Mountain Xpress 02.14.24 by Mountain Xpress

OUR 30TH YEAR OF WEEKLY INDEPENDENT NEWS, ARTS & EVENTS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA VOL. 30 NO. 29 FEB. 14-20, 2024

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FEATURES 6

VOTING SUPPORT Nonpartisan coalition offers voter education

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NEWS

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The 2024 primary election has arrived. In all, there are local races for Asheville City Council, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, the District Court, the Clerk of Superior Court and the U.S. House. Xpress reached out to all candidates to get their thoughts on issues such as housing, public safety and multimodal transportation.

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STAFF PUBLISHER & EDITOR: Jeff Fobes ASSISTANT PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson MANAGING EDITOR: Thomas Calder EDITORS: Lisa Allen, Jessica Wakeman ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR: Thomas Calder OPINION EDITOR: Tracy Rose STAFF REPORTERS: Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Chase Davis, Andy Hall, Justin McGuire, Greg Parlier, Brooke Randle, Jessica Wakeman COMMUNITY CALENDAR & CLUBLAND: Andy Hall, Braulio Pescador-Martinez CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Mindi Friedwald, Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Oby Arnold, Mark Barrett, Eric Brown, Carmela Caruso, Cayla Clark, Kristin D’Agostino, Brionna Dallara, Storms Reback, Kay West PHOTOGRAPHERS: Cindy Kunst ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER: Susan Hutchinson LEAD DESIGNER: Scott Southwick GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Tina Gaafary, Olivia Urban MARKETING ASSOCIATES: Sara Brecht, Vicki Catalano, Jamie Knox, Scott Mermel INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES: Hinton Edgerton, Jeff Fobes, Mark Murphy, Scott Southwick WEB: Brandon Tilley BOOKKEEPER: Amie Fowler ADMINISTRATION & BILLING: Hinton Edgerton, Mark Murphy DISTRIBUTION: Susan Hutchinson, Cindy Kunst DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS: Leah Beck, Marlea Kunst, John McKay, Alexis Miller, Desiree Davis Mitchell, Henry Mitchell, Angelo Santa Maria, Courtney Israel Nash, Carl & Debbie Schweiger, Gary Selnick

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OPINION

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

Haw Creek project would provide much-needed housing As a Haw Creek neighbor, I would like to express my support for the proposed 95-home subdivision that is set to go before the city Planning and Zoning Commission in the near future. This new development will provide much-needed housing within the city limits of Asheville, where there is already robust infrastructure to support it. Like much of the nation, Asheville faces a housing affordability crisis. The solution to that crisis for Asheville is to build a lot more housing throughout the entire city, including in my neighborhood. If we fail to build enough housing quickly enough and if we fail to build with enough density, we risk only building houses where there is no one powerful enough to stop them from being built. We risk perpetuating the affordability crisis by forcing developers to build a few luxury houses rather than a glut of starter homes for new families. We risk pushing all newcomers to Asheville into our pristine green spaces and ridges. Indeed, this development is to be located on a previously undeveloped parcel of land. While it can seem like a blow to the environment to build in a place that is currently green, the reality is that if we fail to build housing inside of our neighborhoods, that housing will be built in a place where the habitat destruction will be more impactful. If people cannot live inside the city, they will live in open spaces that are farther afield and far more connected to other natural areas than this plot of land between a road, a school and other subdivisions. It is up to us as community members to save connected green spaces and habitat by densifying our own neighborhoods. I think Haw Creek is a wonderful place to live, and I am grateful to know my neighbors. I am open to hearing and mitigating concerns with the development, but we must move with haste! We cannot delay our way out of people moving to Asheville. I welcome new neighbors into Haw Creek and hope that we can continue to grow Haw Creek and all of Asheville for newcomers and long-timers alike. — Joel Shuman Asheville

What do to about the $650K loo [Regarding “Council Delays Consideration of 24-hour Downtown Restroom,” Jan. 31, Xpress:] 4

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value added to the lives of West Asheville by the pool and pool house. Take care of the facilities that are being used and supported. Put some meaning behind your motto — “Our quality of service, your quality of life.” — Kathy Kyle Asheville

Edwards chooses dereliction of duty in HCA debacle

C A RT O O N B Y R AN DY M O L T O N This is another prime example of the absurd decision-making process of Asheville City Council. A brickand-mortar restroom exists. It needs maintenance. Duh! So do the parking garages. It comes with ownership. Anyway, take care of what you already have. The funds could go a long way to creating jobs for attendants, should the city want to keep the existing Haywood Street restrooms open all night. — Chas Fitzgerald Black Mountain

Consider Europe’s restrooms [Regarding “Council Delays Consideration of 24-hour Downtown Restroom,” Jan. 31, Xpress:] Asheville needs to look at how Europe does 24-hour restrooms: open-air urinals and bathroom stalls with open bottoms. There are ways to provide facilities that are semiprivate. — Catherine Cheek Hendersonville

City should step up to replace Malvern Hills pool The City of Asheville needs to preserve the character of West Asheville and replace the swimming pool and restore the historic pool house at Malvern Hills Park. All structures need remodeling and maintenance and in more specialized structures — such as a pool — replacement. The pool and brick pool house in Malvern Hills were built in the 1930s,

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and other than minimal and frankly, emergency upkeep, the time has come for a major overhaul. The announcement of “closing” on WLOS was poor communication and lack of concern about the community, at best. The pool has provided a lifetime of memories and improved the health both physically and socially of the people who live and work in Asheville. The community has rallied to find a solution when there have been technical problems in the past. But the support by the city has so far been minimal. From the Mountain Xpress in 2022: “If you were one of thousands of residents who use the Malvern Hills Pool in West Asheville each year, you may have recently been greeted by a handwritten, cardboard sign taped to the entrance: ‘Pool Closed For Repairs.’ “‘It was the talk of all the dog walkers — they’re gonna open the pool,’ recalls Malvern Hills resident and Xpress contributor Kay West. ‘But on the very day the pool was to open, that’s when they put up that sign.’” Unlike the current pattern of neglect, there was a time when the city valued its neighborhoods and parks. Funds were secured; the pool and pool house were built in the 1930s. Previously, it contained a snack bar and dressing rooms on the first floor (it still has the dressing rooms, which are dismal). The second floor was a covered dance pavilion. The pool house, from my understanding, hasn’t been remodeled since the 1970s. Please, City of Asheville, stand up for the community and support the

In an interview with Asheville Watchdog, Chuck Edwards fully committed to dereliction of duty in the HCA debacle. Instead of providing solutions or offering to use the power of his office to make things right for the people of Western North Carolina, he blamed the HCA sale on the “failures of Obamacare.” You can’t make this stuff up. This is a clear pattern for Chuck Edwards: blame Obama or Biden for all of our problems. Chuck didn’t mention the over 600,000 people in North Carolina who went without health insurance because he and the N.C. GOP delayed Medicaid expansion to try and make the popular Affordable Care Act (aka “Obamacare”) look bad. He didn’t mention that they let our state lose out on billions of dollars of federal funding that North Carolina taxpayers paid for so they could carry out this political stunt. He didn’t mention that these political games had a terrible effect on the bottom line for many rural hospitals and directly impacted the sale of Mission. The situation at Mission Hospital is dire. HCA is squeezing every dollar of corporate profit they can from our community at the expense of our quality of health care. Chuck’s solution? Dereliction of duty. He believes it is “up to patients” to solve this problem. The government has a duty to ensure quality health care, which is why I support Attorney General Josh Stein’s lawsuit to hold HCA accountable. In the N.C. House, I worked on a bipartisan bill with Sen. Julie Mayfield to protect future communities from the types of transactions that led to Mission’s sale. We don’t elect our leaders to tell us “it is up to us” to fix our problems. We elect our leaders to provide solutions. So get to work or step aside, Chuck. — Caleb Rudow State House representative and N.C.-11 congressional candidate Asheville

CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN

February 27th 11am-1pm

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NEWS

Voting support

Nonpartisan coalition offers voter education BY CHASE DAVIS cdavis@mountainx.com With a new law requiring voter identification in North Carolina and a lack of resources for non-English speaking voters, a coalition of nonprofits is working to get voters educated in time for the primary election. “It’s easy to be confused about what’s required and what’s not,” says Robin Lively Summers, board president of Indivisible Asheville/WNC, one of the lead organizations in the coalition. “It’s especially difficult to learn your way around this new landscape if you haven’t voted recently, and some people could be removed from the rolls without even knowing it. We plan to show people how to overcome those barriers.” A new voting hurdle arose last year with a N.C. Supreme Court decision that said the state can require citizens to show photo IDs in order to vote. The law, which was passed by the General Assembly in 2018, had been ruled racially biased and unconstitutional by the U.S. District Court. Brenda Murphee, founder and past president of Indivisible Asheville/ WNC, believes the law will have a negative impact on voter turnout, particularly in underprivileged communities. “The new voting requirements make it far more difficult to vote for

people not in a place of privilege,” Murphee says. “If you are in a more privileged position, you can probably get the information you need and handle the workarounds. But if you are a young single parent, for example, depending on public transportation, working two jobs, are you going to be able to just drop everything and run to get a photo ID? Probably not.” Murphee says that it is especially difficult for non-English speaking U.S. citizens, particularly within the Hispanic/Latino communities, to participate in elections. “When we were deciding [the coalition’s] specific goals and focuses, we really tried to look at the communities that are left out of the main narrative,” Murphee says. “When it comes to communities where English is not the first or primary language, they have an additional barrier of entry.” For example, Murphee pointed out, “the primary info-sheets from the State Board of Elections about the new photo ID requirements aren’t even available yet in Spanish, so part of our outreach includes making sure voters who prefer Spanish have all the necessary voter information available. Buncombe County Board of Elections has created early voting schedules in both English and Spanish, but adjacent counties have not done the

A NEW APPROACH: Canvassing volunteers are trained to use deep canvassing techniques, which focus more on listening to voters and answering their questions, says Brenda Murphee, founder and past president of Indivisible Asheville/WNC. Photo courtesy of Indivisible Asheville/WNC same, so we will be creating translated materials where needed.” Thus, the WNC Voter Outreach Coalition formed to fill those gaps. Members include Indivisible Asheville/WNC, the western region of the N.C. Poor People’s Campaign, the YWCA of Asheville, Just Economics of Western North Carolina and Asheville Food & Beverage United. “A lot of people feel hopeless about our government and like their one vote is not going to make a difference,” says Leslie Boyd, co-chair of the western region of the N.C. Poor People’s Campaign. “People don’t realize that there are so many elections that are really close, so it is important for [the coalition] to educate as many people as we can and encourage them to register and vote.” In 2022, 54,035 people voted in the primary election in Buncombe County, down from 82,519 in the 2020 primary. In 2022, 120,558 people voted in the general election, compared with 162,137 voters in 2020, a presidential election year. EDUCATING POTENTIAL VOTERS The coalition formed to coordinate efforts to educate potential voters about the ID requirement before they went to the polls. “Many of the organizations within the coalition already had their own initiatives to help educate people and get them registered to vote,” Murphee says. “However, with the new laws and changes, we really wanted to

FEB. 14-20, 2024

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make sure that we were collaborating so that we could get the information out there more efficiently and have a bigger impact.” Murphee says the coalition has divided its outreach efforts into three main categories: tabling, canvassing and Hispanic/Latino outreach. “Tabling is our easiest outreach method, as it mainly entails setting up and being present at a specified place for a specified period of time with nonpartisan voting information, helping people with registration and getting them information that they need in order to be able to cast a ballot,” says Murphee. When it comes to canvassing, or going door to door to speak with potential voters, Murphee says that the coalition uses a gentle approach. “We are really intentional about using the deep canvassing approach when we are going door to door,” Murphee says. “That means we approach talking with voters in a way that is focused more on listening rather than telling. Ultimately, we try to engage with people by establishing a relationship and being present when they have questions. It is a more respectful and effective approach for engaging with voters, especially voters with a sporadic voting history.” Boyd, who is helping to spearhead the coalition’s canvassing efforts, says she hopes the canvassing approach will be encouraging for those who feel disenfranchised.

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N EWS “Our goal is to help people to understand that their vote does really matter. Democracy is participatory, so if people don’t participate in elections, it doesn’t work,” Boyd says. “With that in mind, we want to do everything we can to connect people with the resources they need to register, help people get IDs and help them get to the polls.” While the coalition’s first canvassing event in January was canceled due to inclement weather, the next event is set for Saturday, Feb. 17, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and radiating from the Land of the Sky United Church of Christ in East Asheville. Boyd says the coalition plans to have at least one canvassing event per month leading up to the general election in November, but the group needs volunteers. “We have volunteers from each of the coalition’s organizations, but we could definitely use more people, especially for our canvassing efforts. There is safety in numbers, but also there is effectiveness in numbers, and we want to make sure that this outreach effort is as successful as possible,” Boyd says.

Made possible in part by the League of Women Voters Education Fund.

KEEPING IT NEUTRAL Murphee says keeping the coalition nonpartisan was important, especially when speaking with disenfranchised voters. “I believe that nonpartisan outreach, especially for voters who feel disengaged to start with, is infinitely more effective,” Murphee says. “It’s not a transactional approach. Nobody’s coming and saying, ‘Vote for my candidate, vote for my party, I want you to do this.’ Instead, it’s focused on the voter.”

Additionally, Boyd says, remaining nonpartisan helps with the coalition’s credibility. “We are not doing this for any party, which is important. I have helped people register to vote who have told me directly that they would vote for a candidate that I don’t support,” Boyd says. “We are not going out telling people that they need to vote Democrat to beat the Republicans or vote Republican to beat the Democrats. We just want people to vote. It’s that important.” Boyd says that the nonpartisan approach has been effctive so far. “People appreciate that we are not trying to sway their vote, and our outreach has been well-received so far,” Boyd says. “People are eager to participate; they just need the resources to do so. For example, the last election was the first election where people convicted of a felony could vote, so we sat across the street from the courthouse, and as people came by, we asked them to register to vote at their current address. People [who had been convicted of a felony] were so excited to be able to participate after not being able to for so long. They just needed the resources.” Murphee also notes the positive reception that the canvassing efforts have had in previous elections cycles. “Typically, if someone shows up at your door, they are trying to sell you something or get you to do something that they want you to do,” Murphee says. “Instead, we have somebody show up with information about how you can participate and make your voice heard in the system. Even if somebody is busy and doesn’t have the time, they generally still have a positive reaction. That’s not true in every case, but generally that’s what we’ve experienced.” X

Getting ready to vote in the primary election This year’s primary election is Tuesday, March 5. The deadline to register to vote was Feb. 9, however you can register and vote with same-day registration during early voting, Feb. 15-March 2. You will need to provide a government-provided photo ID and proof of residency. If you don’t know if you are registered to vote or whether your voter information is correct, you can find out through the N.C. State Board of Elections voter search tool at avl.mx/6nq. If you’re already registered, you can find your voting location, election jurisdictions, sample ballots, and other information there. If you are not registered to vote, the qualifications to register in North Carolina are: • Be a U.S. citizen. • Be at least 18 years old. • Be a resident of your precinct for at least 30 days prior to the election. • Not be in jail or prison or serving parole for a felony conviction. You will be required to present photo identification when you go to the polls under the new voting ID law. A list of acceptable IDs can be found on the State Board of Elections website at avl.mx/czr. X

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N EWS

BUNCOMBE BEATS

County conserves 360 acres with open-space bond funds Thanks to open-space bonds passed in 2022 and generous landowners, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted to conserve 360 acres at its meeting Feb. 6. The county used $400,000 in bond funding to bolster the conservation of about $3.4 million worth of parcels near Leicester and Black Mountain. “These are beautiful pieces of property, and it’s really exciting that they’re going to be preserved for our future,” said commission Chair Brownie Newman after the 6-0 vote. Commissioner Jasmine BeachFerrara was not at the meeting. The larger tract, 336 acres adjacent to Lake Eden and the site of the Lake Eden Arts Festival in Black Mountain, was ranked a top priority by the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy, which will complete the “bargain purchase” of the property, said Michelle Pugliese, land protection director at SAHC. The tract is special because of its seven headwater streams and its location surrounded by three protected ridgelines, including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Pugliese said. Purchase of the conservation easement at Lake Eden Preserve was valued at $3 million. The landowner donated $1.5 million of the purchase price, and the rest was covered by a $550,000 grant from the N.C. Land and Water Fund, a $700,000 donation from a private philanthropist and $250,000 from the bond fund, according to a staff presentation. In Leicester off South Turkey Creek Road, 30 acres of a working farm were conserved along the Farm Heritage Trail, said Ariel Zijp, farmland preservation manager for Buncombe

highlighted increased funding for state employees — including for K-12 and community college education — and funding for McCormick Field among top priorities in 2024. Other priorities included opposing any proposals to limit local government authority to regulate short-term rentals and evaluating methods to modernize occupancy tax guidelines “to meet the evolving visitation and infrastructure needs of Buncombe County,” according to the firm’s presentation. Overall, Christensen commended commissioners for their work to build and maintain relationships with their state delegation, saying that is the “secret sauce” to getting things done in Raleigh. Wells asked if the county had any chance at getting state funding for a sewer line extension in Candler, which would help with water quality issues in the western part of the county. “For so many reasons, I think that project would be probably the best appropriation that you could seek in 2024. Of all the things that we’ve discussed, water projects have been at the very top of the list of what could be funded with state dollars over the last three budget cycles,” she said. Newman also mentioned the possibility of state funding for the county’s Ferry Road development project, which includes recreation, infrastructure and affordable housing components. Ward and Smith is paid $75,000 annually to help develop the legislative agenda. The 2024 short legislative session is scheduled to begin April 24.

CONSERVED: The tract of land behind the site of the Lake Eden Arts Festival near Black Mountain will be placed in a conservation easement, safe from future development, partially thanks to $250,000 in open-space bond funding. Photo courtesy of Buncombe County County. The acreage has 54% “prime agricultural soils,” Zijp said. “That’s really productive soils that are fantastic for farming. It’s also a working farm producing hay and beef cattle on pasture land, and it also has a great scenic benefit,” she said. The county is spending $150,000 of bond funds on the Leicester property, matched equally by the landowner for conservation. Landowners retain ownership of both parcels, but with the easement, the county controls any development rights, essentially protecting the land in perpetuity, said Jill Carter, open-space bond manager for Buncombe County. “This is exactly the reason for these bond funds. Both of these projects really speak to what these bond funds can do,” said Commissioner Terri Wells.

Legislative update During a biennial update to commissioners Feb. 6, government relations attorney Whitney Christensen of the Ward and Smith law firm told commissioners they had “fared better than most” on their 2023 legislative agenda. “Call it a winning season,” she said. Christensen cited the $2.8 million the county received from the state to alleviate flooding issues in Barnardsville, $2 million to help move farms farther from the French Broad River to improve water quality, $7 million for continued construction of the Interstate 26 interchange project and a portion of the statewide $59.4 million in supplemental funding for teacher salaries, among other items. Christensen and Trafton Dinwiddie, also of Ward and Smith,

— Greg Parlier X

BCS board bans book from all district high schools What happens when five troubled teenagers fall into prostitution amid their quest for freedom, safety and love? Locally, at least, their story gets banned from all Buncombe County high schools after a successful appeal by one community member and three parents. At its Feb. 8 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Education voted unanimously to remove author Ellen Hopkins’ fictional 2009 book, Tricks, which explores the aforementioned plot, as described by a Simon & Schuster’s summary.

FEB. 14-20, 2024

Three other books under consideration — Hopkins’ Perfect, Patricia McCormick’s Sold and Sarah Gruen’s Water for Elephants — remain on county high school library shelves, based on recommendations from the Buncombe County Schools’ Media and Technology Advisory Committee. The four books considered by the board were originally part of a group of 10 books challenged at Enka High School by the same group in October, according to district documents. “We are following the letter of the law and following a very robust policy

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around media center and instructional materials review,” said board member Rob Elliot ahead of the vote. In its review of Tricks, the district MTAC recommended removing the book because it didn’t provide a “balanced” portrayal of sex trafficking, according to its review. “The committee’s opinion is that the book normalizes, if not glorifies, unhealthy sexual behavior among teens. The overall tone of the book was extremely dark and disturbing, without a balanced emotional perspective. The book also includes an excessive

amount of explicit content, leading us to question its appropriateness for high school readers, especially without guidance,” the review stated. In a summary of the appealers’ concerns, they argued the book’s “sexually explicit excerpts involving minors” was inappropriate for high school readers. Editor’s note: This story has been edited for space. For more on Buncombe County Schools’ book ban, go to avl.mx/dd5. Expanded coverage of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners’ Feb. 6 meeting can be found at avl.mx/dcx. X

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2024 ELECTION VOTER GUIDE

2024

Primary Election GUIDE As the saying goes, “All politics is local.” At Xpress, we firmly believe this, which is why we’ve focused our primary election guide on local races that pertain specifically to Buncombe County. There will be a lot of new faces on local boards, offices, councils and benches. Asheville Vice Mayor Sandra Kilgore is one of several officials who has decided to not seek reelection. Others include Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Chair Brownie Newman and Commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara. District Judges J. Calvin Hill and Andrea Dray are also stepping down. In all, there are local primary races for Asheville City Council, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, the District Court, the Clerk of Superior Court and the U.S. House. Early in-person voting begins Thursday, Feb. 15, and runs through Saturday, March, 2. If you have not registered to vote, you may do so through same-day registration at early voting stations. Early voting hours are 8 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Saturday hours are 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Early voting on Sunday will only be held Feb. 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The last day to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 5 p.m. The absentee return deadline is Tuesday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m. The primary election is Tuesday, March 5. The Buncombe County Board of Elections has more information about when and where to vote at avl.mx/6wz. For additional information, visit the N.C. State Board of Elections at avl.mx/dcy.

— Lisa Allen X

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2024 ELECTION VOTER GUIDE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES

U.S. House 11 Two years ago, the primary race for District 11 between then-state Sen. Chuck Edwards of Hendersonville and the controversial U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn drew national attention. This time around, the primary between now-U.S. Rep. Edwards and Christian Reagan has been relatively quiet. Edwards, who owns multiple McDonald’s fast-food franchises, did not respond to requests from Xpress to participate in this voter guide. In a November reelection campaign announcement he said he is running again to “restore our nation’s fiscal sanity, protect our freedoms, hold the Biden administration accountable and enable Americans to succeed.” Edwards did make news last year when he wrote a commentary in the Cherokee One Feather urging members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to vote against a bill legalizing recreational marijuana. That initiative passed by a wide margin. Edwards has also co-sponsored several proposed laws that would make it easier to buy firearms and would restrict or prohibit the government from intervening, according to reporting from Asheville Watchdog. Reagan, Edwards’ primary opponent, is a mortgage lender from the far western town of Hayesville, where he moved from Texas with his wife to retire. Reagan says he is running for federal office because the country “has been sold out and destroyed from within by the elite class in Washington, D.C.,” according to his website. In November 2023, Democratic state Rep. Caleb Rudow announced his bid to challenge the Republican nominee for the seat and awaits the winner in the general election.

CHRISTIAN REAGAN

THE QUESTIONS Will you accept the outcome of the 2024 election?

Of course.

How do you differentiate yourself from your opponent?

I am a true fiscal conservative that understands the current dangers related to both the national debt and federal deficit spending. We are broke as a nation and we must reverse the fiscal insanity in Washington, D.C.

What are your positions on supporting Ukraine and Israel?

I would not approve another penny to the war effort in Ukraine. It is a corrupt country that is being used as a slush fund for the global elites. Israel is a different story. The existence of the country has dated back 4,000 years. They have a right to exist as an independent country. Her standing in the Middle East represents freedom for its people. The United States should never turn its back on the state of Israel.

What part of the national conversation do you agree with, and how do you think it should be addressed?

The second-most important issue facing this nation is that of securing the southern border. An invasion into this country began three years ago. Ten million illegal immigrants have entered this nation from 117 different countries. We must secure the border by using the military, complete the border wall and begin the difﬁculty of removing all illegals from our country.

What are the top three issues facing residents in WNC that Congress can address?

• Fiscal insanity in Washington, D.C., has caused unbelievable inflation and higher interest rates for the citizens within WNC. • Out-of-control illegal immigration within all WNC communities. • The lack of support of law enforcement officers within our state, counties and municipalities within WNC.

— Greg Parlier X

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Website: Reaganforcongress.com Occupation: Semiretired, Owner of Smoky Mountain Mortgage, LLC Previous candidacy or ofﬁces held: City councilman in Whitehouse, Texas, 2000-01

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2024 ELECTION VOTER GUIDE

Buncombe County Board of Commissioners

JENNIFER HORTON

MATT KERN

Website: electjenniferhorton.com Occupation: CEO Living Waters Enterprises, LLC Previous candidacy or ofﬁces held: None

Website: mattkernforcommission. com Occupation: Green-home builder for M.C. Kern Contracting, Inc. Previous candidacy or ofﬁces held: Candidate for Buncombe County Board of Commissioners in 2016

How do you differentiate yourself from your primary component?

I am competent, conﬁdent, and capable, with a proven ability to adapt, evolve, and grow. These qualities, coupled with my dedication to Buncombe County, differentiate me. Differentiation qualities: Lifelong Buncombe County resident, resilience and triumph over adversity, comprehensive understanding of county services, hands-on community service, workforce re-entry and housing initiatives, mental health and healthcare awareness. In summary, my unique background, unwavering commitment to community service, entrepreneurship, and deep connection to Buncombe County distinguish me as a candidate who truly understands the community’s needs. My experiences and perspective are poised to make a meaningful and lasting impact on Buncombe County’s future.

Experience, leadership and community service. I’ve spent the last 25 years giving countless hours of my time coaching youth sports and serving on many diverse boards and commissions dealing with early childhood education, parks and greenways, school construction and higher education. I currently serve on the Public Schools Capitalization Board, the WNC Nature Center Board, the A-B Tech Foundation Board and the A-B Tech Board of Trustees where I am the past chair. I have established myself as a trusted problem solver over these many years. If elected there won’t be a learning curve. I can contribute on day one.

Do you think STRs are adequately regulated in the county?

STRs are essential to our local economy and tourism industry. It is crucial to maintain a balance between allowing STRs to thrive and ensuring they are regulated to mitigate potential negative impacts on our communities. Assessing regularly and adjusting regulations to address challenges such as neighborhood impacts, housing availability, and taxation. A collaborative approach is essential to determine the adequacy of STR regulations. Considering diverse perspectives can develop effective regulations and support the STR industry. In essence, it is an ongoing process that requires continuous evaluations and adjustments to ensure fairness, balance, and compliance with our community’s changing dynamics.

To my knowledge, there is no regulation of STRs in the county. I feel that there needs to be a serious conversation about looking at some sort of regulation for STRs, speciﬁcally those owned by outside entities such as corporate interests and absentee owners who don’t consider the effects that STRs can have on a neighborhood and the sense of community.

What should the commission prioritize in the 2025 budget?

The priorities for the 2025 budget for Buncombe County should align with the needs and aspirations of our community. To ensure a prosperous and thriving county, I believe the commission should prioritize the following key areas: Education, mental health services, affordable housing, infrastructure, sustainable growth, public health, community engagement, economic development and environmental sustainability. The 2025 budget should reﬂect our commitment to improving the quality of life for all the people in Buncombe County. Focusing on these priorities can add to a brighter, more inclusive and resilient future for our community.

Affordable housing, education, forest and farmland protection, mental health and drug interdiction services and expanding EMS services.

How should the county address affordable housing?

Increase affordable housing stock, publicprivate partnerships, use of public lands incentives for homeownership tenant protections, affordable housing trust fund, affordable housing tax credits, preservation of existing affordable housing, transportation access and community engagement.

This will require a multifaceted approach because there is no simple solution to this complex issue. First, continue to evaluate county-owned land for the purpose of building affordable housing such as the Ferry Road project. Second, create incentives for existing long-term landlords to accept housing vouchers. Third, look into incentives for STR owners to be long-term landlords. Fourth, ﬁgure out how to offer down-payment assistance for homebuyers, especially those in “missing middle.” I think these are a good start.

Does the county fairly appraise properties for tax purposes? Why or why not?

The fairness of property appraisals for tax purposes is a critical aspect of the local tax system, and is essential to maintain transparency and equity in this process. However, like any assessment system, there is always room for improvement. Important elements: equity, trust in the tax system, areas for improvement, accuracy, transparency, community engagement, appeals process and regular reassessment. In summary, while the county’s property appraisal system may generally be fair, there are always areas for improvement to enhance accuracy, transparency, and community engagement. Continuous efforts to reﬁne.

Probably not. I think the majority of homeowners’ tax bills are in line with their neighbors but there are documented cases where some folks pay too much, and others pay too little. We need a better system of evaluating what is a fair amount for everyone.

District 1 In addition to the dizzying changes from redrawn district lines for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara announced she would not seek reelection, creating one incumbent-free race. There are four candidates running for District 1, which includes eastern and southern Buncombe County — two Democrats and two Republicans. It’s the only primary contest for the county commission. On the Democratic side, Matt Kern, a green home builder who lives in the Riceville area, ran for a commission seat in 2016, losing to Nancy Nehls Nelson in the primary. Jennifer Horton, a registered nurse who manages residential family and elder care homes across Buncombe County, is a newcomer to politics. On the Republican side, Paul Benjamin, who lives in South Asheville, is a life coach, preacher and author who has not run or held office before. He’s running against Rondell Lance, a retired police officer who is in his 22nd year as president of the Asheville chapter of the Fraternal Order of the Police. Incumbents Terri Wells, District 2, and Parker Sloan, District 3, are running unopposed in November’s general election. Amanda Edwards, who is running for Chair to replace Brownie Newman, may face former Sheriff Van Duncan in the general election. Duncan, who is unaffiliated, launched a petition campaign to get on the ballot.

— Greg Parlier X

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2024 ELECTION VOTER GUIDE REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES

PAUL BENJAMIN

RONDELL LANCE

Website: renewbuncombe.com Occupation: Minister, speaker and founder and president of Life Centers Global Previous candidacy or ofﬁces held: None

LANCE DID NOT RESPOND TO MULTIPLE REQUESTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE XPRESS VOTER GUIDE.

I have over 40 years of experience impacting and mentoring men, women and youth in various communities. I have coached mayors, city managers, police chiefs and pastoral leaders on how to impact their communities.

Government overreach can destroy the creative entrepreneurial drive of the citizens they are supposed to serve. We need a healthy balance in our laws and regulations.

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Crime prevention, intervention, treatment, and enforcement. Safety and security, law and order, reduce regulations. Infrastructure improvements and smart housing solutions to reduce taxes and mitigate homelessness. Address the school and prison issues in the county.

We are taxing families out of the market. Property appraisals are inﬂated to capitalize on the West Coast buyers entering the region with cash after selling their one-bedroom house for $600,000.

Appraisals are to beneﬁt the government tax base. Higher appraisals equals more tax revenue for the government. Lower taxes will put more money back into family budgets for their children.

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2024 ELECTION VOTER GUIDE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

Clerk of Superior Court

JEAN MARIE CHRISTY Website: christyforclerk.com Occupation: Interim Clerk of Superior Court

THE QUESTIONS Two Democrats are running for Clerk of Superior Court, following Clerk Steve Cogburn’s unexpected retirement in January 2023, announced shortly after his 2022 reelection. The role is a hybrid administrative and judicial position. Along with filing, processing, indexing and preserving court documents, the clerk supervises more than 60 employees and serves as a probate judge. When on the bench, the clerk determines the legality of wills, appoints and removes representatives for family estates, and presides over incompetency and guardianship proceedings. The position is a four-year term.

I’m running to keep this position because I love the job! I grew up in the Buncombe County Courthouse. My dad, Bob Christy, was the Clerk of Superior Court from 1990 to 2008. What I saw then and continue to see now is that the clerk’s ofﬁce has the greatest impact on courthouse culture. If we are helpful, courteous, professional and compassionate to all who come in the courthouse, then we set the tone and can make the often overwhelming legal processes and experiences more understandable and positive.

I worked for 10 years as the chief hearing officer in the clerk’s office. I would like to continue and expand the work I accomplished working for Clerk Steve Cogburn: to improve and ensure the office’s public-service culture and coordinate and expand communication with all offices in the courthouse. This is crucial for the efficient running of the courthouse. I have the experience and reputation to ensure that cooperation occurs.

How will you make the court more efﬁcient?

The N.C. Administrative Ofﬁce of the Courts system is transitioning from a paper-based system to an electronic-based system and will go live in Buncombe County in July, and I will be the leader at the courthouse for this change. To prepare for this exciting transition, I have accessed trainings to eCourts online and in person in Raleigh at the AOC ofﬁce. I have workshopped challenges with counties where eCourts has already gone live and have prepared our staff as best as possible for this change. This transition will require energy, tenacity and positivity, and my staff and I are excited for this challenge.

The upcoming transition to eCourts will help with efficiency, however office systems and practices must be modernized. We must have improved and expanded conversations with the public and employees regarding the various responsibilities, functions and limits of the office. We must improve community service and satisfaction. No one wants to lose an hour, much less a day, traveling from office to office in the courthouse trying to get an answer to a single question. If you spend less time in a courthouse, your voice is heard, equal respect is given, and just results are reached, then the clerk’s office is doing its job.

What in your background makes you well qualiﬁed for this position?

I was born and raised here in Buncombe County, where I went to Reynolds. Go Rockets! Growing up here, I learned that treating people kindly and hearing their problems, even if you don’t have the ability to solve them, is one of the most effective ways to serve the public. Before becoming clerk, I was an assistant public defender. I loved being a public defender because I served people in their time of great need. This offered an unparalleled education in understanding the courthouse, the legal system and how to work within a larger framework while addressing individual needs.

Experience matters. For 10 years I was the chief hearing ofﬁcer for the clerk. I judged cases concerning estates, probate, partitions of real property, bank foreclosures, adoptions and name changes, among other things. I earned a reputation as a judge who listens closely, reasons carefully and makes the right decisions. My work as an attorney has taken me to every type of court at the Buncombe County Courthouse — criminal, juvenile, family law, civil, small claims and matters before the clerk. All of this experience makes me most qualiﬁed to be the next clerk of Superior Court for Buncombe County.

How will you balance being an independent judge and elected ofﬁcial in a partisan race?

The clerk’s job is to serve all citizens of Buncombe County and anyone who has business in the Buncombe County Courthouse. We are dedicated to maintaining an ofﬁce that focuses on access to justice. It’s critical and required to follow the rules of evidence, and I think it’s also important to allow people to tell as much of their story as they can. Only then can you get a picture of what is really going on in the case, in order to make the most equitable and fair decision possible.

There is nothing partisan in determining matters such as does this person need a guardian? Is this name change reasonable? Or does this real property need to be sold to pay estate debts? When hearing cases, I believe in allowing all parties the opportunity to be heard. I then assess the credibility of the evidence and apply that evidence to the law. While the position of clerk of court is decided in a partisan election, there should be nothing partisan in the ofﬁce. Not in hiring, not in how we decide cases and not in how we treat the public.

•

YEARS •

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Website: johannaforclerk.com Occupation: Attorney at Sneed & Stearns in Black Mountain

Why are you running?

— Lisa Allen X

JOHANNA FINKELSTEIN

ntain X

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2024 ELECTION VOTER GUIDE

N.C. District Court Judge, District 40 Seat 6 Two of seven District Court judgeships in Buncombe County are open after Chief Judge J. Calvin Hill and Judge Andrea Dray chose not to seek reelection. District judges preside over civil cases involving less than $25,000, divorce, mental health hospital commitments, child custody and support cases, almost all misdemeanors and probable cause hearings in felony cases. They also handle juvenile proceedings including abuse, neglect and delinquency. Each judge is elected to a four-year term. Since 2018, Superior and District Court judgeships in North Carolina have been partisan. Because no Republicans filed to run in this year’s local races, the winner of the primary election will be unopposed in the general election.

What differentiates you from your primary opponent?

I am a mom, small-business owner and community volunteer. I have 20 years of courtroom experience with focusing in family law and appellate cases. I’m known for actively listening and demonstrating depth of knowledge. Judge Dray is retiring her seat in Uniﬁed Family Court. I have appeared before over 60 different judges in 20 different counties. I have been named attorney of record for 766 cases in civil District Court matters in Buncombe County, alone. My opponent works for an important advocacy organization but lacks the substantial courtroom experience, having only 55 cases that she is named attorney of record.

I’ve dedicated my career to nongovernmental public interest law in service to the vulnerable people in our community who need but can’t afford attorneys. I have tried hundreds of cases and I have also served on boards, run task forces, managed programs and staff, raised money for nonproﬁts and written millions of dollars worth of grants to fund housing and programs for the unhoused. This work has honed my skills of collaboration, writing, speaking in public and interacting with various types of people. I have learned patience, composure and emotional maturity, which are vital for the service of a judge.

Do you lean more toward the letter of the law or the spirit of the law?

As a trial lawyer, I analyze cases depending on the case. I analyze criminal cases from a letterof-the-law perspective, as the state is responsible to present evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that a person charged with a crime committed it as outlined by the statute. My work ensures my client’s constitutional due process rights are protected. Conversely, much of the work in civil District Court requires the interpretation of the statutes through the application of relevant case law. My experience matters, as a good judge analyzes the thousands of cases that shaped the law.

Our system for establishing law can move very slowly and is often behind the changes of society. It is important to examine both what the law is saying and what is intended by what the law is saying. Using the principles of fairness and due process, a judge can take what is written in the law and apply it to the facts as appropriate. As for judicial philosophy, established judges tell me that I won’t develop my own until I become a judge. The approach of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is an approach I seek to emulate.

Are there any diversion programs that Buncombe County does not have but you think it should?

Mental health issues impact every aspect of District Court — from Family Court, to matters of juvenile abuse or neglect, and in criminal courts. Mental Health Courts, or better known as Wellness Courts, are operational in seven of the 100 counties in North Carolina. Buncombe County is currently not one of them. The goal of Wellness Courts is to facilitate cooperation between state mental health systems, local mental health providers and our court system. If elected, I would serve my community by exploring what more can be done for mental health wellness to implement available resources that people need.

I’m a strong believer in both diversion programs and specialty treatment courts, such as Veterans Treatment Court. They reduce recidivism by trying to address the underlying issues that bring a person into the court system. I’d like us to add a Mental Health Court (as seven counties have). It would facilitate cooperation between the state mental health system, mental health service providers and the court. Repeat adult offenders needing mental health services could receive services aimed at improving their ability to function in the community, thereby reducing recidivism. I’d like us to develop a homelessness specialty court; none exist in North Carolina.

How will you balance being an independent judge and an elected ofﬁcial in a partisan race?

There was a time in recent history that judicial elections were nonpartisan. The work of a District Court judge does not raise partisan issues. One would never decide whether someone is guilty of driving while impaired, establish his/her/their child support or decide matters of property division based upon the litigant’s politics. Judges and judicial candidates are governed by the Code of Judicial Conduct. The Code of Conduct allows judicial candidates to identify with a political party but restricts judicial candidates from giving any opinion about any issue that could be before them. I will honor these rules with integrity.

I’ve prioritized collaboration and cooperation over partisanship throughout my career. As I campaign, I talk about my belief in the value of all people and that we all should be able to access justice regardless of the things that make us different. Judges are required to be fair and impartial and to follow the Code of Judicial Conduct. The code has requirements for not only judges but also for candidates. We’re allowed to raise money for ourselves and our political party. We cannot endorse other candidates or donate to their campaigns. We cannot express opinions about pending or existing legislation.

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Website: robinforjudge.com Occupation: Managing attorney, Pisgah Legal Services

So that I can continue to serve our community and bring my compassion and experience into every courtroom decision. For the past 23 years, I have served at Pisgah Legal Services. It is a nonproﬁt legal services organization whose mission is to pursue justice by providing legal services and advocacy to help low-income people in WNC meet their basic needs and improve their lives, a mission that I share personally. I’ll draw on my values, education, courtroom experiences (hundreds of cases in small claims, District and Superior courts) and managing attorney experience (overseeing programs, supervising attorneys) as a judge.

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Website: emilysuttondezio.com Occupation: Attorney at Emily Sutton Dezio, P.A.

I’m running for District Court judge to serve our community because of my extensive Family Court and trial experience. If you step in District Court, you will see hearings about custody, property division, alimony, juvenile neglect/abuse, trafﬁc matters, misdemeanors including assaults and DWIs. You will see victims of domestic violence and hearings about child support. Buncombe deserves judges with experience in these sensitive and complicated matters — someone who knows the law and rules of court but understands how personal these issues are. Experience is the most reliable way to protect citizens and families who ﬁnd themselves in our court system.

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THE QUESTIONS

— Lisa Allen X

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2024 ELECTION VOTER GUIDE

N.C. District Court Judge, District 40 Seat 7 The insider’s guide

DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATES

TODD LENTZ Website: lentzforjudge.com Occupation: Attorney at DeVere Lentz & Associates

Website: meredithforjudge.com Occupation: Assistant district attorney

Why are you running?

I have practiced in Western North Carolina with a home base of Buncombe County for the past 23 years. During that time I have worked for individual clients trying to help them with their problems. I now feel it is time for me to serve all of the people of Buncombe County.

My primary motivation to run for District Court judge is to ensure that this seat is ﬁlled by someone who will provide fair and equitable leadership for our citizens of Buncombe County and who has the experience in our District Courts. I will provide that leadership and experience. I am a career public servant, Buncombe native, parent of two small children and a volunteer. In my work, case by case, I always work to be fair and equitable by looking at the individual circumstances involved. I have tried many of our community’s toughest criminal cases and advocated for victims in Buncombe County.

What differentiates you from your primary opponent?

Having worked for the past 23 years as a private attorney, I have represented clients in all aspects of District Court: criminal, civil, family law, child support, juvenile, restraining orders and cases involving the Department of Social Services. I have been the attorney of record for over 1,200 family law matters and over 4,000 criminal cases in Buncombe County alone. I have also appeared in District and Superior courts in the majority of counties in Western North Carolina as well as federal court. I feel that this experience and exposure has prepared me to step into any court in our county on Day 1 and competently proceed. My opponent, while being very prepared for criminal District Court as a prosecutor, would not be so prepared for all of the other things that a District Court judge does.

My demonstrated experience as a minister of justice and as an innovator in expanding alternatives to traditional, cookie-cutter, judicial processes set me apart from other candidates. I have dedicated my career to public service as an assistant district attorney for over 16 years. I have worked to expand Buncombe County’s treatment courts, diversion programs, driver’s license restoration and expunction clinics. This work is essential to my role as a minister of justice, which requires that I seek justice, not merely seek convictions. I am committed to fairness and equity in our court system and throughout our community.

Do you lean more toward the letter of the law or the spirit of the law?

All matters should be taken on a case-by-case basis, and in so doing, for justice to be served, some cases may require the presiding judge to follow the letter of the law, while other cases may lend themselves more toward the spirit of the law. I do not feel that a judge should lean either way but base their opinion on the evidence presented in each matter.

Both. If elected to be your next District Court judge, I am bound to follow the law as enacted by the legislature and to apply the law fairly and equitably to anyone who comes before me in court.

Are there any diversion programs that Buncombe County does not have but you think it should?

Through the hard work of many dedicated individuals, Buncombe County is fortunate enough to already have in place a large number of diversion programs, including misdemeanor and felony drug diversion programs and the Justice Resource Center, which helps individuals address anger management, substance abuse and mental health issues. We also have a number of treatment-oriented courts, such as Sobriety Court, Veterans Treatment Court, and SOAR Family Treatment Court, as well as an Adult Drug Treatment Court. None of our surrounding counties are lucky enough to have as many diversion programs as we do. At this time, I am not aware of any beneﬁcial diversion program that we do not already have in place. However, I am always open to seeing new ideas aimed at helping our residents and, if fortunate enough to be elected, I would have an open-door policy to listen to any thoughts on diversion programs and anything aimed at helping with the mental health and substance abuse issues facing many of our citizens.

I am proud to have had a role in the fact that Buncombe County now has ﬂourishing adult misdemeanor diversion and felony drug diversion programs, as well as our treatment courts, Sobriety Court, Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court. I supported all of them and have pleaded participants into all of those courts. I would like to add a Mental Health Court. Seven districts in North Carolina have implemented Mental Health Courts to facilitate cooperation between mental health systems and service providers and the court to reduce recidivism and link eligible offenders with mental health services.

How will you balance being an independent judge and an elected ofﬁcial in a partisan race?

I am not a politician, and I do not enjoy this process. If I am fortunate enough to be referred to as “your honor,” that is all I will be. I will serve the people of Buncombe County in a fair, just and impartial manner, and will not, under any circumstances, bow to any type of political pressure for any reason.

While the judicial elections are partisan races, if elected as a District Court judge, I will be serving all of Buncombe County. I strive to be equitable and fair in analyzing each case I review and seeking justice in each case. I am held to a unique ethical rule as a prosecutor, which is to seek to be a minister of justice. As a judge, I would treat each side fairly in reviewing the facts and applying those facts to the law before making a determination in each case.

THE QUESTIONS

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2024 ELECTION VOTER GUIDE

CHARLES “CJ” DOMINGO

KEVAN FRAZIER

Website: cj4avl.com Occupation: Operations supervisor, Securitas Loomis Previous candidacy or ofﬁces held: N/A

Website: kevan4avl.com Occupation: Owner of Well Played Games; executive director of community partnerships, Western Carolina University. Previous candidacy or ofﬁces held: N/A

How do you differentiate yourself from the other seven candidates?

I’ve almost certainly spent more time on the ground cleaning up the waste and garbage of the unhoused crisis than any other candidate. When I worked for the city, I oversaw weekend and event parking for Asheville’s public garages and lots, so I’ve also seen what a lack of transportation access means to visitors, residents and folks trying to go to work. I know ﬁrsthand that we cannot continue to ignore our problems, hoping for a perfect solution

Folks want to be part of a community they feel has their back. That’s the community that I want us to build. It’s what I’m drawn to naturally as an educator, business owner, advocate and native. I’m the executive director of Western Carolina University’s programs at Biltmore Park. It’s rewarding. I help people achieve for themselves and help attract high-paying jobs that support families. I’m an owner of Well Played Board Game Café and volunteer as an LGBTQ+ business adviser. At the end of each day, ensuring every neighbor feels heard, respected and served by the City Council is my goal.

Bike lanes, sidewalks and greenways have been a big deal lately. Should the city prioritize multimodal transportation?

As a part of a larger plan to address how people access and enjoy our unique mountain home, yes, absolutely. However, we must avoid building just to show that we did “something.” If a project is to be prioritized, it should be a responsible use of public funds that will improve access and/or quality of life for our residents.

Support for multimodal transportation is actually very old-school. We had more multimodal options in Asheville 100 years ago than we do today. There’s no one-size-ﬁts-all solution to transportation. Depending on why, where and when, the method that folks need to use for transportation will change. That’s why multimodal transportation is a necessity, not a novelty. Providing multimodal transportation, including mass transit, is a fundamental function of city government and a priority. Bike lanes, sidewalks and greenways are necessary infrastructure for any great city, and they create accessibility for our youngest, oldest, disabled and underresourced neighbors.

Public safety has been an issue in Asheville. How should the city and APD approach it?

Public safety is the cornerstone of the people’s trust in government and our laws and law enforcement must reflect that. According to Interim Chief Mike Lamb’s Jan. 25 interview with Asheville Citizen-Times, APD’s vacancies are behind the reduction in services offered to the public. We must attract and invest in more officers. Civilian Traffic Enforcers and Community Responders are good stop-gap measures, but not a complete solution. Enhanced community policing, a modernized community watch initiative and shrewd deployment of existing resources could help to restore the public’s trust.

The City Council’s principal role in public safety is to ensure that there is a well-trained and adequately staffed police force to serve our community. At present, we are understaffed. Recruitment that includes highly competitive compensation packages must be a priority. The community responder program that ensures that the right professionals (medical, peer support, police) are sent on each call is an incredible collaborative program that should continue. I am also excited about the recently announced partnership between the APD and the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Department and would like to see these kinds of collaborations continue.

What should the city’s primary approach be for affordable housing?

We must ensure that we are enticing the creation of affordable housing. Our zoning must be updated to encourage higher density developments, especially in locations close to downtown and areas with strong transit coverage. Meanwhile, we must enforce our rules against short-term rentals. I’d anticipate that public-private partnerships could help to expand our options while allowing the city to exercise more oversight during construction.

The lack of affordable housing in Asheville is directly tied to the very low inventory of houses and apartments. Hand-in-hand with that is requiring builders to provide units at 30%-50% of the area median income, in addition to some at 60%-80%. To increase inventory, the city needs to remove all barriers to thoughtful and responsible housing development for rentals and homeownership. As a small-business owner, I’ve experienced ﬁrsthand the stumbling blocks present in our current systems that make it difﬁcult and expensive to open a new business, and the same holds true for developing thoughtful, responsible housing.

How should the City of Asheville address homelessness?

The city’s approach should be compassionate and pragmatic. We should prioritize programs that encourage self-sufﬁciency while protecting public safety. The Continuum of Care model touted by HUD provides a framework that can be adapted for localized success. A crucial part of that success would likely involve calling upon and collaborating with local community groups that want to help, such as nonproﬁts and faith-based organizations.

The city should continue and fully realize the Continuum of Care model (CoC) because it leverages collaboration and centers the people who are in need. It brings together city and county government and nonproﬁt organizations to help our unhoused neighbors. The CoC model will make the system much easier for people to navigate. The city also needs to continue to pursue partnerships to provide more shelters and permanent housing. The city cannot solve homelessness, but it can support the agencies who can do this work best. Also, our community collaboration during Code Purple events is a lifesaving stopgap effort that should continue.

Asheville City Council The Asheville City Council will have at least one new face after the 2024 election. Incumbents Sage Turner and Kim Roney are seeking reelection, but Vice Mayor Sandra Kilgore is not. In total, eight candidates are running for those three seats in the primary election, and voters will be able to vote for only three. While Roney and Turner are using their current work on Council as the foundation of their campaigns, candidates Iindia Pearson and Tod Leaven plan to use their military experience to find solutions to some of the community’s most pressing issues. Kevan Frazier, owner of Well Played Board Game Café, prioritizes developing a safe and inclusive community and plans to collaborate with local nonprofits and organizations to bring in more affordable housing and better support the unhoused. Candidate Bo Hess says he will use his background as a social worker and a mental health clinician to implement a “compassion with action” model for addressing public safety. Candidate Charles “CJ” Domingo says he plans to focus on investing more into public safety and increasing staff at the Asheville Police Department. Candidate Taylon Breeden did not respond to Xpress’ request to participate in the voter guide. The number of candidates who go on to the general election is twice the number of open seats, so the top six voter-getters will advance to the general election. Council elections are nonpartisan.

THE QUESTIONS

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2024 ELECTION VOTER GUIDE

BO HESS

TOD LEAVEN

Website: electbohess.com Occupation: Clinical social worker, Western North Carolina Therapy and Consulting Previous candidacy or ofﬁces held: N/A

Website: todleaven4asheville.com Occupation: Partner/attorney, Leaven Law Firm PLLC Previous candidacy or ofﬁces held: N/A

How do you differentiate yourself from the other seven candidates?

I am a social worker, meaning that I have pledged my life to the service of humanity and social justice. My background as a social worker, mental health clinician, community advocate, addiction specialist, law enforcement trainer and professor at WCU equips me with expertise into Asheville’s critical social issues. I am the only candidate with profound insight into mental illness, crime and homelessness. These issues demand more than our attention. Electing me means choosing an experienced leader ready to bring effective solutions that will enhance the well-being of our city.

I ﬁrst moved to Asheville in 1985. I am a lawyer with land-use experience. I am a Democrat but will respect, talk to and work with everyone — Republicans, Democrats, independents, etc. I have a profound appreciation for our current unhoused crisis, as my twin sister died on the streets of Asheville, being unhoused for years. I am a combat veteran of the U.S. Army, so I know the importance of teamwork and being solutionminded as opposed to being blame-centric. I am a small-business owner.

Bike lanes, sidewalks and greenways have been a big deal lately. Should the city prioritize multimodal transportation?

Yes, Asheville should prioritize enhancing multimodal transportation. This commitment not only preserves our cherished green spaces but also fosters connectivity and inclusivity across neighborhoods. As a mental health professional, I recognize loneliness as a critical public health issue. As a social worker, I recognize the value of having walkable communities. By developing safe, accessible walkways and greenways, we promote economic opportunity and enrich the social fabric of our city. Multimodal transportation is vital in promoting a sense of community and well-being among all Asheville residents. My focus is on creating a more interconnected, healthier Asheville that everyone can access.

Yes, the city should prioritize all forms of transportation. Most people do not bike to Asheville from Raleigh, so we cannot ignore cars. Bikes and cars can both “win.” However, bikes, walking, etc., are important to our health, sustainability and city longevity. If we could build more affordable housing, the higher concentrated population would naturally support multimodal transportation.

Public safety has been an issue in Asheville. How should the city and APD approach it?

Public safety is the cornerstone of a ﬂourishing Asheville, where every resident feels secure to live, work and enjoy life. My approach combines compassion with action. By boosting outreach programs staffed with dedicated professionals (social workers/mental health experts), we can directly address challenges. True public safety considers the dignity and empowerment of our vulnerable. By focusing on restorative justice, the city can repair community relationships with police, experience I bring from my career. Our community needs public safety infrastructure to weave together a more resilient community fabric. Electing me means electing a proactive, humane approach to public safety.

The city should pay its police ofﬁcers signiﬁcantly more money. It is good that people feel they can support the police more openly now, but our police are terribly underpaid. Our police cannot afford to live in the city they serve and often can be viewed as outsiders, both politically and physically. This is a shame. We need to build more affordable housing so those who protect us are actually our neighbors.

What should the city’s primary approach be for affordable housing?

The key to Asheville’s affordable housing challenge is increasing diverse housing options — apartments, studios, work/live spaces, tiny-home villages and transitional shelters. Utilizing our city housing fund, we must increase the building of affordable units. Collaborations with local nonproﬁts and the support of community land trusts can offer stability for all residents. Additionally, housing and rent subsidies can be reassessed through current data and increased as needed. Through Council, we can streamline regulations and review zoning ordinances to facilitate the development of affordable housing. As a leader, I will bring together stakeholders to improve access to and scope of affordable housing.

Build more affordable housing. Simplify the [Uniﬁed Development Ordinance]. We need to develop sustainably and with equity, but we need to develop. We need to build more affordable housing. It is terrible that those who work in our city cannot afford to live in our city.

How should the City of Asheville address homelessness?

Increasing diverse housing options is crucial. A coordinated entry system is essential in connecting those experiencing homelessness with services/ transitional housing. Enhancing community safety and treating our most vulnerable with compassion is imperative. We should expand community paramedic programs, peer support and outreach services. Investing in wraparound services, including mental health, addiction treatment and job training will help individuals transition to stable, permanent housing. Innovative work programs could offer city employment on a daily basis, engaging in jobs like grafﬁti removal, park maintenance or assisting community events. The city should be engaged in creating pragmatic solutions to a complex issue.

Build more affordable housing. The city is doing a better and better job in addressing those whom are already in an unhoused crisis, and this should not be ignored, but the city is doing a terrible job in addressing the causes of homelessness. We absolutely need to build more affordable housing.

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2024 ELECTION VOTER GUIDE

IINDIA PEARSON

KIM RONEY

SAGE TURNER

TAYLON BREEDEN

Website: avl.mx/dcm Occupation: Owner of Miss P’s Cateringz and Delicious Dogz, contract bookkeeper Previous candidacy or ofﬁces held: N/A

Website: kimroney4asheville.com Occupation: Piano teacher Previous candidacy or ofﬁces held: Asheville City Council member since 2020

Website: sageforasheville.com Occupation: Finance and project manager, French Broad Food Co-Op Previous candidacy or ofﬁces held: Asheville City Council member since 2020

BREEDEN DID NOT RESPOND TO MULTIPLE REQUESTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE XPRESS VOTER GUIDE.

I don’t compare myself to the other candidates. I ask myself how and where can I contribute to the current Council and city as a whole. I have a plethora of experience that includes working in the public school system, working with those living in low-wealth communities, ﬁnance and bookkeeping, entrepreneurship, community advocacy, while having a military background as a mother of ﬁve, working with school-age children.

As a current Council member, I’m dedicated to representing working, poor and compassionate people, and to demanding accountability as unchecked tourism extracts our resources and burdens our infrastructure. I have the courage to say no — and the consistent leadership to say yes to: initiating urban forestry programming; protecting neighborhoods from hotel encroachment; identifying funds for deeply affordable housing, expanded transit and reparations; insisting on fair water rates to keep our water on; protecting renters, veterans, LGBTQ+ residents and reproductive rights; ending the behind-the-scenes check-in meetings; and pressing for living wages for city staff who provide the services our community deserves.

As an incumbent, I bring experience, including 10 years of affordable housing expertise and leadership for the city and four years with the county, where I oversaw [administration] of federal funds, housing projects, policies, grants and zoning. Additionally, I have decades of board service, including recruiting, hiring and managing numerous directors. I have lived as an Asheville resident for over 20 years. I raised my family here and have focused on community development and city activities just as long. I work downtown as a ﬁnance and project manager, I live in West Asheville and have a master’s degree in city planning.

Absolutely, it’s not always convenient or possible to ride the transit or afford to catch an Uber or cab. Bike lanes, sidewalks and greenways are a necessity for those on feet, bikes or otherwise. This contributes to community and public safety.

Owning a vehicle shouldn’t be a prerequisite for getting to work, shopping or school. We’ve been at the top of the list for most dangerous roads per capita in the state for over a decade; we must prioritize roads designed for everyone to get to their destination safely. Complete streets are good for the people who live and work here, for businesses and for meeting our carbon reduction goals. I am committed to budgets, plans and policies that make our roads safer for all commuters, including cyclists, pedestrians and drivers, and ADA [Americans with Disabilities Act] compliance to improve safety and accessibility for all.

Yes. The average resident spends 25% of their income on transportation. Half of our community is also cost burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on housing. Layer in the environmental damages of long commutes, trafﬁc, noise and emissions, and all signs point to improving options for other modes of transportation.

This should be a communitywide approach. It will take community policing by those in the community and APD to use a community approach while the city supports these efforts.

Everyone in Asheville deserves to be safe, but a narrow definition of public safety limits successes and creates new problems.True public safety identifies needs and utilizes correct tools. Sending the right person with the right tools and training during crises isn’t some far-off dream. We should partner to expand Buncombe’s Community Paramedicine program with staff uniquely qualified to connect people with behavioral health care and substance use treatment; bring Durham’s HEART program to Asheville; engage community health workers for violence interrupter programming; and regain our living wage certification so first responders can afford to live in the communities they serve.

Public safety is evolving and will continue to evolve. First responder jobs are harder, the needs are greater, more diverse, and resources struggle to keep up. Stafﬁng is down across the nation, and other economic issues like housing costs add additional strain on our local recruitment. Our best strategies are to continue efforts to restaff, focus on retention, lateral hires of experienced ofﬁcers, new recruits, new technology, diversion and partnerships with the county, community responders and regional agencies.

We should be setting a high standard for developers wanting to build, such as a request to accept a percentage of Housing Choice Vouchers and investing in local business and organizations for homeownership programs for those making under the AMI [area median income] and/or living wage.

Housing is too expensive, and so are costs of transportation and utilities. Asheville should initiate a community beneﬁts table for housing development that incentivizes deeply affordable housing for people who live and work in Asheville. Those beneﬁts should bolster neighborhood plans and prioritize housing development on infrastructure corridors close to jobs and grocery stores, increase transit frequency so people can spend more time at home with their families instead of buying another car, and keep utility costs in check, which is why I’ve set the standard in calling for renewable energy options in every new residential development.

Produce, preserve, diversify and focus. We need more homes. We also have a quality of life to preserve, with neighborhoods growing quicker than their infrastructure and ownership becoming harder to achieve. Growth is inevitable. We have a responsibility to focus growth along existing infrastructure, near transportation options, jobs and amenities. If we want to protect neighborhoods, we will upzone all major corridors and let them be developed. If we want to grow ownership, we will need to diversify our housing types, including townhomes, courtyards, ADUs [accessory dwelling units], duplexes and more. If we want to preserve existing affordable units, we will need to grow repair programs and funding.

We address this with the homeless population and those organizations that represent that population. They both need to be at the table to strategize and develop a plan that will work.

The city is responsible for the safety of everyone in our community, regardless of economic or housing status. How we relate to neighbors experiencing homelessness is fundamental to improving communitywide quality of life. Reducing homelessness means mitigating crises effectively, removing barriers to shelter, getting and keeping people housed, and providing services centering on people with lived experience. As Council liaison to the Homeless Initiative Advisory Committee, I’m committed to the recommendations in the National Alliance to End Homelessness report and invite readers to join the new Continuum of Care as we implement recommendations to reduce homelessness in our community by 50%.

Our focus is on making homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring. Asheville-area nonproﬁts, service agencies and organizations have tremendous capacity to help those in need, whether it is housing, temporary crises, mental health-related, domestic violence or addiction. In recent years, we’ve learned we need systemwide strategies for organizing and teaming up with these agencies to isolate gaps in the Continuum of Care. We also need to understand our capacity; we do have limits. We need more permanent supportive housing, more rapid rehousing options, more preventive efforts and a much larger effort and funding from the state and federal governments.

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affirming and inclusive space for queer and gender non-conforming individuals. SU (2/18), 1:30pm, W Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd

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Barre Fusion A high energy low impact practice that shapes, sculpts, and tones the body like a dancer. No experience necessary, open to all levels. MO (2/19), 10am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

 Online-only events  More info, page 33  More info, page 28-30 WELLNESS Community Yoga & Mindfulness Free monthly event with Inspired Change Yoga that will lead you into a morning of breathwork, meditation and yoga. Bring your own mat. WE (2/14), 11:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave Tai Chi Fan This class helps build balance and whole body awareness. All ages and ability levels welcome. Fans will be provided. WE (2/14, 21), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Therapeutic Recreation Adult Morning Movement Active games, physical activities, and sports for individuals with disabilities ages 17 and over. Advanced registration at avlrec. com required. WE (2/14, 21), 10am, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave Tai Chi for Balance A gentle Tai Chi exercise class to help improve balance, mobility, and quality of life. All ages are welcome. WE (2/14, 21), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Mettā Meditation In-person guided meditation focused on benevolence & loving-kindness. Open to beginners and experienced practitioners. MO (2/19), 7pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Free Zumba Gold Fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. Free, but donations for the instructor are appreciated. For more information please call (828) 350-2058. WE (2/14, 21), noon, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Dharma & Discuss People coming together in friendship to meditate, learn and discuss the Dharma. Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome. TH (2/15, 22), 6:30pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain Nia Dance Fitness A sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts and healing arts. TH (2/15, 22), 9:30am, TU (2/20), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Chair Yoga A gentle yoga practice while seated and/ or with the aid of a chair. Well suited for those who may find other yoga classes too challenging. TH (2/15, 22), 10am, Asheville Community Yoga Center, 8 Brookdale Rd

ART

ORAL HISTORY: Asheville-based storyteller and character actor Becky Stone portrays Pauli Murray at Calvary Presbyterian Church USA on Sunday, Feb. 18, starting at 3 p.m. Murray was a lawyer, civil rights and women’s rights activist, poet and a groundbreaking force in changing the dynamics of race and gender relations in this country. Photo courtesy of Sarah Snyder Tai Chi for Beginners A class for anyone interested in Tai Chi and building balance, whole body awareness and other health benefits. TH (2/15, 22), MO (2/19), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Qigong for Health A part of traditional Chinese medicine that involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind and spirit. FR (2/16), TU (2/20), 9am, SA (2/17), 11am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Creative Flow: Yoga in the Galleries A creative flow experience that combines the beauty of art with the power of mindful movement. All-levels are welcome. Please bring your own mat. SA (2/17), 9:30am, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Yoga for Everyone A free-in person yoga class for all ages and abilities that is led by alternating teachers. Bring your own mat, water bottle and mask. Registration required. SA (2/17), 9:30am, Black Mountain Presbyterian, 117 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Magnetic Minds: Depression & Bipolar Support Group Free weekly peer-led meeting for those living with depression, bipolar, and related mental health challenges. Email depressionbipolarasheville@gmail.com or contact (828) 367-7660 for more info. SA (2/17), 2pm, 1316 Ste C Parkwood Rd Wild Souls Authentic Movement w/Renee Trudeau Enjoy release, movement and connection with like-minded women.

SU (2/18), 9:30am, Dunn's Rock Community Center, 461 Connestee Rd, Brevard Winter Flow w/Jamie Knox This class builds heat in the body and releases excess water, so we can be our strongest and fittest, boosting our immune system and staving off depression. No need to pre-register. Walk-ins welcome. SU (2/18), 10:30am, One World Brewing W, 520 Haywood Rd Gentle Yoga for Queer & GNC Folks This class is centered towards creating an

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Valentine's Day Ready Set Throw: Date Night Pottery Class Sip a glass of wine and nibble on chocolates while you explore the sensual aspects of clay. You can dig your hands in the clay, or work on a piece together. WE (2/14), 7pm, Odyssey Clayworks, 236 Clingman Ave Vera B. Williams: Stories This retrospective will showcase the complete range of award-winning author and illustrator Vera B. Williams' life and work. It will highlight her time at Black Mountain College, her political activism in addition to her work as an author and illustrator. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through May. 11, 2024. Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts Exhibition Featured in this exhibit are Arrowmont’s nationally and internationally recognized practicing artists and university workshop instructors. Open daily, 10am. Exhibition through May 1, 2024. Folk Art Center, 382 Blue Ridge Pkwy Spark of the Eagle Dancer: The Collecting Legacy of Lambert Wilson This exhibition celebrates the legacy of Lambert Wilson, a passionate collector of contemporary Native American art. Gallery open Tuesday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition through June 28, 2024 WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee

Western North Carolina Glass: Selections from the Collection Western North Carolina is important in the history of American glass art. A variety of techniques and a willingness to push boundaries of the medium can be seen in this selection of works. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through April 15, 2024. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square Black History: Through The Eyes of Art Opening Reception Take a look at Black history through the eyes of local artists and how they acknowledge and honor the past. FR (2/16), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St American Art in the Atomic Age: 1940–1960 This exhibition features works created during the 1940s–1960s. Much of the art during this time expressed the uncertainty of the era, often relying on automatism and biomorphic forms. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through April 29, 2024. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square A New Approach to the Art of Arts & Crafts w/Mike McCue Mike McCue will present a behind-thescenes program that will showcase rare and unique artworks from the Museum’s Collection. SA (2/17), 3pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square Counter/Balance: Gifts of John & Robyn Horn A presentation of important examples of contemporary American craft, including woodworking, metalsmithing, fiber and pottery by renowned American artists. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through July. 29, 2024. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square Artwork of Leaflin Lore Winecoff Experience Leaflin's artistic evolution showcased in this exhibition, where diverse works capture the essence of her creative journey spanning the past few years. Gallery open Monday through Friday, 8:30am. Exhibition through March 2. John M. Crawford Jr. Gallery, 360 Asheville School Rd The Colton Dion Gallery: Stepping Out The exhibition features an evening filled with intrigue dialogue, and a profound appreciation for the power of art to evoke emotion and

provoke thought. TH (2/22), 6pm, Phil Mechanic Studios, 109 Roberts St

COMMUNITY MUSIC An Evening Concert w/ Sam Waymon An exclusive performance of musical brilliance, showcasing Waymon's eclectic fusion of classic R&B, rock, soul and funk with infusions of blues and jazz. See p28-29 FR (2/16), 7pm, Warren Wilson College, 701 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa John McCutcheon A special evening with prolific and celebrated folk musician, singer songwriter and storyteller, John McCutcheon. FR (2/16), 7pm, AyurPrana Listening Room, 312 Haywood Rd Melanie DeMore: An Interactive Singing Experience A community singing session led by Melanie DeMore, which promises to be a feast for the soul and a joyous celebration of music for all ages. The Community singing session will be followed by a potluck dinner. See p29 SA (2/17), 3:30pm, The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville Sanctuary, 1 Edwin Place Amanda Anne Platt & The Honeycutters The Hendersonville Theatre welcomes Americana band, Amanda Anne Platt & the Honeycutters to its Hometown Sound Music Series. SA (2/17), 7:30pm, Hendersonville Theatre, 229 S Washington St, Hendersonville Whitewater Bluegrass Co. CD Release This album is a tour through Americana music, truly highlighting the different musical influences that have shaped the band’s sound and their audience interactions. SA (2/17), 7:30pm, Madison County Arts Council, 90 S Main St, Marshall Asheville Symphony Presents Masterworks 4: Classical Romance Indulge in a delightful evening of truly Classical music featuring Mozart’s Symphony No. 40, also known as the Great G-minor Symphony. SA (2/17), 8pm, SU (2/18), 3pm, Wortham Center For The Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave Russ Wilson Sings Songs of Love & Other 4 Letter Words Enjoy an evening of love songs, and other 4 letter words curated by the larger than life band

leader and crooner, Russ Wilson. SA (2/17), 8pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain Mark's House Jam & Beggar's Banquet Potluck Bring an open heart and potluck dish to share with an amazing community of local musicians from around the globe. SU (2/18), 3pm, Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside Dr Asheville Jazz Orchestra: Swing An evening of swing dance music with Asheville Jazz Orchestra band. There will be free beginner dance lessons at 6:30pm. SU (2/18), 7:30pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain Wise Words Open Mic You can rhyme or not, tell a story, sing a song, or even get something off your chest in a creative way. TU (2/20), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St Citizen Swing The fun starts with some cool, old jazz vinyl, and then continues with live sets by Connor Law and Adam Rose. WE (2/21), 6pm, Citizen Vinyl, 14 O Henry Ave Dark City Songwriter Round: Beth Lee, Darren Nicholson & Brian Hiligoss A new series focusing on talented local, regional, and national songwriters who both write and sing their original compositions. WE (2/21), 7pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

LITERARY Asheville Storyslam: Love Hurts Prepare a five-minute tale about a love that made you go ouch. Bring stories of your heart, kicked to the curb by the people or places or things you love or used to love. TH (2/15), 7:30pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave Juniper Bends February Reading A post-Valentine's Day exploration of love in all its forms. Featuring readers Sabastian Matthews, Amy Reed, Tony Robles and Kelly Kelbel. FR (2/16), 7pm, Flatiron Writers Room Literary Center, 5 Covington St The Language of God: Book Study A testament to the power of faith in the midst of suffering without faltering from its logical stride.

TU (2/20), 10am, Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave W, Hendersonville The Fetishist by Katherine Min Kayla Min Andrews sits down with M. Randal O'Wain in-conversation to talk about The Fetishist by Katherine Min. There will be a Q&A portion followed by a book signing. TU (2/20), 6pm, Malaprop's Bookstore and Cafe, 55 Haywood St

THEATER & FILM Drum Tao (夢幻響): Student Series The Student Series is open to school groups, homeschoolers, community groups and families. WE (2/14), 10am, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave Incident at Our Lady of Perpetual Help A hilarious, memory play following 19 year old Linda O’Shea and her family as they attempt to evade the nosy parish priest. WE (2/14, 21), TH (2/15, 22), SA (2/17), 7:30pm, FR (2/16), 2pm, North Carolina Stage Co., 15 Stage Ln Drum Tao (夢幻響) Experience the thrilling rhythms of Japan, the electrifying energy of passionate, percussive performance and the otherworldly theatrical flair of these professional taiko drummers. WE (2/14), 7pm, Wortham Center For The Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave Blind Date Live Asheville's only live dating show that provides a fun and effective alternative to app-life. This Valentine's day edition will feature a post-show dance party with DJ Lil Meow Meow WE (2/14), 8pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave Free Staged Reading: Sex Workers' Revenge Playwright Lori Marra is offering a free staged reading of her play, Sex Workers’ Revenge. There will be an audience talkback after the reading. TH (2/15), 7pm, Attic Salt Theatre, The Mills at Riverside, 2002 Riverside Dr, Ste 42

WE TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY!

told through the eyes of four African-American women. This production is rated PG-13. FR (2/16), SA (2/17), 7:30pm, SU (2/18), 2:30pm, Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E Walnut St Sermon on the Plain Prepare to be moved as talented performers bring this powerful biblical narrative to life through beautiful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. SA (2/17), 7pm, SU (2/18), 3pm, St Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 768 Asbury Rd, Candler Story Parlor Presents: AVL Revue The first AVL Revue of the year shines the spotlight on some the beloved recurring events at Story Parlor, all while offering a glimpse into the year ahead. SA (2/17), 7pm, Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd Pauli Murray w/Becky Stone Becky Stone portrays Pauli Murray, who was a lawyer, civil rights and women's rights activist, episcopal priest, poet and a life-long friend of Eleanor Roosevelt. Free, but donations are accepted. SU (2/18), 3pm, Calvary Presbyterian Church, 44 Circle St

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Reasonably Priced Babies: The Pre-Presidents Day Show It's President's Day Eve and we aren't going to beat around the Bush to tell you to Grant us some time to Fillmore of your life with laughter. SU (2/18), 6:30pm, Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co., 675 Merrimon Ave

MEETINGS & PROGRAMS Eightfold Path Study Group A group will gather to study the Eightfold Path Program. Kris Kramer will host the group as a fellow participant and student. WE (2/14, 21), 3pm, Black Mountain Public Library, 105 N Dougherty St, Black Mountain

A Month of Sundays This show takes an honest look at what again is like, adjusting to a new environment in old age, facing the realities of aging and repairing relationships with family. FR (2/16), SA (2/17), SA (2/18), 7:30pm and 2pm, Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville

Butterfly & Flower Shadowbox Workshop w/Fran Ritchie Participants will learn how to spread their own butterflies and create 5x7" shadowbox scenes using dried plants and flowers, as well as a few other inspiring materials. WE (2/14), 5pm, Canopy Gallery in Art Garden, 191 Lyman St, Ste 316

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Find program details on our website or email us at WCUNursing@wcu.edu Information Sessions available!

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COM M U N I TY CA LEN DA R that help people discover their own inner strength and personal peace. WE (2/14, 21), 5pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave Aerial Silks Foundations Learn how to properly ascend, descend, and create stunning shapes on the silks while emphasizing safety and proper form. Participants of all ages and all abilities are welcome. WE (2/14, 21), 4pm and 5:30pm, Amethyst Realm, 244 Short Coxe Ave Valentine's Day Treasure Hunt: Walking Scavenger Hunt Use your treasure map to follow clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes on this unique Valentine's scavenger hunt through Downtown Asheville. The hunt typically takes about 60 minutes to complete. WE (2/14), 6pm, Dssolvr, 63 N Lexington Ave World of Games Grab a controller and beat your opponent on Xbox or PS5 playing games like Fortnite, Warzone, Madden NFL, and 2K basketball. Board and card games available for those not e-gaming. WE (2/14), 6:30pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Tomato Varieties for Home Gardens Master Gardener Phil Roudebush and Dr Reza Shekasteband will discuss tomato types and varieties, culture, and disease resistance. Register at avl.mx/dco to participate. TH (2/15), 10am, Online Intro To Belly Dance w/Diana Stone This intro class is intended to help us connect deeply with and love our bodies and to find freedom of movement and improved health and expression. It is for all ages, abilities and bodies. TH (2/15, 22), noon, The Well, 3 Louisiana Kids & Teens Kung Fu Learn fighting skills as well as conflict resolution and mindfulness. First class is free to see if it’s a good fit for you. TH (2/15, 22), MO (2/19), TU (2/20), 4pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Bingo-nasium Bring your friends for a night of bingo in the gym. TH (2/15), 2pm, Asheville Parks and Recreation, 70 Court Plaza

FEB. 14-20, 2024

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Third Thursday: Open Studio Social Third Thursdays are opportunities for artists to network, share ideas, and create together with extended gallery hours. TH (2/15), 5pm, Foundation Studios, 27 Foundy St The Foxy Chef: A Night of Vegan Cooking Two local chefs create a night of delicious vegan cooking. This class is open for anyone and everyone. TH (2/15), 5:30pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave Pinewood Derby Racing Go through a start-tofinish process shaping and designing, adding weights, and racing pinewood cars with a focus on creativity, friendly competition, and positive sportsmanship. TH (2/15, 22), 6:30pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave Craft & Connect Get crafty and acquire new skills while connecting with peers in your community. Registration is required. TH (2/15, 22), 7pm, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd Parents of Anxious Kids A parent's workshop for parents and caregivers of anxious kids with a private practice psychotherapist that holds 20 years of experience. FR (2/16), 9:30am, Sharon Hyman LCSW, 38 Hibriten Dr Random Acts of Flowers Creative Therapy: Floral Arrangement Workshop Learn how to create a floral arrangements in this workshop. You'll need to bring vases you can donate, garden snipes/scissors, friends and smile. FR (2/16), 11am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave Black History: E.W. Pearson & Burton Street A discussion on history of the Burton Street community and its founder, Mr. Edward W. Pearson. See p29-30 FR (2/16), 6pm, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St Black History: Stumptown Story Night Enjoy a hot meal and chance to share pictures, fond memories, and good times with friends and community members. FR (2/16), 6pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave Intro to Indoor Pickleball All equipment provided to learn skills needed

to play the game of pickleball. Advance registration at avlrec. com is required. FR (2/16), 6pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Satana Deberry, Durham DA: Pioneering Racial Justice in the Courts Satana Deberry, Durham County DA, will speak on how a progressive DA can insure public safety without increasing mass incarceration or the school to prison pipeline. FR (2/16), 7:30pm, Black Wall St AVL, 8 River Arts Pl Saturday Seminar: Pruning Tool Workshop This workshop will cover the different kinds of pruning tools, their uses, and their care. Bring your pruners and loppers to learn how to clean and sharpen them. SA (2/17), 10am, Buncombe County Cooperative Ext Center, 49 Mount Carmel Rd, Ste 102 Wildlife in Our Own Backyards Learn about Appalachian Wildlife Refuge’s mission, its origin story, and the broad range of animal species it serves in our region. SA (2/17), 10:30am, Anne Elizabeth Suratt Nature Center at Walnut Creek Preserve, 179 Wood Thrush Ln, Mill Spring Southside All-Star Weekend Compete against the best in three-point, skills, and 3-on-3 competitions to celebrate NBA All-Star Weekend. SA (2/17), 11am, Dr Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St Bid Whist Make bids, call trumps, and win tricks. Every Saturday for fun competition with the community. SA (2/17), 1pm, Dr Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St Bingo Commune with neighbors for a fun night of bingo with small prizes awarded to winners of each game. SA (2/17), 1pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Introduction to Reiki A great way to learn more about this ancient healing modality through a freewill donation. SA (2/17), 1pm, The Meditation Center in Sylva, 21 Browning Rd, Sylva Huntington's Disease Coffee Meetup Come hang out and meet others from

the HD community over coffees and conversation. SA (2/17), 2pm, Camden's Coffee House, 40 N Main St, Mars Hill Loving You, Loving Me, Loving Us: A Yoga Workshop for Couples Anjali Romaniuk will guide couples through a fun, supportive yoga class designed to “have each others backs.” SA (2/17), 5pm, Black Mountain Yoga, 116 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain Peer Support w/Jodi Ford Learn how certified peer support specialists, who have managed and overcome their substance use and mental wellness challenges, use their personal experience to help others with their life journeys. SU (2/18), 2:30pm, Ethical Humanist Society, 227 Edgewood Rd Weekly Sunday Scrabble Club Weekly scrabble play. All scrabble gear provided. SU (2/18), 1:30pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Sketchbook Club A bi-monthly gathering for sharing inspiration and collaborating on drawings while developing a consistent sketchbook MO (2/19), 6pm, Foundation Studios, 27 Foundy St Miniatures Class w/ Renae Dotson: Make a Canning Kitchen The focus of this class is to create lifelike food and movement in the scene. No experience is necessary and all materials are included in the class fee. TU (2/20), 10am, Twigs & Leaves Gallery, 98 N Main St, Waynesville Therapeutic Recreation Adult Crafting & Cooking A variety of cooking and crafts for individuals with disabilities ages 17 and over each week. Advance registration at avlrec.com is required. TU (2/20), 10am, Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd Free Six-Week Pottery Class Learn the basics of pottery in this six-week course. Start when it's convenient for you and continue for the next six weeks. Space limited, advance registration required. TU (2/20), 2pm, Grove St Community Center, 36 Grove St D.I. Wine Night: Paint & Sip Local artist Kelly Reese hosts an evening of wine and watercolors. You'll learn basic watercolor skills and go home with your own

frameable painting. WE (2/21), 5pm, Bears Snokehuse BBQ, 135 Coxe Ave Malvern Hills Park's Pool Discussion Asheville Parks and Recreation will host a community meeting to discuss the process that led to the difficult decision to not open the outdoor pool in Malvern Hills Park this year. Asheville residents are invited to attend. WE (2/21), 5:30pm, Haywood County Public Library, 11 Pennsylvania Ave, Canton Psychology Infused Marketing Explore the principles of consumer psychology to create more effective marketing campaigns. Use persuasive language, visuals, and framing techniques to influence your audience and build trust and credibility in your industry. Registration is required at avl.mx/dch. TH (2/22), 10am, Online Discovering Brand Strategy Embark on the journey of brand discovery, a pivotal phase for businesses of all sizes. Preregistration at avl.mx/dcv is required. TH (2/22), 10:30am, Online Change Your Palate Cooking Demo This free lunchtime food demonstration is open to all but tailored towards those with type 2 diabetes or hypertension and/or their caretakers. Our featured host is Change Your Palate's very own Shaniqua Simuel. TH (2/22), 4pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave Lifestyle Choices A group discussion for 14 to 19 year-olds that offers an opportunity for young males to engage in open discussion regarding their behaviors and community involvement. TH (2/22), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St Dharma & Discuss: Roger Hawkins Meditation followed by a dharma talk on Buddhist principles applied to daily life. Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome to participate. TH (2/22), 6:30pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

LOCAL MARKETS RAD Farmers Market Winter Season Browse 30+ local vendors all winter long with fresh produce, pastured meats, baked goods, honey, and more. Safely accessible by bike or foot on the greenway,

plus free public parking along Riverside Drive. WE (2/14, 21), 3pm, Smoky Park Supper Club, 350 Riverside Dr Plant Club Pop-Up Market Each month will feature 6-10 different growers and makers offering a wide array of products; from rare tropicals to native medicinals, handmade pots and trellises to botanical watercolor paintings, cut flower bouquets to herbal salves and teas, and more. SA (2/17), 11am, Canopy Gallery in Art Garden, 191 Lyman St, Ste 316

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS Ash Wednesday On Ash Wednesday you are marked with ashes that trace a cross on your forehead, where the baptismal water first marked us with God’s grace. WE (2/14), 12:15pm, Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave W, Hendersonville Valentine’s Day Party Sip & Paint Come dressed to paint and make new friends. WE (2/14), 4pm, Grove St Community Center, 36 Grove St 4th Anniversary Celebration of LEAF Global Arts A special celebration for the 4th anniversary of LEAF Global Arts Center. There will be hors d’oeuvres available from various cultures and music featuring Melissa McKinney, Adama Dembele, Andre Lassalle and more. WE (2/14), 5pm, LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St Valentine's Day Cocktail Making Class There will be 3 cocktails included in the class as well as a complementary appetizer and dessert table. WE (2/14), 5pm, Bears Smokehouse BBQ, 135 Coxe Ave Cupid’s Curiosities: Lingerie Soirée A night filled with seductive vibes, sultry performances, and an aphrodisiac bar that'll make your heart race. Dress to impress in your most alluring lingerie or sexiest attire. WE (2/14), 6:30pm, Asheville Beauty Academy, 28 Broadway St Stupid Cupid Monster Mash Bring your best friend, partner, dog to a day of raffles, local art, good times, music and more. WE (2/14), 8pm, The Odd, 1045 Haywood Rd Fake As Hell: Annual Mass Valentine's Wedding Fake marry whoever or whatever you want and

enjoy a reception with Valentines refreshments and dancing. WE (2/14), 9pm, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd Honoring Black History Month & Celebrating African Culture w/ Zondo This event is curated by Zondo and aims to take listeners on a sensory voyage through rhythm and time with music that echoes the struggles and the triumphs of African people. TH (2/15, 22), 7pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd Valentine’s Painting Class The goal is to guide participants through pictures so that everyone creates something exceptional no matter the skill level. TH (2/15), 6pm, Ginger’s Revenge Craft Brewery & Tasting Room, 829 Riverside Dr 90's Prom A 90's throwback prom style dance party with music from Smashing Mouths and The Boderline Band. Dress in your worst and best 90's attire. FR (2/16), 8pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave

Annual Indoor Yard Sale Stop by and shop for great deals on household goods, antiques, collectibles, toys, furniture, and more. SA (2/17), 8am, Cragmont Assembly, 1233 North Fork Rd, Black Mountain Mardi Gras Party A free Mardi Gras theme party with live funk and jazz inspired music from Shed Bugs. Explore a mini-pop up market with 10 craft vendors, indulge in food from Purple People Feeder and drinks. SA (2/17), noon, Hi-Wire Brewing RAD Beer Garden, 284 Lyman St Ice Bridges Festival This two-day spectacle promises an unforgettable journey for music enthusiasts and community advocates alike featuring multiple musical talents. Proudly partnering with Beloved Asheville as its charity collaborator, the festival also embodies the spirit of community and generosity. SA (2/17), SU (2/18) 12:30pm, Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave

Interstellar Hillbilly Hangout Featuring designs available for live printing and an up-cycled collection of one-of-a-kind, handmade garments. There will be live music by AVL strings band 81 Drifters and food. SA (2/17), 1pm, Foundation Studios, 27 Foundy St East Perry Showroom Launch w/Timothy Kelley Enjoy free cocktails, wine and hors d'oeuvres while enjoying music from Timothy Kelley, live looping violinist. SA (2/17), 4pm, Black Mountain Vintage, 104 Church St, Black Mountain National Paddling Film Festival The National Paddling Film Festival showcases professional and amateur films while supporting river preservation and access for the entire paddlesport community. Chili contest is on the schedule again this year. SA (2/17), 4pm Big Adventures, 210 Old Airport Rd, Fletcher Zoe & Cloyd's Valentine's Concert A special Valentine's Day concert with innovative “klezgrass”

music of Zoe & Cloyd. They will also be joined by bassist and longtime collaborator, Kevin Kehrberg. SA (2/17), 7pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain Carnival Cabaret An evening of Burlesque, craft cocktails and live music by Meschiya Lake & The Moodswingers. SA (2/17), 8pm, Crow & Quill, 106 N Lexington Ave Ted Talk The Franklin School of Innovation, an Asheville Charter school, will hold an officially licensed TED event. This year’s theme is “curiosity.” See p30 TU (2/20), 6pm, NC Stage Co., 15 Stage Lane An Evening of Eastern Culture Prepare yourself for extraordinary performances by Min Xiao-Fen on the Chinese pipa, Mari Ohta on the Japanese koto, Thom Nguyen on the drums and the Gamelan Ensemble of Warren Wilson College. TH (2/22), 6pm, Folkmoot Friendship Center, 112 Virginia Ave, Waynesville

Black History: Soul Food Supper Annual soul food supper co-sponsored by East End Valley St Neighborhood and Stephens-Lee Alumni associations. TH (2/22), 6pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING Valenween An annual Valentine's and Halloween mash up that addresses period poverty in the community. Expect special drinks, food for sale and music by DJ Blind Date. There will also be a donation collection of pads and tampons for BeLoved Asheville. TH (2/15), 7pm, Citizen Vinyl, 14 O Henry Ave Seth Walker & Jay Brown Benefit for CCLD Two prolific songwriters and exceptional blues musicians, Seth Walker and Jay Brown, will share the stage for an outstanding night of music. A portion of ticket sales will benefit The Center for Conscious Living and Dying.

FR (2/16), 7pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain Beyonce Themed Drag Brunch Drag brunch hosted by Katarina SynClaire, alongside other fabulous entertainers, Sya Cox O’Hara and Josie Glamour, for a total of six stellar performances. All proceeds support the non-profit organization Tranzmission. SA (2/17), 11am, Banks Ave., 32 Banks Ave Warming Shelter & Sanctuary In addition to a warm, welcoming space to share a meal with neighbors, Saturday Sanctuary offers restrooms, phone charging, videos, popcorn and a safe place to rest. SA (2/17), 11am, First Presbyterian Church Asheville, 40 Church St 2nd Annual Food Dr Drop off in-date and unopened canned, boxed, or bagged nonperishable food items at any HCPL branch in Waynesville, Canton, Maggie Valley, and Fines Creek. See p33 WE (2/21), 9am, Haywood County Public Library, 11 Pennsylvania Ave, Canton

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Reducing risks BY JESSICA WAKEMAN jwakeman@mountainx.com It’s well known that fentanyl, a cheaply made opioid, is in the local drug supply. Fentanyl is 50 times stronger than heroin, and counterfeit versions of it are added to other substances as inexpensive fillers. Its potency can be deadly for those who haven’t developed a tolerance. Fentanyl isn’t the only adulterant found in street drugs, however. And fentanyl or xylazine test strips — two methods of drug checking available from local nonprofits and Buncombe County Health & Human Services — only test for the presence of those two substances. That means people who use drugs don’t always know what they are taking or how much. For example, a drug sample collected in Asheville in January contained eight substances, says Justin Shytle, harm reduction coordinator for Sunrise Community

FEB. 14-20, 2024

UNC lab assists with local drug checking

for Recovery and Wellness. (Shytle uses “they/them” pronouns.) That sample contained fentanyl and a chemical used to make fentanyl called 4-ANPP, which Shytle says are both common in Western North Carolina. It also contained six other contaminants: two other chemicals similar to 4-ANPP; caffeine; cocaine; xylazine, also known as “tranq”; and procaine, a dental anesthetic. “This amount of stuff is pretty wild,” they admit. Shytle is armed with this information because last year, Sunrise began participating in a nationwide drug-checking program. The nonprofit collects substances or drug paraphernalia samples from people who use drugs and want them checked, then anonymously mails them to a UNC Chapel Hill laboratory. These submissions are analyzed using a powerful gas chromatography mass spectrometer, or GCMS. An analysis is posted online, also anonymously, so that people who use drugs can find out the chemical compositions of what is circulating in their community and make informed choices.

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“I didn’t know how a lot of folks would take to it,” says Shytle of the drug checking. “But we actually have had a huge response from our peers [Sunrise uses this term to refer to its clients]. They’re like, ‘Please test this, I don’t know what this is!’” “A lot of people don’t think their stuff’s going to have anything in it,” says Sunrise harm reduction specialist Pazi Harbin. “But now we’re seeing — yeah, everything’s cut.” Sunrise has sent about 25 samples to UNC’s lab in the past four months. ‘DRUGS HAVE GOTTEN MORE DANGEROUS’ Drug checking is “a harm reduction practice in which people check to see if drugs contain certain substances,” according to the National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Drug Abuse. The goal is to give people who use drugs more information about what they’re putting in their bodies, reduce risks and potentially save lives. Research shows “people knowing what’s in their drugs can make them safer,” explains Dr. Shuchin Shukla, an addiction medicine physician based in Asheville. For example, a study published in Harm Reduction Journal in 2019 showed that some people who tested their drugs with fentanyl test strips and got a positive result changed their drug use behavior. They discarded their drug supply, kept naloxone — the opioid-reversal drug — nearby or used the drug in the company of someone else for safety. “The reason people overdose is not because they use drugs,” Shukla explains. He points out that many people take drugs — for example, being administered pharmaceutical-grade fentanyl as a painkiller during a surgery — and don’t overdose because the licit drug supply is unadulterated and measured. People overdose, Shukla continues, when the amount of drugs is too large, too potent or too contaminated with something else. He notes that substances have gotten “a lot more dangerous … much more potent, much less predictable.” Fentanyl has been identified in the local drug supply since 2015, according to Buncombe County’s Opioid Settlement Strategic Planning Report, which was published in May. That year, 33% of overdoses among county residents involved fentanyl, according to the report. By 2021, that percentage had risen to 74%. Polysubstance deaths — when multiple drugs contribute to an overdose

SAFETY FIRST: Chemist Erin Tracy tests drug samples in the UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab, which is housed in the school’s department of chemistry. Photo courtesy of Colin Miller — have also increased. In 2015, 10% of all overdose deaths among Buncombe County residents involved a stimulant, such as methamphetamines, combined with another drug, according to the county’s report. In 2021, deaths involving a stimulant and another drug comprised 50% of such deaths. Evidence-based treatment, including medication-assisted treatment, for substance use disorders can reduce deaths from overdose. And referrals to treatment can be made by organizations that facilitate drug checking, like Sunrise. “Drug checking helps people who use drugs to engage with harm-reduction providers for other health promotion services like HIV testing, wound care and referrals for addiction treatment,” Shukla says. HOW IT WORKS There are several drug-checking labs and programs nationwide. Sunrise uses The UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab, as well as a web-based service called StreetCheck. In the past two years UNC’s lab, which is housed in the department of chemistry, has mailed out nearly 7,000 sample collection kits and analyzed 5,000 samples, says the lab’s social/clinical research specialist Colin Miller. The lab supplies Sunrise with a sample collection vial and 2 milliliters of methyl cyanide, which renders the substance unusable as a drug and makes it legal to mail, according to the lab’s website. People who use drugs get the sample collection kits from Sunrise

and then gather trace amounts of the drug they want checked. Sunrise then mails the samples in a prepaid package to UNC’s lab. The sample collection kit also contains a card whereby the person who submitted it can share more details: describe the appearance of the drug, share whether it was involved in an overdose, describe how using the drug feels. The lab uses a GCMS — a spectrometer with infrared lighting — to identify the chemicals and their potency. The lab has federal Drug Enforcement Administration authorization to handle Schedule 4 controlled substances. Although testing with a GCMS takes around 10 minutes, the process of mailing the samples to Chapel Hill and posting the results online so far has taken two to three weeks. While all data is anonymously collected, detailed lab results of the substances identified in each sample are published online with numerical identification. People who donated the sample also have the number, so they can look up the results online without having to communicate with the organization that mailed it, explains Miller. People who use drugs can also access the online results via a QR code; Shytle says they will print out the results and the QR Code for the person who donated the sample. Miller explains that Sunrise is able to check drugs through UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab at no cost, as part of an Opioid Abatement and Recovery Research Project within the N.C. Collaboratory at UNC Chapel Hill, a research facility providing information for policy development. UNC’s lab director, Dr. Nabarun Dasgupta, is one of five recipients of $380,000 in funding for such projects. Other harm reduction and public health organizations pay $20 per sample for the lab’s services. StreetCheck, the other drug-checking service used by Sunrise, is also free. Created by the Massachusetts Drug Supply Data Stream, the online portal and app integrate drug-checking data from labs nationwide. The samples come from both law enforcement drug seizures and community-collected samples. Shytle says the service uploads the drug-checking data received from UNC’s lab results onto StreetCheck to make the information more widely accessible. Like UNC’s lab, StreetCheck posts data online anonymously for anyone to see. Advocates for drug checking underscore the importance of anonymity. “People are afraid of being identified [as drug users],” explains Miller. “That may sound paranoid, but people who use drugs, who are dependent on drugs, are essentially walking felonies.” The UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab partners with 150 organizations, like

methadone clinics or syringe exchange programs, across 35 states. Miller says the lab makes it clear to every program it doesn’t want them “recording any of the person’s data — anonymity is a very important part of this.” ‘A NEEDED THING’ The eight substances found in the street drug donated by Sunrise were an unusually high number, Shytle says. The nonprofit’s samples sent so far have primarily tested positive for fentanyl and 4-ANPP. Nevertheless, people who use drugs have been shocked by the array of substances that come up in UNC’s lab analyses, Shytle says. For example, recent drug testing showed bromazolam, a synthetic benzodiazepine similar to Xanax that hails from the United Kingdom, in the local drug supply. “It’s showing drug checking is a needed thing,” Shytle says. The UNC Street Drug Analysis Lab’s two- to three-week turnaround means it can only indicate larger trends. For example, Miller says that a drug-checking program in Greensboro first identified xylazine — a veterinary tranquilizer not approved for use in humans — in the North Carolina drug supply. Some people may wonder how useful that information is after the fact, when the substance that was checked may already have been used. Advocates for drug checking say people who use drugs can make better-informed choices in the future and reduce the risk of death. “Knowing after the fact [what’s in drugs] is incredibly important,” Miller says. “The drug trade is very regional. It’s important for people in the area to understand what the lay of the land is.” Recently a number of samples from WNC have shown the presence of nitazene, a synthetic opioid as potent as fentanyl. “It’s very good for drug users who are in that region [to know] we’ve found the compounds,” he says. There is a quicker way to analyze a drug’s purity and potency. Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy, or FTIR, analyzes the absorption of light on various substances in minutes. FTIR analysis is considered highly sensitive and accurate; the service has been used at music festivals in Canada and Australia, among other places. However, an FTIR spectrometer costs $10,000 to $15,000. Shytle says they are currently researching funding sources in the community. “Once we have rapid testing, it’ll help a lot with OD rates, because people can better prepare,” explains Harbin from Sunrise. “We’ll be able to see if there’s going to be a bad batch of stuff going out and let people know ahead of time.” X MOUNTAINX.COM

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Around Town PBS show begins national adventure in WNC A new PBS show, “America: The Land We Live In,” travels the path of early adventurers to discover the nation’s natural wonders and hidden treasures, beginning in the mountains of North Carolina. The show premieres Friday, Feb. 23, hosted by Western North Carolina resident Scott “Doc” Varn and photojournalist Sophia Michelen as they follow the 19th-century travelogue, Picturesque America. With no GPS coordinates to guide them, Varn and Michelen seek guidance from locals, historians and river guides to find locations along the French Broad River. They venture off the beaten path on rugged escapades that take them whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking and fly-fishing. “We talk about the journey being as important as the destination, but once you do it, you know it is. That’s where the story is, in the retracing of their footsteps,” Varn says. Varn adds that at the time of Picturesque America’s release, photography wasn’t very portable or easily reproducible, so people would sketch the natural wonders they came to find. He notes that few knew what gems lay beyond their own stomping grounds until the release of the travelogue. It was authored by multiple respected writers of the period, including several women, which was unusual at that time. “This was a publication that is incredibly important to conservation and preservation in America, that hardly anyone knows anything about today. It sometimes gets referenced in history books … but it is a lot more

MOVIE REVIEWS AMERICAN FICTION: Jeffrey Wright’s work in this biting satire with a surprisingly warm heart earned him a well-deserved Oscar nomination. Grade: B-plus — Edwin Arnaudin

Find full reviews and local film info at ashevillemovies.com ashevillemovies.substack.com 28

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AGE-OLD ADVENTURE: Local resident Scott “Doc” Varn, right, and photojournalist Sophia Michelen are co-hosts of the new PBS show, “America: The Land We Live In,” which explores popular destinations featured in the 19th-century travelogue, Picturesque America. Photo courtesy of Varn powerful and important than people know,” Varn says. The show’s pilot episode continues the journey in South Carolina, where Varn and Michelin search for treasures among Charleston’s preserved architecture and polished gardens. They experience Lowcountry traditions and hunt for a giant live oak tree on the Ashley River, meeting artists and exploring waterways along the way. They discover the “then and now” of the Picturesque America sites. In the midst of industrialization, the publication opened Americans’ eyes to the untouched natural beauties of the nation. “It changed the way Americans thought about the natural and historic world,” Varn says. “People wonder why we have more state and national parks than any other country in the world — it’s because of this publication.” Varn hopes that the pilot episode of “America: The Land We Live In” will reignite the awareness first sparked by the original publication, especially during this time of devastating losses of our nation’s lands. “If people don’t get out and experience the natural, historic world, they won’t care about it,” Varn says.

Check local listings or stream at avl.mx/dcb.

Nina Simone’s brother performs at Warren Wilson Sam Waymon, brother of the late Nina Simone, will take the stage at Kittredge Theatre at Warren Wilson College on Friday, Feb. 16, at 7 p.m. The full evening of musical performances includes supporting WNC artists Reggie Headen, Kelle Jolly, Will Boyd, Duane Simpson, Derrick Gardner, Connor Law, Quint Lange and Jason DeCristofaro. The evening will showcase Waymon’s eclectic fusion of classic R&B, rock, soul and funk with infusions of blues and jazz. He will perform his original compositions as well as reinterpretations of classic tunes that have shaped his career. Waymon has made remarkable contributions including co-writing many of his sister’s popular songs, touring with her band for 25 years as manager, confidant and organist, and singing at Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral.

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Kittredge Theatre is at 701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa. Tickets are available at avl.mx/dcc.

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Singing session and potluck All ages are invited to a community singing session led by musician Melanie DeMore at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville on Saturday, Feb. 17, at 3:30 p.m. DeMore is a three-time Grammynominated singer/composer, choral conductor, music director and vocal activist who believes in the power of voices raised together. She facilitates vocal and stick-pounding workshops for professional choirs and community groups, as well as directing numerous choral organizations across the U.S., Canada and beyond. The Community Singing Session will be followed by a potluck dinner. Tickets purchased in advance are free for youths and $20 for adults. Day-of tickets are $5 for youths and $25 for adults. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation is at 1 Edwin Place. To purchase tickets, visit avl.mx/dcd. For additional questions, contact events@ uuasheville.org.

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Black History events continue Asheville Parks & Recreation invites the community to reflect on local Black history, heritage and hope at a series of events in February to celebrate Black History and Legacy Month. All events are free, but advance registration is recommended, as space may be limited. A presentation and discussion about the legacy of the Burton Street neighborhood and its founder, Edward W. Pearson, will take place Friday, Feb. 16, 6-7:30 p.m, at the Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St. Light refreshments will be provided. Call 828-254-1942 for more information. A “Black History Month Through the Eyes of Art” open reception will take place at Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St., on Thursday, Feb. 29, 6-8 p.m. Local artists will acknowledge and celebrate Black heritage through different mediums. To showcase your art or for more information, visit avl.mx/dc8 or call the center at 828-259-5843. For a full listing of Black History and Legacy Month events, visit avl.mx/dbh.

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FEB. 14-20, 2024

ARTS & CU L T U R E

Grove Park hosts arts, crafts conference The 37th National Arts and Crafts Conference will take place at the Grove Park Inn, Friday, Feb. 16-Sunday, Feb. 18. The show is an educational conference as well as a combination of three shows where Arts and Craftsera antiques and contemporary works inspired by the movement will be available for purchase. “We really appeal to not only bungalow owners and collectors of the Arts and Crafts movement, but people who … enjoy the interiors inspired by the natural world. That’s really what the American Arts and Crafts movement was,” says Kate Nixon, director of the event. “Historically, the Arts and Crafts movement was a response to the industrial era. [It was] known for rejecting the embellishments of the Victorian era ... and basically tried to put the power of creating your own interiors back into the people.” Nixon says seminars will include pottery, architecture, Arts and Crafts furniture, and more. In addition to seminars from guests like David Rago from the PBS program “Antiques Roadshow,” the show will

include demonstrations, a silent auction fundraiser for the Arts and Crafts Research Fund, a historic home tour of Montford Area Historic District, book signings and a documentary about a printmaker who trained in Japan. The Grove Park Inn is at 290 Macon Ave. For information visit avl.mx/dce.

Asheville’s Franklin School holds TED talk The Franklin School of Innovation, an Asheville charter school, will hold an officially licensed TED event on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 6-9 p.m., at N.C. Stage Company. This year’s theme is “curiosity.” “We aim to challenge society to think deeper into their lives and the lives of those in the community. With the theme of curiosity, we aim to dive deep into ideas and interests that set us apart, so that we can expand our knowledge, grow together and better our communities,” says Franklin’s TEDx team in a press release. This is the third year of TEDxYouth Franklin School Of Innovation. Sponsorship funds are independently coordinated on a community-by-community basis. Sponsors of the event

will receive advertising, stage mentions and complimentary tickets. N.C Stage Company is at 15 Stage Lane. Learn more at avl.mx/dcf.

A celebration of the violin The Asheville Symphony will present its inaugural artist residency, Tuesday, March 12-Monday, March 18, celebrating the impact and legacy of the violin and featuring world-renowned violinists Noah BendixBalgley and Shanshan Yao, a husband-and-wife duo. Asheville Symphony’s two-year artist residency program focuses on a single musical instrument in collaboration with a leading artist. The weeklong initiative explores genres, instrumentation, solo performances and more. “Whether you are a music student, a lifelong fan of the violin or just curious to learn more about and appreciate music, the artist residency is for you,” says Asheville Symphony Executive Director Daniel Crupi in a press release. “Our aim is to deepen audiences’ insight and increase esteem for this amazing instrument’s place in the musical canon.”

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Wake up to new voices in WNC Asheville Media Group announced the launch of three morning shows featuring established and new Asheville voices, airing weekdays 6-10 a.m. On Feb. 5, the group launched the first all-female morning show in Asheville, “The Morning Mix with Melanie & Crystal,” hosted by Melanie Wilkinson and Crystal Brown of “The Hot Mess Momcast.” Listeners can tune in on Mix 96.5, MyMix965.com or the Mix 96.5 app. On “The Rizzo & Jeff Show,” launched Feb. 12, influencers from Rochester, N.Y., explore what makes Asheville unique. Listen on 105.9 The Mountain, 1059TheMountain.com or the 105.9 The Mountain app. On Monday, Feb. 19, Asheville will have a new country music and entertainment choice with the launch of “The Big D & Bubba Morning Show,” based out of Nashville. Listen on 105.5 The Outlaw or outlawasheville.com. For more information visit avl.mx/dcg.

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ART S & C U L T U R E

FOOD ROUNDUP

What’s new in food Corner Kitchen celebrates 20-year anniversary Corner Kitchen restaurant in Biltmore Village celebrates its 20th anniversary with a menu of customer favorites throughout February. When Corner Kitchen began 20 years ago, owners Joe Scully and Kevin Westmoreland had a simple menu, a small, select wine list and only 15 employees. Now, the restaurant features an award-winning, hand-selected wine list and a French-inspired, farm-to-table menu with seasonal options. Despite these changes, the CK Reuben remains a customer favorite and the most popular brunch menu item. For dinner, that honor goes to the pecan crusted trout. “The owner of Sunburst Trout [Farms] came by and convinced us to try his trout early on,” Scully tells Xpress. “Once it was on the menu, it never came off.” The Corner Kitchen staff has grown as well. “We have over 50 employees now,” says Scully, “[and] a full-time human resources administrator, and we have added to our employee benefits program every year for the past five years to now include health care, dental, vision, PTO and 401(k). We couldn’t really imagine being able to do this in 2004.” For its anniversary menu, Corner Kitchen is bringing back the most popular menu items of the last two decades, including sweet potato lobster tacos with jicama carrot slaw, black bean corn salsa, chimichurri aioli and microcilantro. Scully says there is something for everyone. “If you can’t decide on a dinner entree, choose the trout,” he says. “It doesn’t disappoint.”

Corner Kitchen is at 3 Boston Way. For the anniversary menu, visit avl.mx/bpl.

Little Jumbo rebrands as Tropilachia Club Cocktail bar Little Jumbo is changing its name and switching to a tropical theme, temporarily rebranding as The Tropilachia Club. “We wanted to do something fun and different,” says owner Chall Gray. “A pop-up bar seemed like a good creative challenge, and especially to bring a lighthearted element to this drab time of year. Our whole staff got really excited about the idea, so it’s been a great experience bringing it all together.” For February, Little Jumbo’s interior will be hung with grass thatchwork, seashells and bamboo to create an atmosphere that can be described as tiki-esque. The drink menu, which has long paid homage to classic recipes and cocktails, will also undergo a tropical transformation at the hands of lead bartender Millita Gonzalez. “This is the first time since we opened in 2017 that we’ve changed our entire drinks menu at once,” Gray says. The new drinks include the Saturn in Jupiter, which mixes gin, almond syrup and guava, and the spicy and sweet Topless Tai Chi. The service-fortwo menu options, in which a double cocktail is presented on a tray with twin glasses, will continue, this time with a debut Banana Daiquiri Jumbo Service. The Core is the next band featured for the club’s regular Monday and Tuesday jazz performances.

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VILLAGE VICENNIAL: Corner Kitchen of Biltmore Village celebrates its 20th anniversary with a menu of customer favorites. Photo by Oby Arnold The Tropilachia Club is at 241 Broadway and opens at 4 p.m. daily. For information visit avl.mx/dci.

Food truck brings old Manila to Zillicoah Zillicoah Beer Co. recently announced the arrival of Master BBQ, a new resident food truck specializing in authentic Filipino comfort food. Paul Pike, owner of Master BBQ, uses heirloom Pinoy recipes, many of which came from his great-grandmother Lola Rosa, who started

Three Sisters Restaurant in Manila in 1941. “Our goal is to give you the experience of enjoying 80-year-old family recipes of traditional Filipino comfort food mastered by our Lola Rosa,” he says. Master BBQ is the first permanent food truck at Zillicoah since Taqueria Muñoz left last year. Muñoz, which is opening its own brick-and-mortar restaurant on Hendersonville Road, had been a mainstay for the brewery since it launched in 2017. The new food truck features an array of barbecue dishes as well as noodle bowls and butter garlic shrimp. “Our specialties and most popular menu items are the pork BBQ skew-

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ers, chicken adobo, pancit bihon and lumpia,” Pike says. “For the sides: jasmine rice, annatto rice, pickled cucumbers and sweet potato fries.” Master BBQ is behind Zillicoah Brewing at 870 Riverside Drive, Woodfin, open Monday-Thursday 2-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday noon-10 p.m., and Sunday noon-8 p.m. For information visit avl.mx/dcj.

Gemelli introduces regional Italian series Gemelli, the Italian eatery in West Asheville, is launching a new monthly diner series showcasing the distinct culinary traditions of each Italian region. Gemelli’s five-course dinners will incorporate regional wine pairings and will happen the third Wednesday of each month from February to October. The inaugural dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 6 p.m., will feature the tastes of the Piemonte, a northwestern region known for “its rich eggy pastas, earthy hazelnuts and truffles, prized meats and cheeses, and grapes, producing pedigreed red wines like Barolo and Barbera,” according to a press release. Each dinner will include a regional presentation by the chef and a regional wine distributor. Tickets are $65 and will be charged at the event. Gluten-sensitive and vegetarian accommodations can be made with one week’s notice. Gemelli is at 70 Westgate Parkway. Reservations can be made at avl.mx/bzw.

Last chance for Little Bee Thai Little Bee Thai has announced on Facebook that it will be closing. According to the post, owner Tuk Charemwong is planning to retire at the end of February.

Charemwong, who began cooking on the streets of Thailand at age 8, has had a lifelong dedication to authentic Thai cooking. The restaurant began in a gas station on Sweeten Creek Road, then became a food truck before settling in its permanent location on South French Broad Avenue. Known for its spiciness, fresh seafood and local ingredients, Little Bee has been a regular in the Asheville food scene for the last 15 years. The restaurant will come under new ownership with a new name and menu, according to the Facebook post, though no more information is yet available. Little Bee Thai is at 45 S. French Broad Ave. and is open for lunch Wednesday-Friday, 11:30-2 p.m., and for dinner Tuesday-Saturday, 5-8:30 p.m. For information visit avl.mx/dcl.

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Haywood County Library hosts food drive Haywood County Public Library is kicking off its second annual food drive in partnership with Haywood Christian Ministry, according to a press release. The drive, which takes place Monday, Feb. 19-Friday, March 1, collected nearly 700 items last year. “Food insecurity is a problem many of our neighbors face,” says Zachary Jones, the community engagement librarian for Haywood County. “[By] sourcing quality food, we hope that this food drive can make a real impact on as many people in our community as possible in a positive way.” Dry-storage items such as canned food, beans, rice, pasta, boxed meals or any other nonperishable food can be donated at any Haywood County Public Library branch. For more information, contact Zachary Jones at zachary.jones@ haywoodcountync.gov or call 828-356-2502.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 12 BONES BREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

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27 CLUB Broken Heart Club Burlesque Show, 10pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm ASHEVILLE PIZZA & BREWING CO. Trivia! Trivia!, 6:30pm BARLEY'S TAPROOM & PIZZERIA Trivia Night w/ PartyGrampa, 7pm BOTANIST & BARREL TASTING BAR + BOTTLE SHOP Frances Eliza (jazz, indie-folk, pop), 6:30pm

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EULOGY Iglesia del Perreo w/DJ Grimmjoi, 8pm

THE ODD The Dark City Kings, Indeliable Sauce & Top Shelf Troubadours (rock, funk, experimental), 8pm THE ORANGE PEEL The Brook & The Bluff (indie-rock, folk), 8pm THE RAILYARD BLACK MOUNTAIN Raphael Graves & Eric Congdon Duo (Americana, folk), 7pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR The Tallboys (rock, reggae), 7:30pm

THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT BREWING CO. Peggy Ratusz & Kelly Jones (blues), 6pm

BLK MTN PIZZA & ALE HOUSE Billy Presnell (folk, Americana), 6pm CROW & QUILL Dark Cabaret: Mardi Gras w/The Deviled Eggs Band, 8pm

THE STATION BLACK MOUNTAIN Mr Jimmy (blues), 6:30pm

EULOGY Elizabeth Moen (synthfolk, country, soul), 8pm

FLEETWOOD'S Queer Night: February Dance Party, 9pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Saylor Brothers & Friends (jamgrass), 6:30pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Jerry's Dead (Grateful Dead & JGB Tribute), 6pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Well-Crafted Music w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

HIGHLAND BREWING DOWNTOWN TAPROOM Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Friday Night Karaoke, 9pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7:30pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Mr Jimmy's Friday Night Blues, 7:30pm

LAZOOM ROOM BAR & GORILLA LaZoom Room Comedy w/Gabbie Watts, 7pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Kyle Tuttle Band (jamgrass, bluegrass), 11pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Latin Night Wednesday w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 8:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. J. Dunks (rock, pop, folk), 7pm

URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO. SOUTH SLOPE Bachata Thursdays, 8:30pm WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Liam Purcell w/Ashley Heath (bluegrass, rock), 7:30pm

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16

FLEETWOOD'S Blistering Dissonance w/Busy Weather & The Deathbots (punk), 9pm GINGER'S REVENGE CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM Aaron Boyd & WD Miller (country, folk), 6pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Ethan Heller & Friends (psych-rock, funk), 7pm HIGHLAND BREWING DOWNTOWN TAPROOM Isaac Hadden (funk, jazz, rock), 5pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB • Honky-Tonk Fridays w/Jackson Grimm, 4pm • The Well Drinkers (bluegrass, Americana), 9pm LA TAPA LOUNGE Open Mic w/Hamza, 8pm MAD CO. BREW HOUSE The Rhinestone Ramblers (country, Americana), 6pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Trio De Janeiro (multiple genres), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING Patrick French & Michael Dunham (acoustic), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Govinda, Psynatra & PlaysWithBeats (electronic, psy-trance), 9pm SALVAGE STATION Tophouse w/Samuel Herb (rock, bluegrass, Irish), 10:30pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic, 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING The Knotty G's (Americana), 7pm

CATAWBA BREWING CO. SOUTH SLOPE ASHEVILLE • Comedy at Catawba: FreddyG, 7pm • Chaotic Comedy: Valentine's Day Edition, 9pm

THE DRAFTSMAN BAR + LOUNGE Trivia Nights, 7pm

OUTSIDER BREWING Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

CORK & KEG Cary Fridley & Bayla Davis (old-time), 8pm

SHILOH & GAINES Sugar Bomb (jazz, indie), 9pm

SHAKEY'S Sexy Service Industry Night, 10pm

SHAKEY'S Big Blue Jams Band (multiple genres), 9pm

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WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Irish Music Session, 7pm

CROW & QUILL Nick Garrison Jazz, 8pm

EULOGY Jointkiller Brass Band & Below the Bassline (jazz, brass, reggae), 8pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Old Time Jam, 5pm

URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO. SOUTH SLOPE Trivia, 6:30pm

SHAKEY'S Comedy Showcase, 8pm

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PSYCHEDELIC BUG BAND: On Saturday, Feb. 17, up-and-coming band Shed Bugs plays at Hi-Wire Brewing’s RAD Beer Garden’s Mardi Gras party. The live music begins at 3:30 p.m., and you can expect a mix of blues, funk and psych-rock music. Photo by Brighton Kilgore SOVEREIGN KAVA Mike Rhodes Fellowship (multiple genres), 9pm THE DRAFTSMAN BAR + LOUNGE 5J (folk), 8pm THE ODD Farseek, Funeral Homes, Coma Cinema & Ever After (emo, punk, indie-pop), 9pm THE ONE STOP Red Clay Revival (bluegrass), 10pm

AYURPRANA LISTENING ROOM Rocking Blues w/Alex Lopez & The Xpress (blues, rock, pop), 7:30pm BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE Dinah's Daydream (jazz), 6pm CORK & KEG Soul Blue Rocks (soul, blues, R&B), 8pm

THE ORANGE PEEL Sold Out: Briston Maroney (indie-pop), 8pm

EULOGY Babe Haven & Sweet Spine w/Paper Pills (punk, alt-rock, shoegaze), 8pm

THE RAILYARD BLACK MOUNTAIN Jon Cox & Ginny McAfee (Americana), 7pm

FLEETWOOD'S B-I-T-C-H, On the Block & Heat Death Paradox (punk), 9pm

THE STATION BLACK MOUNTAIN Vaden Landers (country), 6pm URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO. SOUTH SLOPE Trippin' Up the Stairs (Celtic, Irish, old-time), 6pm WXYZ BAR AT ALOFT Owen Walsh (folk), 7pm WICKED WEED WEST Stephen Evans (folk, rock), 5:30pm

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17

GINGER'S REVENGE Modelface Comedy Presents: Gluten-Free Comedy, 7pm HI-WIRE BREWING RAD BEER GARDEN Shed Bugs (funk, blues, psych-rock), 3:30pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. The Lumpy Heads (Phish tribute), 6pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Nobody's Darling String Band, 4pm LA TAPA LOUNGE Karaoke, 9pm

27 CLUB Weight Shift, Vexus & Sick Beyond (metal), 9pm

LEVELLER BREWING CO. Pairdown (folk, Appalachian), 8pm

ASHEVILLE CLUB Mr Jimmy (blues), 6pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Hustle Souls (soul, funk), 8pm

ASHEVILLE DISPENSARY Greg Candle (country, old-blues), 5:30pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Santiago y Los Gatos (pop, indie-rock), 7:30pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL East Nash Grass (bluegrass), 11:30pm

ONE WORLD BREWING Rossdafareye (Appalachian, space-funk), 3pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST • Strange Rangers (funk, jazz, pop), 4pm • Boat Command & Secret B-Sides (post-lofi, jazz, yacht-hop), 8pm

SALVAGE STATION Town Mountain & Friends (bluegrass), 10:30pm SHAKEY'S • Friday Late Nights w/ DJ Ek Balam, 12am • Trash Talk Queer Dance Party & Drag Show, 10pm

CATAWBA BREWING CO. SOUTH SLOPE ASHEVILLE Comedy at Catawba: Laura Merli, 6:30pm FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Reggae Sunday w/ Chalwa, 3pm

SHILOH & GAINES Rahm & Friends w/ Datrian Johnson (indierock, soul, jazz), 9pm

GINGER'S REVENGE CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM Jazz Sunday's, 2pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA DJ Uncle Rizz (rock, blues, reggae), 8pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO. • Mood Ring (R&B, hip-hop, soul), 2pm • Sunday Salsa, 5pm

THE GREY EAGLE The Get Right Band w/ Rockstead (psych, indie, alt-rock), 8pm THE ODD Party Foul Drag: Saturday Night Tease, 8pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB • Bluegrass Brunch, 1pm • Traditional Irish Jam, 3:30pm

THE ONE STOP The Greenliners (bluegrass, Americana), 10pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Hustle Souls (soul, funk), 8pm

THE ORANGE PEEL Sold Out: St. Paul & The Broken Bones (soul, funk, folk), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST 81 Drifters (bluegrass, Americana, folk), 4pm

THE RAILYARD BLACK MOUNTAIN Sara & Seth Brand (country), 7pm THE RESTORATION HOTEL ASHEVILLE Billy Strings After-Party w/Supatight, 9pm THE STATION BLACK MOUNTAIN Live Music Saturday Nights, 7pm VINTAGE KAVA Greg Candle (country, old-blues), 8pm WXYZ BAR AT ALOFT DJ Molly Parti, 7pm

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 27 CLUB Skyway 61, Belfast 6 Pack & Fretchet (rock'n'roll), 9:30pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL ShadowGrass (bluegrass), 11:30pm

PULP The 40, 20, 10s w/Julia Sanders (Americana, country), 6pm SALVAGE STATION Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country (bluegrass), 10:30pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Cosmic Appalachian Soul, 7pm THE DRAFTSMAN BAR + LOUNGE Karaoke Nights, 7pm THE GREY EAGLE • Burlesque Brunch, 12pm • William Elliot Whitmore w/Chris McGinnis (folk, blues, punk-rock), 8pm THE ONE STOP Yam Yam (jazz, gospel, funk), 10pm PLĒB URBAN WINERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 4pm

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 27 CLUB Monday Karaoke, 9pm 5 WALNUT WINE BAR CaroMia, Rahm, Iannuci & Jaze Uries (dream-pop, soul, R&B), 8pm

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR Mr Jimmy & Friends (blues), 7pm THE RIVER ARTS DISTRICT BREWING CO. Trivia w/Billy, 7pm

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20

DSSOLVR Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

ARCHETYPE BREWING Trivia Tuesday, 6:30pm

HAYWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Open Mic w/ Taylor Martin & Special Guests, 7:15pm

EULOGY Wolves in the Taproom: Black Metal Night, 7pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Geeks Who Drink Trivia, 6pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Quizzo! Pub Trivia w/ Jason Mencer, 7:30pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Takes All Kinds Open Mic Nights, 7pm ONE WORLD BREWING Open Mic Downtown, 7:30pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Mashup Mondays w/ The JLloyd Mashup Band, 8pm

FLEETWOOD'S Spooky Tuesdays, 9pm FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm NEW ORIGIN Trivia, 7pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Team Trivia, 7pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST The Grateful Family Band Tuesdays (Grateful Dead tribute), 6pm SHAKEY'S Booty Tuesday w/DJ Ek Balam, 9pm SHILOH & GAINES Open Mic, 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA Tuesday Night Open Jam, 8pm THE GREY EAGLE Hannah Wicklund (rock'n'roll), 8pm WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Open Mic Tuesday, 7pm

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 12 BONES BREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm ASHEVILLE PIZZA & BREWING CO. Trivia! Trivia!, 6:30pm BARLEY'S TAPROOM & PIZZERIA Trivia Night w/ PartyGrampa, 7pm EULOGY Country Westerns (country), 8pm FLEETWOOD'S Psych Night w/DJ Torren, 9pm FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Saylor Brothers & Friends (jamgrass), 6:30pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Well-Crafted Music w/ Matt Smith, 6pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Old Time Jam, 5pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Bluegrass Jam w/Derek McCoy & Friends, 6pm

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE Mike Kenton & Jim Tanner (jazz), 5:30pm BLK MTN PIZZA & ALE HOUSE Billy Presnell (folk, Americana), 6pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Latin Night w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 8:30pm

CITIZEN VINYL Sally Anne Morgan w/Ritka (folk, pop, psychedelia), 7pm

SHAKEY'S Sexy Service Industry Night, 10pm

CROW & QUILL Vaden Landers Trio (country, honky-tonk), 8pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic, 8pm THE DRAFTSMAN BAR + LOUNGE Trivia Nights, 7pm

EULOGY J Seger w/Pilgrim Party & Superflower (folk, experimental, rock), 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE Big Richard w/Cody Hale (pop, country, bluegrass), 8pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Jerry's Dead (Grateful Dead & JGB Tribute), 6pm

THE ODD Ultra Deluxe, Trophy Hunt, Socialist Anxiety & Serrate (experimental, hardcore, indie-punk), 8pm

HIGHLAND BREWING DOWNTOWN TAPROOM Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm

URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO. SOUTH SLOPE Trivia, 6:30pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Darren Nicholson & Shawn Lane (bluegrass), 7pm

LAZOOM ROOM BAR & GORILLA LaZoom Room Comedy w/Greg Behrens, 7pm MAD CO. BREW HOUSE Karaoke w/Banjo Mitch, 6pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Two Step Too (acoustic), 7pm ONE WORLD BREWING Kid Billy (Americana, blues, indie-folk), 7pm OUTSIDER BREWING Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm PULP Slice of Life: Comedy Open Mic & Standup Comedy, 7pm SHILOH & GAINES Karaoke Night, 8pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Stand Up Comedy for Your Health, 8pm THE GREY EAGLE Lamont Landers (rock, funk), 8pm THE ODD The Comedy Queen Variety, 8pm THE RAILYARD BLACK MOUNTAIN Jay Brown (roots, blues, Americana), 7pm THE STATION BLACK MOUNTAIN Mr Jimmy (blues), 6:30pm

MOTOWN ARTIST IN CONCERT @ Center for Spiritual Living Asheville

Sunday, February 25 1:30pm

$20 before Feb 19th; $30 at door

Buy Tickets @ cslasheville.org 2 Science of Mind Way, Asheville, NC 28806 cslasheville.org • For more info, call (828) 253-2325 36

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F R E E W I L L A S T R O L O G Y BY ROB BREZSNY ARIES (March 21-April 19): Some stories don’t have a distinct and orderly beginning, middle and end. At any one point, it may be hard to know where you are. Other tales have a clear beginning, middle, and end, but the parts occur out of order; maybe the middle happens first, then the end, followed by the beginning. Every other variation is possible, too. And then there’s the fact that the beginning of a new story is implied at the end of many stories, even stories with fuzzy plots and ambiguous endings. Keep these ruminations in mind during the coming weeks, Aries. You will be in a phase when it’s essential to know what story you are living in and where you are located in the plot’s unfoldment. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): As I meditate on your destiny in the near future, I sense you will summon extra courage, perhaps even fearless and heroic energy. I wonder if you will save a drowning person, or rescue a child from a burning building, or administer successful CPR to a stranger who has collapsed on the street. Although I suspect your adventures will be less dramatic than those, they may still be epic. Maybe you will audaciously expose corruption and deceit, or persuade a friend to not commit self-harm, or speak bold thoughts you haven’t had the daring to utter before. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Lately, you have been learning more than you thought possible. You have surpassed and transcended previous limits in your understanding of how the world works. Congratulations! I believe the numerous awakenings stem from your willingness to wander freely into the edgy frontier — and then stay there to gather in all the surprising discoveries and revelations flowing your way. I will love it if you continue your pilgrimage out there beyond the borders for a while longer. CANCER (June 21-July 22): As I study the astrological omens for the coming weeks, I suspect you will feel more at home in a situation that has previously felt unnerving or alien. Or you will expedite the arrival of the future by connecting more deeply with your roots. Or you will cultivate more peace and serenity by exploring exotic places. To be honest, though, the planetary configurations are half-mystifying me; I’m offering my best guesses. You may assemble a strong foundation for an experimental fantasy. Or perhaps you will engage in imaginary travel, enabling you to wander widely without leaving your sanctuary. Or all of the above. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Of your hundreds of wishes and yearnings, Leo, which is the highest on your priority list? And which are the next two? What are the sweet, rich, inspiring experiences you want more than anything else in life? I invite you to compile a tally of your top three longings. Write them on a piece of paper. Draw or paste an evocative symbol next to each one. Then place this holy document in a prominent spot that you will see regularly. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you are in a phase when focusing and intensifying your intentions will bring big rewards. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Actor and travel writer Andrew McCarthy hiked across Spain along the famous pilgrimage route, Camino de Santiago. On the way, he felt so brave and strong that at one point he paradoxically had a sobbing breakdown. He realized how fear had always dominated his life. With this chronic agitation absent for the first time ever, he felt free to be his genuine self. “I started to feel more comfortable in the world and consequently in my own skin,” he testified, concluding, “I think travel obliterates fear.” I recommend applying his prescription to yourself in the coming months, Virgo — in whatever ways your intuition tells you are right. Cosmic forces will be aligned with you. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the natural world, there are four partnership styles. In the parasitic

variety, one living thing damages another while exploiting it. In the commensal mode, there is exploitation by one partner, but no harm occurs. In the epizoic model, one creature serves as a vehicle for the other but gets nothing in return. The fourth kind of partnership is symbiotic. It’s beneficial to both parties. I bring these thoughts to your attention, Libra, because the coming weeks will be an excellent time to take an inventory of your alliances and affiliations — and begin to de-emphasize, even phase out, all but the symbiotic ones. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio author Dan Savage says, “I wish I could let myself eat and eat and eat.” He imagines what it would be like if he didn’t “have to monitor the foods I put in my mouth or go to the gym anymore.” He feels envious of those who have no inhibitions about being gluttonous. In alignment with astrological aspects, I authorize Savage and all Scorpios to temporarily set aside such inhibitions. Take a brief break. Experiment with what it feels like to free yourself to ingest big helpings of food and drink — as well as metaphorical kinds of nourishment like love and sex and sensations and entertainment. Just for now, allow yourself to play around with voraciousness. You may be surprised at the deeper liberations it triggers. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Dear Wise Gambler: You rank high in your spacious intelligence, intuitive logic, and robust fantasy life. There’s only one factor that may diminish your ability to discern the difference between wise and unwise gambles. That’s your tendency to get so excited by big, expansive ideas that you neglect to account for messy, inconvenient details. And it’s especially important not to dismiss or underplay those details in the coming weeks. If you include them in your assessments, you will indeed be the shrewdest of wise gamblers. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn golfer Tiger Woods is one of the all-time greats. He holds numerous records and has won scores of tournaments. On 20 occasions, he has accomplished the most difficult feat: hitting a hole-in-one. But the weird fact is that there were two decades (1998–2018) between his 19th and 20th holes-in-one. I suspect your own fallow time came in 2023, Capricorn. By now, you should be back in the hole-in-one groove, metaphorically speaking. And the coming months may bring a series of such crowning strokes.

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Poet Anna Akhmatova (1889–1966) lived till age 76, but her destiny was a rough ride. Her native country, the authoritarian Soviet Union, censored her work and imprisoned her friends and family. In one of her poems, she wrote, “If I can’t have love, if I can’t find peace, give me a bitter glory.” She got the latter wish. She came close to winning a Nobel Prize and is now renowned as a great poet and heroic symbol of principled resistance to tyranny. Dear Aquarius, I predict that your life in the coming months will be very different from Akhmatova’s. I expect you will enjoy more peace and love than you’ve had in a long time. Glory will stream your way, too, but it will be graceful, never bitter. The effects will be heightened if you express principled resistance to tyranny. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Piscean perfumer Sophia Grojsman says, “Our lives are quiet. We like to be disturbed by delight.” To that end, she has created over 30 best-selling fragrances, including Eternity Purple Orchid, Désir Coulant (Flowing Desire), Spellbound, Volupté (Pleasure), and Jelisaveta (“God is abundance”). I bring this up, Pisces, because I believe it’s now essential for you to be disturbed by delight — as well as to disturb others with delight. Please do what’s necessary to become a potent magnet for marvelous interruptions, sublime interventions and blissful intrusions. And make yourself into a provider of those healing subversions, too.

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TEACHING/ EDUCATION EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATORS: LEAD AND ASSISTANT TEACHERS Shalom Children’s Center seeks lead and assistant teachers. Apply now to help form a community of peace that develops positive self-awareness and self-esteem in our children with compassion and understanding. hr@ jcc-asheville.org. ELEMENTARY LEAD TEACHER Independent, holistic school in Brevard seeks Lead Teacher for 1st

ARTS/MEDIA CHURCH ACCOMPANIST WANTED First Baptist Church, Burnsville, NC (28714), affiliated with the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, is looking to fill the part-time position of “Pianist”. fbcburnsville@ gmail.com fbcburnsville. com.

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T H E NEW Y O R K T IM E S C R O S S W O R D P UZ Z L E 1

37 41

19 21

47 51

34 39

42 45

ACROSS

1 Podcasters’ needs 5 Meaty pasta sauce 9 “Hey, by the way …”

14 Apple with multiple cores 15 Eurasian river 16 Abstain from 17 *Job for a coxswain with rowdy rowers?

20 What’s tolerated by every body? 21 Natural hairstyles 22 Poorly 23 *Review for a so-so bakery?

edited by Will Shortz 26 2007 Michael Moore documentary about health care 28 “You’ve got ___ nerve!” 29 Melody 30 It’s often in stock 34 Chose a course 37 Dorothy Parker quality 38 *Person who assigns the order of opening presents? 40 “Yes,” in Japanese 41 Check box of last resort 43 Norse protector of humankind 44 Complain querulously 45 Kyrgyzstan mountain range 47 Extremist sects 49 *Completes a superhero transformation? 54 And others too numerous to mention 55 Nary a soul

No. 0110

56 Island nation whose currency is the tala 60 Preschool teacher’s mantra … or a hint to the answers to the starred clues 63 Have a nibble of 64 Brazilian berry 65 She, on the Seine 66 Expression that might accompany a mustache twirl 67 Word repeated in a 1956 Doris Day single 68 Brighter times

DOWN 1 It’s catching 2 “Not sure yet” 3 Something to make or break 4 “Magic that works,” per Vonnegut 5 Runner on the ground? 6 Like an excited crowd

puzzle by Chloe Revery and Alissa Revness 7 Social blunder 8 Marine leader? 9 Small ice cream order 10 Ad ___ 11 “Never mind what I just said!” 12 One of the Astaires 13 Caterwauls 18 Cozy corner 19 Romantic attraction, slangily, with “the” 24 Its name means “waterless place” in Mongolian 25 Hype (up) 26 Something to follow, in cards 27 “If so, then …” 29 Number of graduates in the first class at West Point (1802) 31 Poetic frequency 32 Utmost 33 Writer Umberto 35 Buds go in them

36 Dance floor flourish 38 Less sharp, as footage 39 Animal whose brain has the most gray matter of any mammal 42 They’re raised in Chi-Town 44 Found innocent 46 Part of, as a plot 48 “___-daisy!” 49 Tales of daring

50 Frome of fiction 51 Classical cover-ups 52 Chilling 53 Labor activist Chavez 57 “___ 18” (novel by Leon Uris) 58 Exclusively 59 Wrinkles in time? 61 Its ways are numbered: Abbr. 62 O.S.S. successor

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS NY TIMES PUZZLE

R A B B I W I N G B B Q H A N O I L O U A L A R M A X E B O R E P E A T I N G K I T T O A S I S E E N Y D E R E K F L U E N T F A R E D U C T I O N M E N S A O I L T I M E I N C R E F U S E D R I G Z I P A M O N G I D E A F I R E S I S T A N T M A R A C A C O A C H C L A R O S H A M B O Y S J P G N A T U R E S E R V E I M A G E A T S E A O H O C I T E C H E S T B A N

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