Mountain Xpress 03.16.22 by Mountain Xpress

OUR 28TH Y EA R OF W E E K LY I NDE PE NDE NT NEWS, A RTS & EVE NTS FOR W E STE R N NORTH CA ROLI NA VOL . 28 NO. 33 M A RCH 16 -22, 2022

C O NT E NT S

OF ANTIQUES, UNIQUES & REPURPOSED RARITIES!

NEWS

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NEWS

FEATURES 8

BEING THE CHANGE Youth-focused nonprofits prioritize equity in new efforts

10 THE PARENT TRAP Working families struggle to find affordable child care

PAGE 24 KIDS ISSUE, PART 2

PUBLISHER & EDITOR: Jeff Fobes

What is “Simply Beautiful” to our local kids and teens? Find out in Part 2 of this year’s Kids Issue, which is bursting with student art, essays, poems and short fiction. Plus, check out our extensive Summer Camp Guide, brimming with 160 camp listings from more than 65 organizations that span the range of summertime activities.

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson

COVER PHOTO Jesse Kitt

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54 HEALTH ROUNDUP Dogwood Health Trust releases 2021 annual report

LETTERS

CARTOON: MOLTON

CARTOON: IRENE OLDS

CARTOON: BRENT BROWN

COMMENTARY

NEWS

16 SNAPSHOT 18 BUNCOMBE BEAT

A&C

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WELLNESS

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COVER DESIGN Scott Southwick 14 WILD AND LOGGING-FREE? Forest plan may boost special status for Craggy Mountains

56 STAY FREAKY Asheville Fringe Arts Festival celebrates 20 years

22 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 54 WELLNESS 56 ARTS & CULTURE

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66 CLUBLAND

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TheRegenerationStation 60 LUCKY ENOUGH Irish artists bloom in the Asheville area

68 FREEWILL ASTROLOGY 68 CLASSIFIEDS 71 NY TIMES CROSSWORD

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MANAGING EDITOR: Thomas Calder NEWS EDITOR: Daniel Walton ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR: Thomas Calder OPINION EDITOR: Tracy Rose STAFF REPORTERS: Able Allen, Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Justin McGuire, Sara Murphy, Brooke Randle, Jessica Wakeman, Daniel Walton COMMUNITY CALENDAR & CLUBLAND: Justin McGuire, Andy Hall CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Mark Barrett, Johanna Patrice Hagarty, Bill Kopp, Cindy Kunst, Alli Marshall, Linda Ray, Kay West ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER: Susan Hutchinson LEAD DESIGNER: Scott Southwick GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Olivia Urban MARKETING ASSOCIATES: Sara Brecht, David Furr, Tiffany Wagner OPERATIONS MANAGER: Able Allen INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES & WEB: Able Allen BOOKKEEPER: Amie Fowler-Tanner ADMINISTRATION, BILLING, HR: Able Allen, Jennifer Castillo DISTRIBUTION: Susan Hutchinson, Cindy Kunst DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS: Desiree Davis, Henry Mitchell, Tiffany Narron, Kelley Quigley, Angelo Santa Maria, Carl & Debbie Schweiger

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OPINION

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

Make your home a safer place for youths Underage access to alcohol in the home has always been an issue. In our 2019 survey of Buncombe County and Asheville City Schools, 13.3% of sixth graders and 52.6% of 11th graders reported that alcohol is easy to get. Those who use alcohol said the most common place they use it is at a friend’s house or at their own home. This became even more of an issue during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alcohol sales for off-premise (home) consumption has significantly increased over the last two years, which means that even more alcohol is available, especially if it is not secured (locked up) and monitored. There have also been increased mental health issues due to the stress and isolation of the pandemic, which can result in more youths trying to find coping mechanisms like alcohol. Over half of Buncombe County residents we surveyed in our 2021 Underage Drinking Survey said they feel that underage drinking is a problem here. The main reasons people feel it occurs is due to culture and expecta-

C A RT O O N B Y R AN DY M O L T O N tions, access, coping, parental acceptance and enjoyment. The majority said it is occurring at home. Almost half said that parents, caregivers and other adults give alcohol to young people. Approximately 88% said drinking has increased as a result of the pandemic.

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What can you do to make your home a safer space? 1. Youths often imitate behaviors that adults in their life do. If the adults they are around are using alcohol to cope with stress, they take note of this and may begin mirroring this behavior. The more you can handle your own stress in healthy ways, the more likely your children will be to handle their stress in healthy ways. Model lower-risk drinking habits. Lower-risk drinking is defined as up to one standard drink per day for women and two standard drinks per day for men. Zero drinks is

the appropriate amount for anyone underage, pregnant or driving. 2. Don’t unintentionally provide alcohol to youths who live in or visit your home. How? Secure and monitor alcohol in your home. Our coalition, the Partnership for Substance Free Youth in Buncombe County, provides free materials (i.e., cabinet, closet and fridge locks and bottle cap locks) to help adults lock up alcoholic beverages to deter youth use. While you may not think your child would take alcohol without permission, locking it up removes the temptation for them, their friends or other underage relatives who may visit your home. Adults who have done this report that knowing their alcohol is off-limits offers them additional peace of mind that the youths in their home are safer. 3. Talk about the risks of underage drinking with the youths in your life and be clear about your expectations. 4. Don’t intentionally provide alcohol to anyone underage. The legal drinking age is 21 for a reason. Alcohol dependency is five times more likely for teens who start drinking before 14, compared to after they’re 21. Underage drinking isn’t just a “rite of passage” or “phase of life” that people grow out of. Nearly 97% of heavy adult drinkers started before the age of 21. Alcohol can have serious negative impacts on the health of young people, impairing learning and memory. Alcohol is linked to increases in unintentional injuries such as car crashes, falls, drowning, burns and

C AR T O O N B Y IRE N E O L D S

CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN firearm injuries. It has been proven that alcohol increases the risk of at least seven types of cancer. Thank you for helping to make our community a safer place for the young people of Buncombe County. If you would like to share your perspective on underage drinking in Buncombe County, please follow us on social media for links to this year’s survey. You can also contact us for a free cabinet or bottle lock. Reach us via Facebook at The Partnership for Substance Free Youth in Buncombe County; Instagram at ABFuturesMovement and email at substancefreeyouthbc@gmail.com — Miranda Poe and Montana Montiel, prevention specialists, and Matilene Osho, project coordinator RHA Health Services and the Partnership for a Substance Free Youth in Buncombe County Asheville

Democracy calls for public meetings [Regarding “Council Check-ins,” Feb 16, Xpress:] If City Council is loyal and controlled by Putin or sidekick Trump, then “check-in” is the way to go. If they seek to operate as a democracy, then meetings need to be public! — Leo King Greenville, S.C.

Editor’s note Due to changing health recommendations related to COVID-19, readers are encouraged to check with individual businesses for the latest updates concerning upcoming events.

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OPINION

Welcome, neighbors

Amendment promotes healthy communities and the environment BY SUSAN BEAN More neighbors? Yes, please! I live in a neighborhood near UNC Asheville that I completely adore. I work with my neighbors to host pocket park workdays and annual block parties, and I’ve basically turned my yard into the neighborhood dog park. A 6-year-old two blocks over rides his bike to deliver a newspaper that he makes himself on single 8-by-10-inch sheets of paper announcing things like, “Halloween is coming! You’d better get your costume ready!” Obviously, I subscribe for a quarter a week because that is news I need. BUILDING HEALTHY COMMUNITIES I also work for MountainTrue, a nonprofit where we advocate on behalf of healthy communities across Western North Carolina. My neighborhood, in many ways, resembles the kind of healthy community we want to foster: one that is walkable, provides easy access to transit and has green space and tree canopy

tucked in between houses and apartments. It’s downright charming. We at MountainTrue believe that increasing housing in neighborhoods like mine that already have roads, water pipes, transit and neighbors is a good thing for our environment, which is why we support the open space amendment currently being considered by Asheville City Council. Words like “density” and “infill” can cause concern in neighborhoods where people like things the way they are and don’t want to see trees cut down to make room for more buildings. However, Asheville needs more places for people to live, and we have an opportunity to meet that need by welcoming good development. If given the opportunity to invite more people into my neighborhood by providing something like a duplex or a small apartment building, I would be sad to lose the trees that stand there but would welcome the chance to possibly gain more dog friends for my puppy or a new friend whom I could get milk from in a snowstorm when I badly need to make chocolate chip pancakes. It’s a trade-off I’m willing to make.

“Development in places with preexisting infrastructure is Keeping Asheville Weird Since 2010 a crucial strategy for combating sprawl.”

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THE ‘MISSING MIDDLE’ The open space amendment under consideration is designed with the intention of promoting more infill development of small housing units like triplexes and apartment buildings for eight or 10 units. Changing the open space requirements is a key step to achieving the goals of the “missing middle” housing policies (think duplexes, triplexes and modest courtyard apartments) that Asheville already adopted back in 2017. Some opponents of the amendment have painted a picture of the proposal as though it will turn Asheville into a treeless landscape of concrete that makes money for a few people and ruins the lives of those of us who live here, but that takes the neighbors out of the equation. At MountainTrue, our mission is to champion resilient forests, clean waters and healthy communities. We love trees. We have staff members who have spent their whole careers fighting to protect old-growth forests, advocating for stream buffer protections and calling for fewer lanes of traffic on Interstate 26 so we can keep more old trees and old neighborhoods healthy and vibrant. The reality of missing middle development is that people will live in those new homes if they get built. If they don’t

SUSAN BEAN get built in town, then those people will instead move to new homes farther from the city center, where acres of forest or farmland will be lost to build new roads, new suburbs and new grocery stores for those people to shop in. If we welcome them in town, we can save those forests and farmlands and maybe even make some new friends. I hope you will join us in supporting adoption of the open space amendment. I also hope you will work with us to grapple with the complexities of how we will grow. Development in places with preexisting infrastructure is a crucial strategy for combating sprawl. It fosters both healthy communities and a healthy environment. And ultimately, we want both. Susan Bean is the community engagement director for MountainTrue in addition to being an Asheville resident with wonderful neighbors. X

Editor’s note For other recent Xpress commentaries related to infill development and the open space amendment, see “Reading Reading Between the Lines: A Devil’s Dictionary of Development” (avl.mx/bd4), Feb. 9, and “Pavement or Paradise? Asheville’s Future Is Yours to Decide” (avl.mx/bd5), Dec. 9.

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WRITE FOR Xpress is seeking experienced freelance writers to contribute to our Buncombe County government coverage.

Send cover letter, resume and three or more clips to news@mountainx.com with the subject line: Freelance writer.

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MARCH 16-22, 2022

NEWS

Being the change

Youth-focused nonprofits prioritize equity in new efforts

BY SARA MURPHY smurphy@mountainx.com The leaders of Asheville-based children’s literacy nonprofit Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe knew they had to make a change. Although the group’s mission is to close the opportunity gap between Black and white children, it had never hired a fulltime Black staffer since being founded in 2009, and its last Black board president was founder Isaac Coleman. “When you are doing the kind of work that we do, it is disingenuous to do it without Black leadership,” says Co-Executive Director Jessica McLean, who is white. So in December 2020, Read to Succeed came together to shift the makeup of its personnel and relationships with the community. The nonprofit subsequently hired Jaimee Stanley, a Black woman, as co-executive director in June 2021. Its board was also expanded so that more than half of its 13 members

READING THE ROOM: Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe selected Jaimee Stanley, center, as a co-executive director in June, adding Black leadership to its community literacy work. Photo courtesy of Read to Succeed were Black — including board president Ile Adaramola. Read to Succeed is not the only children-focused nonprofit in Western North Carolina to focus more intentionally on closing race-based opportunity gaps in recent years. OpenDoors of Asheville is launching AVL Rise, a peer mentoring program in which high school students of color improve their own literacy by teaching elementary school students. Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC has expanded into eight additional counties and signed an agreement with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in the Qualla Boundary. According to OpenDoors founder and CEO Jen Langdon Ramming, part of that shift has come as a silver lining of the coronavirus pandemic. “The blessing of COVID is that it’s slowed time down,” she explains. “We can prioritize mindfulness and meditation and yoga instead of pushing hard for an end-of-grade test.”

WORDS AND WISDOM How much fun can reading be? Just ask the kids who participate in Claxton Elementary School’s Busy Bees Afterschool Program with support from Read to Succeed tutors. “I like to take turns reading and be nice,” says third grader Ashley C. Meanwhile, fourth grader Qudair S. singles out One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish as one of his favorites. “I don’t know what it’s called but I know the book by Dr. Seuss,” he says. For McLean and Stanley, instilling a joy for reading is critical not only for children’s literacy but also for their mental health. That’s why Read to Succeed prioritizes books written by and about people of color that both reflect everyday lived experience and celebrate excellence. Thanks to a $90,000 Dogwood Health Trust grant received in November 2021, Read to Succeed has been able to collaborate even more closely with children, their families and the communi-

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ty. In the coming months, the nonprofit will expand its focus from grades K-3 to work with children from birth through age 5. And it’s already launched a new after-school program at the Arthur R. Edington Center. Every week, staff members receive literacy training from Stanley and two other teachers and pass on those lessons to children. “In those trainings, you have grandparents and aunties and uncles that live in the community and then work in the community center in the afternoons,” Stanley says. “They take that knowledge home to their grandkids, or their kids or their nieces and nephews, and that is the beautiful ripple effect.” Much more is on the horizon for Read to Succeed. On Thursday, March 31, over 100 families will gather at the YWCA to enjoy food, games and a mini-book fair. The nonprofit will also belatedly celebrate its 10th anniversary Sunday, May 1, with a luncheon at the Edington Center. Asheville native and children’s author J.P. Miller will speak about her lifelong love of reading and her Leaders Like Us and Black Stories Matter series. RISE UP Reading is also central to OpenDoors’ commitment to closing the race-based opportunity gap. “When you’re learning to read, you’re not accessing the world,” says Ramming. “Reading to learn, you are.” The organization’s newest effort targets often-overlooked literacy gaps in high school students. AVL Rise is a “fresh to death peer tutoring hiphop literacy program” that trains high schoolers of color to teach literacy to elementary school students. The initiative is modeled on Reach Incorporated, a successful program created by former social worker Mark Hecker in Washington, D.C. Buncombe County has given OpenDoors $750,000 over the next three years to run the program — the first public money the organization has received since its inception in 2009. “The outcomes for the older kids are actually far more dramatic, and that’s what makes this program really special,” Ramming says. “You get kids who can grow three to four years in their basic literacy levels, because one of the greatest ways to learn is to teach.” AVL Rise Program Director Jasmine Middleton, an Asheville native and OpenDoors alumna, says she and her staff will focus on more than just reading. For example, because student tutors will be

compensated, their training includes financial literacy lessons. “We want our students to be able to manage their funds well,” Middleton says. Education Director David Kennedy will bring both his educational background and skills as a rap and hip-hop artist to teach high school students rhyming and rhythmic techniques they will pass along to their mentees. And Tia Searles, an OpenDoors alumna, specifically trained in yoga and mindfulness to incorporate mental health and physical well-being into the high schoolers’ preservice training. “To us, education includes enrichment, having secure housing, having access to healthy foods, mental health [and] physical health,” Ramming says. Even though pretraining activities for AVL Rise have started, OpenDoors is still recruiting high school students for the program, with a focus on ninth and tenth graders. Interested students can apply at avl.mx/bcf. A BIGGER FAMILY Mississippi native Lelia Duncan came in as the new president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC in April 2020, just as the world was shutting down. “As we

were dealing with that, we were also dealing with doubling our footprint size and almost tripling our staff,” she recalls. Rather than postponing these plans, Duncan and her staff doubled down. A Dogwood Health Trust grant received in December 2020 allowed them to meet their goals by expanding into Avery, Clay, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Rutherford, Transylvania and Yancey counties. Duncan says perhaps the most exciting part of this expansion is a collaboration with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on the Qualla Boundary. To ensure an equitable partnership, the organization has implemented a training module for staff specific to Cherokee culture and has multiple tribe members on its Qualla Boundary team. Most importantly, their first matches for “Littles” from Cherokee Elementary School will be with “Bigs” from Cherokee High School. “The superintendent [Michael Murray of Cherokee Central School] said to me, ‘I take this really seriously, because we are raising a nation here.’ And those words have echoed and informed every step we’ve made,” Duncan says. BBBS will start match-

SPARKING JOY: Read to Succeed prioritizes books written by and about people of color that both reflect everyday lived experience and celebrate excellence. Photo courtesy of Read to Succeed ing Bigs and Littles at the end of this school year to have a robust program in place by next fall. Equity informs how the nonprofit makes matches more generally, but finding the right mentors for children ages 6-15 is not as simple as connecting those participants with adults who look like them or have similar interests. Parental preferences must

be taken into account. Duncan notes that both vaccination status and political leanings have emerged as important factors to consider when matching mentors and mentees. “Western North Carolina is very unique with its extreme conservative views as well as extreme liberal views,” she says. “We have to take our time and best balance that.” Even as BBBS of WNC expanded into new counties, the organization had to deal with losing volunteers due to the pandemic. To reinvigorate relationships, the organization created Club Summit, a series of outings that combine physical exercise, learning about nature and good land stewardship. Since the first outing — a nature hike in Dupont State Recreational Forest — in March 2021, matches have gone kayaking and canoeing on Lake Junaluska and Lake James, as well as snow tubing in Hendersonville, Sapphire Valley and Maggie Valley. To keep that momentum going through the next stage of the pandemic, Duncan says, it’s critical for WNC residents to support area children through donations of money and time. “If it’s gotten too much for you, imagine how it is for a child,” she says. “We need people now.” X

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NEWS

The parent trap

Working families struggle to find affordable child care

HARD TIMES: Even pre-COVID, finding affordable child care in Western North Carolina was a daunting challenge. Photo courtesy of Buncombe County

BY JESSICA WAKEMAN jwakeman@mountainx.com Even in the best of times, working parents must strive every day to balance family and professional responsibilities. But the COVID-19 pandemic has made that already difficult situation much, much harder — and women workers have borne the brunt of it. As the pandemic closes out its second year, many working parents feel “a pretty profound exhaustion,” says Buncombe County Commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, who chairs the board’s Early Childhood and Development Committee. “I know many families who’ve had the experience of their day care closing for two weeks, it reopens for three days and it closes again for two weeks,” she says, adding,“What does this mean in the life of a family?” Some families have managed to work remotely, taking over the 10

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kitchen table or repurposing a guest room as a home office. But that isn’t feasible for workers whose jobs must be performed in person. “Some people have to show up for shift work, regardless of whether day care is open or not,” Beach-Ferrara points out. In the best-case scenario, these workers can turn to family members or friends for child care. But if that’s not an option, “They have to start making really, really difficult decisions,” she says. THE CHILD CARE CRUNCH Even pre-COVID, finding affordable child care in Western North Carolina was a daunting challenge. “We had, I won’t say a crisis, but we had a really difficult environment,” says Nathan Ramsey, director of the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board and executive director of the Land of Sky Regional Council, an association of local gov-

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ernments. “Before the pandemic we already had a lack of available slots” for child care and early childhood education, he explains. Subsidies for low-income families were limited, notes Ramsey, and “Even for individuals who were paying out of pocket … we just had really limited slots.” Options include Head Start programs serving low-income families, public prekindergarten programs, nonprofit and for-profit child care centers, home-based child care and private preschool programs. Costs vary based on both the type of program and the child’s age. In 2019, the average cost of center-based infant care in North Carolina was $9,254 a year, according to Child Care Aware of America, a national nonprofit. For an infant and a 4-year-old, the average combined cost was $17,174. Buncombe County families that meet certain income requirements

are eligible for subsidized child care through the Department of Health and Human Services. The agency provides vouchers for both afterschool and full-time care at specified facilities, says Phillip Hardin, the county’s economic services director. But recipients must still contribute 10% of their gross monthly income, which can be a significant burden. Subsidy requests have held steady during the pandemic, says Hardin. “At times we’ve had an increase for essential workers and especially for school-age care, as many schools weren’t offering full-time, in-person learning,” he reports. As of January 2022, the most recent data available, 995 Buncombe County families received such subsidies on behalf of 1,297 children, notes Hardin. Most of the recipients (83%) were working, 2% were attending school and 5% were doing both. The remaining support went to foster parents and those caring for special-needs children.

“A lot of child care workers could go across the street to a fast-food restaurant and make more money.” — Nathan Ramsey, Mountain Area Workforce Development Board In the past, the county had a waitlist for child care vouchers, but Hardin confirms that this is no longer the case. A “SHECESSION” Meanwhile, the pain of the pandemic has not been distributed equally. Women workers have been disproportionately affected, leading to what some have called a “shecession.” As of January 2022, the number of women in the workforce had declined by more than 1 million since February 2020, according to a fact sheet from the National Women’s Law Center. During that period, women have accounted for 63.3% of job losses. “Women are often the people who step away from work to attend to family needs,” Beach-Ferrara points out. And that can affect long-term career prospects as well as shortterm household income. Even a temporary absence from the workforce, she continues, “has all kinds of impact on earning power and promotions. It’s important that we’re thinking through every aspect of that as we think about targeted ways to support women’s reentry into the workforce.” During the pandemic, some families have concluded that the most prudent financial decision was for one parent to stay home and care for the kids. Often, however, those decisions reflect pay inequity as well as the high cost of child care. In 2020, American women earned 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In North Carolina, the wage gap is even greater. According

to a 2018 report by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, women workers in N.C. were paid just 80.9 cents per dollar male workers earned. And for women of color, the discrepancy is greater still. On an annual basis, Tar Heel women make almost $9,000 less than men. The 2018 report found that the median annual income for North Carolina women who were working full-time, year-round was $36,400, compared with $45,000 for men. Thus, any solution to the child care crisis must also address gender-based pay disparities, BeachFerrara maintains. EXPANDING TEACHER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Increasing the pay for early childhood workers would make the field more attractive, says Ramsey. “The challenge in our society is we pay the least to those who take care of us when we’re the youngest and when we’re the oldest. A lot of those child care workers could go across the street to a fast-food restaurant and make more money.” People working in Head Start, publicly funded pre-K programs and private preschools in North Carolina can make as little as $17,490 a year, according to a 2018 report by the state’s Child Care Services Association, a Chapel Hill-based nonprofit. One local program seeking to increase such workers’ pay is the Child Care WAGE$ Project. A program of the

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NE W S Buncombe Partnership for Children, it provides annual supplemental payments to people working in the field who make up to $18 per hour. The program encourages less educated participants to take courses to improve their skill set and earnings potential. Another helpful approach, notes Beach-Ferrara, would be establishing a local birth-through-kindergarten program that qualifies participants for B-K licensure. Currently, the closest B-K programs are at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee and Appalachian State University in Boone. The lack of such programs here, she explains, makes it harder for local child care providers to recruit enough licensed teachers to staff pre-K classrooms. Both pre-K and kindergarten teachers are required to have such a license, which allows them to work with children from birth to age 5. In recent years, two local entities have received substantial grants aimed at expanding the early childhood workforce. In 2019, the Buncombe County Partnership for Children and its partners were awarded a two-year, $400,000 NCWorks Local Innovation grant to extend its existing program for training early childhood educators to Henderson, Madison and Transylvania counties. And last September, Land of Sky received a two-year, $802,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Dogwood Health Trust to expand the WNC Early Childhood Educator Workforce Project to 11 counties in the region. It’s expected to create 160 jobs that will support additional child care slots. BUNCOMBE CONSIDERS PRE-K EXPANSION Buncombe County’s Strategic Plan 2025 lists improving early childhood education as a goal. The current budget allocates $3.75 million for that purpose.

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if she’s elected to represent North Carolina’s 11th District in the U.S. House of Representatives, bolstering federal support for early childhood education would be a priority. Among the helpful steps that could be taken at the national level, she believes, are extending the child tax credit (which expired in December) and forgiving student loans. But despite those measures’ popularity, she says, “They’re getting logjammed in broken parts of our political system.” SUPPORTING ECONOMIC GROWTH

BIGGER ISSUE: Buncombe County Commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, who chairs the board’s Early Childhood and Development Committee, says eliminating gender-based pay disparities is crucial to addressing the affordable child care issue. Photo courtesy of Beach-Ferrara At the Feb. 15 Board of Commissioners meeting, however, Beach-Ferrara proposed spending an additional $7.5 million on pre-K education over two years, using a portion of the roughly $27 million remaining in federal funds received through the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act. Her proposal calls for allocating $4.3 million to build and equip new pre-K classrooms and $3.2 million for a pilot program to increase the capacity of existing classrooms. “There’s a tremendous amount of community and political support and will in Buncombe County” for improving early childhood education, says Beach-Ferrara. “We are trying to do everything we can as a local community to push forward and are ever hopeful that we’ll see state and federal government prioritize these issues.” The Democrat, who’s currently running for Congress, says that

A family’s needs for child care and early childhood education are often framed as individual concerns. But the lack of affordable child care and its impacts on the labor force is really an economic development issue, Beach-Ferrara maintains. “You cannot have a vibrant workforce without having quality early childhood education in your community,” she declares. And if that wasn’t apparent pre-COVID, it certainly is now, says Beach-Ferrara. Over the last two years, local employers “have felt the pressure points of parents needing to call out because day care just closed for 10 days,” she adds. Ramsey, meanwhile, says “Employers recognize that lack of child care harms their ability to attract and retain staff.” The National Women’s Law Center also emphasizes the economic benefits of family-friendly policies. “Investing in child care, universal pre-K and paid leave is an economic imperative that increases women’s labor force participation and labor productivity,” research fellow Brooke LePage stated in a January blog post. “The National Partnership for Women & Families estimates that if women’s labor force participation in the U.S. were to match rates for women in Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom — where public policies provide greater support for caregiving — there would be up to 4.85 million more women in the workforce and $650 billion per year added to the economy.” In the meantime, local families continue to grapple with the lack of viable child care options, including getting the bulk of their work done after their children go to bed. Beach-Ferrara says she knows people “working from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. to get stuff done.” Despite the challenges, however, she’s not giving up. “The pandemic really has laid bare so many disparities within our country. In that, it gives us the opportunity to redouble our efforts to do better.” X

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NEWS

Wild and logging-free?

Forest plan may boost special status for Craggy Mountains

BY MARK BARRETT markbarrett@charter.net When Enka retiree Carroll Koepplinger wants to see spring wildflowers, he knows where to go. He makes a pilgrimage up a faint trail that parallels Hawkbill Creek in a lesser-known corner of the Craggy Mountains that’s part of Pisgah National Forest. He has led several Carolina Mountain Club hikes through the valley and its north-facing hardwood forest over the past six years. “One time we counted over 60 different wildflowers,” Koepplinger says. “It’s a beautiful, beautiful area.” In a few years, people following in Koepplinger’s footsteps might be traveling through a national scenic area, with restrictions designed to protect the biological diversity of publicly owned land in the Hawkbill Creek valley and much of the rest of the Craggy Mountains. Or they might find that many of the trees in the steep valley have been cut and hauled off to a sawmill. The pending approval of a U.S. Forest Service plan for the roughly 1 million acres that the Nantahala and Pisgah national forests cover in Western North Carolina is likely to influence whether a large swath of the Craggies should be open for timber harvesting or managed for recreation. The plan, released in January, is consistent with the idea of a national scenic area, which would require additional action by Congress. But backers of an NSA say the Forest Service proposal does not protect all of the land they believe should be included. The plan would allow logging on Hawkbill Creek and three other areas that NSA supporters want to be a part of a scenic area.

OFTEN SCENE: The Big Ivy section of the Craggy Mountains makes up much of the view from the Blue Ridge Parkway and nearby trails in northeastern Buncombe County. Photo by Steven McBride The NSA could include as much as 16,000 acres of USFS land that runs north from the upper Shope Creek valley in the Riceville area to the land around Cane River Gap and Ogle Meadows in Buncombe County’s northeastern corner. Anyone who has looked north from the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, the nearby picnic area or the top of heavily visited Craggy Pinnacle — spots in the protected Blue Ridge Parkway corridor northeast of Asheville — has gotten a bird’s-eye view of most of the land in question.

Most of the area where advocates want an NSA, commonly called Big Ivy or the Coleman Boundary, is accessible by foot from the Blue Ridge Parkway or by trails and gravel roads that lead up from the Barnardsville area. (Shope Creek and a patch of Forest Service land nearby on the headwaters of Ox Creek are separate parcels 2 miles away and closer to Asheville.) Big Ivy’s trails and roads are popular with equestrians, hikers and mountain bikers from many places. Locals also hunt, fish and pick ramps on the land, says Hannah Furgiuele, a Barnardsville resident and organizer of the community effort backing NSA status. “It’s so close to Asheville, it attracts so many people,” she says. Because Big Ivy is “a highly visible place” from the parkway, “a lot of people have a vested interest in it, even if it’s not from living directly here.” “HUNTERS AND HIPPIES” The proposed Forest Service plan calls for wilderness designation for 3,222 acres, including the popular Douglas Falls and land mostly to the north, west and south of the falls. Special rules would prevent logging

MARCH 16-22, 2022

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while encouraging recreation on 8,279 more acres of Pisgah National Forest that lie mostly to the north of the proposed wilderness. A final plan is expected to be approved later this year, although the possibility of subsequent litigation not directly related to the Craggies could delay its taking effect. Motorized equipment and logging would be prohibited in the wilderness area, but hunting, hiking and fishing would be allowed. On the 8,279 acres under special rules, timber cutting would still be off-limits, but the list of allowed activities would expand to include mountain biking, horseback riding and driving on the main Forest Service roads. So far, the Forest Service proposal and a campaign by Barnardsvillearea residents to prohibit logging on Forest Service land in the Craggies has received little opposition. Will Harlan, a leader of the community effort and a senior biologist for the Center for Biological Diversity, says local “hunters and hippies” back the idea. He believes the way the Forest Service proposes to manage the Craggy Mountains area sets the table for congressional approval of an NSA. National scenic area designation comes with fewer hard-and-fast rules

than does a national park or national recreation area. Harlan says there are only 10 in the country. Advocates have latched onto the idea for the Craggy land because it would provide flexibility to continue existing recreational uses and make the logging ban a matter of law, not subject to a change in Forest Service policy. They hope NSA status will also give the area an advantage when federal funds for road or trail maintenance and other needs are divided up. The Forest Service plan for the Nantahala and Pisgah does not take a position for or against an NSA in the Craggies, leaving that decision to Congress. Broad direction for the NSA would come from the establishing legislation. Harlan says advocates have been in touch with the offices of North Carolina’s two U.S. senators, Republicans Richard Burr and Thom Tillis, and staffers for both “have shown significant interest.” Mountain Xpress requests for comment sent to the senators’ offices elicited no responses. Luke Ball, spokesman for 11th District U.S. Rep. Madison Cawthorn, says the Republican and his staff are learning more about the forest plan and the NSA proposal but Cawthorn “is not taking an official stance as of yet.” IN OR OUT While the idea of an NSA hasn’t been very controversial, there is a debate over whether timber harvesting should be allowed on parts of the Forest Service’s land in the Craggies, which could make them unsuitable for an NSA. Harlan says the Forest Service erred by proposing designations in the forest plan that would allow logging for the Hawkbill Creek drainage, other Pisgah land north of N.C. 197 and the Shope Creek and Ox Creek parcels. Restrictions would be

BMW & MINI maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. TO REOPEN: Washouts caused by heavy rains in August closed two key roads that provide access to Pisgah National Forest land in the Big Ivy section of Buncombe County. A Forest Service official says they will be repaired. A national scenic area designation proposed for Big Ivy would allow the roads to stay open. Photo by Steven McBride

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imposed on parts of those drainages closest to the Blue Ridge Parkway to protect views from the road, but a range of uses, including logging, would be allowed in the rest. Harlan says backers of the NSA will push to include those areas among the territory where logging is banned. The Forest Service’s move “seems very inconsistent with what the public and community leaders are asking for,” he says. Michelle Aldridge, the local Forest Service official in charge of writing the Nantahala-Pisgah plan, says the fact that logging would be allowed in

CONTINUES ON PAGE 16

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those areas doesn’t guarantee they will be cut. Any timber cutting would happen after extensive analysis to identify sensitive areas and steps to protect them, she says. Aldridge says logging creates a mix of forest types and ages that’s better for wildlife and the forest overall. “We’re not harvesting timber at random. We’re thoughtfully restoring ecosystems,” she says. Places in the Craggies where logging would be allowed are “not the core area that’s visible” from the Blue Ridge Parkway, she continues. Josh Kelly, public lands field biologist for Asheville-based environmental nonprofit MountainTrue, says parts of the valley and some land around N.C. 197 were most recently logged from 1989-92 and part of Shope Creek in 2010. He believes someone in the Forest Service wants to cut trees in the Hawkbill Creek valley and beside N.C. 197 again. He’s opposed. “Each have exceptional old-growth forests,” Kelly says of those tracts. “They are just as beautiful and scenic as the rest of the area. To me, they all belong together.” A reporter who roamed the Hawkbill Creek valley in mid-February found none of Koepplinger’s wildflowers — it was too early for that, alas. But there were boulder fields covered with moss, gnarled trees close to the ridgeline, plenty of clear water in the creek and in the lower two-thirds of the valley, closed logging roads and patches of young trees interspersed with larger areas of older woods.

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WNC residents, the Forest Service, environmentalists, timber groups, hunters and others have debated how much timber should be cut from the Nantahala and Pisgah forests since at least the 1970s. MountainTrue’s predecessor organization, the WNC Alliance, used an aerial photo of several clear-cuts in the northernmost part of Big Ivy to rally support for less logging in 1989, when the forest plan now in effect was being written. A bill to designate 2,380 acres in the Craggies as wilderness passed the U.S. House in 1990 but did not come up for a vote in the Senate. Protections for Craggy could get caught up in hostility from several of WNC’s more rural counties to wilderness designation in general, as well as debate over planned logging, whenever the issue reaches Congress. The plan recommends adding more than 49,000 acres to the 66,000 of official wilderness areas now on the Nantahala and Pisgah and increasing annual timber cutting from 650 acres to 1,200 acres, or as much as 3,200

RECREATION CORRIDOR: A trail paralleling Staire Branch is one of several in the Big Ivy section of Pisgah National Forest that is popular with hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Photo by Mark Barrett acres if the Forest Service got a major budget increase. Tillis and individual commissioners in some WNC counties, including Haywood, Transylvania, Macon and Graham, in 2016 backed giving counties veto power over Forest Service moves to manage some areas as wilderness. Environmentalists have pushed back, arguing that the forests belong to all Americans, not just those in the 18 WNC counties that contain the Pisgah and Nantahala. However, support for more local control may boost the push for an NSA in the Craggies. The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, at the time split 4-3 between Democrats and Republicans, unanimously approved a resolution in April 2020 endorsing the national scenic area proposal. The N.C. Forestry Association, a timber industry group that backs more logging on national forests in WNC, neither supported nor opposed an NSA in the Craggy Mountains in its comments on the NantahalaPisgah plan, Executive Director John Hatcher notes. Many hunting groups favor more timber cutting because the young forests that follow provide habitat for deer, grouse and other animals. But David Whitmire, a Transylvania County resident who leads a sportsmen’s group called the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Council that has been heavily involved in the forest plan debate, said the group would be unlikely to oppose Buncombe commissioners if they continue to back an NSA. “They’re the elected officials there,” he said. X

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MARCH 16-22, 2022

N EWS

BUNCOMBE BEAT

Hilliard Ave. development approved in unusual Council procedure If Asheville City Council says no to a rezoning request for a given piece of land, a developer must usually wait a year before returning with a new proposal for the property. Delray at Hilliard Avenue LLC, owner of a site at 363 Hilliard Ave., waited all of two weeks. Employing a previously unused power that Mayor Esther Manheimer claimed under Rule 19(l) of Council’s Rules of Procedure, Council voted unanimously March 8 to rescind a Feb. 22 denial of conditional zoning for a proposed 187-unit housing development at 363 Hilliard Ave. Members then voted 6-1 to approve an updated request that increased the number of affordable units offered by the developer. Vice Mayor Sheneika Smith was the sole Council member against the updated conditional zoning but did not provide an explanation for her vote. The original zoning request was denied in a 5-2 vote, with Council members Sandra Kilgore and Antanette Mosley in favor. The updated proposal boosted the number of units offered as affordable to residents making 80% of the area median income ($42,100 for an individual or $60,100 for a family of four) from nine to roughly 18; the number of units that would accept housing vouchers rose from five to nine. The proposal also added a new condition requiring the development to comply with any additional traffic mitigation measures mandated by the N.C. Department of Transportation. The unusual process was noted by Asheville City Council candidate

(The city’s former public records officer, Leslie Coty, left her post Feb. 11, and as of press time, Asheville does not employ a fulltime staffer to facilitate requests. Many public records requests, such as Xpress’ ask for documents related to the 2021 Council retreat, have taken months to fulfill.)

Council appoints Reparations Commission members

GUESS WHO’S BACK: A conditional zoning request for The Avery, a 187-unit housing development slated for 363 Hilliard Ave. in Asheville’s downtown, was denied in a Feb. 22 meeting. Council then approved the request March 8 after employing a rarely used rule to rescind its prior decision. Graphic courtesy of the city of Asheville Nina Tovish, who spoke during public comment ahead of the vote. While the decision to rescind the vote was within the scope of Council’s policies, she said, the move lacked transparency and set the stage for further use of the rule. “It’s rather unprecedented. I don’t think I’ve seen this happen before. And I’m curious what the public is to make of this rapid turnaround,” Tovish said. “What was the process? What were the nature of conversations that took place? Are there any documentations of

those conversations, just so that the public can have a transparent view into the exchanges that took place between Council members and the applicant to understand how this process went forward?” “I think that’s a fair question. I don’t recall us doing this before,” Manheimer responded. She noted that the request to revisit Council’s decision was made by the applicant through communications with City Attorney Brad Branham and that those documents could be accessed through public records requests.

Eight months after the timeline established by City Manager Debra Campbell, Council approved five appointments for the Community Reparations Commission, which is tasked with establishing short-, medium- and long-term recommendations to address disparities within Asheville’s Black community. The appointed members include Dewana Little, executive director of the YMI Cultural Center; Dwight Mullen, a retired UNC Asheville political science professor and founder of the State of Black Asheville research project; CiCi Weston, executive director of the Christine W. Avery Learning Center; Tamarie Macon, assistant professor for the Public Health Leadership Program and director of community initiatives for the Mountain Area Health Education Center; and Joyce Harrison, retired regional director at SelfHelp Credit Union. The appointees represent the commission’s five impact focus areas: criminal justice, economic development, education, health care and housing, respectively. The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to make its own five appointments Tuesday, March 15, according to county spokesperson Kassi Day. Also announced were 15 commission members who represent historically Black neighborhoods impacted by urban renewal. Those members were selected through an independent neighborhood nomination process, with no oversight from city or county government. Neighborhood appointees include DeWayne Barton, MZ Yehudah, Keith Young, Glenda McDowell, Bernard V. Oliphant, Renata Conyers, Norma S. Baynes, Bobbette K. Mays, Midred Nance Carson, Roy Harris, Thomas Priester, Kimberly Jones, Shaunda Jackson, Anglea Young and Aleesha Ballard.

— Brooke Randle X 18

MARCH 16-22, 2022

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BUNCOMBE BEAT

Homelessness, safety rank as top downtown concerns The Asheville Downtown Association welcomed a sold-out crowd to its March 8 State of Downtown Luncheon, held at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville. The gathering marked the first in-person iteration of the annual event since February 2020. “All of you reached out about 16 inches or so in front of you, and yes, it’s true: You are not looking at a monitor,” joked Bill Durr, the ADA’s board president. The luncheon featured presentations by Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer and Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Chair Brownie Newman, while ADA Executive Director Meghan Rogers highlighted results from the ADA’s 2022 survey, which gauged the concerns and sentiments of Asheville’s downtown business community. (The full survey results are available at avl.mx/bd3.) This year’s survey had 101 responses from downtown business owners and employees, with retail, art galleries and food and beverage industries making up nearly 60% of total respondents. Just over half of participating businesses were considered small, with 10 or fewer employees. Over half of respondents indicated that their place of business had matched or exceeded pre-pandemic revenue levels, while 18% said that sales were still down by up to 10%. And while about half of respondents said their businesses were back to being fully staffed, roughly 20% said they were still struggling to fill open positions. HOMELESSNESS AND SAFETY Reducing homelessness in the central business district was at the top of survey respondents’ concerns for 2022. Just over half said they would support a low-barrier shelter, with another 27% saying they weren’t sure about the idea. Nearly 50% of respondents also indicated they would consider hiring someone who was either currently or formerly homeless, as long as a program was in place to support both the employee and the employer; 37% of respondents said they were unsure. “To me, that says we need more education and discussion around this issue,” Rogers said. And 75% of survey takers indicated support for alternative approaches to issues that are often related to homelessness, such as Buncombe County’s Community Paramedic Program.

its American Rescue Plan Act funds for the purchase and installation of a Portland Loo, a standalone restroom kiosk, as a potential solution. Rogers added that the ADA was partnering with the city of Asheville, Asheville GreenWorks and BeLoved Asheville to bring back its Downtown Cleanup Day. This year’s event will be held Tuesday, April 19, with more details to come. THE YEAR AHEAD

BRIGHT LIGHTS, BIG CITY: Asheville Downtown Association Executive Director Meghan Rogers highlighted results from the ADA’s 2022 survey, which gauged the concerns and sentiments of Asheville’s downtown business community. Photo by Jennifer Castillo “We all know homelessness is a complex issue, and it can be quite polarizing in our community. I sometimes see that the business community is unfairly labeled as uncompassionate,” said Rogers. “But what I find, when I read through our survey comments and when I talk to people, is that most businesses fall somewhere in the middle of those polarizing opinions.” Safety and reducing criminal activity downtown closely followed homelessness among the top concerns. Survey respondents were asked to evaluate downtown in terms of how safe they felt. The average score was 3.5 out of 5 for perceived safety during the daytime, dropping to 1.9 out of 5 at night. Criminal activity, substance use and a decreased police presence were identified as safety concerns, but pedestrian safety, speeding vehicles and the need for more lighting were also noted.

notion as long as that facility was properly maintained and monitored. Asheville closed its 24/7 restroom at 29 Haywood St. in spring 2020 and has yet to reopen the facility, citing concerns around cost and maintenance. Manheimer said that the city was currently considering using a portion of

RESTROOMS AND CLEANLINESS

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“Cleanliness is definitely becoming more and more of an issue,” said Rogers, who noted that survey respondents scored Asheville’s downtown a 2.2 out of 5 on that front. More than 70% of those surveyed said they supported a 24/7 permanent public restroom facility downtown, while another 15% agreed with the

Rogers announced that the ADA plans to strengthen its advocacy efforts for its members and the downtown community but shared few specifics of what those plans would look like. Finally, she added that the association will resume hosting many of its popular events this year, including Downtown After 5. “We are excited to bring back that slate of events here in 2022. They’re not just fun — they’re actually an economic driver for our businesses, and particularly those who were impacted by event cancellations over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic,” Rogers explained. “I believe that these events can be a part of our economic recovery, but also our emotional recovery, as we’re able to gather together with our neighbors and friends.”

— Brooke Randle X

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Q&A with Marta Alcalá-Williams, winner of social justice award For Marta Alcalá-Williams, bringing equity and understanding into the Asheville community is a calling that energizes her. In 2001, she launched a local Motheread chapter in the Hillcrest community that worked to combine literacy instruction with child development and adult empowerment. The program was relaunched in 2015 through Asheville City Schools, where Alcalá-Williams serves as the executive director for equity and community engagement. The following year, Alcalá-Williams co-founded Marvelous Math Club in partnership with ACS, the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville and the UNC Asheville. Additionally, she serves as a volunteer with the Keep It Moving Coalition Asheville and is a leader of the Racial Equity Institute Asheville Core Team. This breadth of work recently resulted in Alcalá-Williams receiving the Pauli Murray Brilliance Award from the Tzedek Social Justice Fund, a local organization that redistributes money, resources and power to support systems change and community healing in Asheville. The award honors community leaders performing intersectional work to further racial justice and LGBTQ equality through a $50,000, no-strings-attached grant. Having lived in Asheville for over 30 years, Alcalá-Williams says it was a unique experience to hear other community leaders highlight her body of work. “Sometimes when you’re in it, you don’t have time to see it,” she says. “That was a very humbling experience.” Xpress spoke with Alcalá-Williams about her earliest community efforts, the unique challenges women of color face and the ways individuals can make an impact within their own communities. This interview has been condensed and lightly edited. Given all that you do, how do you avoid burnout? When you’re committed to something that’s so important, and something that you’re a part of, there’s no other option but to continue exploring [the issues]. I am a brown woman. My life is at stake. But I did get burned out from being on nine boards at one point. Initially, the invitations to join made me feel like, “Everybody thinks I’m so smart; they want me on all of their things!”

At the time, I didn’t know any better. In reality, it was, “I want you on my brochure because I want to say that we have diversity, but I’m not so sure that I want your input.” [People of color] get the “Yes, but,” often. So, getting more honest with myself and with the folks in the organizations, I learned how to speak truth from a place that is not causing harm or putting myself in harm’s way. I’m not interested in the “Yes, but” anymore. What propelled you to take on the role of a community leader in Asheville? I was a stay-at-home mom. I began as a volunteer [at my daughter’s school decades ago]. Once there, I asked, “Can I go into the classroom and talk about diversity and differences?” All the girls [that participated in these conversations] were Black. I asked my daughter’s fourth grade teacher, “Did you go around saying only Black girls can be part of Miss Marta’s team?” The teacher explained that these were the students that asked — that this was the audience that wanted to [talk about diversity]. That’s how I started getting my feet wet. I was later invited to go to a training in Raleigh for Motheread. I went for three days with a group of other mothers and just fell in love with the idea of this organization. It brings books to life and invites participants to talk about independence. I said, “How about if we try and start a Motheread program in Asheville?” People loved it. When I went to Racial Equity Institute in 2015, it changed my life. I was like, “I’m supposed to be doing this type of work in a bigger way.”

But at one point early on I got told from a member of the community [whom] I was working with, “You ain’t come here to fix us. You don’t know my life.” I put the clipboard down and said, “What would be beneficial to move the community forward? I’m here to learn, because I don’t know — I don’t live here.” That’s when I started really learning. What advice would you pass along to someone who wanted to make a difference in their community? I would say put that clipboard down and really listen. Ask questions to the people you’re working with: “Am I hearing you correctly?” This approach feels respectful and intentional. Now that you’ve received this grant, does it change the way you look at your work? I don’t think that it changes the way that I look at the work. I think it’s more, as a woman of color, what is the sustainability that I can create for myself? [In my role with Asheville City Schools,] I work with a lot of women [in the Hillcrest community]. A concern for mothers in particular is figuring out what happens when their child’s preschool closes down because of COVID and they still have to go to work. In the middle of [a recent Zoom meeting about this issue], I put myself on mute. I called the YWCA on my phone and said, “Hey, can someone hop on this call and give us information on child care? I want you to hear it from the mouths of the people that are having the experience.” The woman jumped on the call. She explained the protocol, we sent out all the informa-

CHANGE AGENT: With multiple decades of community activism and work under her belt, local resident Marta Alcalá-Williams recently received the Pauli Murray Brilliance Award from the Tzedek Social Justice Fund. Photo by Erin Hill tion, and the mamas got to say, “This is what would be beneficial.” When more people are working together, I get to take a backseat. That’s how we grow. That’s building capacity for our communities so it’s not taxing on just one or two people. What do you see as your greatest achievement to date? Being able to speak my truth ... from a loving place and having folks be like, “OK, I can stick with you through this. It’s scary at times. It is not always what I want to hear. It is not always beautiful. But there’s something here.” That feels really uplifting to me because that means we’re shifting, we’re creating something special for the healing of our community. I have this vision, that if we do the intentional work of healing and learning and growing our muscles together, we could be a model city for how to speak truth and healing together. I want to be a part of it, and I’m in it to shift and create.

— LA Bourgeois X

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Luke Manget presents Ginseng Diggers in conversation w/Daniel S. Pierce The authors discuss Manget's book. Sponsored by Malaprop's. Registration required. WE (3/23), 6pm, avl.mx/bcn

For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 828-251-1333, opt. 1.

Online Events = Shaded WELLNESS Yoga and the 12 Steps of Recovery (Y12SR) Addresses addiction as a mental, physical and spiritual disease. WE (3/16, 23), 8:30am, Asheville Yoga Center, 211 S Liberty St Pub Run Rain or shine, all ages and experience levels welcome. WE (3/16, 23), 6:15pm, Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Rd Virtual Anxiety Support Group Held the first and third Thursdays of every month. Contact NAMIWNC.org or (828) 505-7353 for more information. TH (3/17) Montford Tai Chi Hosted by local acupuncturist Tyler White. All ages, every Thursday. TH (3/17, 24), 9am, Free, Montford Recreation Center, 34 Pearson Dr Introduction to Tai Chi Pre-registration required ashevillecommunityyoga.com. TH (3/17, 24), 10:30am, Asheville Community Yoga Center, 8 Brookdale Rd Queer & Trans Yoga Class For everyone who identifies outside the lines and hasn’t felt comfortable in a traditional yoga space. TH (3/17, 24), 6pm, avl.mx/b1t LGBTQ Sweat Your Prayers A safe space for the LGBTQ community to move their bodies with intention, love, in solidarity. All are welcome, sliding scale. SA (3/19), 9:30am, Haw Creek Commons, 315 Old Haw Creek Rd Yoga in the Park Asheville Join together alongside the French Broad river for an all level-friendly yoga classes based on Hatha and Vinyasa traditions. SA (3/19), SU (3/20), 1:30pm, $10, 220 Amboy Rd Pub Run All ages and experience levels, every Monday rain or shine. MO (3/21), 6:15pm, Archetype Tap Lounge + Venue, 174 Broadway St

Guided DVD Chair Workout for Older Adults Bring hand weights and a strech band. Limited space, registration required by contacting enka.library@ buncombecounty.org or (828)250-4758. WE (3/23), 1pm, Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sandhill Rd, Candler

ART Sculpting Metaphors of Character, Lecture & Gallery Viewing of Room for a View Lisa Klakulak discusses her use of concepts and measures of space to bring to light unseen characteristics of wool and those of her own character in her solo mixed media exhibition, which is in the S. Tucker Cooke Gallery through March 25. Monday through Friday 9am-6pm. TH (3/17), 7pm, UNCA Owen Hall, 1 University Heights Useful and Beautiful Silvercraft by William Waldo Dodge Silver tableware created in the Arts and Crafts tradition, from a trained architect who moved to Asheville in 1924. Daily 11am-6pm, until 9pm Thursdays. Closed Tuesdays. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square A Hand in Studio Craft: Harvey K. Littleton as Peer and Pioneer This exhibition places the Littleton's collection from the early days of the Studio Glass Movement and the height of the American mid-century Studio Pottery Movement Daily 11am-6pm, until 9pm Thursdays. Closed Tuesdays. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square Stained with Glass: Vitreograph Prints from the Studio of Harvey K. Littleton A wide circle of artists in a variety of media were invited to Littleton’s studio in Spruce Pine to create prints using the vitreograph process developed by Littleton. Daily 11am-6pm, until 9pm Thursdays. Closed Tuesdays. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square The Wyeths: Three Generations | Works from the Bank of America Collection

MARCH 16-22, 2022

Neal Thompson presents The First Kennedys in conversation w/Denise Kiernan The authors discuss Thompson's book. Sponsored by Malaprop's. Registration required. TH (3/24), 6pm, avl.mx/bco

THEATER

SCULPTING METAPHORS OF CHARACTER: Fiber-based artist and educator Lisa Klakulak will present a free lecture and gallery viewing of Room for a View, her solo exhibition at UNC Asheville’s S. Tucker Cooke Gallery in Owen Hall Thursday, March 17, 7-9 p.m. The exhibition will be open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., through March 25. Photo courtesy of Lisa Klakulak Provides a comprehensive survey of works by N. C. Wyeth, his son, Andrew, his eldest daughter, Henriette, and Andrew’s son Jamie. Daily 11am-6pm, until 9pm Thursdays. Closed Tuesdays. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square Carrie Mae Weems: The Usual Suspects This exhibition features recent photographic and video works questioning stereotypes that associate black bodies with criminality, by MacArthur Genius Award-winning artist. Tuesday through Friday, 10am. WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee 42nd Annual Juried Student Exhibition An opportunity for emerging student artists to share their artwork with the public and enhance their skills in presenting in a professional gallery setting. Tuesday through Thursday, 10am. WE (2/23), WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee Color Dance Featuring new gallery artists Anne Marie Brown, Raquel Egosi, JoAnn Pippin, and Cindy Shaw. Daily 11am-6pm. Asheville Gallery of Art, 82 Patton Ave Medicine Heart Mural Exhibit An exhibition of original large-scale collaborative paintings by Asheville artists and Art Garden co-founders, Annie Kyla Bennett, Dillon Endico and Jack Henry. Daily 11am-5pm, closed Wednesdays. Free, Art Garden AVL, 191 Lyman St Of Body & Mind This exhibit explores the connection between form and soul through

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the medium of glass. Daily except Tuesdays, 10am. North Carolina Glass Center, 140 Roberts St, Suite B

ᎢᏛᏍᎦ ᏫᏥᏤᎢ ᎠᎵᏰᎵᏒ Weaving Across Time Showcases the works of nine Eastern Band Cherokee basket makers - touching on the dynamic evolution of lineage, sustainability, and cultural expression. Monday through Friday, 11am. Center for Craft, 67 Broadway WNC Fibers/ Handweavers Guild Exhibition Processes represented include spinning, shibori, batik, silkscreen, weaving, natural dyeing, needle felting, knitting, and more. Monday through Friday, 10am. Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Parkway

ART/CRAFT STROLLS & FAIRS Vintage Market Days Upscale vintage-inspired indoor/outdoor market with original art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, home decor, seasonal plantings and edible goods. FR (3/18), 10am, WNC Ag Center’s Davis Event Center, 765 Boylston Hwy, Fletcher Junk in the Trunk Outdoor Market Vintage & Handmade Vintage, handmade, fresh farm foods, jewelry makers, furniture crafters, art, soap makers, crochet, pet supplies and more. Outdoors. Kid and pet friendly. SA (3/19) 10am, SU (3/20) 12pm, The Garage on 25, 3461 Hendersonville Rd, Fletcher

Makers Market This month's event will feature all women-owned and -led businesses to celebrate Women's History Month and International Women's Day, with vendors and artisans selling housewares, vintage clothing, original art, handmade crafts, fair trade imports, and more. SA (3/19), 12pm, Atelier Maison & Co, 121 Sweeten Creek Rd

COMMUNITY MUSIC UNCA Vinyl Listening Party: Music for Peace by Mary Lou Williams ft Dr. Melodie Galloway A listening party with an academic perspective. TH (3/17), 7pm, Citizen Vinyl, 14 O Henry Ave From Hendersonville with Love for the People of Ukraine With Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra music director candidate, Yuriy Bekker. SA (3/19), 7:30pm, $12 -45, Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall, 49 E Campus Dr, Flat Rock Community Contra Jam A local open jam for acoustic and contra-style music, by Asheville Parks and Rec. WE (3/23), 2:45pm, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd

SPOKEN & WRITTEN WORD Miss Malaprop's Story Time w/Alice Faye Duncan, author of Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free The author will read from her works and lead a poetry writing activity. WE (3/16), 10am, avl.mx/bb9

Foreplay In the Mountains Monthly adult storytelling event. 21+, donations appreciated. TH (3/17), 7pm, Asheville Beauty Academy, 28 Broadway Malaprop's Notorious HBC (History Book Club) Participants will discuss The Secret Token by Andrew Lawler. Registration required. TH (3/17), 7pm, avl.mx/9s9 Welcome Spring Popup Storytime for Kids In the courtyard. Rain date March 26. SA (3/19), 10:30am, East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Rd Writers at Home Featuring readings from Elizabeth Lutyens's Prose Master Class. Sponsored by Malaprop's. Registration required. SU (3/20), 3pm, avl.mx/bcl THE MOTH Presents the Asheville StorySLAM: Awards This month's theme is awards: prepare a five-minute story about winning or bestowing trophies, honors, gifts, Employee of the Month, an Emmy, etc. - or something of the lesser-known variety. MO (3/21), 7:30pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave First Baptist Church of Asheville presents Jeff Chu w/Wholehearted Faith Chu discusses the collection of works by the late Rachel Held Evans he put together. Registration required. TU (3/22), 7pm, First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St

Two Jews, Talking This two-act story brings Lou and Bud together in the Biblical past, and Phil and Marty together in contemporary Long Island. Starring Hal Linden and Bernie Kopell. TH (3/17), 7:30pm, FR (1/18), 8pm, SA (3/19), 2pm, Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Hwy 225, Flat Rock Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues: One Night Benefit for Helpmate To raise funds and awareness for anti-violence groups in the local community. 100% of proceeds from this production benefit Helpmate. FR (3/18), 7pm, $15-35, The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave Ann: The Ann Richards Story Allison Stinson stars as the legendary Democratic Governor of Texas, Ann Richards. FR (3/18), SA (3/19), 7:30pm, SU (3/20) 2pm, Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville Whose Live Anyway? with Jeff B. Davis, Joel Murray, Ryan Stiles, and & Greg Proops Comedic songs and improv. WE (3/23), 7:30pm, Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at Harrah's Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St

BENEFITS Asheville for Peace, Asheville for Ukraine Benefit Concert Local artist Andrew Scotchie and The Grey Eagle are teaming up to create a night of music that advocates for peace and relief for those affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. FR (3/18), 8pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave Bowl For Kids' Sake - Haywood/Madison counties Raising money to support Big Brothers Big Sisters in local WNC counties. "What

does the future mean to you" costumes encouraged. SA (3/19), 11am, Sky Lanes, 1477 Patton Ave

CLASSES, MEETINGS & EVENTS Men's Cancer Support Group The first and third Wednesday of each month, a gathering to share about life with cancer. RSVP to Will at (412)913-0272 or acwein123@gmail.com. WE (3/16), 6pm, Free, Woodfin YMCA, 40 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 101 Moss Gardening Madness Asheville native and nationally-recognized expert on moss gardening, Annie Martin, a.k.a. Mossin’ Annie, shares her passion for mosses, blending her knowledge of bryophytes and successful gardening techniques. TH (3/17), 10am, Free, avl.mx/bcp Animals After Dark In partnership with WNC Nature Center. Outdoors, bring a chair. TH (3/17), 4pm, Swannanoa Library, 101 W Charleston St, Swannanoa Asheville Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show Annual fair with indoor and outdoor vendors. Sponsored by M.A.G.M.A. and Jacquot and Son Mining. FR (3/18), SA (3/19) 9am, SU (3/20) 10am, Camp Stephens, 263 Clayton Rd, Arden Organic Growers School Spring Conference & Market Attendees will enjoy the usual array of workshops, with an added bonus of new speakers and vendors joining the community, in partnership with Mother Earth News. FR (3/18), $15-120, Mars Hill University, 100 Athletic St, Mars Hill Citizen Vinyl Factory Tour Behind-the-scenes look at the record pressing operation and the original WWNC radio station, now home to Citizen Studios. FR (3/18), 2:15& 3:15pm, SU (3/20) 1&2 pm, Citizen Vinyl, 14 O Henry Ave Community Access Art Night This Asheville Parks and Rec program will provide access to the space and materials to allow attendees to express creative design. FR (3/18), 6pm, Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Dr Bingo Night FR (3/18), 6:30pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Blue Ridge Audubon Field Trip A bird walk in the Swannanoa Valley. SA (3/19), 9am, Charles D. Owen Park, 875 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa Jackson Co NC NAACP Meeting Honoring Mountain Voices: Our 2022 Theme.” Email jcnaacp54ab@gmail. com to receive instructions to join online. All are welcome. SA (3/19), 10am Dog Adoption Event In collaboration with Mountain Pet Rescue, held the third Saturday of every month. SA (3/19), 12pm, Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Rd A Century in Cataloochee Listen to Steve Woody and Wayne Caldwell recount family stories about daily life in Cataloochee, as told in fact, family lore, and fiction. Presented by Old Buncombe County Genealogical Society. Registration required. SA (3/19), 2pm, avl.mx/bd9 Scrabble Play An Asheville Parks and Rec program for adults, beginners welcome. SU (3/20), 12:30pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Puzzles with Paul Bring your own puzzle, or use one provided by Asheville Parks and Rec. Space is limited. MO (3/21), 11am, Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd Exploring Black Mountain College’s History through Archival Photographs A lecture exploring the history and culture of Black Mountain College through collections from the Western Regional Archives. MO (3/21), 6pm, $5, Black Mountain Public Library, 105 N Dougherty St, Black Mountain Quilting Bee Quilters of all ages welcome to drop in and bring your own sewing machine and project or work on a community project. TU (3/22), 10am, East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Rd Seminars on Humanity: Understanding the Homeless Community A presentation and discussion about life for homeless people and the misconceptions that they face, presented by Mike Deserio. To attend, email leicesterlibrary@ buncombecounty.org for the Zoom link. TU (3/22), 6pm

Mexican Train Learn to play this game of dominoes with Asheville Parks and Rec, every fourth Wednesday of the month. WE (3/23), 10am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd

FOOD & BEER YMCA Mobile Market Bring grocery bags to fill with free fresh food in the library parking lot. All are welcome. WE (3/16), 1pm, Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Rd, Leicester

OPEN FOR LUNCH, DINNER & BRUNCH! OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

Featuring vegan & vegetarian options

Reservations Recommended

47 Biltmore Ave. Downtown Asheville ============== 828.254.2502==============

THEBLACKBIRDRESTURANT.COM

River Arts District Winter Market Local produce, cheese, breads, meats and more. WE (3/16, 23), 3pm, Pleb Urban Winery, 289 Lyman St Weaverville Winter Tailgate Market Weekly winter market with bread, cheese and fermented food makers, alongside a small lineup of craft and artisan vendors. WE (3/16, 23), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr Weaverville YMCA Mobile Market Bring grocery bags to fill with free fresh food. All are welcome. TH (3/17), 1pm, Swannanoa Library, 101 W Charleston St, Swannanoa ASAP Winter Farmers Market Over 40 vendors. SA (3/19), 10am, A-B Tech Conference Center, 340 Victoria Rd Oak and Grist Field Day Celebrating farmers, maltsters, brewers, coopers, bartenders, and community partners in this educational event with classes, drinks and family-friendly games and activities. SA (3/19), 12pm, Oak and Grist Distilling Company, 1556 Grovestone Rd, Black Mountain Jackson Arts Market Makers & Music Festival Local produce and crafts. Live music on Saturday with Wooly Booger and an open jam on Sunday. Rain or shine. SA (3/19), SU (3/20), 1pm, Downtown Sylva

SPIRITUALITY Baha'i Third Wednesday Devotional All are welcome. WE (3/16), 7pm, Free, avl.mx/b6x Jewish Power Hour Weekly Torah class via Zoom. All are welcome. TH (3/24), 6pm, avl.mx/b0h

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MARCH 16-22, 2022

KIDS ISSUE

2022

Kids Issue

Welcome back for Part 2 of this year’s Kids Issue, our annual feature highlighting the creativity of our local K-12 students. This year, we asked kids and teens, “What’s the most beautiful thing in your community or the world? Why?” We received a wide variety of submissions — 369 in all, from 28 public, charter, private and home schools in Western North Carolina. As you’ll see, students ran with the theme, offering up delightful appreciations of beloved pets, wildlife, art, love, friends and family, winter fun, springtime flowers, basketball and more. And be sure to check out our summer camp guide, starting on page 25. We’re all looking forward to beautiful times ahead. — Xpress Staff X

The art of Asheville One of the many things that I find most beautiful about my home in Asheville are the murals and art on the various buildings around town. Either big or small, vibrant or monochrome, retro or modern, I love the way that they add to our community. You can find them on old abandoned buildings, lining the streets or on the front of a business. You can see individuals showing an immense level of aptitude in their art and in the way they are able to express their emotions and love for their community and neighborhood. Asheville, being located in the mountains of North Carolina, makes for a perfect place to get artistic inspiration. Whether it’s the beautiful mountains, lakes and streams, wildlife, sculptures or architectural wonders, it is always an inspiring place to be artistically. As I walk down the streets of West Asheville, I see the beautiful images of Black women and iconic figures in his-

MARCH 16-22, 2022

tory. I see the years of creative, artistic graffiti on abandoned buildings along the French Broad River. I see a vision of the future and memories of the past filled with wisdom and knowledge. I see anger and pain expressed through each brushstroke. It fills me with sympathy, admiration and acceptance. The art is also a way to bring people, such as the Black artists in Asheville, together. On July 19, over 20 artists came together to create a Black Lives Matter art mural in the heart of Asheville at the former location of the Vance Monument. I want there to be more opportunities for people to be able to make art around Asheville and make our city more beautiful by supporting local groups such as the Asheville Area Arts Council, which is working to collaborate with local artists to benefit Buncombe County. They are supporting art education, equity and inclusion, and using art and wellness as a way to heal the communities. Local artists have done so much to make Asheville a place full

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‘HERE COMES THE SUN’: Asheville School 10th grader Scarlett McCarroll created this intricate work. of rich history and culture through the art and murals you see today. — Sebla Miracle, eighth grade, Evergreen Community Charter School

Great hills of rock They are great rocks, shielding the sky, Wide and flat and short and high, Mighty, solid, yet majestic in art, A piece of home that touches your heart. An obstacle, a thing to climb, It changes between different minds, Some it seems, think it’s a wall, Protecting us, from storms and all. Some live with the woods in cabins and huts, Past canyons, cliffsides, roots and ruts. A piece of the mountains rests in all hearts, In a place or a home or a piece of art. But to those from here or other places, It is a piece of their life, in many shapes, yes.

So if you need a place to stay, A place to relax, a place to play, Then come on everyone, whoever needs, A home that protects those that it heeds. So we must thank these mighty rocks, These of trees and moss and flocks, Of birds and mammals and people too, That protect nature and me and you. And so, I write this ode to thee, Great hills of rock, for all who need, A place to live, a place to see A place for all, a place to be. — Dean L. Christenbury, sixth grade, The Learning Community School

Honeybees I think honeybees are beautiful. I have beehives at my home, and I’ve seen how they work as a team. Every bee has a job, and they all do their job

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KIDS ISSUE

SUMMER CAMP GUIDE The bright sun of summer is just around the river bend, and it seems poised to keep the unfulfilled promises of yesteryear, with kids coming together and making camp magic! After a season of total closures and one of throttled experiences, kids and adults are itching for the chance at summer fun. Campers will climb rocks and heft backpacks, ride horses and observe wildlife, build campfires and swim. And even more exciting, kids will play together and make new friends again in the time-honored camp fashion. But summer isn’t only about the great outdoors. It’s also a time to sharpen skills in the arts and sciences beyond the classroom. Campers will take the stage for theater productions and concerts, work in STEAM labs and try their hands at a new craft, getting dirty in a forge or whittling. With 160 camp listings representing more than 65 organizations, your family is sure to find the perfect fit for warm-weather activity and satisfaction. — Xpress Staff X SPRING CAMPS ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE — SPRING BREAK CAMP

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Grades K-5 All gender Join AMOS for Spring Break STEM all week long! AMOS has you covered with engaging STEM themed activities focusing on spring! Subject matter includes themes like Maker Monday, Dino Tuesday, Slime Wednesday, Robotics Thursday, and Food Science Friday. Full day: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Half day: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-5 p.m. Cost: $280/week or $30/half day. Asheville • 828-254-7162 • avl.mx/bb3 • camps@ashevillescience.org April 11-15

ASHEVILLE SUN SOO — SPRING BREAK MARTIAL ARTS DAY CAMP

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Grades K-5 All gender Exciting, fun and friend-making spring break camp, facilitated by Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts! An hour of martial arts practice each day complemented by arts and crafts projects, mad science experiments, “poetry with a punch,” nature excursions and other athletic activities ( park visits, bowling) —all in a culture of teamwork, leadership skills

and discovering our power! Voted Best of WNC - Kids Martial Arts Program! 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (early drop-off / late pick-up available) Cost: $300 . Asheville • 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com• tkdtonymorris@gmail.com April 11-15

SPRING FLING CAMP!

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Grades 2-8 All gender 2022 Spring Fling Camp! Kids grow better outside! If this phrase resonates with you, come join our camp! Participants will enjoy a wide range of activities, sports, playgrounds, water play, tag, physical challenges, and friends all day. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $250/week, $225/ week sibling discount. Asheville • 828-3375427 • avl.mx/bb0 • seanpgeran@gmail.com April 4-8, April 11-15

SUMMER CAMPS ACADEMY FOR THE ARTS — SUMMER STRINGS, PIANO, AND TRADITIONAL MUSIC INTENSIVES

Grades 2-12 All gender Each Summer Intensive is designed to help campers gain confidence and develop into

the best musician possible. Campers can look forward to jamming classes, private lessons, theory-in-action, and more! Three camps. Open to all levels, minimum two years of playing experience required. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Early Early Bird Registration: $340; Deadline: April 1. Early Registration: $370; Deadline: May 16. Final Registration: $395; Deadline: June 30. All registration deadlines include a $50 discount/sibling. Asheville • 828-254-7841 • avl.mx/6y9 • info@ academyforthearts.org July 11-15

ADVENTURE CENTER OF ASHEVILLE — ADVENTURE CAMP

Ages 8-13 All gender Adventure Camp campers experience a different daily adventure at the Adventure Center of Asheville and Wildwater, Ltd: Asheville Treetops Adventure Park, Asheville Zipline Canopy Tours & KidZip, KOLO Bike Park, Whitewater Rafting on the Pigeon River & TreeQuest. With 2 age groups (Discovery Program, ages 8-10 & Exploration Program, ages 11-13) campers have daily water activities, swimming at the Asheville Racquet Club, team building, outdoor skills (fire building & survival skills), and

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Athletic Camp

Nature Camp

Day Camp

Faith Camp

Academic / Science Camp

Overnight Camp

Art Camp

✈ Travel Camp

SUMMER CAMPS COMPILED BY JENNIFER CASTILLO MOUNTAINX.COM

MARCH 16-22, 2022

KIDS ISSUE

‘A FANCY AND BEAUTIFUL OWL!’: First grader Lucci Saraceno of Rainbow Community School depicts a feathered friend. and together they achieve their goal. Without bees pollinating plants, we wouldn’t have flowers or crops. Some of the challenges that bees face are people spraying crops and other plants with pesticides that are harmful to bees. A single bee that has been poisoned can kill the entire hive. Also, a lot of people don’t know the difference between honeybees and other stinging insects, like wasps or yellow jackets, and will swat them or spray their hive so they won’t get stung. One thing we can do to help honeybees is not spraying harmful pesticides on flowers and crops. There are bee-friendly ways to treat crops and flowers. You can also plant flowers or a garden because bees are very important when it comes to pollinating flowers and crops. You can also keep beehives in your yard if you 26

MARCH 16-22, 2022

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have enough space. If you see a bee, just let it be. — Hattie Bowman-Davidson, first grade, Odyssey School

Dreams In a world of skyscrapers Deadlines Briefcases And ties Of telephone wires Offices And busy, bustling everything Close your eyes Let time slow and stop Dream up whales with wings A giant mouse

CONTINUES ON PAGE 28

KIDS ISSUE

creative learning. M-F 8:30 a.m.4 p.m. Cost: $409/camper/week. Asheville • 828-225-2921 • avl.mx/93i • info@ adventurecenterofasheville.com June 6-Aug. 8

ADVENTURE CENTER OF ASHEVILLE — KOLO BIKE PARK KIDDIE CAMP

Ages 6-8 All gender Kolo Kiddie Camp is all the fun of our Kolo Bike Park, but for the younger shredder. Experience a week-long day camp focused on easing campers into all the park has to offer. The day will focus on bikes and skills but with plenty of time off the bike to keep the littles engaged. Riders will be chaperoned by our experienced camp counselors and participate in a wide range of activities that help build confidence on and off the bike. Campers MUST be comfortable riding a two-wheeled pedal bike off-road. M-F. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $379/camper/week. Asheville • 828-225-2921 • avl.mx/93i • info@ adventurecenterofasheville.com June 6-Aug. 8

ADVENTURE CENTER OF ASHEVILLE — KOLO BIKE PARK SUMMER CAMP

Ages 8-15 All gender Kolo Bike Summer Camp campers will ride on purposebuilt mountain bike trails and skill elements designed for all levels of rider to experience flow on a bicycle. Kolo Bike Park is a great way for young riders to build confidence and skill in a controlled environment. Experienced mountain bike counselors will accompany and coach riders through the week on our Pump Tracks, Jumps, XC Trails & Skills Area. Other activities include a warm-up each day, climbing the Treetops Adventure Park & games throughout the week. M-F. 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $349/camper/week. Asheville • 828-225-2921 • avl.mx/93i • info@ adventurecenterofasheville.com June 6-Aug. 8

APPALACHIAN INSTITUTE FOR CREATIVE LEARNING — SUMMER ENRICHMENT CAMP

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Rising grades 3-12 All gender This is an academic summer camp with classes designed to both introduce the novice and challenge the advanced learner. Explore subject areas from video game design and slam poetry to astronomy and hip-hop.

In the afternoons, campers engage in outdoor activities, then head to clubs and evening activities, which can range from campuswide alien hunts to discos. Day camper (rising grades 3-7); Cost: $519/week, $998/two weeks. Residential (rising grades 3-12); Cost: $849/ week, $1658/two weeks. Mars Hill • 828-782-3299 • avl. mx/b8h • OperationsManager@ appalachianinstitute.org July 11-15, July 18-22

AR WORKSHOP — YOUTH SUMMER ART CAMP SERIES A

Ages 7 and up All gender Join us at AR Workshop for creative and crafty Summer ARt Camps! Kids will create four DIY youth projects and a DIY camp T-shirt over the course of the camp! Participants will be able to customize and choose their project designs and paint colors from our decor line of paints! Projects include abstract photo frame, rock cactus pot, mini plank tray, and canvas pillow. 9:30 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4 p.m. Cost: $210/week. Arden • 828-676-0075 • avl.mx/b9m • asheville@ arworkshop.com June 6-9

AR WORKSHOP — YOUTH SUMMER ART CAMP SERIES D

Ages 7 and up All gender Join us at AR Workshop for creative and crafty Summer ARt Camps! Kids will create four DIY youth projects and a DIY camp T-shirt over the course of the camp! Participants will be able to customize and choose their project designs and paint colors from our decor line of paints! Projects include paint and string art, chunky knit yarn wreath, mini plank tray, and canvas wall hanging. 9:30 a.m.-noon or 1:30-4 p.m. Cost: $210/week. Arden • 828-676-0075 • avl.mx/b9m • asheville@ arworkshop.com June 27-30

AR WORKSHOP — YOUTH SUMMER ART CAMP SERIES G

canvas pillow, plank sign, and mini plank tray. 9:30 a.m.-noon or 1:30-4 p.m. Cost: $210/week. Arden • 828-676-0075 • avl.mx/b9m • asheville@ arworkshop.com June 20-23

AR WORKSHOP — YOUTH SUMMER ART CAMP SERIES L

Ages 7 and up All gender Join us at AR Workshop for creative and crafty Summer ARt Camps! Kids will create four DIY youth projects and a DIY camp T-shirt over the course of the camp! Participants will be able to customize and choose their project designs and paint colors from our decor line of paints! Projects include 3D paper and wood art, macrame feathers, yarn wrapped dreamcatcher, and door hanger. 9:30 a.m.-noon or 1:30-4 p.m. Cost: $210/week. Arden • 828-676-0075 • avl.mx/b9m • asheville@ arworkshop.com June 13-16

ARTEMIS ARCHERY — ADVENTURE DAY CAMP FOR KIDS

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Ages 8-12 All gender Learn real world skills to thrive in the streets and out in the wild! Pro Archery instruction, Survival Skills and the award-winning radKIDS realistic self-defense/ empowerment program. We teach youth to avoid, recognize, resist and escape harm. Shockingly, NC is on the top 10 list for human trafficking. We don’t scare, we prepare in a fun, action-packed, electronic-free outdoor immersion. LEARN LIFESAVING SKILLS, BUILD CONFIDENCE, HAVE A BLAST! Camp is 25 minutes North of Asheville. 15 kids max per camp. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $325 ,sibling discount available. Weaverville • 828-3189518 • avl.mx/4qt • brightarrowflying@gmail.com June 13-17, July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29

ARTEMIS ARCHERY — ADVENTURE DAY CAMP FOR TEENS

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Ages 12-15 All gender Learn real world skills to thrive in the streets and out in the wild! Pro Archery instruction, Survival Skills and the award-winning radKIDS realistic self-defense/ empowerment program. We teach youth to avoid, recognize, resist and escape harm. Shockingly, NC is on the top 10 list for human trafficking. We don’t scare, we prepare in a fun,

action-packed, electronic-free outdoor immersion. LEARN LIFESAVING SKILLS, BUILD CONFIDENCE, HAVE A BLAST! Camp is 25 minutes North of Asheville. 15 kids max per camp. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $325 ,sibling discount available. Weaverville • 828-3189518 • avl.mx/4qt • brightarrowflying@gmail.com July 4-8, Aug. 1-5

hip-hop. 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 4:30-7 p.m. Cost: $130/week. Asheville • 828-2980258 • avl.mx/xmasjbb • ashevilledancetheater@ gmail.com June 20-23

ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM — SUMMER ART CAMP

Ages 3-7 All gender Who doesn’t love an island party? This week we will explore the seas with Ariel, Moana, Lilo and Stitch. Dancers will hear songs, stories, do crafts and of course, dance! 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 4:30-7 p.m. Cost: $130/week. Asheville • 828-2980258 • avl.mx/xmasjbb • ashevilledancetheater@ gmail.com July 11-14

Rising grades K-12 All gender Registration includes museum admission and all materials necessary. Sessions include drawing, painting, mixedmedia, and more. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered each week. Students may sign up for both morning and afternoon and stay all day. Full Day: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Half Day: 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m. Cost: $250/week, $130/week for half days. Asheville • 828-253-3227 • avl.mx/4qj • smcrorie@ ashevilleart.org 1-week sessions June 13-Aug. 1

ASHEVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY – CAMP INVENTION: EXPLORE

Rising grades K-6 All gender Unlock your child’s potential! This inspiring experience has received rave reviews from campers, parents and teachers, and now it’s returning with an all-new program, Explore! Children will team up with friends for fun, hands-on STEM adventures, from adopting a robotic fish, to exploring space, to building robotic artists, and marble arcades! Each activity sparks creativity and builds confidence. Leader-in-Training spots for grades 7-9 may be available. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $245/week. Swannanoa • 800-9684332 • avl.mx/b8y • campinvention@invent.org June 13-17

ASHEVILLE DANCE THEATER — FAIRY PRINCESS CAMP

Ages 3-7 All gender Fairies are magical, sparkly and love to have fun! This week we will explore these magical creatures through songs, stories, crafts, ballet, jazz and even

ASHEVILLE DANCE THEATER — UNDER THE SEA

ASHEVILLE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER — CAMP RUACH

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Rising grades 1-9 All gender Camp Ruach, at the JCC, is a unique day camp experience through a Jewish lens. Ruach means “spirit,” and our campers have spirit in spades. Each week is filled with loads of fun-themed crafts, activities, & special events, as well as swimming, archery, games, & more. Nine camp sessions so you can tailor your summer experience to your need. We also offer our Tikvah inclusion program, which allows children with autism to participate alongside their Ruach peers by providing additional supports. 8:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. Cost: $285/week. Asheville • 828-253-0701 • avl.mx/4nh • daniel@ jcc-asheville.org 1-week sessions June 13-Aug. 12

ASHEVILLE MATH — ALGEBRA RE-BOOT CAMP

Ages 14-17 All gender Get ready for school again! Students will not only review the fundamentals of algebra in this comprehensive boot camp, but they will also understand the foundations that schools often gloss over. Taught by Dr. Swann. 8 a.m.-noon. Cost: $250/week. Asheville • 828-367-3269 • avl.mx/wordcap9 • learn@ ashevillemath.com Aug. 8-12 MOUNTAINX.COM

ASHEVILLE MATH — INTRO TO RASPBERRY PI

Ages 12-16 All gender Welcome to the Raspberry Pi 400, a small computer that is both powerful and simple to learn! Students will learn the fundamentals of programming using Python, one of the most popular and easiest programming languages. Then they will program simple games, create music, and control external electronics via a breadboard! Basics of Linux will also be covered. Students will be shown how to continue learning at home and can take the Pi with them. Cost of Pi included. Taught by Hamilton Scott. 2-5 p.m. Cost: $300/week. Asheville • 828-367-3269 • avl.mx/wordcap9 • learn@ ashevillemath.com July 18-22

ASHEVILLE MATH — MIDDLE MATH MINDS

Ages 12-14 All gender Our middle school program will engage campers to understand math on a deeper level. We’ll play with logic puzzles, build DaVinci bridges, 3D chess and tic-tac-toe, tessellations and, of course, play tons of games! By the end we will be tackling competition level math problems and learning to think like mathematicians! Taught by Dr. Swann. 8 a.m.noon. Cost: $250/week. Asheville • 828-367-3269 • avl.mx/wordcap9 • learn@ ashevillemath.com July 25-29

ASHEVILLE MATH — YOUNG MATH MINDS

Ages 9-12 All gender Join us as we play with some of the most fascinating concepts in math for younger minds! Campers will use math to solve cryptography, create origami, engineer balloon drop devices, design lenticular and bubble art, understand harmonics, play tons of games and more! Taught by Dr. Swann. 8 a.m.noon. Cost: $250/week. Asheville • 828-367-3269 • avl.mx/wordcap9 • learn@ ashevillemath.com July 11-15

ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE — SUMMER OF SCIENCE CAMP

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Grades K-5 All gender Nine weeks of fun-filled, educational, hands-on MARCH 16-22, 2022

KIDS ISSUE

BIG TUNA: Fifth grader Bryn Bonito of Fairview Elementary School writes: “My puppy. Yes, he is cute, fluffy, curious and friendly, but he is also simply beautiful, and it’s not just his appearance. It’s how he makes me feel. He makes me feel loved, lucky and calms me when I am sad.” A smile so beautiful you cry Dream up fairy tales And crocodiles Who dance you through the night Now open your eyes to reality And see the twinkle in someone’s eye The laughter of the crows And a whiff of hope that tints it all a rosy pink — Juniper Winnecour, sixth grade, Hanger Hall School

Nature

— Maya Mossman, fourth grade, Weaverville Elementary School

The most beautiful thing in the world to me is nature. You can do so many things with it! Spring: In the spring, you can collect flowers and make flower crowns. You can also have a picnic in the grass and go for a hike.

MARCH 16-22, 2022

Summer: In the summer, you can roll in the grass and look at bugs. You can climb trees and look at the things that surround you. Fall: In the fall, you can make a pile of leaves and jump in it. You can smell the crisp air. You can see the fall change into winter. Winter: In the winter, you can have a snowball fight and make an igloo. You can make a snow angel and listen to the sound of quiet snowflakes falling on the ground. And then, repeat.

Hazel interviews Lillian Hi, my name is Hazel. I’m currently having my morning biscuit

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‘BEAUTY BLOOMS’: Oakley Elementary School fifth grader Ellora Pickens depicts a figure that appears to have been well-loved. with my brother Hiroki. My owners call him Hiro. My family says I’m a beagle or a bagel, but I’m pretty sure I am a dog. I am here to introduce my human sister Lillian, so we can learn what she finds beautiful about Brevard. Take it away, Lillian. I have been living in Brevard for almost two years, and I love it here. There are a lot of beautiful things in Brevard. Let’s start with the awesome trails in DuPont, Pisgah and Bracken forests, where you can hike, bike and go horseback riding. While you are in the woods, you can see things such as pink lady-slippers, white squirrels … Squirrels, did you say squirrels?! I love squirrels. Oh sorry, Lillian, continue. Right, you can also see deer, turkey, rhododendron, sometimes otters and lots of waterfalls. Speaking of waterfalls, Brevard is the land of the waterfalls, with 250 waterfalls in

the county. Bridal Veil Falls, where you can wade in the lower pools and ascend the waterfall’s rocky slope, Hooker Falls and Looking Glass Falls are three falls that I’ve enjoyed. To me, nature is the most beautiful thing; it is my happy place, and the trails and falls in Brevard are a great representation of natural beauty. Lastly, every single person I’ve met has greeted me with a smile. Everyone is so nice, friendly and welcoming, and I find the people of Brevard beautiful as well. Whelp, there you have it. Hope you have enjoyed learning about what Lillian finds beautiful in Brevard. I am coming to you live from the Beautiful Bagel Gazette. — Lillian Swanson, sixth grade, Mountain Sun Community School

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MARCH 16-22, 2022

KIDS ISSUE

‘UNITY’: Seventh grader Louisa Wilson of Evergreen Community Charter School writes about her artwork: “I decided to do a collage because I wanted to show that beauty has layers, and that love and togetherness are the deepest and most important layers of all.” EARTH AND SKY: Mountain Sun Community School eighth grader William Ladue shares a photo he took on a trip to Iceland.

Friends and family

It’s the little things

The most beautiful thing in my community and world is friends and family. They help you at hard times and support you when you have to make a tough decision. Friends and family are the reason you are. You would not be alive if it were not for them. They will always care for you, no matter what. Friends and family are the people who you can talk to at hard times. They’re people who you can trust and tell them what’s bothering you. That’s what friends and family are for. They are very, very important and will always be.

Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, Watching the buffalos graze The hot springs a vibrant rainbow, Jays stealing cereal as the sun rises in the distance Watching the stars from inside my tent, cicadas whirring, crickets chirping Lyra, Draco, Cygnus, dancing in the sky, Playing out like a cinema, filling my vision Hearing the birds rustling the trees, A gentle breeze kisses my face The stars a blanket where I hide, Under the night sky Swaddled in the song of the night, The stars in my eyes Big Bend National Park, Texas, Sitting on a camp chair

— Talia Beasley, third grade, Evergreen Community Charter School 30

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Looking at the storm skirting the valley, gray all around, an infinite black above us Stars shining brightly, smiling down on us, Lightning touching down in the distance Cacti rustling in the breeze, Sand stirring, then settling down Watching the space station float above us, then under cover of the storm But my sleeping bag kept me blessedly warm, Along with the stars singing to my heart Two years passed, still again, The stars are in my eyes Blue Ridge National Park, North Carolina, Hiking up a trail A river babbling next to me, Leaves falling around my face Birds singing a soft symphony, Animals playing their part, too Wading through a river, climbing up a boulder, Watching the sunset fade to stars

The fireflies come out to play, Yellow and blue, blinking The moon and stars shine through, Like pinpricks in an eggshell After three years passed, still, The stars are in my eyes On the nights I look out my window, Cool glass on my cheeks Tears rolling down, Spent alone, blissfully alone Listening to songs, looking up at the stars, Knowing it’s the same sky that’s swaddled me Since the first time I’ve looked up, Showing me it’s the little things Like looking up at the sky, From all over the world For all the years passed, The stars are in my eyes — Zeke Hardy, 11th grade, School of Inquiry And Life Sciences at Asheville

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KIDS ISSUE

activities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art & math) programming and more. Themes include: STEM it Up, Natural Explorers, Blast Off, Weather Wonders, Let’s Get Digital, Engineering Earth, Inventor’s Workshop, Science of Art, Junior Paleontologists (rising grades K-2), and Backyard Biologists (rising grades 3-5). 9 a.m.-noon or 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $300/week or $150/week for half day. Asheville • 828-254-7162 • avl.mx/bb4 • camps@ ashevillescience.org 1-week sessions June 13-Aug. 12

ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL — APPALACHIAN MUSIC

Ages 7-13 All gender Spend the afternoon playing fiddle tunes! And, not just on the violin. Most acoustic string instruments are welcome, including violin (of course) as well as guitar, banjo, mandolin, cello, and more. Learn to compose harmonies while your neighbor takes a turn on the melody. Instrument required to participate in this camp. 9 a.m.noon. Cost: $190/week. Sibling and member discounts available. Asheville • 828-252-6244 • avl.mx/bb2 • info@ ashevillemusicschool.org July 13-17

ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL — BEGINNER SUZUKI STRINGS CAMP

Ages 4-8 All gender Students will learn the basics of violin playing to set them up for a lifelong love of music, while being transported into the world of Harry Potter with a sorting hat, personally chosen wand, games, decorations, and tons of fun! Beginners with no experience up to one year of experience are welcome. Instrument required to participate in this camp. 9 a.m.noon. Cost: $190/week. Sibling and member discounts available. Asheville • 828-252-6244 • avl.mx/bb2 • info@ ashevillemusicschool.org July 18-22

ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL — OPEN JAM CAMP

Ages 9-18 All gender New this year, Open Jam Camp is a great way to get started in the rock band setting. Any instrument welcome! Whether

you’re new to your instrument, or you’ve been rocking out for years, this camp is a great way to expand your musical horizons and collaborate with your peers. 9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $190/week. Sibling and member discounts available. Asheville • 828-252-6244 • avl.mx/bb2 • info@ ashevillemusicschool.org Aug. 8-12

ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL — UKULELE CAMP

Ages 7-10 All gender Uke camp is a chance for your child to jam with other kids! We will learn to play the ukulele, sing popular songs together, and perform on the last day of camp. No experience necessary, but you will need your own ukulele. 9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m. Cost: $190/week. Sibling and member discounts available. Asheville • 828-252-6244 • avl.mx/bb2 • info@ ashevillemusicschool.org Aug. 1-5

ASHEVILLE PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY – MUSICAL THEATRE WEEKLY WORKSHOPS

Rising grades 1-10 All gender The APAA has weekly workshops for the most popular musical theatre shows around. Each week join us for a different theme and put a show on its feet in a week! Our 2022 Summer Camp themes include Moana, Willy Wonka, Aladdin, and The Lion King. All campers will receive two tickets for each Friday show (3 p.m. and 5 p.m.). Two camps available, rising grades 1-4, and rising grades 5-10. Camp includes a pizza party with the cast following our Friday shows. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Extended care available. Cost: $350 with a $100 additional week discount. Asheville • 828-253-4000 • avl. mx/93k • admin@theapaa.com 1-week sessions June 13-Aug. 5

ASHEVILLE PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY – PERFORMANCE & COMPETITION TEAM

Rising grades 6-12 All gender Would you like to learn some pieces and become part of a group that’s entire focus is performing and competing? This week we will learn a few showstoppers, evaluate

everyone’s skill level and host auditions for our year-round performance troupe. No experience is required to participate but must have a love of musical theatre. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $400/week. Asheville • 828-253-4000 • avl. mx/93k • admin@theapaa.com Aug. 8-12

ASHEVILLE PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY – TECH THEATRE

Rising grades 6-12 All gender Love to be involved in theatre, but prefer to be behind the scenes? Maybe you love being on stage but want to explore how sets and props are designed and created? This experience is for you! You will learn how to create and execute a plan of design for our shows and help transform our space for the final productions. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. with extended day available. Cost: $300. Asheville • 828-253-4000 • avl. mx/93k • admin@theapaa.com July 25-29, Aug. 1-5

ASHEVILLE SCHOOL OF FILM — TEEN FILM PROJECT COURSE

facilitated by Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts! An hour of martial arts practice each day complemented by arts and crafts projects, mad science experiments, “poetry with a punch,” nature excursions and other athletic activities ( swimming, bowling) — all in a culture of teamwork, leadership skills and discovering our power! Voted Best of WNC - Kids Martial Arts Program! 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (early drop-off / late pick-up available) Cost: $300/week. Early-registration, sibling and multi-week discounts avail.able. Asheville • 828-505-4309 • martialartsasheville.com• tkdtonymorris@gmail.com June 13-July1, July 11- Aug.19

BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS — A WEEK IN THE WIZARDING WORLD CAMP

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Ages 8-12 All gender Your letter has come and it’s time to pack for Hogwarts! Witches and Wizards will learn spells, make potions, and create magical treats in this spellbinding

week. Grab your broomstick and head to Platform 9 ¾ to leave your muggle life behind! 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Early drop-off: 8-9 a.m. ($5) Late pickup: 3-5 p.m. ($10) Cost: $275/ week, $260 sibling discount or registrations paid by April 30. Black Mountain • 828-6690930 • avl.mx/xmasjbc • info@ BlackMountainArts.org July 18-22

sibling/multi-camp registrations, or registrations paid by April 30. Black Mountain • 828-6690930 • avl.mx/xmasjbc • info@ blackmountainarts.org June 13-17, June 27July 1, July 25-29

BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS — DANCE, SING, & PLAY: PERFORMANCE ARTS CAMPS FOR KIDS!

Ages 10-15 All gender The BMCA Summer Dance Jam will offer dancers the opportunity to experience a variety of dance styles. Dancers will learn styles such as ballet, jazz, contemporary, and many more. Each day dancers will experience a new dance style, along with dance history and creating their own choreography. The week will end in a dance jam celebration where dancers will showcase all that they have learned on the stage! 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: $200, $175 sibling discount or registrations paid by April 30. Black Mountain • 828-6690930 • avl.mx/xmasjbc • info@ BlackMountainArts.org Aug. 8-12

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Ages 3-9 All gender Join us this summer as we dance, sing, and play through the summer! Each week campers will enjoy music, dance, and crafts centered on different themes. Campers will perform a showcase of what they’ve learned on the BMCA stage at the end of the week. 9 a.m.noon Cost: $165/week, $150 for

BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS — SUMMER DANCE JAM: DANCE CAMP FOR TWEENS AND TEENS

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Ages 15-18 All gender Teens will build their higher education resume while working on a group film project and exploring career interests along the way. 1-4 p.m. Cost: $455. Asheville • 844-285-3456 • avl. mx/b7y • ashevilleschooloffilm@ gmail.com June 13-24, Aug. 1-12

ASHEVILLE SCHOOL OF FILM — YOUTH FILM FUN CAMP

Ages 12-14 All gender The Asheville School of Film Youth Film Fun Camp will focus on a single filmmaking activity per day for five days, such as lighting for mood, story development, shooting coverage, camera operation basics, and editing exercises. 10-11:30 a.m. Cost: $175/week. Asheville • 844-285-3456 • avl. mx/b7y • ashevilleschooloffilm@ gmail.com June 13-17, Aug. 1-5

ASHEVILLE SUN SOO — MARTIAL ARTS CAMP

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Rising grades 1-5 All gender Exciting, fun and friendmaking summer day camps, MOUNTAINX.COM

MARCH 16-22, 2022

KIDS ISSUE

Simply beautiful

is singlehandedly holding up the evening light. This is my dreamcatcher. — Bennett Cary, seventh grade, The Learning Community School

The most beautiful thing is people. Their colors are beautiful in every way. They learn math, dance and are helpful. I love you people.

It shines bright

— Suniai Fernandez, second grade, Odyssey School

Dreamcatcher I step out onto the court, my warped basketball cradled in my hand like a newborn baby. I let it drop gently to the ground; immediately it floats back up like a bird destined to reach the clouds. Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath. This is the one place where I can just be me, with no limits and no restraints. I glance down at the ball, plant my feet and let it fly. It drops through the net without even hitting the rim with that one made shot. I feel all the worries about whether I am good enough wash away. I grab the rebound and head back, repeating the same motion. Swish, there go all the tests coming up that I think I am ready for but not completely sure. I take the same shot

MARCH 16-22, 2022

‘SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL’: Hall Fletcher Elementary School fourth grader Martin Sanders drew this regal bird. over and over again — swish, clang, swish, clang, clang. Swish . . . I stand there, my hand still in the air like I am some kind of royal king waving goodbye to all my loyal subjects. I watch as the ball bounces away into the woods, the leaves crunching under its weight, the net still swaying

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from side to side. Like a Hawaiian dancer dancing the night away. I glance up at the rim. It’s shimmering like a diamond on a million dollar necklace draped around an old lady’s neck. The red paint slowly chipping away like a snake that couldn’t quite shed his skin. The strong backboard

It shines bright when you first see it. It shows a powerful message in your intelligent mind, It looks like the author wants to show a vision, A vision that makes you think about a thought, A thought that makes you think outside the box. So what do you see? I see a beautiful mural with a powerful message. What’s the mural about? It’s about a girl, a girl who sees a change, In the world that she wishes. I also see a lot more murals, Like that one. What does it say? It says, “Be yourself!” And it says, “Stay weird” in the middle.

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KIDS ISSUE

BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS — SUMMER REFLECTIONS: ART CAMP FOR TEENS

and Farm Camps. Cost: $795/ week, $1,590/2 weeks. Old Fort • 828-668-7793 • avl. mx/b9u • beth@campgrier.org June 12-Aug. 15

Ages 11-16 All gender Have you ever wanted to travel back in time and take part in the legendary Black Mountain College? In this one-week intensive course for teens, we will explore artists who studied at BMC and make art inspired by their work. We will create using paint, sculpture, jewelry, architectural construction and more. Our goal is to inspire a new generation of youth from artists such as Robert Rauschenberg, Ray Johnson, Susan Weil, Annie Albers, Buckminster Fuller and more. 3:30-5:30 p.m. Cost: $150. Black Mountain • 828-6690930 • avl.mx/xmasjbc • info@ BlackMountainArts.org June 20-24

BLUE RIDGE TAEKWONDO MARTIAL ARTS SUMMER CAMP

Ages 6-13 All gender Positive environment, exciting martial arts, art/crafts, learning games, friend time, nature walks and so much more! This is an amazing way to start your martial arts practice! We flow from high activity to relaxation through the day. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (Before/ after care available upon request) Cost: $225/week. Asheville, Black Mountain • 828-581-9505 • avl.mx/b9g • blueridgetkd@gmail.com 1-week sessions June 13-Aug. 19

CAMP GRIER

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Ages 7-17 All gender Camp Grier is a nonprofit camp located on 650 acres bordered by the Pisgah National Forest. Our goal is to teach campers new skills each summer. We aim to challenge, inspire and encourage them to make new friends, overcome obstacles and play in the outdoors while spending a week or two at camp. In addition to traditional camp programming, we offer Equestrian, Mountain Biking

CAMP HENRY — LEADERSHIP, ADVENTURE, MISSION PROGRAM

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Grades 10-12 All gender LAMP is a 10-day session, with the option to sign up for a free extra week of LAMP and after completing a full LAMP session during the same summer. LAMPers develop leadership skills, engage with the community through service, and go on exciting adventures, like whitewater rafting. LAMP is meant to help older campers discern whether they would like to one day apply for Camp Henry staff, while still allowing them an action-packed camp experience! Cost: $1084-$1275. Canton • 404-597-8980 • avl.mx/4nm • director. camphenry@gmail.com June 19-July 1, July 10-22

CAMP HENRY — OUTDOOR SCHOOL

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Grades 6-12 All gender CHOS focuses on learning, living, traveling, and experiencing God’s majesty in a backcountry setting. Participants will learn through hands-on experience planning routes, food rationing, map reading, Leave-No-Trace ethics, and expedition management. Using lightweight equipment and backpacking skills, you will experience the incredible Smoky Mountains that create the scenic backdrop for Camp Henry. Cost: $651-$765. Canton • 404-597-8980 • avl.mx/4nm • director. camphenry@gmail.com June 12-17, June 19-24, July 10-15

CAMP HENRY — PERFORMING ARTS CAMP

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Grades 5-10 All gender A session modeled after a traditional camp session, with a program that focuses on living into each camper’s talents and passions for the performing arts and culminating in a group

performance at the end of the week, where campers will perform their production for their families! Campers will be able to choose acting, dancing, music, stage crew, or directing to focus on over the week. Cost: $600-$705. Canton • 404-597-8980 • avl.mx/4nm • director. camphenry@gmail.com June 19-24

CAMP HENRY — SERVICE CAMP

Grades 9-12 All gender A session modeled after a traditional camp session, with a program that focuses on service and a slightly altered schedule. On the first night of camp, campers will meet the chaplain and team leaders and choose from an array of service projects that they will work on each morning. After lunch activities will follow our traditional camp schedule. At the end of the week there will be a “tour of projects,” where campers can showcase their hard work with their group. Cost: $600-$705. Canton • 404-597-8980 • avl.mx/4nm • director. camphenry@gmail.com July 24-29

CAMP HENRY — TRADITIONAL AND MINI CAMP SESSIONS

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Grades K-12 All gender Campers participate in creative, engaging, and diverse programs based on Scripture, liturgy, environmental education, and conservation designed by clergy and staff. Counselors provide opportunities for the campers to have fun and learn through traditional and nontraditional sports and games, boating, fishing, sailing, hiking, arts & crafts, singing, storytelling, worship, and much more. Cost: $400-$705. Canton • 404-597-8980 • avl.mx/4nm • director. camphenry@gmail.com June 12-17, June 26July 1, July 5-8, July 10-15, July 17-22

LEGEND

Athletic Camp

Nature Camp

Day Camp

Faith Camp

Academic / Science Camp

Overnight Camp

Art Camp

✈ Travel Camp

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MARCH 16-22, 2022

Hands-on Science,

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ering for the whole family Art & Engine

cky Inventions Robots, Wh&aM ore!

FREE

Saturday May 7, 2022 10am - 3pm @ Mission Health / A B Tech Conference Center

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SUMMER OF SCIENCE SIGN UP TODAY!

AMOS Camps are centered around hands-on learning through a range of creative, fun and educational experiences. Your kids will enjoy indoor and outdoor learning environments, exciting themed activities, plus the best of the Museum. Rising K- 5th graders. Scholarships Available.

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‘FEMININITY IN THE KITCHEN’: Lily Moffitt, a 12th grader at The Franklin School of Innovation, stirs up a powerful portrait of womanhood with this drawing. I like murals, they’re inspiring, Powerful, Heart moving! They make you have a good talk with your brain. A talk that changes your thoughts. — Gabriella Chavez, fourth grade, ArtSpace Charter School

Spring is beautiful Small purple flowers Near the fence of the preschool This means spring is here — Leena Bhakta, third grade, Rainbow Community School

What feels like beauty? Sure, beauty can come in the form of sight. Beautiful clothes, beautiful objects,

beautiful people. But there are more beautiful types of beauty that are not seen. Beauty in sound: The sound of a crashing waterfall or a baby’s first laugh. The swell of the orchestra as they tune before a concert. Beauty can be in the smallest touch … one that lets you know that everything is all right. Mom wrapping you in her arms or a gentle, spring breeze grazing your cheek. Beauty in taste: Crepes smothered in rich, chocolatey Nutella. Fruity pop rocks exploding on the tip of your tongue. Sweet apple cider warming you from the inside.

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CAMP KANUGA — EXPEDITIONS CAMP

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Rising grades 7-12 All gender Our trips showcase the beauty and grandeur of Western North Carolina while offering challenging and unique experiences that will create lifelong memories, friendships, and passions. You gain a greater understanding of what living life to the fullest means when exploring pristine wilderness and gaining new perspectives from zipping through canopies to paddling through wild waterways. 6-day and 13-day sessions. We also offer 21-day leadership academy sessions for rising grades 11-12. Cost: $1250-$2375. Hendersonville • 828692-9137 • avl.mx/b9s • sbyars@campkanuga.org June 12-July 22

CAMP KANUGA — OVERNIGHT CAMP

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Rising grades 3-11 All gender Camp Kanuga is an American Camp Association-accredited summer camp affiliated with The Episcopal Church, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. We are committed to promoting growth and fun in a safe, nurturing environment. Amid mountain vistas, crisp streams and towering pines, campers cultivate teamwork and friendship, determination and goal setting, self-reliance and self-esteem, faith and spirituality, and healthy outdoor living. 5-day, 9-day, and 13-day sessions. Cost: $995-$2375. Hendersonville • 828692-9137 • avl.mx/b9s • sbyars@campkanuga.org June 2-Aug. 7

CAMP KANUGA — STARTER CAMP

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Rising grades 2-4 All gender Camp Kanuga is an American Camp Association-accredited summer camp affiliated with The Episcopal Church, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina. We are committed to promoting growth and fun in a safe, nurturing environment. Amid mountain vistas, crisp streams and towering pines, campers cultivate teamwork and friendship, determination and goal setting, self-reliance and self-esteem, faith and spirituality, and healthy outdoor living. 6-day sessions. Cost: $995. Hendersonville • 828692-9137 • avl.mx/b9s • sbyars@campkanuga.org June 12-July 15

CLIMBMAX CLIMBING — QUARTZITE CAMP

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Ages 12-16 All gender This is an exciting camp that was developed for the advancing climbers who are interested in fully exploring the sport. The first 3 days begin at Climbmax - River with climbing exercises and objectives. Each afternoon is filled with fun activities like biking, tubing, or slacklining in the Park. The final 2 days of this camp are spent climbing outdoors with one night spent camping at a local campground. Daily snacks and transportation to the cliff sites are provided. Meals are provided for the overnight portion. Cost: $750/week. Asheville • 828-252-9996 • avl.mx/baw • stuart@ climbmaxnc.com June 27-July 1

CLIMBMAX CLIMBING — SANDSTONE CAMP

Ages 8-12 All gender This camp is perfect for older children to progress their climbing skills. Prior experience in climbing is recommended for this camp but is not required. The first 2 days begin at Climbmax Downtown with a fun-filled morning of climbing exercises, instruction, and games, followed by an afternoon of fun activities. The third day will focus on rope skills taught at Climbmax at the River. The final 2 days of the Sandstone Camp are spent climbing outdoors. Daily snacks and transportation to the cliff are provided. Cost: $575/week. Asheville • 828-252-9996 • avl.mx/baw • stuart@ climbmaxnc.com July 11-15, Aug. 1-5

CLIMBMAX CLIMBING — SHALE CAMP

Ages 6-10 All gender This is a super fun climbing program for first-time climbers and younger climbers. Each day begins with a fun-filled morning of climbing exercises and games. For the first four days climbing skills will be taught and practiced, and then the second half of the day will be spent at another activity downtown, either making pottery, playing in the park, or splashing in the fountain. The final day of this camp is spent outdoors on the real rock. Snacks and transportation (to the rock site) are provided. A

very fun camp for the young climber. Cost: $500/week. Asheville • 828-252-9996 • avl.mx/baw • stuart@ climbmaxnc.com June 13-17, July 1822, Aug. 8-12

CLIMBMAX CLIMBING — SLATE CAMP

Ages 10-14 All gender A step up from the Shale Camp, the Slate Camp is for slightly older climbers who are either new to the sport or already developing some advanced skills. Each fun-filled day begins with a morning of climbing exercises and games. The second half of each day is spent enjoying many activities on the French Broad River, including biking, tubing and park-time The final day is spent outdoors climbing on the real rock. Snacks and transportation (to the rock site) are provided. Daily lesson plans are developed for each specific group and age range. Cost: $500/week. Asheville • 828-252-9996 • avl.mx/baw • stuart@ climbmaxnc.com June 20-24, July 25-29

CYN SLINGSBY — INTRO TO SEWING FOR YOUNGER KIDS

Ages 6-7 All gender Come learn how to create and sew with a machine! Boys and girls love using a machine to see fabric turn into a 3D project! This partial week is an intro class for younger kiddos. With multiple instructors and lots of fun, these 3 days will be memorable! Lead instructor Cyn was an elementary ed teacher and has taught art and other camps for years. Camp is in a covered, outdoor setting. A healthy snack will be provided daily. Wed.-Fri. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost: $99, $20 material fee. Machine rental: $20 (if needed). Asheville • 828-772-1492 • cynslingsby@yahoo.com June 8-10

CYN SLINGSBY — SEWING CAMP

Ages 8 and up All gender Come have fun this summer making a variety of sewing projects! Campers will design, cut and use a machine to sew 2D fabric into many 3D projects! Focus is on fun and becoming a self-sufficient sewer by the end of the week! Lead instructor Cyn was an elementary ed teacher and has taught art and other camps for years. As a mom, she knows all about fun! Camp is in

a covered, outdoor setting. A healthy snack will be provided daily. M-F. 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost: $165, $30 material fee. Machine rental: $20 (if needed). Asheville • 828-772-1492 • cynslingsby@yahoo.com June 13-Aug. 26

EAGLE’S NEST CAMP

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Grades K-9 All gender Eagle’s Nest Camp encourages the development of the whole child in a compassionate, encouraging community. We fill our days with activities that promote curiosity, creativity, independence and growth. As a Western NC summer camp, Eagle’s Nest provides school-age children the opportunity to slow down and experience friendship and joyful living while immersing themselves in nature. In our inclusive community campers are treated with respect and kindness. Cost: $1,925-$4,670. Pisgah Forest • 336-761-1040 • avl.mx/b8w • molly@enf.org June 11-24, June 26July 15, July 17-Aug. 5, July 17-30, Aug. 7-14

EARTH PATH EDUCATION — GROWING GODDESS & MOON MYSTICS CAMP: SESSION 1

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Ages 11-18 Girls Join us for this special week of the feminine, at Sacred Mountain Waters, as we gather to witness, celebrate, and uplift these blossoming women. We will have a Rites of Passage self-marriage ceremony and craft our own hand-forged sterling silver rings to deepen our commitment to self-love, belonging, and the earth. There will be time for connection to nature, empowering songs, earth skills, ceremonial fire and cacao ritual, as well as tools for the nervous system, all while eating nourishing meals in the mountain wilderness. Cost: $766. Marshall • 828-775-7174 • avl.mx/4nr • lena@ earthpatheducation.com July 11-15

EARTH PATH EDUCATION — GROWING GODDESS & MOON MYSTICS CAMP: SESSION 2

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Ages 11-18 Girls Join us in Hidden Valley of Earthaven Ecovillage for a week of ceremonial deep diving into the sacred feminine. This week we hold “belonging” as our vision, as we hone our connection to self and the Earth in this Rites of Passage for the blossoming young

woman. A week of forest, play, prayer, transformation, nature and community. We will connect to the deeper layers of transformation through wilderness solos, fire rituals, a Changing Woman ceremony, empowering songs, our own sweat lodge, earth skills and ancestral crafts. Cost: $645. Black Mountain • 828-7757174 • avl.mx/4nr • lena@ earthpatheducation.com July 25-29

EARTH PATH EDUCATION — NATURE SISTERS CAMP

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Ages 8-11 Girls Join us as we play and connect with new friends and Mother Earth through Nature Awareness games, ancestral crafts, teamwork, community service and primitive skills. We will learn edible and medicinal plants, herbal medicine making, and share our hearts through song, play, council circles and simple earth based rituals. We will serve the community, grow our ability to work as a team and hone awareness of each girl’s strengths and leadership qualities. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $265, $220 sibling discount. Candler • 828-775-7174 • avl.mx/4nr • lena@ earthpatheducation.com June 20-24

FIRED UP! CREATIVE LOUNGE — ART ADVENTURES CAMP

Ages 6-12 All gender Campers will explore new artistic techniques while creating their very own projects from clay, canvas, pottery, glass and more! 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost: $160/week. Asheville • 828-253-8181 • avl.mx/4q3 • info@ fireduplounge.com June 20-24, June 27July 1, July 18-22

FIREFLY VALLEY SUMMER CAMP

Ages 5-14 All gender Visual arts and outdoor playthemed summer camp in West Asheville on 1.5 acres at Firefly Valley Pottery Studio. Each morning, all campers will enjoy in a pottery hand building class as a group. Every afternoon, each camper will look forward to an individual one-on-one pottery throwing lesson and enjoy cooking/baking, water play, woods play, mud kitchen play, painting, sculpture, pottery and felting! 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $475/week, $350/half day week, MOUNTAINX.COM

$25 sibling discount available. We offer partial scholarships. Asheville • 828-9895259 • avl.mx/b9e • onaarmstrong@gmail.com June 20-24, June 27July 1, July 18-22, Aug. 1-5, Aug. 8-12

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — STUDIO 52 SUMMER THEATRE CAMPS

Grades 1-12 All Gender Immerse your young artist in the world of theatre! Summer Theatre Camps at Flat Rock Playhouse’s Studio 52 infuse training, rehearsal, and performance in a fun and supportive environment. With camps in musical theatre and acting for artists in rising 1st-12th grades, these high-energy programs build FUN-damental skills in singing, acting, dancing, improvisation, communication, collaboration, and emotional expression. One-week and two-week camps available. Cost: $180-$400. Scholarship available. Flat Rock • 828-693-0731 • avl.mx/xmasjbd • annak@ flatrockplayhouse.org June 13-Aug. 5

FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — ARCHERY RANGE

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Ages 6-8 All gender In this fun and challenging camp adventure, kids will experiment with and practice using a variety of traditional projectiles, including the bow and arrow. After practicing your aim, camouflage yourself and move through the forest on a mock hunt. Learn one of the most important skills of any archer: sitting still and silent in the forest, allowing the animals to move freely and at ease so that you might observe their behaviors and patterns. Get into the mindset of the forest animals and perhaps even discover some of their secrets. More of our camps available online. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $295/week. Asheville • 828-3389787 • avl.mx/b9x • forestfloorwp@gmail.com June 6-10, July 25-29

FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — BLACKSMITHING

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Ages 12-16 All gender We’re so excited to continue offering this next-level challenge. Learn the art of creating useful tools by heating metal in the forge and shaping it on the anvil. Many techniques will be explored, and students will MARCH 16-22, 2022

KIDS ISSUE

‘CHICKENS’: Zeke Johnson, a fourth grader at Weaverville Elementary School, says chickens are the most beautiful things in the world and notes: “I love chickens too much. So what. They are so cute and cuddly, and I love the sound they make (cock a doodle doo). It sounds so funny.” The beauty of smell: Mom’s fresh pancakes in the morning. Roses in bloom. Burning firewood on a crisp winter night. Beauty is a feeling that isn’t only found on the outside. Stop. Look. Listen. Smell. Feel. Allow the beauty to be felt within you. — Sky Kozoroz, seventh grade, Mountain Sun Community School

In the tall misty mountains of North Carolina

And streams flow And the trees sway In the morning breeze, We take a hike with our shaggy dog To the splashing waterfall. We wade and swim, shaking shining drops Of water on each other. — Silas Walker Ransom, fourth grade, Artspace Charter School

The night sky I think the night sky is a beautiful part of our world. The stars and the moon that shimmer in the dark. I can’t describe the feeling I have when I look up and wonder about it going on and on forever. Not everyone can see the ocean or the mountains, but all the people in the world can look up and see the night sky, and that is beautiful.

In the tall misty mountains Where the waterfalls crash

— Margo Herlocker, second grade, The Odyssey School

4th Generation of Baked Goods Connoisseurs 828.252.9330 840 MERRIMON AVENUE 7AM–1PM WED.–SUN.

LET US HELP YOU CELEBRATE! 36

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FRESH GOODS. BAKED DAILY.

‘A LIGHT THAT IS SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL’: Jonathan Medlin, a seventh grader at IC Imagine, offers up a mysterious portrait.

Tigers Tigers are the most beautiful thing in the world to me. They are big and beautiful. When I was younger, I wanted a real — and I mean real — tiger. Ever since then, they have been the most beautiful animal to me. They inspire me to be brave and kind. They also remind me I am beautiful and great. Tigers are cute, but they are endangered and that is why we need to keep them alive. One way to keep them alive is to protect them and their habitats. To protect their habitat, people in Asia should not invade their space because when they invade, the population goes down. Tigers also help the world by protecting Asia’s forests. If you were a tiger, would you want to be endangered and have people invading you and your space? Probably not. You may not think tigers have challenges, but they have a lot, and you should believe me. If they are going

hunting to feed their cubs, and a lion or something else is going after the same prey, they would not be able to feed themselves or their cubs, so they need to go after it. Tigers are brave and intelligent. They’re beautiful just like you. You should always remember that you are beautiful. That’s why I think tigers are the most beautiful animals in the world. You should, too. Their bold stripes remind me to be brave and bold. That’s why we need to protect them and why they are beautiful. — Maddie Shatley, fourth grade, Weaverville Elementary School

A cold treasure You slowly open the freezer, Take out the Ben & Jerry’s brownie batter core,

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MARCH 16-22, 2022

KIDS ISSUE

You open the drawer, Inspect the spoons, Find the cleanest one, You close the drawer gently, Sneak into your room, Sit down on your bed, Turn on a movie, You open the lid frost keeping the contents safe, You stick your spoon into the center, pulling out a spoonful of soft brownie batter, The coolness tickles the roof of your mouth, You shudder from the bitter cold, You take a couple more bites, Stop and yell out, “Brain freeze!” even if no one is there, Your mom or dad yells at you, “Don’t eat the whole thing!” You sigh, Get the biggest spoonful possible, Lick it clean, Put the lid on, Open the freezer and set it back in its spot, Then you dream of tomorrow, Of eating it again. — Annabelle Unguris, seventh grade, The Learning Community School

‘OUR EARTH’: Sahana Sethi-Brown, a third grader at The Learning Community School, created a colorful image of our planet.

Sounds of nature I have a bond with nature and its vast unknowns and all of its sounds and creatures. There is so much to it. Sometimes I hear the trees speaking

to me or I hear the voices of the wise animals. If you just stop and listen, you can hear the scurries of the little creatures or the flapping of the wise owls and birds. All of that is very dear to me. It is me, it is all of us, it is every single thing and it is beautiful. — Kaela Vissers, fifth grade, Mountain Sun Community School

Community gardens

An elementary through high school experience like no other -

enriching lives through community, high quality academics & hands on learning.

Open enrollment ends 3/31. Apply now at fernleafccs.org/enrollment 58 Howard Gap RD + Fletcher, NC 28732 • 828-684-3645 • info@fernleafccs.org • fernleafccs.org 38

MARCH 16-22, 2022

MOUNTAINX.COM

Community gardens are one of the most beautiful things to me. Everyone comes together and works toward a goal of making a functioning place for everyone to enjoy. Not only is it a place for people to hang out, but it’s also a way to give back to the earth instead of just taking. New studies have shown that community gardens make violent crimes go down and make communities safer for residents. They also allow space for social connections and trust. There are many organizations that help make space and resources for community gardens. There are also huge health benefits, such as better nutrition, healthier food, good mental health and physical health. The reason they improve your mood is because they make you feel more peaceful, calm and content. By making the community safer and more cohesive, everyone can love and care for their community to the fullest. I think that there should be

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KIDS ISSUE

come home with a variety of handmade items. This class has a very low student-to-instructor ratio of-4-to-1, guaranteeing that students receive plenty of quality attention from our instructors. More of our camps available online. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $384/week. Asheville • 828-338-9787 • avl.mx/b9x • contact@ forestfloorasheville.com June 6-10, July 1822, Aug. 1-5

FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — BRAMBLEHURST SCHOOL OF BUSCHCRAFT & WIZARDRY

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Ages 9-12 All gender It’s your first day of class at the new Bramblehurst School of Bushcraft & Wizardry. Making your way across the wooded campus, the trail meanders through stands of old-growth oaks and hickories, which seem to watch with curiosity as you pass underneath. As you near the squat earthen hut that must be the classroom, a burst of light from inside is quickly followed by an explosion of growth as vines climb out the door and windows, reaching up to the forest canopy. This is going to be interesting. More of our camps available online. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $295/week. Asheville • 828-3389787 • avl.mx/b9x • forestfloorwp@gmail.com June 20-24, Aug. 8-12

FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — CRAFTY CRITTERS

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Ages 6-8 All gender One of the most essential of human capabilities: To form in our mind a vision of something that doesn’t yet exist and then use our own two hands to bring that vision into reality. This is the heart of crafting… and it’s so much fun. So come and craft with us! In this camp the focus is on making things with our hands. We’ll create a variety of fun and useful items using natural materials. Projects may include baskets, gourd craft, pottery, felting, and natural dyes. More of our camps available online. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $295/week. Asheville • 828-3389787 • avl.mx/b9x • forestfloorwp@gmail.com July 4-8, Aug. 1-5

FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — FEATHERED FRIENDS

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Ages 5-7 All gender Let your senses soar as we learn to identify birds by sight and sound. Discover the vast range of nesting and migration habits of the abundant bird species that either make their home in WNC or simply migrate through the mountains. With a combination of brilliant stories, educational games, and hands-on craft projects you will be elevated by our flying feathered friends. More of our camps available online. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $295/week. Asheville • 828-3389787 • avl.mx/b9x • forestfloorwp@gmail.com June 27-July 1, July 25-29

FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — FLIGHT OF THE FAERIES

Ages 5-7 All gender Together we’ll play in our own Faerie Fortress on the mountainside, making whimsical crafts, harvesting plants for the famous Faerie-Flower teas, and brewing those wonderful concoctions over a fire. We’ll also have a keen eye out during our adventures and plant harvesting excursions watching for meddlesome trolls and other tricksters. This camp is equal parts role playing, harvesting edibles, and exploring the forest. More of our camps available online. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $295/week. Asheville • 828-3389787 • avl.mx/b9x • forestfloorwp@gmail.com June 6-10, July 4-8, Aug. 8-12

FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — FOREST NINJA

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Ages 9-12 All gender Move quietly across the landscape without being seen or perceived. Observe without being observed. Quiet the mind so you may hear clearly. Sharpen your skills and maintain your safety and those around you. Read clearly the signs of the forest and respond appropriately. We will spend a week in the woods learning stalking, awareness, camouflage, martial arts and more. Skills will be taught and then tested through a series of challenges and scenarios that culminate in an immersive field day. More of

our camps available online. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $295/week. Asheville • 828-3389787 • avl.mx/b9x • forestfloorwp@gmail.com June 13-17, July 18-22

FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — HERBAL ADVENTURES

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Ages 6-8 All gender Learn the basics of local wild medicinal plants, both how to identify and use them. Make herbal medicines and teas from plants gathered from the forest, engage in stories and crafts about different wild plants and their medicinal properties, and participate in a variety of educational games, including an epic herbal wildcrafting cooperative adventure game that takes place in the woods! More of our camps available online. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $295/week. Asheville • 828-3389787 • avl.mx/b9x • forestfloorwp@gmail.com June 13-17

FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — NATURE’S KITCHEN: FIRECRAFT & COOKING

Ages 6-8 All gender Making, tending, and using fire is one of the most fun and fundamental of human skills. At this camp students will gather everything they need to set up a wild kitchen in the woods. We’ll learn how to craft delicious meals using a blend of wildforaged ingredients. We’ll have community time cooking around the fire and learn the intricacies of heat. Skills learned will include wild foraging, fire building and tending, community building, teamwork, water purification and toolmaking. More of our camps available online. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $295/week. Asheville • 828-3389787 • avl.mx/b9x • forestfloorwp@gmail.com July 11-15

FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — SECRETS OF THE JEDI

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Ages 9-12 All gender Combining the physical skills of survival with the philosophy and wisdom of the mystics, students will learn to deepen their connection to the natural world and each other, ultimately gaining the ability to tap into “The Force” and sense the oneness of all things. This class is intended to build self-confidence through age-appropriate

challenges as well as a feeling of community in the group. Activities may include making fire by friction, carving, tracking, guided sense meditations, awareness games and the fabled Jedi Training Center. More of our camps available online. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $295/week. Asheville • 828-3389787 • avl.mx/b9x • forestfloorwp@gmail.com June 6-10, July 25-29

FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — SURVIVAL SKILLS

Ages 9-12 All gender Just as our wild neighbors do everyday, we too can become denizens of the forest. Learn the fundamentals of woodland survival with a focus on these four elements: shelter, water, fire, and food. Build a cozy shelter that will keep you warm and dry. Find and purify life-sustaining water. Light a fire that will warm you up and lift your spirits. Gather wild edibles to nourish your body and maintain your vitality. Come and learn the Fundamental Four! More of our camps available online. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $295/week. Asheville • 828-3389787 • avl.mx/b9x • forestfloorwp@gmail.com July 4-8

FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — WOODCARVING: BOWLS & SPOONS

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Ages 12-16 All gender Deepen your relationship with the trees in the forest and learn the first steps to becoming a proficient woodsmith by carving your very own spoon, bowl or other useful item from wood. Use a variety of quality hand tools and old-school crafting techniques to shape an otherwise ordinary piece of wood and bring out its natural beauty, giving it new life. This class has a very low student-to-instructor ratio of 4-to-1, guaranteeing that students receive plenty of quality attention. More of our camps available online. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $384/week. Asheville • 828-3389787 • avl.mx/b9x • forestfloorwp@gmail.com June 17-July 1, July 25-29

GIRL SCOUTS CAROLINAS PEAKS TO PIEDMONT — BROADWAY BASICS

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Rising grades 1-12 Girls Spend time on the stage as we learn all about the basics of

Broadway! Sharpen your skills with classes on acting, singing, costume and set design and more. We will end the week with final performances from every unit where you can showcase what you worked on throughout the week! You do not have to be a Girl Scout to attend our summer camp programs but a $25 Girl Scout membership is added to your summer camp registration fee. Cost: $235-$475/week. Brevard • 800-672-2148 • avl. mx/b8i • info@girlscoutsp2p.org July 17-22

GIRL SCOUTS CAROLINAS PEAKS TO PIEDMONT — MAGIC AND MYSTERIES

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Rising grades 2-12 Girls Grab your brooms and wands! Learn potions, transfigurations and hunting horcruxes, as well as play an action-packed game of quidditch! End the week creating magical snacks and creating your own special house attire! You do not have to be a Girl Scout to attend our summer camp programs but a $25 Girl Scout membership is added to your summer camp registration fee. Cost: $475/week. Brevard • 800-672-2148 • avl. mx/b8i • info@girlscoutsp2p.org July 24-29

GIRL SCOUTS CAROLINAS PEAKS TO PIEDMONT — MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

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Rising grades 4-12 Girls Participate in all of your favorite classic camp activities during the day, but the real excitement starts when the sun sets and the rest of the world sleeps. All week you will get to participate in exclusive night-only activities. You do not have to be a Girl Scout to attend our summer camp programs but a $25 Girl Scout membership is added to your summer camp registration fee. Cost: $475/week. Brevard • 800-672-2148 • avl. mx/b8i • info@girlscoutsp2p.org Aug. 7-12

GIRL SCOUTS CAROLINAS PEAKS TO PIEDMONT — RENAISSANCE REVIVAL

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Rising grades 4-12 Girls Dragons, knights and fairies, oh my! Blast into a medieval world full of magic! Learn how to joust, create and tame your own dragon and capture fairies! Take archery lessons in Sherwood Forest, make your own candles and make your own crest and suit of armor! You do not have to be a Girl MOUNTAINX.COM

Scout to attend our summer camp programs but a $25 Girl Scout membership is added to your summer camp registration fee. Cost: $235-$475/week. Brevard • 800-672-2148 • avl. mx/b8i • info@girlscoutsp2p.org July 31-Aug. 5

GIRL SCOUTS CAROLINAS PEAKS TO PIEDMONT — SUMMER DAY CAMP AT CAMP PISGAH

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Rising grades 1-12 Girls Spend your whole day enjoying a variety of camp activities. A weeklong session of day camp is $185. Before-and-after-hours extended care is available for an additional $35. Campers will need to bring a packed lunch. You do not have to be a Girl Scout to attend our summer camp programs but a $25 Girl Scout membership is added to your summer camp registration fee. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $95-$185/week. Brevard • 800-672-2148 • avl. mx/b8i • info@girlscoutsp2p.org July 18-22, July 2529, Aug. 1-5

GIRLS ROCK ASHEVILLE — SUMMER CAMP

Ages 8-14 Girls Ready to get loud, be brave, and rock out? Girls Rock Asheville is offering a hybrid virtual/inperson summer camp for girls, nonbinary youths, and trans youths of all gender identities. Campers will form bands, write an original song, and perform onstage at our showcase. Local artists lead workshops like music herstory, zine-making, and songwriting. No music experience required. BIPOC and queer youths encouraged to register. Cost: $150/week, full and partial scholarships available upon request. Asheville • avl.mx/4q7 • girlsrockasheville@gmail.com June 18-22

HANGER HALL — CODING CAMP

Rising grades 5-8 Girls We will be teaming up with Dr. Marietta Cameron, chair and professor of computer science at UNCA, to gain exposure to some of the web’s most fundamental tools and programming languages. We welcome beginners through the more experienced coders, and will work on some exciting projects. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $250/week. Asheville • 828-258-3600 • avl. mx/bb1 • jenb@hangerhall.org June 20-24 MARCH 16-22, 2022

KIDS ISSUE

My library The Oakley public library is the most beautiful thing in my neighborhood. I like it because I have been going there for my entire life because I love to read books and I can get as many books as I want there. And it’s within distance to walk or bike from my house! My library faced a challenge of being closed last year because some people thought it was a waste of money, and also people are banning books in libraries all around the country because they want to control what other people read because they don’t like it. The Oakley library is beautiful because of all of the experiences I have had there. — Maya Brown, fourth grade, Oakley Elementary School

‘LEBRON JAMES’: Messiah, a third grader at Emma Elementary School, drew this picture of the Los Angeles Lakers superstar. more community gardens that are accessible to everyone. — Rio Henhoeffer, eighth grade, Evergreen Community Charter School

Robins Robins are like the best animals ever! They are just so cute! Their little beaks, their feathers — I’ve never seen something so cute! It’s the most beautiful bird in the multiverse. — Ilan Eisenstein, second grade, The Learning Community

The beautiful universe The most beautiful thing is the universe, because of its bright stars and galaxies 40

MARCH 16-22, 2022

and meteorites and more spinning planets! And galaxies shining! Aliens that we don’t know about! Holding the secrets of time. It is time, it is everything! I like it, it holds me. — Emmett Farrell, first grade, Odyssey School

Simply beautiful places and people I’m riding on a griffin, traveling the world. First my home, Brevard, with its beautiful mountain sights, the waterfalls, the trails, the forest and the animals like the birds and the squirrels. Then I travel to Charleston, S.C., with the city and sparkling ocean. It has amazing views of the

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orange-yellow sunset and the sound of the ocean pounding onto the soft sand. Then I travel to Mumbai, India, where my mom grew up and my grandparents live. It’s a bustling city with delicious street food and a lot of people. It has temples and parks. Next I would go to Germany, where my uncle lives. It has big buildings and good food. Those are all beautiful things, but I think the most beautiful things in the world are the people — my family, friends and strangers. All of the kind, compassionate and loving people that live in the world. — Lylah Posnock, sixth grade, Mountain Sun Community School

Baseball The most beautiful thing to me is baseball. I love baseball because if you play like me, I love the crack of the baseball. It feels so nice. And it is my favorite hobby, too. — Silas Kovitch, third grade, Evergreen Community Charter School

French Broad River What makes Asheville beautiful is the French Broad River. I like the river because it was the first place in Asheville I saw. In the snow, it looks like it has disappeared and is frozen. There are a lot of birds by the river. By not polluting, we can keep it beautiful for years. — Robin Fisher-Tranese,first grade, Odyssey School

A new nature In the small, growing town of Asheburg, the streets were roaring with the traffic of tourists. The area was known for the Smapillachian mountain range and all of the outdoor activities in the surrounding parts. The beauty quickly and quite noticeably decreased as the number of out-of-towners increased. The next thing you know, there is a wildfire-like sickness, VidCo-91.

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HANGER HALL — CRAFTY HOOPLA

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Rising grades 5-8 Girls Campers should expect a week filled with crafting, nature exploring, and game playing. We will spend our days adventuring around the Asheville area while collecting inspiration from and natural materials for our various crafts. This camp is all about playing and having fun while creating beautiful nature inspired art. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $320/week. Asheville • 828-258-3600 • avl. mx/bb1 • jenb@hangerhall.org Aug. 15-19

HOOF AND HORN FARM — MEDIEVAL HORSE DAY CAMP

Ages 6-12 All gender This camp is open to all horseloving kids. Medieval Horse days are filled with riding, learning all about horses, mounted games, crafts, and being part of a fairy tale village. Kiddos will play safe versions of jousting on real horses! Archery, also from horseback! On the last day of

camp, kids will be encouraged to come dressed as a prince, princess, knight or dragon! 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: $475/week. Barnardsville • avl.mx/bbm Aug. 8-12

HOOF AND HORN FARM — MOUNTAIN FARM HORSE DAY CAMP

Ages 6-12 All gender This camp is open to all horseloving kids, including beginning riders. Mountain Farm days are filled with riding, learning all about horses, mounted games, crafts, and learning all about running a real farm and the area wildlife that comes to visit. Kiddos will learn how to spot tracks and signs from different mountain wildlife as well as learn about the various trees and plants native to our beautiful mountains. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: $475/week. Barnardsville • avl.mx/bbm June 13-17

HOOF AND HORN FARM — MOUNTAIN MERMAIDS HORSE DAY CAMP

Ages 6-12 All gender This camp is open to all horseloving kids, including beginning riders. Mountain Mermaid & Troutboy days are filled with riding, learning all about horses, mounted games, arts and crafts, and fun in the beautiful Big Ivy Creek. In addition to learning all about riding and horses, campers will have lots of splashy fun while learning about creek/river safety and the animals that live there. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost: $475/week. Barnardsville • avl.mx/bbm July 11-15

JAN’S ART ACADEMY — DRAWING CAMP

Ages 9-14 All gender Learn to draw or improve your current drawing skills. Pencil, pen & ink, charcoal, markers, self-portraits, and more. All

JAN’S ART ACADEMY — LITTLES CAMPS

supplies included. M-F. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost $150. Asheville • 828-301-6116 • avl.mx/4oz • jan@ jansartacademy.com Aug. 1-5

JAN’S ART ACADEMY — GIRLS’ GALORE CAMP

Ages 6-12 Girls For girls only! Fun girly art: painting, collage mirrors, selfportraits, abstracts, treasure boxes, clay. All supplies included. Bring a friend for more giggles. M-F. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost $150. Asheville • 828-301-6116 • avl.mx/4oz • jan@ jansartacademy.com July 11-15

Ages 4 ½-6 All gender Great fun for little ones. Painting, clay, paper-mache, collaging. All supplies included, snack also included. Wear old clothes! M-F. 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Cost: $125. Asheville • 828-301-6116 • avl.mx/4oz • jan@ jansartacademy.com June 20-24

JAN’S ART ACADEMY — PAINTING MADNESS CAMP

Ages 7-14 All gender We will be learning and exploring how to create art with drawing, painting, collaging, using different mediums: acrylics, watercolors, pastels. No experience needed. All

supplies included. Great fun, new friends, lots of art to to take home. M-F. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Cost: $150/week. Asheville • 828-301-6116 • avl.mx/4oz • jan@ jansartacademy.com June 13-17

KIDCYCLE CLUB — 5-8 GREEN CIRCLE MTB ADVENTURES SUMMER CAMP

Ages 5-8 All gender Your 5- to 8-year-old already rides a pedal bike with hand brakes confidently on grass fields and dirt trails using ready position, fingers on brakes and basic bike maneuvering skills. Our Green Circle MTB Adventures Camp will allow them to put these basic mountain biking skills to use on the trails with the KidCycle Club family! We will access

LEGEND

Athletic Camp

Nature Camp

Day Camp

Faith Camp

Academic / Science Camp

Overnight Camp

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Art Camp

✈ Travel Camp

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KIDS ISSUE

Everyone was encouraged to stay home and not gather in indoor spaces. When the summer came, people went outside to the forest to hike and others, bike. They all explored the surrounding wilderness. The amount of people was bizarre. The trails got trampled quickly, the waterfalls got crowded to the brim and places had no choice but to close. A group known as the See Aira club got together and came to the conclusion that their area needed to be preserved. The Forest Service was aware of the madness as well. They closed heavily trafficked areas to give them time to recover. As the winter arrived, the rush drew to a close, the trails were quiet and had a spectacular chance to recover. By the next spring, things were almost back to normal. People got back out in places that recovered and realized the true elegance of their home. They enjoyed the views and respected the area. They found that what they had taken for granted was truly astonishing. — Jack Fleming, seventh grade, The Learning Community School

Color Since 29-year-old Anne Williams could remember, her world had been black and white. Everyone saw the world this way: teenagers, children, adults, elders. Because the world simply was this way. As far as Anne knew, there was no such thing as color. Red, orange and blue were made-up words. Yellow, green and purple were just letters strung together with no real meaning. Anne was content with her life. For she couldn’t imagine it any different. On the fourth day of January, two things happened: A baby was born, and Anne had become a mother. About a week after baby Iris was born, she sat in the crib while Anne

CARDINAL IN WINTER: Third grader Mallory Barron of Hendersonville Elementary School created this handsome bird. stared out the window. Her husband was at work. Anne had named Iris after the flowers that grew in her backyard. She sat by the win-

dow watching them now when she heard crying in the room next door. Anne hurried over to Iris, who lay comfortably in her crib. She seemed perfectly fine, but what she was holding caused Anne to stagger back in shock. There, in the palm of her infant’s hand, sat a small blanket. But this blanket was not black and white. Instead, it was bright blue. Anne’s shaky hand reached her lips, and she let out a sharp shout. The baby, however, did not seem affected by her scream. Instead, Iris stopped her crying, reached for her crib, and it turned pale pink. Anne watched in pure confusion and awe. Her hand was drifting back down to her side. The sheet underneath Iris turned

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KIDS ISSUE

Green Circle beginner trails around Asheville to explore and adventure. Your child will review bike and helmet safety, as well as trail safety and etiquette. Various Asheville area locations. $400/week. Asheville • 844-454-3292 • avl.mx/b9w • hello@ kidcycleclub.com June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 5-8 (4 days), July 11-15, July 18-22, July 2529, Aug. 1-5, Aug. 8-12

KIDCYCLE CLUB — 5-8 GREEN CIRCLE MTB SKILLS SUMMER CAMP

Ages 5-8 All gender Your 5- to 8-year-old already rides a pedal bike with hand brakes confidently on smooth surfaces. Our Green Circle MTB Skills Camp provides basic mountain biking skills to take to the trails with the family! We use cone drills on grass fields and the pump track to learn ready position, controlling speed up and down hills and maneuvering around obstacles, with an intro to shifting gears, if applicable. Your child will review bike and helmet safety, as well as bike park safety and etiquette. Various Asheville area locations. $375/week. Asheville • 844-454-3292 • avl.mx/b9w • hello@ kidcycleclub.com June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 5-8 (4 days), July 11-15, July 18-22, July 2529, Aug. 1-5, Aug. 8-12

KIDCYCLE CLUB — 5-8 LEARN TO RIDE SUMMER CAMP

Ages 5-8 All gender Support your early elementary student to transition successfully from gliding on a balance bike to riding their first pedal bike. Our progressive approach allows kids to build on each skill set and move from balance bike to first pedal bike without relying on training wheels. Your child will get a review of bike and helmet safety, and they will learn to start, ride in a straight line, make turns in both directions and come to a controlled stop. Various Asheville area locations. Cost: $350/week. Asheville • 844-454-3292 • avl.mx/b9w • hello@ kidcycleclub.com June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 5-8 (4 days), July 11-15, July 18-22, July 2529, Aug. 1-5, Aug. 8-12

KIDCYCLE CLUB — 9-12 GREEN CIRCLE MTB ADVENTURES SUMMER CAMP

Ages 9-12 All gender Your 9- to 12-year-old already rides a pedal bike with hand brakes confidently on grass fields and dirt trails using ready position, fingers on brakes and basic bike maneuvering skills. Our Green Circle MTB Adventures Camp will allow them to put these basic mountain biking skills to use on the trails with the KidCycle Club family! We will access Green Circle beginner trails around Asheville to explore and adventure. Your child will review bike and helmet safety, as well as trail safety and etiquette. Various Asheville area locations. $400/week. Asheville • 844-454-3292 • avl.mx/b9w • hello@ kidcycleclub.com June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 5-8 (4 days), July 11-15, July 18-22, July 2529, Aug. 1-5, Aug. 8-12

KIDCYCLE CLUB — 9-12 GREEN CIRCLE MTB SKILLS SUMMER CAMP

Ages 9-12 All gender Your 9- to 12-year-old already rides a pedal bike with hand brakes confidently on smooth surfaces. Our Green Circle MTB Skills Camp provides basic mountain biking skills to take to the trails with the family! We use cone drills on grass fields and the pump track to learn ready position, controlling speed up and down hills and maneuvering around obstacles, with an intro to shifting gears, if applicable. Your child will review bike and helmet safety, as well as bike park safety and etiquette. Various Asheville area locations. $375/week. Asheville • 844-454-3292 • avl.mx/b9w • hello@ kidcycleclub.com June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 5-8 (4 days), July 11-15, July 18-22, July 2529, Aug. 1-5, Aug. 8-12

KIDS GARDEN — INDOOR SUMMER CAMP

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Ages 2-12 All gender Say “hooray” to the most flexible summer camps around! At Kids Garden, weekly camps are structured so you can sign up for the days and times that work best for your family—be it several weeks, select days or even just a few hours at a time. Activities change weekly and are centered around

various themes. Includes snack and lunch. M-F. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: Member $215/week, nonmember $240/ week. Asheville • 828-417-7310 • avl.mx/b9f • karly@ kidsplaygarden.com June 13-Aug. 19

where children love to learn

KIDS GARDEN — OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP

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Ages 5-12 All gender Our weekly outdoor camp offers a range in explorational learning themes. The goal of our outdoor camp is to unplug from the world and reconnect in nature! Campers can enjoy enriching activities based around nature during these camps. Our mission is to inspire and empower children through creative and educational play. Whether we are going on a nature walk or creating eco-art, each day will be an adventure! Located at Haw Creek Commons. Snacks provided, please bring your own lunch. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Drop-off starts at 9:45 a.m. Cost: $285. Asheville • 828-417-7310 • avl.mx/b9f • karly@ kidsplaygarden.com June 20-24, June 27-July 1

LAKEVIEW PUTT AND PLAY — SUMMER CAMP

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Ages 7-12 All gender Campers enjoy mini golf, virtual reality, science, nature and arts and crafts. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $180/week for full day, $110/week for half day. Arden • 828-6761746 • avl.mx/5so • lakeviewputtandplay@ gmail.com July 11-15, July 18-22, July 25-29, Aug. 1-5

MINDSTRETCH TRAVEL ADVENTURES — EUROPEAN ADVENTURE - 20 DAYS BY TRAIN

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Ages 11 and older Boys This summer MindStretch Travel Adventures will be taking a group of boys and leaders to Europe for a 20-day adventure. We travel by train and will explore several iconic cities, including Paris, Brussels and Bruges, Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Bern & Grindelwald, Innsbruck, and Munich. Charlotte is our gateway city. We have a mix of activities from adventure programming to cultural attractions. This will be our seventh European trip. Space is very limited.

DAY CAMP WEEKS: Jun. 6, Jun. 13, Jun. 20, Jun. 27, Jul. 18 & Jul. 25 Creek and forest explorations, outdoor games, outdoor skill building, nature studies, and crafts for rising K-5th and 6th-9th graders. $300 / week.

SUMMER ACADEMY: Two Weeks: Jul. 11-22 One-Week Intensive: Jul. 25 An educational program for rising 1st - 6th graders who struggle with dyslexia or other language-based learning differences or students who have fallen behind due to virtual learning. Morning word study/reading lessons and math lessons are hands-on and multisensory. Afternoon choice: (1) art studio or (2) outdoor ed activities creekside and in the forest. • Jul. 11-22: $1200 • Summer Academy One-Week Intensive, Jul. 25: $600 • All Three Weeks: $1500

Bus Service to/from Asheville available! thelearningcommunity.org MOUNTAINX.COM

828.686.3080

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KIDS ISSUE

‘PERSEPHONE’S GARDEN’: Lilly Burkley, a 12th grader at Asheville School, drew this fanciful work.

‘AFRICAN QUEEN OF LIFE’: Kora Farthing, a sixth grader at Hanger Hall School, drew this regal portrait. a soft yellow. The onesie on little Iris’ body changed to salmon pink. Then something truly remarkable happened. Color inched up Iris’s skin until her whole body was light brown. Iris reached up for her mother, so Anne reluctantly scooped Iris up in her arms. And Anne’s whole body and clothes turned to color. With each touch from baby Iris — and now Anne — that plain black and white something that they would touch would turn to color. Soon the whole house was a collage of colorful shapes and objects. When Anne’s husband got home, they hugged. And Sam’s entire body became full of vivid color. He then had the color touch as well. Five weeks after Jan. 4, the city was more colorful than Anne had ever seen it. Bright blue skies and lime green trees. It was perfect. All because of baby Iris, who seemed somewhat magical. — Cadence Corcoran, seventh grade, Hanger Hall School

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Endless memories Something that can bring us together, Tell us who you are, Show that world what you want to say In a new unique way. When you place the platter on the table And you see the smiles go round, You can only feel happy, and proud Of the food that you put down. No matter the person you do it with, The memories that you can make are endless Friend or foe Food can show how you truly feel. Baking, An art of its own, a golden crown Atop a silver throne. A happy place where you can go when you feel alone, Something that will bring you home

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All participants must be fully vaccinated. Cost: $5,550. Columbus • 828-8634235 • avl.mx/b7c • columbusmark@gmail.com June 12-July 1

MONTFORD PARK PLAYERS — MONTFORD MOPPETS - HENRY V

Ages 10-17 All gender Our young actors will rehearse and perform an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Henry V in this fun, interactive and inclusive day camp. The program will culminate in performances at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater. Rehearsals, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Additional rehearsal Thursday before opening night. Cost: $175 ($150 for additional children from the same family). Asheville • 828-7198296 • avl.mx/b8l • TheMontfordMoppets@ gmail.com July 11-Aug. 7

MONTFORD PARK PLAYERS — MONTFORD MOPPETS - THE TEMPEST

Ages 10-17 All gender Our young actors will rehearse and perform an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest in this fun, interactive and inclusive day camp. The program will culminate in performances at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheater. Rehearsals, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Additional rehearsal Thursday before opening night. Cost: $175 ($150 for additional children from the same family). Asheville • 828-7198296 • avl.mx/b8l • TheMontfordMoppets@ gmail.com June 13-July 10

MOUNTAIN ROOTS — DAY CAMP

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Ages 4-5, rising grades 1-5 All gender We specialize in facilitating a full day of fun, through activities centered around nature, music, art, community, and gardening. We know we’ve done our jobs when we send home tired campers who have spent the day crafting, adventuring, forming friendships, and making new lifelong memories! M-F. Preschool: 9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $145/week. Rising grades 1-5: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $249/week. Brevard • 828-384-4629 • avl.mx/b9n • info@ mountainroots.org June 13-17, June 2024, June 27-July 1, July

5-8, July 11-14, July 18-22, July 25-29

ODYSSEY CLAYWORKS — CLAY CAMPS

Ages 6-14 All gender Come experience the love of clay! We are offering an amazing lineup of Clay Camps for kids ages 6-14 this summer! Every camp will have at least one day of wheel throwing. Come get creative with clay here in the studio! Each camp is 1 week long. M-F. 9 a.m.-noon or 2-5 p.m. Cost: $250/camper. Asheville • 828-2850210 • avl.mx/ba0 • odysseyclayworks@gmail.com June 13-Aug. 19

PARI — ABOVE & BEYOND

Grades 9-12 All gender Above and Beyond is PARI’s signature camp experience designed to immerse students in the world of space science and research while building confidence and critical thinking skills. Originally developed in partnership with Duke University, this space camp explores the universe through astronomy, physics, and astrobiology, while also providing time for fun and adventure. These processes are followed by scientists and researchers who’ve made space science their career and are modeled to show how new discoveries are made in the universe. Cost: $3,910. Rosman • 828-862-5554 • avl. mx/b9r • camps@pari.edu July 3-15

PARI — MILKY WAY TRAILBLAZERS

Grades 9-12 All gender Map the Milky Way and plot a path for future explorers! Discover how to chart the distribution of hydrogen gas and its movement in our home galaxy as a galactic cartographer. You’ll use giant NASA-built radio telescopes to uncover data that can’t be captured any other way. This camp is part of a partnership with Clemson University and includes a field trip to their astronomy research labs. Cost: $3,910. Rosman • 828-862-5554 • avl. mx/b9r • camps@pari.edu July 17-30

PARI — MISSION CONTROL: MARTIAN FRONTIER

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Ages 11-17 All gender Do you like games? Have you ever imagined going to the moon, Mars, or beyond? Campers will gain confidence, learn space science, and strive to make it to Mars in this combination role-play and academic camp. This immersive journey amid our historic campus simulates the processes that NASA and aerospace companies use to go to outer space. Campers will prioritize mission goals, design spacecraft and instruments, choose a capable and diverse crew, and navigate funding and ethical challenges in this scenario to reach the Martian frontier. Cost: $3,910. Rosman • 828-862-5554 • avl. mx/b9r • camps@pari.edu June 12-24

PARI — SPACE CADETS

Grades 6-8 All gender Prepare for Space Exploration – Experience what it takes to travel beyond Earth! From space food and meteorites to rockets and invisible space rainbows, this camp will take you out of this world. This camp is part of a partnership with Clemson University and includes a field trip to see exciting work in astronomy. Cost: $1,650. Rosman • 828-862-5554 • avl. mx/b9r • camps@pari.edu June 26-July 2

PARKS AND PLUNGE CAMP

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Rising grades 2-8 All gender Spend the morning playing at a local park and playground with friends. After lunch we head to a close by creek or body of water to get muddy and wet! Daily rotating locations. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $150/week, $120/4-day week (July 5-8). Asheville • 828-225-6986 • avl.mx/bbc • mark. strazzer@gmail.com July 5-8, July 18-22

PARKWAY PLAYHOUSE — ADVENTURES IN FAIRY TALE LAND

Ages 4-8 All gender Do you have a youngster who loves dressing up, fighting dragons, rescuing friends and fairy tales? In this exciting and playful theatre camp, students will be acting out familiar stories, with new twists, creating costumes and

characters, and having many adventures! Free performance for parents on Friday at 11:30 a.m. 9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $100. Burnsville • 828-682-4285 • avl.mx/b83 • deo@ parkwayplayhouse.com June 6-10

PARKWAY PLAYHOUSE — LIGHTS UP ON LITERACY

Ages 5-10 All gender Lights up on Literacy is a minicamp open to children with a focus on increasing literacy skills, and creating a lifelong love of reading! Taught by a certified reading specialist and theatre teacher, children will bring stories to life through acting, costumes, props, and play! Free performance for parents on Friday at 11:30 a.m. 9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $100. Burnsville • 828-682-4285 • avl.mx/b83 • deo@ parkwayplayhouse.com Aug. 1-5

PARKWAY PLAYHOUSE — THE LITTLE MERMAID - JR SUMMER CAMP

Ages 4-18 All gender Travel under the Sea with the Little Mermaid! Two weeks of singing, dancing, acting and games, culminating in an exciting performance of Disney’s Little Mermaid, JR. Performances will be on July 22 and 23 Limited space is available, so register soon! Half-day camp (ages 4-8): 9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $200; Full-day Camp (ages 9-18): 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $300. Burnsville • 828-682-4285 • avl.mx/b83 • deo@ parkwayplayhouse.com July 11-22

PISGAH CLIMBING — ROCK CLIMBING ADVANCED CAMP FOR TEENS

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Ages 14-17 All gender An education-focused camp that will take your campers climbing for 7 days and camping for 6 nights. This camp is intended to build on your camper’s existing climbing foundation. Some of the things your camper can expect to learn are placing traditional gear, building and cleaning anchors, leading traditional and sport rock climbs, rappelling, and multipitch systems. Campers should have a fair amount of experience and be ready for advanced instruction. Cost: $1500/camper. Asheville • 828-380-4006 • pisgahclimbing.com • info@ pisgahclimbing.com June 20-26, July 11-17

PISGAH CLIMBING — ROCK CLIMBING BEGINNER CAMP FOR TEENS

Ages 13-16 All gender An experience-focused camp that will take your campers climbing for 5 days and camping for 4 nights. During the beginner’s week campers will learn to belay and tie in like a pro. They will learn to climb a variety of route styles, remove and place traditional gear, and build and clean anchors. Cost: $1200/camper. Asheville • 828-380-4006 • pisgahclimbing.com • info@ pisgahclimbing.com June 13-17, June 27July 1, Aug. 8-12

PLAYGROUND STAGE SUMMER CAMP

Rising grades 1-6 All gender This is the young performer’s chance to experience all aspects of putting on a show! Every student has a chance to set design, costume design, and act in a musical with help from professional teaching artists! Each day includes theatrefocused crafts, acting. singing, and dance lessons, as well as many behind-the-scenes activities. On the last day of camp the students will perform a musical for friends and family in an outdoor performance complete with set, costumes, and props. The perfect camp for aspiring young performers and theatre novices! Four sessions available. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $300(Week 1), $500(Week 2-4). Arden • 828-537-5050 • avl.mx/b9z • education@ playgroundstage.org June 13-17, June 20-July 1, July 5-15, July 18-29

PUSH SKATE CAMP

Age 6-15 All gender Come be a part of our 15th year of skateboarding camp! All skill levels welcome. Weeklong camp sessions are an opportunity for beginners to learn basic skills and for more advanced skaters to sharpen their skills. Asheville • 828-2255509 • avl.mx/baz • pushtoyproject@yahoo.com TBA

RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL — ADVENTURE CAMP

Rising grades 1-4 All gender Adventure Camp finds the point where the natural, creative and MOUNTAINX.COM

physical domains meet and gives kids the chance to use their imaginations in completing teamwork and team building exercises. It allows them to be mindful in nature as camp counselors take them to wooded areas around Rainbow, and encourages them to take part in interactive story building. There will also be a few off-site field trips for enhanced adventures. For all camps, visit us online. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $300/ week, plus $20 for materials. Asheville • 828-318-2838 • avl.mx/6wh • susan.waddell@ rainbowlearning.org July 11-15

RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL — ASL (AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE)

Rising grades 1-3 All gender Learn all about what Deaf Culture and Community is like as well as how to communicate in American Sign Language! You will learn the ASL alphabet, how to introduce yourself, colors, numbers, foods, etc., as well as learning the history of Deaf Culture. Take a stroll through the park and see how we can connect ASL to nature. Learn a new language and discover the passion within the community. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cot: $175/week. Asheville • 828-318-2838 • avl.mx/6wh • susan.waddell@ rainbowlearning.org Aug. 1-5

RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL — BOTS & BYTES

Rising grades 4-8 All gender What is a robot? Find out in this weeklong exploration of robotics as we plan, build and test our own robotic creations. Learn how humans speak to computers and then command your own robot to make art, tell the future, or share your moods with your friends. We will be working with a popular microprocessor called the Micro:bit, motors and other basic electronics. This is an introductory camp, so no experience is necessary. For more camps, visit us online. 9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $175/ week, plus $30 for materials. Asheville • 828-318-2838 • avl.mx/6wh • susan.waddell@ rainbowlearning.org June 20-24 MARCH 16-22, 2022

KIDS ISSUE

Put you in that place of longing, for the ones you love. Whether you’re dancing with a macaroon Or licking the batter-covered spoon, even drinking a glass of milk under the moon When you bake, When you create, There isn’t a better feeling. Food is what you want it to be A freeing moment, almost a dream And when the world screams in your face Food almost seems to erase, All the fear that ever was Whatever your skill may be, when cooking you can still feel free. — Genevieve Marshall, seventh grade, The Learning Community School

Snow days

‘FOR THE LOVE OF ANIMALS’: Sixth grader Zoe Gillett-Hockman, who is home-schooled, writes that animals are “kind, smart, loving and beautiful. They are Mother Nature’s greatest achievement.“

Forest Floor Wilderness Programs Nature Connection Summer Day Camps

In-Town Drop-off & Pick-up Available

Day Camps for Ages 5-16 Weekly Sessions June-August 22 Camps to Choose From Crafting, Earth Skills, Role Playing, Blacksmithing, Archery

ForestFloorAsheville.com 46

MARCH 16-22, 2022

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The most beautiful thing in the world I saw, is snow on the ground for ma and I. The clouds in the sky so gray and high, the hardest thing to say is goodbye. Sledding down and having fun, catching snowflakes on your tongue. The snow so fluffy and down it goes, the winter breeze that nips your nose. The snow on the ground so beautiful and white, it is my kind of delight. The snow twinkles in almost all lands, and people who get it think it’s grand. But the people who say snow time is bad, boy, when you get winter fun, you’ll be glad. Snowballs flying side to side, glitter, fun and joy inside. Building a snowman in a good way, if you’re lucky it will come to life that day. Having snowball fights and making forts, now that’s one of my favorite sports. Being with my friends and seeing winter glory, now this is the end of the story. — Jack Bennett, fifth grade, Mountain Sun Community School

For the pandas I am thinking we need to change. For the pandas — we’ve taken their homes. For a kid who dreams of a better world. We need to change. We need to find a better way to live. We need to save the pandas and other animals of the world. Be the hero they need. Be the hero I need. Be the hero we all need.

Pandas need a hero — they can’t talk. We need to stand up for them. They need help before their homes are gone. Such beautiful creatures don’t need to suffer. I will never get why you need to take someone’s home for a fence, A tomato cage, a floor. It’s just mean and rude. Pandas are starving because humans make things they don’t really need. It’s not worth it. Such beauty and grace should not have to starve. I am thinking we need to change. Be the hero they need. Be the hero I need. Be the hero we all need. — Josephine Robbins, fourth grade, Art Space Charter School

The Blue Ridge Parkway The Blue Ridge Parkway is simply beautiful because of the trees, plants, flowers and birds. There are not many buildings and not much electricity. Let’s keep it not busy and beautiful. — Matthew Larrabee, first grade, Odyssey School

Eagle Sometimes I stare at the sky looking for Eagle. Looking for him to know that he is still with me. When I see Eagle, I feel like him, I feel more like me. I feel more encouraged to do what I love. When I’m sitting inside, feeling down in life, I stop and give thanks when I see him. For what he did long ago. And even when he’s not there in the sky, I still know he’s there with me. Even if I don’t see his beauty ever again in my life. — Roan Hannan, fourth grade, Mountain Sun Community School

The almighty quill A quill is unique. Each one was made from a different bird, and it makes you feel significant knowing that yours is limited to only you. The way that each nib writes is distinct and particular, although maybe not as much as the feather. A quill is

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KIDS ISSUE

RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL — CREEPY CRAFTY

Rising grades 6-8 All gender Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, all you need to have fun at this camp is a desire to do needlework and a love of good conversation — and just a bit of a dark side to your happy little soul. Sunsets and flowers are lovely, but in this camp, we’ll be creating art that shows that dark and creepy doesn’t mean ugly. You’ll have a chance to create a fun and freaky needlecraft project while we chat about everything under the moon. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $175/ week, plus $20 for materials. Asheville • 828-318-2838 • avl.mx/6wh • susan.waddell@ rainbowlearning.org June 13-17

RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL — ROCK BAND

Rising grades 5-8 All gender Join us for a week of musical exploration! Campers will

learn music principles and performance skills, including taking care of instruments, stage setup, playing together as a group, and song selection. Camp will feature a concert for friends and family at the end of the week. For all camps, visit us online. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $175/ week, plus $25 for materials. Asheville • 828-318-2838 • avl.mx/6wh • susan.waddell@ rainbowlearning.org Aug. 1-5

RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL — SURF AND TURF

Rising grades 5-8 All gender We may not live beachside, but we do have plenty of water in our beautiful mountain home. This camp is all about exploring the unique water features that attract so many people to the area. Waterfalls, rivers, lakes. This will be an active camp, some hikes will be challenging, some will be long and easy, but every day will most certainly offer fun. This is the perfect camp for those kiddos who like to explore and play in the natural world! For

more camps, visit us online. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $300/week, plus $10 for travel expenses. Asheville • 828-318-2838 • avl.mx/6wh • susan.waddell@ rainbowlearning.org July 11-15

RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL — TIME TRAVELERS

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Rising grades 3-5 All gender In this camp, kids will imagine their own time machine and build it. Then they will craft a narrative—the places it will take them, chronicling the adventures and people they might encounter. The morning will be spent immersed in the craft of writing— the afternoon, we will have lunch and free time outside, then work on building time machines or devices. Students will showcase their time machines and share their narratives with others. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $300/ week, plus $20 for materials. Asheville • 828-318-2838 • avl.mx/6wh • susan.waddell@ rainbowlearning.org July 18-22

RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL — UPCYCLED FASHION

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Rising grades 4-8 All gender Did you know textiles are the No. 2 waste product on the planet? In this camp you will be using recycled fabrics and textiles to make wearable art and practical products. Make an apron or water bottle holder out of old jeans or a reusable shopping bag out of an old T-shirt. Ideas are unlimited, so bring your design skills and get ready to use patterns, an electronic sewing machine and creativity. No sewing experience required. 9 a.m.-noon. For all camps,

and more. They’ll learn about their local rivers and environment through science experiments, tours, and trips down the river. Cost: $300/week. Asheville • 828-2528474 • avl.mx/5o3 • education@riverlink.org June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 11-15, July 18-22

visit us online. Cost: $185/ week, plus $20 for materials. Asheville • 828-318-2838 • avl.mx/6wh • susan.waddell@ rainbowlearning.org June 27-July 1

RIVERLINK — FRENCH BROAD RIVERCAMP

Rising grades 3-5 & 6-8 All gender RiverCamp seeks to educate and empower the next generation of watershed stewards. Guided by RiverLink staff, campers will engage in hands-on environmental education, river recreation, and service-learning projects. By the end of our time together, campers will have a newfound appreciation and love for their watershed. Throughout the week campers will visit waterfalls, national forests, lakes, swimming holes

ROCK ACADEMY — OPENING ACT I CAMP

Rising grades 1-3 All gender Ever wanted to rock out with a band?! Then this is the camp is for you! Learn about music and explore the 4 core pop/rock instruments: guitar, piano, drums and voice, with an introduction to Rock Academy’s fundamentals for playing in a band. This camp is aimed at all budding rock stars! 9 a.m.-noon. Early drop-off: 8:30

LEGEND

Athletic Camp

Nature Camp

Day Camp

Faith Camp

Academic / Science Camp

Overnight Camp

MOUNTAINX.COM

Art Camp

✈ Travel Camp

MARCH 16-22, 2022

KIDS ISSUE

made with intricate detail and gives you the feeling of holding something important, powerful and fragile all at the same time when you write with it. The potential of a quill is as limitless as any other writing utensil, possibly even more. The scratching sound it makes is much more satisfying than the click-clacking of a computer’s typing. It soothes the mind and lets words flow more creatively when it is used, and it gives you the odd thrill of knowing that there is no going back. A quill holds the capability to create any world, only for it to be able to be annihilated by the same hand. It is a universe waiting to be made, a story waiting to be told, all solidified into something small enough to fit in one’s hand. It is a destructive, yet beautiful catastrophe in the making. It is an inanimate god. It is a quill. — Matai Vesely-Flad, sixth grade, The Learning Community School

Rain Pit Pat Pitter Patter goes the rain outside my window.

I see big plants glimmer with the flowers that seem to shine like jewels The little bugs and birds come out. The bright sun welcomes them, warms them up. Letting them know it’s OK to roam once more. I smile. Nature really is a beautiful thing. — Lily P., fourth grade, Odyssey Community School

A soundtrack of beauty

BLUE RIDGE: ArtSpace Charter School fourth grader Tate Kasten painted this colorful landscape. I open the door and step step outside into the rain. I look up. The rain goes one after another like a pattern. Have you ever tried to look up into the rain?

Notice this pattern? One after another drop drop some rain falls on my face. It feels nice. Finally, the rain stops, the sun comes out, I look around. The rain made most things wet.

Strings are strummed Keys are plinked Vocals waft through the air and linger on each note Flowing like a tumbling river This is music It fills up empty space and boring car rides It is wise with age and experience Sounds are combined like a complicated recipe, and the chef is a master

VOTED #1 OVERNIGHT CAMP IN WNC

MARCH 16-22, 2022

MOUNTAINX.COM

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KIDS ISSUE

a.m. Cost: $250/week, 50% tuition due upon registration. Asheville • 828-252-1888 • rockacademync.com • dena@rockacademync.com Aug. 1-5

ROCK ACADEMY — OPENING ACT I CAMP

Rising grades 4-6 All gender Ever wanted to rock out with a band?! Then this is the camp is for you! Learn about music and explore the 4 core pop/ rock instruments: guitar, piano, drums and voice with an introduction to Rock Academy’s fundamentals for playing in a band. This camp is aimed at all budding rock stars! 9 a.m.-noon. Early drop-off: 8:30 a.m. Cost: $250/week, 50% tuition due upon registration. Asheville • 828-252-1888 • rockacademync.com • dena@rockacademync.com Aug. 8-12

ROCK ACADEMY — STRING EVOLUTION CAMP

Ages 9-17 All gender Melt faces and blow minds with local violin and fiddle instructor/ performer Alex Travers. Learn to play in a variety of genres and styles, explore string ensembles, expand your understanding of music theory, develop techniques, and find out what it takes to be a professional string player in the modern world. Cost: $225. Asheville • 828-252-1888 • rockacademync.com • dena@rockacademync.com June 27-30

ROCK ACADEMY — SUMMER EXPERIENCE

Ages 12-17 All gender Explore rock and pop while working and jamming in a band setting. Our experienced faculty will teach stage presence, music theory, composition, sound recording and equipment, and help you prepare a public performance at the end of camp! Let’s rock your summer! 9 a.m.-noon. Early drop-off: 8:30 a.m. Cost: $250/week, 50% tuition due upon registration. Asheville • 828-252-1888 • rockacademync.com • dena@rockacademync.com June 20-24, July 1115, July 25-29

ROOTS + WINGS — SUMMER CREATIVITY CAMPS AND CUSTOM LESSONS

Age 3-Rising grade 5 All gender Held at our amazing Roots + Wings Creative Campus, our unique camps offer one-of-a-kind programming with talented, passionate instructors that engage students in creativity, critical thinking and innovation using methods and techniques of art and design. Our camps help kids by building confidence, celebrating collaboration, and encouraging the creative voice of every student. We also have summer custom lessons for all ages and internships for high school and college students to build creative leadership skills. Cost: $230/week. Asheville • 828-378-4140 • avl.mx/4o6 • info@ rootsandwingsarts.com June 6-Aug. 8

S.E.E. — DAY CAMP

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Grades K-12 All gender A combination of education, enrichment, and recreation for kids in grades K-12 who are blind or visually impaired. Week One will have a Foods & Cooking theme, and week two will be our Young Explorers outdoor adventure camp. M-Th. 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Cost: Free. Asheville • 828-335-1136 • avl.mx/5lg • jhardwig@ ifbsolutions.org June 27-30, July 11-14

SMOKY MOUNTAIN SK8WAY — SUMMER CAMP

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Ages 6-12 All gender Smoky Mountain Sk8way’s Summer Camp returns for another adventurous, active and healthy summer. The camp program provides a 10-week day camp. Themed weeks include field trips, skating lessons, STEM programs, cooking, taekwondo and more! Kids are grouped by ages and guided by camp counselors who inspire, mentor and nurture kids while keeping both minds and bodies active. You can pick your favorite week or spend all summer with us! M-F. 8 a.m-5 p.m. Cost: $175/ week, $125/ partial week. Waynesville • 828-2469124 • avl.mx/b7d • info@ smokymountainsk8way.com June 6- Aug. 12

SUNNY TRUTH FARM — EARTH AND SKY CAMP

Ages 5-10 All gender We will focus on the earth and the wind. Rocks, minerals, sun and wind will all be explored through rock hounding to kite making. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $100/week. Mars Hill • 828-3843003 • avl.mx/4oa • sunnytruthfarm@gmail.com June 20-24

SUNNY TRUTH FARM — EXPLORE CAMP

Ages 5-10 All gender We will explore the property learning about the different natural features and zones. Water, forest, meadows will be our learning places. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $100/week. Mars Hill • 828-3843003 • avl.mx/4oa • sunnytruthfarm@gmail.com June 6-10

SUNNY TRUTH FARM — NATURE ART CAMP

Ages 5-10 All gender There are many materials and inspirations that come from nature that help us make art. We will explore a wide range of topics including, color, clay, paint rocks, shape, and shadow. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $100/week. Mars Hill • 828-3843003 • avl.mx/4oa • sunnytruthfarm@gmail.com July 25-29

SUNNY TRUTH FARM — OUR PAST CAMP

Ages 5-10 All gender We will learn about the recent and distant history that is a part of the farm. From the Native Americans to the arrival of the Metcalf family. We will dig for artifacts, learn about the differences in the barns, and find old markers in the field and forest that tell us about the human history of the land that has been going on for over 10,000 years. We will be getting dirty this week. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $100/week. Mars Hill • 828-3843003 • avl.mx/4oa • sunnytruthfarm@gmail.com June 13-17 MOUNTAINX.COM

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KIDS ISSUE

JUNE 8TH - AUGUST 23RD $178 per week. $50 registration fee. Child Care Vouchers accepted. Rising 1st graders to age 12 Ages 13-16 may sign up as Jr. Volunteers

‘KLEE FISH’: Eleanor McLamb, a fifth grader at Evergreen Community Charter School, makes quite a splash with this colorful work. Like the sun, music provides warmth and light Even in a time of darkness Music is a masterpiece A creation Music overcomes and perseveres Music inspires Music can bring people together Music is the best form of communication Music is Simply Beautiful — Ashton Henderson, eighth grade, The Learning Community School

Simply beautiful Snow a flurry, snow a flake, snow will be there when you wake. A blanket of white, a cold delight. Falling slowly now in a drift, still and calm, quiet and smooth, Now it’s time for a winter’s snooze — Caleb St. John, fourth grade, Mountain Sun Community School

Before the night was night Before the night was night The day was day But the day cascades into night they say The sun can’t be everywhere at once, It has to share its beautiful light with someone else. The stream that carries the fishes along Is frozen solid by the night’s frosty hands, Illuminated by stars. But the sun will be back when the night turns to day As people wake up from a good night’s sleep, and then The forest creatures will squint their eyes At the beautiful sun they found in the sky Their paws so sure and strong, The sun melts the ice And the stream melts along. — Lauren Tressler, seventh grade, The Learning Community School

Pandas The most beautiful thing in the world is a panda. I like it because they are very smart and fuzzy! They face extinction from losing their habitat. We can make a difference by not chopping down their home. — Orrin Melonas, second grade, The Odyssey Community School

The Little Gym of Asheville is now enrolling for summer camps and classes.

Join us for a summer full of adventure! www.tlgashevillenc.com 828-747-2239 • tlgashevillenc@thelittlegym.com

MARCH 16-22, 2022

MOUNTAINX.COM

The world isn’t so simple Let me start by telling you why the world isn’t beautiful. It isn’t beau-

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field guide

Asheville to

New Edition coming soon

KIDS ISSUE

TALISMAN SUMMER CAMP

Ages 8-22 All gender Exceptional summer camp opportunities for young people with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders (Asperger’s), ADD/ADHD and other learning differences. Since 1980, our ACA-accredited programs have offered unique alternatives to ordinary summer camps. We provide a structured, nurturing environment within an exciting adventure program in which our campers can have a successful summer while increasing social skills, a sense of personal responsibility and a more positive self-image. Cost: $1,925-$5,225/session. Zirconia • 828-697-6313 • avl.mx/6wi • info@ talismancamps.com June 11-29, July 2-14, July 17-29, Aug. 1-7

THE EDUCATIONAL GARDEN PROJECT — GARDEN CAMP

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Ages 5 and up All gender An outdoor day camp located minutes from downtown Asheville. We focus on kids cooking, gardening and exploring STEM concepts. Fresh produce and fresh flowers are our favorite mediums, and it is common for kids to come home with armloads of goodies. We have cool scientific tools and gadgets to explore and often have baby bunnies and baby chicks that kids engage with. Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $325/week, $75/day. Asheville • 828-989-9647 • avl.mx/b9h • joan@ theeducationalgardenproject. org June 12-Aug. 26

THE LEARNING COMMUNITY — DAY CAMP

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Rising grades K-9 All gender Explore creeks, hike the forest trails, build forts, play PE field games, go fishing, learn to kayak, get creative with arts and crafts projects, and more! This camp is lots of fun in the out of doors. Bus service from Asheville available. $300/session. Swannanoa • 828-686-3080 • thelearningcommunity. org • katherine@ thelearningcommunity.org June 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-31, July 18-22, 25-29

THE LEARNING COMMUNITY — SUMMER ACADEMY

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Rising grades 1-6 All gender This two-week camp is designed for kiddos who struggle with language-based learning differences or who have fallen behind due to virtual learning. Hands-on lessons in language arts and math at your child’s exact level and need are held in the morning while afternoons are spent in the forest, creekside, or in the art studio. Lots of fun to be had while catching up on academics! Bus service from Asheville available. Cost: $1200, $1500 combined with the oneweek intensive (savings of $300). Swannanoa • 828-686-3080 • avl.mx/b9j • katherine@ thelearningcommunity.org July 11-22

THE LEARNING COMMUNITY — SUMMER ACADEMY: ONE-WEEK INTENSIVE

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Rising grades 1-6 All gender This one-week camp is designed for kiddos who struggle with language-based learning differences or who have fallen behind due to virtual learning. Hands-on lessons in language arts and math at your child’s exact level and need are held in the morning while afternoons are spent in the forest, creekside, or in the art studio. Lots of fun to be had while learning! Bus service from Asheville available. Cost: $600, $1500 combined with the two-week intensive (savings of $300). Swannanoa • 828-686-3080 • avl.mx/b9j • katherine@ thelearningcommunity.org July 25-29

THE LITTLE GYM — SUPER QUEST CAMPS

Ages 3-9 All gender Join us on an adventure during our Super Quest Camps where we will have a new theme each week and a new quest to complete! We will play games and activities in the gym, do crafts and have Lego building time! Some themes include Dinosaur, Superheroes, Pirates, Under the Sea, Space, Dance around the World and many more! Pack a snack and lunch. Must be potty independent. Schedule by the day or the week. Each camp session is 4 hours. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-5 p.m.

Flex passes available in 5, 10 or 20 days. Cost: $30/session. Asheville • 828-747-2239 • avl.mx/4qp • tlgashevillenc@ thelittlegym.com May 31-Aug. 19

UNC ASHEVILLE — PRECOLLEGE PROGRAMS

Rising grades 2-8 All gender Campers will learn the sport of Ultimate Frisbee in a fun, exciting and nurturing environment! 9 a.m-1 p.m. Cost: $150/week, $120/4-day camp (July 11-14). Asheville • 828-225-6986 • avl.mx/b6a • mark. strazzer@gmail.com June 27-July 1, July 11-14, July 25-29

Rising grades 10-12 All gender UNC Asheville’s Pre-College Programs introduce high school students to collegelevel study, university life, and career options in a dynamic learning environment. Each one-week program offers deep immersion into an academic topic, challenging activities, and the opportunity to engage with industry professionals. Cost: $1,200 and up, includes lodging, meals, all course materials, activities and excursions. Asheville • 828-2516960 • camps.unca.edu • camps@unca.edu June 12-27, June 1924, June 25-July 1

ULTIMATE FRISBEE SUMMER CAMP FOR HIGH SCHOOLERS

UNC ASHEVILLE — STEAM STUDIO SKILLSET SUMMER CAMPS

Rising grades 9-12 All gender Campers will learn the sport of Ultimate Frisbee in a fun, exciting and nurturing environment! 9 a.m-1 p.m. Cost: $150. Asheville • 828-225-6986 • avl.mx/b6a • mark. strazzer@gmail.com June 27-July 1

Ages 11-18 Girls/ Non-Binary UNCA’s STEAM Studio weeklong summer sessions teach youth to build, design, create, and share. Five camp sessions available with a different theme each week. Topics include custom electric guitar making, illuminations, bench making, junior woodworking, and welding. Cost: $575-$695/week. Asheville • 828-251-6960 • skillset.tools • skillset@unca.edu June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 11-15, July 18-22

ULTIMATE FRISBEE SUMMER CAMP

UNC ASHEVILLE — ATHLETICS SUMMER CAMPS

Ages vary All gender UNCA’s Athletics offer a variety of summer day camps for baseball, basketball, soccer, volleyball and track and field. Asheville • 828-251-6960 • uncashevillecamps.com • camps@unca.edu June, July, August

UNC ASHEVILLE — GREAT SMOKIES YOUNG WRITERS WORKSHOP

Rising grades 10-12 All gender As part of UNCA’s Pre-College Programs, the workshop will feature classes with returning instructor Jamieson Ridenhour, and two fantastic members of UNC Asheville’s English faculty: Dr. Mildred Barya and University Fellow Diamond Forde. Students can attend one week or stay for both. Cost: $1200/week (Cori Gross Scholarship available). Asheville • 828-2516960 • camps.unca.edu • camps@unca.edu June 19-24, June 26-July 1

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WARREN WILSON — CROSS COUNTRY CAMP

Ages 11-18 All gender A half-day cross country camp where we are looking to help young runners continue to improve their running, increase their knowledge and have fun. This camp will combine scenic runs on our 20+ miles of campus trails with a daily itinerary that includes instructional clinics, workshops on nutrition, crosstraining, racing strategy and strength training, and other fun activities! Includes camp T-shirt and snack. Cost:$130 before/on June 30, $150 on/after July 1. Swannanoa • 828-771-2027 • avl.mx/b93 • rmartin@ warren-wilson.edu July 11-15

WARREN WILSON — ELITE & TEAM SOCCER CAMP

Rising grades 9-12 Girls This camp offers high-level training and will touch on a few important topics that often

are overlooked. Players will walk away with confidence and a better understanding of the game. This camp is a great opportunity for local high school or club teams to register together for increased training and team-building experiences. The camp also offers goalkeeper-specific training with a professional, female goalkeeper. Cost: $160. Swannanoa • 828-771-2027 • avl.mx/b93 • jwilliamson@ warren-wilson.edu July 25-28

WARREN WILSON — UPPER 90 SOCCER AND ADVENTURE CAMP

Ages 7-9 and 10-14 Girls The Warren Wilson College Upper 90 and Adventure Camp is in its 20th year! Upper 90 continues to expose players to a professional staff equipped to offer quality, competitive soccer training. The staff encourages players to step out of their comfort zones and into leadership roles in an environment that challenges them and empowers them. Cost: $345/week (10 to 14 year-olds), $185/half day week (7 to 9 year-olds). Swannanoa • 828-771-2027 • avl.mx/b93 • jwilliamson@ warren-wilson.edu July 18-22

WARREN WILSON — WOMEN’S LACROSSE CAMP: LAX & LEAD

Rising grades 4-8 and 9-12 Girls Join the Warren Wilson Women’s lacrosse coaching staff for a week of lacrosse and fun! Players will work to develop their lacrosse and leadership skills through drills, team building exercises, and competitive games. Includes T-shirt. 9 a.m.-noon (Rising grades 4-8), 1-4 p.m. (Rising grades 9-12). Cost: $125. Swannanoa • 828-771-2027 • avl.mx/6xf • jwilliamson@ warren-wilson.edu June 27-30

WARREN WILSON — YOUTH BASKETBALL CAMP

Ages 6-14 All gender Warren Wilson College Women’s basketball coaching staffs as well and other guest coaches, along with WWC basketball players. Our focus is to present a fun detailed instruction along with on court application of shooting, offensive moves with the ball, footwork without the ball, passing fundamentals, and defensive skills. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. MOUNTAINX.COM

Half-day: 9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $150/week, $100/half day week. Swannanoa • 828-771-2027 • avl.mx/b93 • rmartin@ warren-wilson.edu June 20-24, July 1115, Aug. 1-4

WE ROCK SUMMER CAMP!

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Ages 3-10 All gender For kiddos who love to move and have energy! Our summer camp will include art, stem activities, gym play, circle time, stories, and sensory activities. Each week will hold a new theme and everyday will dive deep into exploring, creating and learning through play. A strong emphasis on social skills, group cooperation, teamwork and communication will be placed on the daily curriculum which will also include group discussions, games and more! 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. or 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $50/day, $35/4-hour day. Asheville • 828-505-7556 • avl.mx/b9i • info@ werockthespectrumasheville. com June 6-Aug. 26

WNC DOWN SYNDROME ALLIANCE — BUDDY CAMP

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Ages 5-14 All gender Day camp provided by the Western North Carolina Down Syndrome Alliance in partnership with Lutheridge. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: Free. Arden • 828-665-0592 • wncdsa.org • kathleen. emory@yahoo.com July 11-15

WONDERLAND HOLLOW FARM DAY CAMP

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Ages 7-16 All gender At Wonderland Farm Day Camp we fill our days with outdoor play, connecting with the horses and other animals on the farm, learning about plants and organic farming, practicing primitive skills, making art, and playing games, with a focus on mindfulness and embodiment in all we do. No past horse experience is necessary. Campers will have the opportunity to ride horses if they desire, but that is never mandatory. We are a fully insured equine day camp and maintain a one adult to five camper ratio. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $400, $350 sibling discount. Asheville • 336-4588589 • avl.mx/ba8 June 6-9, June 20-23 MARCH 16-22, 2022

KIDS ISSUE

‘GENTLE DANDELION’: Asheville Middle School seventh grader Esme’ Bell honors a humble flower. tiful because the ocean shimmers like diamonds and stretches to the horizon. It isn’t beautiful because the millions of stars shimmer like a new penny. It isn’t beautiful because the trees stand tall and sturdy. It isn’t beautiful because the morning dew drops from the leaves. It isn’t beautiful because the birds fly high in the bright blue sky. Although it is beautiful because of the hope, the love, the dreams, the diversity and the acceptance. We are ourselves, whether we know it or not. This is why I love my home. This is why I love our world and everything and anything in it. — Nina Clark,fifth grade, Mountain Sun Community School

Glazed over The mountains in the distance, wearing the white crown of snow, not a scratch in the milky white powder. 52

MARCH 16-22, 2022

The jagged rocks lining the base of the mountain. Beautiful white perfect dots falling from the sky, landing softly on the padded ground. The scarce trees stripped of their leaves struggle to stay alive in the harsh elements of winter, the sun hiding behind the dark gloomy clouds. Occasional gusts of wind threatening to wipe the snow off the face of the mountain, but the ice won’t let go of its precious snow. In the other direction, beautiful perfect parallel streaks of skies lining the mountain, crossing over each other in a perfect curvy line. Not a single animal track in the perfectly glazed over snow, all of them deep in hibernation, relying on their thick coats of fur to keep them warm. The harsh wind scatters the dry defenseless snow on the ground, reminding the ice of the power it has over it.

MOUNTAINX.COM

‘SELF PORTRAIT’: Sixth grader Tyla Lassiter of Hanger Hall School radiates positivity, writing in her artist’s statement, “I’m pretty wonderful and beautiful in all ways, thanks to my mom.” Not a single sign of civilization in sight, yet it seems so close with the green trees way off in the distance. Glittering ice and snow holding onto the mountain face for dear life, sparkling a beautiful blue. An amazing glow at the peak of the mountains, reflecting the sunset in an orange light. This is winter.

Majestic marble eye

The river is a beautiful thing because it keeps the world alive. It gives us water. The reflection is yourself. We can keep the river beautiful by giving it love. You can swim in it, dogs can drink it and you can float. It is great in many ways.

Wolves Symbol of the wilderness. Graceful as a cat making no sound walking. Wolves Majestic, with marble eyes that beam like suns beginning to rise. Beautiful, light fur, soft as gray silk colors or creamy white milk. Fangs whiter than the clouds. I look into their eyes, they are so gorgeous. When they howl, their sound penetrates the air. Wolves Glow in moonlight with silky fur. The wolf in love with the moon, cries for it every night, a love it will never touch. Never quits and doesn’t look back, it is relentless.

— Margaret Halvorson, first grade, Odyssey School

— Lucca DeGennaro, sixth grade, The Learning Community School

— Beckham Henderson, sixth grade, The Learning Community School

The river

KIDS ISSUE

WORTHAM CENTER — SUMMER CAMP WITH BRIGHT STAR THEATRE FOR KIDS

Ages 8-9 All gender This summer, kids can express themselves and shine on the Wortham stage! Through artsbased games, activities and field trips, kids will wiggle, sing, dance and shout their way through a fun-filled week of superherothemed creative play. Facilitated by professional arts educators from Bright Star Touring Theatre. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $325; scholarships available through the Y.E.S. Fund. Asheville • 828-257-4530 • avl.mx/bay • boxoffice@ worthamarts.org July 25-29

WORTHAM CENTER — SUMMER CAMP WITH BRIGHT STAR THEATRE FOR TEENS

Ages 12-13 All gender This summer, kids can express themselves and shine on the

Wortham stage! With focus on acting, writing and directing skills, students will develop their own supercharacters and weave them into an original performance. Facilitated by professional arts educators from Bright Star Touring Theatre, Wortham campers learn lifelong skills such as collaboration, communication, self-confidence and leadership. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $325; scholarships available through the Y.E.S. Fund. Asheville • 828-257-4530 • avl.mx/bay • boxoffice@ worthamarts.org July 11-15

WORTHAM CENTER — SUMMER CAMP WITH BRIGHT STAR THEATRE FOR TWEENS

Ages 10-11 All gender This summer, kids can express themselves and shine on the Wortham stage! During a week of super adventures, students will express themselves through artsbased games, activities and field trips. Campers develop their own supercharacters and create an original show. Facilitated by

professional arts educators from Bright Star Touring Theatre, Wortham campers learn lifelong skills such as collaboration, communication, self-confidence and leadership. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $325; scholarships available through the Y.E.S. Fund. Asheville • 828-257-4530 • avl.mx/bay • boxoffice@ worthamarts.org July 18-22

YMCA — CAMP WATIA

mpvt

Grades 2-10 All gender A sleepaway camp where kids can dare, discover and dream. Kids need to unplug from devices and connect with the outdoors, new friends, and caring counselors. Fun, meaningful activities are carefully planned to help them explore new interests and build confidence. Our campers learn what they can achieve with courage, perseverance, and support from those around them. Cost: $813 (Session 3: $1,691). Bryson City • 828-2099600 • avl.mx/4pd • ymcacampwatia@ymcawnc.org Nine 1-week sessions June 12-Aug. 12

YMCA — WATIA ADVENTURES

ZANIAC ASHEVILLE — WEEKLY STEAM CAMPS

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Grades 7-10 All gender Watia Adventures offers campers a great opportunity to experience wilderness treks, expand their comfort zones, and grow in vital leadership skills. Activities include whitewater rafting, paddleboarding, zip lining, hiking and exploring. Campers will live and work as a strong team to set up and manage camp, handle daily cooking and cleaning duties, and take on other camping responsibilities. Cost: $875. Bryson City • 828-2099600 • avl.mx/4pd • ymcacampwatia@ymcawnc.org July 17-22, July 24-29

Rising grades K-8 All gender Discover how the world works and spark your child’s curiosity in our science, technology, engineering, art and math summer camps! We engage your child’s mind with interactive summer camps to experiment and innovate. Go-Green with Minecraft. Be an Engineer with Robot Inventors. Try Python Coder. Design with 3D. Explore the Ocean or go on a STEAM Quest. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Half-day: 8 a.m.-noon or 1-5 p.m. Cost: $449/week, $279/half day week. Asheville • 828-575-0355 • avl.mx/6xj • Asheville@ ZaniacLearning.com June 6-Aug. 26

ZANIAC ASHEVILLE — WEEKLY STEAM CAMPS 2

Rising grades K-8 All gender Zaniac Summer Camps Wow! Calling all coders, designers, engineers, scientists and explorers! Prepare your child with 21st century skills this summer in our cool environment with small camp sizes, exceptional instructors, lunch outdoors and interactive STEAM fun! Blast off with Electronics Lab, Mechatronics, Kitchen Chemistry, Minecraft Galaxy, STEAM Quest Galactic Missions, Math Boot Camp and more! 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Half-day: 8 a.m.noon or 1-5 p.m. Cost: $449/ week, $279/half day week. Asheville • 828-575-0355 • avl.mx/6xj • Asheville@ ZaniacLearning.com June 6-Aug. 26

LEGEND

Athletic Camp

Nature Camp

Day Camp

Faith Camp

Academic / Science Camp

Overnight Camp

Art Camp

✈ Travel Camp

Summer Clay Camps at Odyssey ClayWorks

Half-Day Camps, 9am-12pm and 2-5pm • Monday-Friday, June-August • Ages 6-14 • $250 per camp

OdysseyClayWorks.com • 828-285-0210 • 236 Clingman Ave EXT, Asheville NC MOUNTAINX.COM

MARCH 16-22, 2022

WELLNESS HEALTH ROUNDUP

Dogwood releases 2021 annual report Dogwood Health Trust made more than $92 million in investments across 18 Western North Carolina counties and the Qualla Boundary in 2021, according to its 2021 annual report. The nonprofit was created from the $1.5 billion sale of Mission Health to Nashville-based, for-profit HCA Healthcare in February 2019. Among Dogwood’s investments were $78.6 million in grant awards in housing, education, economic opportunity and health and wellness. Roughly 39% of grant funds — more than $30 million — supported housing efforts, including securing 1,135 units of affordable housing. Dogwood Health Trust allocated Buncombe County over $16 million in grants; Haywood, Henderson, Transylvania, Madison and McDowell counties were each allocated between $4 million and $5 million. Grant awards and recipients included a $250,000 grant for the HIV prevention nonprofit Western North Carolina AIDS Project; $499,968 for the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project, a nonprofit supporting local farmers; $169,124 for workforce development nonprofit Green Opportunities; and $200,000 for Helpmate, a nonprofit supporting domestic violence survivors. In total, Dogwood approved 287 funding requests of the 354 grant applications in 2021. The nonprofit also reports that it added 21 new staff members to the organization. “Having a foundation that is driven to support substance use disorder work has been lifesaving to individuals, and has allowed organizations like ours to pursue expansion to communities that have not previously had services for people who

ing t o V ts

st star 1 l i r Ap

MARCH 16-22, 2022

use drugs,” says Peggy Weil, interim chief operating officer at WNCAP, in the report. Read the full report at avl.mx/bbk.

New hours Mercy Urgent Care, a nonprofit network of urgent care centers based in WNC, expanded its operating hours at four locations in Buncombe County. The Weaverville clinic, 61 Weaver Blvd., Suite 106, will now be open from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m Saturday-Sunday. The East Asheville, South Asheville, Brevard, Burnsville, Columbus and Waynesville clinics will now be open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., seven days a week. The hours for the West Asheville location remain the same — 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. More information at avl.mx/prwm.

Buncombe hires behavioral health manager Buncombe County announced Feb. 22 the hiring of Victoria Reichard as its first behavioral health manager. Reichard studied human services at Elon University and completed her master’s degree in social work at the University of Maryland. The position is part of the county’s Behavioral Health Justice Collaborative, which was established through the Justice Resource Advisory Council. Reichard’s first day was Feb. 28.

Pardee’s vaccination clinic recognized The December issue of International Journal of Infection Control recognized Pardee UNC Health Care for its development and operation of an indoor mass COVID19 vaccination clinic. The article details how Pardee developed its clinic during a time when guidelines for indoor clinics were limited. The clinic operated from JanuaryMay 2021 at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock. It provided 23,000 free COVID-19 vaccines for Henderson County residents and others.

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The yearlong fellowship, the first of its kind in North Carolina, will train psychiatrists in the areas of substance withdrawal, medications for opioid use disorders, trauma-informed care and psychotherapeutic approaches to support long-term recovery for a variety of substance use disorders. The fellowship will be led by Dr. Stephen Wyatt, an addiction psychiatrist and medical educator currently in private practice in Charlotte. Training addiction psychiatry fellows will begin in July. Fellows will treat patients at MAHEC’s Center for Psychiatry and Mental Wellness, Mission Health, the Charles George VA Medical Center, Julian F. Keith Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment Center and the Behavioral Health Group.

New board members WELCOME ABOARD: Buncombe County has hired Victoria Reichard as its first behavioral health manager. Among her roles will be supporting development of an opioid settlement financial plan. Photo courtesy of Buncombe County

Asheville Yoga Center changes leadership Asheville Yoga Center will come under new leadership after owners Stephanie and Sunny Keach announced that The Ayurvedic Institute and its sister organization AyurPrana are taking over the facility. The Ayurvedic Institute, which trains practitioners in ayurveda, a medicine system originating in India, will relocate its campus from Albuquerque, N.M., to Asheville. The Ayurvedic Institute is currently accepting applications for fall 2022 enrollment of its Ayurvedic Studies Programs 1, 2 and 3. Asheville Yoga Center will continue to offer yoga classes, yoga teacher training and workshops. Members of the public will have the opportunity to meet the new owners Thursday, March 31, 4-7 p.m., at 211 S. Liberty St.

Addiction psychiatry fellowship The Mountain Area Health Education Center added addiction psychiatry fellowship to the graduate-level medical education programs at its Asheville-based campus.

The AdventHealth Hendersonville Foundation, which provides community support and fundraising for the hospital, added the following members to its board: Michael Dexter-Smith, president and CEO of Xtremesoft Inc. and founder of Pine Brook Ventures; Fair NabersWaggoner, city president at United Community Bank; and retired U.S. Army Col. Peter Champagne.

Mark your calendars • Speech language pathologist Alicia White of Lifespan Therapy in Arden will hold a free speech and language screening for children of all ages Saturday, March 19. Screenings take approximately 10-15 minutes and will determine if a more comprehensive evaluation is needed. The event will take place at 2159 Hendersonville Road, Suite 50, 8:30-11am. More information at avl.mx/bci. • Asheville on Bikes will hold Spring Out ‘22, its spring community ride, on Saturday, March 19, at 1p.m. The ride will begin at 37 Paynes Way in the River Arts District. Four routes are available, ranging from 1.7 miles to nearly 12 miles. For more information, visit http://avl.mx/bcv. • The Asheville Spring Herb Festival will take place in April in the Exhibition Hall at the WNC Agricultural Center, 761 Boylston Highway in Fletcher. It will be held Friday-Saturday, April 29-30, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, May 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The festival will include herbalists, herb growers and herb businesses, including makers of medicines, balms and teas.

— Brooke Randle X

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MARCH 16-22, 2022

ARTS & CULTURE

Stay freaky

Asheville Fringe Arts Festival celebrates 20 years we couldn’t find one, so we had to make one.” Along with the new company, this year’s festival also welcomes back several veteran artists. On Friday, March 25, at 9 p.m., and Sunday, March 27, at 6 p.m., Phillipe Andre Coquet will take the stage at The Magnetic Theatre for his latest one-man musical, Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It’s Off to Work I Go. A project 10 years in the making, Coquet describes it as the story of his life as a performer, as well as his experiences on the streets and in his bedroom — all to a curated selection of Broadway songs about prostitutes. “Hi Ho is still being created and probably will be until opening night,” Coquet reveals. “It keeps shifting as I play and explore, and it reveals itself to me.”

BY BILL KOPP bill@musoscribe.com According to local artist and Asheville Fringe Arts Festival board member Alli Marshall, the concept for the original Fringe festival was created to fill a void. “It got its start in Edinburgh, Scotland,” she says. “There was already an arts festival there, but a number of artists weren’t invited to perform. So they created their own alternative festival, on the ‘fringes’ of the big one.” Launched in 1947, the Fringe festival concept soon caught on worldwide. Over the last 75 years, more than 100 cities around the globe — primarily in North America, Europe and Australasia — have had or continue to host Fringe festivals of their own. Susan and Giles Collard of Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre brought the concept to Asheville in 2001. Artist Jim Julien, a former festival director, also played a key role in developing the local gathering. “When I participated in the first Fringe at the BeBe Theatre, I never could have anticipated all the magic and delight that it still provides to this day,” he says. Entering its 20th year, the 2022 Asheville Fringe Arts Festival returns after having to postpone all live performances originally set for January due to concerns over COVID-19. The latest iteration takes place in multiple venues, Thursday, March 24-Sunday, March 27. The event’s continued success — especially amid ongoing challenges created by the pandemic — is a “Fringe miracle,” says Julien. DELIBERATE APPROACH Along with being a board member, Marshall has been a regular performer at the festival for several years. For the upcoming happening, she and local musician Ryan Glass will perform The Top-Ten Superpowers of All Time at Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Road, Friday and Saturday, March 25 and 26, at 9 p.m. A spoken-word poem set to music, the collaboration explores the ways an individual’s weaknesses can serve as strengths. Looking at the festival as a whole, Marshall emphasizes that Asheville Fringe is as important as ever to the arts community, particularly as the local creative sector feels the effects 56

MARCH 16-22, 2022

FIGHTING THE COLD

IT MIGHT GET WEIRD: Celebrating its 20th year, the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival shines a light on outside-the-mainstream performance art. Pagans and Androids, featured, performed at the 2020 event. Photo by Jennifer Bennett of gentrification and COVID-19. “As we see more and more of the incubators — smaller theaters and affordable practice spaces — go away, it becomes more and more difficult for artists to be able to stage their work,” she says. But unlike many of the Fringe festivals hosted worldwide, Asheville Fringe does not select performers via lottery. Instead, the annual gathering takes a more deliberate approach. Of the 100-plus submissions for this year’s celebration, board members selected 45 acts; due to the postponed schedule, 25 live acts are set for this year’s gathering. “It’s juried,” explains Marshall, noting that not every applicant is suited for inclusion. “Maybe they’re not experienced enough, maybe they live too far away, or maybe they don’t realize what sort of budget it’ll take.”

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NEW COMPANIES AND FAMILIAR NAMES Michelle Troszak is among the local creatives participating in this year’s event. Troszak, who goes by gender-neutral pronouns, is the co-founder of Skysail Theatre — a queer Asheville-based company. Tithonia: A Lesbian Space Opera, is scheduled for Friday and Sunday, March 25 and 27, 7 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively, at The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St. It is the company’s first production. According to Troszak, they and fellow co-founders Lea Gilbert and Terran Wanderer “all came together with a love for storytelling, music and theater, and a desire to tell interesting new stories in a queer space.” Describing the work as “DIY lesbian media,” Wanderer adds, “We looked for a lesbian space opera and

Because Asheville Fringe traditionally takes place in January, it often attracts the attention of national artists interested in performing new material for a live audience prior to submitting to other festivals scheduled later in the year. Such premieres can be exciting for both the performer and audience, but the local gathering also brings established productions. “We have shows that have already won awards and have been successful in other places,” notes Marshall. Comedian Ike Avelli’s 50 Shades of Gay is one example on this year’s schedule. Taking place at The Magnetic Theatre, Thursday, March 24, at 9 p.m., and Saturday, March 26, at 7 p.m., the act features music, comedy, drag and audience participation. With last year’s performances held exclusively online due to the pandemic, and this year’s gathering postponed due to a January uptick in COVID-19 cases, it’s been a difficult few years. Marshall acknowledges that the obstacles of late, combined with the day-to-day demands of organizing the festival, can take its toll. “It’s hard to keep any sort of artistic venture going for a long time,” she says. Yet, the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival continues to thrive. And a big part of that is thanks to its quirky, offbeat, outside-the-box character. “It might be weird,” says Marshall with a mischievous grin. “But it’s all going to be of quality.” Tickets for the Asheville Fringe Arts Festival are $60-$70. For a complete list of performances and locations, visit ashevillefringe.org. X

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MARCH 16-22, 2022

AR T S & C UL T U R E

BEER

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Green thumbs & aspiring gardeners alike! Spring is near, and as the weather warms, Xpress will be launching a monthly gardening feature based on reader questions. Please send all gardening inquiries to gardening@mountainx.com

MARCH 16-22, 2022

Silver status

Green Man turns 25

BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN earnaudin@mountainx.com When Sean Coleman and Kyle McKenzie started working for Green Man Brewery a decade ago, one of their primary duties was filling and cleaning out growlers of ESB that were sold at Earth Fare — the only means of getting the company’s beer outside the taproom. Now, the brewery has one of the most sophisticated canning and bottling lines and kegging systems in town, and its beer is distributed across seven Southeastern states. Plenty else has changed for Green Man over those 10 years, and even more in the quarter-century since it started. The brewery celebrates its silver anniversary with three days of festivities starting Thursday, March 17. The revelry will include free live music from local bands and an array of specialty beers on draft — nearly one for each of the company’s 25 years of operation. And a portion of beer sales from the anniversary party will benefit the nonprofit WNC Bridge Foundation, which works to provide funding to support and assist people facing health challenges throughout Western North Carolina. CHANGING HANDS AND SCENE As longtime Asheville residents know, Green Man began as Benefit Brewing, which Jack of the Wood owners Joan and Joe Eckert started in 1997 with Jonas Rembert and Andy Dahm. At the time, all beer was brewed in a small corner of the pub, which today houses the venue’s dart boards. Meanwhile, Highland Brewing Co., situated then just a few blocks east beneath Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria, was the city’s only other brewery. Rembert and Dahm left Benefit Brewing in 1999 to start French Broad Brewing Co. (now French Broad River Brewery). Soon thereafter, the Eckerts renamed the business Green Man Brewery after the mythical character of English and Irish lore. Looking to expand, the Eckerts moved the brewery to Buxton Avenue in 2003 and opened the Dirty Jack’s tasting room, which remains operational. In 2010, the Eckerts sold Green Man to current owners Wendy and Dennis Thies, who brought on Coleman and McKenzie. Back then,

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MYTHIC MARVELS: Green Man Brewery owners Wendy, right, and Dennis Thies toast to the South Slope pioneer’s 25th anniversary. Photo by Rachael McIntosh Photography, courtesy of The Scout Guide Asheville Coleman and McKenzie note, Buxton Avenue was far from the bustling South Slope brewing district that it is today. “It was us, N.C. State’s Mineral Research Lab, The Prospect and Asheville Hardware. Those were the only businesses around, and there was nothing on Banks Ave.,” says McKenzie, now Green Man’s head of brewing and the specialty brewer. “We feel privileged to be one of the anchor businesses that attracted a lot of other breweries to put taprooms or build their breweries down in this area of town.” TURNING A CORNER Coleman, who’s risen to Green Man’s brand manager, feels that

keeping a relatively small distribution footprint has proved beneficial to the company’s continued success, while McKenzie notes that being Asheville’s second-oldest brewery has allowed Green Man to maintain a reliable, core group of brands over the years. Though they’ve added Wayfarer and Trickster IPAs and Lager to their year-round offerings, ESB, IPA and Porter remain some of the brewery’s bestsellers. “Most of the younger breweries in town don’t quite have that following for a staple brand,” McKenzie says. “I think that’s certainly helped us and allowed us to experiment and play around in all these other styles with our specialty program that allow us to have a variety on draft in the taprooms, but we can

New Location! still keep bringing in those longtime consumers.” The variety of spaces in which to imbibe these creations likewise helps. In 2016, Green Man opened its Green Mansion, a three-story, 20,000-square-foot facility adjacent to Dirty Jack’s. The combination packaging hall and tasting room has provided employees with space to achieve their production goals and has seen an influx of new equipment, including a centrifuge, expanding the company’s distribution capacity. “We really turned a corner as far as volume and quality of product when we got the centrifuge,” Coleman says. “You can do what you can do to mitigate issues, but if you don’t have the right equipment, you’re [not going to succeed].” Strong infrastructure, continues Coleman, was essential to Green Man’s ability to weather the challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many in the food and beverage industry, to-go and local delivery sustained the brewery amid government restrictions limiting indoor taproom activities. And once breweries were allowed to resume service, Green Man joined several other local venues in converting parking spaces into outdoor seating. AN EYE ON THE FUTURE McKenzie says that such pandemic-prompted changes have resulted in a more efficient serving system and will likely remain in place. “The pandemic allowed us, as well as ownership, to realize how important it was to have a vibrant taproom experience,” McKenzie says. “We learned a lot of lessons about how to better serve our clientele, providing snacks and food and looking toward the future — just giving people more things to experience at the brewery than drinking beer.” That dining component will soon be significantly enhanced: Green Man recently purchased the former French Broad Chocolate Factory & Tasting Room, 21 Buxton Ave., and is turning it into a restaurant. The menu will include English pub fare as well as other items and will focus on to-go service. Coleman says they hope to open by the end of 2022, providing a fitting bookend to the yearlong anniversary celebrations. “It’s exciting. It’s one of the things where, especially as you see the brand grow, it feels like hard work paying off,” Coleman says. “It’s hard to believe that much time has gone by, but we’re in a good place.” Green Man Brewery is at 27 Buxton Ave. To learn more, visit avl.mx/b8k. X

604 Merrimon Ave. #207

Can-do spirit

New Hours: M - Sat. 10-8pm • Sun. 12-6pm

Magical Offerings 3/16: Tarot Reader: Jonathan Mote 12-6pm 3/17: Intuitive Readings: Shifra Nerenberg 1-6pm 3/19: Tarot Readings: Edward Phipps 12-6pm 3/20: Connecting Children to the Natural World through Art Class 2-3:30pm

FULL MOON: March 18th

Over 100 Herbs Available! COLOR CONTRAST: Asheville-based artist Hannah Bunzey is one of 10 winners of PBR’s can art contest. Photo courtesy of Bunzey Pabst Blue Ribbon — the beer of choice for actor Dennis Hopper’s character Frank Booth in the 1986 film Blue Velvet — remains a staple in plenty of Americans’ refrigerators throughout the year. Soon, those cans will be adorned with the original artwork of an Asheville-based artist. Hannah Bunzey is one of 10 artists to win the brewery’s Art Can Contest. In turn, she receives $10,000 and will have her work on millions of cans of beer. “I was so excited when I found out,” Bunzey says. “I’d spent all of that morning pacing around the house, preparing myself for the worst. I was so relieved and happy when I saw my design posted on PRB’s Instagram [page] — it still feels unreal.” Bunzey heard about the contest in 2021 when she saw fellow artists participating on Instagram. Having previously designed multiple beer labels for Aloha, Ore.-based Mirror World Brewing, she decided to try her hand at the PBR competition. “The contest required that we only use blue, white and the silver of the can — which was a challenge since my actual artwork consists of very colorful, psychedelic landscapes,” Bunzey says. “I wanted to make something that was still true to my style, so I made sure to include characters that appear often in my work.” Up against an estimated 7,000 entries, Bunzey figured she didn’t stand a chance and was therefore surprised to learn that her design — which includes spaceships, tall trees and an even taller anthropomorphic sunflower — was selected as one of 25 finalists. Looking over her fellow qualifiers, she noticed several artists whose work she’d already been following and felt honored to be part of “great and unique” designs that made for a tough competition. The contest win will allow Bunzey to pursue a full-time art career, a goal that’s she’s gradually been working toward. After six years of trying to grow her art business while also working a full-time job, she shifted to a part-time position within the past year to further pursue her passion. Now, she’s ready to “take the final leap” and achieve her dream. “I plan to start by using some of the money to pursue some projects that have been on hold. I’ve made some shirts of my art, and people have responded really well to those, so I’m planning to invest some of the money into shirts and hoodies,” she says. “Some other projects I hope to bring to fruition this year include coloring books, more wood cutout paintings, art books and tapestries. I can’t wait to see more of my ideas come to life.” To learn more, visit avl.mx/b84.

— Edwin Arnaudin X

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ARTS & CU L T U R E

ART

Lucky enough

Irish artists bloom in the Asheville area The Asheville area is home to such Irish/Celtic-themed establishments as Jack of the Wood and Claddagh Restaurant & Pub. But the city has also attracted a few Irish-born artists who’ve put down roots in Western North Carolina. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Xpress spoke with three such creatives. Singer-songwriter Danny Ellis is a native of Dublin who’s been in the U.S. since 1992. Author and storyteller Gareth Higgins hails from just outside Belfast and came to Asheville nearly a decade ago. And actor Paula O’Brien was born in the city of Waterford in southeast Ireland, then spent time in New York City before relocating to Asheville in the late 2010s. Below, the three artists discuss their individual paths from the Emerald Isle to WNC, and how their intercontinental experiences have made them the people they are today. The interview has been condensed for length and edited for clarity. What is one stereotype about the Irish that you’ve encountered while living in Asheville, and how have you responded to it? Ellis: I would often get a baked potato from my English friends for

Christmas, wrapped up in fancy Christmas wrapping, because the Irish “like potatoes so much.” But I don’t get offended by stereotypes — I just laugh at them. Most Irish people are able to be self-deprecating about stuff like that. They’re always willing to take the piss out of themselves, so I’ve always found it funny rather than demeaning. Higgins: There’s definitely a widely held stereotype about Irish people and alcohol — though I concede an agreeable sip of whiskey or a good pint are both part of Irish culture, for sure. But the cliché about drinking and fighting doesn’t take account of the fact that alcoholism and conflict haven’t exactly had the best history where I come from, and sometimes the joke misses the fact that there is, for some people, real pain underneath the humor. And don’t get me started on leprechauns and Lucky Charms! There’s a depth to Celtic spirituality, and that goes way beyond an imaginary little guy with pot of gold, and it’s all there to be discovered. O’Brien: Oh, this is a loaded question. Thankfully, I’ve found that the stereotypes I would have encountered years before are around less and less. But the one that is still going strong is the Irish and drinking. It’s a tough

BEST OF BOTH WORLDS: Clockwise from top left, Gareth Higgins, Paula O’Brien and Danny Ellis are proud to be from Ireland — and to call the Asheville area home. Higgins photo by James Navé; O’Brien photo by Scott Treadway; Ellis photo by Irene Carrizosa one as I believe there is a huge problem with binge drinking in Ireland and a lot of countries. What people don’t understand is that the pubs in Ireland are so much more than places to get a drink. They were the center of Irish culture for so long. They gave people a place to go and socialize. When faced with this one, I simply and gently ask the person to not get caught up in stereotypes. What experiences from your time in Ireland have most shaped you as an artist?

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Ellis: I played in Top 40 bands for 10 years, five to six nights a week. [One was the Miami Showband, though Ellis was no longer a member when three of its players were killed in July 1975 by the loyalist paramilitary group Ulster Volunteer Force.] We traveled to every county in Ireland. Every town that had more than 500600 people, we’d play there. It was a pretty amazing life — we’d arrive in a dance hall in the country, miles from anywhere, and by 10 [p.m.] there’d be 500 people dancing. We covered every genre imaginable, and I think that wealth of experience helped me hone my craft as a singer-songwriter. Higgins: My experiences growing up in Northern Ireland shaped me

in ways that are unsurprising — the long tradition of storytelling and wordsmithing; the depths of Celtic spirituality and a love of landscape and community; and the painful circumstances of the conflict known as “The Troubles,” [between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland] along with the peace-building process that continues to transform it. O’Brien: I was the youngest of six kids in a house full of larger-thanlife characters. My father was a wellknown drummer and singer in a local band. My two athletic brothers competed nationally. I was left screaming for attention! Let’s face it, by the time you get to the sixth kid, the wonder in seeing a toddler take their first steps has kind of worn off. So, I made it to a stage, and when everyone’s eyes were on me, I was at home. But other than secondary school, all my theater experience has been here in the States. How has Asheville influenced your style and work? Ellis: Ashevilleans really appreciate music and let you know it. I was inspired to write entirely different songs than I wrote as an in-house writer for a London publisher, “penning” pop songs I thought would be hits but had no soul. The mountains

and culture here helped me find my own voice as a writer, as did the authentic Americana and bluegrass music of Appalachia. Audiences are very warm, open and supportive of the arts here and also in Ireland. Higgins: Asheville is a small enough place for people to get to know each other, and there’s a lyricism to the way people talk that has shaped the way I write. I can say that the way I think and communicate has been influenced by so many artists, writers, storytellers and activists who care about discovering more beauty and meaning, and helping others. I’m so gratefully immersed in Asheville that it’s hard for me to tell if my most recent book, How Not to Be Afraid, is an Irish book written in Asheville, or an Asheville book written in Ireland. I worked on it in both places, but everything’s blended together so well that it’s tough to say if it’s one or the other. O’Brien: Having the opportunity to work with so many different local directors, theaters and actors has exposed me to some wonderful learning opportunities. Some of the best and most basic advice I’ve heard is, “Be on time, learn your lines and don’t be a d*ck.” Any actors reading this I’m sure are smiling in understanding, and directors are shouting, “Yes, please!” From a performance point of view, I was working with N.C. Stage Company on Jeeves at Sea, directed by Angie Flynn-McIver, and had a lightbulb moment when Angie reminded me of the importance to “get” to the end of a sentence. It can be easy to get caught up in the “acting” part of acting, but the playwright has a point to make, and it’s our responsibility to make it. Or, as Shakespeare put it, “Speak the speech, I pray you, as I pronounced it to you.” What ways, if any, does Western North Carolina remind you of home? Ellis: The green and the mist, the mountains and valleys and the friendly faces all welcomed me in such a way as to find an anchored sense of place for the first time in my life. I wrote a line in a song which went, “And by and by in the land of sky, I touched the ground again.” Higgins: Of course the mountains and some of the agricultural land remind me of parts of Ireland, and

parts of the culture have inherited a Scots Irish tradition. There’s a downto-earth friendliness and openness, too — I’ve always felt so welcome and included here, and I’m really grateful for that. O’Brien: Driving down the road and having people wave at you always brings a smile to my face, as that is also such an Irish thing. Just like Ireland, WNC is wonderfully green and bucolic. After having lived in the congested tristate area as well as London, I do so appreciate being able to live in the mountains, yet being able to get to downtown Asheville in about 20 minutes. How do St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Asheville compare with those in Ireland? Ellis: For the circle of friends I moved around in in Ireland, Paddy’s Day was never that important to us. But in America, I learned how important it is to those of Irish descent, and I came to enjoy it more here. The nostalgia of the Irish expat is world-famous, and I’ve learned to dance around in it myself when in the right company. I learned more Irish songs in the U.S. than I ever did in Ireland — and I appreciate them more, too! Higgins: St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the U.S. are often bigger than in Ireland and tend to focus a bit more on revelry than any kind of real engagement with who St. Patrick actually was. I see him as a kind of prototypical human rights activist who left relative safety to return to the place to which he had once been abducted and enslaved, sharing love and compassion with people he might have reasonably never wanted to see again. In some respects, he was the first outsider to consider Irish people equals. So, I’m glad to raise a glass on St. Patrick’s Day and have a good time with friends. And as with how some other holidays have more recently been adapted, I hope we’ll keep evolving toward the point where we take Patrick himself seriously, too. O’Brien: I wouldn’t know — I haven’t been to a Paddy’s Day celebration in years! If I could get my hands on the equivalent of Irish bacon, I’d make some bacon and cabbage. Any and all leads appreciated.

field guide

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ARTS & C U L T U R E

FOOD ROUNDUP

What’s new in food

On the first Sunday of March, volunteers helped ready Southside Community Farm’s quarter-acre plot for the planting of spring crops, including potatoes, sugar peas and radishes, among others. But preparation for the site’s eighth year growing fresh produce for the Southside Community Kitchen and nearby low-income and food-insecure residents kicked off in mid-February with a GoFundMe campaign to raise $15,000. “This is our first GoFundMe,” says farm co-manager Chloe Moore. “We have a lot of projects we have identified and that the community has expressed interest [in]. So, we’ll need additional funds to be able to bring more food to the community and take better care of the land.” Roy Harris, a Southside resident and longtime community advocate, founded Southside Community Garden in 2014. The name change to Southside Community Farm, Moore explains, came about last fall to better reflect the operation. The heart of the mission, however, remains the same, even as the scope of the vision has expanded through the years. “We started a farmers market last summer for BIPOC farmers and vendors to bring healthy food into the Southside neighborhood,” says Moore, referring to Black, Indigenous and people of color. “We also hold BIPOC-only garden days; a time for us to heal and have some joyful and consensual time with the land and each other.” This year, in collaboration with Sow True Seed and Bountiful Cities, SCF launched a free Southside Seed Library for neighborhood residents. The farm will also resume its community potluck series, Fourth Sunday Dinners, next month. Furthermore, the organization is in the process of expanding its Southside Grocery Program, which began in spring 2021. Along with the initiative’s existing community refrigerator inside the Arthur R. Edington Education and Career Center, future additions will include a dry goods pantry outside. “The veggiemobile is another goal we have identified, to get produce and food to people with mobility challenges,” Moore continues. “As Mr. Roy Harris always says, ‘We need to take the farm off the farm and bring it to where the people are.’ We hope the fundraising campaign will help us realize these goals.” The next BIPOC-only garden day will be Sunday, April 10, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 62

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Southside Community Farm continues to grow bundle that includes a box of Pisgah Breakfast Tea and bag of Trailblazer Roast will benefit the organization. For more information, visit avl.mx/bbr.

Hole in one

INCH BY INCH: Roy Harris stands in the Southside Community Farm, which he founded as the Southside Community Garden in 2014. Photo courtesy of SCF Fourth Sunday Dinners relaunches Sunday, April 24, 2-4 p.m. The start of the 2022 Southside Farmers Market will be Sunday, May 1 (continuing every first Sunday through October), noon-3 p.m. in the Edington Center parking lot. Southside Community Farm is at 133 Livingston St. To learn more about the GoFundMe campaign, visit avl.mx/bbi. For updates on upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, see avl.mx/bbg.

Golden To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program, Meals on Wheels of Asheville Buncombe County is participating in the nationwide March for Meals. The local Meals on Wheels, which has been delivering meals for over 45 years to homebound seniors, is seeking contributions to its Stock the Pantry initiative to supplement meal deliveries. Products such as tuna pouches/cans, instant oatmeal, canned soup, beans and dried fruit can be dropped at the agency office, 146 Victoria Road, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. To learn more, visit avl.mx/bc2.

Sweet tea In 2016, Ashley Haywood was a busy mother, wife and business

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owner living in Florida, desperately seeking the most direct route to a cup of sweet, hot tea to power her through mornings and meetings with minimal fuss. Online searches came up empty, so she took matters into her own hands — literally — by cutting open tea bags, adding sugar, resealing, then steeping. In 2017, she launched Embrew, which specializes in sweetened artisan tea bags. As the company grew, so too did Haywood’s weariness of Florida’s hot weather, leading her to relocate her company (and family) to Asheville earlier this year. “My husband went to high school in Candler, so we were familiar with the area,” she says. “I feel we were meant to be here.” Embrew’s sweeteners include organic sugars, granulated maple, honey granules and smoked demerara sugar. The company’s most popular blend is creamy honey oolong. To learn more, visit avl.mx/bbq.

Mountain brews Asheville Tea Co. and Pisgah Coffee Roasters are collaborating to help raise funds for Pisgah Area SORBA, a local volunteer organization dedicated to improving technical off-road biking recreational opportunities through advocacy for quality trail systems. A portion of all sales for a $30

When local chef and baker Lyndon Johnson first shared his bagel recipe with a former colleague, it did not go well. “He told me my bagel was like a roll with a hole,” Johnson recalls. “That hurt my soul something fierce, and it was back to the drawing board.” Before the disappointing bagel review, Johnson had been selling sourdough bread, brioche, challah and brownies through his Honey Badger Bakes Instagram account. But once he figured out the right bagel balance — somewhere between the blistered exterior and dense chew of a New York bagel and the tear-andshare of a Montreal interpretation — he added it to his menu and quickly discovered bagels were the business model to pursue. Johnson recently launched Honey Badger Bakes Bagel Pop-ups, hosted at local coffee shops. The next bagel bash takes place Friday, March 18, 8 a.m.-noon at Trade and Lore Coffee, 37 Wall St. Johnson will offer several options: plain and everything bagels as well as three types of sandwiches including the BEC — bacon, fried egg, pimento cheese, greens and pickled onion. “You can be as creative as you want, but people always want meat and cheese,” he says. To keep up with Johnson’s bagel popup schedule, follow him at avl.mx/bbn.

Queens for a day Asheville Drag Brunch celebrates the first day of spring with two shows, Sunday, March 20 at Banks Ave. Bar, 32 Banks Ave. 101. Mimosasup for queens Katarina, Alexis, Calcutta, Quidynn and host Divine as they strut, sing, scatter sparkles and sequins to raise funds to benefit Homeward Bound, a local nonprofit that aims to prevent and end homelessness in the community through permanent housing and support. Tickets start at $25 and include admission, brunch and show. Showtimes are noon and 2 p.m. For more information, visit avl.mx/bbp.

Green chilis Sweeten Creek Brewing is presenting the Irish Chili Cook-off Sunday, March 20, 2-4 p.m. The heated competition will pit 12 amateur teams against one another. Prizes will be awarded in categories including Best Use of an Ingredient, Best Beer Pairing and Most Likely to Kill COVID. For $5, guests can taste all the chilis and vote for the People’s Choice; Sweeten Creek will donate all proceeds to World Central Kitchen and its ongoing work to feed Ukranian refugees in Poland. Specials from Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ will also be available to purchase. Sweeten Creek Brewing is at 1127 Sweeten Creek Road. For more information, visit avl.mx/bbs.

Good cheers Capella on 9, AC Hotel Asheville’s rooftop bar and lounge, has launched its Cocktails for a Cause initiative to help support a rotating list of Asheville-based nonprofits. Each month, Capella on 9 will craft a philanthropic cocktail with $1 from each sale donated directly to a local nonprofit organization. This month’s spe-

cial cocktails include a Boulevardier and a grapefruit cosmo with sales benefiting LEAF Global Arts. Capella on 9 is at 10 Broadway.

Bank on it On March 1, MANNA FoodBank kicked off its inaugural virtual Fresh Food Drive, which uses online donations to purchase produce. The Rakay Family Foundation will match donations dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000 through April 1. To contribute to the Fresh Food Drive, visit avl.mx/bc5.

Plant the seed No pot roast for family supper on Sunday, March 20, which Mayor Esther Manheimer has officially proclaimed as MeatOut Day in Asheville, part of the world’s largest annual grassroots campaign to remove meat from meals and encourage plantbased eating. Sign on to the campaign and be eligible to win a $120 Next Meats vegan value pack. For more details, visit avl.mx/bcb.

— Kay West X

Cheers to a better New Year from your friends at Smoky Park SMOKYPARK.COM 350 RIVERSIDE DR. ASHEVILLE, NC 28801 828-350-0315

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AR T S & C UL TU R E

ROUNDUP

Around Town

Blog series details jobs of Asheville Black women in 1890 While researching the lives of Asheville’s first five Black public school teachers, local historian Zoe Rhine got to wondering what other professions were available to the city’s African Americans in 1890. “I was trying to get a better understating of the Black community in Asheville at this time,” says Rhine, who retired as Special Collections librarian for the Buncombe County Public Libraries in 2020. “It turned into a deep dive, which I loved every minute of.” The result of that research is now available in a five-part series, “Occupations of Black Women in Asheville, 1890,” posted on HeardTell, the Special Collections’ blog. In the posts, Rhine and co-author Louise Maret look at such professions as maids, cooks, laundresses and nurses, using information found in the 1890 city directory and elsewhere. “It didn’t matter to me how long it took to count the number of Black women in each profession,” Rhine says. “And I often did the counting two and three times to make sure I was being as accurate as I could.” Rhine says Black women’s arduous, low-wage domestic labor provided foundations for many white Asheville households, while taking a heavy toll on the women’s lives. And little information has been gathered on them by historians and researchers. “Today, much inequality remains in Asheville between the Black and white communities,” Rhine says. “I truly believe that the situation today cannot be understood without knowing the history. What was life like in Asheville for the first generation of Blacks out of slavery and after Reconstruction?” To read the blog series, visit avl.mx/bc3.

Give peace a chance The Grey Eagle will team up with local musician Andrew Scotchie to present a concert in support of the people of Ukraine on Friday, March 18, at 8 p.m. “Asheville for Peace, Asheville for Ukraine” will feature performances by Scotchie, Logan Fritz, Dave Desmelik, Lo Wolf, Ashley Heath, members of Empire Strikes Brass and more. 64

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HISTORY LESSON: An unidentified white family in Asheville is shown with a Black domestic servant. Photo courtesy of Buncombe County Special Collections Proceeds from the show will help the Ukrainian Red Cross Society, UNICEF and International Medical Corps as they support people in Ukraine and refugees fleeing the war-torn nation following the Feb. 24 invasion by Russia. “Perhaps one of Asheville’s greatest gifts to the world is its eclectic music community and the compassion of its members,” says Scotchie, frontman of the blues-rock band Andrew Scotchie & the River Rats. Tickets for the all-ages show are $10, but people can donate additional money. For more information and to buy tickets, go to avl.mx/bca.

School picture day Heather South had never heard of Black Mountain College prior to moving to WNC in 2012, where she now heads the Western Regional Archives, a branch of the state archives. But she quickly became familiar with its rich history. The experimental college was founded in 1933 and operated in Black Mountain by a group of academics led by John Andrew Rice. Known for its progressive arts-based curriculum, early racial integration and liberal takes on gender and sexuality, the college closed in 1957.

“From the very start of the WRA, our Black Mountain College collections have remained the most requested and used materials we have,” she says. “Being the archivist and getting to work with so many different types of researchers is such a unique opportunity. I get the chance to see the college through all these different approaches and viewpoints.” South will present “Exploring Black Mountain College’s History through Archival Photographs” Monday, March 21, 6-7:15 p.m., at the Black Mountain Public Library. The lecture is part of the The Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center’s History Café series. During the presentation, South will give an overview of the BMC collections at the WRA and share some of the most recognizable images of the college as well as some lesser-known ones. “For example, everyone loves Buckminster Fuller and the story of the geodesic dome,” she says of the legendary inventor and futurist. “We have images from his two summers on campus. He was known for a two-hour-a-day sleep pattern to maximize his working time, but we have a great photo of him napping.” The lecture also will include photos of Ruth Asawa, a renowned sculptor

DEVELOPMENT and educator, working as a barber at the college. “The interest in Black Mountain College continues to grow because I think we all wish we could have been there,” South says. For more information or to register for the lecture, go to avl.mx/bc4.

Take care of yourself In honor of Women’s History Month, local artist Jenny Kiehn is giving away 5-by-5-inch prints from her Rejuvenate collection. The art emphasizes the need for women to practice self-care, she says. “In deciding to take this approach, I thought a lot about why I make art in the first place,” Kiehn explains. “I have a personal creative drive, but ultimately, I want to get positive messages out in the world. My hope is that if I can get my art in as many women’s homes as possible, then I can make the greatest possible impact.” The Rejuvenate collection is made up of pen-and-ink drawings of hibernating animals. Kiehn drew them with a quill pen dipped in India ink. “Having artwork on the wall sets an intentional atmosphere to enable women to change their thinking,” she says. “Having the hibernating animals there to remind you that it’s completely natural to prioritize yourself smooths the way to gaining a more healthy mindset.” While Kiehn aims to help women, she says anyone who believes they can benefit from the art is welcome to to have it. To view the Rejuvenate collection or to get a free print, go to avl.mx/bc8.

Mountain music Share in the Joy

Tickets are now on sale for the Cold Mountain Music Festival,

scheduled for Saturday, June 4, at Lake Logan in Canton. The festival was canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19. Headlining the event is alt-country/indie folk band Hiss Golden Messenger. The lineup will also feature the Futurebirds, The Mother Hips, Chatham Rabbits and I Draw Slow. There also will be Friday night music for those who choose to camp or lodge on-site for the weekend. General admission is $60 for adults, $40 for youths and free for children under 11. Campsites and catered breakfast can be reserved when purchasing tickets. For more information or to buy tickets, visit avl.mx/bc9.

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MOVIE REVIEWS Local reviewers’ critiques of new films include: THE OUTFIT: Mark Rylance gives another masterful performance in this single-location period thriller about a Chicago tailor mixed up with the mob. Grade: B-plus — Edwin Arnaudin OSCAR-NOMINATED SHORT FILMS — ANIMATION: This year’s batch of finalists features more bizarre and sexually graphic content that usual, but also makes room for plenty of heart with likely winner Robin Robin from Aardman Animations (Shaun the Sheep). Grade: B-plus — James Rosario and Edwin Arnaudin

Find full reviews and local film info at ashevillemovies.com patreon.com/ashevillemovies

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The featured icon indicates which venues or artists require proof of vaccination for upcoming shows. Due to the evolving nature of the matter, the list may not be comprehensive. Before heading out, please check with all venues for complete information on any vaccine or negative COVID-19 requirements.

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

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Free Anesthesia (psychedelic power trio), 10pm

185 KING STREET Trivia and Karaoke, 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING Pingo Wednesdays, 7pm

AMERICAN VINYL CO. An Evening w/Tony Furtado (Americana, roots)k 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Latin Night Wednesdays w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 7pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY • Beauty Parlor Comedy: Rachel Eppstein, 7pm • AQUANET Goth Party w/Ash Black, 9pm

RIVERSIDE RHAPSODY BEER CO. Acoustic Jam, 5pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Disclaimer Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm CATAWBA BREWING SOUTH SLOPE Trivia Night, 7pm CORK & KEG The Onlies (old-time stringband), 8pm FLEETWOOD'S Terraoke! Karaoke w/KJ Terra Ware, 6pm HI-WIRE BREWING RAD BEER GARDEN Game Night, 6pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Well Crafted Wednesdays w/Matt Smith (singer-songwriter), 6pm ICONIC KITCHEN & DRINKS Marc Keller (acoustic), 6pm ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 • The Faux Paws (acoustic, jazz, pop Cajun), 7pm • Bluegrass with Liam Purcell & Cane Mill Road, 8:30pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Classic Beauties Drag Show Downtown, 8pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR KB and the LMD (jazz standards, classic pop) k 7:30pm

For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

AMERICAN VINYL CO. Eric Slick of Dr. Dog (indie rock, post-punk), 7pm

SILVERADOS Open Mic, 7pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic w/Host Caleb Beissert, 8pm SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Witty Wednesday Trivia, 6:30pm THE BARRELHOUSE Open Mic Hosted by Kid Billy, 8pm THE GREY EAGLE Briston Maroney (alt/ indie), 8pm THE ODDITORIUM Bumpin' Uglies Presents EMO NIGHT (dance), 8pm THE ORANGE PEEL All Them Witches (rock) k 8pm TWIN LEAF BREWERY Open Mic, 6pm

THURSDAY, MARCH 17

BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm CREEKSIDE TAPHOUSE Thursday Night Trivia w/ Kelsey, 6:30pm DOUBLE CROWN Rock & Roll w/DJ Fast Eddy (punk, soul, garage), 10pm FLEETWOOD'S The Squealers, Clementine Was Right and Eliza Thorn (country)k 8pm GINGER'S REVENGE CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM Gluten Free Open Mic Comedy, 6pm ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 • Asheville Sessions ft Mare Carmody (jazz, blues, rock), 7pm • Shane Hennessy (world, Celtic), 8:30pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB St. Patrick's Day Celebration w/West King String Band, 7pm MAD CO. BREW HOUSE Christina Chandler (folk, soul, Americana), 6pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. St. Patrick's Day Jam w/ John Mitchell, 7pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Gunslinging Parrots (Phish tribute), 9pm

131 MAIN Aaron LaFalce (soul, rock, pop), 6pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Jamie McLean Band (New Orleans soul, roots), 7pm

305 LOUNGE & EATERY Bob Sherill (singer-songwriter), 1pm

OSKAR BLUES BREWERY Trivia Night w/Nick Pearl, 6pm

POLANCO RESTAURANT Sense w/DJ Audio, 9pm RIVERSIDE RHAPSODY BEER CO. St. Patrick's Day w/Joyful Spirits (traditional old-time, Celtic), 6pm SALVAGE STATION Tropidelic & Passafire (reggae), 8pm SILVERADOS Get Vocal Karaoke, 7pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Free Weekly Table Tennis Tournament, 7pm STATIC AGE RECORDS Bubblegum Octopus, The Three Brained Robot, Tracheal Shave, & DJ Plur Enforcer (dance/electronic), 8pm THE 2ND ACT Russ Wilson & The 2nd Act Orchestra (swing), 7pm THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR Karaoke w/Karaoke Jackazz, 8pm THE GREY EAGLE Gus Clark & The Least of His Problems w/BB Palmer (classic country, Americana)k 8pm THE ODDITORIUM Guillotine A.D., Tombstone & Death Nebula (Southern death metal, experimental doom), 7pm THE ORANGE PEEL P.J. Morton (R&B, pop), 8pm TURGUA BREWING CO Myron Hyman (classic rock, blues), 5:30pm TWIN LEAF BREWERY Craft Karaoke, 9pm UPCOUNTRY BREWING COMPANY Open Mic, 6pm WAGBAR St. Patrick’s Day Bash w/Two Fontains, 11am

FRIDAY, MARCH 18 185 KING STREET Jamie McLean Band (soul, roots), 8pm

BOOGIE SHOES: WNC’s self-proclaimed “boogie woogie piano band,” the Screaming Js, will perform its annual Spring Equinox Boogie on Saturday, March 19, at 8 p.m., at One World Brewing West. The trio plays ragtime and New Orleans-style honky-tonk with Jonathan Hess on bass; Jake Hollifield on piano, keys and vocals; and Mike Gray on drums. Photo by Libby Gamble 305 LOUNGE & EATERY Geriatric Jukebox (oldies), 5pm AMERICAN VINYL CO. Nick Hans (country blues, singer-songwriter), 7pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Venus (dark house dance party), 10pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Mr Jimmy's Friday Night Blues w/Joe Kellyk 7:30pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Electrochemical, Rohan Solo, Audio Goblin (psychedelic prog, electronic), 9pm BREWSKIES Karaoke, 10pm BURNTSHIRT VINEYARDS Jim Tatum (acoustic), 3pm CITIZEN VINYL Fiddle Fridays ft Casey Driessen, 4pm CORK & KEG The Barsters (acoustic, old time, bluegrass) k 8pm CROW & QUILL Drayton & the Dreamboats (vintage crooners) k 8:30pm DRY FALLS BREWING CO. The Mug Band (Americana), 7pm FLEETWOOD'S Cloud City Caskets & Bonedozer (metal), 8pm

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GINGER'S REVENGE CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM Aunt Vicki (folk duo), 7pm

GUIDON BREWING Baggage Brothers (acoustic duo), 7pm

SALVAGE STATION Larry Keel Experience (bluegrass), 8pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Lady and The Lovers (funk & Top 40 covers), 6pm

SIERRA NEVADA BREWING CO. Pink Beds w/Leisureville (alt/indie, soul), 6pm

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 • The Bill Bares Trio (jazz), 7pm • Erin Peet-Lukes w/the Frazier Band (country), 8:30pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Fanny & The Paper Straws (old time, blues, jazz, gospel), 8pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA Sister Ivy (soul, jazz, R&B), 8pm STATIC AGE RECORDS Molotov Lust, Cortex Angel, Darsombra, Kangarot, Vaina, & DJ Benny Profane (dark syth, drone), 8pm THE DUGOUT Fine Line (rock), 8pm

LAZY HIKER BREWING SYLVA Natti Love Joys (roots reggae), 8pm

THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR Getaway Comedy: Charleston Comedy Takeover, 8pm

MAD CO. BREW HOUSE Chris Jamison (acoustic), 6pm

THE POE HOUSE Howie Johnson (acoustic), 7pm

MILLS RIVER BREWING Andrew Thelston Band (Fleetwood Mac tribute), 6pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Eric Congdon & CircuitBreakers (rock), 8pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL • GE Early Free Dead Friday (jam band, rock), 6:30pm • Free Dead Friday w/ Gus & Friends (Grateful Dead tribute), 9pm ONE WORLD BREWING 5j Barrow (folk rock), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST In Flight (world, jazz, funk), 7pm ROOM IX Ladies Night Dance Party w/DJ Moto, 10pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN St. Patrick's Day Celebration, 7:30pm

SATURDAY, MARCH 19 185 KING STREET Brushfire Stankgrass (modern mountain music), 8pm AMERICAN VINYL CO. Pinkerton Raid, Fwuit & Willy Nillys (folk, rock, Americana), 7pm ARCHETYPE TAP LOUNGE + VENUE The AVL Jazz Workshop, 7pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Beauty Parlor Comedy: Lindsay Glazer, 7pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Roots & Dore (blues, soul, roots)k 7:30pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Mt. Analogue w/ KirbyBright, McWavy, & Disco Goddess (dance, electronic), 9pm BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE Dinah's Daydream (gypsy jazz), 5:30pm BIG PILLOW BREWING Planefolk Duo (bluegrass, roots), 5pm BREWSKIES Pool Tournament Saturdays, 7pm BURNTSHIRT VINEYARDS Eric Congdon (acoustic), 2pm BURNTSHIRT VINEYARDS CHIMNEY ROCK Supper Break (bluegrass), 2pm CATAWBA BREWING SOUTH SLOPE Writers Night w/Hunter Begley, Ashley Heath & JP Jangles, 7pm CITIZEN VINYL Saturday Spins, 1pm CORK & KEG Zydeco Ya Ya (Cajun) k 8pm CROW & QUILL Hearts Gone South (honky tonk)k 8:30pm DRY FALLS BREWING CO. Dr. Don & The Medicine Show (Americana), 7pm GUIDON BREWING Just Rick (acoustic), 7pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Hope Griffin (acoustic, folk), 7pm HIGHLAND BREWING DOWNTOWN TAPROOM Falcon 3 (improvisational), 6pm

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Florencia Rusñol (jazz, Latin), 7pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Drayton & the Dreamboats (swing, Latin, jazz), 8pm MILLS RIVER BREWING • Heter Pan (acoustic), 2pm • JLAD (Doors tribute), 7pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Abbey Elmore Band (indie pop), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Screaming Js Spring Equinox BooGie (ragtime, New Orleans honky tonk), 8pm PARKER-BINNS VINEYARD Beau Beaumont (acoustic), 3pm

CROW & QUILL The Roaring Lions (parlour jazz)k 7pm HAYWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Open Mic w/Special Guest, 7:15PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Soul Jazz Sundays w/ Taylor Pierson Trio, 3pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Sunday Bluegrass Brunch w/Supper Break, 12pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA Jackson Grimm and the Bull Moose Party (folk pop), 8pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Shakedown Sundays (rock, jam band), 8pm

TURGUA BREWING CO Five Year Anniversary w/Cast Iron Bluegrass, 5pm

SUNDAY, MARCH 20 185 KING STREET Open Electric Jam w/ the King Street House Band ft Howie Johnson, 5pm AMERICAN VINYL CO. Katie Sachs w/For the Cows (alt, indie, synth), 7pm ARCHETYPE BREWING Sunday Sessions, 3pm ARCHETYPE TAP LOUNGE + VENUE Trivia Sundays, 4:30pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Life's A Drag Brunch w/ Ida Carolina, 12pm BURNTSHIRT VINEYARDS Ashley Heath (blues, rock), 2pm BURNTSHIRT VINEYARDS CHIMNEY ROCK The JackTown Ramblers (bluegrass, swing, jazz), 2pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Monday Mashup (jazz, funk, soul), 7pm

THE GOLDEN PINEAPPLE Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 8pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Stipe Brothers Benefit Show for Kyle Griffith (rock, pop), 2pm

THE ORANGE PEEL Soccer Mommy (indie rock)k 8pm

FRENCH BROAD BREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Bluegrass w/Special Consensus, 7:30pm

SAINT PAUL MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS Brian Ashley Jones (acoustic), 2:30pm

THE GROCERY Gin Mill Pickers (Americana, Piedmont blues, ragtime), 6:30pm

LITTLE JUMBO The Core (jazz)k 7pm

SILVERADOS 8 Ball Tournament, 7pm

ROOM IX Asheville's Biggest Dance Party, 10pm

THE GREY EAGLE Anya Hinkle Trio ft Billy Cardine & Mary Lucey (Americana, bluegrass, folk)k 8pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Downtown Karaoke w/ Ganymede, 9pm

HIGHLAND DOWNTOWN TAPROOM Mr Jimmy Duo Blues & Brews w/Jim Fielder, 1pm

MILLS RIVER BREWING Brown Mountain Lightning Bugs (folk, Americana), 2pm

THE DUGOUT Sinder Ella (rock), 8pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Quizzo Pub Trivia w/ Jason Mencer, 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Sunday Jazz Jam w/The Fully Vaccinated Jazz Trio, 1pm

THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR Trivia by the River w/ James Harrod, 8pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Early Tuesday Jam (funk), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Grateful Family Band Tuesdays (Dead tribute), 6pm SILVERADOS Get Vocal Karaoke, 7pm

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR Mr Jimmy (blues), 7pm

SWEETEN CREEK BREWING All Arts Open Mike w/ Mike Waters, 6pm

THE ORANGE PEEL Chris Redd (comedy) k 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE Sunflower Bean (indie rock)k 8pm

TUESDAY, MARCH 22 185 KING STREET Travis Book & Friends w/Robert Greer, Mike Ashworth and Matt Smith, 6pm 305 LOUNGE & EATERY Bob Sherill (singer-songwriter), 1pm

THE ORANGE PEEL Kim Gordon (alt rock) k 8pm TWIN LEAF BREWERY Eister's Twin Leaf Trivia, 7pm

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 12 BONES BREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

185 KING STREET Trivia and Karaoke, 7pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY • Beauty Parlor Comedy ft Rachel Fogletto, 7pm •AQUANET Goth Party w/Ash Black, 9pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Disclaimer Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm CASCADE LOUNGE Wednesday Bluegrass Jam, 5pm CATAWBA BREWING SOUTH SLOPE Trivia Night, 7pm FLEETWOOD'S TWEN, Meadow Trash & Dust Fuss (indie), 8pm HI-WIRE BREWING RAD BEER GARDEN Game Night, 6pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Well Crafted Wednesdays w/Matt Smith (singer-songwriter), 6pm ICONIC KITCHEN & DRINKS Marc Keller (acoustic), 6pm ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 An Evening w/Keith Harkin (Celtic), 8:30pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Free Anesthesia (psychedelic power trio), 10pm ONE WORLD BREWING Pingo Wednesdays, 7pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Latin Night Wednesdays w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 7pm RIVERSIDE RHAPSODY BEER CO. Acoustic Jam, 5pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic w/Host Caleb Beissert, 8pm SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Witty Wednesday Trivia, 6:30pm THE BARRELHOUSE Open Mic Hosted by Kid Billy, 8pm THE GREY EAGLE Satsang (indie)k 8pm THE ODDITORIUM Waveform*, Melaina Kol, Convalescent & Aunt Ant (indie pop, rock, metal), 7pm THE ORANGE PEEL Shovels & Rope (Americana, alt country)k 8pm THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM Whose Live Anyway?, 7:30pm TWIN LEAF BREWERY Open Mic, 6pm

PARKER-BINNS VINEYARD Bill and Tad’s Excellent Duo (acoustic), 3pm PLEB URBAN WINERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 4pm SAINT PAUL MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS Myron Hyman (classic rock, blues), 2pm SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Irish Chili Cookoff w/ Live Music, 2pm THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR Bike Night w/DJ Avel Veeta, 2pm THE ODDITORIUM Game Night w/the Sisters, 8pm UPCOUNTRY BREWING COMPANY Acoustic Sunday w/ Dave Desmelik, 2pm ZILLICOAH BEER CO Sunday Bluegrass Jam Series, 4:30pm

MONDAY, MARCH 21 CATAWBA BREWING SOUTH SLOPE Musicians in the Round, 6pm DOUBLE CROWN Country Karaoke, 10pm HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Totally Rad Trivia w/ Mitch Fortune, 6pm

MOUNTAINX.COM

MARCH 16-22, 2022

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY ARIES (March 21-April 19): Singer, dancer, and comedian Sammy Davis Jr. disliked the song “The Candy Man,” but he recorded it anyway, heeding his advisors. He spent just a brief time in the studio, finishing his vocals in two takes. “The song is going straight to the toilet,” he complained, “pulling my career down with it.” Surprise! It became the best-selling tune of his career, topping the Billboard charts for three weeks. I suspect there could be a similar phenomenon (or two!) in your life during the coming months, Aries. Don’t be too sure you know how or where your interesting accomplishments will arise. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I love author Maya Angelou’s definition of high accomplishment, and I recommend you take steps to make it your own in the coming weeks. She wrote, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” Please note that in her view, success is not primarily about being popular, prestigious, powerful or prosperous. I’m sure she wouldn’t exclude those qualities from her formula, but the key point is that they are all less crucial than self-love. Please devote quality time to refining and upgrading this aspect of your drive for success. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “I’m not fake in any way,” declared Gemini actor Courteney Cox. On the face of it, that’s an amazing statement for a Gemini to make. After all, many in your tribe are masters of disguise and shapeshifting. Cox herself has won accolades for playing a wide variety of characters during her film and TV career, ranging from comedy to drama to horror. But let’s consider the possibility that, yes, you Geminis can be versatile, mutable and mercurial, yet also authentic and genuine. I think this specialty of yours could and should be extra prominent in the coming weeks. CANCER (June 21-July 22): “Sometimes I prayed for Baby Jesus to make me good, but Baby Jesus didn’t,” wrote author Barbara Kingsolver about her childhood approach to self-improvement. Just because this method failed to work for her, however, doesn’t mean it won’t work for others. In saying that, I’m not implying you should send out appeals to Baby Jesus. But I suggest you call on your imagination to help you figure out what influences may, in fact, boost your goodness. It’s an excellent time to seek help as you elevate your integrity, expand your compassion and deepen your commitment to ethical behavior. It’s not that you’re deficient in those departments; just that now is your special time to do what we all need to do periodically: Make sure our actual behavior is in rapt alignment with our high ideals. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Leo classicist and author Edith Hamilton specialized in the history of ancient Greece. The poet Homer was one of the most influential voices of that world. Hamilton wrote, “An ancient writer said of Homer that he touched nothing without somehow honoring and glorifying it.” I love that about his work, and I invite you to match his energy in the coming weeks. I realize that’s a lot to ask. But according to my reading of the astrological omens, you will indeed have a knack for honoring and glorifying all you touch. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Starhawk, one of my favorite witches, reminds us that “sexuality is the expression of the creative life force of the universe. It is not dirty, nor is it merely ’normal’; it is sacred. And sacred can also be affectionate, joyful, pleasurable, passionate, funny or purely animal.” I hope you enjoy an abundance of such lushness in the coming weeks, Virgo. It’s a favorable time in your astrological cycle for synergizing eros and spirituality. You have poetic license to express your delight about being alive with imaginative acts of sublime love.

MARCH 16-22, 2022

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In 1634, English poet John Milton coined the phrase “silver lining.” It has become an idiom referring to a redemptive aspect of an experience that falls short of expectations. Over 350 years later, American author Arthur Yorinks wrote, “Too many people miss the silver lining because they’re expecting gold.” Now I’m relaying his message to you. Hopefully, my heads-up will ensure that you won’t miss the silver lining for any reason, including the possibility that you’re fixated on gold. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “This is the most profound spiritual truth I know,” declares author Anne Lamott. “That even when we’re most sure that love can’t conquer all, it seems to anyway. It goes down into the rat hole with us, in the guise of our friends, and there it swells and comforts. It gives us second winds, third winds, hundredth winds.” Lamott’s thoughts will be your wisdom to live by during the next eight weeks, Scorpio. Even if you think you already know everything there is to know about the powers of love to heal and transform, I urge you to be open to new powers that you have never before seen in action. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Witty Sagittarian author Ashleigh Brilliant has created thousands of cheerful yet often sardonic epigrams. In accordance with current astrological omens, I have chosen six that will be useful for you to treat as your own in the coming weeks. 1. “I may not be totally perfect, but parts of me are excellent.” 2. “I have abandoned my search for truth and am now looking for a good fantasy.” 3. “All I want is a warm bed and a kind word and unlimited power.” 4. “Do your best to satisfy me — that’s all I ask of everybody.” 5. “I’m just moving clouds today, tomorrow I’ll try mountains.” 6. “A terrible thing has happened. I have lost my will to suffer.” CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “All experience is an enrichment rather than an impoverishment,” wrote author Eudora Welty. That may seem like a simple and obvious statement, but in my view, it’s profound and revolutionary. Too often, we are inclined to conclude that a relatively unpleasant or inconvenient event has diminished us. And while it may indeed have drained some of our vitality or caused us angst, it has almost certainly taught us a lesson or given us insight that will serve us well in the long run — if only to help us avoid similar downers in the future. According to my analysis of your current astrological omens, these thoughts are of prime importance for you right now. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Life swarms with innocent monsters,” observed poet Charles Baudelaire. Who are the “innocent monsters”? I’ll suggest a few candidates. Boring people who waste your time but who aren’t inherently evil. Cute advertisements that subtly coax you to want stuff you don’t really need. Social media that seem like amusing diversions except for the fact that they suck your time and drain your energy. That’s the bad news, Aquarius. The good news is that the coming weeks will be a favorable time to eliminate from your life at least some of those innocent monsters. You’re entering a period when you’ll have a strong knack for purging “nice” influences that aren’t really very nice. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “Never underestimate the wisdom of being easily satisfied,” wrote aphorist Marty Rubin. If you’re open to welcoming such a challenge, Pisces, I propose that you work on being very easily satisfied during the coming weeks. See if you can figure out how to enjoy even the smallest daily events with blissful gratitude. Exult in the details that make your daily rhythm so rich. Use your ingenuity to deepen your capacity for regarding life as an ongoing miracle. If you do this right, there will be no need to pretend you’re having fun. You will vividly enhance your sensitivity to the ordinary glories we all tend to take for granted.

MOUNTAINX.COM

MARKETPLACE

BY ROB BREZSNY

REAL ESTATE & RENTALS | ROOMMATES | JOBS | SERVICES ANNOUNCEMENTS | CLASSES & WORKSHOPS | MIND, BODY, SPIRIT MUSICIANS’ SERVICES | PETS | AUTOMOTIVE | XCHANGE | ADULT Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 advertise@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember the Russian proverb: “Doveryai, no proveryai,” trust but verify. When answering classified ads, always err on the side of caution. Especially beware of any party asking you to give them financial or identification information. The Mountain Xpress cannot be responsible for ensuring that each advertising client is legitimate. Please report scams to advertise@mountainx.com EMPLOYMENT GENERAL JOIN OUR 211 CALL CENTER TEAM United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County's 211 Call Center is currently seeking individuals to fill 2 part-time roles within our 211 team. For more information, and to apply, visit https://www.unitedwayabc. org/employment-opportunities. NOW HIRING - EXPERIENCED/ INEXPERIENCED CREW LEADER TRAINEES & SPRINKLER TECHS $15-$17/ HR STARTING Come work for the BEST. K2 Irrigation is a 5-star landscape/sprinkler/ lighting specialist (if you've been to Sierra Nevada in Mills River, you've seen our work) and we're looking for honest, dependable people who desire respect and want a balanced life. Nights/ Weekends/Holidays OFF. Benefits like Paid Time Off, education reimbursement +More! Valid NC DL with NO driving infractions (3 years) and a background check required. Email HR@K2Irrigation.com or go online to https://www. k2irrigation.com/. PAID PETITIONERS NEEDED ASAP! Get paid to help run candidates for the people! Paid with Paypal or Venmo. MUST PETITION EVERY WEEK. Opportunities: BY SIGNATURE $1.50 per signature after 100 LEGIBLE VALID signatures. $2 per signature after submitting 200 signatures and more for high performers! PETITION LEAD: $20/hr must be at specific location at least 5 hrs per weekend- petition and assist volunteers. CAMPUS PETITIONERS: $18+/hr at university or community college RUSH HOURS. Signatures will be checked for accuracy. EMAIL: petition@ncgreenparty.org TEXT: 833-664-0565

SKILLED LABOR/ TRADES NEED A FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE WHERE YOU ARE EARNING A SOLID LIVING WAGE? We are looking for the best, most detailed, and punctual cleaners. Join The Nice and Fresh Cleaners Dream Team! Job Title: Cleaning Crew Member. Compensation: $17.50-$25.00 /hour. Job Types: Full-time, Part-time. Application: nicefreshclean. com/job-application/. PRODUCTION ASSOCIATE - WEEKLY PAY Hey Waynesville - Atlantic Staffing needs Production Associates! Weekly Pay/No Experience Needed! Starting pay $16-$20 an hour. Rotating Shift/Day & Nights Available! www. atlanticstaffing.net to apply call: 828-579-2880 ext. 100 RECYCLING PLANT TECHNICIANS - WEEKLY PAY Hey Asheville, Atlantic Staffing has Immediate openings for Recycling Sorters! Weekly Pay and No Experience Necessary! Work: M-F 3 a.m.-1 p.m. $12$18 an hour to start. Apply online at www.atlanticstaffing. net or call: 828-579-2880.

DRIVERS/ DELIVERY

MOUNTAIN XPRESS DELIVERY Mountain Xpress is seeking an energetic, reliable, independent contractor for part-time weekly newspaper delivery. The contractor must have a safe driving record, a reliable vehicle with proper insurance and registration, and be able to lift 50 lbs. without strain. Distribution of papers is on Tuesday mornings and afternoons and typically lasts about 7-8 hours per week. Occasional Wednesday morning delivery is is sometimes needed or can be an option. E-mail distro@

mountainx.com. Far Western route; preference for individual or couple who lives in Western Buncombe or Haywood County.

SALES/ MARKETING OUR VOICE IS SEEKING A FULL-TIME DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR! The Development Coordinator is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing Our VOICE's fundraising initiatives including the annual campaign for individual donors, database management, special events, and marketing. To apply, please send PDF versions of your resume and cover letter to apply@ourvoicenc.org. No phone calls or in-person inquiries.

SALES PROFESSIONAL WORK FOR A LOCAL COMPANY THAT HAS COVERED THE LOCAL SCENE FOR OVER 20 YEARS! This is a fulltime position with benefits in a supportive, team-oriented environment in a community-service, locally-owned business. Ideal candidates are personable, organized, motivated, and can present our company with confidence. Necessary skills include clear and professional communications (via phone, email, and in-person meetings), detailed record-keeping, and self motivation. While no outside sales experience is required, experience dealing with varied and challenging situations is helpful. The position largely entails account development and lead generation (including cold-calling), account management, assisting clients with marketing and branding strategies. If you are a high energy, positive, cooperative person looking to join an independent media organization, please send a resume and cover letter (no walk-ins, please) explaining why you are a good fit for Mountain Xpress to: xpressjob@ mountainx.com.

SALES ASSISTANT Entry level administrative assistant position to our vibrant sales team. Position includes researching leads, verifying contacts, organizing outreach schedules, collections, and other tasks in support of the sales staff. Strong organization and communications skills as well as computer competencies required. Opportunity for advancement depending on skill level and abilities. Salaried position with benefits in a positive team environment with an emphasis on community engagement. Please send a resume and cover letter explaining why you are a good fit for Mountain Xpress to: xpressjob@mountainx. com.

RESTAURANT/ FOOD TAPROOM SUPPORT The Taproom Support position is centered in the restaurant's Front of the House operations whose responsibilities include but are not limited to clearing and resetting tables, running beverages and food, carrying trays, assisting with the expediting of food coming from the kitchen, and supporting servers throughout the dining experience. The Taproom Support, who reports to the Front of the House Supervisors Team, is responsible for being an expert resource to the guests visiting our onsite Food and Beverage Operations. https://sierranevada.com/ careers/

MEDICAL/ HEALTH CARE DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL Direct Support Professional: Full time benefited position. Candidate provides support for adults with disabilities, assists with daily living skills, goal instruction,

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WORK AT ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA! Lake Junaluska Assembly, Inc, hosts over 200,000 guests annually for programs and spiritual retreats.

Work at Lake Junaluska, and you’ll enjoy a friendly, collaborative atmosphere in addition to a sign-on bonus for seasonal employees, beneﬁts packages for full-time staff and employee perks and discounts, which include: • FREE Golf Course greens fee

• FREE Summer Activity Pass & Boat Rentals

• FREE Fitness Center Pass

• Discounts on on-site dining and shopping • Discounts on lodging

Lake Junaluska is currently accepting applications for the following job opportunities — Food Services — Housekeeping — Assistant Manager for Coffee Bar & Markets — Retail Sales Associate/Barista — Night Porter — Event Meeting Room Setup Technician — Director of Human Resources — Director of Program Ministries To apply directly online, or for more information, visit lakejunaluska.com/jobs or call our jobs line at 828-454-6706 or email hr@lakejunaluska.com. “Lake Junaluska is a place of Christian hospitality where lives are transformed through renewal of soul, mind and body.”

Expand your horizons with us

We’re Hiring Call us today! — We specialize in all makes and models! — 23 Sardis Rd, Asheville, NC 28806 (828) 670-9191 precisionInternational.com MOUNTAINX.COM

MARCH 16-22, 2022

MOUNTAINX.COM

THE N EW Y OR K TI M ES C ROSSWORD P UZ Z LE

MARKETPLACE medication administration. Overnights required, High School diploma and auto insurance required. Training provided. Waynesville area! 828-778-0260 MEDICAL- NURSES NEEDED STATEWIDE MEDICAL- RNS $40/HR. for addictions, psych & corrections in Asheville and throughout Western NC. All shifts. Fully employer-paid medical and dental. 401(k) with 6% employer contribution. Call Morgan at Worldwide Staffing 866.633.3700 x 114

HUMAN SERVICES

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN ASHEVILLE! Make a Difference in the Life of a Child in Asheville! Youth Counselors are needed to provide support to at-risk youth being served in our short-term residential facility. Duties include implementing direct care services, motivating youth, and modeling appropriate behaviors. Candidates must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's license. Experience working with youth is highly preferred. We offer paid training, excellent benefits, and advancement opportunities. Apply online at https://www.mhfc.org/ opportunities/. Call 919754-3633 or email vpenn@ mhfc.org.

PROFESSIONAL/ MANAGEMENT CHILDREN FIRST COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS IS HIRING FOR A RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR The Resource Development Director is a member of the senior leadership team and is responsible for successful planning, execution, and evaluation of fundraising and marketing goals for the organization including donor development, grants, special events, and communications. This position works closely with the Executive Director, program staff, board members and supervises the Communications and Events Coordinator. Send cover letter & resume to employment@ childrenfirstbc.org.

TEACHING/ EDUCATION A-B TECH IS HIRING A-B Tech is currently taking applications for a Part-Time position Administrative Assistant,

Health Occupations. For more details and to apply: https:// www.abtcc.peopleadmin. com/postings/6029 LEAD TEACHER FOR FRIENDS OF MINE COOPERATIVE PRESCHOOL Cooperative, morning play-based preschool seeks a teacher. We encourage conscious discipline, inclusive play, mutual responsibility, cooperation, and self-respect. Please send resume and cover letter by March 25th to HiringFOM@ gmail.com.

ARTS/MEDIA

WOMANSONG OF ASHEVILLE SEEKS NEXT PARTTIME ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Womansong of Asheville (NC) is seeking our next Artistic Director to lead our dynamic community of singing women. For description and further details on this exciting part-time job opportunity visit www.womansong.org/adposition. Application review begins April 15, 2022. Send application and questions to womansongjob@gmail.com.

XCHANGE ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES STILL BUYING ANTIQUES Seeking old stuff! Cast iron, advertising signs, military, primitives, collections, art, pottery, estates, crocks, bottles, silver, license plates, unusual stuff, taxidermy, rifles, bbguns, more. Call/Text 828-582-6097,steadyaim1@ yahoo.com.

SERVICES AUDIO/VIDEO HUGHESNET SATELLITE INTERNET Finally, no hard data limits! Call Today for speeds up to 25mbps as low as $59.99/mo! $75 gift card, terms apply. 1-844-416-7147. (AAN CAN)

ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS BATH & SHOWER UPDATES In as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 1-877-649-5043 (AAN CAN) BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR! We edit, print and distribute your work internationally. We do the work… You reap the Rewards! Call for a FREE Author’s Submission Kit: 844-511-1836. (AAN CAN) COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details! 1-855-5544616. The Mission Program Information and Tuition is located at CareerTechnical. edu/consumer-information. (AAN CAN) DIRECTV SATELLITE TV Service Starting at $74.99/ month! Free Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 877310-2472 (AAN CAN)

WATER DAMAGE TO YOUR HOME? Call for a quote for professional cleanup & maintain the value of your home! Set an appt. today! Call 833-664-1530 (AAN CAN)

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS CLASSES & WORKSHOPS GROUP HARMONY SINGING CLASSES Enjoy singing? Join Hark! for an eight-week session of non-auditioned, all-voices-welcome choir. Group harmonies, rounds, vocal warm-ups, and lots of fun! Register at www. weringlikebells.com or email jupitercommunitychoir@ gmail.com.

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT COUNSELING SERVICES ASTRO-COUNSELING Licensed counselor and accredited professional astrologer uses your chart when counseling for additional insight into yourself, your relationships and life directions. Stellar Counseling Services. Christy Gunther, MA, LCMHC. (828) 258-3229.

HEALTH & FITNESS

DO YOU OWE OVER $10,000 TO THE IRS OR STATE IN BACK TAXES? Our firm works to reduce the tax bill or zero it out completely FAST. Let us help! Call 877414-2089. (AAN CAN) (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm PST) DONATE YOUR CAR TO KIDS Your donation helps fund the search for missing children. Accepting Trucks, Motorcycles & RV’s, too! Fast Free Pickup – Running or Not - 24 Hour Response Maximum Tax Donation. Call 877-266-0681. (AAN CAN)

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TOP CA$H PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 877-589-0747 (AAN CAN)

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edited by Will Shortz | No. 0209

ACROSS 1 With 6-Across, underwater creature that’s not actually a 6-Across 6 See 1-Across 10 “Let’s go!” 14 MacDonald’s jingle? 15 ___-1 (“Ghostbusters” vehicle) 16 Comb home 17 Part of a palm 18 Reddish-purple side dish 20 Uncle of 1960s TV 22 Security ___ 23 With 25-Across, underwater creature that’s not actually a 25-Across 25 See 23-Across 28 Kazakhstan’s ___ Sea 31 Conformists, metaphorically 32 Mythical ship that sailed to Colchis 33 Burglarize 34 Lieu 35 Gas brand with a triangular logo 36 With 38-Across, underwater creature that’s not actually a 38-Across (nor a 36-Across, for that matter) 38 See 36-Across 39 Classical performance hall 40 High-ranking Turkish officer 43 ___ Jemison, first Black woman in space 44 Actress Diana of “The Avengers” 45 Arouse, as interest 46 Remain to be seen 47 With 48-Across, underwater creature that’s certainly not a 48-Across 48 See 47-Across 50 Capital that ends with its state’s first two letters 52 Yankees’ div.

32 35

48 50

PUZZLE BY GRANT THACKRAY 7

21 23

53 59

56 They’re chucked in a chuck and bored in a board 59 Have a soak 60 Juno’s husband 61 Rings at a luau 62 The Ivy League schools, e.g. 63 Gets the picture 64 With 65-Across, underwater creature that actually is a 65-Across despite a common misconception 65 See 64-Across

DOWN 1 Actor Goldblum of “The Fly” 2 Cork’s land 3 Proud, loyal types, it’s said 4 Window frame part 5 Sing in a high range? 6 It changes length every four years: Abbr. 7 It’s often made hot and served cold 8 Had the wheel 9 Insight from an insider 10 Latte option 11 Beer o’clock, in commercials

12 Egg cells

38 Biblical queendom 40 More difficult to please 41 Like the five animals in this puzzle’s theme 42 45, for each row and column in a sudoku grid 45 Southwest settlement 46 “You said it!” 48 Sgt.’s inferior 49 Place to find a crook 51 Corrida cheers 53 Lead-in to girl 54 Author Silverstein 55 French “noodle” 56 45 spinners 57 Preschool group? 58 Org. for retirees

13 Leftorium owner on “The Simpsons” 19 Kind of fly 21 Pauses from playing 24 That, in Italian 26 Doctor ___ (Sonic the Hedgehog villain) 27 cc’d, with “in” 28 Equips for battle 29 One who sets the stage 30 Rare blood type 32 Word before drop or ball 34 Virtual city dweller 35 “___-ching!” 37 Barge tower

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