A N N OU N CEM ENTS | M I ND, BO DY, SPI R I T CL A SSES & WORKSH OPS | M USI C I ANS’ SER VI C ES PETS | A U TOMOTI VE | X C HANG E | ADULT Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 x111 tnavaille@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember the Russian proverb: “Doveryai, no proveryai,” trust but verify. When answering classified ads, always err on the side of caution. Especially beware of any party asking you to give them financial or identification information. The Mountain Xpress cannot be responsible for ensuring that each advertising client is legitimate. Please report scams to ads@mountainx.com REAL ESTATE HOMES FOR SALE

The 15:17 to Paris

Fact-based biographical thriller from director Clint Eastwood, with the three men who thwarted the Aug. 21, 2015, terrorist attack aboard a Paris-bound train playing themselves. Also starring Jenna Fischer, Judy Greer and Thomas Lennon. No early reviews.

(PG-13)

SP E CI AL SCREENI NGS

Local Hero HHHH

DIRECTOR: Bill Forsyth PLAYERS: Burt Lancaster, Peter Riegert, Peter Capaldi, Fulton McKay, Denis Lawson DRAMEDY Rated PG This understated little comedy from writer/ director Bill Forsyth (Gregory’s Girl, Being Human) offers slice-of-life veracity and social conscience in a slightly saccharine satire, a perfect example of what Andrew Sarris might have termed a “lightly likable” film. Late-period Burt Lancaster sets the story of an oil company trying to buy a picturesque Scottish island in motion, but Peters Riegert and Capaldi carry the action with ample help from Denis Lawson as the village innkeeper and Fulton McKay as a slightly deranged beach bum who rightfully owns the land. Forsyth’s visual style may not be particularly noteworthy, but his work with the cast certainly is — as is the score, courtesy of Mark Knopfler. The Hendersonville Film Society will show Local Hero on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m. in the Smoky Mountain Theater at Lake Pointe Landing Retirement Community, 333 Thompson St., Hendersonville.

M HHHHH

DIRECTOR: Fritz Lang PLAYERS: Peter Lorre, Otto Wernicke, Theodor Loos, Ellen Widmann THRILLER Rated NR Yes, Fritz Lang’s first sound film, M (1931), has a few awkward moments, in which Lang hasn’t quite mastered the new medium, but this old warhorse of art cinema works more than it doesn’t and still registers as a compelling work by one of the undisputed masters of film. And calling it an old warhorse is no insult, since the reason things become warhorses is because they’re so good. No film had previously dealt with the idea of a serial killer like this — and few films have ever topped it for psychological perception. It’s entertaining, exciting and distinctly disturbing. This excerpt was taken from a review by Ken Hanke originally posted on June 11, 2013. The Asheville Film Society will screen Fritz Lang’s M Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 7:00 p.m. at The Grail Moviehouse, hosted by Xpress movie critic Scott Douglas.

Tokyo Chorus HHHHS

DIRECTOR: Yasujiro Ozu PLAYERS: Tokihiko Okada, Emiko Yagumo , Hideo Sugawara, Hideko Takamine, Tatsuo Saito COMEDY Rated NR Yasujiro Ozu may be best remembered as one of the Japanese cinema’s pre-eminent social realists, but his early career wasn’t always so serious. Tokyo Chorus (1931) shows a lighter side of Ozu, already establishing his visual tone and narrative tendencies despite having made his directorial debut only four years prior. Clearly influenced by Ozu’s self-professed love of Lubitsch, this light comedy marks a significant turning point in Ozu’s career, with the focus on his protagonist’s struggle with unemployment foreshadowing the director’s later, heavier themes. It’s a fun film, rendered more interesting by what it suggests for the Ozu that would emerge in subsequent films. Classic World Cinema by Courtyard Gallery will present Tokyo Chorus on Friday, Feb. 9, at 8 p.m. at Flood Gallery Fine Art Center, 2160 U.S. 70, Swannanoa.

MOTIVATED SELLER • PRICE REDUCED! $204,900!

Log cabin-style cottage on large lot in North Asheville, 3BR/2BA. Near UNCA, minutes to downtown. Convenient one-level living: would also make a great rental property.

MLS#3340175.

Call Suzanne Fitzgerald: (828) 200-1236. BeverlyHanks and Associates.

RENTALS APARTMENTS FOR RENT AMAZING DOWNTOWN LOCATION • 1BR AND EFFICIENCY Newly renovated with nice kitchen appliances, updated bathroom fixtures and fresh paint.

Water included. One offstreet parking spot. $800 or $1050/month. Year lease.

No pets. Gas heat; no a/c.

(828) 772-9904.

NORTH ASHEVILLE FURNISHED 1BR Ground Floor Apartment with kitchenette. 960SF- 1BR furnished rental; Downstairs in a 2 level 2700SF Home on a 2/3 Acre Forested Hilltop; The rental is appointed with luxurious furnishings and can be available immediately to rent for short or long

term to one or two people. $1350/month plus Utilities.

Utilities; $90/month are all inclusive. References and 1 Month Security Deposit are required. Call 949-300-0567 WOODFIN STUDIO APARTMENT 350 sq. ft. studio for one person available Feb. 1. No kids or pets. Private entrance, offstreet parking, shared outside common area. $500 includes utilities. First, last, references required.

828-768-1388. victoriaeasterday057@gmail. com

CONDOS/ TOWNHOMES FOR RENT NORTH ASHEVILLE TOWNHOUSES 2BR: $795 • 3BR: $895 • 1 mile from downtown. • Hardwood floors. • (no pets policy). (828) 2524334.

SHORT-TERM RENTALS 10 MINUTES TO ASHEVILLE Separate entrance apartment vacation/short term rental in Weaverville, pets allowed/pet deposit. Complete with everything including internet. $100/day (2 day minimum, $650/week, $1500/month. duffwhazzup@gmail.com 15 MINUTES TO ASHEVILLE Guest house, vacation/short term rental in beautiful country setting. • Complete with everything including cable and internet.

• $150/day (2-day minimum), $650/week, $1500/month.

Weaverville area. • No pets please.

(828) 658-9145. mhcinc58@yahoo.com

EMPLOYMENT GENERAL TROLLEY TOUR GUIDES If you are a "people person," love Asheville, have a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and clean driving record you could be a great Tour Guide. Fulltime and seasonal parttime positions available.

Training provided. Contact us today! 828-251-8687.

Info@GrayLineAsheville.com www.GrayLineAsheville.com

SKILLED LABOR/ TRADES AUDIO/VIDEO INSTALLER Audio/Video Installation position available in a well established local AV firm.

Residential, Commercial, Worship, Medical, and Educational. Seeking a quick learning hard worker. Need to be able to lift 50 pounds and have current driver's license. Previous experience with A/V installation and construction are all a plus. Pay, advancement, and benefits dependent upon experience and performance. Email: becky@musiciansworkshop. com for application.

ADMINISTRATIVE/ OFFICE ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE Helpmate, a domestic violence agency in Asheville, NC seeks a parttime Administrative Associate with marketing skills.

This position will provide executive support to Helpmate’s leadership team by scheduling meetings, maintaining filing systems,

interacting with vendors, procuring supplies, generating correspondence, returning phone calls, marketing and taking meeting notes. Qualified candidates will hold at least an Associate’s degree, 2 years’ of relevant experience, high-level organizational and communication skills, advanced technological skills, and commitment to Helpmate’s mission.

Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. Email resume and cover letter to HelpmateAsheville@gmail. com with “Administrative Associate” in the subject line by noon on February 28th. No phone calls, please.

BENEFIT SPECIALIST A-B Tech is currently taking applications for a position Benefit Specialist (40 hours/ week). This is a full-time position with benefits. For more details and to apply: http://abtcc.peopleadmin. com/postings/4722 WORKING WHEELS (LOCAL NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION) SEEKS OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR We repair and recycle donated cars, transforming them into working wheels for working families. Part-time, $11-$13/hr, computer skills, love for people, commitment to the mission. Please email resume and cover letter. jamie@workingwheelswnc.org www.workingwheelswnc.org

The

Sustainability

Series CELEBRATING EARTH DAY 2018

Each week in April MOUNTAINX.COM

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FREEWILL ASTROLOGY ARIES (March 21-April 19): British athlete Liam Collins is an accomplished hurdler. In 2017, he won two medals at the World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships in South Korea. Collins is also a stuntman and street performer who does shows in which he hurtles over barriers made of chainsaws and leaps blindfolded through flaming hoops. For the foreseeable future, you may have a dual capacity with some resemblances to his. You could reach a high point in expressing your skills in your chosen field and also branch out into extraordinary or flamboyant variations on your specialty.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The U.S. Geological Survey recently announced that it had come up with improved maps of the planet’s agricultural regions.

Better satellite imagery helped, as did more thorough analysis of the imagery. The new data show that the Earth is covered with 618 million more acres of croplands than had previously been thought. That’s 15 percent higher than earlier assessments! In the coming months, Libra, I’m predicting a comparable expansion in your awareness of how many resources you have available. I bet you will also discover that you’re more fertile than you have imagined.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): When he was 32, the man who would later be known as Dr. Seuss wrote his first kid’s book, And To Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. His efforts to find a readership went badly at first.

Twenty-seven publishers rejected his manuscript. On the verge of abandoning his quest, he ran into an old college classmate on the street. The friend, who had recently begun working at Vanguard Press, expressed interest in the book. Voila! Mulberry Street got published. Dr. Seuss later said that if, on that lucky day, he had been strolling on the other side of the street, his career as an author of children’s books might never have happened.

I’m telling you this tale, Taurus, because I suspect your chances at experiencing a comparable stroke of luck in the coming weeks will be extra high. Be alert!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 1939, Scorpio comic book writer Bob Kane co-created the fictional sciencefiction superhero Batman. The “Caped Crusader” eventually went on to become an icon, appearing in blockbuster movies as well as TV shows and comic books. Kane said one of his inspirations for Batman was a flying machine envisioned by Leonard da Vinci in the early 16th century. The Italian artist and inventor drew an image of a winged glider that he proposed to build for a human being to wear. I bring this up, Scorpio, because I think you’re in a phase when you, like Kane, can draw inspiration from the past.

Go scavenging through history for good ideas!

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): A survey of British Christians found that most are loyal to just six of the Ten Commandments. While they still think it’s bad to, say, steal and kill and lie, they don’t regard it as a sin to revere idols, work on the Sabbath, worship other gods or use the Lord’s name in a curse. In accordance with the astrological omens, I encourage you to be inspired by their rebellion. The coming weeks will be a favorable time to re-evaluate your old traditions and belief systems, and then discard anything that no longer suits the new person you’ve become.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): While serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Don Karkos lost the sight in his right eye after being hit by shrapnel. Sixty-four years later, he regained his vision when he got butted in the head by a horse he was grooming. Based on the upcoming astrological omens, I’m wondering if you’ll soon experience a metaphorically comparable restoration. My analysis suggests that you’ll undergo a healing in which something you lost will return or be returned.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The candy cap mushroom, whose scientific name is Lactarius rubidus, is a burnt orange color. It’s small to medium-sized and has a convex cap. But there its resemblance to other mushrooms ends. When dried out, it tastes and smells like maple syrup. You can grind it into a powder and use it to sweeten cakes and cookies and custards.

According to my analysis of the astrological omens, this unusual member of the fungus family can serve as an apt metaphor for you right now. You, too, have access to a resource or influence that is deceptive, but in a good way: offering a charm and good flavor different from what its outer appearance might indicate.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A grandfather from New Jersey decided to check the pockets of an old shirt he didn’t wear very often. There Jimmie Smith found a lottery ticket he had stashed away months previously. When he realized it had a winning number, he cashed it in for $24.1 million — just two days before it was set to expire. I suspect there may be a comparable development in your near future, although the reward would be more modest. Is there any potential valuable that you have forgotten about or neglected? It’s not too late to claim it.

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FEB. 7 - 13, 2018

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I was watching a four-player poker game on TV. The folksy commentator said that the assortment of cards belonging to the player named Mike was “like Anna Kournikova,” because “it looks great but it never wins.” He was referring to the fact that during her career as a professional tennis player, Anna Kournikova was feted for her physical beauty but never actually won a singles title. This remark happens to be a useful admonishment for you Sagittarians in the coming weeks. You should avoid relying on anything that looks good but never wins. Put your trust in influences that are a bit homely or unassuming but far more apt to contribute to your success.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A Chinese man named Wang Kaiyu bought two black-furred puppies from a stranger and took them home to his farm. As the months passed by, Wang noticed that his pets seemed unusually hungry and aggressive. They would sometimes eat his chickens. When they were two years old, he finally figured out that they weren’t dogs, but rather Asian black bears. He turned them over to a local animal rescue center. I bring this to your attention, Capricorn, because I suspect it may have a resemblance to your experience. A case of mistaken identity? A surprise revealed in the course of a ripening process? A misunderstanding about what you’re taking care of? Now is a good time to make adjustments and corrections.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Charles Nelson Reilly was a famous American actor, director and drama teacher.

He appeared in or directed numerous films, plays and TV shows. But in the 1970s, when he was in his forties, he also spent quality time impersonating a banana in a series of commercials for Bic Banana Ink Crayons.

So apparently he wasn’t overly attached to his dignity.

Pride didn’t interfere with his ability to experiment. In his pursuit of creative expression, he valued the arts of playing and having fun. I encourage you to be inspired by his example during the coming weeks, Aquarius.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): According to ancient Greek writer Herodotus, Persians didn’t hesitate to deliberate about important matters while drunk.

However, they wouldn’t finalize any intoxicated decision until they had a chance to re-evaluate it while sober.

The reverse was also true. Choices they made while sober had to be reassessed while they were under the influence of alcohol. I bring this to your attention not because I think you should adhere to similar guidelines in the coming weeks. I would never give you an oracle that required you to be buzzed. But I do think you’ll be wise to consider key decisions from not just a coolly rational mindset, but also from a frisky intuitive perspective. To arrive at a wise verdict, you need both.

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SALES/ MARKETING AERO TECHNICAL COMPONENTS IS NOW HIRING FOR OUR BLACK MOUNTAIN, NC LOCATION Aero Technical Components has expanded to Black Mountain, NC. We are looking for career minded sales reps to join our family and be a part of a growing company. Position Description Global Aerospace and Defense sales to OEM’s, CM’s, Militaries, and Governments This is a hourly + commission base position. Starting date is March 19th 2018 Please submit resume to gabe.thomas@ aerotechcomp.com 727577-6115 ext.209, gabe. thomas@aerotechcomp.com, www.aerotechcomp.com

DRIVERS/ DELIVERY

SHUTTLE DRIVER A-B Tech is currently taking applications for a position Shuttle Driver.

For more details and to apply: https://abtcc.peopleadmin. com/postings/4726

HUMAN SERVICES COUNSELOR POSITION Looking to hire an LPC or LCSW to work at a private Christian Therapeutic Boarding school for At Risk Teens. Must be comfortable providing Individual Therapy to teens ages 13-18. jeremey@wolfcreekacademy. org • wolfcreekacademy.org JOURNEY HOME EAST • HOUSE PARENT Overnight Asleep and Day PRN positions. Come join Journey Home East, an exciting and new community based step-down program in Asheville, where you can have a positive, lasting impact on young women ages 16-21 from across the country.

• Suitable applicants are responsible and positive role models who are outgoing and energetic. Our House Parents ensure the provision of physical and emotional safety of our residents at all times. Experience in residential settings preferred. Due to the age of our residents, qualified applicants must be at least 25 years old. Please send a resume and cover letter to: humanresources@ solsticeeast.com • EOE. No phone calls or walk-ins please. Background check and drug screen required. www.journeyhomeeast.com

PARAPROFESSIONAL Paraprofessional staff needed to provide services to individuals with Intellectual Developmental Disabilities all over the county (& nearby counties), in their home, in the community, and at their job. 828-350-1111 michelle. kozma@eastersealsucp.com www.easterseals.com/NCVA/ SOLSTICE EAST – MENTORS Full-time positions.

Solstice East is a private residential treatment center that works with girls ages 14-18 located just outside of Asheville on a beautiful 24-acre campus in Weaverville, North Carolina. Come join our team as a Mentor, where you can have a positive, lasting impact on struggling youth. Our staff ensures the provision of physical and emotional safety of our students and residents at all times. • The suitable applicant is outgoing, energetic, and a responsible and positive role model. • Mentors must be able to work a combination of both day (7am-5pm) and evening (4:30pm-10:30pm) shifts.

Overnight Awake shifts are also available (10:30pm7am). The campus is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. EOE. No phone calls or walk-ins please. Background check and drug screen required. Please send a resume and cover letter to: humanresources@solsticeeast. com • www.solsticeeast.com

PROFESSIONAL/ MANAGEMENT

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR A-B Tech is currently taking applications for a position Executive Director, Human Resources and Organizational Development. This is a full-time position with benefits. For more details and to apply: https:// abtcc.peopleadmin.com/ postings/4716

TEACHING/ EDUCATION

BENEFIT SPECIALIST A-B Tech is currently taking applications for a position Benefit Specialist (40 hours/ week). This is a full-time

position with benefits. For more details and to apply: http://abtcc.peopleadmin. com/postings/4722

CAREER TRAINING AIRLINE CAREERS BEGIN HERE Get started by training as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students.

Job placement assistance.

Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 800-725-1563 (AAN CAN)

COMPUTER/ TECHNICAL COMPUTER REPAIR TECHNICIAN Full-time position available to work on-site and in-shop fixing machines running Windows/OSX; solving networking issues. Experience with Managed Service Providers, iOS, and good customer service skills a plus. Living Wage Certified.

Resumes: info@oneclickavl. com IT DIRECTOR Community Action Opportunities, Asheville, NC. We are a state and federal funded anti-poverty, non-profit agency with a budget of $11,000,000+ and 110 FTEs recruiting a seasoned, hands-on Information Technology Director to perform highly skilled professional and technical work, including systems analysis and policy development. This position plans, organizes, develops and recommends agency-wide information and technology systems, operations, budgets, procedures and policies. • Work includes assessing and analyzing information technology needs and implementing solutions to address those needs; overseeing the installation and maintenance of information systems, supporting activity related to the agency-owned, state-wide database application and hardware, Accountable Results for Community Action, (AR4CA) intranets, computer hardware and software, telephone and facility security; supervising and supporting a highly technical professional IT Engineer and Sr. Software Engineer and developing related policies and procedures. Work also includes purchasing equipment and supplies and overseeing technical contractor work and user support. Major work is accomplished through teamwork and collaboration with subordinates and Senior and Leadership Team Members. • Requires graduation from a regionally or CHEA accredited four year college

with a Master’s degree in computer science, information systems, or related field and at least 10 years in Information Technology or Information Systems management as a director, network, systems or operations manager in a nonprofit or governmental organization. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be acceptable. • Prefer bi-lingual in Spanish.

This position is exempt under FLSA and is ineligible for overtime pay Compensation: $77,489 to $108,484 (DOQ) plus competitive benefits including 401(k) • CAO shall exclude applicants who fail to comply with the following submittal requirements: • Send resume, cover letter and three (3) professional work references with complete contact information to: Ms. Tammy Chandler, Interim HR Manager, 25 Gaston Street, Asheville NC, 28801 or email with “Subject:” IT Director to: admin@ communityactionopportunities. org or (828) 253-6319 (Fax).

EOE & DFWP. Open until filled. • Interviews expected to begin in mid-February See the full job description at: www. communityactionopportunities. org MAC/PC REPAIR TECHNICIANS (ASHEVILLE) Growing local business seeking Mac and PC repair technicians. Ideal candidates will possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, technical knowledge of Mac OSX, and Windowsbased computers, be energetic, detail oriented, technically inclined, possess a winning "customer-first" attitude with the ability to multitask, listen to, and follow directions. Must be fluent with all supported Apple platforms, iCloud, Mac and PC laptop/desktop hardware and diagnostic/ troubleshooting processes. 1-2 years professional experience desired, and Apple/computer certifications are also preferred but not necessary. Please email current resume attached as a PDF, and cover letter to avlresumes@gmail.com for consideration.

SERVICES ENTERTAINMENT DISH NETWORK-SATELLITE TELEVISION SERVICES Now over 190 channels for only $49.99/ month! HBO-Free for one year, Free Installation, Free Streaming, Free HD.

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auctioned will be displayed on www.propertyroom. com.

LEGAL

STRUGGLING WITH DRUGS OR ALCOHOL? Addicted to Pills? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment.

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MIND, BODY, SPIRIT COUNSELING SERVICES

HOME IMPROVEMENT HANDY MAN HIRE A HUSBAND • HANDYMAN SERVICES Since 1993. Multiple skill sets. Reliable, trustworthy, quality results. $1 million liability insurance. References and estimates available. Stephen Houpis, (828) 280-2254.

HEATING & COOLING MAYBERRY HEATING AND COOLING Oil and Gas Furnaces • Heat Pumps and AC • Radiant Floor Heating • Solar Hot Water • Sales • Service • Installation. • Visa • MC • Discover. Call (828) 658-9145.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS MAKE THE CALL TO START GETTING CLEAN TODAY Free 24/7 Helpline for alcohol & drug addiction treatment. Get help! It is time to take your life back!

Call Now: 855-732-4139.

(AAN CAN) NOTICE OF UNCLAIMED PROPERTY The following is a list of unclaimed and confiscated property at the Asheville Police Department: electronic equipment; cameras; clothing; lawn and garden equipment; personal items; tools; weapons (including firearms): jewelry: automotive items; building supplies; bikes and other miscellaneous items. Anyone with a legitimate claim or interest in this property has 30 days from the date of this publication to make a claim. Unclaimed items will be disposed of according to statutory law. For further information, or to file a claim, contact the Asheville Police Department Property and Evidence Section, 828232-4576.

NOTICE OF DISPOSITION The following is a list of unclaimed and confiscated property at the Asheville Police Department tagged for disposition: audio and video equipment; cameras; clothing; lawn and garden equipment; personal items; tools; weapons (including firearms): jewelry: automotive items; building supplies; bikes and other miscellaneous. All items will be disposed of 30 days from date of posting. Items to be

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AUTOMOTIVE TRUCKS/ VANS/ SUVS FOR SALE 1993 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 1993 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, 4WD, 16 Valve, 5.7Liter, V8 engine, 111K miles, Automatic.

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AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES WE'LL FIX IT AUTOMOTIVE • Honda and Acura repair. Half price repair and service. ASE and factory trained. Located in the Weaverville area, off exit 15. Please call (828) 275-6063 for appointment. www.wellfixitautomotive. com

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T H E N E W Y OR K TI M ES CR OSSWOR D PU ZZLE

ACROSS

1 All that ___ 5 Balkan native 9 Fourth of July centerpiece 13 Away from the wind 14 Northern Florida county seat 15 Mystical glow 16 “Don’t worry about my cheesy chip” 19 Parking place 20 Hwys.

21 Permeate 22 Follower of a bullet 23 “Elder” Roman statesman 24 “We should discuss your Qdoba order” 30 Like tears or sailors’ language 31 “2001” computer 32 Writer Jaffe 33 Nursery rhyme sailing vessel 34 In a joyful manner 36 Forklift unit 37 Bygone Yankee nickname 39 Tree with serrated leaves that taper to a point 40 Hits theaters

42 “Should we settle this dispute over toppings outside?”

46 Things some stretchers try to touch 47 Perfectly 48 What underwear may do, annoyingly 51 Swell 52 Oxymoronic drink from a Big Gulp?

55 “That Italian dessert truly boggles the mind” 58 Machu Picchu locale 59 Moves like sap 60 Yen 61 On its way 62 18 credits for a semester is a heavy one 63 HBO series about the politician Selina Meyer 1 2 3 4 5

DOWN Pokey Lead-in to cumulus Gusto ___ state Conceptual framework

edited by Will Shortz

6 Where to be among the Hmong 7 European summit 8 Hit or miss, say 9 Beatles moniker 10 Humdinger 11 God depicted in a helmet 12 League of Legends or World of Warcraft 14 Large chamber music group 17 Culturally pretentious 18 Be ___ something 22 Cousin ___ of 1960s TV 23 Eyes for Frosty the Snowman 24 First lady before Michelle 25 Jostle 26 Pioneer in space 27 ___ pole 28 Ending with two or hole 29 Lies in the sun 30 Not fly the coop 34 Heredity source 35 “Sad to say …”

38 Kind of bread 40 Longtime Boston Symphony maestro

No. 0103

PUZZLE BY BRUCE HAIGHT

41 Well-practiced, as an answer 43 What an adjective modifies 44 “Gave it my best” 45 Skyrockets

ANSWER TO PUZZLE XPRESS

48 Common sights at pants knees 49 Frozen drink 50 “Shucks!”

51 Great Pyramid locale

52 Regal term of address 53 “Picnic” playwright 54 Tiny protest 56 John, in Britain 57 British term of address

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS NY TIMES PUZZLE

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Kids Issues

Coming March 14 & 21

Paul Caron

Furniture Magician • Cabinet Refacing • Furniture Repair • Seat Caning • Antique Restoration • Custom Furniture & Cabinetry (828) 669-4625

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