Mountain Xpress 03.18.20

OUR 26TH YEAR OF WEEKLY INDEPENDENT NEWS, ARTS & EVENTS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA VOL. 26 NO. 34 MARCH 18-24, 2020

KIDS Issue PART 2

LOOKING FOR JOY?

Guide to 2020 Summer Camps Coronavirus affects daily life in WNC

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Sustainability

OUR 26TH YEAR OF WEEKLY INDEPENDENT NEWS, ARTS & EVENTS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA VOL. 26 NO. 34 MARCH 18-24, 2020

C O NT E NT S

KIDS Issue PART 2

Guide to 2020 Summer Camps

51

NEWS NEWS

9 BORROWING TIME Exploring Asheville, Buncombe bond issues

46 SCREENING SCREEN TIME Are electronic media harming children’s health?

FOOD

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8 COVID-19 IMPACTS BROADEN State, local governments respond as Buncombe’s first contact with disease is confirmed

WELLNESS

in four April issues of Mountain Xpress

Head brewer jobs face frequent turnover

COVER PHOTO Courtesy of the YMCA's Camp Watia COVER DESIGN Scott Southwick

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Exploring the landscape of sustainability in WNC

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PAGE 12 KIDS ISSUE PART 2 Looking for a dose of joy along about now? We are pleased to oblige with Part 2 of the Kids Issue, Xpress’ annual celebration of local K-12 students’ creativity via their original art and writing — plus our yearly guide to area kids camps.

LOOKING FOR JOY? Coronavirus affects daily life in WNC

C O NTAC T US

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OPINION

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

STA F F PUBLISHER: Jeff Fobes ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson MANAGING EDITOR: Virginia Daffron A&E EDITOR: Alli Marshall GREEN SCENE EDITOR: Daniel Walton OPINION EDITOR: Tracy Rose STAFF REPORTERS: Able Allen, Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Laura Hackett, Brooke Randle, Daniel Walton COMMUNITY CALENDAR EDITOR: Deborah Robertson CLUBLAND EDITOR: Lauren Andrews

CARTOO N BY RAN D Y M O L T O N

For efficiency’s sake, combine city and county governments Are you in a place where you question the effectiveness and efficiency of our local government? Do you wonder if there are ways that the system can work more successfully? Where is the best focus of local governments’ energy? These are certainly questions that I have been pondering and encourage you to as well, especially if you care about important issues like affordable housing, public transportation, the rise of taxes and aging infrastructure, to name just a few of the issues that government oversees and influences.

In our case, in Asheville and Buncombe County, all of our Council members serve in part-time positions and are being paid small salaries. Yet all these leaders are overseeing large staff departments [via the city manager] and must understand very complex issues. Because of their limited amount of time and our current organizational structure, it is imperative that Council members spend time and energy on issues that will have lasting impact on the changes they really want to see.

The No. 1 focus ought to be on how to make our local government more efficient and effective. Instead, Council members often get caught in the weeds of issues that their own organizational

structure is simultaneously influencing. Not only is their time focused on the details of these ever-so-important issues, but also they are directing our staff to jump in the trenches with them.

The homestay rental issue is just one of many examples.

When are we going to wake up and fully realize that change must happen from within so that we can be more functional and sustainable? If Council and staff are really concerned about the numerous issues that we face, the strategy which will have the most impact over the long term is to figure out how to better focus our energy on changes from within. Why do we have two governments overseeing the same 45-mile jurisdiction? How much money do we spend on higher management positions and other repeat staff positions because of this overlap? How much time and energy are lost each year in repeat meetings, disagreements, similar committees to oversee, etc., all because Asheville and Buncombe County governments are not one entity? How are we managing staff to ensure their energy stays focused while at work? How can we better instill a sense of pride and commitment to service among staff?

These questions all relate to overhead costs, organizational structure, efficiency and motivational drivers, which I am requesting all our elected officials and government staff to ponder first and foremost. A commitment to change from within will

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OPINION

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

free up more money for issues that are important, while at the same time will help ensure taxes do not keep increasing. Combining Asheville and Buncombe County into one entity is the place to start.

Of course, many naysayers will say that cannot be done with excuses of legislation laws, annexation laws and the nonsupport of people who live in the county who do not want to see their taxes raised. Ironically, most of the staff who work for Asheville city and Buncombe County governments live in the county. Let’s not trick ourselves to think we cannot create new ways of being that will be more effective. We can make bold changes like combining our governments. We can choose to put our prime focus on making our government more effective and efficient. Only then will we really be able to affect issues like the aging infrastructure, public transit, affordable housing, sustainability and the vicious cycle of tax escalation.

— Ryan Pickens Asheville

How about expanding co-op at Earth Fare space?

Residents of Asheville: Wouldn’t you be thrilled if the French Broad Food Co-op moved into Westgate plaza to occupy the former Earth Fare space?

Asheville needs a locally owned grocery store that can compete with the corporate chains that dominate our choices as residents. The FBFC has been wanting to expand for years. It would be very “on brand” for Asheville to do whatever it takes to secure the former Earth Fare space for our member-owned co-op. I would certainly do whatever I could to support it!

— Tracy Kunkler Asheville Editor’s note: Xpress contacted FBFC board of directors Vice President Ashley See, who provided the following response on behalf of the co-op: “We’re saddened by the closure of Earth Fare and the innumerable impacts on vendors, producers and our community at large. The co-op will be moving forward with expansion at our

current location on Biltmore Avenue starting this spring. We’ve worked with local contractors and designers to develop a plan that saves our historic buildings and allows the co-op to stay open throughout the expansion phases. We received extensive community input, readied ourselves financially and assessed the best ways to grow in a changing food industry. Owners, look for relevant mail soon!”

The saga of Fluffy Puffy I am writing on behalf of my friend Stephanie Larson, whose cat Fluffy Puffy is being held at the county animal shelter. I feel strongly that his seizure by animal control officers was unnecessary and inappropriate, and that being held at the shelter instead of being home with Stephanie is deleterious to his physical and emotional health.

In June, Fluffy came home with a broken leg. Stephanie took him to several vets but was not able to raise the money to have his leg set, though she did spend around $2,000 on his veterinary visits. Several times she canceled appointments because he hid, and she couldn’t catch him to put him in the cat carrier. In July, one of the clinics that she had rescheduled appointments with, the Open Door, called Buncombe County Animal Service Division and reported that she was neglecting his medical care because of these missed appointments.

On Friday, Aug. 23, officers from Animal Service arrived at her house and demanded that she surrender Fluffy to them. She told them that she had an appointment the following Wednesday to have his leg treated with a veterinarian in Lake Junaluska. ...

Stephanie was told that Fluffy would be taken to a clinic to have his leg amputated, and that in order to get Fluffy back she had to go before a judge. Her court date is March 23 [though court cases across the state are being rescheduled due to COVID19 concerns]. ... She is not allowed even to visit Fluffy and has not seen him for almost seven months now.

The stress and grief that this has caused her has affected her emotional and physical health.

The charge that Stephanie was neglecting Fluffy is completely unjusti-

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fied in my view, although that may be what Animal Service needs to believe and therefore what they do believe.

When Fluffy was taken into custody, he was healthy enough that it took Stephanie and me an hour to catch him and put him into a cat carrier. But even if Fluffy’s life was in danger, which I do not believe, there can be no reason to continue to hold him after his treatment other than to extort money from Stephanie. She has to pay a “bond” of $200 every month to maintain her claim on Fluffy so the county will not kill him.

By the time of her court appearance, she will have paid $1,400. ...

Because Stephanie is a low-income person who cannot afford a lawyer, Animal Service can, with impunity, extort many hundreds of dollars from her by holding Fluffy hostage, and he has no more rights than an impounded car, even though Stephanie loves him as a child. Treating animals as property in the law when their humans love them as children puts Animal Control in the position of being able to run a very profitable extortion racket, the equivalent of kidnapping for ransom. ...

Personally, I have difficulty seeing this as anything other than legalized kidnapping for ransom. Stephanie is a very responsible cat owner, devoted to Fluffy, and being away from her in a strange place with little human nurturing is very emotionally stressful for both of them, and lessens the chances for him to have a successful recovery. ... I see this as animal cruelty, and behavior such as this makes Buncombe County’s Animal Service look like a predatory, revenue operation. My personal opinion is that this is an extortion racket, and that the county’s Animal Service Division should be prosecuted for animal abuse and neglect.

If you have had experience with Animal Control in the city or county that you would like to share, you could me at 828-242-6073 or Stephanie at 828-768-7856.

— Rusty Sivils Leicester Editor’s note: A longer version of this letter will appear at mountainx. com. Also, Fluffy’s owner is identified as Lavonne Larson in court documents, which include an affidavit from Sgt. Robert Robinson that he contacted the Lake Junaluska clinic, and the vet there then decided not to take on the case.

Xpress contacted the Buncombe County’ Sheriff’s Department and the Asheville Humane Society, which runs the shelter, for a response to a summary of the letter writer’s points. We received the following response from Jody Evans, executive director of the Asheville Humane Society, and Aaron Sarver, public information officer at

BCSD: “Buncombe County has a large number of household pets and many rescue/animal welfare organizations that support and aid the well-being of animals. The vast majority of pet owners are compassionate and take exceptional care of their animals. However, when proper care is not provided, the Sheriff’s Office is statutorily bound by the state of North Carolina to intervene.

“The North Carolina animal cruelty statute reads in part: ‘If any person shall intentionally overdrive, overload, wound, injure, torment, kill, or deprive of necessary sustenance, or cause or procure to be overdriven, overloaded, wounded, injured, tormented, killed, or deprived of necessary sustenance, any animal, every such offender shall for every such offense be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.’ The entire statute can be read at [http://avl.mx/70o].

“The owner of Fluffy Puffy, Lavonne Larson, has been charged with animal cruelty. We will not comment on the specifics of this case while it is being adjudicated.

However, we do want to inform your readers regarding some of the misstatements regarding the care of Fluffy Puffy.

“Fluffy Puffy is receiving the best care possible as part of Asheville Humane Society’s commitment to the compassionate treatment of every animal in our community. After receiving proper medical treatment, the cat was placed with a certified foster family.

While housed with this family, he is being fed and lovingly cared for.

“Asheville Humane Society’s core ideology is expressed in a widely adopted set of animal welfare principles titled ‘The Five Freedoms.’ We believe every animal should have: freedom from hunger or thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom from pain, injury or disease, freedom to express normal behavior and freedom from fear and distress.

“Asheville Humane Society is Buncombe County’s critical safety net since 1984 and is always here to save and protect every animal possible.

“The Sheriff’s Office and our deputies take enforcement of animal cruelty statutes seriously and are responsive to complaints of animal cruelty in our community. When the care and wellbeing of both pets and livestock, as defined by state law, is not being met and corrective measures by a caretaker are not taken, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office will charge an individual with animal cruelty. Lavonne Larson will have their day in court ... where the facts and evidence of our investigation will be presented.” X

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NEWS

COVID-19 IMPACTS BROADEN State, local governments respond as Buncombe’s first contact with disease is confirmed

BY BROOKE RANDLE AND VIRGINIA DAFFRON brandle@mountainx.com vdaffron@mountainx.com With Gov. Roy Cooper’s March 14 announcement that all North Carolina public schools would close for at least two weeks beginning March 16 in response to the coronavirus outbreak, things got a lot more real for many local residents.

That decision followed March 12 declarations of local states of emergency in Buncombe County and the city of Asheville and behind a statewide emergency declaration two days earlier. President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency for the entire U.S. on March 13.

As Xpress goes to press on March 16, the effects of the public school closure and a mandatory statewide ban on gatherings of 100 or more people are rippling through the community.

And the county health department confirmed that an individual with COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, visited Buncombe County March 10-13.

Health officials’ understanding of the outbreak’s extent remains incomplete due to limited patient testing.

During a March 16 press conference, Dr. Jennifer Mullendore, Buncombe County’s interim health director, said that the county had tested 10 individuals as of 10:30 a.m. that day and that an additional 70 tests had been conducted by local health care providers.

Mullendore said that the county health department had up to 25 test kits available and that only people experiencing fever and lower respiratory symptoms such as cough would be eligible. Dr. William Hathaway, chief medical officer at Mission Health, said that Mission had “many more test kits available” but did not know the exact number. Following a test, results may not be available for up to four days.

Fletcher Tove, the county’s emergency preparedness coordinator, encouraged restaurants and bars to offer takeout and delivery only to limit the spread of the illness — and to prepare for expanded mitigation measures as the virus impacts Buncombe County.

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MEETING THE MOMENT: During a March 16 press conference, Fletcher Tove, the county’s emergency preparedness coordinator, encouraged restaurants and bars to offer takeout and delivery only. Photo by Brooke Randle “We are acutely aware of the impacts and secondary impacts that decisions like these have on our local independent businesses and local economy, but in light of these unprecedented events, it is in our community’s best interest to follow guidance from the [federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention], state Department of Health and Human Services and our local health officials to limit the congregation of people,” Tove said.

Tove noted that public health officials were working with Asheville Independent Restaurants, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority to determine if or when to mandate closures.

For now, he said, the county was asking for voluntary cooperation among business owners. “This can mean the difference between life and death for some of our most vulnerable family, friends and neighbors,” he continued.

Asheville City Schools: The district said it would begin remote instruction and meal delivery on Tuesday, March 17. Breakfast and lunch will be delivered to Pisgah View, Hillcrest, Klondyke and Livingston apartment communities, and Isaac Dickson Elementary will offer a drive-through option.

Buncombe County Schools: Student meal service for breakfast and lunch began Monday at schools throughout the district. Food boxes for adults are also available for pickup. The system said it will notify families upon the launch of

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BCS Virtual Days and that students will be provided with a device to continue education from home. Parents who are experiencing difficulty reaching any of the meal pickup locations or are seeking academic or technical support should call 828-350-6000.

YMCA of Western North Carolina: All YMCA facilities closed to the public on March 16, and all YMCA programs were suspended. The organization said it would provide emergency child care for the children of public school staff on March 16 at its Beaverdam facility, and that it was in discussions with county emergency managers about providing child care for health care workers and emergency responders while schools are closed.

N.C. Court system: Most court functions are closed in response to the outbreak, N.C. Chief Justice Cheri Beasley said in a statement. “All civil and criminal district and superior court matters must be postponed unless they are absolutely essential for constitutional or public safety reasons,” she wrote. More information is available at avl.mx/70p.

Buncombe County Detention Facility: The public lobby of the Buncombe County Detention Facility is closed, and only essential staff may enter the jail. The Magistrates’ Office lobby and City County Identification Bureau remain open to the public.

On March 12, Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Chair Brownie Newman said the county’s

declaration of a local emergency would make its six municipalities, as well as unincorporated areas, eligible for state and federal resources when they become available. He also said the declaration would strengthen coordination among local governments as they respond to and communicate about the impact of the virus.

Newman also recommended against attending or hosting nonessential public gatherings. On March 15, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued guidance that all in-person events of over 50 people be suspended for the next eight weeks.

Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder said that the county is also activating its emergency operations center as a way of uniting government leaders, school officials and members of the medical community for daily communications and coordination efforts. The Buncombe commissioners were scheduled to vote on $250,000 of emergency funding on March 17.

Mullendore said that people with critical symptoms such as severe fever, coughing and difficulty breathing should call 911 and communicate with a dispatcher, who will determine whether hospitalization or home care is necessary. Those experiencing milder symptoms are advised to contact their primary care provider by phone and avoid entering medical offices or hospitals without prior instruction.

Residents who do not have a primary care provider may call an urgent care clinic or Buncombe County Health and Human Services to speak with one of the agency’s communicable disease nurses. Mullendore stressed that people should not call the local agency unless no other health care provider is available due to the high volume of calls that the department is receiving.

To reach Buncombe County Health and Human Services Communicable Disease Control, call 828-250-5109. Nonemergency questions about coronavirus preparation can be emailed to ready@buncombecounty.org. Further information is available through the Buncombe County website. X

BORROWING TIME As the city of Asheville and Buncombe County prepare to weather the impacts of COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, their finance departments are managing to find a silver lining amid the state of emergency. Health care workers may be stressed, public events may be postponed until further notice, but the price of money is looking better than it has in years.

“With various things like the coronavirus and other concerns about how that’s going to impact the economy, what’s happened is interest rates have actually come down,” says Doug Whitman, treasurer for the city of Asheville. On March 15, the U.S. Federal Reserve cut the federal funds rate, a key financial benchmark, to 0 to 0.25%, its lowest level since December 2008.

That’s fortuitous timing for local governments. Over the 30-day period that began Feb. 27 and runs through March 26, the city and county are

Exploring Asheville, Buncombe bond issues

SPENDING PLANS: Nearly $1.3 million in renovations to Jake Rusher Park in South Asheville, shown in this conceptual drawing, are being funded by general obligation bonds approved by Asheville voters in 2016. Graphic courtesy of the city of Asheville

planning to issue a total of nearly $233 million in debt.

In times of trouble for the stock market — as of press time, the Dow Jones Industrial Average had experienced its three largest single-day point losses in history on March 9, 12 and 16 and is currently in bear territory — investors traditionally turn toward governmentissued bonds, which are considered much safer investments. And when demand for that security is high, cities and counties pay less to borrow money, which they can then use to refinance old debt or fund new projects.

How much less? In 2000, when Asheville last issued general obligation bonds, the city paid around 5% annually to borrow money for five years.

For one set of bonds sold in February, the city is paying an effective interest rate of just 1% to borrow money for 10 years, or a fifth as much interest for a loan twice as long. Buncombe County

CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

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NEWS estimates that it can save taxpayers $20.5 million on interest over the next 15 years by refinancing previously issued debt.

But both the city and county claim another factor contributes to their favorably low interest rates: a AAA credit rating. Asheville Chief Financial Officer Barbara Whitehorn explains that this mark, awarded by rating agencies such as Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s, signifies the greatest possible expert confidence in the safety of holding a government’s debt.

“They’re basically saying to an investor, ‘If you buy these bonds that are 20 years out from now, we give you the highest level of assurance that we can that you will get that money back,’” Whitehorn says. “It’s really a big deal.”

With so much funding set to flow into local coffers, Xpress looked at what goes into a AAA credit rating — and what impact maintaining that rating has on Asheville and Buncombe County’s approaches to money management.

VIEWS OF THE TOP In recent years, both the city and county have been keen to be recognized as prudent stewards, and both governments have pointed to their credit ratings as evidence. When Buncombe first earned its AAA in 2012, then-County Manager Wanda Greene stated in a press release that the rating affirmed the county’s ability “to support our business community, to provide effective and efficient services and conservatively manage our tax dollars.” A 2017 release following Asheville’s own upgrade to AAA called the move “confirmation of the city’s sound fiscal policies and professional management.”

(In August, Greene was convicted of federal corruption charges and sentenced to seven years in prison. Federal indictments of the former county manager outlined fraudulent financial activities including improper purchase card use

and channeling $2.3 million of taxpayer money earmarked for a lawsuit settlement to purchase life insurance policies for herself and other county employees.)

Don Warn, Buncombe County’s finance director since November 2018, explains that 30% of a government’s credit rating is derived from the health of its economy, which determines its available tax base. Buncombe County, with its ever-expanding tourism industry and rapid pace of construction, scores particularly well on that front.

The remainder of the rating, Warn continues, is based on the government’s own actions. Lower levels of overall debt, higher cash reserves, greater budgeting oversight and more detailed financial policies, he says, all play a role in a rating agency’s decision.

“The better your rating is, it just says we’re doing the right things,” Warn says. “You can’t have a AAA rating without having strong management, strong fund balance, strong financials, strong economy.”

Experts outside of government, however, generally take a more limited interpretation. Matt Fabian, a partner with Massachusetts-based research firm Municipal Market Analytics, says that the financial industry regards government credit ratings exactly like personal credit scores — no more, no less.

“A lot of cities use the credit rating as a proxy for some sort of seal of approval that they’re doing things correctly or that they are running the government in an appropriate way,” Fabian says. “But that’s not exactly true, in the same way that running your life just to maximize a credit score is maybe not an appropriate thing for all people to do.”

FIRST RATE? Governments with a AAA credit rating, acknowledges Fabian, do get the lowest possible interest rates when borrowing money. Yet due to unusually high

demand in the municipal debt market — “The formal term is ‘bananas’: For every potential borrower, there are 20 lenders,” he says — the benefit of a AAA compared to a slightly lower rating can be as little as a tenth of a percentage point on a 30-year bond.

Meanwhile, Fabian argues, maintaining the highest rating can come at an opportunity cost. In search of the coveted AAA, he says, administrations may curb spending on essential services such as education to build up cash reserves.

They’re also less likely to take on debt for infrastructure projects and may institute extra layers of financial oversight that yield diminishing returns.

“If you’re working hard, not spending your money, and your kids are going hungry because you want to get that higher credit score, well, maybe your priorities are not correctly

aligned,” Fabian says. Although some governments “can’t help but be AAA” due to their strong economies, he continues, “Getting a AAA rating for its own sake is almost never worth it from a governing perspective.”

Whitehorn says that the highest rating still makes sense for Asheville. While the financial boost is less than it would be in other times, she estimates that the city will save roughly $450,000 in interest over 20 years on the nearly $21 million in bonds it recently issued by having a AAA rating compared to the nexthighest AA+ or Aa1 rating.

The city’s approach to cash reserves, Whitehorn adds, has benefits beyond contributing to a high credit score.

North Carolina’s Local Government Commission, an oversight agency that must sign off on all municipal bonds in the state, issues warning letters to gov-

In on the action Most debt issued by Asheville and Buncombe County is snapped up by large institutions such as banks and investment companies. However, although the process isn’t as simple as buying stocks online, area residents are able to invest in local government bonds as well.

The easiest way to get involved, says Buncombe County Finance Director Don Warn, is to approach a broker after the bonds are initially sold and purchase them on the secondary market. Buncombe’s debt comes in $5,000 increments, and some will come due every year through 2035. Full details will be available through the Electronic Municipal Market Access website at avl.mx/70d.

Asheville bonds will be sold on the secondary market as well, with details on individual offerings available through EMMA at avl.mx/70e. City Chief Financial Officer Barbara Whitehorn says Asheville is also

ASHEVILLE-AREA

EATS & DRINKS

working with citizen investors who want to buy municipal debt directly. Those interested must have an account with Bank of America, which is managing the city’s bond issue, and should contact treasurer Doug Whitman at dwhitman@ ashevillenc.gov or 828-259-5502.

Asheville resident Mike Edwards says he has two reasons for wanting to purchase the city’s bonds. The first is safety: As he nears retirement, he says, “The stock market scares me to death,” while bonds offer a lower but guaranteed return.

The second, Edwards adds, is his love of the city. Having moved to Asheville from Marion 10 years ago, he appreciates both the vibrancy of a growing downtown and the need for funding to support it.

“Investing in the city where you live is where it’s at, I think,” he says.

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ASHEVILLE ARCHIVES ernments that do not keep at least 8% of their annual general fund income as unassigned fund balance; Asheville’s policy is to keep a reserve of at least 15%, and the balance currently sits at around 18%, or approximately $24 million for fiscal year 2019-20.

“If we were to have a major disaster that brought down some critical city operation and we weren’t bringing in our normal revenue, we would have that nest egg, if you will, to take care of operations,” Whitehorn says. “We could still do all of the things we need to do on a day-to-day basis until we could get operations back up and running.”

Warn notes that Buncombe County shares a similar philosophy regarding its general fund reserves, which are also recommended by policy to remain above 15% (roughly $48 million in the current fiscal year). “In the event that the bottom falls out and we have a major recession, we still want to be able to offer services,” he says. “That’s what you have a healthy fund balance for; it’s not just for credit ratings.”

LOAN ARRANGERS Buncombe and Asheville leaders both say that debt plays a key role in spreading out the cost of projects, allowing them to spend manageable amounts of money in any given fiscal year. As time goes on, both governments hope to continue regular bond-issuing programs to meet ongoing capital needs.

Warn estimates that the county will issue at least $17 million of debt per year into the foreseeable future to cover capital projects for Buncombe County Schools alone. Bond amounts for other government projects, he says, will depend on needs identified by a new facility study for which the county is currently evaluating 11 potential contractors.

Asheville is still issuing bonds for the $74 million in debt authorized by voters in 2016, but Whitehorn emphasizes that more money is necessary to cover approximately $330 million in capital projects requested by city departments through fiscal year 2024. In a City Council budget session last April, she advocated that the city institute regular bond issues to fund those needs.

“We need a program that has recurring bonds to really get to a financially sustainable place and a place where we can get streets and sidewalks being resurfaced often enough,” Whitehorn says about Asheville’s current situation.

“But we also have to be cognizant of the impact on taxpayers, and that’s a policy decision for Council to determine.” X

by Thomas Calder | tcalder@mountainx.com

‘Fellow citizens’ Helen Morris Lewis fights for women’s suffrage, 1894 “One of the great questions of the day is that of woman’s suffrage,” wrote The Asheville Daily Citizen on Nov. 14, 1894.

The topic, the paper continued, “has probably never been thoroughly presented and discussed in Asheville.” But as the editorial quickly pointed out, this was soon to change: resident Helen Morris Lewis and her South Carolina colleague Floride Cunningham were scheduled to hold a public talk at the county courthouse the following evening.

Turnout was “surprisingly good,” the Daily Citizen wrote in its Nov. 16 edition. The event attracted men and women alike and featured introductory remarks

by Asheville Mayor Thomas W. Patton.

Following Patton’s brief comments, Lewis spoke. Her words made a strong impression on the paper, which reported: “It is very seldom that audiences in Asheville are addressed by a lady as ‘fellow citizens.’ That was the beginning of Miss Lewis’ address and it sounded well.”

The article went on to summarize much of Lewis’ points, writing: “It aroused within the speaker intense indignation to think of the stupendous differences in the positions of men and women. A woman may hold the highest position in the schools, and her property may be taxed to pay her salary, and yet she is not nearly so well paid as man. The women who are most injured by the present laws are those whose lives are spent in drudgery, and it should be the duty and the glory of those who have the time and opportunity to help those who are so grievously oppressed.”

Contemporaneous rebuttals to the suffrage movement framed women as intellectually unsuited to vote. According to the Daily Citizen, Lewis countered these assumptions by naming some of the world’s leading female thinkers. Despite their contributions, she noted, men typically cast these women as exceptions to an otherwise inferior sex. “The world likes to ridicule us by calling attention to such anomalies as Dr. Mary Walker and Victoria Woodhull,” she declared.

But these women, Lewis continued (along with Susan B. Anthony and Frances E. Willard, both of whom she subsequently named), “will lead to victory the great downtrodden army.”

When not questioning women’s smarts, opponents of the movement pointed to

Help Support your Local, Small Businesses

Follow us on social media for updates SUFFRAGIST: In 1894, nearly 50 years after women began demanding the right to vote, Asheville resident Helen Morris Lewis organized the state’s first official committee to help advance the movement. Portrait courtesy of Clint McCrory; special thanks to Lynne Joshi the unruly nature of politics itself as a reason to keep women clear of the process.

According to the paper, Lewis rebuked this argument, as well. “The speaker said women who work for their living are daily subjected to more indignities than they would be in going to the polls,” the Daily Citizen wrote.

Cunningham also addressed the crowd, although fewer details were provided about the visiting speaker’s oration. However, the Daily Citizen did note Cunningham’s assertion that if women could cast ballots, “the polling places would not be like cold barns.”

At the article’s conclusion, the paper predicted that those who attended the event “went home thinking more, probably, on the question of woman’s suffrage than they had ever done.”

On Nov. 21, 1894 — four days after the public forum — the Daily Citizen reported that a committee had been formed in Asheville to advance the women’s suffragist movement. Its president was Helen Morris Lewis.

Next week’s Asheville Archives will look at the city’s reaction to the committee.

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

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KIDS ISSUE 2020 We’re back with Part 2 of this year’s Kids Issue, Xpress’ annual celebration of the creative talents of our local K-12 students. This year, we asked kids and teens to submit art and writing on the theme of “My Big Adventure” — either a real one or an entirely imaginary journey. About 330 submissions of art, photos, poetry, essays and short fiction poured in from students around the region.

Although we could not include all the wonderful entries we received, we hope you’ll enjoy this peek into the minds of our young people with work that is by turns bold, thoughtful, surprising, colorful, fun and inspiring. And be sure to check out our summer camp listings that begin on Page 15. Let the adventures begin! — Xpress staff X

Foraging

Loving you

The day was lovely. The sky was a rich hue of blue, with not a single cloud in the sunny sky. Underneath, in Asheville, a car was driving on a gravel road to an unknown destination, through the vast expanse of forest. In that car, a Chrysler to be exact, was a family of four. An 8-yearold girl named Amelia, the main character in our story, wondered if they were lost.

Fast forward several minutes, and they’re standing in a dense forest, car parked on the side of the narrow gravel road, waiting. Soon, a car pulled up with a man in the front seat and woven grass baskets and harvesting knives in the parallel seat. He was their foraging guide, a guide who helps with identifying edible plants and mushrooms. They soon started, after they introduced themselves to the man.

He gave each of them a woven basket, and they started on their way.

Soon, many edible mushrooms and plants later, they came across the jewel of the woods — “A 10-pound chicken of the woods mushroom!” the man exclaimed.

He told the family to bring the goldencolored mushroom (filled to the brim with worms and bugs) to a local restaurant, and the chefs would cook it for them. The family did just that! The waiters placed the mushrooms on the table, steamed and filled with heaps of butter and herbs.

The family of four dug in, even the little 4-year-old sister (which should tell you something).

Suddenly, they all stopped in their tracks. This food tasted like​home.​Not the food from Miami where they lived, but the

Obstacles and adventures are what I get when I love you.

Whenever we take walks or are just playing, you throw me new trials.

It’s never the same with your 2-year-old shenanigans.

You’re always loud and rough even when I don’t need you to be.

You throw me experiences that I never knew I needed.

Your personality, your ways of doing things and especially just being with you.

I love you, Davi and everything you do to give me a little spark in life.

For my nephew, Davi.

— Daniela Pichardo Eighth grade Rugby Middle School

Our big adventure THE REBEL: Skye Zhong, an 11th grade student at Asheville School, offered up this dynamic work. food from Asheville. They all looked each other in the eyes. The wilderness and the food all amounted to something special, and that was home. They made a decision: We are going to move here.

— Amelia Lopez Sixth grade Carolina Day School

One day, Gwyneth woke up as a hamster, and Mary woke up as a cat ... and so the adventure began.

Cat wanted to go to the moon, so he built a rocket ship and went to the moon.

He went up and up. Then he landed on the moon. He was very tired, so he went to sleep.

When he woke up, he was hungry. He had packed a hamster to eat, but it was too sweet, so they became friends. They explored the moon. They put a flag on the moon that said, “First Cat and Hamster on the Moon.”

Soon they explored the whole moon, so they got into the rocket ship and set the

OUR BIG ADVENTURE: Asheville Waldorf School student Gwyneth Tuck illustrated the tale of two friends who embark on an amazing journey. location to Hawaii. But it didn’t start. So the cat looked in his book and he found that if he mixed mushed carrots and hamster pee, it could make fuel. So they started to Hawaii.

On the way there, they roasted marshmallows. Hamster said, “I wish we could roast marshmallow every night.” Cat said, “We can when we get to Hawaii. We can camp on the beach and roast marshmallows every night.” “That sounds fun,” said Hamster.

At last they got to Hawaii. They were hungry because they ate all of their food

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on the moon. So they went to a restaurant. They ordered sushi in the restaurant.

They saw a flyer that said: “Surfing classes.” Cat said to Hamster, “What if we take surfing classes?” “Yes,” said Hamster. So they signed up.

The next day, they went to the place that had surfing classes. The instructor said, “Pick a surfboard.” The cat picked a board that had a fish on it. The hamster picked a board that had an umbrella. The instructor helped them find a big wave. He taught them some moves. They surfed for a while, then the sun started to go down.

They packed up and went to their camp and roasted marshmallows. They talked about surfing until their fire went out.

Then they went to sleep, happy.

— Mary Donovan Fourth grade Asheville Waldorf School

China I’ve had a dream to go to this place since I was very young. I want to feel the soft soil of its grasslands and the rough stones of its mountains and cities. I want to taste the mouthwatering foods cooked right in front of you. I have always looked at China in

DAYDREAM: Sixth grader Naomi Mulder of Evergreen Charter School offered up this detailed work. magazines and read about it in books and have always been curious of its secrets.

I have learned about the Great Wall of China, but never the intricate details

of how it was made with such primitive materials and techniques. The Great Wall took over 2,000 years to complete and the most recent segment added was by the Ming Dynasty in 1644. It takes approximately 18 months to walk the whole thing, and that’s what I plan to do. Ever since I watched the episode of River Monsters, based in China, I have always wanted to trek deep into the mountains and find a fishing spot to catch the wildest fish possible.

I have talked to my mom about how I want to go to China and walk the wall and explore the mountains. She says that she wants to come with me and support me through my journey. I have had this vision since I was about 7, and she has always said I could do it if I put my mind to it (when I’m older).

I plan to work on a fishing boat for enough years to make a sufficient amount of money for my voyage. I want to go to college for marine biology to have on my resume for my charter fishing business. I truly believe that my time in the mountains will be a space for peaceful relaxation and stress relief. I have seen the city life in New York City and Chicago, but I have always wanted to see the biggest thriving

cities in the world. This has been my fantasy since I was 7 years old.

— Finn Pagliaro Eighth grade Evergreen Community Charter School

The treacherous Mount Plot Graph Today, I have been called upon to go on a treacherous journey. My teacher told me I have to climb the tallest mountain in the world. It’s called Mount Plot Graph.

I’m not quite sure what to bring since I’m not a climber, but I’m pretty sure I’ll have to bring my computer, its charger and a knife to cut through writer’s block.

I’m nervous. What if I don’t make it?

Will I get a late grade? I remind myself that I can’t panic, for if I do, I’ll surely fall and slip all the way back down. I don’t want to have to set up the scene and backstory again. At this point, I know I can’t fall.

I start to climb, throwing up my charger and wrapping around a comma, and pull myself up. My teacher starts to have second thoughts, but I’m too close to give up.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

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ADVENTURE AFTER ADVENTURE: Fourth graders Giuliana Sparacino and Rileigh Savoy of ArtSpace Charter School collaborated on this drawing and accompanying story.

In this scene, “Rileigh gets too close to the portal and gets sucked in. And that’s how we start our adventure!”

I can already feel the elevation sickness. I must be getting close. My feet are as hard to move as anvils, so I’m going to have to rest at the nearest campsite. To get up there, I’ll have to clip myself onto a rope, so if I get hit by writer’s block, I won’t fall all the way down. It’s dangerous up here; any loud noises near me could result in a writer’s worst fear — grammatical errors.

I finally get to the camp to see a tent with some warm food waiting for me. I fall asleep in it, but I’m rudely awakened by some grumpy person yelling at me for “Sleeping in my tent!” and “Eating all of my food!” Well, now it’s nine o’clock, I have nowhere to sleep, I’m having second thoughts of doing this, and my feet are killing me, so I’m just going to take the convenient elevator up to the top.

The view is amazing, but I’m already kind of bored, so I take the water slide to the bottom. I know I’m going to get a lecture on the convenience of the elevator and slide, so I’m just going to stop here.

Bye! — Cooper Green Sixth grade Carolina Day School

One adventure after another One day Rileigh and I were taking a hike … and we found a box-shaped egg.

We grabbed a stick and broke it. We figured out what it was. It was a portal!

Rileigh got too close and got sucked into it. I followed her into it. When we stopped screaming, we looked around.

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We saw mountains and hills, rivers and valleys, and two big eggs were in front of us. They started cracking, and what came out of the eggs was two little dragons!

Rileigh’s dragon was white with sparkles. Mine was all black. After a few hours of playing with the dragons, we got hungry and we saw some fruit in some bushes. But what we didn’t know was that there was someone else watching us. And that he poisoned the fruit!

I ate some fruit. I started to get all floppy like water. “What’s happening?”

“So Giuliana … that fruit was poisoned,” Rileigh said.

“WHAT!?!?” I yelled. “Help me, please!”

In one hour, I was back to normal.

But we didn’t know who had done it.

We decided to go look. After a while, we found a black castle on a hill. We took our dragons up to the castle and we saw a man. Suddenly he turned around, and he looked worried about seeing us there. He threw a rock and it missed us.

The dragons started flying uncontrollably! They hit him. He fell unconscious. I told Rileigh that we should get back to the portal. We didn’t want to risk anything.

When we got back, we found out that it was all a dream!

— Giuliana Sparacino and Rileigh Savoy Fourth grade ArtSpace Charter School

KI D S C A M P L IS T IN G S The first hints of spring in the air mean summer isn’t far away. With adults and kids alike yearning to get outside, perusing Xpress’ listings of summer activities provides a tantalizing peek at our area’s many options. Campers may play in the pool, do battle with foam armaments, ride horses, hunt for crawfish in a creek, sing around a campfire, shoot arrows, paddle kayaks and canoes — the choices are nearly endless.

These days, summer isn’t only about the great outdoors. It’s also a time to sharpen up and get ahead with learning that goes beyond the classroom. Local camps offer enrichment activities that include working in a STEAM lab, coding apps, engineering with Legos and taking a new approach to chemistry — in the kitchen.

With 135 listings of camps representing more organizations than ever before, your family is sure to find the perfect fit for warm-weather fun throughout the spring and summer. Oh, to be a kid again...

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

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Grades 1-12 Coed Experience private instruction, master classes, group ensembles, Theoryin-Action courses, music electives (dance, songwriting, singing, percussion) and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $370, registration by May 15: $340. $50 sibling discount Asheville • 254-7841 • avl.mx/6y9 • info@ academyforthearts.org July 6-10

ARTEMIS ARCHERY — ADVENTURE DAY CAMP

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Ages 8-12 Coed Pro archery instruction, wilderness skills and the award-winning ‘radKIDS’ program. The nation’s leading empowerment and realistic self-defense course, teaching skills to recognize, avoid, resist and if necessary escape violence or harm in their lives. Learn self-reliance while having fun. Activities include: fire-building, map and compass, s’mores, plant ID, water purification and more all on the shady banks of the Swanannoa River.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $325, sibling discount available.

Asheville • 318-9518 • avl.mx/4qt June 22-26, June 29July 3, July 20-24, July 27-31, Aug. 10-14

your friends and family. 8:30 a.m.-noon. Cost: $135/week.

Swannanoa • 581-2202 • avl.mx/6y7 • terry.hughes@ ashevillechristian.org July 13-17

ASHEVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY – CAMP INVENTION

ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM — SUMMER ART CAMP

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Rising Grades K-12 Coed Summer Art Camp held in our bright, new and spacious studio. Sessions include drawing, painting, mixed media and more. Classes are age-appropriate. Registration includes admission to the museum and all materials.

Morning, afternoon or all-day sessions. All-day students have a supervised lunch break. Morning session: 9 a.m.-noon. Afternoon session: 1-4 p.m. Cost per week, half-day: members, $105; nonmembers, $115. Cost per week, full day: members, $180; nonmembers, $195.

After-care and financial aid are available.

Asheville • 253-3227 • avl.mx/4qj June 15-Aug. 3

ASHEVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY – BEGINNER UKULELE

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Rising Grades K-6 Coed A hands-on class full of music and creating. Take your instrument home at the end of camp and play for

Rising Grades K-6 Coed Unmask your child’s creativity through handson STEM activities that build collaboration and creative problem-solving skills. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $235/week.

Swannanoa • 581-2202 • avl.mx/6y8 • terry.hughes@ ashevillechristian.org July 13-17

ASHEVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY – MATH WONDERS

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Rising Grades 3-5 Coed Learn basic math skills in a fun, hands-on environment.

Skills taught include multiplication, fractions, 2D & 3D shapes and vocabulary. 8:30 a.m.noon. Cost: $100/week.

Swannanoa • 581-2202 • avl.mx/6y7 July 20-23

ASHEVILLE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY – MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP

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Rising Grades 2-6 Coed Explore all aspects of the stage as you become actors,

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MY PERSONAL BUBBLE: Asheville Middle School seventh grader Isadora Turner produced this tranquil scene.

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A proper mission

Myrtle Beach

Two years ago, my parents said we are going to England and doing a 100-mile hike for our winter holiday. My brother and I were excited. I went to school and told my friends about the trip. I clearly was excited, so even the kids who thought that wouldn’t be too fun didn’t yuck my yum. At soccer practice it was a different story; most of the kids there said, “And that’s going to be your present?”

We hiked from Eastbourne to Winchester in the southeast of England; it took us nine days with a rest day in the middle. We would hike 9-15 miles a day.

A typical day would start by waking up at 7:30 a.m. and going to the breakfast room of the cozy B&B. The host would usually bring us each some tea and 16 pieces of toast. (I’m not kidding.) We had to tell them to give us just four pieces of toast. I love the big British breakfast ’cause I’m a breakfast type of guy.

The sun didn’t rise until about 8 a.m., so we would start hiking by 9 a.m. We would start by hiking up the ridge and staying up there for the whole day. At around 11 a.m., we would have Hobnobs, a British cookie with oats covered in chocolate. Often we would look down at the cities and say, “That’s where we are going, and that’s the coast.” We could see forever.

Around 1 p.m., we would eat lunch. We would have some leftovers from breakfast and cheese, meat and crackers. We also enjoyed several weird flavors of chips, such as fig and lime chili. At the end of the hike each day, I loved looking from the ridge down at the town where we would be staying that night and seeing where we had hiked from, too.”

— Jovi Locasio Sixth grade Omega Middle School

I want to go to Myrtle Beach, S.C. I will swim in the water, and I will go fishing. I might see an alligator, and I might see a turtle. It will take six hours to get to Myrtle Beach. It will be good.

— Liam Mende Second grade Odyssey Community School

Topophilia I feel like I can’t take another step. I’ve been backpacking for years, and I have never felt so dreadful. Joints throbbing, back aching — it might have been the worst pain I’ve ever experienced.

I had no idea it would be this excruciating and exhausting. My 40-pound backpack was rubbing on the 14 yellow jacket stings I had on my arms and back. The whole group was waiting at the top of a hill for me to catch up to them. I felt so guilty that I was holding them back. The other kids just couldn’t understand what I was going through. I felt so out of place, even though these trails were so familiar to me.

It’s now six months after that backpacking trip at Camp Celo, and now I know that it was the most eye-opening and fun experience I’ve had so far. All the time I spent crying while hiking, and the terrible pain I had, was now so worth it to spend three weeks in the backcountry making the best friends ever.

I proved to myself that I was stronger than something setting me back.

Experiences like these are what have shaped me to be the person I am today.

— Azalea Forest Eighth grade Evergreen Community Charter School

designers and producers.

At the end of the second session, students perform a musical. 1-4:30 p.m.

Cost: $275/two weeks.

Swannanoa • 581-2202 • avl.mx/6y7 • terry.hughes@ ashevillechristian.org July 20-24 & 27-31

ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY MOVEMENT: MOVERS AND SHAKERS SUMMER CAMP

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Raising Grades K-6 Coed Gymnastics, soccer, archery, painting, fire-starting, gardening with swimming and other optional field trips.

Weekly themes include: World of Hogwarts, Folk Art and Wild Crafting or Gymnastics.

8 a.m-6 p.m. or 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $90-$275/week Asheville • 254-6060 • avl.mx/4s1 • office@ ashevillecommunitymovement. com June 1-Aug. 15

ASHEVILLE COMMUNITY THEATRE — TANGLEWOOD SUMMER CAMP

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Ages 5-17 Coed Well-suited for any child interested in exploring the world of theater. Voted the “Best Visual or Performing Arts Camp,” in Mountain Xpress’ reader poll. 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. Cost: $400/2 weeks.

Asheville • 254-1320 • avl.mx/4nf • chanda@ ashevilletheatre.org June 15-25; July 13-24

ASHEVILLE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER — CAMP GESHER

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Raising grades 6-8 Coed Explore responsibility in a fun and empowering atmosphere.

Participate in a hike, a field trip, an overnight and a service project. 8:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. Cost: $300/week.

Asheville • 253-0701 • avl.mx/4nh • daniel@ jcc-asheville.org June 8-Aug. 7

ASHEVILLE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER — CAMP RUACH

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Raising Grades 1-5 Coed Open to all backgrounds and cultures,we emphasize creating lasting friendships, developing great memories and building a better world.

Engage in activities like archery and field games, nearly daily swim lessons, as well as weekly field trips.

Each week concludes with a special lunch and Shabbat celebration. 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Cost: $280/week.

Asheville • 253-0701 • avl.mx/4nh • daniel@ jcc-asheville.org June 8-Aug. 7

ASHEVILLE JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER — CAMP TIKVAH & GESHER TIKVAH

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Raising Grades 1-8 Coed Children on the autism spectrum enjoy the fun and community in an individually monitored and highly structured

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program. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Cost: $355-$400/week.

Asheville • 253-0701 • avl.mx/4nh • daniel@ jcc-asheville.org June 8-Aug. 7

ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE (AMOS) — STEM CAMPS

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Age 5-8 Coed Hands-on activities in STEAM-infused programming, outdoor recreation (including swimming at the UNC Asheville pool) and more.

Themes include: Into Space & Beyond, Cooking with Science, STEAM It Up, Future Makers, Science of Sports and The Land Before Time.

9 a.m.-noon or 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: Member: $135/week for half day and $275/week for full day. Nonmember: $150/week for half-day and $300/week for full day.

Extended Care: $50/week.

Asheville • 254-7162 • avl.mx/6wj • edu@ ashevillescience.org June 15-Aug. 7

ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE (AMOS) — STEM CAMPS

are arrangements of pop and rock tunes from bands such as Queen, Taylor Swift, Mumford and Sons, Lorde and more. . 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $300 with sibling discounts Asheville • 252-6244 • avl.mx/6wn • programs@ ashevillemusicschool.org Aug. 3-7

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Age 9-13 Coed Hands-on activities in STEAM-infused programming, outdoor recreation (including swimming at the UNC Asheville pool) and more.

Themes include: Into Space & Beyond, Cooking with Science, STEAM It Up, Future Makers, Science of Sports and The Land Before Time.

9 a.m.-noon or 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: Member: $135/week for half day and $275/week for full day. Nonmember: $150/week for half-day and $300/week for full day.

Extended Care: $50/week.

Asheville • 254-7162 • avl.mx/6wj • edu@ ashevillescience.org June 15-Aug. 7

ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL — FIDDLE CAMP

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ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL — CHOIR CAMP

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Ages 14-18 Coed Experience what it’s like to sing cooperatively with a group of peers. Selections

Ages 7-12 Coed Learn to comp harmonies while your neighbor takes a turn on the melody. Classic Appalachian and Celtic fiddle tunes, plus crossover American styles, including blues and ragtime, establishing roots of musical joy that lasts a lifetime. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $190 with sibling discounts Asheville • 252-6244 • avl.mx/6wn • programs@ ashevillemusicschool.org June 8-12

m er m u S r u O ol Year! r o o h f c

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104 Peachtree Rd, Asheville, NC • 828-505-7920 discoveryasheville.com @discoveryashevillemontessori

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MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

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They can’t stop us all We loaded onto the sandy bay, awaiting our commands.

The wind blew in painfully into our faces, the sand slithered beneath our feet.

Thoughts whizzed by as our minds drifted to a whole ’nother dimension The crunch of our boots only muffled the voices in our heads.

Today was the day, Sept. 20, 2019.

Today was the day we would find out the secrets that were kept from us.

Today we would fight for the freedom of others.

We had hoped it would not come to this, but we had to figure out the secret beneath us.

I stepped into a line of my fellow friends, we knew some were not going home.

I tried to think about my children and my wife, but the thought left before it came, and before I know it, we were marching to our fates.

I feel the presence of unknown lifeforms just waiting to be free from this jail the government imprisoned them unjustly in.

But I feel something else, a sharp pain one might say, I look down but see nothing.

Then it hits me, it’s not physical pain, it’s mental.

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… I wake up, the sun has fallen behind the clifftops, I do not see any of my comrades.

All alone I sit in a vast plain of nothing but sand.

I doze off again, this time I don’t wake up.

— Elijah Wharton Sixth grade Carolina Day School

Going to Japan

THE GOAT’S BIG ADVENTURE: Nine-year-old Sophia of Montessori Elementary School of Asheville drew this colorful work, writing: “This goat is taking a dip in the ocean. The sloths are watching the goat swim.”

I feel my heart pounding against my chest, my brain is twisting like a tangled swing.

I’m like a fish out of water just waiting to be put out of my misery.

I get pushed aside by my fellow friends, there I am, the only one.

I hold back my tears, trying not coward back in fear, I start running to my demise,

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catching up to the others. All at once, we raise our arms behind us in a V shape.

We all ran until we saw it, there it stood, the prison of space and time. Area 51.

We lock onto the building, splitting up into groups.

I run and run until I pass out engulfing a mouthful of sand …

I went to Japan. When I got there, it was so amazing. I went skiing with my daddy and soaked in an onsen, a Japanese hot spring, with my mama.

When I was skiing with my daddy, I took a couple falls, but I still had fun.

Japan has lots of snow, and on the hill, it usually gets flat light.

When I was in Japan, I saw a lot of mountains. There were all so cool.

I learned something in Japan. Places are so different than you think because Japan was a whole new experience for me.

— Beatrix Gaddy Second grade Odyssey Community School

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ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL — HARRY POTTER-THEMED SUZUKI VIOLIN CAMP

1 p.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $190 with sibling discounts Asheville • 252-6244 • avl.mx/6wn • programs@ ashevillemusicschool.org July 13-24

Ages 4-12 Coed Two Harry Potter-themed violin camps, one for beginners and one for intermediate students.

Students are transported into the world of Harry Potter with a sorting hat, personally chosen wand, quidditch, games, decorations and tons of fun. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. or 9 a.m.-noon Cost: $190-$350 with sibling discounts.

Asheville • 252-6244 • avl.mx/6wn • programs@ ashevillemusicschool.org July 20-31

ASHEVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION — THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SUMMER ENRICHMENT CAMP

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ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL — MUSIC EXPLORATIONS CAMP

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Ages 4-6 Coed Young beginners explore music, sound, rhythm and various instruments in a fun and encouraging group setting. 9 a.m.-noon or 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $190 with sibling discounts.

Asheville • 252-6244 • avl.mx/6wn • programs@ ashevillemusicschool.org June 8-26

ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL — ROCK & POP SUMMER CAMPS

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Ages 9-18 Coed Learn and perform in small and large group settings.

Supportive and collaborative music environment. Field trips, instrument making and other age-appropriate activities. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $350, with sibling discounts.

Asheville • 252-6244 • avl.mx/6wn • programs@ ashevillemusicschool.org June 1-July 10

ASHEVILLE MUSIC SCHOOL — UKELELE CAMP

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Ages 4-6 Coed Uke camp is a chance for your child to jam with other kids.

Learn to play the ukulele, sing popular songs together and perform on the last day of camp. No experience necessary. 9 a.m.-noon or

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Ages 6-18 Coed Youth and teens with mild to moderate cognitive or developmental delays who meet eligibility requirements.

Activities include group games, arts and crafts, nature exploration, special events and field trips. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $50 per week for first child, $40 per week for siblings.

City of Asheville residents receive a $10 discount.

Asheville • 232-4529 • avl.mx/4og • tprogram@ ashevillenc.gov June 8-Aug. 14

ASHEVILLE PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY – MUSICAL WORKSHOPS

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art of Irish dance. Perfect for Irish dancers of all ages and skill levels, broken into divisions based on experience.

At the end of the week, a small performance is held for family and friends. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $250 Asheville • 253-4000 • avl.mx/6xc June 29-July 3

ASHEVILLE PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY — MUSICAL THEATRE INTENSIVE

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Raising Grades 1-8 Coed Dive deep into the world of musical theater with Broadway's Jeffrey Scott Bailey. Broaden your skills and learn about the various aspects of the arts. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $350 Asheville • 253-4000 • avl. mx/5sb • admin@theapaa.com June 17-Aug. 5

ASHEVILLE SCHOOL OF FILM — YOUTH SUMMER FILMMAKING EXPERIENCE

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Grades 1-8 Coed Play theater games, workshop a musical and bring the arts to life. Themes include Moana (June 22-26), Disney Villains (July 20-24), Little Mermaid (July 27-31), Frozen (August 3-7). 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Cost: $275/week Asheville • 253-4000 • avl. mx/5sa • admin@theapaa.com various

Ages 13-18 Coed Learn about filmmaking as a career while making a highquality group film then view the film at a local theater on the big screen. 1:30-5:30 p.m. Cost: $525/two weeks Asheville • 844-2853456 • avl.mx/4nk • ashevilleschooloffilm@ gmail.com June 8-19, July 1324, Aug. 3-14

ASHEVILLE PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY — BEAUTY AND THE BEAST JR.

BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS — JEDI ARTS CAMP

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Grades 1-12 Coed Produce Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Jr. Take a production from beginning to end,s including building the sets, costumes and props.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $450 Asheville • 253-4000 • theapaa.com/beauty • admin@theapaa.com July 6-17

ASHEVILLE PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY — CARPENTER IRISH DANCE ASHEVILLE– MOANA WEEK

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Grade 1 and up Coed Bring to life Disney's popular movie, Moana through the

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Ages 8-12 Coed Learn basic lightsaber skills, explore planets and use the force to defend the Black Mountain Center for the Arts against the Evil Galactic Empire. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (early drop-off and late pickup available). Cost: $255/week with discounts available.

Black Mountain • 669-0930 • avl.mx/4rv • info@BlackMountainArts.org June 29-July 3

BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS — SUMMER SENSATION

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Ages 3-9 Coed Five themed half-day camps feature creative movement,

music and crafts. Each week culminates with an informal performance on Friday. Weekly themes, arts activities, fun and friendship.

9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $135/week with discounts available.

Black Mountain • 669-0930 • avl.mx/4rv • info@BlackMountainArts.org June 22-July 31

BLACK MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR THE ARTS — WIZARDING WORLD CAMP

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Ages 8-12 Coed Your letter has come, and it’s time to pack for Hogwarts.

Witches and Wizards learn spells, make potions and create magical treats.

Grab your broomstick and head to platform 9¾ to leave your muggle life behind. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (early drop-off and late pickup available). Cost: $255/week with discounts available.

Black Mountain • 669-0930 • avl.mx/4rv • info@BlackMountainArts.org Aug. 3-7

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE — ARCSTRONG: INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF WELDING

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Rising Grades 9-12 Coed An introduction to the world of welding with an emphasis on gas metal arc welding (MIG) and plasma cutting.

Bring lunch and water. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $100.

Flat Rock • 694-1712 • avl.mx/4p6 • summer-camps@ blueridge.edu June 16 at Brevard High School or June 23 at Blue Ridge Community College

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE — COOL. AUTOMOTIVE. REPAIR: INTRODUCTION TO THE WORLD OF AUTOMOBILES

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Rising Grades 7-9 Coed Explore the basics of automotive maintenance through a review of car design, roadside safety and basic car care. Handson lab activities including a Pit-Crew challenge.

Bring lunch and water. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $100.

Flat Rock • 694-1712 • avl.mx/4p6 • summer-camps@ blueridge.edu June 29 or 30

lunch and water. 9 a.m.3 p.m. Cost: $150.

Flat Rock • 694-1712 • avl.mx/4p6 • summer-camps@ blueridge.edu June 15-17

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE — GAME CREATOR SUMMER WORKSHOP

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE — YOUNG ENGINEERS EXPERIENCE: STEM CAMP

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Rising Grades 9-12 Coed Learn a generalized workflow in game creation, receive an introduction to Game Engines and learn how to design a game. Build the main character, develop the level and play. End up with a fully playable game.

Bring lunch and water. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $100.

Flat Rock • 694-1712 • avl.mx/4p6 • summer-camps@ blueridge.edu June 15-18; June 22-25

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE — SCREENX: FILMMAKING AND ACTING CAMP

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Raising 9-June graduates Coed Choose Acting Track or Production Track. Work together to make short movies, receive mentoring from guest filmmakers and actors. Exclusive film screenings and Q&A sessions with film professionals. Lunch provided. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cost: $200 Flat Rock • 694-1712 • avl.mx/6wf • summer-camps@ blueridge.edu June 15-18

BLUE RIDGE COMMUNITY COLLEGE — SHARK TANK: THE WORLD OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

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Rising Grades 9-12 Coed Explore what it takes to start a successful business in a fast-paced and fun atmosphere. Learn idea formation, decision making, business modeling, marketing, planning and presentation skills. Present to a panel of Sharks. Bring MOUNTAINX.COM

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Rising Grades 7-9 Coed Introduction to the exciting world of engineering with hands-on lab experiments in electronics and AutoCAD, as well as team design projects and competitions in robotics and bridge building.

Bring lunch and water. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $200.

Flat Rock • 694-1712 • avl.mx/4p6 • summer-camps@ blueridge.edu June 15-18 at Blue Ridge Community College (HVL) OR June 22-25 at Blue Ridge Community College (Brevard)

BRICKS 4 KIDZ — LEGO ENGINEERING & ROBOTICS CAMPS

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Ages 5-13 Coed Kids participate in themed building activities including motorized Lego projects, Lego mosaics, 3D builds, crafts and many other engineering stations. Choose from popular kid favorite themes or Lego robotics.

9 a.m.-noon or 1-4 p.m. Cost: $135/half-day session week.

Asheville • 606-4827 • avl.mx/4nl • wland@ bricks4kidz.com June 8-Aug. 7

BUDO MOUNTAIN MARTIAL ARTS — NATURE ADVENTURES DAY CAMP

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Rising Grades K-5 Coed Active nature lovers enjoy themes from nature and based on martial arts principles.

9 a.m.–3 p.m.

Cost: $239/week Asheville • 280-0624 • avl.mx/4ra • info@ budomountain.com June 8-July 24

CAMP CEDAR CLIFF

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Rising Grades 2-10 Coed Spend time outdoors creating adventure.

MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

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Earthly adventure

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

“Do you guys want to go on an adventure?” I asked my little brother, Jonathan, and my neighbor, Asa. They were always bickering at each other, which would get nasty, and being the oldest, I was the one who had to break up the fights. Today I was trying to avoid that happening.

“Sure,” Asa replied.

“OK, Asa, could you get a plastic bag?”

I don’t like using plastic bags since climate change is a big problem, but today we definitely needed one.

While Asa ran home to get the bag, I took my brother’s hand and went down the slope next to his house and to the drainage pipe stream that went behind his house. We had been down there quite a few times and seen so much trash, but never had we actually decided to put it somewhere else. Sliding down into the mud pit, I grabbed on to a long, twirly vine to stop myself. Soon, Asa joined us.

“OK, I was thinking today we could find trash in the stream. That includes glass, plastic bottles and anything else that doesn’t belong here. In a little while, we can go up the creek and look for more.

What should our goal be?” I said.

“How about at least one bag full?” Asa suggested.

“Do you think that sounds good, J.J.?” I asked, trying to include my brother.

“Yeah,” Jonathan said, not knowing what he was talking about.

“Let’s get to it!” I shoved my hands into the freezing cold water and looked for something smooth and clear.

“I got something!” I exclaimed, pulling out a Hershey’s chocolate milkshake bottle that was flat and smushed. It felt really good to put that plastic bottle in the trash, to get it out of that small stream where it had probably been lying for years.

By the time we had to go home, we had filled t​ wo whole bags!​They contained lots of glass, plastic bottles and wet paper. At the end of our adventure, we all felt like we had accomplished something really big, and we certainly had.

— Sydney Mark Sixth grade Francine Delaney

My big camping adventure Wow, this is so cool! I am out in the woods backpacking with my aunt. (This is my first time!) First, it’s my job to find firewood and get water from the river while my aunt sets up the tent.

Then I hear something in the woods while my aunt is over by the river washing some stuff so we can cook dinner. I look around in the woods expecting to find a bear, but I see a little baby bunny in the woods scared to death. I walk over slowly 20

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SUNSET CLIFFS: Kinsey Parker, a 10th grader at IC Imagine, painted this watercolor after visiting Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in San Diego. The artist writes: “In the times I feel uneasy or anxious, I imagine myself back at the cliffs watching the sun set below the waves.

It was there that I felt at rest and peaceful.” and see that its leg was stuck under a tree branch. I slowly walked over and lift the branch, and the little bunny scampers away into the woods.

“Hailey, do you want to come play in the river?” asked my aunt. “Yes!” I said back.

I only was allowed to go in some parts of the river because in the other parts of the river there were really strong currents. One rock had a small rock tower.

I was walking over to it, and I stepped down into a hole in the water and the water went to my knees! (I was glad I rolled my pants up!) Then it was time to make mini pizzas for dinner. Yum! What I had to do is light the fire and cook my mini pizza.

It’s time to put all of the extra food in a bear-safe jar and wash our faces in the river. Then we have to put our hiking backpacks in the tent so no animals go through them. We go inside the tent and play a few games of cards, then I suggest that we could go outside and look at the stars. “It’s beautiful,” I said.

The next day it was time to go back home. I was sad that we had to leave, but it was such a fun experience! I think next time I will stay longer for a bigger adventure!

Thanks for reading!

— Hailey Byers Fourth grade North Buncombe Elementary School

Activities include: new rock climbing tower, high ropes, low ropes, group games, swimming, archery, crafts and sports. Sessions begin on Saturday and end on Friday. 3-day, 1-week and 2-week sessions available. Cost: $400, $780 or $1560.

Asheville • 450-3331 • avl.mx/prtq June 13-Aug. 7

CAMP CEDAR CLIFF — DAY CAMP

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Rising Grades K-5 Coed Spend time outdoors in nature creating adventure.

Activities include: new rock climbing tower, group games, swimming, archery, crafts and sports. Cost: $300/week Asheville • 450-3331 • avl.mx/prtq June 15-Aug. 7

CAMP I BE ME! — LIVE YOUR LEGACY SUMMIT

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Raising Grades 10-12 Girls Learn how to (1) turn their passions and ideas into action and step onto their path to a career and life that they love, (2) make valuable connections and partnerships with others, (3) step out of their comfort zone and empower themselves to move forward with what they want as a highlevel leader no matter the challenge, (4) practice self-care that they can use at home and at school to decrease stress and overwhelm. Cost: TBA Cullowhee • 242-9067 • avl.mx/6xz • hmhanshaw@ gmail.com June 14- 20

CAMP INVENTION — CHAMPIONS

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Raising Grades K-6 Coed Trade inventor playing cards, create and play highenergy hover ball games and design and build the ultimate sports complex. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $245 Asheville • 234-901-6085 • avl.mx/6y8 • ktorisky@invent.org June 15-19 at Vance Elementary; July 13-17 Asheville Christian Academy

CAMP INVENTION — DESIGN THINKING PROJECT

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Raising Grades K-6 Coed Learn the value of creativity as you bring ideas to life.

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Athletic Camp

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Day Camp

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Faith Camp

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Academic / Science Camp

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Overnight Camp

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Art Camp

✈ Travel Camp

Become successful innovators, create sketches, build prototypes, design logos and find out how to pitch your invention while protecting your intellectual property. 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $245 Asheville • 234-901-6085 • avl.mx/6y8 • ktorisky@invent.org June 15-19 at Vance Elementary; July 13-17 Asheville Christian Academy

CAMP INVENTION — FLIGHT LAB

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Raising Grades K-6 Coed Learn about flight with gliders, rockets, heliballs and hand copters. Build a cityscape from upcycled materials, navigate planes through a storm and take apart a robot.

9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $245 Asheville • 234-901-6085 • avl.mx/6y8 • ktorisky@invent.org June 15-19 at Vance Elementary; July 13-17 Asheville Christian Academy

CAMP INVENTION — RESCUE SQUAD

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CAMP MUDDY SNEAKERS — CURIOUS CRITTERS

Raising grades K-6 Coed Using teamwork and problemsolving skills, children protect the Earth's ecosystems.

Inspiring activities include creating pods to compete in zip line races, exploring energy conservation, eliminating pollution and helping wildlife in habitats across the country. 9 a.m.3:30 p.m. Cost: $245 Asheville • 234-901-6085 • avl.mx/6y8 • ktorisky@invent.org June 15-19 at Vance Elementary; July 13-17 Asheville Christian Academy

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CAMP KANUGA

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Ages 7-15 Coed Amid mountain vistas, cool streams and towering pines, we cultivate teamwork, friendship, determination, self-reliance, positive selfesteem, faith and spirituality.

Hendersonville • 233-2744 • avl.mx/5ml • psuggs@kanuga.org June 4-Aug. 3

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Ages 4-6 Coed Make crafts, play games, sing songs and observe wildlife. Explore, discover and connect to the natural world. 8:30 a.m.-noon. Cost: $175/week or $45/day.

Hendersonville • 862-5560 • avl.mx/4no • lee@muddysneakers.org June–July

CAMP MUDDY SNEAKERS — NATURE EXPLORERS CAMP Ages 6-8 Coed Observe nature, play games and make nature art. On-site explorations with half-day field trips to DuPont State Forest.

Extended Care available.

Cost: $285/week or $75/day.

Hendersonville • 862-5560 • avl.mx/4no • lee@muddysneakers.org June-August

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CLOUD CITY: Second grader Robert Rosal of Rainbow Community School drew this fanciful work.

Underwater My mom and I put on our scuba diving gear.

“Olivia, is the wetsuit too tight?” my mom asked, adjusting her goggles.

“No, Mom, I’m good.” I slipped into my flippers and lifted my tank.

Once we were ready, we got onto the boat and headed toward a cove. Around 30 minutes later, we arrived.

“It’s so pretty!” I exclaimed, grabbing my waterproof camera to get pictures of the clear water.

“You girls ready?” our instructor asked.

I nodded.

“Let’s go then,” the instructor said, and he slid into the water. My mom and I followed excitedly. As I put my mouthpiece in, I almost stopped breathing. Sea turtles and fish swam everywhere. I snapped millions of pictures. I felt as light as a cloud as I swam around.

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I smiled at my mom. And then I saw it.

There was coral everywhere, in different colors, shapes and sizes. I was taking pictures of my mom when a jellyfish drifted beside me. I quickly moved away in shock.

My heart was racing, but I had to breathe slowly to not take up too much oxygen. I flashed an OK sign at my mom and she smiled.

An hour later, we burst through the top of the water, shivering but exhilarated. We took out our mouthpieces and climbed into the boat.

“Was it fun?” the instructor asked.

“OMG yes!” I yelled happily.

My mom smiled: “It was wonderful, Mr. James.”

“Can we go again?” I asked hopefully.

“Liv,” my mom warned.

“Sorry, Olivia, but we have another group coming in,” Mr. James said.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 24

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MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

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ON THE MOVE: Hall Fletcher Elementary School fifth grader Alexander Raye painted this bold work.

I pouted but took off my wet gear anyway. The boat headed back toward shore and I watched the waves hit the side. Once we arrived back at the beach, we thanked the captain and walked off. I ran through the sand, feeling happy and a little shaky from when I saw a jellyfish float beside me.

“Want to go again sometime?” my mom asked. “Yes!” I said.

She smiled and took my hand. We walked toward the shops beaming brighter than the sun.

— Shiloh Triber Fifth grade Isaac Dickson Elementary

Looking upward I turned 14 a month ago. The imaginative mindset that accompanied me in my early years now trails, barely visible in the dust. I no longer dream of dragons, castles and saviors. Now, much of what I imagine is my future.

The adventure I want to go on is not one I will come back from with only souvenirs and memories to help me reminisce. It is a journey — one that I’m on right now and one that I will stay on until I no longer have the body to stay on it with. The big adventure. The adventure of my life…

A boy reaches out and pushes open a door; he walks into a high school, heading toward his first class. He has red hair. His shoulders lie slumped, and he looks at the ground. It is his first day. He will graduate in four years.

Years later, the same boy stands in a line on a football field with his peers.

He looks around — upward toward the pulsing sun, then sideways toward the bleachers at his family. He adjusts his mortarboard so that the tassel faces ahead. He reaches the front, and his name echoes through the stadium. He takes shaky steps toward the podium, ascends the stairs and is handed his 24

MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

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Ages 12-14 Coed Experience intro-mountain sports while exploring the lakes, rivers, coves and groves of local natural areas and outdoor spaces through exploration and science discovery. Adventures include kayaking, hiking, fly-fishing, rock climbing or swimming hole hikes. Cost: $335/week. Extended Care available. Contact us about our Asheville shuttle.

Hendersonville • 862-5560 • avl.mx/4no • lee@muddysneakers.org June-August

CAMP MUDDY SNEAKERS — TRAIL BLAZERS CAMP

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Ages 9-11 Coed Experiment with beginnerlevel mountain adventures that may include: kayaking, hiking and more, while connecting to the places where they are playing.

Identify and learn about the local flora and fauna, helping them become novice naturalists. Cost: $295/week. Extended Care available. Contact us about our Asheville Shuttle!

Hendersonville • 862-5560 • avl.mx/4no • lee@muddysneakers.org June-August

CAMP ROCKMONT

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Ages 6-16 Boys Campers from all over the world experience the wildness of being a boy outside, the welcoming embrace of a loving community and the wonder of being alive. 1-, 2-, 3-, & 4-week sessions.

Cost: $1,700-$6,500 Black Mountain • 686-3885 • avl.mx/4or • info@rockmont.com June 9-Aug. 24

CLIMBMAX CLIMBING — GRANITE CLIMBING CAMP

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Ages 12-14 Coed Designed for advanced young teen climbers who are interested in advancing their climbing skills. All five days are spent climbing and camping in some of

CLIMBMAX CLIMBING — OBSIDIAN CLIMBING CAMP

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Ages 14-17 Coed Advanced teen climbers interested in pushing their climbing skills further. All five days are spent climbing and camping in some of WNC's premier climbing spots. Cost: $1000/week.

Asheville • 252-9996 • avl.mx/4nq • youth@ climbmaxnc.com Aug. 3-7

CLIMBMAX CLIMBING — QUARTZITE CLIMBING CAMP

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Ages 13-16 Coed Designed for experienced teen climbers interested in furthering their knowledge of the sport. The first two days focus on gym climbing skills with activities in West Asheville, and the last three days are spent climbing and camping in some of WNC's premier climbing spots.

Monday-Tuesday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday: Overnight. Cost: $750/week.

Asheville • 252-9996 • avl.mx/4nq • youth@ climbmaxnc.com July 13-17

CLIMBMAX CLIMBING — SANDSTONE CLIMBING CAMP

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Ages 8-12 Coed Young, experienced climbers spend the first two days on gym climbing skills with activities in downtown Asheville. Day three focuses on rope skills at the Smoky Mountain Adventure Center in West Asheville, and the last two days feature outdoor climbing in some of WNC's premier climbing spots. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $550/week.

Asheville • 252-9996 • avl.mx/4nq • youth@ climbmaxnc.com June 22-26, Aug. 3-7

CLIMBMAX CLIMBING — SHALE CLIMBING CAMP

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Ages 6-9 Coed The youngest, first time climbers spend the first four days on gym climbing skills with activities in downtown Asheville, and the last day features outdoor climbing in one of WNC's premier climbing spots. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $475/week.

Asheville • 252-9996 • avl.mx/4nq • youth@ climbmaxnc.com June 29-July 3, July 27-31

CLIMBMAX CLIMBING — SLATE CLIMBING CAMP

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Ages 10-14 Coed Beginner teen climbers spend the first three days on gym climbing skills with activities in West Asheville, and the last two days feature outdoor climbing in some of WNC's premier climbing spots. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: $550/week.

Asheville • 252-9996 • avl.mx/4nq • youth@ climbmaxnc.com July 6-10

• Riding Program • Horsemanship • Arts Program • Main Camp • Day Camp • Overnight Camp Camp Hobbit Hill offers several programs, with a many different accviies for each camper to experience.

Join the fun this summer!

223 Cody Embler Road Alexander, NC 28701 • 828-808-7929

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WNC's premier climbing spots. Cost: $1000/week.

Asheville • 252-9996 • avl.mx/4nq • youth@ climbmaxnc.com June 29-July 3, July 20-24

www.CampHobbitHill.com

CAMP MUDDY SNEAKERS — OUTDOOR SCIENCE ADVENTURE CAMP

DR. BOB’S SOUNDSCHOOL SOUND EXPLORERS CAMP

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Ages 7-10 Coed Explore the basic physics of sound through a fun, engaging and experiential journey. Learn how sound is made, how it travels and how it is heard. Delve into the cool concepts of vibrations, waveforms, pitch, amplitude, frequency and more using a variety of musical instruments, including the theremin. Use oscilloscopes and other tools to bring these concepts alive. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $175/week Asheville • 258-1262 • avl.mx/705 • info@ moogfoundation.org June 8-12 and July 13-17

Academic summer camps for talented and gifted students at Mars Hill University.

DR. BOB’S SOUNDSCHOOL SYNTHESIZER EXPLORER CAMP

THE SUMMIT:

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Ages 11-13 Coed Find out how synthesizers work and how they sculpt sound. In this one-ofa-kind camp, explore the fundamentals of synthesis. including explorations of the oscillator, filter, envelope, amplifier and

DAY AND RESIDENTIAL

BASE CAMP: JULY 5 – JULY 11 for grades 6 to 8

JULY 5 – JULY 11 for grades 9 to 12 WEBSITE: appalachianinstitute.org EMAIL: aiclsummercamp@gmail.com PHONE: 1-800-951-7442 MOUNTAINX.COM

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DREAM SKATEBOARD: Asheville Middle School seventh grader Viktoriia Lekhkobyt envisioned a surreal skateboard adventure. diploma. Upward —in the stands — his older sister smiles.

Seven years later, he sits in a hospital chair. In his arms is a baby. He rocks it, then looks at his wife happily; tears cascade down his rosy cheeks. He brings the baby upward and kisses it on its forehead.

It smiles. “What are we going to name it?” he asks.

The boy with the red hair is bald now.

He sits in lush, verdant grass playing with his kids. To his left, his 2-year-old son flings sand upward in a sandbox and giggles. In front of him stands his daughter. She runs and jumps into his arms, and he flies her around the yard — an airplane. His wife appears in the doorway and smiles. He is happy.

Above all, on his adventure, that is what he wants to be.

— Wilson Davis Eighth grade The Learning Community School

My big adventure The only sounds I hear are the ones from the babbling brook I head deeper into the shallow creek as vines hang from every which way My boots are slowly filling with water and I’m not going back I hear my mom yell, “It’s time for dinner!”

I can’t go back now I’m too far in I find this rotten tree that goes across the water I stumble to get across to find my way back home I see a deer in the distance who starts to run I follow it hoping to lead me home I had no idea that I was this far from home My mom starts to worry 26

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All of a sudden the deer and I pop out of the forest I see my house and my mom on the porch I was grateful to be home Animals really do help you find your way home — Ella Moseley Sixth grade Carolina Day School

The Italian staircase I was running, my footfalls so loud in my ears but really very quiet. My brothers and I were playing zombie tag, and they were it. I didn’t know how close they were until I rounded a corner and heard footsteps. I bolted to the nearest door. It was locked. I panicked and tried another.

It was locked, too.

I heard them coming closer, fast and dove behind a bookshelf. I noticed that there was a door behind it. It opened, and I had barely fallen through the opening and closed the door when the boys ran past. I let out a sigh of relief. I was safe.

I realized I didn’t know where I was.

My family had come to Italy for summer vacation, and we were renting this huge house with lots of secret passageways. I thought I had explored them all, but one thing I learned from that trip was that if you’re in a house with hidden passageways, you’ll never stop finding them.

There was a walkway with a steep staircase. It looked like it hadn’t been touched in ages, with its rickety old wood. I wasn’t scared. I had three brothers and enough spiderwebs in my hair to make a quilt. I didn’t get scared anymore. The sight of the staircase mixed with the smell of mildew just gave me a creepy vibe.

Justen, the eldest, broke through the door and tagged me, breaking my trance.

more. Use small synthesizer modules and explore the principles through theremins, synthesizers and cymatics. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $175/week Asheville • 258-1262 • avl.mx/705 • info@ moogfoundation.org June 15-19 and July 20-24

EAGLE’S NEST CAMP

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Grades K-11 Coed Live and grow simply, rooted by intentional experiences, appreciation for the natural world and connection to community. We emphasize developing the whole child in a compassionate, encouraging environment filled with activities that promote selfexpression, personal growth, skill building and fun. 1-, 2and 3-week sessions available.

Cost: $1,765 to $4,275.

Pisgah Forest • 877-4349 • avl.mx/4os • register@enf.org June 13-26; June 28-July 17; July 19-Aug. 1; Aug. 9-16

EAGLE’S NEST CAMP — HANTE ADVENTURES

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Grades K-11 Coed Reconnect with nature, partake in activities that promote skills building and develop meaningful friendships. Cost: $3,665 to $5,565.

Pisgah Forest • 877-4349 • avl.mx/4os • register@enf.org June 13-26; June 28-July 17; July 19-Aug. 1; Aug. 9-16

EARTH PATH EDUCATION — ENCHANTED FOREST DAY CAMP

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Ages 4-6 and 7-9 Coed Explore the magical creatures of the forest through songs, stories, games, crafts and adventures. We’re likely to encounter faeries, gnomes, Little People, woodland creatures and more. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $265, $220 sibling discount Candler • 502-396-6408 • avl.mx/4nr • lena@ earthpatheducation.com Aug. 3-7

EARTH PATH EDUCATION — GROWING GODDESS/ MOON MYSTICS CAMP

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Ages 11-14 (Growing Goddess) and Ages 1518 (Moon Mystics) Girls Gather to witness, celebrate, uplift and orient girls on the threshold of their womanhood through a rites of passage ritual in the mountain wilderness. We believe rites of passage are essential for healthy culture and an empowered blossoming into womanhood. The ceremonial beauty of this rites of passage feeds both the wild soul and the Earth.

Come for an adventure, to know oneself, to deepen your bonds with sisters, to connect with your inner strength and to feel comfortable living with the Earth. Cost: $645, $545 sibling discount.

Marshall • 502-396-6408 • avl.mx/4nr • lena@ earthpatheducation.com July 20-24

EARTH PATH EDUCATION — NATURE SISTERS: LEADERSHIP AND EMPOWERMENT DAY CAMP

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Ages 8-11 Girls What does it mean to lead together? Girls and young women are leading the climate justice movement, social justice movements and more. These girls are not only our leaders of tomorrow they are our leaders of today. Hone leadership skills, play and connect with new friends and Mother Earth through nature awareness games, ancestral crafts, teamwork, community service and primitive skills.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost $265, $220 sibling discount.

Barnardsville • 502-396-6408 • avl.mx/4nr • lena@ earthpatheducation.com Aug. 27-31

EARTH PATH EDUCATION — ROOTS DAY CAMP

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Ages 7-12 Coed Learn earth skills like plant wisdom, cordage, primitive fire making, shelter building, camouflage, stalking, pottery and more. Splash in waterfalls, hike, play nature awareness games and come fully alive in the forest with a supportive group of friends.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $265, $220 sibling discount.

Barnardsville • 502-396-6408 • avl.mx/4nr • lena@ earthpatheducation.com June 22-26

ELEVATE — DANCE DAZE CAMP

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Ages 10+ Coed Ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, musical theater, floor barre and choreography are taught at a beginner-intermediate level allowing students to try a variety of dance styles in one place. 9 a.m.-noon Cost: $125 + $25 material fee Asheville • 318-8895 • avl.mx/4ot • info@ elevatelifeandart.com June 22-26, July 27-31

MOUNTAIN X P RES S

ELEVATE — LIFE AND ART SUMMER CAMP

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Ages 5-11 Coed A structured daily schedule, outings, lots of fun and friendships. Early bird special. Register before March 31 and pay $35 fee for the registration. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: $135/ week Daily rates and sibling discounts available.

Asheville • 318-8895 • avl.mx/4ot • summercamp@ elevatelifeandart.com June 1-Aug. 7

ELEVATE — PRINCESS CAMP

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Ages 4-5 & 6-7 Girls Your little girl will delight you with her songs, dances, new manners and works of art she creates portraying a different literary princess each day. 9 a.m.-noon Cost: $125 + $25 material fee Asheville • 318-8895 • avl.mx/4ot • info@ elevatelifeandart.com June 1-5, June 8-12, July 6-12

ELEVATE — WORSHIP DANCE CAMP

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Ages 4-11 Girls Explore Christ-centered worship movement in a fun, supportive and creative environment. Includes snack, craft and time for lunch (lunch not provided) 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $75 sibling discount available Asheville • 318-8895 • avl.mx/4ot • info@ elevatelifeandart.com Aug. 10-14

2020 X AWARDS

Get Ready to Vote!

Voting Starts March 27 mountainx.com/ bestofwnc MOUNTAINX.COM

MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

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ULTIMATE FRISBEE Middle School League

4/1-5/27, Weds, 4-5:15pm Buncombe County Sports Park

High School League

mid-March – mid-May AC Reynolds

Summer Camp

3rd-8th grade, 6/22-6/26 9am-1pm | Vance Elementary Register at bit.ly/AvlUltyCamp

ashevilleultimate.org/e/Spring-2020-Youth-Leagues

“Whoa,” he said, looking up the staircase.

“What is this place?”

“I have no idea,” I replied.

“You think we should go up?” he asked.

“I think we should get out of here,” I said.

The other boys came to see what was up.

“Dude! A creepy staircase! We should go up!” the idiot one said.

He jumped onto the stairs, and they immediately collapsed under his weight.

We called 911, but the emergency number wasn’t 911 because we were in Italy!​Our parents called the police, and soon my brother was out of the hole, and the whole fiasco was over.

I’m still scared of wooden staircases, though.

— Wendy Howell Sixth grade Carolina Day School

Imagination station There’s a place in your head sometimes you go It’s a place entirely your own Where the world can be flat, round or square any shape, I swear Where the seas are unlimited with room to roam Where the scent in the air smells like home

SNOWY JOURNEY: Joshua Rhinehart, a fourth grader at North Buncombe Elementary School, painted this wintry flight.

The sky is a blank canvas that’s waiting for you So let your creativity bloom.

Now I must tell you how to get to such a place Close your eyes, lift your feet and let go.

Then take a train to Imagination station Choo choo — Lillian Rogalski Sixth grade Omega Middle School

QV-8130 Hello, my name is Jacob Clark, and I have been chosen to go on a very special mission to a galaxy 12.7 billion light years away. Nobody has ever been there, and I will be among one the first people to go and will also be the first 14-year-old in space.

I was randomly selected as one of 10 people to venture into space for the first time on a multibillion-dollar spacecraft.

The journey will take eight months because of the world’s brand-new technology allowing us to travel through space at speeds never before reached by any human. Each person in our crew was given a code name on our uniforms, and I am QV-8130.

Today we embark on our journey accompanied by five military personal and two doctors, just in case things get rough. We will be given one week to move about our spacecraft until we go into hibernation for six months.

Almost eight months have passed, and we have slowed down tremendously in order to land safely on our designated planet in the galaxy. I can see the surface of the planet and how similar it looks to Earth’s. Now we just need to find a good place to land.

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EMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL — SUMMER ROCKS

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Infant–Grade 5 Coed A variety of day camps that include vacation bible school, fort building, arts and crafts, High Touch High Tech, taekwondo, a Broadway experience camp, color wars, swimming and a variety of activities, including water day, music, drama, and special theme days. Drama camp is a production of Frozen Jr. Auditions held on May 26 from 6-8 p.m., in our gymnasium. Prices vary.

Asheville • 828-281-8182 x 133 • avl.mx/6x5 June 8-Aug. 7

EVOLVE EARLY LEARNING — EVOLVE ECO-EXPLORERS CAMP

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Ages 3-7 Coed Weekly themes include: Where the Wild Things Art, Nature Nurtures, Buggin’ Around and Thank You, Trees. Daily social and emotional learning, mindfulness, movement, STEAM maker lab, creative expression and ecological education fosters whole-child development and personal empowerment. 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Cost: $225/week.

Asheville • 367-5077 • avl.mx/6wp • evolveearlylearning@ gmail.com June 22-Aug. 14

FIERCE FLIX

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Ages 8-16 Trans, nonbinary and female Work in groups to write, direct, shoot and edit music videos which premiere at a public screening at the end of the camp. Workshops include screenwriting and storyboarding, cinematography, editing, optics and lighting, gear 101, THEIRstory of filmmaking, gender in media, visual literacy and more. Work together, support one another and foster creative abilities through positive reinforcement. Lunch and snacks provided. 9 a.m.-4

p.m. with flexible drop-off/ pickup times. Cost: $200 (sponsorships available) Asheville • avl.mx/4qf • fierceflixcamp@gmail.com June 22-26

destination wonderland. 9 a.m. -noon. Cost: $150 Flat Rock • 693-0731 • frpstudio52.org • info@ flatrockplayhouse.org June 22-26

FIREFLY GATHERING

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — STUDIO 52 ‘FAIRY TALE THEATRE’

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All Ages Coed Join us for sunshine, swimming and classes in primitive technology and skills for living in harmony with the earth. Summer camp for the whole family includes youth village where kids learn skills, make crafts, play games, sing songs and immerse themselves in nature. Classes for parents too. Cost: $30/ ages 1-7, $130/ages 8-15, $260/ages 15-adult.

Horse Shoe • 202-9469 • avl.mx/4q5 • info@ fireflygathering.org June 3-7

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — STUDIO 52 ‘ACTING OUT: THE WORLD OF CRAZY IMPROV’

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Raising grades 6-8 Coed TV sitcoms, commercials and movie trailers jump us into the world of Improv.

Study the FUNdamentals of improvisation through crazy exercises that help to develop a strong ensemble and zany characters. In play, work to develop stage presence, self-confidence, good communication skills and a respect for other performers and their wacky creativity. 1-4 p.m. Cost: $150 Flat Rock • 693-0731 • frpstudio52.org • info@ flatrockplayhouse.org July 20-24

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — STUDIO 52 ‘DESTINATION WONDERLAND’

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Raising Grades 2-5 Coed Travel down the Rabbit Hole with Alice and her zany cast of characters. Through theater games, improv and nonsensical style fun, we’ll explore, create and embrace the journey along

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Raising Grades 1-5 Coed Our favorite fairy tales jump us into the world of games, songs and improvisation.

Learn to think on your feet, connect with the audience and gain stage confidence whether you’re a good witch or a bad wolf. Creative play is the word of the day. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $250 Flat Rock • 693-0731 • frpstudio52.org • info@ flatrockplayhouse.org Aug. 3-7

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — STUDIO 52 ‘MAGIC TREE HOUSE’

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Raising Grades 1-5 Coed Join Jack and Annie on one of their many adventures.

Travel into the past and visit exciting moments in history. Through improv, games and beginning theater techniques we can help some of our favorite famous characters solve mysteries and achieve goals.

10 a.m.–3 p.m. Cost: $250 Flat Rock • 693-0731 • frpstudio52.org • info@ flatrockplayhouse.org July 6-10

N OW E N R O L L I N G F O R 2 0 2 0 / 2 0 21

66 years in ministry Ages 1 – Pre-K 5 days per week • 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Enroll online at centralumc.org/registration

Contact Tammy Henry at 828.253.3316 x1318 • thenry@centralumc.org

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — STUDIO 52 ‘MYTHERY AND MAYHEM’

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Raising Grades 6-9 Coed Ignite your theatrical embers in this power packed week of acting and improvisation. Myths and Legends. Fact or Fiction. If there’s a story to tell, we’re going to tell it. Make new friends, learn intermediate acting techniques, gain self-confidence and learn to weave imaginative

LEGEND

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Athletic Camp

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Nature Camp

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Day Camp

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Faith Camp

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Academic / Science Camp

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Overnight Camp

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Art Camp

✈ Travel Camp MOUNTAINX.COM

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After a few days of circling the planet, the crew decides on a place to land around some water and a fairly large forest with a lot of flat area to build on. Before anyone is allowed outside, we need to check if the air is breathable or not.

Our measurements say it is safe for us to go without any kind of space gear on us.

As I step outside with anticipation, I take in a long deep breath of fresh air, even cleaner than back on Earth. I look around and see a new beginning for myself and for the rest of my crew and the exciting journey that awaits us all.”

— Jacob Clark Eighth grade Rugby Middle School

Paige’s awesome trip “Yes! Finally, we get to waterfall today!”

Paige said as she ran downstairs.

“After we eat breakfast, can we pick everyone up?” Paige asked her mom.

“Not yet,” she said. “We have to pack first, and we don’t climb till Monday because we need to go on the cruise and to the hotel, and that takes two days.”

“I have always wanted to go to Brazil,” Paige said.

UNDERWATER MERMAID ADVENTURE: Chloe Drake, a fourth grader at Glenn C. Marlow Elementary School, painted this aquatic scene.

“Come on,” Mom said. “Eat your breakfast and get packed. Then we will go to Ingles to pick everyone up.”

On the way to Ingles, they saw Stella in her car, so they stopped, and she hopped in.

“Are you excited?” Paige asked.

“Yes! I am so excited! But I am also kind of scared. What if we fall? What are we going to do them?”

“True, but what if none of that happens?” Paige said.

“It would be fun then,” Stella said.

When everyone got in at Ingles, there were not enough seats, so they had to pull a seat up. When they got to the cruise, they went to their rooms. They had two rooms.

Then they got changed and went to the waterpark. They played for five hours and went to dinner.

They got to Brazil in the morning and rented a van. Then they went to the hotel, and again they had two rooms. At 5 in the morning, they went to the waterfall.

“Whoa!” Jade said. “So cool!”

“It will look even cooler when it’s light outside,” Mom said. “Let’s start climbing.”

They started going up. After a while, Georgia almost slipped. “Are you OK?!”

Amara asked.

“Yeah,” Georgia said.

“Do you need to sit down?” Mom asked.

“Maybe,” she said.

They sat down for a little bit. After a few hours passed, they could see the top. They rushed up.

“We made it!” yelled Holiday.

This sure was a big adventure.

— Paige Festge Third grade Evergreen Community Charter School

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WHITEWATER KAYAKING CAMPS FOR GIRLS 1-Week Camps for Girls Ages 12-16 Kayak Every Day Class II, III, IV Whitewater Small Group Instruction

Rockbrook Camp for Girls www.rockbrookcamp.com/kayak Brevard, NC

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NIGHT STARS: Second grader Nora Mulder of Rainbow Community School drew this dreamy nighttime scene.

thoughts into ready-to-tell tales. 1-4 p.m. Cost: $150 Flat Rock • 693-0731 • frpstudio52.org • info@ flatrockplayhouse.org July 27-31

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — STUDIO 52 ‘THE NEW STUDENTS OF HOGWARTS’

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Raising Grades 5-9 Coed Harry has grown up and a new generation arrives at Hogwarts to begin their journey. Get your letter and immerse yourself in this J.K. Rowling world. With a “swish and a flick” learn acting skills through games, improv and magical imagination.

1–4 p.m. Cost: $150 Flat Rock • 693-0731 • frpstudio52.org • info@ flatrockplayhouse.org June 22-26

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — STUDIO 52 ‘WIGGLE, WAGGLE, FUN’

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Raising Grades K-1 Coed Hoddley, poddley, nonsense and fun. Costumes, stories, rhymes, songs, creative movement and silly games all designed especially for the wee ones. 1011:30 a.m. Cost: $100 Flat Rock • 693-0731 • frpstudio52.org • info@ flatrockplayhouse.org July 27-31

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — STUDIO 52: MUSIC THEATRE JR. ‘DISNEY CRITTERS SING’

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Raising Grades 2-6 Coed Learn excerpts from the Disney Songbook in the morning, learning valuable musical instruction.

Afternoons are spent pursuing our character’s objectives in acting, improv and games all to bring the best of Disney to life. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Cost: $280 Flat Rock • 693-0731 • frpstudio52.org • info@ flatrockplayhouse.org July 13-17

FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — STUDIO 52: MUSICAL THEATRE SR. ‘BROADWAY BOUND’

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Raising Grades 7-12 Coed Explore hits from contemporary pop/rock

musicals. Work with a professional performer/ instructor on how to sell that song when your big music theater opportunity arrives. Shows/songs to be studied this week are TBA based on enrollment. Shows/ themes explored in past camps include Hamilton, Hairspray and Footloose.

Prior singing experience a plus. 9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $180 Flat Rock • 693-0731 • frpstudio52.org • info@ flatrockplayhouse.org July 20-24

FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — BLACKSMITHING CAMP

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Grades 6-10 Coed Learn the art of creating useful tools with forge and forge and anvil, bringing home a variety of handmade items. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. After-Camp: 3:30-5:30 p.m. Cost: $384/week, After Camp: $75/week.

Asheville • 338-9787 • avl.mx/6x0 • contact@ forestfloorasheville.com June 29-July 3; July 20-24

FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — LEGEND OF THE GNOMES

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Grades K-2 Coed Create a gnome village in the forest, build shelters, make tea, eat and tell stories, do crafts and go on adventures in the woods.

8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Aftercare available. Cost: $295/ week. After camp: $75/week.

Asheville • 338-9787 • avl.mx/6x0 • contact@ forestfloorasheville.com June 29-July 3; July 13-17; Aug. 3-7

FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — MAMMOTH HUNTERS

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Grades 3-7 Coed Learn the history of projectile hunting weapons, developing skills with sticks, spears, slings, atl-atls and finally the bow & arrow. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. After-Camp: 3:30-5:30 p.m. Cost: $295/week, After Camp: $75/week.

Asheville • 338-9787 • avl.mx/6x0 • contact@ forestfloorasheville.com June 29-July 3; July 27-31

FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — STEALTH RANGERS CAMP

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Grades 1-3 Coed Introduction to the fundamentals of wilderness stealth and camouflage with games, daily practices and exciting scenarios. 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. After-Camp: 3:30-5:30 p.m.. Cost: $295/ week, After Camp: $75/week.

Asheville • 338-9787 • avl.mx/6x0 • contact@ forestfloorasheville.com June 22-26; July 24-24

FOUR SEASONS — CAMP HEART SONGS

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Ages 5-16 Coed Children learn to express their grief in a fun and safe environment. Activities include: swimming, zip lining, hiking, arts and crafts, therapeutic small groups, pet therapy, camp fire and games. Learn coping skills and supportive approaches that help them navigate their personal grief journey while connecting with others who are going through something similar. Cost: Free.

Flat Rock • 233-0334 • avl.mx/6xb • bstockton@ fourseasonscfl.org August 8-9

Get your voters ready!

VOTING STARTS MARCH 27

Call Mountain Xpress to pickup your Best of WNC voting kit 828 -251-1333

WNC’s premiere ALL-OUTDOOR, ALL-SEASON preschool

NOW ENROLLING ages 3-8 for 2020 Summer Camp sessions.

Check out all of our nature-themed weeks here!

GROWINGWILDFORESTSCHOOL.ORG/ CAMP

GIRL SCOUTS OF AMERICA — CAMP PISGAH DAY CAMP

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Raising Grades 1-6 Girls Day campers enjoy many of the same activities as our resident campers, but they just stay for the day. Activities may include arts and crafts, group games, swimming, boating and more. All day campers are provided lunch in the dining hall and for an additional cost may stay for a one night overnight on Thursdays. We offer transportation to day camp from Asheville, Mills River and Brevard. Cost: $175/week, $60/transportation and $35/ Thursday overnight stay.

Brevard • 800-672-2148 • avl.mx/6y6 • info@ girlscoutsp2p.org June 15-19, June 2226, July 6-10, July 13-17, July 20-24 MOUNTAINX.COM

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GIRL SCOUTS OF AMERICA — CAMP PISGAH, ADRENALINE RUSH

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS INSTITUTE AT TREMONT — DISCOVERY CAMP

Raising Grades 9-12 Girls Live life in the fast lane.

Take a trip whitewater rafting, zoom through a zip line course and then bounce around at an indoor trampoline park. We’ll also find time to spend at the hammock village, do some field archery and climb the wall. Please note your child must be at least 70 pounds and no more than 250 pounds to attend.

Cost: $720/week, or $670 if registered before March 25 Brevard • 800-672-2148 • avl.mx/6y6 • info@ girlscoutsp2p.org July 12-18

Ages 9-12 Coed Search for salamanders, collect insects, experience the power of a waterfall, hike through wilderness, cool off in the swimming hole and laugh with your new friends around the campfire. Monday afternoon to Saturday morning. Cost: $613 Townsend • 865-448-6709 • avl.mx/4ox • mail@gsmit.org June 8-13; June 2227; July 13-18

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MYSTERIES OF SPACE: Anna Payne, a fifth grader at Hall Fletcher Elementary School, offers up a surprising space adventure

Lost A moment of panic Them nowhere in sight The scent of gas, oil and damp wool coats The screech of train brakes, as some reach their destination, A more brief sound of those halfway there.

The sound of many cultures.

English, Français, Korean are spoken here.

Passengers rush out to platforms, checking maps and signs Buying newspapers and tea While others push inside.

A sea of umbrellas Black, with crowds of many in all shades of brown Coats, hats, suitcases everywhere No sign of a friendly brown bear.

The pop of color from a pink and yellow headscarf, But no grayish-white hair.

Crumbly red-brown brick, faded over time.

Now supported by kindly steel.

Sparrows flutter in the rafters, sheltering from the elements.

I glance outside, facing the cold, damp wind.

Through the polished glass roof, I see the weather.

Rain drizzles down from the cloudy gray sky.

A historic building Roman battles, Boudicca’s grave.

I am lost in King’s Cross And that is not a good place to be.

— Ava Lally Seventh grade Asheville Catholic School

A forest friend I was playing a video game called Zelda, then I wanted to build a stick fort and went in the forest to get sticks. Then … I saw a black bear!

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MOUNTAINX.COM

GIRL SCOUTS OF AMERICA — CAMP PISGAH, MEET ME AT CAMP

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Raising Grades 6-8 Girls Spend time relaxing, exploring and trying new things. Go boating, swimming, climb the rock wall and have plenty of time for camp crafts. Hang out in our hammocks and hike our nature trails while searching for shooting stars with your new best friends.

Cost: $520/week or $470 if registered before March 25.

Brevard • 800-672-2148 • avl.mx/6y6 • info@ girlscoutsp2p.org June 14-20, June 2127, July 5-11, July 12-18, July 19-25

GIRL SCOUTS OF AMERICA — CAMP PISGAH, WATERFALLS AND WADING

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Raising Grades 4-5 Girls Explore the rivers and waterfalls of WNC. Go boating on our lake, cascade down a natural rock slide, spend the afternoon tubing along a lazy river, hike through Dupont State Forest and explore the waterfalls where The Hunger Games movies were filmed.

Must be able to pass our swim test Cost: $580.

Brevard • 800-672-2148 • avl.mx/6y6 • info@ girlscoutsp2p.org June 14-20, July 5-11

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GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS INSTITUTE AT TREMONT — SMOKY MOUNTAIN FAMILY CAMP

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Ages 6+ with adult Coed Spend your family vacation in the middle of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Surround your family with the magic of the mountains as you hike ridges, study wildlife, explore secret places and take afternoon dips in the Middle Prong.

Designed for families that are ready to leave their cares behind in exchange for a week of unending family fun. Hike in the high country, explore Cades Cove, search for salamanders and enjoy fantastic evening entertainment.

Townsend • 865-448-6709 • avl.mx/4ox • mail@gsmit.org July 6-11

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS INSTITUTE AT TREMONT — TEEN HIGH ADVENTURE

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Ages 13-17 Coed Venture into the heart of the Great Smoky backcountry.

Grow as a leader among your generation in understanding outdoor living ethics, as well as learning firsthand about the animals and plants that call these mountains home.

At trail’s end there’s a hot shower waiting as well as a day of bicycling in Cades Cove and tubing the Little River. Program lasts from Monday midafternoon through the second Thursday morning. Cost: $1,336 Townsend • 865-448-6709 • avl.mx/4ox • mail@gsmit.org July 13-23

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS INSTITUTE AT TREMONT — WILDERNESS ADVENTURE TREK

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Ages 13-17 Coed Spend a week among black bears, towering trees, rattlesnakes and barred owls while backpacking on steep mountain trails.

Learn the skills necessary for planning and enjoying a safe, successful backpacking trip.

Sleep in the woods, swim in a mountain stream, kick back around the campfire and make valuable new friends.

A three-night backpack is the chance to put these skills into practice, experience a true wilderness and make friends to last a lifetime. Camp lasts from Monday afternoon to Saturday morning. Cost: $683 Townsend • 865-448-6709 • avl.mx/4ox • mail@gsmit.org June 8-13; June 22-27

GREEN RIVER PRESERVE — EXPEDITIONS

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Ages 14-18 Coed Transformational life experiences and leadership training in a variety of backcountry settings.

Cost: $3,520-$4,500.

Cedar Mountain • 698-8828 • avl.mx/6y2 • info@ greenriverpreserve.org June 14-July 18

GREEN RIVER PRESERVE — SUMMER CAMP

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Ages 6-14 Coed Green River Preserve inspires campers to have a greater understanding of themselves, their environment and their fellow humans. Thrive in nature’s classroom as they learn from a community where ideas, creativity and discovery are celebrated.

1-, 2- and 3-week sessions.

Cost: $1,625-$4,600.

Cedar Mountain • 698-8828 • avl.mx/4qo • info@ greenriverpreserve.org June 7-Aug. 7

GROWING WILD FOREST SCHOOL

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Ages 3-8 Coed Experience education, connection and discovery in the great outdoors with half-day nature-themed sessions to inspire a sense of wonder, adventure and

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imagination. 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Cost: $250/week.

Asheville • 761-1497 • avl.mx/5rq • growingwildforestschool@ gmail.com June 8-Aug. 28

I went to pet it … he liked me! So we both got sticks, but the bear couldn’t fit, so we built a bigger one to both fit in.

(Warning: This is fantasy. Do not try!)

— Rowan McDonald Third grade Evergreen Community Charter School

HANGER HALL — CODING CAMP

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To Thailand in search of a tie I’m headed to Thailand In search of a tie!

I’m traveling by land and sea.

There is so much to see.

Now I’m in Thailand.

Yes, I am here.

But I fear ...

There are no ties near.

I searched high and low...

I wondered, where did all the ties go?

I searched all the islands and temples.

It wasn’t very simple.

Finally I found my target: The Chatuchak Market!

There were so many ties That I cried.

— Brayden Ross Sixth grade Omega Middle School

MY SPACE ADVENTURE: Third grader Bryce Newsome of Rainbow Community School depicts a feat that’s out of this world, writing: "A small step for kid, a giant leap for kidkinde."

Rising Grades 5-9 Girls Gain exposure to some of the web's most fundamental tools and programming languages.

Beginners through more experienced coders work on exciting projects. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $230/week Asheville • 258-3600 • avl. mx/6y5 • info@hangerhall.org June 1-5

Adventuring out in the woods

HANGER HALL — CRAFTY HOOPLA CAMP

On June 10, 2018, my mom, my cousin Ginger and I decided to go hiking around 4 p.m. It was my and Ginger’s birthday, and we were in Utah. It was 4½ miles to see the world’s sixth-largest rock bridge,

CONTINUES ON PAGE 36

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Rising Grades 5-8 Girls Adventure around the Asheville area gathering inspiration from 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: $295.

Asheville • 258-3600 • avl. mx/6y5 • info@hangerhall.org Aug. 10-14

HANGER HALL — MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP

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Rising Grades 6-9 Coed Campers create their own Off-Off-Off Broadway show while building skills in singing, acting, choreography and improvisation. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $250.

Asheville • 258-3600 • avl. mx/6y5 • info@hangerhall.org June 22-26

HANGER HALL — ROCK BAND CAMP

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Rising Grades 6-9 Girls Campers form bands and write their own songs to perform. Drums, guitar, bass, keyboard and vocals are the instrument choices.

Instruments provided as needed. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cost: $250/week Asheville • 258-3600 • avl. mx/6y5 • info@hangerhall.org July 27-31 34

MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

MOUNTAINX.COM

HANGER HALL — SPANISH CAMP

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Rising grades 1-4 Girls Explore different activities from Spanish speaking cultures. Make authentic foods like churros, empanadas and sopapillas. Create cultural art like Peruvian arpilleras, Guatemalan worry dolls and Panamanian molas.

Learn traditional songs and dances like the salsa, cumbia and more. No Spanish experience necessary. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $295/week Asheville • 258-3600 • avl. mx/6y5 • info@hangerhall.org June 1-5

HIGH VISTA — SUMMER FUN CAMP

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Ages 5-13 Coed Camp activities include professionally instructed tennis, swimming, martial arts, ukulele, golf putting skills and more. Other activities include community outreach & education, crafts, team building and more. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. with extended care: 7:30 a.m.5:30 p.m. Members: $150/ week. Nonmembers: $185.

We offer sibling discounts.

Mills River • 458-6177 • avl.mx/4qa • highvistacamp2017@ gmail.com June 22-26; July 6-10; July 13-17; July 20-24

JAN’S ART ACADEMY — DRAWING CAMP

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Ages 8-14 Coed Learn how to draw whatever you see or simply improve your current drawing skills.

Pencil, pen & ink, markers, self-portrait and more. 9 a.m.-noon. $135/week includes all supplies.

Asheville • 301-6116 • avl.mx/4oz • jan@ jansartacademy.com June 15-19

JAN’S ART ACADEMY — LITTLES CAMPS

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Ages 4 ½-6 Coed Great fun for little ones including painting, papier mache, clay and collage with a new project each day.

9 a.m.-11 a.m. Cost: $100/ week includes all supplies.

Asheville • 301-6116 • avl.mx/4oz • jan@ jansartacademy.com June 22-26

JAN’S ART ACADEMY — PAINTING MADNESS CAMP

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Ages 5-14 Coed Learn basic/advanced drawing as well as painting in many mediums: acrylics, watercolors, markers and pastels. Morning session: 9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $135/ week includes all supplies.

Asheville • 301-6116 • avl.mx/4oz • jan@ jansartacademy.com June 24-28; July 15-19

JAN’S ART ACADEMY — SAMPLE OF ALL PLUS CONSTRUCTION CAMP

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Ages 7-14 Coed Sample a bit of everything, painting, drawing, clay, pastels…we try it all… plus construction. 9 a.m.noon. Cost: $135/week, includes all supplies.

Asheville • 301-6116 • avl.mx/4oz • jan@ jansartacademy.com July 27-31

KIDS GARDEN — ALL ABOUT ART

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Ages 2-12 Coed Explore different art mediums each day from drawing, painting, collages and sculpting. Famous artists bring inspiration and motivation to the different works of art created. Roll up your sleeves and come ready to explore your inner artist as we collectively create and develop individual masterpieces.

9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-5 p.m.

Cost: members $215/week; nonmembers $240/week; lunch and snack included.

Asheville • 417-7310 • avl.mx/4r9 • asheville@ kidsgardennc.com Aug. 3-7

KIDS GARDEN — CREATIVE CRAFT CAMP

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Ages 2-12 Coed Artistic activities, creative crafting and inspiration includes painting, mosaics, handmade jewelry, collages and sculpting. Children have a directed project as well

as an open art lab to let the creativity flow. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-5 p.m. Cost: $215/week; nonmembers $240/week; lunch and snack included.

Asheville • 417-7310 • avl.mx/4r9 • asheville@ kidsgardennc.com June 1-5

KIDS GARDEN — GEOLOGY ROCKS

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Ages 2-12 Coed Dig in deep as we explore rocks and minerals and have fun rock testing and experimenting as geologists and paleontologists. Break geodes, examine fossils and shark teeth, learn about volcanoes and all the amazing aspects of Earth science.

9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-5 p.m.

Cost: members $215/week; nonmembers $240/week; lunch and snack included.

Asheville • 417-7310 • avl.mx/4r9 • asheville@ kidsgardennc.com July 6-10

KIDS GARDEN — GREEN THUMB FARMERS

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Ages 2-12 Coed Create leaf prints, make recycled crafts, craft unique art from nature and understand simple and fun ways to go green in order to be protectors of our planet Earth. Learn about planting from seeds, different types of gardens and how to compost. Bring home a plant for the garden. Future farmers, gardeners and nature explorers discuss and learn about plant growth, permaculture, composting, seed germination, cultivating produce and experience the true meaning of farm to table. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-5 p.m. Cost: members $215/week; nonmembers $240/week; lunch and snack included.

Asheville • 417-7310 • avl.mx/4r9 • asheville@ kidsgardennc.com June 8-12

KIDS GARDEN — MAD SCIENTIST

KIDS GARDEN — MOVEMENT, MUSIC AND DANCE

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Ages 2-12 Coed Science is fun and functional.

This camp shows children the wonders of science and exploration while they learn through our interactive and hands- on science activities.

Participate in experiments and enhance creativity by learning how to make hypotheses, draw conclusions and problem solve. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-5 p.m.

Cost: members $215/week; nonmembers $240/week; lunch and snack included.

Asheville • 417-7310 • avl.mx/4r9 • asheville@ kidsgardennc.com July 27-31

Ages 2-12 Coed Get moving and let the beat move your feet.

Motivational movement, interactive dance games, learning new and classic songs and finding a true love for the magic of music.

9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-5 p.m.

Cost: members $215/week; nonmembers $240/week; lunch and snack included.

Asheville • 417-7310 • avl.mx/4r9 • asheville@ kidsgardennc.com June 22-26

2

Party

Locations

KIDS GARDEN — STEM/ENGINEERING/ LEGO MANIA

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KIDS GARDEN — MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU

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Ages 2-12 Coed Whether your child is an Obi-Wan Kenobi, Han Solo, Princess Leia or Boba Fett lover, they love getting into character and being part of another galaxy. Enjoy the ever-expanding universe of Star Wars beyond the movies.

9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-5 p.m.

Cost: members $215/week; nonmembers $240/week; lunch and snack included.

Asheville • 417-7310 • avl.mx/4r9 • asheville@ kidsgardennc.com July 20-24

Ages 2-12 Coed Technology, engineering, and math explored through collaborations and creations. Creativity is challenged as they build Lego structures, explore and construct airplanes, problem-solve, make crazy concoctions and engage in hands on experiences.

9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-5 p.m.

Cost: members $215/week; nonmembers $240/week; lunch and snack included.

Asheville • 417-7310 • avl.mx/4r9 • asheville@ kidsgardennc.com July 13-17

THE HOP 640 Merrimon Ave • 254-2224 • Mon-Sat 11am-10pm • Sun 12-10pm THE HOP WEST 721 Haywood Rd • 252-5155 • Daily 12-11pm THE HOP ICE CREAMERY 167 Haywood Rd • 254-2224 • Fridays 3-9pm BLACK MOUNTAIN 114 Cherry St • 357-5461 • Daily 12-9pm

KIDS GARDEN — UNDER THE SEA

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KIDS GARDEN — MOUNTAIN LOVE

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Ages 2-12 Coed Create mountain crafts, participate in nature yoga, dance to bluegrass, learn about local waterfalls, nature art work and so much more.

9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-5 p.m.

Cost: members $215/week; nonmembers $240/week; lunch and snack included.

Asheville • 417-7310 • avl.mx/4r9 • asheville@ kidsgardennc.com June 29-July 3

Ages 2-12 Coed Explore the world under the sea, learn about the creatures of our oceans from whales and sharks to starfish and crabs. Dive deep into ocean education with hands-on exploration and submerge ourselves in all aspects of life under the water. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-5 p.m.

Cost: members $215/week; nonmembers $240/week; lunch and snack included.

Asheville • 417-7310 • avl.mx/4r9 • asheville@ kidsgardennc.com June 15-19

LEGEND

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KIDS SUMMER GARDEN CAMP

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ROADSIDE SNACK TIME: Jenna Jiang, an 11th grade student at Asheville School, offers up a culinary exploration. but little did we know, the trail was really 9 miles in all.

We started walking on the trail near a river connecting to the Colorado so we could stop and play in it along the way.

We met older people along the way, but after walking about a mile or two, we had to climb through two rocks, which was too hard for the couple. So the couple headed back to their car.

Once they left, we ran into a snake in a very narrow path! We were debating if we should turn around, but we decided to keep going after the snake went into the bushes. We sprinted past and then saw a

sign that said, “Creek crossing,” and we kept seeing those signs about eight more times!

It started to get dark, and we only had our phones, which had no service and were about to die. We finally reached the bridge, and it was beautiful because the stars had come out, and the sun was almost done setting.

We took a few pictures and then started to head back, and that’s when we realized the trail was 4½ miles there and 4½ miles

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babies–teens Coed Educational gardens, citizen science opportunities, nature trails, pollinator habitat, chickens, bunnies and outdoor playspaces with homegrown food as we cook and eat fresh from our gardens. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: $250/week, $75/day Asheville • 989-9647 • TheEducationalGardenProject. org June-August

LAKEVIEW PUTT AND PLAY

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Ages 7-12 Coed Enjoy mini golf, virtual reality, science and exploration, arts and crafts, outdoor games and more. Cost: $170/week, $105/week for half days.

Arden • 676-1746 • avl.mx/5so July 13-Aug. 14

LISA SMITH TEACHES — BAKING ADVENTURES SUMMER CAMP: CAKES, COOKIES, CANAPES AND CREPES

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LISA SMITH TEACHES — CLAYMATION SUMMER CAMP

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2020 Edition Coming This Spring 36

MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

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Ages 6-14 Coed Make sweet and savory delicacies with quality, wholesome ingredients learning real-life baking skills while having a heap of fun. Each day, kids make from scratch their own take-home treats to share with their family.

Sampling of tropical fruits, camp games and outdoor activities round out our fun.

9 a.m.- 3 p.m. $325/week.

Asheville • 335-9349 • avl.mx/5px • LisaSmithTeaches@gmail.com June 15-19, July 13-17

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Ages 6-14 Coed Learn the art of creating a clay character and its internal armature to create your very own stop motion animation.

Plan, shoot and edit a movie.

The last day celebrate with a screening of camp movies for family and friends. Activities designed for beginning animators and those with experience too. All materials (digital cameras, animation stands, art supplies) provided.

Camp games and outdoor activities round out our fun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $325/week.

Asheville • 335-9349 • avl.mx/5px • LisaSmithTeaches@gmail.com June 22-26

LISA SMITH TEACHES — MINECRAFT ADVENTURES SUMMER CAMP

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Ages 6-14 Coed Journey through dungeons, build new castles and explore the Nether. Create and learn about skins, LAN servers, complex building techniques and more. Minecraft computer adventures are mixed with real-world castle and costumes construction one week and Minecraftthemed stop motion animation another. Camp games and outdoor activities round out our fun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $325/week.

Asheville • 335-9349 • avl.mx/5px • LisaSmithTeaches@gmail.com July 6-10, July 27-31

LISA SMITH TEACHES — STEM CRAFTS SUMMER CAMP

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Ages 6-14 Coed With themes like Dragons, Fairies and Space Travel, kids delve deep into a new creative project each day. Create handmade books; soap & bath bombs from scratch; beaded ornaments; pop-up and dried-flower greeting cards; and papercraft dragons, fairies, spaceships & more, having fun creating as we think and learn.

Camp games and outdoor activities round out our fun.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $325.

Asheville • 335-9349 • avl.mx/5px • LisaSmithTeaches@gmail.com July 20-24

MESA SUMMER CAMP

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Ages 5-11 Coed Our Montessori Environment offers a unique blend of academics and playful exploration. We focus on kindness, friendship and offer community while getting creative in our workshop and spending plenty of time in our creek, gardens and playground. Our themes include STEM, Cooking, Art, Growing with Games (focused on teamwork and sportsmanship), Exploring

Sound, Novel Ideas (books and more). Cost: $225/week Asheville • 367-0259 • mesasheville.com • mesasheville@gmail.com June 22-July 21

MINDSTRETCH TRAVEL ADVENTURES — 20DAY EUROPE BY EURAIL EXPERIENCE

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Ages 10-14 Boys Travel to one or more destinations and participate in activities based on the areas we’re visiting. In 2020 we’ll be heading out to Wyoming and Montana.

Major activities include hiking and exploring in the Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. During the days we participate in all kinds of activities but come home to real beds (hotels), swimming pools and enjoy dinners in sit-down restaurants. No day is ever the same. Cost: $3,375.

Columbus • 863-4235 • avl.mx/4p1 • marklevin@ windstream.net July 19–28

MONTFORD PARK PLAYERS — MONTFORD MOPPETS SHAKESPEARE CAMP, ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA

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Ages 9-17 Coed In just three weeks, the Montford Moppets rehearse Shakespeare’s, Antony and Cleopatra and perform it two weekends on the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre stage for friends, family and the public. This is a great opportunity for young actors (or just those who are interested in theater) to take a play from start to finish, improving reading and language skills and developing confidence.

Rehearsals, Mon., Wed., and Fri. noon-4 p.m. Cost: $150.

Asheville • 254-5146 • avl.mx/6xp • themontfordmoppets@ gmail.com June 15-July 12

MONTFORD PARK PLAYERS — MONTFORD MOPPETS SHAKESPEARE CAMP, RICHARD III

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Ages 9-17 Coed In just three weeks, the Montford Moppets rehearse Shakespeare’s, Richard III

and perform it two weekends on the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre stage for friends, family and the public.

This is a great opportunity for young actors (or just those who are interested in theater) to take a play from start to finish, improving reading and language skills and developing confidence. Rehearsals, Tues., Wed., and Thurs, 4-7 p.m. and Sat. 9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $175.

Asheville • 254-5146 • avl.mx/6xp Sept. 5-Oct. 11

MONTFORD PARK PLAYERS — MONTFORD MOPPETS SHAKESPEARE CAMP, THE TEMPEST

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Ages 9-17 Coed In just three weeks, the Montford Moppets rehearse Shakespeare’s comedy, The Tempest and perform it two weekends on the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre stage for friends, family and the public. This is a great opportunity for young actors (or just those who are interested in theater) to take a play from start to finish, improving reading and language skills and developing confidence.

Rehearsals, Mon., Wed., and Fri. noon-4 p.m. Cost: $150.

Asheville • 254-5146 • avl.mx/6xp July 13-Aug. 9

MOUNTAIN ROOTS — DAY CAMP

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Rising Grades Pre-K-4 Coed Focus on the outdoors and connect with one another, their community and the natural environment. 9 a.m.-noon. Full-day camp: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Cost: $135/ week for half-day session, $235/week for full day.

Lake Toxaway • 384-4629 • avl.mx/5oy • info@ mountainroots.org June 8-July 31

NATURE’S CHILDREN SUMMER CAMP

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Ages 3.5-6 Coed Practice yoga through imaginative play and games, have a daily nature based craft, healthy snacks, water play and gardening. Mon. through Thurs., 9:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. Cost: $175/week.

Black Mountain • 516-509-8388 • Shineyoga7@gmail.com June 29-July 10

NC STAGE — MUSICAL THEATRE SHOWCASE

ODYSSEY CLAYWORKS — SUMMER CLAY CAMP

PARI–CAMP ABOVE AND BEYOND

Ages 13-17 Coed Strengthen vocal technique and expand musical theater performance skills with scenes and songs from Broadway showstoppers, Showcase on the final day of camp includes solos, ensemble musical numbers and prepared scenes.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $325.

Asheville • 239-0263 • avl.mx/6xn • ncstage@ ncstage.org July 20-24

Ages 5-14 Coed Come experience the love of clay this summer. Learn to sculpt, coil and even get to try your hand at throwing on the potter's wheel in a fun and upbeat atmosphere. All skill levels welcome. Morning session 9 a.m.-noon, afternoon session 2-5 p.m. Cost: $235/ half-day week, $25 sibling discount for same camp.

Asheville • 285-0210 • avl.mx/4rp • odysseyclayworks@gmail.com June 8-Aug.14

Grades 6-12 Coed An in-depth, handson space science and research experience. A basic understanding of algebra is most helpful. It is multifaceted world of space science and research designed in partnership with Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP) Field Studies.

This camp explores the universe through astronomy, physics and astrobiology.

This camp models the process that college graduates, undergraduates and researchers use to make new discoveries and publish works. Cost: $3,960-$5,994.

Rosman • 862-5554 • pari.edu • camps@pari.edu June 7-18 or June 7-25

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NC STAGE — SUMMER ACTING STUDIO

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Ages 13-17 Coed Work with professional theater artists in a series of workshops designed to strengthen preparation and performance skills, including scene study, delivering a monologue, voice and movement, text analysis across a variety of playwrights and more. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $285.

Asheville • 239-0263 • avl.mx/6xn • education@ ncstage.org July 27-31

NC STAGE — SUMMER PLAYGROUND: INTO THE WOODS

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Ages 4-7 Coed Explore scenes and songs inspired by fairy tales and the music of Into the Woods.

Not a singer? Not a problem.

Each camper learns and performs to their interests.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $265.

Asheville • 239-0263 • avl.mx/6xn • education@ ncstage.org July 8-12

NC STAGE — SUMMER PLAYGROUND: SUPERHEROES

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Ages 4-7 Coed Fly into a week full of singing, dancing and arts & crafts inspired by our favorite Superheroes. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $180.

Asheville • 239-0263 • avl.mx/6xn • education@ ncstage.org July 6-10

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PARI–A ROVERS JOURNEY

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Grades 6-12 Coed Examine basic automatons and complex rovers that explore other planets and extreme environments on Earth. After gaining an understanding of the hardware, software and concepts that govern robotics, campers build their own robot to take a unique journey and collect information from their environment and determine their path. Creativity and skill reveal which designs succeed at their tasks and rise to the top and which spin aimlessly in circles. Cost: $3,960.

Rosman • 862-5554 • pari.edu • camps@pari.edu July 19-30

PARI–ASTRO EXPLORERS

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Grade 6-12 Coed Take a deep look into how computers store and work with data. Learn techniques to find patterns in data and display it in vibrant and creative ways like animations.

Explore, map and 3D print legendary locations like where Neil Armstrong took his “one giant leap for mankind,” and the mammoth Martian volcano Olympus Mons. This Lunar & Planetary Institute recognized camp teaches 3D design and printing, and allows the opportunity to explore planetary geology and tactile communication like Braille by utilizing data from NASA satellites. Cost: $3,960 Rosman • 862-5554 • camps@pari.edu June 28-July 9

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PARI–CAMP OPERATION NEBULA

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Grades 6-12 Coed A simulated space mission that teaches leadership, teamwork and STEM principles while exposing everyone to fun and creative experiences.

The camp is an exciting, immersive journey amidst our campus’ history and its critical role in the space race. Each instance of Operation Nebula is different. One is a mission to Mars, the other is a mission to a mystery exoplanet.

Cost: $3,960-$5,994.

Rosman • 862-5554 • pari.edu • camps@pari.edu June–Aug.

PARI–SECRETS OF A SPY STATION

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Grades 6-12 Coed Immerse in the setting of former Department of Defense Spy Station where secret messages were intercepted so they could be decoded and used to aid national security.

Explore the history codes and ciphers and how they evolved from written messages to complex digital encryption methods. Learn how to recreate these techniques and crack the messages sent by their fellow cryptographers, all while reinforcing skills in math, language and pattern recognition. Leave with an understanding of the principals that drive the world of secrets and spies. Cost: $1,045.

Rosman • 862-5554 • pari.edu • camps@pari.edu June 7-12

PARKWAY PLAYHOUSE — PERFORMING ARTS CAMP

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Ages 4-18 Coed This production camp leads to two public performances of the musical, The Little Mermaid JR. Performances July 17 & 18. Morning session: 9 a.m.-noon, ages 4-10. Cost: $175. Full day session: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., ages 10-18. Cost: $225.

Burnsville • 682-4285 • avl.mx/4p2 • mksmith@ parkwayplayhouse.com July 6-18

PLAYBALL: SUMMER CAMP

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Ages 3-7 (must be potty trained) Coed Creative sporty lessons, incorporating imagery, art and music. Kids learn the skills and techniques needed to play their favorite team sports with a focus on sportsmanship and teamwork. In a low-pressure, noncompetitive safe space, kids practice the foundational skills of all major sports including baseball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, football, hockey and gymnastics. 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Cost: $40-$50/ day, discounts for additional days/$200 for the full week.

Asheville • 575-3000 • avl.mx/4ri July 6-Aug. 14

PLAYGROUND STAGE — CHILDREN'S THEATRE SUMMER MUSICAL CAMP

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Raising grades 1-6 Coed Campers are immersed in the world of musical theater as they and their peers put on a fully staged musical with costumes, sets and props for a final performance.

Choose extra activities such as costume design, prop building and stage makeup design to help bring the performance to life. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $400/two weeks Arden • 537-5050 • avl.mx/6ya • Education@ PlaygroundStage.org June 15-26: July 6-17

PUSH SKATE AND ADVENTURE CAMP

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Age 6-15 Coed Designed for skateboarders with skill levels intermediate and above. We travel by van to different skate parks MOUNTAINX.COM

in the area each day as well as river tubing, swimming and hiking. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $250/week.

Asheville • 225-5509 • pushtoyproject@yahoo.com June 22-26, July 13-17

PUSH SKATE CAMP

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Ages 6-15 Coed Beginner skateboarders learn basic skills and advanced skaters sharpen their skills. 9 a.m.-noon. Cost:$115/week.

Asheville • 225-5509 • pushtoyproject@yahoo.com June 8-12, June 15-19, June 29-July 3, July 6-10

RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL — ASHEVILLE ADVENTURES CAMP

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Rising Grades 5-8 Coed Explore a unique Asheville location each day. Monday visit local monuments, Tuesday embark on a haunted Asheville trail, Wednesday explore art and murals, Thursday visit local farms and Friday focus on geography.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $300.

Asheville • 828-258-9264 x 185 • avl.mx/6wh June 15-19

RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL — CREATIVE CODING CAMP

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Ages 9-12 Coed Learn all about computers by building your own computer models, using computers to make art, games and science experiments, and take home your very own pet robot.

Cost: $168. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Asheville • 828-258-9264 x 185 • avl.mx/6wh June 8-12

RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL — MUSICAL MORNINGS

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Rising Grades K-2 Coed Explore musical expression of all types. Learn new dances and compositions, play percussion instruments, xylophones and enjoy movement games and singing.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $305.

Asheville • 828-258-9264 x 185 • avl.mx/6wh July 20-24

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RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL — SENSE AND SAVOR CAMP

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Raising Grades K-2 Coed Explore the nooks and crannies of the school's 5-acre nature oasis. Time outside includes animal observation, mindfulness activities, games, building, nature, art and many sensory awareness activities. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $135.

Asheville • 828-258-9264 x 185 • avl.mx/6wh Junly 13-17

URGENT CARE

re.imagined Simplified.

Transparent. Respectful.

RIDE ON! CAMP

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In-network with MOST MAJOR INSURANCES

Located at 674 Merrimon Ave in North Asheville

Open 8a-7:30pm EVERYDAY

Coming Soon to

BLACK MOUNTAIN rangeurgentcare.com

TRIP TO SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Sixth grader Adelina Crosson of Asheville Middle School created this intricate artwork. back. The bugs were starting to come back, and we had to use our phones to see.

We started to play “Would you rather,” but then we couldn’t find the next creek crossing and realized we were lost!

I started crying, but luckily my cousin had found the next one after about 10 minutes! We finally got back to the car when the police came up because the people who had been hiking with us before were worried we would not get back.

We sorted everything out and drove home to relax in the condo hot tub after our long adventure out in the woods.

— Adelaide Little Sixth grade Carolina Day School

Sunlight Maya Crawford has never seen sunlight.

Although she has heard endless stories about it. It’s more beautiful than you can imagine. It’s very bright. She’d heard it all.

Maya didn’t know much about why there was no more sunlight. No one did.

Maya’s mother said that one day, they woke up without the sun. No one knew what to do. No one knew what had happened. Crops continued to grow, the rain continued to fall. Everything seemed perfectly normal, except the sun was nowhere to be found.

People these days continue on with life as if nothing has changed. But it has.

People try not to talk about it. No one really asks questions. Even curious children learn at a young age not to ask about it. The sun is off-limits, literally.

Everyone had long since given up the hope of seeing sunlight again. Most children grow up believing they will never see it. After all, the sun disappeared 30 years ago.

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Ages 6-13 Coed Learn basic horseback riding skills, safe horsemanship, take trail rides and enjoy games and craft activities. 9 a.m.-noon. Cost: $400/week.

Brevard • 883-3375 • freereincenter.com • programdirector@ freereincenter.com Aug. 3-7

RIVERLINK — FRENCH BROAD RIVER CAMP

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Rising Grades 3-8 Coed Engage in hands-on environmental education, river recreation and servicelearning projects. By the end of the week campers have a newfound appreciation and love for their watershed.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. with free after care available until 5:30 p.m. Cost: $250, scholarships are available.

Asheville • 828-252-8474 x 112 • avl.mx/5o3 • justin@riverlink.org June 15-19 (6th-8th), June 22-26 (3rd-5th), July 6-10 (6th-8th), July 13-17 (3rd-5th)

ROCKBROOK — CAMP FOR GIRLS

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Ages 6-15 Girls An inclusive environment where girls explore the beauty of nature, try new activities, enjoy carefree summer living and make some of their very best friends. Established in 1921.

ACA accredited. 2-, 3-, or 4-week sessions. Cost: $3,900–$6,600 per session.

Brevard • 884-6151 • avl.mx/4qc • office@ rockbrookcamp.com June 9-Aug. 15

ROOTS + WINGS SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN — SUMMER CREATIVITY CAMPS, DESIGN STUDIOS AND AFTERNOON PLAY

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Grades Pre-K-8 Coed 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. We help kids build confidence, celebrate collaboration and encourage the creative voice of every student. There are also junior assistant and intern opportunities for high school and college students. Costs and times vary. Full and half-day.

Asheville • 378-4140 • avl.mx/4o6 • info@ rootsandwingsarts.com June 8-Aug. 10

SEE — ADVENTURE CAMP

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Rising Grades 8-12 Coed SEE Adventure Camp is for teens who are blind or have a significant visual impairment and who are ready to stretch their legs and hit the trail.

We plan to hike, raft, climb, swim, and zip in and around the Nantahala Gorge in WNC. We’ll stay in the group lodge at Wildwater Nantahala and spend time at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Cost: Free, with onetime $50 registration fee.

Bryson City • 335-1136 • avl.mx/5lg • jhardwig@ ifbsolutions.org July 19-23

SEE — DAY CAMP

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Ages 5-18 Coed SEE Day Camps offer a combination of education, enrichment and recreation for kids who are blind or visually impaired. Week One has a Foods and Cooking theme and Week Two is our Young Explorers outdoor adventure camp. Cost: Free West Asheville • 335-1136 • avl.mx/5lg • jhardwig@ ifbsolutions.org June 15-25

SHAOLIN KUNG FU OF ASHEVILLE

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Ages 7-13 Coed Learn a traditional animal style of Shaolin kung

fu during a week filled with energetic games and instruction. Build self-confidence through exploration of fun and interesting takes on principals of focus, self-control, respect, inner strength and discipline all centered around self-defense. 9 a.m.noon. Cost: $175 (multikid discounts available).

Asheville • 707-1287 • avl.mx/6xi • ashevillekungfu@ gmail.com June 8-12

SPARKLE GIRL SOCCER CAMP

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Ages 6-10 Girls Experience friendship, learning and accomplishment. Curriculum designed by a professional women's soccer player.

In addition to games designed to build technical soccer skills, we also offer other activities like arts and crafts. 9 a.m.-noon.

Cost: $100/week. Buddy or sibling discount: $75.

Asheville • sparklegirlsoccer. com • info@ sparklegirlsoccer.com June 17-21, June 24-28, July 8-12, July 15-19

SUNNY TRUTH FARM — SUMMER CAMP

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Ages 5-10 Coed Interact with nature through games, art, science and of course the farm animals.

Our themes for the summer are Game Week (6/8), Farm Animals (6/15), Earth and Sky (6/22), Flora and Fauna of the Southern Appalachians (6/29), Water Week (7/6), Nature Art (7/13), Skills Week (7/20), Wild Week (7/27). 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: $100/week.

Mars Hill • 384-3003 • avl.mx/4oa • sunnytruthfarm@gmail.com June 8-July 31

TALISMAN SUMMER CAMP

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Ages 6-22 Coed Specialized camp for young people with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD and/or other learning differences.

Sessions vary in length from 6-17-days. $1,500-$4,250.

Zirconia • 697-6313 • avl.mx/6wi various

TERPSICORPS THEATRE OF DANCE — DISCOVER DANCE PERFORMANCE CAMPS

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Ages 6-8 Coed Discover Dance Camps has themes that students use to create their own show, through building sets, costumes and being a part of the choreographic process.

Participants are introduced to a range of different dance styles including ballet and two or more of either tap, contemporary or B-boy.

Dance is an excellent form of exercise and a scientifically proven way to improve learning and concentration skills. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $175/week. $25 off if registered before May 1.

Sibling discounts available.

Asheville • 761-1277 • avl.mx/4p9 • academy@ terpsicorps.org June 29-July 3, July 20-24

TERPSICORPS THEATRE OF DANCE — LEARNING THROUGH DANCE

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Ages 3-5 Coed Learn about each week’s theme through dance, music, crafts, storytime and more. We use the camper's creativity and imagination to teach them about the world through structured activities and short spurts of monitored but unstructured play. Each session culminates with a performance based on that week's theme.

Themes include Dino Dance Camp, Dance Around the World and Underwater Explorers. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Cost: $175/week. $25 off if registered by May 1. Sibling discounts are available.

Asheville • 761-1277 • avl.mx/4p9 • academy@ terpsicorps.org Nine 1 week sessions, June 1-Aug. 7

TERPSICORPS THEATRE OF DANCE — PETITE MUSES CINDERELLA BALLET CAMP

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Ages 8-12 Coed Created for young dancers who currently study ballet.

Students create a short performance inspired by the iconic tale of Cinderella, through building sets, costumes and participating in the choreographic process.

Participants take daily ballet classes and explore one or two additional movement styles. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $175/week. $25 off if registered by May 1. Sibling discounts are available.

Asheville • 761-1277 • avl.mx/4p9 • academy@ terpsicorps.org July 13-17

THE LITTLE GYM OF ASHEVILLE — SUPER QUEST CAMPS

THE VILLAGE POTTERS — CHEROKEE LEGENDS

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morning 8-10 years, afternoon 10-12 years Coed Cherokee Legends, a hands-on workshop, is an overview of Cherokee culture; folklore, language and the ceramic arts, which includes learning the basics of the nature of clay, hand building and surface design.

Projects include clay whistles, drums, vegetable dyeing and Cherokee inspired vessels. This interdisciplinary experience includes disciplines besides ceramics. including a language arts component. Campers learn the importance of respecting and honoring our indigenous neighbors.

Cost: $145/session.

Asheville • 253-2424 • avl.mx/6js • lori@ thevillagepotters.com June 22-26

ULTIMATE FRISBEE SUMMER CAMP

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Ages 3-9 Coed Kids get lots of exercise in the gym playing games and doing various challenges based on a new theme each week. They also do a craft and build with Legos each day. Please pack a snack and lunch. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Cost: $45/half0day, $75/day.

Asheville • 747-2239 • avl.mx/4qp • tlgashevillenc@ thelittlegym.com June 1-Aug. 14

Grades 3-8 Coed Master the fundamentals and techniques to improve skills, understand the game and the governing principle based on self-officiating. Learn from the current 3 time world champion and 2006 North Carolina middle school coach of the year, Mark Strazzer, and other local players. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Vance Elementary School. $125/camper.

Asheville • 225-6986 • avl.mx/6we • mark.strazzer@gmail.com June 22-26

THE NEW CLASSICAL ACADEMY

UNCA ASHEVILLE — PRE-COLLEGE PROGRAMS

Grades K-5 Coed Day camps include arts and crafts, nature, cooking and camp games. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Cost: $225/week Asheville • 225-1993 • avl.mx/6xh • janecross@ thenewclassicalacademy.org June 15-19, June 22-26, July 6-10, July 13-17

Raising grades 9-12 Coed 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 topics such as pre-med and aerospace engineering, with

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Athletic Camp

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Nature Camp

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Day Camp

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Faith Camp

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Academic / Science Camp

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Overnight Camp

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Art Camp

✈ Travel Camp MOUNTAINX.COM

MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

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INTO THE WOODS: Adventure seems just around the corner in this painting by fourth grader Morgan Padgett of Hall Fletcher Elementary School.

Now imagine waking up without something you’ve known your whole life. Now imagine it never returning. Now imagine having to raise your children telling them about this disappearing thing. Imagine their disappointment when they realize they will most likely never see this magical thing. Now imagine that one day, without any explanation, this thing returns. That, in a nutshell, is the life of Maya Crawford.

Because as she woke up on a new morning, she awoke to something new.

A beautiful light was shining through my open window. Not like the false light used most days. It was gold and so bright I felt that if I looked right at it, it would blind me. The sun was back.

— Susannah Owen Eighth grade Asheville Catholic School

It was so fun! Now we are walking in downtown Los Angeles. We are going to Disneyland! I have never been to Disneyland before.

It is so cool here. We already rode three roller coasters!

It is now the next day, and we have finished our acting. Now we are going to San Francisco to eat lunch.

Hawaii! We are in Hawaii and we are already in the ocean. It is so warm here.

It is nighttime now, and we are going camping out by the ocean. Tomorrow we will camp out on the volcanoes. We made a fire, and we are roasting marshmallows.

I already had two s’mores that my brother made. He is so good at cooking. Tomorrow we are going snorkeling with sharks. I am so excited! Goodnight, see you tomorrow.

It is the next day at 8 a.m. I love it here.

I am going to miss it when we leave tomorrow morning. All right, time to go snorkeling. I went snorkeling with a silky shark!

My brother swam with a hammerhead.

Time to go camping. These volcanoes are so awesome. It is such a pretty view.

It is time to go home. Bye, Hawaii. This trip was so fun. I hope I get to do it again soon!

— Kadence Thomas Fourth grade North Buncombe Elementary School

A night in the woods My friends and I and my dog, Herbie, are hiking on the Appalachian Trail. We are talking and having fun. All of a sudden, my friends are gone! I scream! Herbie wraps around my ankles. I start to panic.

‘E’ IS FOR ELEPHANT: Ella, a kindergartner at the Francine Delany New School for Children After School Program, drew this cheerful scene, explaining: “I went to South Africa, and we got to see elephants.”

“What are we going to do, Herbie?”

I look and I look, but they are nowhere to be found. I start to get scared, and I pick up Herbie. I tell myself there is no time to be scared. Herbie and I gather stuff for our bed tonight. We start to make our beds, and I realize that I have a backpack on me, and there are lighters and matches in my backpack. I say to myself, we can make a fire.

We gather wood for the fire, and I start lighting the fire with the matches. It is very hard to not let the fire go out. Herbie stood and watched while I went and got food.

Deep in the forest, I heard people hunting. I was scared, but then I found something the hunters had killed. With my pocketknife, I carved out some flesh. I get a little extra for Herbie.

I start cooking the meat on a grill that I found at a campsite that we passed on the way here. I cooked it. Now it’s ready. Wow, that was really good. Then I give some to Herbie. He scarfed it down.

My big adventure!

Hi, my name is Emma and my brother is Jackson, and we are going on an adventure! We are going to two states in the country. One is California, just because it is cool, and because I have been invited to act in a movie! I am so excited. The next place we are going is Hawaii, for the beach and for the amazing volcanoes. First we are going to California, since I have to start acting tomorrow.

The adventure begins. We are now in California! We got here early, so we are going to grab a bite to eat. Now we are here at the place in Los Angeles where I am going to act.

All right, we are done acting for today.

We will come back tomorrow and finish it.

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We start making our fort for tonight.

Our fort is done. We can go to sleep.

Herbie lies on me.

Now it’s the morning. I think we need to put out an SOS if we ever want to get out of here! “Now, Herbie, we need to pack up our stuff in case someone rescues us,” I say. There, now I’m done.

About a few hours later: “Hey, Herbie, I just remembered I have a tennis ball in my backpack,”” I say. “”Do you want to play fetch?” We have been playing for hours.

Suddenly, we hear a helicopter. We start climbing the ladder there.

Now we’re finally home! Our friends are OK, too.

— Laurel Grice Fourth grade ArtSpace Charter School

Imagine this If you were a whopping 15 feet tall, you’d ride a whale to school.

A tree would be your umbrella when rain begins to pool.

If you needed to write something down, You’d have to use a billboard in town.

This may even make you frown.

If you were 15 feet tall.

If you were a whopping 15 feet tall, a crater would be your bed.

Walking through a tunnel, you might even bump your head.

There’s a car coming by, Splashing through a puddle would only wet you knee-high.

Angry, you would swat it like a fly.

If you were 15 feet tall.

If you were a whopping 15 feet tall, Holding a bowl of ramen would be like holding a marble.

Walking, would people stop to marvel.

If you began to speak out loud, Your voice would surely draw a crowd.

Because I’m 15 feet tall.

— Melo Henry Fifth grade Oakley Elementary School

The lighthouse passage We fly across the deserted field, through the long grasses that slash at our legs and the howling wind that shoves us angrily aside.

Raindrops as hard and as sharp as blunt knives sting our faces as we race desperately for cover from this terrible beast of a storm. The meadow ends abruptly at a sheer cliff face, the sand and crashing waves hundreds of feet below.

Terrified, the young girl clutches my arm. Her eyes fill with tears and shine as brightly as the stars

MY CAMPING ADVENTURE: Third grade Rainbow Community School student Lucia Ferrell-Smith depicts an alarming nighttime scene.

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challenging activities and the opportunity to engage with industry professionals and liberal arts and sciences faculty. Cost: $1,200 and up which includes lodging, meals, all course materials, activities and excursions.

Asheville • 251-6991 • avl. mx/6yf • camps@unca.edu June 14-19, June 21-26

UNCA ASHEVILLE — YOUNG WRITERS WORKSHOP

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Raising Grades 9-12 and college freshmen Coed Offered by the esteemed Great Smokies Writing Program, the Young Writers Workshop brings top-notch writing instruction to high school and first-year college students. The two-week program is led by poet Eric Steineger and playwright, podcaster and fiction author Jamie Ridenhour. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. with lunch provided.

Asheville • 251-6099 • avl. mx/6yg • laugspur@unca.edu July 6-10 and 13-17

UNCA MUSIC CAMP – JAZZ AND CONTEMPORARY MUSIC INTENSIVE

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Rising grades 7 through college freshman Coed Developed with the serious music student in mind, this residency is for rising high school, high school, college and continuing students in the musical performing arts designed by the contemporary music faculty to accelerate all aspects of musical development. Cost: Nonresident ($395 includes meals) or Overnight ($595 by Feb. 29; $645 after Feb. 29).

Asheville • 251-6600 • avl.mx/6y1 June 21-26

UNCA MUSIC CAMP – PIANO CAMP

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Raising Grades 6 and up Coed Achieve a deeper love and appreciation for music through enhancement of enjoying piano playing. Be a part of an encouraging community where you expand your knowledge and improve your abilities through daily lecture, ensemble work, performance, private lessons and master classes. 8:45 a.m,-4 p.m. daily,

lunch included. Cost: $400 before 4/30, $425 after.

Asheville • 251-6600 • avl.mx/6y0 June 15-19

VISIONS USA INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE/ LANGUAGE CAMP

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Ages 10/17 Coed Learn from and interact with students visiting from abroad. Morning language immersion sessions feature visiting students' native languages: German, Spanish.

Practice a new language with native speakers. Afternoons feature fun local excursions with international and local students combined: waterfall hikes, high ropes course, Carowinds and more. 9 a.m-5 p.m. Cost: $250/week Asheville • 989-7021 • visionsusa.org • info@visionsusa.org June 29-Aug. 15

WARREN WILSON COLLEGE — BOYS LACROSSE CAMP

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Grades 2-12 Boys Learn the fundamentals of the sport of lacrosse as well as more advanced techniques based on experience and skill level. 9 a.m.-noon, grades 2-7. 1-4 p.m., grades 8-12. Cost: $225 Swannanoa • 771-3005 • avl.mx/6xf • dgold@ warren-wilson.edu July 7-10

WARREN WILSON COLLEGE — ELITE SOCCER CAMP

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Grades 8-12 Girls We offer high-level training for female players in WNC. As women ourselves, we understand there is a lot more to the game than the x’s and o’s. We touch on a few important topics that often are overlooked. Players walk away with confidence and a better understanding of the game. Cost: $150.

Swannanoa • 771-3005 • avl.mx/6xf • lvandenbergh@ warren-wilson.edu June 22-25

WARREN WILSON COLLEGE — GIRLS LACROSSE CAMP

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Raising Grades 3-8 Girls Lacrosse instruction and fun to improve and develop lacrosse skills such as cradling, passing, catching, dodging, shooting and offensive/defensive knowledge. The week’s activities and competitive games culminate in lacrosse olympics. Cost: $100 Swannanoa • 771-3005 • avl.mx/6xf • bstanford@ warren-wilson.edu July 28-31

WARREN WILSON COLLEGE — LACROSSE DAY: LEAD & LAX

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Raising Grades 9-12 Girls Work to refine their lacrosse and leadership skills through drills, team building exercises, and competitive games. Includes lunch and shirt. Cost: $50.

Swannanoa • 771-3005 • avl.mx/6xf • bstanford@ warren-wilson.edu Aug. 8

Mr. K’s USED BOOKS, MUSIC AND MORE

ASHEVILLE’S LARGEST USED BOOKSTORE

NEW & USED: Books • CDs • Vinyl Records Video Games • Books on CD • DVDs • Comics BUY � SELL � TRADE

Check with us for your Summer Reading books!

Large Selection of New & Used Children and Young Adult Books at Great Prices!

Open Mon. – Sat. 9am-9pm • Sun. 12–6pm 800 Fairview Rd. • Asheville, NC River Ridge Shopping Center • Beside A.C. Moore • Hwy 240 exit #8

299–1145 • www.mrksusedbooks.com

WARREN WILSON COLLEGE — RUNNING AND ADVENTURE CAMP

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Ages 11-18 Coed Runners looking to improve their running, boost their fitness and have fun. Enjoy morning runs on our 20+ miles of scenic trails and a variety of workshops to increase their knowledge of nutrition, running form, cross training and other topics. They also get to climb, swim, tube and team up for our fun focused Adventure Race. Cost: $120 Swannanoa • 771-3005 • avl.mx/6xf • bhills@ warren-wilson.edu July 13-18

WARREN WILSON COLLEGE — UPPER 90 SOCCER & ADVENTURE CAMP

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Ages 7-15 Girls Quality, competitive soccer training to step out of their comfort zones and into leadership roles in an environment that challenges and empowers them. Activities include soccer, futsal, indoor climbing wall, swimming, team building activities and MOUNTAINX.COM

MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

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that were hidden by the dark storm clouds. The only path down to the shore is a treacherous, slippery staircase that has been carved directly into the sheer cliff face.

The steps are jagged, steep and completely slicked with rain.

I do not want to navigate the staircase on a night like this, but we have no choice. We may already be too late. I take the girl’s hand firmly in my own and begin the long climb to the sand. Winds as relentless and as strong as steel nearly force us off the cliff face many times.

Suddenly, our feet land on the damp sandy beach. A huge wave towers over us. We sprint as far away from the waves as we can as we slip between two large, shellstudded boulders. I hold up a freezing hand to my face and squint through the heavy rain.

A small cave lies just ahead — it’s the one that the Watchman told me to look for. I point toward the dark entrance as the girl shivers from the cold, shock or fright.

We slip into the entrance as I fumble in my pocket for the Illuminator. I whisper the password onto its faintly luminous surface, and the cavern fills with light. A bright red trap door swings open

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a.m.-4 p.m. $385/week with scholarships available.

Asheville • 257-4530 • worthamarts.org • boxoffice@worthamarts.org June 22-26

WARREN WILSON COLLEGE — YOUTH BASKETBALL CAMP

WORTHAM CENTER — SUMMER CAMP WITH BRIGHT STAR THEATRE

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Age 5–Raising -rade 9 Coed Basketball fundamentals and fun. Cost: $150/week, $100/week, half day.

Swannanoa • 771-3005 • avl.mx/6xf • rmartin@ warren-wilson.edu July 13-17

WNC DOWN SYNDROME ALLIANCE

pvr SURFING ADVENTURE: Third grader Willa R. of Black Mountain Primary School reveals a love of water sports. to reveal a thin ladder. We climb in silence until we reach the last rung.

We step into the top of a lighthouse.

Cozy armchairs and the bright beam of the lighthouse lantern lamp greet us as the Watchman turns to welcome us.

“You came,” he says happily.

“Are we too late?” I ask frantically. “We came as fast as we could.”

“No,” he says. “You are right on time. Follow me.”

With that, he seizes a bright pink umbrella and raps the brick wall sharply. The faint outline of a glowing door slowly appears on the wall.

Suddenly, a fire-engine red door swings open with a bang as we step into a blindingly bright light.

— Natalie Nery Eighth grade Asheville Catholic School

School

A DISTANT HORIZON: Asheville Middle School sixth grader Anabelle Scagnoli envisioned this celestial view.

leadership initiatives. Cost: $325, $200/half day.

Swannanoa • 771-3005 • avl.mx/6xf • lvandenbergh@ warren-wilson.edu July 20-24

Have you ever been stuck in bed With thoughts of school in your head?

I wish it was summer break ‘Cause school gives me a headache But as I blink I start to think School can be an adventure, too Well, recess at least — Ella Hoffert Fifth grade Asheville Catholic School

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Ages 6-14 Coed A free day camp for children with Down syndrome.

Activities include canoeing, arts and crafts, music, Care3 and swimming.

Snack and lunch included.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. Cost: Free.

Arden • 665-0592 • wncdsa.org July 6-10

WOODSON BRANCH NATURE SCHOOL EARTH, FIRE, WATER CAMP

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Ages 6-14 Coed Earth, Water, Fire Camp means shelter building, wilderness first aid, creek time. Clay pots and bowls, plus irrigation (of the gardens and the children), foraging and garden harvest, and water relays. Fire building and cooking contests (using the harvest). 8 a.m.- 3 p.m. Cost: $199/week.

Marshall • 206-1492 • avl.mx/4px • info@madisoncclc.org June 22-26

WORTHAM CENTER — JANET’S PLANET STEAM ASTRONAUT ACADEMY

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Raising Grades 3-7 Coed Inspired by all things space, science, aviation and robotics, with the chance to talk with a real NASA astronaut and win a trip to the U.S. Space and Rocket Center’s Space Camp summer of 2021. 9

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Raising Grades 1-4 Coed Wiggle, sing, dance and shout via creative play, activities and field trips — ending the week with a chance to shine in a special performance on a professional stage. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $300/week with scholarships available.

Asheville • 257-4530 • worthamarts.org • boxoffice@worthamarts.org July 6-10

WORTHAM CENTER — SUMMER CAMP WITH BRIGHT STAR THEATRE

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Raising Grades 5-7 Coed With nonstop opportunities to express themselves through arts-based games, activities and field trips with creative play working with arts educators to write their own show and perform it on one of the Wortham Center's professional stages.

9 a.m.-4 p.m. $300/week with scholarships available.

Asheville • 257-4530 • worthamarts.org • boxoffice@worthamarts.org Aug. 3-7

XPLORE USA — INTERCULTURAL DAY CAMP

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Ages 8-18 Coed Campers join students from all over the world, taking foreign language class in the morning and fully integrated afternoon activities like swimming, hiking, group sports, rafting, service projects, ropes courses, theme parks, arts, tubing and more. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Cost: $240-$300/week. Free week and discounted rates available for host families of international students.

Asheville • 713-2056 • avl.mx/6wq • kristina. lunsford@xploreusa.org June 29–July 24

YMCA — CAMP WATIA

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Ages 7-17 Coed Dare, discover, dream and unplug from devices and connect with the outdoors, new friends and caring counselors. Fun, meaningful activities help campers explore new interests and build confidence. Choose from swimming, canoeing, nature studies, outdoor living skills, paddle boarding, mountain biking, hiking, climbing wall, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, counselor-in-training program and much more. Develop courage, perseverance and grit in a supportive, nurturing environment. Financial assistance available.

Bryson City • 209-9600 • avl.mx/4pd • ymcacampwatia@ ymcawnc.org June–August, single and multiple week sessions available

YMCA OF WNC — SUMMER DAY CAMPS

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Ages vary by camp Coed The YMCA of WNC offers a wide variety of full-day and half-day camps such as adventure, discovery, explorer and sports. Hours, locations, prices and ages vary by camp. Visit our website to learn more.

Financial aid available.

Asheville • avl.mx/6wo Dates vary

ZANIAC ASHEVILLE — STEAM CAMPS

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Grades K-8 Coed Gain STEAM skills with our interactive Coding, Space Science, Robotics, Engineering, 3D Design & Printing, Drones, Minecraft and Math camps. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Cost: $279/week for half-day camps, $449/week all-day camps.

Asheville • 575-0355 • avl.mx/6xj • Asheville@ ZaniacLearning.com June 1-Aug. 14

ZANIAC ASHEVILLE — STEAM CAMPS

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Raising Grades 3-5 Coed Enjoy STEAM camps grouped and focused by age. Popular camps include: Kerbal Space, Science, Minecraft Galaxy, Space Engineers, Python

Coder, Java Coder, Drones, Mechatronics & 3D Printing. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m.

Cost: $279/week for half-day camps, $449/ week all-day camps.

Asheville • 575-0355 • avl.mx/6xj • Asheville@ ZaniacLearning.com June 1-Aug. 14

ZANIAC ASHEVILLE — STEAM CAMPS

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Raising Grades 6-8 Coed Enjoy STEAM camps grouped and focused by age. Popular Camps include: Computer Science Lab, Python Coder, Java Coder, Minecraft Engineering & Design, Advanced Robotics & Advanced 3D Printing.

8 a.m.-5 p.m., 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Cost: $279/

ZIGZAG AGILE LEARNING COMMUNITY

week for half-day camps, $449/week all-day camps.

Asheville • 575-0355 • avl.mx/6xj • Asheville@ ZaniacLearning.com June 1-Aug. 14

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ZANIAC ASHEVILLE — STEAM SUMMER CAMPS

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Raising Grades K-2 Coed Enjoy STEAM camps grouped and focused by age. Popular camps include: Electronics Lab, Scratch Coder, Robotics, Engineering, Earth Science, Space Exploration & Minecraft Explorer. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. Cost: $279/ week for half-day camps, $449/week all-day camps.

Asheville • 575-0355 • avl.mx/6xj • Asheville@ ZaniacLearning.com June 1-Aug. 14

Ages 3-13 Coed Facilitators focus on different themes each week like ceramics, lego challenges, improv, field games, mural arts, coding in scratch, building cardboard carnival games. Additional activities and weekly field trips cocreated with kids enrolled.

We practice self-directed education, empathy-based communication, consent, liberation and power-with instead of power-over.

Beautiful land with a creek, studio space, maker & art space, music room, library.

9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Cost: $195/week.

Asheville • 772-2834 • zigzagalc.org • hany@zigzagalc.org June 1-Aug 7

We need your help more than ever For 25 years, Mountain Xpress has delivered community news for free.

It’s time to pitch in to keep Xpress strong.

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Xpress Poetry Contest Xpress announces a 2020 poetry contest in celebration of April as National Poetry Month.

Poets are asked to submit work around the theme of a famous or noteworthy person/personality in Western North Carolina (e.g., moonshiner Popcorn Sutton, WLOS anchor Darcel Grimes, 2000-era City Council candidate and thong wearer Ukiah Morrison, community developer and pioneer Isaac Dickson). Poems should be no longer than one typed page in a 12-point font and must be previously unpublished.

The contest is currently open for submissions will close at midnight on Friday, March 20. Email the poem in the body of the message or as a Doc attachment to amarshall@mountainx.com. The subject line should read “Xpress poetry contest.” Include the author’s full name and contact information in the email. Only one submission is allowed per person. There is no cost to enter.

A winning poem will be determined by a local poet of note, to be named soon.

The winner will be published online and in print in our April 29 issue.

The contest is not open to Xpress employees or freelance contributors.

Contact Alli Marshall at amarshall@mountainx.com with any questions.

Sign up at SupportMountainX.com MOUNTAINX.COM

MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR MARCH 18 - 26, 2020

CALENDAR GUIDELINES For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, ext.

137. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 828-251-1333, ext. 320.

Note on COVID-19 and events Following local and state declarations of emergency last week, many planned events have been canceled or postponed. While this week’s calendar reflects the latest information available to Xpress at press time we encourage readers to check with event organizers to determine the status of local gatherings.

ACTIVISM ENC & SONG: FOURTH SUNDAYS AT FIRESTORM BOOKS! • SU (3/22), 12:302:30pm - Equality North Carolina and Southerners on New Ground, informal meeting. Free to attend. Held at Firestorm Books & Coffee, 610 Haywood Road

ANIMALS ASHEVILLE ANIMAL RIGHTS READING GROUP • 3rd FRIDAYS, 6-7:30pm - Animal Rights Reading Group. Free to attend. Held at Firestorm Books & Coffee, 610 Haywood Road

BENEFITS ARTSHARE • Through FR (3/28), 11am-4pm - Proceeds from ArtShare, a showing of donated or consigned art works benefit Haywood County Arts Council. Free to attend.

Held at Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville ASSAULT ON BLACKROCK • SA (3/21), 9-11am - Proceeds from the

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annual Assault on Blackrock trail running race benefit Humane Society of Jackson County.

Tickets: bit.ly/39JpxX0. $30/$25 advance. Held at Pinnacle Park, Sylva DUPONT FOREST 12K TRAIL RACE • SA (3/21), 10am12:30pm Proceeds from this trail race benefit the DuPont State Forest. $40. Held at DuPont State Recreational Forest Guion Access Area, 3045 Sky Valley Road Hendersonville ENKA BAND FUNDRAISER • SA (3/21), 5-8pm - Proceeds from this spaghetti dinner and live music fundraiser benefit the Enka High School and Middle School bands. $7. Held at Lake Hills Church, 370 Lake Drive, Candler TO PUERTO RICO WITH LOVE • SA (3/21), 5-9pm - Proceeds from this fundraising event with raffle and music by DJ HijX De La Chigada benefit citizens of Puerto Rico. Free to attend. Held at One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Road

MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

CLASSES, MEETINGS & EVENTS EMPYREAN ARTS CLASSES (PD.) Self Care weekly on Mondays 7:30pm and Sundays 2:15pm.

Aerial Flexibility weekly on Wednesdays 6:15pm, Fridays 1pm, and Saturdays 1pm.

Aerial Kids weekly on Wednesdays 5pm. Intro to Pole Fitness weekly on Mondays 6:15pm, Tuesdays 7:15pm, and Saturdays 11:30am.

EMPYREANARTS.ORG THOMAS SCHOOL OF REAL ESTATE (PD.) Pre & Postlicensing Courses Held at Keller Williams Elite 79 Turtle Creek Rd. Asheville NC www.ThomasNC.online 828-333-7509 ANNUAL GEM, MINERAL AND FOSSIL SHOW! • FR (3/20) & SA (3/21), 9am-6pm & SU (3/22), 9am-4pm - 12th biannual gem, mineral and fossil show with vendors from all over the US. Free to attend. Held at Camp Stephens, 263 Clayton Road, Arden ASHEVILLE FRIENDS OF ASTROLOGY • FR (3/20), 7-9pm Meeting and pesentation

by Cindy Zimmerman. $3. Held at Asheville Friends Meetinghouse, 227 Edgewood Road BIG IVY COMMUNITY CENTER BOARD MEETING • 4th MONDAYS, 7pm Community center board meeting. Free. Held at Big Ivy Community Center, 540 Dillingham Road, Barnardsville COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR ADULT CARE HOMES • 3rd FRIDAYS, 9-10:30am - Committee meeting. Registration: julia@landofsky.org.

Free. Held at Land of Sky Regional Council Offices, 339 New Leicester Highway, Suite 140 HOLA CULTURAL CENTER GRAND OPENING • TH (3/26), 4-7pm - Grand opening

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and ribbon cutting ceremony. Free. Held at Hola Cultural Center, 801 Fourth Ave. East, Hendersonville HOMINY VALLEY RECREATION PARK • 3rd THURSDAYS, 7pm - Hominy Valley board meeting. Free.

Held at Hominy Valley Recreation Park, 25 Twin Lakes Drive, Candler LEICESTER HISTORY GATHERING • 3rd THURSDAYS, 7pm - The Leicester History Gathering, general meeting. Free.

Held at Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Highway, Leicester MARINE CORPS LEAGUE ASHEVILLE • 4th TUESDAYS, 6pm - For veterans of the Marines, FMF Corpsmen and their families. Free.

Held at American Legion Post #2, 851 Haywood Road ONTRACK WNC 50 S. French Broad Ave., 828-255-5166, ontrackwnc.org • WE (3/18), noon1:30pm - Understanding Credit. Get it. Keep it.

Improve it. Seminar.

Registration required.

Free.

• WE (3/18), 5:307pm - Budgeting and Debt, class. Registration required. Free.

1:30pm - Budgeting and Debt, class. Registration required. Free.

• WE (3/26), 5:30-7pm - Understanding Credit.

Get it. Keep it. Improve it. Seminar. Registration required. Free.

SALUDA TRAIN TALES • FR (3/20), 7pm - Saluda Train Tales, storytelling by author, Garland Goodwin. Free. Held at Saluda Historic Depot, 32 W. Main St., Saluda

ECO MOUNTAINTRUE 828-258-8737, mountaintrue.org • SA (3/21), 4-5pm Forest Management Plan presentations and comment-writing party to help the public prepare and submit more

I THINK THAT I SHALL NEVER SEE: Asheville, a city of trees, underwent an urban tree canopy study in October. City staff has developed recommendations that define the percentage of the existing tree canopy that must be preserved or replanted when land is being developed. The city of Asheville hosts a review of the draft revisions to the Tree Preservation Ordinance during a drop-in style meeting at the Public Works Building on Friday, March 20, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. avl.mx/70c. Free. Photo courtesy of Getty Images (p. 44) effective public comments in response to the draft forest management plan for the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forest. Free.

Held at Ecusta Brewing, 49 Pisgah Highway, Suite 3, Pisgah Forest • WE (3/25), 5:30-7:30pm - Forest Management Plan presentations and comment-writing party to help the public prepare and submit more effective public comments in response to the draft forest management plan for the Nantahala-Pisgah National Forest. Free.

Held at Marshall Container Co., 10 South Main St., Marshall TREE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE DROP-IN • FR (3/20), 10am-1pm The City hosts a review of draft revisions for the Tree Preservation Ordinance.

Short presentations at the top of the hour to review recommended updates.

Staff onsite for questions.

Light refreshments. avl.mx/70c. Free. Held at Public Works Building, 161 S. Charlotte St.

FARM & GARDEN POLK COUNTY FRIENDS OF AGRICULTURE BREAKFAST • 3rd WEDNESDAYS, 7-8am - Monthly breakfast with presentations on agriculture. Admission by donation. Held at Green Creek Community

Center, 25 Shields Road, Columbus

FOOD & BEER WELCOME TABLE FREE MEAL • WEDNESDAYS, 11:30am-1pm - Welcome Table, community meal.

Free. Held at Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Highway, Leicester

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS CITY COUNCIL • TU (3/24), 5pm - Formal meeting of the Asheville City Council. Held at Asheville City Hall, 70 Court Plaza CULTURAL CRASH COURSE • WE (3/18), 5:30-8pm Dr. Chris Cooper speaks on American democracy as we approach the 2020 elections. Registration required. $10/$5 student and seniors. Held at Folkmoot Friendship Center, 112 Virginia Ave., Waynesville SILENT VIGIL FOR IMMIGRATION REFORM • FR (3/20), 4-4:30pm - Progressive Alliance's monthly Silent Vigil to promote compassionate Immigration Reform policies. Held at Henderson County Courthouse, 200 N. Grove St., Hendersonville

TREE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE DROP-IN • FR (3/20), 10am-1pm The City hosts a review of draft revisions for the Tree Preservation Ordinance.

Short presentations at the top of the hour to review recommended updates.

Staff onsite for questions.

Light refreshments. avl.mx/70c. Free. Held at Public Works Building, 161 S. Charlotte St.

KIDS EMPOWERING THE LEADER IN EACH YOUNG MAN (PD.) Journeymen is supporting adolescent boys on their paths to becoming men of integrity. Our cost-free program is now enrolling young men 12-17. Mentees ("J-men") participate in bi-weekly mentoring groups and a semi-annual Rites of Passage Adventure Weekend, where they develop compassion, selfawareness, accountability, resilience and authenticity.

Learn more: journeymenasheville.org Contact: journeymenasheville@ gmail.com (828) 771-6344.

HEALTHY KIDS RUNNING SERIES • Through SU (3/22) Open registration for a five-week youth running experience for children ages 2-14. Begins SU (3/22). Registration: HealthyKidsRunningSeries. org. $40.

KATHRYN BYER MEMORIAL POETRY CONTEST • Until (4/10), 3pm - The 2020 Kathryn Byer Memorial Poetry Contest is open to all Jackson County students in three categories: K-4, 5-8 and 9-12. Submit to City Lights Booksore or more@citylightsnc.com, include Poetry Contest in subject line. Winners receive gift certificates to City Lights Bookstore and are invited to read at Greening Up the Mountains. Held at City Lights Bookstore, 3 E. Jackson St., Sylva PISGAH CENTER FOR WILDLIFE EDUCATION 1401 Fish Hatchery Road, Pisgah Forest, 828-877-4423 • WE (3/25), 9-11am Skunk focused class and activities for ages 4-7.

Registration required.

Free.

• WE (3/25), 1-3pm - Compass workshop for ages eight to 13. Registration required. Free.

WILDCAT STORYTIME • FR (3/20), 10-11am - Storytime for children ages 2-4 and their families.

Free. Held at Carolina Day School, 1345 Hendersonville Road OUTDOORS HIKIN' FOR LICHENS! • SA (3/21), 10am-3pm Hikin' for Lichens, easy to moderate, 2-3 mile guided hike along the Graybeard Trail in Montreat.

Beautiful Spring Shipments Registration required. $10/Free for members.

Held at Graybeard Trail, Graybeard Trail, Montreat PISGAH CENTER FOR WILDLIFE EDUCATION 1401 Fish Hatchery Road, Pisgah Forest, 828-877-4423 • WE (3/18), 10am-3pm - Casting for Beginners: Level I for ages 12 and up. Registration required.

Free.

• MO (3/23), 9am-3pm Workshop open to ages 12 and older. Registration required. Free.

PUBLIC STARGAZE • FR (3/20), 7:42pm Public stargaze. Temporary gate code, required for entry, provided the day of the stargaze by 4pm. Information: astroasheville.org.

Free. Held at Grassland Mountain Observatory, 2890 Grassland Parkway, Marshall SIGNS OF SPRING HIKE • SA (3/21), 9am-4pm - Guided, moderate, 6.8 mile out-and-back hike into the Green River Gorge. Registration: avl.mx/70n. Free.

PARENTING PARENTS NIGHT OUT • FR (3/20), 5:45-9:30pm - Parents night out with care for children from ages 1 to 12. Registration: ymcawnc.org/ time-out-for-parents. $28/$15 members.

Held at Hendersonville Family YMCA, 810 6th Ave W, Hendersonville

PUBLIC LECTURES CULTURAL CRASH COURSE • WE (3/18), 5:30-8pm Dr. Chris Cooper speaks on American democracy as we approach the 2020 elections. Registration required. $10/$5 student and seniors. Held at Folkmoot Friendship Center, 112 Virginia Ave., Waynesville SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN RAPTOR RESEARCH • TH (3/26), 6:30pm - Presentation with stories, slides and exhibit

by Mark Hopey, Director

of Southern Appalachian Raptor Research. Free.

Held at Hot Springs Welcome Center, 106 Bridge St., Hot Springs

SENIORS A MATTER OF BALANCE • Through WE (3/18) Registration open for the 8-week series, A Matter of Balance: Managing concerns About Falls.

Held Mondays (3/23) through (5/11), 2-4pm.

Free. Registration: 828-251-7438 or stephanie@landofsky. org. Held at Henderson County Athletics and Activity Center, 708 South Grove St., Hendersonville INTRODUCTION TO MEDICARE: UNDERSTANDING THE PUZZLE • FR (3/20), 2-4pm Introduction to Medicare – Understanding the Puzzle, explains how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties and ways to save money.

Registration: coabc.org or 828-277-8288. Free.

Held at Goodwill Career Training Center, 1616 Patton Ave. • WE (3/25), 2-4pm Introduction to Medicare – Understanding the Puzzle, explains how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties and ways to save money.

Registration: coabc.org or 828-277-8288. Free.

Held at Blue Ridge Community Health Services, 2579 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville

SPIRITUALITY APPALACHIAN TEA CEREMONY (PD.) Mary Plantwalker will be hosting an Appalachian Tea Ceremony every 3rd Thursday of the month! Come and enjoy local infusions with heartfelt offerings in a beautiful setting. Donation based. Registration required: info@ herbmountainfarm.com.

Weaverville at Herb Mountain Farm off

Maney Branch. Email for directions. 4:00-5:30pm.

ASTRO-COUNSELING (PD) 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, LPC. (828) 258-3229.

A COURSE IN MIRACLES STUDY GROUP • 2nd & 4th MONDAYS, 6:30-8:30pm - A Course in Miracles, study group.

Information: 828-7125472. Free. Held at Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Road DANCES OF UNIVERSAL PEACE • 3rd SATURDAYS, 7:30-9:30pm - Spiritual group dances that blend chanting, live music and movement. No experience necessary.

Admission by donation.

Held at Haw Creek Commons, 315 Old Haw Creek Road LABYRINTH PRAYER WALK • SA (3/21), 1-6pm & SU (3/22), 12:30-3pm - Labyrinth prayer walk. Free.

Held at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church, 789 Merrimon Ave. SONGS & SILENCE, ALL FAITH TAIZE SERVICE • THURSDAYS, 6:30-7:15 pm - All faith Taize service of meditation and music. Free. Held at Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave W., Hendersonville TWILIGHT LABYRINTH WALK • TH (3/19), 5-7pm - Walk the labyrinth at dusk with candles and music. Free to attend. Held at First Congregational UCC of Hendersonville, 1735 5th Ave. W., Hendersonville

SPORTS ADULT LEAGUE KICKBALL • Through FR (3/20) Open registration for adult league kickball season beginning in April.

Registration: bit.ly/2T0XnPQ. $35.

SWIM LESSONS AT HENDERSONVILLE YMCA • Until (3/28) - Registration is open for swimming lessons for kids 6 months to 13 years of age. 6 lessons per session. $36 members/$51 Non-members. Held at Hendersonville Family YMCA, 810 6th Ave W, Hendersonville

VOLUNTEERING

REEMS CREEK NURSERY & GIFT SHOP

#plantsmakemehappy

76 Monticello Rd. Weaverville, NC I-26/Exit 18 828-645-3937

www.reemscreek.com

TUTOR ADULTS/ YOUTH IN NEED WITH THE LITERACY COUNCIL (PD.) Give someone another chance to learn. Provide reading, writing, and/or English language tutoring and change a life forever.

Volunteer orientation 4/6 (5:30pm) or 4/10 (9am) RSVP: volunteers@ litcouncil.com. Learn more: www.litcouncil. com. Free.

CONSERVING CAROLINA carolinamountain.org • FR (3/20), 10am-2pm Volunteer to help protect bog habitat at King Creek Bog by removing species encroaching into the bog. Registration required: natalie@ conservingcarolina.org or 828-697-5777 x.211.

• TH (3/26), 10am-2pm - Volunteer to help manage invasive species and restore the native habitat in Tryon. Registration required: natalie@ conservingcarolina.org or 828-697-5777 x211.

MAKE-A-BLANKET DAY • SA (3/21), 10am-2pm WNC Chapter of Project Linus holds Buncombe County Make-A-Blanket Day to learn how to make no-sew blankets or donate blankets. Held at Eliada, 2 Compton Drive TRANZMISSION PRISON PROJECT • Fourth THURSDAYS, 6-9pm - Monthly meeting to prepare packages of books and zines for mailing to prisons across the US. Free to attend.

Held at Firestorm Books & Coffee, 610 Haywood Road For more volunteering opportunities visit mountainx.com/ volunteering

MOUNTAINX.COM

MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

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WELLNESS

Classes/Events or Readers may be canceled.

Call to Verify Store Hours.

SCREENING SCREEN TIME

Magical Offerings 3/19: SPRING EQUINOX, SUN in Aries Tarot Reader: Pamela Shook 1-6pm 3/20: Psychic Medium: Andrea Allen 12-5pm 3/24: NEW MOON in Aries Tarot Reader: Byron Ballard 1-5pm

Over 100 Herbs Available!

March Stone: Amethyst March Herb: Violet

(828) 424-7868

ashevilleravenandcrone.com

555 Merrimon Avenue Daily readers including Astrology, Tarot & More! Walk-ins welcome!

Are electronic media harming children’s health?

BY LESLIE BOYD leslie.boyd@gmail.com Ever since televisions first entered our homes, parents have grappled with the question of how much screen time is best for their children.

While screen time can be educational, too much of it can impede child development and invite a range of serious health issues.

“The recommendation of the American Academy of Pediatrics is for a maximum of two hours of screen time a day, and that includes TV, tablets, phones and computers,” says Laurie Steitler Panzer, a physician assistant who’s the mother of two preadolescent boys. For children under age 3, she continues, the recommendation is no more than one hour a day.

KEEPING IT REAL: Laurie Steitler Panzer and sons Ellison, 9, and Alex, 12, make it a point to get out and be active. Photo courtesy of Panzer

6-Month Summer Day Program • • • •

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Panzer and her husband, Hadley, try to limit 12-year-old Alex and 9-year-old Ellison to 30 minutes of screen time after school and 90 minutes more in the evening, but that 30 minutes often turns into 45 minutes or an hour.

“It just sucks them in,” says Panzer, who works at the Family Health Center of Asheville. “We try to be flexible, but we have to set limits.”

DEVELOPMENTAL DEFICITS Nicole Evans, a doctor of osteopathic medicine at MAHEC Family Practice, cites two studies of the same group of 2,441 children in Calgary, Canada, that found significant developmental differences at ages 3 and 5 among those who used electronics for varying amounts of time.

“The studies found differences in ... the ability to bond with caregivers, in language and in cognitive

development,” says Evans, who’s the mother of a 3-year-old.

And as screens become ever more ubiquitous, it gets that much harder to limit a child’s exposure to them.

In 2011, about 10% of children under age 2 had access to phones, tablets or computer screens, says Evans; just two years later, that number had jumped to 38%. At the same time, children ages 8 and under went from 30% with access to 70%.

“By now, I’m sure it’s pretty universal,” she says. “Most children have access to phones, tablets and computers, not to mention television.”

As of 2017, a study by Common Sense Media, a San Franciscobased nonprofit, found that 98% of children ages 8 and younger came from homes with internet-connected devices and spent more than two hours a day in front of screens.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that the average American

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“It just sucks them in. We have to set limits.”

— physician assistant Laurie Steitler Panzer child spends seven hours a day in front of some form of electronic media and that two-thirds of children ages 6 and under live in homes where the television is left on at least half the time, even when no one is watching it. In one-third of homes, the TV is left on all or nearly all the time, and the children in those homes appear to read less and to be slower in learning to read.

Too much screen time during the preschool years may be the most harmful, says Evans, because young children’s brains are developing most rapidly then, and they need to be exploring their environment and interacting with others.

Screen time right before bed, she notes, can also disrupt sleep, because the type of light emitted by a tablet or phone interferes with the release of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep cycle.

“Bedtime reading should always be from a real book,” says Evans.

this is often unsupervised screen time, which is less likely to be beneficial. “There are some 80,000 educational apps for phones and tablets,” says Evans. “Some are great, some are terrible, and unfortunately, it’s up to parents to sort it all out.”

KEEPING TRACK

TAKING CHARGE

Those adverse effects don’t end when children start school, however.

Most schools use computers in class, and students are encouraged to use the internet for research. “Kids’ use of computers in school adds to their screen time, and parents need to be aware of that,” stresses Evans.

Panzer agrees. “We see increased obesity, as children get less exercise.

I make sure my boys get outside and are active.” She and her husband take the kids hiking regularly, and they go kayaking at least a couple of times each summer. “We’re out a lot,” she says. “We want to set the right example, so we take part in activities with them.”

Family circumstances can also be a factor.

“I have a partner to help with my child,” notes Evans. “I don’t know how single parents manage. You get home and you have to cook dinner, so you set the children up with their computers or tablets or the TV.” But

At all ages, increased screen time has been associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A 2019 study using data from longitudinal studies of children in Canada found various adverse effects in kids of all ages, including obesity, cardiovascular problems, sleep issues and even increased aggression.

In addition to learning and developmental impacts, too much screen time can cause physical problems such as sore necks, headaches, eyestrain and repetitive stress injuries from texting.

But the news isn’t all bad. A 2015 article on the Cleveland Clinic website tells parents how they can use social media to help children learn useful fact-checking skills and how to combat online bullying.

Yet it’s still up to parents to keep track of screen time and of what their children are reading and watching.

Or as Panzer puts it, “We have to be in charge.” X

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FREE PUBLIC LECTURE (PD.) "Hemp-Derived CBD, Just the Facts." by CV Sciences. Place: Nature's Vitamins and Herbs, 752 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28803, APRIL 14TH AT 5:30 pm. Please RSVP by email (store@ naturesvitaminsandherbs. com) or phone 828-251-0094 ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION SIGNATURE EVENTS EXPO • SA (3/21), 10amnoon - Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter, expo to learn about the groups

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TAKEOUT: Local restaurants and pantries are responding to COVID-19 with new initiatives and plans for serving Asheville. Photo by Getty Images

To-go orders only, please On Monday, March 16, Buncombe County government held a press conference to address its current response to the coronavirus (COVID19), following the first reported case in Buncombe County. Fletcher Tove, public health emergency preparedness coordinator at Buncombe County Health and Human Services, requested that all restaurants limit their services to takeout only.

While restaurants are not legally mandated to comply, Tove suggested that could change at a future date.

(For additional, nonfood-related information, see “COVID-19 impacts broaden,” pg. 8.)

Free bagged lunches for kids Baked Pie Co. is offering free bagged lunches for children TuesdaySaturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Lunches include a peanut butter and jelly

sandwich on wheat bread, an apple (courtesy of Creasman Farms), milk and a Baked Pie Co. cookie. To learn more — including how you can donate to this initiative — visit avl.mx/70t.

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Ensuring food security The YMCA of Western North Carolina continues to operate its mobile food markets, offering prepackaged bags for those facing food insecurity. Scheduled market sites are available at avl.mx/70r. With North Carolina public schools currently closed, the nonprofit is also working with local school systems to deliver food to children in need. Takehome dinners for Buncombe County Schools students are available for pick up 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Monday-Friday at Oakley, Estes, Black Mountain,

CONTINUES ON PAGE 50

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F OOD Pisgah and West Buncombe elementary schools. Residents who are quarantined and in need of food resources should call 828-775-7081. To learn more, visit avl.mx/70s.

pandemic. Residents are encouraged to buy gift cards from the more than 50 bars, restaurants and cafes listed on the website. To support and learn more, visit ashevillestrong.com.

Free delivery

Asheville Poverty Initiative serves free takeout

Roman’s Deli & Catering announced on March 16 that it is offering free delivery for the next two weeks on all orders made through the platform ieatlocal.com.

Roman’s Deli & Catering is at 75 Haywood St.

Asheville Poverty Initiative has temporarily canceled all community programs and gatherings, including 12 Baskets Cafe. The nonprofit will continue to provide free takeout meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Community members are invited to bring empty containers to the community space at 610 Haywood Road. Orders will be placed outside the center; residents will not be permitted inside. For more information, visit avl.mx/70u. X

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CAROLINA BEER GUY

by Tony Kiss | avlbeerguy@gmail.com

Follow the leader In the craft beer world, no job is more prized and sought-after than the position of head brewer.

But around Asheville, these positions have tended to turn over with some regularity. The most recent departures have been Brandon Audette, who moved from One World Brewing to 12 Bones Brewing, and Jeff “Puff” Irvin, who’s no longer with Black Mountain Brewing but remains the director of the Craft Beverage Institute of the Southeast at A-B Tech.

None of today’s lead local brewers are in the same jobs they had when the Asheville brewing scene was born in in 1994 with the opening of Highland Brewing Co. John Lyda, longtime head brewer at Highland, is now with Irvin at the CBI. Doug Riley held that position at the long-gone Two Moons Brew-n-View pub, which became Asheville Brewing Co. He’s still with the establishment as a coowner, but is no longer brewing.

The head brewer job differs at each brewery. Head brewers will often “mash in” and make the beer, while others have assistants who do much of the brewing. A head brewer will often create new small-batch beers and handle new orders of grains and hops.

Making the same beer exactly the same way, day after day, can be tedious, but Carl Melissas says there’s a creative challenge in always getting it right.

The longest tenured head brewer in the Asheville area, he’s been with Wedge Brewing Co. since 2007 — even before it opened in 2008 — and previously worked for Green Man Brewery.

“There have been frustrating and times here and there where I briefly thought about [moving on],” Melissas says. “But I never really considered that seriously. I got lucky [at Wedge], but it’s been a lot of hard work.”

While Melissas has stayed put, he notes that nine assistant brewers have come and gone at Wedge during his employment.

Ben Pierson, however, has brewed at 16 or 17 breweries, including Green Man (twice) and the now-closed Lexington Avenue Brewery. He currently owns Swamp Rabbit Brewery in nearby Travelers Rest, S.C. The reasons for brewers moving on are varied. “They don’t get along with the owners,” he says. “Or their spouse or family has to move for one reason or another. Or the owner think’s he’s

Head brewer jobs experience frequent turnover

TOP DOGS: Clockwise from top right are Wedge Brewing Co.'s Carl Melissas; 12 Bones Brewery's Brandon Audette; CBI's Jeff Irvin; and Nantahala Brewing Co.'s John Stuart. Photo of Melissas by Matt Miller. All other photos courtesy of their respective breweries/institutions paying too much and decides to get someone cheaper. Or someone offers you more money — that’s happened to me. I guess I’ve been lucky. Every brewery I’ve worked at, I’ve been allowed to run the brewery like it was my own.”

John Stuart was a steady force at Green Man for 12 years before moving to Nantahala Brewing Co. in Bryson City in February 2019. He feels that as more breweries have opened in Western North Carolina, more opportunities have emerged for brewers to wander from job to job without leaving the area.

“They move around for a lot of reasons,” he says. “Money, obviously. Who

doesn’t want to move up? Or there could be situations where they don’t get along with certain people. Some brewers move because they want more creative control. Some move because they want less — it’s not as important to them to be in charge. Or you are in a situation where you need health [insurance].”

At Nantahala, Stuart is the director of brewing operations and currently its lone brewer. “It’s the slow season right now, and we are not doing a lot of brewing,” he says.

Stuart expects Nantahala to hire someone to do the brewing soon, a job for

which, he notes, qualifications differ from brewery to brewery.

“Some places require someone being able to fix things that break and wear a whole bunch of hats,” he says. “At some of them, the brewer is also working on the packaging line [and/or] driving a forklift. At some very small places, he’s delivering beer [to accounts] or representing the brewery at festivals.”

Stuart says Nanathala will be looking for someone with solid brewing experience. “For us, an established brewery with a lot of brands, it would be difficult for us to say, ‘Come on aboard! We know you’ve never brewed before, but we’ll teach you.’ But I can work around someone who hasn’t had formal training.”

John Silver may have worked for more local breweries than anyone else in Western North Carolina. He’s been at Pisgah Brewing Co., Catawba Brewing Co., Hi-Wire Brewing, French Broad River Brewery, Oskar Blues Brewery and now has his own Homeplace Beer Co. in Burnsville.

“It’s a competitive game out there now,” he says. “There are a lot of talented brewers in a place like Asheville. Sometimes it takes a while to find the right fit.”

Irvin recently left Black Mountain Brewing after about 18 months. “My wife is having another baby in April, and I need to be around to help her,” he says.

In his opinion, brewers sometimes seek a job change to challenge themselves with a better position and better pay. “The challenge of it is making something over and over again and to make sure the beers taste the same every time,” says Irvin.

Audette worked at One World in various roles for about five years before accepting a position at 12 Bones in October. “It’s a definite change of pace,” he says. “It’s definitely more chill, and there’s more money. 12 Bones has allowed me to be more focused on making beer. It just felt like the right move for me.” X

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F OOD

Rise and shine Sunflower Diner serves breakfast and cheer all day long It’s never too late to get breakfast at the Sunflower Diner, but as chef/ co-owner Hayette Bouras discovered soon after she opened her cheerful and cozy eatery last fall in the storefront corner of the West Village Market, 7:30 a.m. is a tad too early for West Asheville night owls. “We originally opened at 7:30, but we were not getting people at that hour,” she says. “We adjusted to 9 and stay open until 6, and that works.

And we cook breakfast as long as we’re open, which is a diner-ish thing to do.”

Bouras’ global culinary immersion began in Saudi Arabia, where she grew up on a German compound. “My father is Arab, my mother is from North Carolina, but she was a very adventurous cook and made everything from scratch,” she explains.

When Bouras turned 18, she started cooking in restaurants. “They were always kind of my professional home base,” she says. “I never went to culinary school, but I have a very eclectic mass of on-the-job learning.”

She came to Asheville in 2004, studied “all kinds of things” at A-B Tech and UNC Asheville, including health and wellness; started her own catering business; taught at the nonprofit Green Opportunities; and managed the food service at West Village Market. When market owner Rosanne Kiely proposed Bouras turn a corner of the space into a diner, Bouras says, “I gave into it. I kept trying other things, but I’ve always gravitated back to the kitchen.”

Dan Silo brings Adirondack cuisine to Appalachia

GRITS, GREENS AND GRINS: Hayette Bouras wants you to try North African grits and greens, a healthy breakfast dish available all day at Sunflower Diner. Photo by Rosanne Kiely Sunflower Diner’s plant-based menu is “a gentle way to start conversations on healthy eating,” she says. “I love that our customers get to see me and my line chef, Sarah Crongeyer, cook for them and then hand them their food. It’s a wonderful connection.”

Sunflower Diner, 771 Haywood Road. For details, look for Sunflower Diner on Facebook.

— Kay West X

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Yankee, come home

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If the interior décor of Sawhorse — plenty of wood, deep pine-green walls and leather upholstery, cans and jugs of maple syrup and maps of the Adirondacks — doesn’t give away owner/chef Dan Silo’s roots in upstate New York and travels through Canada and New England, his menu will.

Heavy on the meat and potatoes from breakfast through dinner and weekend brunch, it includes regional Yankee favorites such as poutine, brown bread, braised cabbage, meat pie, pub sausage, Maine mussel chowder, scrapple and seemingly ubiquitous maple syrup.

But it’s the virtually unknown-inthese-parts peameal bacon sandwich that sends visiting Canadians who happen upon the Leicester Highway dineresque restaurant into a swoon, especially when they find out it’s the real deal. “We usually have to explain what it is,” Silo admits. “But I’ve had several Canadians come in and be absolutely over the moon that we have it on the menu and superpsyched we do it the old-school way.”

Old-school goes way back to the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, where the practice of butchers packing their pork loin in peameal to ship across the country resulted in someone’s aha moment that the crust that ensued was

OH, CANADA!: Sawhorse chef/owner and transplanted Yankee Dan Silo wants to spread peameal bacon sandwich love. Photo

by Tawny Asher pretty darn tasty when the pork was sliced, fried and put on a bun.

Silo, a peameal bacon sandwich purist, accepts no substitutes. “These days, lots of places, even in Canada, use cornmeal, but we do peameal. It’s nuttier and earthier,” he says.

He pulls loins out of the whole pigs he gets from Colfax Creek Farm in Bostic, brines them for five days, then rolls them in peameal he has milled from dried, Canadian yellow split peas at Farm & Sparrow and lets the crust develop for 24 hours. “We slice it thin, griddle it, put it on a homemade roll, add pickled onion and Dijon mustard.

It’s one of the best things ever.”

— Kay West X

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

‘NOT AFRAID TO DO WHATEVER’

BY ALLI MARSHALL

territory of outsiders “who didn’t get grants, because ‘that’s not dance.’”

But that has changed and, even in Asheville, “More experimental work is going on, and not just at [alternative performance spaces like] REVOLVE,” says Susan. “I like the idea of dance available to everyone in the community.” To achieve that goal, two classes will be added to the festival — one on technique, on Saturday morning; and a creative processing class on Sunday at noon. Following the evening concerts, there will also be talk-backs between the dancers and audiences.

“If this thing continues, maybe we can have a forum of discussing what New Dance is all about, and the possibilities of building a bigger community,” Susan says.

If those goals seem lofty and faroff, there are also achievable and immediate objectives: “The biggest reward, for me,” says Giles, “is when you do something and just feel so good that you did it.” X

amarshall@mountainx.com For Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s latest offering, company director and founder Susan Collard took an invitational approach to the lineup. “This is an experiment for us to try a different concept with what’s called ‘new dance,’” she explains. “[It] involves a lot of projection, video and film, and almost everyone in this concert is using some type of collaboration with a filmmaker, a video projector or experimental music.”

The inaugural show (which, if successful, Collard and her husband, ACDT co-director Giles Collard, might expand to include dancers from beyond Western North Carolina) spotlights six local choreographers. Susan, Giles, Cilla Vee, A Eithne Hamilton, Kathleen Meyers Leiner and Melissa Wilhoit are “known for their ability to push creative boundaries, challenge audiences with unique dance styles that explore movement possibilities,” according to a press release, and “selected for their ability to create quality work within a time frame.”

The Festival of New Dance runs Thursday-Sunday, March 26-29, at the BeBe Theatre.

Inspired to create work around “a strange little toy” he found in Mexico, “I called some of my movement friends,” says Giles. His dance group includes Jim Julian, Edwin Salas, Raj BowersRacine, John Crutchfield and Sky McDowell. Some are known as dancers, others work in mediums such as theater and performance art. “I had visions about how the piece would start and how it would end. [Over dinner] we talked about more and more and more ideas. It turns out, of all the visions I had, nothing got picked. … We had such a wonderful, fun time together creating this piece of choreography.”

“They play well together,” says Susan. “I like to see men dancing together. It’s a nice addition. And [this is] a very funny piece.”

And, as might seem fitting for a concert of New Dance: “We have no soundtrack,” Giles notes. “It’s only with our bodies that we [make] the sound. …

Everybody’s not afraid to do whatever.”

For Susan’s piece, local ambient composer Elizabeth Lang, aka Auracene, will create the score. Lang recently traveled with the ACDT dance troupe to Mexico. There, “Liz was using

ACDT launches Festival of New Dance

WHAT Festival of New Dance WHERE BeBe Theatre 20 Commerce St. acdt.org

IT STILL MOVES: Though New Dance has been historically considered a fringe idiom, it’s gained popularity on the world stage and has long been part of Asheville’s creative scene.

Choreographers such as Kathleen Meyers Leiner, pictured, will showcase works in collaboration with filmmakers, projections and experimental music at the inaugural Festival of New Dance. Photo by Tom Leiner her voice a lot for that performance, and that was the first time I heard her using her voice that much,” says Susan. “Now it’s a requirement: ‘Liz, you have to use your voice for performance.’”

Another must for the Festival of New Dance is an element of audience participation in each performance. That’s “always a challenge,” says Susan. “If you get them involved as soon as they walk into the theater, environmentally, it works better. That’s what I’m trying to do with my piece.”

She adds that working with filmmaker Greg Herman for her dance has been inspiring: “It’s all about being in a bamboo jungle, being trapped in it and being freed.” At press time, she revealed,

“[Herman] comes up with such great ideas. We’re at the point where we have to choose what [images] will be projected onto the dancers.”

Susan, who likes natural body movements as well as moves from the folk dance traditions of other cultures, says she works from improvisation and manipulation of phrases. “The dancers I have now are really good at improv,” she says. Sometimes, what they create “is totally new and fresh and original. It’s a feeling that what you’re doing is new to the body.”

She adds, “We do play.”

New Dance hasn’t always been well received, at least among mainstream showgoers. Giles says it used to be the

WHEN Thursday-Saturday, March 26-28, 8 p.m.; Sunday, March 29, 6 p.m. $18 students and seniors $20 general admission

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53

A&E

by Grayson Haver Currin

gcurrin@gmail.com

SELF-MEDICATED Christopher Paul Stelling woke up the morning of this interview in his Ford Transit van alongside the Malibu shoreline, dawn rising over the stunning vistas of the Pacific Coast Highway. It was, he admits, a scenic break from the sometimes bleak exigencies of life as a solo troubadour.

“The street was lined right up to the sea with RVs. It was an especially van-life moment,” he says with a laugh, navigating Los Angeles traffic en route to a radio performance. “Usually, touring this way means circling the Walmart parking lot a few times to see if you can stay, or maybe a Cracker Barrel. It can be pretty sketchy.”

For the last three years, Stelling has lived in West Asheville with his partner, actor Julia Christgau, and their dog, Ida Mae. That is, at least when Stelling — a gymnastic acoustic guitarist in the vein of Leo Kottke, with a voice that slides between the gusto of Bill Withers and the entreaties of The Tallest Man on Earth — is home

Christopher Paul Stelling releases a new album

MILE MARKERS: Singer-songwriter Christopher Paul Stelling calls West Asheville home when he’s not on tour. He traveled to California to make his latest album, Best of Luck, with Ben Harper. The project’s 10 songs often feel like self-made medication for the worries of the world, along with nuggets of wisdom and resistance. Photo by Chris Phelps at all. Stelling is a month into the first of presumably several quarter-year tours behind Best of Luck, his hard-won and reassuring fifth album, produced by Ben Harper and released on Febrary 7.

Maybe that sounds exhausting; Stelling just sounds thrilled to have the chance.

“I used to have these moments where I was waiting for the thing, my career, to happen. But I had the revelation that it’s been happening for years, that I’ve made it, that this is it,” says Stelling. “You always hope it will get better, but I’m not waiting anymore.”

This kind of contentment has been a gradual dawning for Stelling, a Florida native who spent his restless 20s roaming New England and the Pacific Northwest. After a stint in Asheville, he moved for the better part of a decade to New York, where his music career began in earnest. That’s where Stelling earned a deal with Anti-, the renegade label that’s long been home to Tom Waits and Neko Case, and landed in Rolling Stone and on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, where he strummed his battered guitar as if trying to break its strings.

But the travails of being a touring musician — the highs of a good night, the lows of a bad one, the tedium of white-line fever and load-in blues — took their toll on Stelling, who began to live too hard for his own health. When he took a full band

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on the road to promote 2017’s Itinerant Arias, he realized he was paying out most of his profits and often drinking the rest, despite surging ticket sales.

“I was in bars every night,” says Stelling. “When you grow up a broke kid from Daytona Beach and drinks are the only thing you get for free, you’re going to take as many as you can get — you know, eight or 10 a night, every night.”

In the months after the 2016 presidential election, the darkness of the news cycle and of his own mind seemed to close in around him. On Christmas Day 2017, almost exactly a year since Stelling returned to Asheville, he realized he needed a new plan: He stopped drinking. A week later, Harper emailed to ask if he’d like to make a record together. Suddenly, Stelling had a sidecar for his sobriety, something that he could focus on as he worked on himself.

“I just started to realize that the party’s over, and I knew I wanted to be awake for this,” he says of the Trump era. “When you’re making a practice of getting loose, it’s so easy to philosophize about the world’s problems. Any drunk can do that. But when you’re looking at your own situation and trying to be a better partner, a better friend, that requires a drastic change.”

Two months clean, he returned to Florida in early 2018 and sequestered himself in a writer’s residency; a year later, he headed to California to cut Best of Luck with Harper. Its 10 songs often feel like self-made medication for the worries of the world, along with nuggets of wisdom and resistance meant to remind Stelling to take care of himself and the people he loves.

The bucolic opener “Have to Do for Now” quietly celebrates the simple thrills of life at home, while the gorgeous piano closer “Goodnight Sweet Dreams” looks ahead to a morning of eating breakfast undressed and walking to the park. Stelling lashes out at the relentlessness of capitalism during the garage-rock delight “Until I Die” and escapes into instrumental oblivion for “Blue Bed.” It’s a record of resolve and the result of a lifetime spent searching for it.

“In the music business, there has to be growth, or it’s failure,” says Stelling.

“But the growth I’m focused on is mine as a person. And if I grow as a person, the art will follow.” X

A & E CALENDAR

Note on COVID-19 and events Following local and state declarations of emergency last week, many planned events have been canceled or postponed. While this week’s calendar reflects the latest information available to Xpress at press time we encourage readers to check with event organizers to determine the status of local gatherings.

ART CREATE IN COLOR: FUSING WORKSHOP • SA (3/21), 1-4:30pm Create in Color: Fusing, workshop with glass artist Niki Hildebrand.

Registration: ncglasscenter. org. Held at North Carolina Glass Center, 140 Roberts St., Suite B GROVEWOOD GALLERY 111 Grovewood Road, 828-253-7651, grovewood.com • SA (3/21), 11am4pm - Doll making and needle felting demonstrations. Free to attend.

• SU (3/22), 11am-4pm - Psyanky egg making demonstration with Andrea Kulish. Free to attend.

HAYWOOD COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL 86 N. Main St., Waynesville, 828-452-0593, haywoodarts.org/ • SA (3/21), 11am1pm - Demonstrations by clay artist, Amy Dapore. Free.

• SA (3/21), 2-4pm - Comic Book and Graphic Novel Sequential Art Workshop I: Storyboarding a story idea.

Registration required: 828-452-0593. $25/$20 members.

HENDERSONVILLE ART AND ARCHITECTURE WALKING TOURS • SATURDAYS, 9am Hendersonville Art and Architecture Walking Tours. walkthetown. com. Free. Held at The

Center for Art & Entertainment, 125 S. Main St., Hendersonville IKEBANA INTERNATIONAL • TU (3/24), 10am - Ikebana International meeting and presentation on arrangements for tokonoma. Information: ikebanaasheville. org. Free. Held at Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Parkway IKENOBO IKEBANA SOCIETY • TH (3/19), 10am - For a program on Japanese culture.

Free. Held at First Congregational UCC of Hendersonville, 1735 5th Ave. W., Hendersonville MEMORIAL EXHIBITION OF KATE O'CONNOR • Memorial Exhibition of Kate O'Connor's (1958-2019) mixedmedia assemblages.

Reception: Thursday, March 19, 5-8pm. Held at Nan Sherry Fine Art, 46 S. Main St., Marshall NEW WORKS BY MARY MONTES • Exhibition of new works by Mary Montes. Reception: March 19, 6-9pm. Held at Flood Gallery Fine Art Center, 850 Blue Ridge Road, Unit A-13, Black Mountain PRESERVING A PICTURESQUE AMERICA • TH (3/26) through SU (3/29) - Preserving A Picturesque America, outdoor artist workshops and retreat.

Information:

MESSAGE IN THE ASSEMBLAGE: A memorial exhibition of Kate O’Connor’s assemblages (1958-2019) opens at the Nan Sherry Fine Art Studio/Gallery in Marshall on Thursday, March 19, with a reception 5-9 p.m. and runs through Saturday, March 28. Feminist, writer and artist O’Connor supported charities that shared her values, hence all proceeds from the show go to MANNAFoodBank, My Sister’s Place, Our VOICE and WNC Pride. Photo courtesy of Jerry Burns (p. 55)

preservationthroughart.org.

Held at Downtown Hot Springs, Main St., Hot Springs

participate in the Come to Leicester Art Tour. Information: coldmountainbling@ gmail.com.

Rosser. $10. Held at All Souls Cathedral, 9 Swan St.

IMPROVER CONTEMPORARY LINE DANCING

SPRING EQUINOX CELEBRATION

THE PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY • Fourth TUESDAYS, 10am - Volunteer to knit or crochet prayer shawls for community members in need. Free. Held at Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 6th Ave W., Hendersonville

MARSHMALLOW PEEPS DIORAMA CONTEST • Until (4/2), 5pm Book-related diorama contest, winners in two age categories, under 21 and 21+. avl.mx/6yv. Free.

Held at Mountains Branch Library, 150 Bill's Creek Road, Lake Lure

• SU (3/22), 2:30pm Spring Equinox Celebration concert with Richard Shulman. $22/$20 in advance. Held at UR Light Center, 2196 NC-9, Black Mountain

• THURSDAYS, noon-2pm - Improver contemporary line dancing. $10. Held at Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave.

ART/CRAFT STROLLS & FAIRS THIRD THURSDAY IN MARSHALL • 3rd THURSDAYS, 5-8pm - Gallery openings, studio tours, shops, food and drinks. Free to attend. Held at Downtown Marshall

AUDITIONS & CALL TO ARTISTS BLUE RIDGE FIBER SHOW • Until WE (7/15) - Call for entries of fiber arts for the 2020 Blue Ridge Fiber Show. Held at NC Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way CALL FOR ARTISTS IN LEICESTER • Through WE (4/15) Open call for artists to

COMMUNITY MUSIC A CAPELLA SINGING (PD.) WANNA SING? ashevillebarbershop.com ANNETTE WASILIK AND ASH DEVINE • WE (3/25), 7-9pm - Annette Wasilik and Ash Devine, folk and Appalachian music concert.

Held at Flood Gallery Fine Art Center, 850 Blue Ridge Road, Unit A-13, Black Mountain SOUND MEDITATION AND WORLD JAZZ CONCERT • SU (3/22), 4-6pm - Free Planet Radio: Sound Meditation and World Jazz Concert with River Guerguerian and Chris

DANCE CONTEMPORARY LINE DANCE • WEDNESDAYS, noon-2pm - Intermediate/ advanced contemporary line dancing. $10. Held at Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Road HENDERSONVILLE BALLET • SA (3/21), 7pm - Revue of the Classics, Hendersonville Ballet presents original choreography to pieces

by Handel, Holst, and Beethoven as well as variations from Tchaikovsky’s ballet The Sleeping Beauty.

Information: hendersonvilleballet.org. $20. Held at Bo Thomas Auditorium, Blue Ridge Community College, 180 W. Campus Drive, Flat Rock

OLD FARMER'S BALL oldfarmersball.com • 4th SUNDAYS, 3-5pm - Family contra/square dances for families with children ages 6-12. All ages welcome. Free.

Held at Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Road SPRING EQUINOX ECSTATIC DANCE • SA (3/21), 6-9pm - Outdoor, community ecstatic dance with live electronic music by Govinda.

Tickets: startribe.org. $20/$15 advance.

Held at Pack Square Park, 121 College St.

MALAPROP'S BOOKSTORE AND CAFE 55 Haywood St., 828-254-6734, malaprops.com • WE (3/18), 6pm Greg Gbur presents Falling Felines and Fundamental Physics.

Free.

• WE (3/19), 6pm Addie Tsai presents Dear Twin. Free.

• SU (3/22), 4pm - Rick Jackson presents his book, North Carolina Murder & Mayhem.

Free to attend.

• SU (3/22), 6pm - Jim Grode, editor of Great Day Hikes on North Carolina's Mountains-To-Sea Trail, in conversation with Marcia Bromberg.

Free to attend.

• WE (3/25), 6pm - Peg Alford Pursell presents their book, A Girl Goes Into the Forest, in conversation with Christine Hale.

Free to attend.

POETRY READING • SA (3/21), 7pm - The Pioneering Women of Black Mountain College: Looking Back + Looking Forward, poetry readings by Mildred Barya, Melanie McGee-Bianchi, Alli Marshall and Brit Washburn. $8/Free for members. Held at Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St. RADICAL LOVE AND SACRED ACTIVISM • FR (3/20), 7-10pm - An Evening On Two Amazing Masters Of Poetry, presentation and readings by

Andrew Harvey. Information: prama.org/ andrew-harvey-2020. $30/$25 advance. Held at Jubilee Community Church, 46 Wall St.

THEATER 'BIBLE BINGO' • THURSDAY through SATURDAY, (3/26) until (3/28) - Bible Bingo, comedy. Thurs & Sat.: 2pm; Fri. & Sat.: 7pm. $29. Held at The Center for Art & Entertainment, 125 S. Main St., Hendersonville 'FROZEN, JR.' • FR (3/20), 7:30pm & SA (3/21) & SU (3/22), 2:30pm - Frozen, Jr., musical production by the Tanglewood Youth Theatre Production Class. $7.

Held at Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E. Walnut St. 'SLOW FOOD' • FRIDAY through SUNDAY until (3/22) - Slow Food, comedy.

Fri. & Sat.: 7:30pm, Sun.: 2pm. $13. Held at Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St., Waynesville 'TRAITOR' 375 Depot St., 828-239-9250 • THURSDAYS through SUNDAYS until (3/28) - Traitor, an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People. Thurs.-Sat.: 7:30pm, Sun.: 3pm. $20/$10 students.

Held at The Magnetic Theatre 375 Depot St., 828-239-9250

Mountain Xpress

SPOKEN & WRITTEN WORD AN APPALACHIAN STORYTELLING EXTRAVAGANZA • TH (3/19), 7pm - An Appalachian Storytelling Extravaganza with Connie Regan-Blake. $15. Will now be live streamed: avl.mx/70l

2020 X Awards

Get Ready to Vote!

Starting March 27

mountainx.com/bestofwnc

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MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

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CLUBLAND

Local

WORST OF TIMES/BEST OF TIMES: Iamavl has partnered with Blake Anthony Ellege and a group of Asheville artists on “The Quarantine Concert Series" to livestream home-based concerts while public events are largely canceled in the face of coronavirus transmission concerns. The live shows will be broadcast on the Iamavl Facebook page at avl.mx/70v. Each concert will include a donation link to support the band.

Organizers wrote on Facebook that "These donations are an INTEGRAL part of this series and will be the main thing that helps these performers and musicians try and regain even a fraction of monies lost due to show cancellations because of the COVID-19 pandemic.” Some local acts that have already been scheduled for the series include Queen Bee and the Honeylovers and Posey Royale (Wednesday, March 18, at 7 p.m.) and Andrew Scotchie (Sunday, March 22, at 7 p.m.). Photo from Facebook

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18 185 KING STREET Music Photography Art Exhibition Reception, 6:00PM NC Songsmiths - Annie Frazier, 8:00PM 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Les Amis, (African folk music), 8:00PM ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Disclaimer StandUp Lounge Comedy Open Mic, 9:00PM

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MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

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STRAIGHTAWAY CAFE Rockin' Ranger, 6:00PM Open Mic, 7:00PM THE CASUAL PINT Let the Good Times Roll, 6:00PM

THURSDAY, MARCH 19 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Pleasure Chest, (blues, rock, soul), 8:00PM PILLAR Ben Phantom, 7:00PM

RIVERSIDE RHAPSODY BEER COMPANY Spring Equinox Collaboration Event w/ AVL Brewing, music by Rooster, Axe Throwing

by Carolina Axe Company, 4:30PM SANCTUARY BREWING CO. Billy Litz, 7:00PM THE BARRELHOUSE Ter-rific Trivia, 7:00PM

FRIDAY, MARCH 20 185 KING STREET Funkin' Fridays: Kayla Lynn and The Change, 8:30PM 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Sidecar Honey, (Americana, rock), 9:00PM

TOWN PUMP Carpal Tullar, 9:00PM

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR The Travelling Pilsburys of Asheville, 8:00PM

TRISKELION BREWERY Open Irish Jam hosted by Cornell Sanderson, 6:30PM

BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE Dinah's Daydream (Gypsy jazz), 6:00PM

BEN'S TUNE UP DJ Kilby Spinning Vinyl, 10:00PM CORK & KEG Sparrow & Her Wingman, 8:30PM JACK OF THE WOOD PUB St. Patrick's Day Tour-Asheville Edition!, 9:00PM

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Swing Step Band, 5:00PM Mr Jimmy hosts the Big City Blues Jam, 8:00PM BEN'S TUNE UP Big Blue, 10:00PM

MIX Freakwater House Concert, 7:00PM

CORK & KEG Zydeco Ya Ya, 8:30PM

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Free Dead Friday, 5:30PM

PILLAR The Paper Crowns, 7:00PM

PILLAR Roots & Dore, 7:00PM RUSTIC GRAPE WINE BAR Vicki Burik, 7:00PM SANCTUARY BREWING CO. Blue Ridge Busketeers, 8:00PM STRAIGHTAWAY CAFE Vinylly Friday, 6:00PM THE BARRELHOUSE Sarah Tucker, 7:00PM THE IMPERIAL LIFE Dance Party DJ w/ Phantom Pantone DJ Collective, 10:00PM TOWN PUMP Andy Coats, 9:00PM

SATURDAY, MARCH 21 185 KING STREET The Moon and You, 8:00PM 5 WALNUT WINE BAR The Roots & Dore Band, (blues, roots), 9:00PM

5 WALNUT WINE BAR CaroMia, Melissa Hyman, Hope Griffin (folk, soul), 7:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING OWB Downtown: Open Mic Night, 8:00PM

TUESDAY, MARCH 24 5 WALNUT WINE BAR The John Henrys, (hot jazz), 8:00PM

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Hip Hop DJ w/ Phantom Pantone DJ Collective, 11:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING OWB Downtown: Jack Pearson's Comedy Cosmos, 8:00PM PILLAR Rhoda & The Risers, 7:00PM

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Disclaimer Stand-Up Lounge Comedy Open Mic, 9:00PM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 185 KING STREET

STRAIGHTAWAY CAFE Open Mic, 7:00PM

NC Songsmiths, Keturah Allgood, 8:00PM 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Les Amis, (African folk music), 8:00PM

THE IMPERIAL LIFE Rotating Live Bands, 9:00PM TOWN PUMP Ryan Zimmerman, 9:00PM

SANCTUARY BREWING CO. Trio de Janeiro, 8:00PM TOWN PUMP The Blue Ridge Busketeers, 9:00PM

Why limit yourself ?

SUNDAY, MARCH 22 185 KING STREET Open Electric Jam, 6:00PM

Try 90 different breweries with 35 rotating taps!

Seasonal, craft ciders made from Hendersonville, NC apples

5 WALNUT WINE BAR Fwuit, (Retro Soul), 7:00PM CORK & KEG Smith Allen Peterson (old-time trio), 4:00PM THE BARRELHOUSE Open Mic Night, 6:00PM

Family Owned & Operated

#1 Best Place to Drink Cider in U.S.A.

— Draft Specials —

Tuesday, Thursdays and Sundays DAILY SE LECT $4 DR AF TS AN D $3 SING LES

— Weekly Events! —

- Food & Wine Magazine

Music Bingo • Live Music • Team Trivia • Open Mics • Watch Parties

MONDAY, MARCH 23

S E E FU LL E V E NT SCH E DU LE A N D DR A F T U PDATES ON

185 KING STREET Karaoke Night, 7:30PM

@CasualPintAsheville 1863 Hendersonville Road

24 BUXTON AVE • 210 HAYWOOD RD

URBANORCHARDCIDER.COM

For safety of our guests Asheville Music Hall and The One Stop will be temporarily closed.

PLEASE stay cautious, healthy and safe. Thanks for your understanding during this time.

-AMH & OS TeamFollow us on social media for more announcements

@AVLMusicHall @OneStopAVL

ashevillemusichall.com MOUNTAINX.COM

MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

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Doing Our Part to #FlattenTheCurve CLOSED ’TIL APRIL Stay well, y’all! , & Solidarity • Gift Cards @ Asheville Strong •

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MOVIE REVIEWS THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTORS

Hosted by the Asheville Movie Guys EDWIN ARNAUDIN earnaudin@mountainx.com HHHHH

BRUCE STEELE bcsteele@gmail.com Kristina Ian Casselberry Guckenberger

= MAX RATING

H PICK OF THE WEEK H

Bloodshot HHH DIRECTOR: Dave Wilson PLAYERS: Vin Diesel, Eiza González, Guy Pearce ACTION/SCI-FI RATED PG-13

Big Time Adolescence HHHH

DIRECTOR: Jason Orley PLAYERS: Pete Davidson, Griffin Gluck, Sydney Sweeney COMEDY RATED R “SNL” bad boy Pete Davidson’s distinct brand of humor is on full display in Big Time Adolescence, a hilarious and never pretentious showcase written and directed by debut feature filmmaker Jason Orley.

Davidson plays Zeke, a classic burnout who unwittingly finds a protégé in Mo (Griffin Gluck, Just Go With It), the kid brother of his girlfriend Kate (Emily Arlook, ABC's "Grown-ish"). Mo remains loyal to him even after Zeke and Kate break up because he views his older friend as cooler than anyone his age.

The array of bad habits formed before Mo gets his driver’s license are funny enough to fill a boilerplate comedy, but Davidson’s ability to riff and milk laughs out of any scene with his deadpan demeanor and hilariously crass, carefree musings nearly elevate Big Time Adolescence to greatness.

He’s so at home within Orley’s coming-of-age milieu that the lines between scripted material and improv 60

MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

are impressively blurred, yet he finds solid support from Gluck, who ably carries the film while Mo finds his niche within the local high school community, selling liquor and drugs at parties, supplied by none other than his legal-aged best friend.

While Mo’s interactions with classmate crush Sophie (Oona Laurence, The Beguiled) largely fall flat, the film earns more mature laughs — and groans — via his and Zeke’s fraught dynamics with Mo’s loving, frustrated and largely ineffectual parents, Reuben (a shaved-headed Jon Cryer, coming amusingly full circle from his Duckie days) and Sherri (Julia Murney, The Report).

The infusion of adult stakes gradually force the developmentally stunted young men to adjust their ways, but never at the cost of high-quality humor.

Their rapport is a treat to witness and suggests that both actors — Davidson especially — have the potential for even bigger comedic successes ahead.

Now available on Hulu REVIEWED BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN EARNAUDIN@MOUNTAINX.COM

MOUNTAINX.COM

Toss Robocop, Captain America and Wolverine into a bag, knead them all together and the result is Bloodshot.

Maybe this aspiring franchise for Vin Diesel should have been called One Shot — Charlize Theron and Seth Rogen having already claimed Long Shot — because we probably won't see another movie with this character.

Yet the premise, based on a Valiant Comics series, has potential.

Killed after a hostage rescue, special forces soldier Ray Garrison (Diesel) becomes an unwitting test subject for an experimental program that fills his blood with billions of microscopic robots. These nanites instantly repair any wound he suffers, while also providing him with enhanced strength, speed and stamina. The tiny machines also keep Garrison connected to the internet, government databases, satellite imagery and any other resource that allows a high-tech operative to carry out his missions with lethal efficiency.

Being stronger and faster than any adversary while being able to heal quickly from any injury (including gunshots to the head) leaves very little drama for a story. But first-time director Dave Wilson utilizes his visual-effects background to stage some impressive action scenes, one of which occurs in a cloud of flour. (It looks much cooler than it sounds.) And the script by Jeff Wadlow (Fantasy Island) and Eric Heisserer (Arrival) generates internal conflict for Garrison by questioning whether he's a puppet manipulated by the nanites' creator, Dr. Emil Harting (Guy Pearce).

A better actor than Diesel might make Garrison's uncertainty look more convincing, but portraying an unstoppable killing machine suits his skills just fine. Unfortunately, he'll probably have to look elsewhere for another

series to go with the everlasting Fast & Furious juggernaut.

REVIEWED BY IAN CASSELBERRY IANCASS@GMAIL.COM

The Hunt HHS DIRECTOR: Craig Zobel PLAYERS: Betty Gilpin, Hilary Swank, Ike Barinholtz ACTION/HORROR RATED R Dear readers, I have seen the socalled “most talked-about movie of the year that no one’s actually seen,” and let me tell you, it’s a whole lot of talk for a film that actually says very little.

CURRENTLY IN THEATERS 1917 (R) HHHHS Bad Boys for Life (R) HH Big Time Adolescence (R) HHHH (Pick of the Week) Birds of Prey (R) HHH Bloodshot (PG-13) HHH Brahms: The Boy II (PG-13) HHH The Call of the Wild (PG) HHHH Emma. (PG) HHHS Frozen II (PG) HH The Hunt (R) HHS Impractical Jokers: The Movie (PG-13) S The Invisible Man (R) HHHHS Jumanji: The Next Level (PG-13) HHHS Little Women (PG) HHHHH Onward (PG) HHHHS Ordinary Love (R) HHH Parasite (R) HHHHH Portrait of a Lady on Fire (R) HHHHH Sonic the Hedgehog (PG) HH Spies in Disguise (PG) HHHH The Way Back (R) HHHH Wendy (PG-13) H The Woman Who Loves Giraffes (NR) HHHHH

From its opening scene, I had hopes that The Hunt would perfectly blend the unapologetic “eat the rich” ethos of HBO’s “Succession” with the cheeky high-stakes thrill of last year’s murder-mystery blockbuster, Knives Out. Featuring an impossibly wicked and wealthy douchebag portrayal from Glenn Howerton (FX’s “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”), we watch as his character, Richard, argues over proper behavior on a private plane and what to do with last night’s caviar, all while self-righteously sipping six-figure Champagne. The scene quickly devolves from entitled creature comforts into blood-soaked chaos, and we’re off to the races — or should I say the hunt.

Using a decidedly political spin on Richard Connell’s famous 1924 short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” director Craig Zobel (Z for Zachariah) gets the titular event going with 12 strangers who wake up in a forest clearing in God-knows-where, gagged and confused, tasked with ensuring their own survival against an unseen force of armed and angry elitists. With a slew of downright shocking deaths to set the tone right off the bat, the film focuses on one woman, Crystal (Betty Gilpin, Netflix’s “GLOW”), as she awakens ready to kick ass, take names and confront her captors head-on.

Writers Damon Lindelof and Nick Cuse (most recently of HBO’s “Watchmen” fame) have infused the familiar socioeconomic “wealthy man vs. working man” survival tale with a heavy dose of deeply polarizing politics, pitting the most extreme sides of the ideological spectrum against one another. Though rife with significance and timeliness in subject matter, the premise itself is not executed nearly as cleverly or successfully as it could be.

However, once we’re introduced to shotgun-slinging, no-bullshitting Crystal, the film undergoes a significant tonal shift and gives viewers the sense that her quest must be taken seriously. Though we learn little about the Mississippi veteran's personal life, we’re immediately able to infer that she exists firmly between both ideological extremes and, as such, her outlook on life is the correct choice.

FILM 'SHUNGU: THE RESILIENCE OF A PEOPLE' • TH (3/19), 7:30-9:30pm - Shungu: The Resilience of a People by Saki Mafundikwa. Admission

by donation. Held at Revolve, 821 Riverside Drive, #179 'THE TASTE OF OTHERS' • FR (3/20), 8pm - The Taste of Others, film screening. Free to attend.

Read the full review at mountainx. com/movies/reviews REVIEWED BY KRISTINA GUCKENBERGER KRISTINA.GUCKENBERGER@GMAIL.COM

Wendy H DIRECTOR: Benh Zeitlin PLAYERS: Yashua Mack, Devin France, Gage Naquin DRAMA/FANTASY RATED PG-13 Nearly eight years after his Beasts of the Southern Wild bafflingly received widespread acclaim, writer/director Benh Zeitlin is back on his bullshit with Wendy, though his twist on the Peter Pan legend resurrects many of the same problematic elements that, in my view, sank his beloved debut.

Doubling down on his infatuation with dizzy, handheld camerawork, excessive close-ups, pretentious child narration and underdirected, amateur performances guaranteed to be interpreted by certain viewers as raw, unadulterated brilliance, the filmmaker continues to mistake following kids around and letting them act “naturally” for profound filmmaking.

Even with the built-in, er, hook of J.M. Barrie familiarity, Wendy is a tough slog as its titular heroine (Devin France) and two brothers follow Peter (Yashua Mack) via train and then boat to an island with an active volcano and a whalelike entity called Mother who keeps them and others young as long as they believe in her.

Consistent with Beasts, the film’s strength lies mainly in its intentionally squalid production design and, to a lesser degree, montages cued to an occasionally stirring musical score.

But while Zeitlin can clearly craft a good-looking film when he wants to, his overreliance on nonprofessional actors again proves distracting, especially with kids whose classically expressive faces can’t hide the fact that they simply can’t act.

BUBBLE & OYSTER THURSDAYS

828-350-0315

SMOKYPARK .COM

REVIEWED BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN EARNAUDIN@MOUNTAINX.COM

Held at Flood Gallery Fine Art Center, 850 Blue Ridge Road, Unit A-13, Black Mountain

journey from NC to

THE WOOD THRUSH CONNECTION

Admission fees apply.

• TH (3/19), 7-8pm - Follow the wood thrush’s

Museum,

Belize and be inspired by the conservation efforts to protect it.

Held at Asheville Art 2 S. Pack Square

MOUNTAINX.COM

MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

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FREEWILL ASTROLOGY We interrupt your regularly scheduled horoscopes to offer insights about the virus-driven turning point that the whole world is now experiencing.

As you’ve probably guessed, all of us are being invited to re-evaluate everything we think we know about what it means to be human. I refer to this unprecedented juncture as The Tumultuous Upgrade or The Disruptive Cure. It’s fraught with danger and potential opportunities; crisis and possible breakthroughs.

And while the coronavirus is the main driving force, it won’t be the only factor. We must be ready for more Rough, Tough Healings disguised as Bumpy Challenges in the coming months.

Here’s the astrological lowdown: Throughout 2020, there’s a rare confluence of three planets in Capricorn: Pluto, Saturn and Jupiter. They are synergizing each other’s impacts in ways that confound us and rattle us. In the best-case scenario, they’ll also energize us to initiate brave transformations in our own personal lives as well as in our communities.

Below is a profile of each planet’s meaning.

When we are in intense and intimate relationship with Pluto — as we are now — we’re invited to dive down deeper: to see life from the soul’s perspective rather than from the ego’s; to seek wealth and meaning not as they’re defined by the material world but as they’re understood by the part of us that’s eternal.

Descending into the mysterious Plutonian depths can be disruptive to our conscious beliefs and intentions but may ultimately be profoundly regenerative.

When we are in intense and intimate relationship with Saturn, we’re invited to get more serious and focused; to register the fact that we don’t have unlimited time and energy, but must firmly decide what’s important and what’s not. We’re asked to be ruthlessly honest about the roles that are most likely to bring out the best in us.

When we are in intense and intimate relationship with Jupiter, we’re invited to risk growth and expansion; to take proactive responsibility for seeking the rich experiences that our souls long for; to aggressively enhance our lust for life.

Now I invite you to meditate on the potent mix of Plutonian, Saturnian, and Jupiterian energies. I encourage you to respond to the convulsion by deepening your understanding of how profoundly interconnected we all are and upgrading the way you take care of yourself, the people you love and our natural world.

In the horoscopes below, I suggest personal shifts that will be available to you during this once-in-a-lifetime blend of planetary energies.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Possible crises in the coming months: 1. Your power spot may be challenged or compromised. 2. Your master plan might unravel. Potential opportunities: 1. You’ll be motivated to find an even more suitable power spot. 2. A revised master plan will coalesce.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Possible crises in the coming months: 1. Your vision of the big picture of your life may dissipate. 2. Old reliable approaches to learning crucial lessons and expanding your mind could lose their effectiveness. Potential opportunities: 1. You’ll be inspired to develop an updated vision of the big picture of your life. 2.

Creative new strategies for learning and expanding your mind will invigorate your personal growth.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Possible crises in the coming months: 1. There may be breakdowns in communication with people you care about. 2.

Contracts and agreements could fray. 3. Sexual challenges might complicate love. Potential opportunities: 1. You’ll be inspired to reinvent the ways you communicate and connect. 2.

Your willingness to revise agreements and contracts could make them work better for all concerned. 3. Sexual healing will be available.

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MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Possible crises in the coming months: 1. Friends and associates could change in ways that are uncomfortable for you. 2. Images and expectations that people have of you may not match your own images and expectations. Potential opportunities: 1. If you’re intelligent and compassionate as you deal with the transformations in your friends and associates, your relationships could be rejuvenated. 2. You might become braver and more forceful in expressing who you are and what you want.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Possible crises in the coming months: 1. Your job may not suit you as well as you wish. 2. A health issue could demand more of your attention than you’d like. Potential opportunities: 1. You’ll take innovative action to make your job work better for you. 2. In your efforts to solve a specific health issue, you’ll upgrade your entire approach to staying healthy long-term.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Possible crises in the coming months: 1. Love may feel confusing or unpredictable. 2. You may come up against a block to your creativity. Potential opportunities: 1. You’ll be energized to generate new understandings about how to ensure that love works well for you. 2. Your frustration with a creative block will motivate you to uncover previously hidden keys to accessing creative inspiration.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Possible crises in the coming months: 1. You may experience disturbances in your relationships with home and family. 2. You may falter in your ability to maintain a strong foundation. Potential opportunities: 1. Domestic disorder could inspire you to reinvent your approach to home and family, changing your life for the better.

2. Responding to a downturn in your stability and security, you’ll build a much stronger foundation.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Possible crises in the coming months: 1. There may be carelessness or a lack of skill in the ways you and your associates communicate and cultivate connectivity. 2. You may have problems blending elements that really need to be blended. Potential opportunities: 1. You’ll resolve to communicate and cultivate connectivity with a renewed panache and vigor. 2. You’ll dream up fresh approaches to blending elements that need to be blended.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Possible crises in the coming months: 1. Money may be problematic.

2. Your personal integrity might undergo a challenge.

Potential opportunities: 1. You’ll find inventive solutions for boosting your wealth. 2. You’ll take steps to ensure your ethical code is impeccable.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Possible predicament during the coming months: You may have an identity crisis. Who are you, anyway? What do you really want?

What are your true intentions? Potential opportunity: You’ll purge self-doubts and fuzzy self-images.

You’ll rise up with a fierce determination to define yourself with clarity and intensity and creativity.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Possible crises in the coming months: 1. You’ll be at risk for botched endings. 2. You may be tempted to avoid solving long-term problems whose time is up. Potential opportunities: 1. You’ll make sure all endings are as graceful and complete as possible. 2. You’ll dive in and finally resolve long-term problems whose time is up.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Possible crises in the coming months: 1. Due to worries about your self-worth, you may not accept the help and support that are available. 2. Due to worries about your self-worth, you might fail to bravely take advantage of chances to reach a new level of success. Potential opportunities: 1. You’ll take dramatic action to enhance your sense of self-worth, empowering you to welcome the help and support you’re offered and take advantage of chances to reach a new level of success.

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 landrews@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds RENTALS COMMERCIAL/ BUSINESS RENTALS 600 SQ FT, PRIVATE STUDIO IN SECURE BUILDING Parking - 8 vehicles Shared lobby with gender-neutral restroom Private, gender-neutral restroom *in studio* Thermostat control Capacity for 15 people Rehearsal cubes, props, and set items available to borrow or rent Perfect for theatre or dance rehearsals, meetings, or workshops! (Not available for band practice or drumming; shared building) $25 an hour first 2 hours $10 each additional hour Discounts available for extended or recurring rentals; email us for more info! Available 9am-10pm, 7 days/week steph@ differentstrokespac.org https:// www.differentstrokespac.org/ FULL SERVICE FURNISHED PRIVATE OFFICES AVAILABLE IN DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE AT FOCAL POINT COWORKING Full service furnished private offices for 1 to 4 people available for immediate occupancy in downtown Asheville. Call 828-407-0357 or email info@focalpointcowork. com. Monthly coworking memberships also available. www. focalpointcowork.com

SHORT-TERM RENTALS SHORT TERM/VACATION RENTAL Great for relocations, short term assignments, local events, etc. $1600/month, $700/ week, $175/day, 2 day minimum.

Weaverville area, 15 minutes to Asheville. 828-231-9145

EMPLOYMENT GENERAL GARDEN MANAGER AND PROPERTY ASSISTANT Eagle's Nest Foundation is seeking a Garden Manager and Property Assistant to work in our food garden during the warmer season and to assist with the grounds and facility maintenance during the brief, colder season. See full job announcement at enf.org/ foundation/employment. Email resume and cover letter to hr@ enf.org.

TROLLEY TOUR GUIDES If you are a "people person," love Asheville, have a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and clean driving record you could be a great Tour Guide. Full-time and seasonal part-time positions available. Training provided. Contact us today! 828 251-8687. Info@ GrayLineAsheville. com www.

GrayLineAsheville.com

SKILLED LABOR/ TRADES MOBILE TECHNICIAN NEEDED FOR GROWING BIOFUEL AND KITCHEN SERVICE FRANCHISE Filta, the world’s leader in Fryer and Cooking Oil management is looking to add a mobile technician to the team. The technician will run a nightly route servicing commercial kitchens and help our clients reduce their cooking oil usage. Full time or part time opportunity. www.filta.com/ technician clint.lasher@gofilta. com

ADMINISTRATIVE/ OFFICE ACCOUNTING / HR MANAGER POSITION Founded in 1983, The American Chestnut Foundation ® (TACF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission to return the iconic American chestnut to its native range. The American chestnut was once the dominant hardwood tree in the eastern U.S. but was killed by an exotic fungus (chestnut blight) during the early 1900s. TACF is developing an American chestnut tree resistant to the chestnut blight and is currently planting and evaluating potentially disease-resistant trees in our eastern forests.

Our Vision is a robust eastern forest restored to its splendor.

Our Mission is to restore the iconic American chestnut to its native range. Accounting / HR Manager Position – (Full-time, non-exempt): We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Accounting and HR Manager who can enhance the financial integrity of TACF. This financial professional will work with our team at the TACF National Office in Asheville, NC. We will be accepting applications through Friday, March 27, 2020.

To apply, send your resume and cover letter to jobs@acf.org.

RESTAURANT/ FOOD DISHWASHER - FULL TIME AND PART TIME DISHWASHERS at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. play an important role in the success of our Taproom & Restaurant.

This entry-level position allows you the opportunity to learn how our kitchen works, gain and improve your culinary skills, and show your dedication toward a long-term kitchen career.

Dishwashers thoroughly clean and inspect dishes, silverware, glasses and kitchen equipment. To ApplyPlease visit our website https:// sierranevada.com/careers/ EQUINOX RTC: PART TIME KITCHEN SUPPORT Equinox is a private residential treatment center that works with boys ages 14-18 near Bat Cave, NC. Min. of 1 yr of cooking experience in commercial food industry. humanresources@equinoxrtc. com WHOLE FOODS PROGRAM MANAGER Eagle's Nest Foundation is seeking a Whole Foods Program Manager to oversee the development and management of our from-scratch food program for our summer camp and Outdoor Academy focusing on wholesome meals and teaching about healthy living and sustainable practices.

See full job announcement at enf. org/foundation/employment.

Email resume and cover letter to hr@enf.org.

MEDICAL/ HEALTH CARE INTERNAL MEDICINE OFFICE STAFF NEEDED Carolina Internal Medicine is expanding and has openings for the following jobs: Certified Medical Assistant, Business Office Associate, Insurance Billing Associate, Chronic Care Manager. See Mountain Xpress Website for details.

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HUMAN SERVICES HELPMATE SEEKS PROGRAM DIRECTOR Helpmate, a nonprofit providing safety, shelter and support to domestic violence survivors, seeks our next Program Director. We serve 3,000 survivors annually, and are the second largest domestic violence provider in NC. Our programs lead the way in implementing best practices to prevent domestic violence-related deaths and providing survivors immediate access to safe, empowering services. Key direct services include a hotline, counseling, court advocacy, emergency shelter and case management. Direct services are complemented by educational programs to prevent violence and improve systemic responses.

We cultivate a team-oriented environment, into which we hire high-functioning, exemplary advocates who become experts in their respective roles. The Program Director oversees all direct service programs. Key duties include advocating with allied professionals to improve victim response systems, ensuring cross-program collaboration, and holding a high standard for programming to promote survivor empowerment, adherence to best practices and compliance with confidentiality laws. The Program Director supervises the Coordinators who oversee direct service programs, serves on relevant boards and committees, and serves as Acting Executive Director when needed. This position requires on-call responsibilities, including recurring night/ weekend availability. The Program Director serves as legal Custodian of Records and is called to testify in legal proceedings when appropriate. Qualified candidates for Program Director will have demonstrable evidence of their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, embracing gender equity. They will have a consistent record of sound judgments in a high-paced, crisis environment while keeping survivor voices central. Supervision or management experience highly sought, plus the ability to positively impact social and governmental systems.

Helpmate seeks an effective communicator, with evidence of non-violent communication and conflict resolution skills and a commitment to working with our strong team of internal leaders to produce programming that addresses the needs of survivors in our community. This position requires a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience, plus at least 3 years’ service for domestic violence survivors or in a related field. Diverse candidates encouraged to apply. Fluency in Spanish, Russian, Moldovan or Ukrainian will be incentivized. Email resume, cover letter and salary history by COB on March 16 to hiring@ helpmateonline.org. No phone calls or email inquiries, please. hiring@helpmateonline.org

TEACHING/ EDUCATION FULL-TIME POSITION: BAKING & PASTRY INSTRUCTOR A-B Tech is currently taking applications for a Full-Time position Baking and Pastry Arts Instructor. For more details and to apply: abtcc.peopleadmin.com/ postings/5336

CAREGIVERS/ NANNY CAREGIVER FOR HIRE 30 years experience in dementia. CNA certified med tech with excellent references. If interested you may call me, Debbie Pinkston 828-768-2708

RETAIL ASHEVILLE HABITAT RESTORE ASSOCIATE The ReStore Associate may be responsible for the pickup, receipt, processing, movement, and storage of all donated goods as well as for sales support.

The Flex position is 5, 8 hour days at either Asheville or Weaverville location (depending on coverage needs), and days off can change every two weeks. To apply, send your cover letter and resume to jobs@ashevillehabitat.org or visit https://www.ashevillehabitat. org/careers LOWE'S HOME IMPROVEMENT - -HIRING NOW! Lowe's - Hiring Now! Opportunities & Benefits: Full Time/Part Time/Seasonal Days/Nights/Weekends 10% Discount Advancement Track to Trades - Generation T Internships Competitive Wages Paid Time Off Medical Benefits Apply: https:// jobs.lowes.com/

XCHANGE ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES FRENCH ANTIQUES FOR SALE Furnitures/Objects/Arts Weekend of March 21&22 Every third Saturday of the month UNTIL SOLD OUT! 180 Lookout Rd 28805 Asheville

SERVICES ART/WRITING PORTRAITS OF HOUSE & HOME Pen/ink/watercolor paintings by Asheville Artist Michael Havelin. A treasured gift for new or old homes, wedding, anniversary, birthday, etc. 828712-5570 havelinmaking.com

CAREGIVERS COMPANION • CAREGIVER • LIVE-IN Alzheimer's experienced.

• Heart failure and bed sore care.

• Hospice reference letter. • Nonsmoker, with cat, seeks live-in position. • References. • Arnold, (828) 273-2922.

HOME SOUTHERN CLEANERS Let the professionals handle it!

Residential/Commercial/Vacation Rentals Asheville surrounding areas. 919-801-9572

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

ACROSS 1 Vegetable that can get slimy when overcooked LANDSCAPING CRUZ TREE SERVICE & REMOVAL 24/7 emergency tree service. Fully Insured. cruzcontractornc16@gmail. com. 828-803-4851 or 828592-1271

HOME IMPROVEMENT HANDY MAN HIRE A HUSBAND • HANDYMAN SERVICES Since 1993.

Multiple skill sets. Reliable, trustworthy, quality results.

Insured. References and estimates available. Stephen Houpis, (828) 280-2254.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

THE TRUE STORY OF THE 1966 HENDERSONVILLE TRIPLE MURDERS For the first time in the history of this 50-year-old crime, the truth is told and evidence never seen corroborates the answers. 828-458-7868

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION TAKE NOTICE that SC Express Dissolution, Inc., f/k/a Stallings Collision Express, Inc. (the “Corporation”), has, pursuant to the provisions of Article 14 of Chapter 55 of the North Carolina General Statutes (the “NCGS”), been dissolved. All persons with

5 Exhausted, with “up” 8 Basketball shots from beyond the arc 14 Frozen treats

16 Locale in the Lord’s Prayer

claims against the Corporation must present claims in accordance with this notice. All claims must be in writing, stating the amount of the claim, the basis of the claim, and the name, telephone number and mailing address of the person making the claim. The mailing address to which the claim may be sent is SC Express Dissolution, Inc., c/o William A. Emerson, Jr., 2672 Golf Club Road, Danville, VA 24540. In accordance with Section 55-14-07 of the NCGS, a claim against the Corporation will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the date of publication of this notice. SC Express Dissolution, Inc.

Center of Asheville, Inc. (the “Corporation”), has, pursuant to the provisions of Article 14 of Chapter 55 of the North Carolina General Statutes (the “NCGS”), been dissolved. All persons with claims against the Corporation must present claims in accordance with this notice.

All claims must be in writing, stating the amount of the claim, the basis of the claim, and the name, telephone number and mailing address of the person making the claim. The mailing address to which the claim may be sent is SCC Asheville Dissolution, Inc., c/o William A. Emerson, Jr., 2672 Golf Club Road, Danville, VA 24540. In accordance with Section 55-1407 of the NCGS, a claim against the Corporation will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the date of publication of this notice. SCC Asheville Dissolution, Inc.

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION TAKE NOTICE that SCC Asheville #2 Dissolution, Inc., f/k/a Stallings Collision Center #2 of Asheville, Inc. (the “Corporation”), has, pursuant to the provisions of Article 14 of Chapter 55 of the North Carolina General Statutes (the “NCGS”), been dissolved. All persons with claims against the Corporation must present claims in accordance with this notice. All claims must be in writing, stating the amount of the claim, the basis of the claim, and the name, telephone number and mailing address of the person making the claim. The mailing address to which the claim may be sent is SC Express Dissolution, Inc., c/o William A. Emerson, Jr., 2672 Golf Club Road, Danville, VA 24540. In accordance with Section 55-14-07 of the NCGS, a claim against the Corporation will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the date of publication of this notice. SCC Asheville #2 Dissolution, Inc. NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION TAKE NOTICE that SCC Asheville Dissolution, Inc., f/k/a Stallings Collision

17 Optimistic maxim from Virgil

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION TAKE NOTICE that SCC Fletcher Dissolution, Inc., f/k/a Stallings Collision Center of Fletcher, Inc. (the “Corporation”), has, pursuant to the provisions of Article 14 of Chapter 55 of the North Carolina General Statutes (the “NCGS”), been dissolved. All persons with claims against the Corporation must present claims in accordance with this notice.

All claims must be in writing, stating the amount of the claim, the basis of the claim, and the name, telephone number and mailing address of the person making the claim. The mailing address to which the claim may be sent is SCC Fletcher Dissolution, Inc., c/o William A. Emerson, Jr., 2672 Golf Club Road, Danville, VA 24540. In accordance with Section 55-1407 of the NCGS, a claim against the Corporation will be barred unless a proceeding to enforce

edited by Will Shortz 19 “You ___ me one” 20 Chart topper 21 Fanfare 22 Jacob had 12 of them 23 Call to a toreador 24 Genre for Fall Out Boy 27 Reliable things, to Ben Franklin 30 Business index, with “the” 31 Chi-Town or Beantown team 32 Team sharing an arena with the Flyers, informally 33 Means of control 35 Bit of Halloween décor 37 About 38 Mint in a tin 40 Research facility 42 Extra periods, in brief 43 They make loud noises during showers 46 Nurse 47 Lead-in to a Pen used by nurses 48 Old Pontiacs 49 Pasta ___ Norma 50 Actress Hagen

No. 0212

puzzle by Rich Proulx 51 Car rental add-on 54 Overly optimistic 1910s appellation 59 “Let me try that again …”

60 Phrase on an egg carton 61 Pest 62 What each set of circled letters is, relative to the first word in its answer 63 Tumbler turners

DOWN

1 Where Edvard Munch’s “The Scream” is displayed 2 Apt radio station to air “Wait Wait … Don’t Tell Me!” (and it does!)

3 Ramble 4 Hole in one 5 Selects, as a successor 6 Circus 7 Name ender for a lawyer 8 Parents and grandparents, in teen lingo

9 Airtight 10 Scrape 11 “Me” in the Oscar-winning song “You Must Love Me” 12 Moray, e.g.

13 Where an artist works on a sketch, for short?

15 Lorena who was the #1 female golfer for 158 consecutive weeks 18 Atop 22 Affixed, like a patch 24 Puts forth, as effort 25 Paid soldiers, informally 26 Mount near Olympus 27 Throw a party grandly 28 Leaps on the ice 29 Starts to geometric proofs 30 Home to India’s Red Fort and Lotus Temple 33 “Shoot!”

the claim is commenced within five (5) years after the date of publication of this notice. SCC Fletcher Dissolution, Inc.

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34 Indirect, as a glance 36 Fertilizer found in caves 39 Use up 41 Alternative to canned 44 Director Johnson 45 Dahl who wrote “James and the Giant Peach” 49 Not much 51 Stare intensely

52 Hunted animals 53 Entries on 1040s, for short 54 Come out ahead 55 Start of a Latin conjugation 56 Old auto with its founder’s monogram 57 Follow relentlessly 58 Pad Thai pan

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS NY TIMES PUZZLE

Make a difference in our community: work for the City of Asheville!

Employment opportunities available for all skill levels.

Check out job opportunities and apply online at www.ashevillenc.gov/jobs

CALL STEPHANIE AT 828-242-7303 360 Williams Road

At Concord next to Skyland Fire Dept

Homes by Wellington Sales

Visit our website at

OwnMyOwnHomeNow.com MOUNTAINX.COM

MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

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MARCH 18 - 24, 2020

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