Mountain Xpress 05.01.24

FEATURES

BID public hearing draws crowd despite scheduling kerfuffle

PAGE 24

ALL IN THE FAMILY

Oscar Wong and Leah Wong Ashburn, the father-daughter leadership team of Highland Brewing Co., recently sat down with Xpress to reminisce about the past three decades at the helm of Asheville’s first and longest-running craft brewery.

13 BUNCOMBE BEAT

Planning board defers voting on county’s shortterm rental ordinance

20 ONGOING SCRUTINY

Staff reductions contributed to Mission’s soaring profits after HCA sale, draft report says

COVER PHOTO

Courtesy of Highland Brewing Co.

COVER DESIGN

Scott Southwick

4 LETTERS

4 CARTOON: MOLTON

5 CARTOON: BRENT BROWN

NEWS

BEAT

28

New book examines WNC’s violent past

City invites applicants for new public art installation

Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Mountain Xpress is available free throughout Western North Carolina. Limit one copy per person. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 payable at the Xpress office in advance. No person may, without prior written permission of Xpress, take

& Visa.

CONTACT US: (828) 251-1333

news tips & story ideas to NEWS@MOUNTAINX.COM

letters/commentary to LETTERS@MOUNTAINX.COM

sustainability news to GREEN@MOUNTAINX.COM

a&e events and ideas to AE@MOUNTAINX.COM

events can be submitted to CALENDAR@MOUNTAINX.COM

or try our easy online calendar at MOUNTAINX.COM/EVENTS

food news and ideas to FOOD@MOUNTAINX.COM

wellness-related events/news to MXHEALTH@MOUNTAINX.COM

business-related events/news to BUSINESS@MOUNTAINX.COM

venues with upcoming shows CLUBLAND@MOUNTAINX.COM get info on advertising at ADVERTISE@MOUNTAINX.COM place a web ad at WEBADS@MOUNTAINX.COM question about the website? WEBMASTER@MOUNTAINX.COM find a copy of Xpress DISTRO@MOUNTAINX.COM

WWW.MOUNTAINX.COM

FACEBOOK.COM/MOUNTAINX follow us @MXNEWS, @MXARTS, @MXEAT, @MXHEALTH, @MXCALENDAR, @MXENV, @MXCLUBLAND

PUBLISHER & EDITOR: Jeff Fobes

ASSISTANT PUBLISHER:

Susan Hutchinson

MANAGING EDITOR:

Thomas Calder

EDITORS:

Lisa Allen, Gina Smith, Jessica Wakeman

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR:

Thomas Calder

OPINION EDITOR:

Tracy Rose

STAFF REPORTERS:

Lisa Allen, Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Justin McGuire, Greg Parlier, Brooke Randle, Gina Smith, Jessica Wakeman

COMMUNITY CALENDAR & CLUBLAND:

Braulio Pescador-Martinez

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS:

Jon Elliston, Mindi Friedwald, Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS:

Oby Arnold, Mark Barrett, Eric Brown, Carmela Caruso, Cayla Clark, Kristin D’Agostino, Brionna Dallara, Storms Reback, Kay West

PHOTOGRAPHERS:

Cindy Kunst

ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER:

Susan Hutchinson

LEAD DESIGNER:

Scott Southwick

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS:

Tina Gaafary, Olivia Urban

MARKETING ASSOCIATES:

Sara Brecht, Jamie Knox, Scott Mermel

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES:

Hinton Edgerton, Jeff Fobes, Mark Murphy, Scott Southwick

WEB:

Brandon Tilley

BOOKKEEPER:

Amie Fowler

ADMINISTRATION & BILLING:

Hinton Edgerton, Mark Murphy

DISTRIBUTION:

Susan Hutchinson, Cindy Kunst

DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS:

Ashley Alms, Corey Biskind, Tracy Houston, John McKay, Henry Mitchell, Courtney Israel Nash, Joey Nash, Carl & Debbie Schweiger, Gary Selnick, Noah Tanner

SALES PROFESSIONAL

Work for a local company that has covered the local scene for 30 years! This is a full-time position with benefits in a supportive, team-oriented environment in a community-service, locally-owned business. Ideal candidates are personable, organized, motivated, and can present our company with confidence. Necessary skills include clear and professional communications (via phone, email, and in-person meetings), detailed record-keeping, and self motivation. While no outside sales experience is required, experience dealing with varied and challenging situations is helpful. The position largely entails account development and lead generation (including cold-calling), account management, assisting clients with marketing and branding strategies. If you are a high energy, positive, cooperative person looking to join an independent media organization, please send a resume and cover letter (no walkins, please) explaining why you are a good fit with Mountain Xpress to: xpressjob@mountainx.com

32 AROUND TOWN

12 CITY BEAT

Pay up to keep police and teachers in town

In the April 10 Mountain Xpress, the cover story was titled “Cop Out” [“Priced Out: Police Officers Struggle to Afford Asheville Addresses”]. The focus of the story was that police officers who work for the City of Asheville can’t afford to live here. It’s the primary reason that roughly a third of all positions remain unfilled and that most of employed officers live outside of the city.

The same week that story ran, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction reported that between March 2022 and March 2023, there was a 30% turnover of educators in the Asheville City Schools district. It’s clear to understand why. The cost of renting an apartment or buying a home has gone through the ceiling. If a first-year police officer at $47,000 can’t afford to live here, a first-year teacher on a single income of $42,500 can’t afford to live here, either. By economic necessity, individuals in these two professions are essentially homeless in Asheville.

A recent CNBC survey indicated that 78% of the people polled felt they needed an income of $100,000 to feel economically comfortable. Almost no one in the survey indicated that they could live comfortably on an income of less than $50,000 a year. When police officers and teachers cannot afford to live in the community where they are employed, there is a serious problem.

Imagine if there were a 30% turnover in Asheville in any given year of doctors, dentists or mechanics. The bottom line is that the turnover rate for teachers and the unfilled positions of police officers in Asheville is unacceptable. Having to live outside of the city with longer commutes to work is also unacceptable.

In such a beautiful and vibrant community as Asheville, it’s not difficult to see what’s causing the problem.

There’s an old saying: “You get what you pay for.” When it comes to police officers and teachers, we are not paying enough. Under current conditions, police officers and teachers will continue to stay away and go away. It’s the smart thing for them to do.

To solve this problem, there is only one solution: Pay up.

— Richard Boyum Candler

APD deserves community support

[Regarding: “Priced Out: Police Officers Struggle to Afford Asheville Addresses,” April 10, Xpress:] Statistics show that when first responders live inside the cities they serve, the community benefits, and the first responders build a solid foundation of pride needed to commit to serving the populace.

Asheville Police Department officers should be lauded by the community, not ostracized by fringe voices calling for a defund movement.

— Dick Domann

The Villages, Fla. (formerly of Asheville)

Why does APD get special treatment?

The cover story about the Asheville Police Department’s salaries was pretty rough to swallow for a couple reasons [“Priced Out: Police Officers Struggle to Afford Asheville Addresses,” April 10, Xpress].

It highlighted a very small number of local employees who all make over living wage. I’m sure other Xpress readers making less than living wage may also have found it strange. Many Asheville City employees, Asheville City/Buncombe County schoolteach-

ers, hospitality workers, health care workers and restaurant workers make much less. The local housing crisis is dire and certainly deserves front-page coverage, but it continues a trend of treating police officers differently than other people.

Another glaring example is the statistics that the Mountain Xpress has published in this article and many other times are simply not true. APD’s staffing dashboard [avl.mx/dn8] is publicly available. When they say they are down 40% of staffing, they compare apples to oranges. They are comparing the number of sworn officers from years ago to the number of available officers (taking into account trainees and people on leave).

If they wanted to be honest, they would compare sworn officers to sworn officers or available officers to available officers. To report skewed data feels like a scare tactic, especially during a time when crime rates are down. It seems like irresponsible journalism to continue to publish this misleading data, when the numbers are so easily available.

This is another way APD is treated differently than other organizations. They are permitted to present obviously skewed data uncorrected. I know Mountain Xpress does thorough journalism on many issues. I don’t understand why this is an exception.

— Garrett Smith Asheville

Editor’s response: Thank you for your thoughts. Xpress’ recent cover story is one of several articles that explore the impact of high housing costs on community members. See “A Little Respect: Teachers and School Staff Hold Breath for Increased Pay,” June 1, 2023 (avl.mx/dls); “Asheville Artists Discuss Keeping Pace with the Rising Cost of Living,” Feb. 7 (avl.mx/dlt) and “Food and Beverage Workers Union Eyes Future Growth,” March 13 (avl.mx/dlu) for additional examples. In our most recent article

CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON

CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN

on the topic, we wanted to understand the impact that our housing crisis has had on community policing. We feel the story accomplished this.

On the data, we reached out to APD spokesperson Samantha Booth with the writer’s points and received the following response, which says in part: “It’s crucial to clarify that our intention is not to employ scare tactics but to ensure that community members comprehensively understand the department’s staffing dynamics. The staffing dashboard provides all members of the public and media access to information that accurately evaluates the department’s allocated staffing levels and provides a comprehensive assessment of our overall capacity. This gauges operational readiness and identifies potential challenges in effectively meeting community needs on a daily basis.

“Providing the two sets of numbers — one reflecting daily manning numbers of sworn officers (available sworn personnel) and the other representing the department’s overall staffing — is essential for transparency and accuracy in reporting. Daily manning figures fluctuate due to various factors … which can span from days to months. This affects daily operations, such as response times and overall public safety. By providing this transparency, we aim to foster trust and collaboration between

the department and the community, ensuring that our law enforcement efforts align closely with the needs and expectations of those we serve.”

Send a message about bear cub incident

On April 16 in Asheville, a very unfortunate event occurred by the hands of humans that irreversibly altered the lives of a family of bears.

As reported in the news nationwide, these people took it upon themselves to remove two bear cubs from a tree. One cub was dropped and injured; the other fled and has not been found. The latest report is that the injured cub is in poor condition, and the one that fled may be on its own, unable to survive without its mother.

As humans, it is our responsibility to protect wildlife, report when there is mistreatment and uphold consequences for mistreatment, as it is unlawful to interfere. Unfortunately, in this incident, the people have not been held accountable. No charges have been filed, and their identity has been protected.

Please sign this petition [avl.mx/dnb] to not only uphold the law against interfering with wildlife but also to send a message that anytime someone

interferes with wild animals, there will be consequences. Be the voice!

— Renee Ripp Asheville

Editor’s note: On April 23, Fox Carolina News reported that the injured bear cub was was doing “just fine” in a rehabilitation center. If it is eligible for release, it would likely be released as an independent bear in eight-nine months.

Inspired by story of therapeutic arts program

I felt inspired and uplifted by Lisa Allen’s comprehensive coverage of the Appalachian Academy of Therapeutic Arts program [“Unplugged: Academy Strives to Keep Kids Outside, Offline,” April 17, Xpress]. After a brief introduction, Lisa allowed us to hear directly from founders Jaydee and Jay Azavari so we could learn what led to this program’s inception and details of the program itself.

I was so happy to read about the creativity and initiative this couple has taken and feel confident that the school is a blessing to all who attend it. The Appalachian Academy of Therapeutic Arts is just one recent example of why Asheville is a progressive community in which to live.

—

Lauri Bailey Asheville X

Intelligent learning

BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE

A year ago, Stephanie O’Brien was confused — and a little intimidated — by the idea of artificial intelligence. Now she teaches a class on the subject at UNC Asheville.

“I was one of those people that was scared to death by AI,” says O’Brien, a lecturer in mass communication at the school. “I thought, ’Oh my gosh, it’s going to be robot overlords. How do we deal with this?’ ”

But after taking an online course offered by the Knight Foundation in October, she realized her students were falling behind in their knowledge of the rapidly advancing technology. So she took another course that gave her the training needed to teach a senior seminar called Media Industries & Artificial Intelligence, which UNCA began offering this semester.

“I knew that if I was going to truly prepare my students for their careers, no matter what they’re doing in the media, I had to find a way to teach this right and learn about it,” she explains.

O’Brien’s crash course is not unusual. Public interest in AI skyrocketed after the late 2022 launch of OpenAI’s chatbot, ChatGPT. Since then, many college officials have been scrambling to learn about a technology that could dramatically transform higher education.

UNCA and Western Carolina University have appointed task forces that will soon make AI policy recommendations to university officials. And Mars Hill University adopted a syllabus policy to provide guidance to faculty members and students about the use of AI in the classroom.

Area colleges tackle challenges, opportunities of AI in the classroom

Among the issues the schools are sorting through are academic integrity, digital literacy, privacy concerns, the impact of AI on curriculum and best classroom practices for professors and students who use it.

Officials agree there is no time to waste because many professors already require the use of chatbots in classroom assignments. A chatbot is a computer program designed to simulate conversation with humans. When you type a message to a chatbot,

it uses algorithms to understand what you’ve said and then processes the information and generates a response.

“A year ago, we were just starting down this path and we were doing presentations on ’What is AI?’” says Chris Cain, director of MHU’s Center for Engaged Teaching & Learning. “Professors wanted to know, ’Can we use AI?’ And now it’s ’How do we use it? How much should our students use it?’ This is the world we live in now, because the cat’s out of the bag.”

AI ASSIGNMENTS

Chris Duncan, an adjunct business professor at Mars Hill, started lecturing at the school in January 2023, shortly after ChatGPT became available. Because his job involves thinking strategically about educational trends, he decided to familiarize himself with how chatbots work.

“First, I just started experimenting with it, but then I realized it was such an essential skill for today’s genera-

TEACHING MOMENT: UNC Asheville professor Stephanie O’Brien teaches a senior seminar called Media Industries & Artificial Intelligence. Photo by Elijah LaPlante

tion looking for jobs that I incorporated it into class,” explains Duncan, who is also an executive-in-residence at the school. “They’re actually required to use it in many of their assignments, but within boundaries.”

For example, he says, he will have students write a marketing plan on their own. Then he will ask them to use a prompt to get an AI program to produce a plan. The students then combine the best elements of each plan into a final product.

“It’s still their thought process, but they’ve had this assistant alongside of them, called AI, throughout. What it teaches them is the limitations of AI, which are substantial, but also how to use it as an efficiency tool and as an idea generator.”

Such an approach is becoming more common around WNC colleges.

O’Brien, for instance, requires students in a videography class to use at least two AI resources on an end-of-semester project. One student used ChatGPT to help generate interview questions for a podcast and will use AI tools to clean up the final product. Another is going to explore the ethics of artificial voice generation by producing a podcast in which two AI-generated fake voices debate each other.

Students must save all their prompts and responses so that O’Brien can review their processes.

“What’s not different is they still have to go through all the research steps,” she says. “They still have to cross-check everything. They still have to get scholarly articles and look at media sources.”

Ken Sanney, a professor of business administration and law at Western Carolina University, teaches a class on alternative dispute resolution. For one assignment, he had students negotiate against a Microsoft Copilot chatbot.

“Their classmates and themselves are both at a very beginning stage of learning how to negotiate, how to mediate, whereas the AI chatbot’s going to be drawing upon the large language models and all the other information that it has available to it,” he says. “It gives them some critical feedback that they don’t necessarily get from their classmates.”

MHU’s Cain has even used ChatGPT to spark classroom conversations. “I’ll ask a question, and if nobody answers, I’ll put it in AI, and we’ll get a response back. All of a sudden, they want to talk about it. So I can use it as a kind of a response generator for students.”

QUESTIONS OF INTEGRITY

But not everyone is sold on AI as a classroom tool.

“There are professors who do think that [using] AI is just plagiarism based on experiences that they’ve

had with students using it for assignments,” says Ashlee Taylor, a senior at Mars Hill. “So it’s still a very iffy thing with a lot of professors.”

Even some students are skeptical.

“One came to my office and asked about it,” says WCU’s Sanney. “He said, ’I don’t really want to [use AI on an assignment]. I don’t trust it. And I don’t want to get any of my information [from] it. And I don’t want to ever be accused of cheating.’ I thought that was interesting coming from a 20-year-old.”

Educators who embrace AI agree its use creates legitimate concerns about plagiarism, cheating, misrepresentation and accuracy.

“Having an AI write a paper for you, we all agree that’s cheating, right?” says MHU’s Cain. “But at what point does it cross that line? Is asking ’What are some good topics for a biology paper or a mathematics paper?’ cheating? It’s really interesting to see the differences in what one professor might believe is acceptable and another says is not acceptable.”

Professors can use tools designed to catch AI-generated cheating, but many have opted against it.

“They’re just not that reliable,” O’Brien says. “You can find those stories all over the news of people falsely accusing students. It is very difficult to tell. I go by this mantra, that I am going to trust my students first.”

Questions of academic integrity are among the myriad issues colleges are trying to address through updated policies.

Mars Hill’s suggested syllabus policy, which faculty members are not required to follow, states: “Responsible and productive academic use of Generative AI is possible if AI-produced content is acknowledged with explicit citation, fact-checked using human-produced authoritative sources of information and edited for clarity and accuracy by the final human user. Students at MHU should know that irresponsible use of Generative AI may involve them in violations of MHU’s academic integrity policies ... because it may involve the use of unauthorized material, or plagiarism, and/or unauthorized collaboration on classroom assignments.”

WCU’s working group is likely to present some suggested tweaks to the school’s academic integrity policy to the provost’s office by the end of the semester, says Sanney, who chairs the group. The current policy defines plagiarism as “representing the words or ideas of someone else as one’s own.” The phrase “someone else” will likely be changed to reflect the possibility of machine-generated words or ideas, he explains.

And UNCA’s task force has a subgroup that is focused on the impact of AI on curriculum and faculty, says Marietta Cameron, dean of natural sciences in the computer science department. She is one of three people heading the group, which also will present recommendations this month on institutional philosophy, student life and university employees and operations.

Ethical concerns about AI go beyond the possibility of students using it to cheat, Cameron says.

“We already have a problem with people not knowing what is credible information,” she says. “AI compounds it even further. We give authority to [AI] and forget that we still have fallible people that are behind these technologies. It reflects our virtues and our weaknesses and our vices and our biases.”

Sanney says a WCU nursing professor used an AI assignment to alert students to the limitations of AI. She required students to use a chatbot to generate an autobiography. Almost all discovered that the chatbot made up information about them. “Her point is, if you’re going to turn in stuff that’s AI generated, not generated by you, you likely aren’t going to know the difference between what it gets right and what it gets wrong,” he says.

Privacy is another concern for colleges, which are responsible for safeguarding students’ education records under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. Use of chatbots can involve sharing sensitive educational data with third parties without proper consent, potentially leading to privacy breaches and other security risks.

Chatbots can access personal information in a variety of ways, including requesting users to input personal data during conversations or accessing information stored in databases connected to the chatbot (such as user preferences or past interactions with the chatbot).

For that reason, Sanney says, WCU only allows professors to use the university-approved Microsoft Copilot chatbot.

THE STUDENTS’ VIEWS

Like some of their professors, many students didn’t know much about AI a year ago.

MHU’s Taylor first dabbled with the technology at the end of her junior year. As a senior, she finds herself using it almost daily.

“When I have to write emails or when I have to do any kind of written communication to somebody, I get very nervous because I don’t know how to do it,” says Taylor, a business and psychology major from Franklin. “So I’ve actually used it to help me learn how to write more professional-sounding emails. And I’ve found it very helpful with helping me learn how to do a business plan template for [Duncan’s class].”

Fellow Mars Hill senior Stephen Hood has had a similar experience working on a business plan for Duncan’s class.

“Whenever I write that stuff, I just jumble it all into one big paragraph because I don’t really know when to stop,” explains Hood, a business administration major with a concentration in finance. “It’s not my strong suit. And so I would put it into AI, and then it would help me have stopping points and know when to kind of transition into the next thing.”

Both think a knowledge of AI will benefit them as they look for jobs, and the numbers seem to back them

up. A recent survey from Washington State University found that 74% of U.S. professionals think graduates should have AI experience before entering the workforce.

“Being AI literate is crucial when entering the job market, especially since the use of artificial intelligence is becoming prominent in the field of

mass communications,” says Parker Lacewell, a UNCA senior who is taking O’Brien’s AI class. A senior from Winston-Salem, he hopes to work in strategic communications.

But among others who will soon be graduating, there are doubts about AI.

“I still have some students who are very skeptical,” O’Brien says. “Here at UNCA, we have a lot of students who think very much about the community and society, and there are many that are worried about job loss. So we try to think about ways that AI will help with workflow and free up, let’s say, journalists to actually go out and talk to people.”

For many educators, a big challenge is making sure students become proficient at AI without using it as a crutch.

“An overreliance on AI tools can hinder development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills,” Sanney says. “We’re looking at some guidelines and guidance for faculty there. But we’re not recoiling from the technology as an institution.”

As a computer science expert, Cameron has pondered the implications of AI far longer than most people in the academic world. She says universities must make sure not to compromise their core values when adopting it.

“The technology should not change an institution’s mission. It should enhance it. The mission should not be enslaved to technology.”

LIFE SKILLS: Ashlee Taylor, a senior at Mars Hill, thinks using AI in the classroom has been beneficial. “I’m not as stressed knowing that I do have that tool,” she says. Photo courtesy of Chris Duncan

MACHINE LEARNING: Chris Duncan, executive-in-residence and adjunct professor, has incorporated AI into his business classes at Mars Hill University. At left is senior Stephen Hood. Photo courtesy of Duncan

Liftoff

BY GREG PARLIER

The big question heading into the April 24 meeting of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority was whether affordable housing projects would qualify for financing from the agency’s new $10 million grant fund. The answer was “not really.”

Buncombe County’s $210 million Ferry Road project is slated to include 645 housing units with 55% of them deemed affordable. It received $4 million of its $6 million request from the Legacy Investment from Tourism Fund, but only for amenities like greenways and trails, not the housing itself. Mountain Housing Opportunities had asked for $1.5 million to build Star Point Apartments, but the request was denied.

“The committee recommended only investing in the public recreation and conservation components of the project, which includes 1.9 miles of greenway, 1.7 miles of trails, public parking access with 20 parking spaces, greenway and trail signage, wetland access and signage,” said Tiffany Thacker , director of grants for Explore Asheville.

“By investing $4 million directly into recreational and conservational components such as greenways and trails, we’re able to support this really important project for our community through amenities that should be available by 2026,” said TDA President and CEO Vic Isley after the vote.

Ben Williamson , an organizer with housing advocacy group Buncombe Decides, which helped organize a petition last year asking the TDA to allocate LIFT funds for affordable housing projects, said he was just as disappointed about the lack of funding for the MHO project as he was excited about Ferry Road.

The MHO project was one of two under consideration April 24 that didn’t receive funding. The other was a $30,000 City of Asheville project for fully enclosed, extralarge trash cans for public spaces. BCTDA spokesperson Ashley Greenstein didn’t respond to questions about why those two projects didn’t qualify in the eyes of the committee, instead sending a written response.

“The LIFT Fund Committee recommended investment in the

TDA approves about $10 million for community projects but not affordable housing

UPLIFTED: The Tourism Development Authority board voted to fund 12 of the 14 projects under consideration for the inaugural Legacy Investment from Tourism Fund, which had nearly $10 million to disburse this year. Photo by Greg Parlier

projects that aligned with the goals of the fund and with state statutory limitations. All projects that were recommended for investment benefit the community at large of Buncombe County and can be enjoyed by both visitors and residents,” she said.

To better understand why certain projects were chosen, Xpress requested minutes of all the LIFT Committee meetings, the first of which was in December. The only meeting that contained action or discussion, according to the provided minutes, was a meeting April 18 at which the committee voted 8-0 to approve the final recommendations to the TDA board. No discussion was documented, and no video recordings were made of the committee meetings.

The remaining 12 projects under consideration by the committee were approved in part or in full by the TDA board. They range from $3 million for the City of Asheville’s Coxe Avenue complete street project to $40,000 for a rebuild of the Aston Park Tennis Center. The Asheville Museum of Science, Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, Hood Huggers Foundation, UNC Asheville’s Botanical Gardens and RiverLink were some of the fund’s other benefactors.

NEW FUNDING SOURCE

The $9.99 million in funding allocations were the first for the LIFT Fund, which was created in 2022 by state law. The law changed the amount the BCTDA could spend on tourism-related community capital projects from one-quarter to onethird of occupancy tax revenues. The rest must be used for marketing and promotion of Asheville and Buncombe County to visitors.

The one-third set-aside for community projects is now split between the LIFT Fund and the Tourism Product Development Fund, which was created in 2001 and has funded projects ranging from upgrades to the Asheville Community Theatre to renovations at McCormick Field.

The difference between the two funds can be hard to pin down. To explain the difference, Greenstein quoted state law.

The TPDF provides investment for “major tourism capital projects” to increase visitor stays in lodging facilities and “further economic development in Buncombe County.” The LIFT Fund is for “tourism-related capital projects” to increase stays at lodging facilities and “benefit the community at large in Buncombe County, including project maintenance, design, project administration, restoration,

rehabilitation, enhancement of natural resources or expansion of necessary infrastructure,” she said.

This year’s initial interpretation of state law by the LIFT Committee and TDA board was important, even if it was limited to the projects that applied, acknowledged state Sen. Julie Mayfield , who lobbied for the legislation that established the LIFT Fund in 2022.

Mayfield suggested before the vote that other types of projects that didn’t apply this year could receive funding in the future, and if people were unhappy with the TDA’s decision of what to fund, they should blame the state, not the local board. Each local TDA across the state is governed by independent legislation.

“I think it’s very problematic because there are communities all across the state that are using occupancy tax dollars [differently]. Because there is no definition of tourism-related expenses, different cities use their money for different things,” she said.

The guidelines written by the state are outdated, vague and at times contradictory, Mayfield argued, and need to be redrawn.

Based on the way the guidelines are currently written, Mayfield said before the meeting she’s not sure affordable housing projects would qualify, but ideally, Buncombe County should be able to decide how to use its occupancy tax dollars based on the needs of the community and Asheville’s uniquely busy tourist market.

NOT FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Meanwhile, the N.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association opposed the TDA’s potential use of occupancy tax funds for affordable housing projects, writing to county commissioners April 11: “Hotel occupancy taxes should not be used to pay for general fund expenses that are primarily used by the community at large and other businesses that are not paying the tax. If the original need for tourism promotion and product development is no longer needed, and the tax has met its goals, perhaps consideration should be given to lowering the tax rate,” wrote NCRLA President and CEO Lynn Minges .

In a letter to Minges on April 9, the association’s general counsel, R. Frank Gray , argued that affordable housing projects don’t meet legislative mandates for LIFT funds to “increase patronage of lodging facilities, meeting facilities and convention facilities by attracting tour-

ists, business travelers or both” and “benefit the community at large in Buncombe County.”

“While affordable housing is a worthwhile goal for any community and may meet the second requirement of benefiting the community at large, it does not meet the first requirement of the authorizing legislation — increasing patronage at lodging facilities. Both elements must be present.”

Minges went further.

“Although there have been public statements that this language is up to interpretation, if local elected officials decide to use it to fund affordable housing and other nontourism-related expenditures, that interpretation will be done by the courts,” Minges wrote.

BOARD REACTION

After the vote, TDA board members and staff celebrated the first allocation of LIFT funds.

“The [LIFT Fund] has expanded the authority’s ability to invest in these transformative projects and allows the wider uses of these funds to collaborate with our nonprofit and municipal partners. The projects approved today reflect the diversity of our community and disbursal throughout our county,” Isley said.

“It’s great to be able to support such a great variety of projects,” said board Vice Chair Matthew Lehman , who is general manager at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville. “Ten million dollars over a dozen projects, it’s just really tremendous. And I’m really excited about the Ferry Road project as well. I think we’ve learned a lot through this process about the impact that housing affordability has within our community.”

Board member Kathleen Mosher , vice president of communications at The Biltmore Co., who also served on the LIFT committee, acknowledged the need to address affordable housing collectively.

“I think we have, first and foremost, a real need to partner with city and county and other community members to make sure that we have active projects being built to solve this affordable housing issue. Our zoning needs to be updated, and our unified development [ordinance] needs to be updated. And we need as a community to come together and figure out how to solve this so that we have more housing in our urban centers,” she said.  X

Buncombe County

Ferry Road Community

Award: $4 million

Requested: $6 million

Total cost: $210 million

Ferry Road is a mixed-use project on a 137-acre Buncombe Countyowned tract along the French Broad River off Brevard Road in South Asheville. The project, which will conserve 60% of the site, includes 645 housing units with about 360 deemed affordable, community services such as a child care facility and health clinic and about 4 miles of public greenways and trails with public parking.

City of Asheville

Aston Park

Tennis Center court rebuild

Award: $40,000

Requested: $40,000

Total cost: $103,948

More than 14,000 people play on the 12 clay courts each year. This project aims to allow the center’s Asheville Open Tennis Championships to regain “Level 2” status after being demoted to “Level 3” due to the declining condition of the facility.

Coxe Avenue complete street Award: $2,983,890

Requested: $3 million

Total cost: $11,825,481

This street improvement project includes the demolition and reconstruction of about a half mile between Patton and Southside avenues on Asheville’s South Slope. Improvements will reduce flood impacts through stormwater improvements, include traffic-slowing elements, improve accessibility for pedestrians and add streetscape amenities.

ExploreAsheville.com Arena capital maintenance Award: $675,000

Requested: $675,000

Total cost: $1,350,000

Grant awardees

The arena in Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville needs HVAC system and loading dock area improvements. The project also includes replacement of the service elevator.

Nonprofits

ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE

Award: $250,000

Requested: $250,000

Total cost: $500,000

This project would help the museum, which saw more than 50,000 people last year, expand into the 10,000-square-foot space adjacent to the museum that was formerly occupied by Wells Fargo.

BLACK WALL STREET AVL

Award: $77,500

Requested: $82,500

Total cost: $165,000

Funds will help Black Wall Street AVL upgrade its event space in the River Arts District by adding an air conditioning system and patio awnings.

BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY FOUNDATION

Craggy Gardens Visitor Center Award: $750,000

Requested: $750,000

Total cost: $1,575,000

This grant will help the BRP Foundation install permanent, year-round restroom facilities at the Craggy Gardens Visitor Center, as well as increase trailhead and wayfinding signage.

HOOD HUGGERS FOUNDATION

Blue Note Junction Award: $500,000

Requested: $500,000

Total cost: $7,145,000

Phase one of Blue Note Junction includes a 9,000-square-foot outdoor event space, a 2,100-squarefoot open-air market, 1.5 acres of gardens and a 1,400-square-foot greenhouse in the historically Black Burton Street neighborhood of West Asheville.

MEDIA ARTS PROJECT

Supernova Immersive Experience Award: $200,000

Requested: $300,000

Total cost: $600,000

This project is a 26,000-squarefoot, family-friendly immersive art experience in Weaverville.

RIVERLINK

Gateway Park on Riverside Drive Award: $270,018

Requested: $270,018

Total cost: $615,037

Once completed, Gateway Park will be a partly wooded 1.3-acre public green space designed for bikers and pedestrians halfway between the River Arts District and Woodfin on the banks of the French Broad River.

SWANNANOA VALLEY ART LEAGUE

Red House Gallery and Studios Award: $92,495

Requested: $92,494

Total cost: $184,988

The Swannanoa Valley Art League, the oldest continuous art league in Western North Carolina, has moved from its former home in the Monte Vista Hotel to Cherry Street in downtown Black Mountain. Funding will support the renovation of the new space, including facade improvements and an HVAC upgrade.

UNIVERSITY BOTANICAL GARDENS AT

ASHEVILLE

Award: $150,000

Requested: $150,000

Total cost: $300,000

This project will help fund the renovation of UNC Asheville’s botanical gardens visitor center, garden entrance and gazebo.

BID public hearing draws crowd despite scheduling kerfuffle

An April 23 public hearing on a proposed business improvement district became an endurance test for members of the public as a scheduling mishap stretched the event almost six hours into the night.

The Asheville City Council meeting was moved from its regular venue at City Hall to the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville and began at 4 p.m., an hour earlier than its regular start time to accommodate the large crowd expected. Three other public hearings that had been scheduled that night were postponed, leaving only the business improvement district public hearing on the Council’s agenda.

Community members began gathering at the venue around 3:30 p.m. to comment on the business improvement district, otherwise known as the BID. If approved in its current form, the BID would raise taxes on downtown commercial and residential properties to fund area-specific services. As Council moved through its otherwise light agenda, it appeared its members were ready to participate in the BID discussion by 5:30 p.m.

Except they couldn’t, according to City Attorney Brad Branham. Branham noted that since the BID public hearing was advertised to begin at 7 p.m, Council and the public were legally required to wait until then to begin the hearing.

The crowd of roughly 120 people expressed surprise and anger at the last-minute announcement.

“What’s happening here tonight really demonstrates that you don’t care about hearing the voices of the

BID update

During the April 26 meeting of the Asheville Downtown Commission, members were split on whether to approve a recommendation to Asheville City Council for the proposed downtown business improvement district. Because the commission’s vote was tied, the motion to approve the BID recommendation failed. While the vote will not have a direct impact on Council’s voting process, Council members will consider the commission’s decision during their deliberations. X

people,” said resident Grace Barron

“Everything about this whole process was difficult to navigate. I mean, you said we need to be here at 3:30, and most people who are working a 9-to-5-type job are not going to be able to access that. And now you’ve [pushed] the [public hearing] back to 7 p.m. You kind of make up rules along the way.”

“I’m with the other folks who wanted to express their disappointment with the changing around of the agenda today. And as a service worker, I’m lucky enough to have had most of the day off,” added Gab Bonfiglio

The BID presentation finally began about 7:15 p.m. The BID proposal was developed by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and presented by Eva-Michelle Spicer, co-owner of Spicer Greene Jewelers, and Larry Crosby, general manager at The Foundry Hotel. The plan would assess 9 cents per $100 of valuation for downtown property owners and residents — about $360 per year for a property assessed at $400,000. The estimated annual budget for the BID could reach $1.25 million and could fund enhanced litter removal, landscaping, beautification efforts and a staff of downtown safety ambassadors.

As proposed, a 15-person, Councilappointed board would govern the BID and would be made up of commercial and residential proper-

ty owners and tenants, a food and beverage worker, an office tenant, a community representative and one at-large member.

Following the presentation, 52 people spoke after Council suspended its rule that normally limits public comments to one hour.

Of those, 13 people spoke in favor of the BID, saying that additional funding was needed to support the large number of residents and tourists who use downtown’s amenities and that the benefits of the BID would extend to Asheville as a whole.

JB McKibbon of McKibbon Hospitality, which owns the AC Hotel, Aloft Hotel, District 42 cocktail bar and other properties downtown, said that the increased tax was important to improve safety, noting that some hotel employees have been mugged while walking to their cars at night.

“As far as I’m aware, we’re the largest property owner impacted by the BID and will represent roughly 10% of what’s required for the BID [budget],” he said. “I wish we were not at a point where we needed to spend extra funds in order to get where we felt the city needed to be to be welcoming to our guests and our employees. But clearly, I think there’s a lot of support around it.”

The majority of the commenters spoke out against the BID and expressed concerns over the the role of the proposed safety ambassadors,

the impact on Asheville’s homeless population and the makeup of the BID board.

“The BID promotes further marginalization of our city’s most vulnerable communities for its clean and safe program,” added resident Kyle Teller. “My work is not only public education, but cultural studies and research, [and] ‘clean and safe’ has been a dog whistle against marginalized communities for so many decades.”

Several Council members also expressed concern over using property tax value as a criterion for the BID’s leadership and questioned whether the BID’s funds could be used to fund more community responder positions instead of safety ambassadors.

“We can choose the type of board we want and who’s going to oversee the board?” asked Council member Antanette Mosley. “‘[The Chamber’s] proposal is just a recommendation, right?”

“There’s no obligation to form a board even if you adopt a BID,” answered City Attorney Branham. “Even if you adopt it and contract with a third party to perform the services, there is no obligation to form a BID board. If you do decide to form a BID board, it is Council’s discretion. Although you can empower that board, Council must maintain final discretion over all use of funds.”

The BID proposal requires two votes from Council. The first is slated for Tuesday, May 14, and the second on Tuesday, June 11. If approved, the governance structure of the BID will be established at a later date.

“I think at the heart of a lot of these conversations I’m hearing is that there’s just really different perspectives and deep mistrust of the others who have a different perspective,” said Council member Maggie Ullman, reflecting on the public comments. “I think that we need to figure out what a ‘both-and’ solution looks like. To me, I think it’s important to make sure that if we have a part of our community raising their hands and saying, ‘Hey, I see a problem, could we help.’ I’m not in a place to turn away anybody helping right now.”

LONG NIGHT: Members of the public began gathering at the Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville at 3:30 p.m. to speak on the proposed business improvement district. Photo by Brooke Randle

Planning board defers voting on county’s short-term rental ordinance

The tension in A-B Tech’s Ferguson Auditorium was palpable April 22 as members of the Buncombe County Planning Board prepared to conduct their final public meeting and vote on recommended changes to the county’s short-term rental ordinance.

But before opening the public hearing, board Chair Nancy Waldrop told the room of about 100 people that she felt that the process had moved too quickly. She went on to suggest that the board defer voting on the proposed ordinance changes for 100 days to allow more time for research and public input.

“My reasons for this are many, but the most important ones being: No. 1, we have two new members of the board who are at a disadvantage due to not having heard or had the time to digest any proposals that have been made prior to their arrival,” Waldrop explained. “No. 2, there was a considerable amount of community unease with this proposal, which has unfortunately been fueled by a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding.”

The proposed regulations, which were introduced in December as part of the Buncombe 2043 Comprehensive Plan, would ban new whole-house, short-term rentals in the unincorporated parts of Buncombe County unless they were located within five commercial zones or in the county’s residential open-use zone, among other changes. Existing short-term rentals, known as STRs, would not be affected by the new rules but would require a county permit.

Waldrop said that much of the board’s proposed changes to the ordinance had widespread support, including banning STRs from mobile home parks and the steep slope and Blue Ridge Parkway overlays, and a grandfathering clause to protect existing STRs. But she added that more work needed to be done to develop other parts of the ordinance.

“Based on what we have heard from the community … I firmly believe that the best path forward will be to broaden the scope of our discussions to include those issues surrounding STRs,” Waldrop said.

Some of the remaining criticism of the proposal from members of the public included restrictions on where STRs could operate and the number of new STRs property owners could build. Currently, the proposal would only allow residents who live in openuse zoning to operate up to two STRs if the property is more than 2 acres.

Others questioned the ability for the county to regulate STRs at all, citing property rights issues and saying that the proposal opened the local government to litigation.

Several board members expressed agreement with Waldrop’s assessment before voting unanimously to postpone the issue. County Planning Director Nathan Pennington said that county staff needed time to regroup.

“We’ve taken good notes … there’s a number of other text amendments we need to look at as well,” Pennington said. “We spent a lot of time on this; here we are tonight. Let us bring you a menu of options, because some take a lot more studying, and we’re partway into [some] and we’re having to back out of others. So why don’t we huddle for a while and then bring you all back some options.”

Despite the board’s decision to postpone, the board continued the public hearing in which 31 people spoke. A large majority of speakers expressed relief at the board’s decision to slow down the regulations process and voiced concern over how the proposed regulations could have impacted their businesses, infringe on property rights or create financial hardship.

“I’m very, very encouraged by the recommendations to pump the brakes on this regulation because I feel like there’s a lot of room to improve,” said Pete Kuehne, who said he owned a

vacation rental management company. “I am in favor of regulations that improve the overall quality of life in Buncombe County, and promote safety and promote neighborhoods because we want to see vacation rentals be welcomed in the community. We feel like they’re a vital driver of commerce in the community and a vital payer of taxes in the community.”

Three commenters spoke in favor of stricter STR restrictions and shared how STRs negatively affect neighborhoods and contribute to Asheville’s housing crisis. Speaker Andrea Golden, co-founder of PODER Emma Community Ownership and a resi-

dent owner of Dulce Lomita Mobile Home Cooperative, said that while she looks forward to participating in the public input efforts around STRs, she hopes that the regulations aimed at protecting affordable housing will remain part of the board’s proposal.

“There is much more critical work to be done. However, regulating shortterm rentals to protect existing afford able housing, such as mobile home parks, multifamily housing, duplexes and community-oriented develop ment is a critical step, and it’s one that we truly hope is not lost,” Golden said.

PUMP THE BRAKES: The Buncombe County Planning Board voted to defer recommending changes to the county’s short-term rental ordinance for 100 days. Photo by Brooke Randle

Reparations commission discusses accountability as deadline nears

As a deadline nears for the Community Reparations Commission, pressure mounts for the group to finalize its recommendations for how the City of Asheville and Buncombe County governments can make amends to their Black residents.

It’s been more than two years since Asheville and Buncombe County established the 25-member commission — one of the first reparations commissions in the country — charged with coming up with ways local governments can repair the damage from decades of systemic racism.

In October, the group requested an eight-month extension, which would have resulted in a December 2024 deadline. Instead, the commission was granted until June to finalize recommendations.

Since then, some commission members have commented on the need for more time in almost every meeting, while others have contended that they need to show the city and county that they can finish the job. “We need more time. We need to see what that looks like. And for those who can’t stay on longer, that’s fine. But how do we keep moving this work forward to get to a place where we actually got community-vetted recommendations and actually are doing something that is really going to be impactful in the community?” asked Vice Chair Dewana Little on April 22.

That sentiment was echoed by commission members Bobbette Mays , Tiffany DeBellot and Osondu McPeters.

“Time is of the essence. It’s a part of the systemic oppression, this scarcity mindset and this crunch for time to rectify situations that took years to create, to fix problems and make recommendations about something that took hundreds of years to create. … It’s not fair to the process,” Little added.

City and county representatives have said that both governments’ equity departments will remain engaged with the commission beyond the June deadline if there still is work to do, but other support such as communications, legal and data services would expire. Sala Menaya-Merritt, equity and inclusion director at the City of Asheville, encouraged commission members to look at June as more of a check-in with its funding governments, suggesting that another extension could be obtained.

Facilitator Vernisha Crawford presented the timeline for the remaining two months, highlighting remaining priorities, including an ongoing community engagement campaign with Black residents of Asheville and Buncombe County.

Little, who leads the engagement campaign, said the community engagement committee has met with groups from several historically Black neighborhoods and public housing developments.

McPeters said many people are unfamiliar with the reparations process, suggesting the engagement effort is reaching those who have been overlooked. Little added that when introduced to the commission’s mission, people had a lot of suggestions and encouraged commissioners to participate in the outreach efforts as much as possible.

In recent meetings, commissioners have discussed ways to hold local governments accountable to the group’s recommendations after it disbands.

Crawford presented three options to continue the work — establish a nonprofit entity, an advisory council or partner with an existing nonprofit.

McPeters mentioned the Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville as a potential partner. The RSAA is a Black-led institution that administers a complementary reparations fund “to be a perpetual resource for Buncombe County’s Black community,” according to its website. Manaya-Merritt said she has been in touch with the RSAA, which has asked to present at a future commission meeting. Little asked if the commission could invite several potential partner nonprofits to present at the same meeting to optimize everyone’s time.

PROCESS DELAYS

Earlier in the meeting, commission member DeWayne Barton asked about the status of recommendations from the economic development focus group. Menaya-Merritt said recommendations need to be reviewed by city and county legal staff before being brought to the full commission for a final vote.

That launched a long conversation during which many commission members expressed confusion about the process, summed up by commission member Kim Jones.

“We have been working on our recommendations for two years. We all have presented them over and over and over and over. So we’re talking about time. Mr. Barton brought a couple of recommendations [tonight], and one of them is the economic development center that, when we presented months ago, everyone was on board with,” she said.

The economic development center proposal included plans for a nonprofit that could provide accountability, she said.

Jones said that while the economic development focus group is trying to push forward, “once again, we’ve been pushed back because of process. So it keeps happening over and over and over. We have been working on this for two years. The economic development center has been vetted by the city and county, the guaranteed income has been vetted by the city and county. So we have done what we’re supposed to do. And tonight again, we have been told, ‘No, we have to wait.’ What are we waiting on? This right here is already in a plan of what we’re going to do next. So it’s just very frustrating,” she said.

Little recognized Jones’ passion and moved to get whatever recommendations had already been vetted and finalized on the commission’s next agenda for a vote.

Crawford noted that the commission had previously delayed voting on recommendations to fully engage with the community.

Commission member Dewayne McAfee said he would prefer to have something finalized to show people unfamiliar with the work rather than just saying the commission simply collected data.

Barton, McPeters and Dwayne Richardson agreed.

Crawford said she would put recommendations on an upcoming agenda for a vote.

The commission has four scheduled meetings, including a virtual one Monday, May 6. Its next in-person meeting is Monday, May 13.

ACCOUNTABILITY: At its April 22 meeting, the Community Reparations Commission discussed how it would hold local governments accountable to its recommendations as a June deadline nears. Photo by Greg Parlier

County budget picture slowly comes into focus

At its April 23 work session, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners took a second look at the county’s 2024-25 budget. During the meeting, staff presentations showed a $28.5 million gap between next year’s revenues and expected expenditures.

County spending is projected to grow by more than $8 million next year, to $444.9 million, said county Budget Director John Hudson. A large part of that increase comes from a plan to add 22 positions, including nine additional caseworkers and assistants in the Department of Social Services.

Salaries and benefits for more than 1,700 employees account for the largest piece of the county’s expenses, at 45%.

The county also expects to see a 9% increase in debt service over last year, and an 8% increase in its public safety budget, mainly due to higher pay approved in 2023, Hudson said.

The county plans to save money by leasing rather than buying new vehicles for its fleet next fiscal year, he added.

SECOND PASS: Buncombe County’s fiscal year 2024-25 budget is coming into focus after staff presented its “second pass” budget at a Board of Commissioners work session April 23. Screenshot courtesy of Buncombe County

At this stage, budget staff assumes that education spending will remain flat. However, that may change after a work session Thursday, May 9, that will focus on the county’s two school districts and its volunteer fire districts. Education is the county’s largest spending category, accounting

for about 28% of the general fund last year.

The revenue-side projections were bumped up by $4.2 million since the “first pass” budget March 26 to $416.5 million. Those increases are expected to mostly come from property tax revenue, which makes up 64% of

the county’s general fund revenue, Hudson said.

Property tax revenues are now projected to increase by 5% over last fiscal year.

If projections hold, the county would have to cover the difference between expenses and revenues with reserves, decreasing the available fund balance to 10.8% of expenditures, Hudson said. The county’s policy is to maintain a fund balance of 15% of annual expenditures. It’s currently about 18%.

To satisfy the fund balance policy, county staff recommends cutting expenses, raising revenue or a combination thereof by $12.3 million, Hudson said.

After the Thursday, May 9, work session, County Manager Avril Pinder will present the staff’s recommended budget to commissioners at the regular meeting Tuesday, May 21. There will be a public hearing Tuesday, June 4, and the budget is scheduled for a final vote on Tuesday, June 18.

— Greg Parlier  X

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

MAY 1 - MAY 9, 2024

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

 Feature, page 24-26

 Feature, page 28-29

 More info, page 31

 More info, page 32-33

WELLNESS

Therapeutic Recreation

Adult Morning Movement

Active games, physical activities, and sports for individuals with disabilities ages 17 and over. Advanced registration at avlrec.com required.

WE (5/1, 8), 10am, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave

Tai Chi for Balance

A gentle Tai Chi exercise class to help improve balance, mobility, and quality of life. All ages are welcome.

WE (5/1, 8), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Tai Chi Fan

This class helps build balance and whole body awareness. All ages and ability levels welcome. Fans will be provided.

WE (5/1, 8), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Free Zumba Gold

Fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. Free, but donations for the instructor are appreciated. For more information please call (828) 350-2058.

WE (5/1, 8), noon, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Tai Chi for Beginners

A class for anyone interested in Tai Chi and building balance, whole body awareness and other health benefits.

TH (5/2, 9), MO (5/6), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Nia Dance Fitness

A sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts and healing arts.

TH (5/2, 9), 9:30am, TU (5/7), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Relational Mindfulness w/Deborah Eden Tull

Relational Mindfulness is about healing the myth of separation through our relationship with self, one another, and our planet.

TH (5/2), 6:30pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Weekly Zumba Classes

Free in-person Zumba classes. No registration required.

TH (5/2, 9), TU (5/7), 6:30pm, St. James Episcopal Church, 424 W State St, Black Mountain

Qigong for Health

A part of traditional Chinese medicine that involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind and spirit.

CLAY CENTER CELEBRATION: The Village Potters Clay Center hosts its annual MultiKiln Opening with a celebration on Saturday, May 4, starting at 11 a.m. Visitors can expect a full day of demonstrations, a special exhibit and an opportunity to meet resident potters and learn more about their creative process. Photo courtesy of The Village Potters

FR (5/3), TU (5/7), 9am, SA (5/4), 11am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Friday Night Spirit

Express: Serenidity

Sound Bath

Experience a sound bath that can cleanse your soul, restore your balance, surround you with peace and tranquility, and stimulate healing.

FR (5/3), 7pm, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way

Yoga for Everyone

A free-in person yoga class for all ages and abilities that is led by alternating teachers. Bring your own mat and water bottle.

SA (5/4), 9:30am, Black Mountain Presbyterian, 117 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Wild Souls Authentic Movement w/Renee Trudeau

An expressive movement class designed to help you get unstuck,

enjoy cardio movement, boost immune health, dissolve anxiety and celebrate community.

SU (5/5), 9:30am, Dunn's Rock Community Center, 461 Connestee Rd, Brevard

Sunday Morning Meditation Group

Gathering for a combination of silent sitting and walking meditation, facilitated by Worth Bodie.

SU (5/5), 10am, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Spring Flow w/Jamie Knox

Prepare your body for warmer weather with a yoga practice designed to release toxins and heaviness left over from winter. No need to pre-register, but bring a mat.

SU (5/5), 10:30am, One World Brewing W, 520 Haywood Rd

Yoga in the Park Yoga class alongside the French Broad River, based on Hatha & Vinyasa traditions and led by certified yoga instructors. All experience levels welcome.

SA (5/4), SU (5/5), 11am, 220 Amboy Rd

New Moon Sound Bath

A guided meditation session under the new moon while you immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of crystal bowls, gongs, didgeridoo, handpans, flutes, chimes, and more.

MO (5/6), 7pm, The Restoration Hotel Asheville, 68 Patton Ave

Community Yoga & Mindfulness

A free monthly event with Inspired Change Yoga that will lead you into a morning of breathwork, meditation and yoga. Bring your own mat.

WE (5/8), 11:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

ART

Sov·er·eign·ty: Expressions in Sovereignty of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

This exhibition educates visitors about the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ autonomy, its relationship with the federal government, and how the tribe has defined its own relationship with its land, people, and culture. Gallery open daily, 9am. Exhibition through Feb. 28, 2025.

Museum of the Cherokee People, 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee

Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts Exhibition

Featured in this exhibit are Arrowmont’s nationally and internationally

10am. Demonstrations run through Dec. 31.

Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Making Changes

Exhibition

Exploring the sentiment that growth is universal, whether planned or spontaneous, material or spiritual. Red House Studios invite all mediums to contribute to a collective exploration of the unawakened and unknown. Open daily, 10am. Exhibition through May 13.

Red House Gallery & Studios, 101 Cherry St, Black Mountain

Stellar Picks: A Community Choice Exhibition

This exhibition is for everyone who has a favorite piece of art in the WCU Fine Art Museum collection or would like to discover one.

Gallery open Tuesday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition through June 28, 2024

WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee

recognized practicing artists and university workshop instructors. Open daily, 10am. Exhibition through May 1, 2024.

Folk Art Center, 382 Blue Ridge Pkwy

Spark of the Eagle Dancer: The Collecting Legacy of Lambert Wilson

This exhibition celebrates the legacy of Lambert Wilson, a passionate collector of contemporary Native American art. Gallery open Tuesday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition through June 28, 2024

WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee

Western North Carolina Glass: Selections from the Collection

Western North Carolina is important in the history of American glass art. A variety of techniques and a willingness to push boundaries of the medium can be seen in this selection of works. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through September 16.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Mandala Madness III

A third biannual showcase of Mandala artwork that features collections of hypnotizing, meditative and geometric pieces. Open daily,noon. Exhibition through May 5.

Foundation Studios, 27 Foundy St

Daily Craft Demonstrations

Two artists of different media will explain and demonstrate their craft with informative materials displayed at their booths, daily. These free and educational opportunities are open to the public. Open daily,

Doe Bull, Ash Grey and more. Gallery open Monday through Sunday, noon. Exhibition through May 19.

Push Skate Shop & Gallery, 25 Patton Ave

Julieta Fumberg: Of Chaos & Peace, Beauty in Both Fumberg's most recent exhibit portrays darkness to see the light and the contrast of things. The Human heart beats, in and out, creating the contrast that it needs to sustain life. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 10am, and Sunday, noon. Exhibition runs through May 5.

Pink Dog Gallery, 348 Depot St

Multi-Kiln Opening Celebration

The Clay Center at Village Potters hosts its biggest annual event of the year, featuring demonstrations and showcases from various resident artists. This event is free and open to the public.

Resonance: Opening Reception

An art exhibition that harmoniously weaves together the distinctive styles of two artists, Lauren Betty & Rand Kramer. Each navigate the delicate balance between spontaneity and control in their unique mediums.

TH (5/2), 5pm, Citron Gallery, 60 Biltmore Ave

Focus Gallery Exhibit: Art of Detailing

The Southern Highland Craft Guild opens its first focus gallery exhibition of 2024 with Art of Detailing, featuring both traditional and contemporary craft by five members of the Guild. Open daily, 10am. Exhibition through May 20, 2024.

Folk Art Center, 382 Blue Ridge Pkwy

Asheville’s Naturalist: Watercolors by Sallie Middleton

This exhibition features a selection of botanical and wildlife prints by renowned watercolor artist Sallie Middleton.

Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through June 10

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Honoring Nature: Early Southern Appalachian Landscape Painting

This exhibition explores the sublime natural landscapes of the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina and Tennessee. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through Oct. 21.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Thistle & Pearl Art Show

This exhibition features art from the whole Thistle and Pearl Tattoo crew including BB June, Bill Smiles, Reina Lynn,

SA (5/4), 11am, The Village Potters, 191 Lyman St

Resonance

An art exhibition that harmoniously weaves together the distinctive styles of two artists, Lauren Betty & Rand Kramer. Each navigate the delicate balance between spontaneity and control in their unique mediums. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through June 30.

Citron Gallery, 60 Biltmore Ave

Public Tour: Discovering Art in Asheville

A volunteer educator-led tour of the Museum's Collection through the featured exhibition Intersections in American Art. No reservations are required.

SU (5/5), 2pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Counter/Balance: Gifts of John & Robyn Horn

A presentation of important examples of contemporary American craft, including woodworking, metalsmithing, fiber and pottery by renowned American artists. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through July. 29, 2024.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

The New Salon: A Contemporary View A modern take on the prestigious tradition of the Parisian Salon with the diversity and innovation of today’s art world. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through Aug. 19.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Agony & Ecstasy: Images of Conscience by Janette Hopper

These linoleum prints show the agony and ecstasy of human life.

The love, sorrow, conflict, beauty, enjoyment of nature, contemplation of what is, was and could be and political commentary. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 11am and Sunday, 1 pm. Exhibition through May 31.

Flood Gallery Fine Art Center, 850 Blue Ridge Rd, Black Mountain

I Will Tell You Mine

This exhibition features works by 27 artists that work across an  impressive range of applications, methods and materials. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am, and Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through May 26.

Tyger Tyger Gallery, 191 Lyman St, Ste 144

Vera B. Williams: Stories

This retrospective will showcase the complete range of award-winning author and illustrator Vera B. Williams. It will highlight her time at Black Mountain College, her political activism, in addition to her work as an author and illustrator. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through May. 11, 2024.

Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St

Art Park

Create art inspired by nature and our community. All supplies are provided, but advanced registration is required.

TH (5/9), 2pm, Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd

COMMUNITY MUSIC

Music To Your Ears

Discussion Series: Bill Kopp w/Joe Hooten

Bill Kopp, author and music journalist is joined by Joe Hooten to discuss the music of American alternative-rock band R.E.M.

WE (5/1), 7pm, Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside

Dr Americana Concert Series: David Childers & The Serpents

Former lawyer turned singer-songwriter kicksoff the much anticipated Americana Concert Series held each spring in the amphitheater.

TH (5/2), 6:30pm, Tryon

Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave, Tryon

Let Our Voices

Entertain You

North Buncombe High School Chorus will play an intimate concert that'll be directed by Jeannie Graeme and accompanist Linda jones.

TH (5/2), 7pm, First Baptist Church of Weaverville, 63 N Main St, Weaverville

John McCutcheon & Tom Paxton w/Mike Green

An evening with veteran folk musicians, singers and songwriters: John

McCutcheon and Tom Paxton as well as Mike Green.

FR (5/3), 8pm, Kittredge Theatre, Warren Wilson College, 701 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa

Walker Family Band Performing Irish dance music and American old time music with a forward reaching attitude.

SA (5/4), 7pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain

The Tannahill Weavers

A special brand of Celtic music, blending the beauty of traditional melodies with the power of modern rhythms.

SA (5/4), 8pm, Kittredge Theatre, Warren Wilson College, 701 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa

Sunday Live: Steve Lapointe

A live pianist performance that brings artworks in the Museum's Collection and special exhibitions to life.

SU (5/5), 2pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Four Seasons Chamber Orchestra: Free Planet Radio Spring Concert

The concert features Chris Rosser and River Guerguerian, who will bring their shared vision of multi-instrumentalists.

SU (5/5), 3pm, Lutheridge Conference Center, 2049 Upper Laurel Dr, Arden

Pan Harmonia: Romance

An afternoon of music through flute, cello and piano with pianist Dewitt Tipton, who will be joined by flutist Kate Steinbeck and cellist Katherine Haig. See p33

SU (5/5), 3pm, First Presbyterian Church Asheville, 40 Church St

Synthesizer Sound Bath w/Logos

Composer and sound designer Logos will take you on a meditative musical experience, blending analog synthesizers and acoustic instruments in a quadraphonic speaker array.

SU (5/5), 6pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Blue Ridge Ringers Concert: Swingin' Spring

A community handbell choir performing classical masterpieces to contemporary favorites that span a wide range of genres.

SU (5/5), 4pm, First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St

Peeled Back w/ Benjamin Tod & Ashley Mae

Offering a unique connection with an artist through curated interviews and a stripped-down intimate set. Benjamin Tod and Ashley Mae will sit down for an informal chat

before performing a few songs.

TH (5/9), 6pm, Citizen Vinyl, 14 O Henry Ave

Americana Concert Series: The Krickets A trio from the Gulf Coast region whose music is genre-bending Americana steeped in their signature folk harmony.

TH (5/9), 6:30pm, Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave, Tryon

Lonely Parrots

This folk-pop duo will be playing a free outdoor show in the Salt Cave's gardens. Bring a camping chair and/or a blanket as well as snacks and drinks.

TH (5/9), 7:30pm, Asheville Salt Cave, 16 N Liberty St

LITERARY

Tommy Tomlinson: Dogland

Tommy Tomlinson will present his book Dogland. The event is free but registration is required.

WE (5/1), 6pm, Malaprop's Bookstore and Cafe, 55 Haywood St

Black Cat Tales: Story Time w/Cats Families with children age 7 & under are invited to relax in the cat lounge and listen to a cat-centric book surrounded by the resident panthers.

WE (5/1, 8), TH (5/2), FR (5/3), 4pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd

Book Signing w/Hope Larson

A book signing and meet & greet with award-winning graphic novel writer and illustrator, Hope Larson.

SA (5/4), 2pm, The Hop, 640 Merrimon Ave, Ste 103

The It Did Happen Here

Book Tour

Co-authors Mic Crenshaw and Moe Bowstern share an oral history of successful anti-racist organizing.

SA (5/4), 5pm, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd

The Violent World of Broadus Miller: A Story of Murder, Lynch Mobs & Judicial Punishment in the Carolinas

Dr. Kevin Young presents his new book, The Violent World of Broadus Miller: A Story of Murder, Lynch Mobs, and Judicial Punishment in the Carolinas. See p28-29

SU (5/5), 2pm, City Lights Bookstore, 3 E Jackson St, Sylva Poetrio: Anne Myles, Doug Ramspeck & AE Hines

A monthly poetry reading series coordinated by Mildred Barya. This month's event features Anne Myles, Doug Ram-

speck, and AE Hines.

SU (5/5), 4:30pm, Malaprop's Bookstore and Cafe, 55 Haywood St

Poetry Critique Night

Everyone is welcome to share a few poems or just sit back and listen. Signups to share will open 15 minutes prior to the start.

TU (5/7), 6pm, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain

The Age of Deer w/ Erika Howsare

A masterful hybrid of nature writing and cultural studies that investigates our connection with deer, from mythology to biology, from forests to cities, from coexistence to control and extermination.

TU (5/7), 6pm, Malaprop's Bookstore and Cafe, 55 Haywood St

Mothership: Greg Wrenn w/Alanna Collins, Davi de Paula & Yara Yawora

A Mothership Reading and Rainforest Medicine Concert with Eco-Memoirist Greg Wrenn along with Alanna Collins, Davi de Paula, and Yara Yawora.

WE (5/8), 6pm, Malaprop's Bookstore and Cafe, 55 Haywood St

THEATER & FILM

Scuttlebutt

A team of super talented improvisors creating made-up-on-the-spot comedy inspired by storytelling and audience suggestions.

FR (5/3), 9:30pm, LaZoom Room, 76 Biltmore Ave

Matilda the Musical

This Tony Award-winning musical weaves the story of Matilda, a young girl with a sharp wit, unbounded imagination, and psychokinetic powers.

FR (5/23), 7:30pm, SA (5/4), SU (5/5), 2:30pm, Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E Walnut St

Robert Dubac's StandUp Jesus Jesus of Nazareth returns after 2,000 years as a stand-up comedian. Shining the light of truth on false prophets, duplicitous politicians and immoral sheeple.

SA (5/4), 8pm, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave

Stewart & Owen Dance: Student Series

Enjoy an exciting collection of all-new contemporary choreography. The Student Series is open to school groups, homeschoolers, community groups and families.

TH (5/9), 10am, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave

Bloom Documentary Screening & Birth Doula Discussion

A feature-length documentary explores

the work doulas are doing to fill gaps in the medical system.

TH (5/9), 6pm, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd

A God in the Waters

A delightful, moving, and masterful exploration of the making of art and the forging of family.

TH (5/9), 7:30pm, BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce St

The Campfireball: Failure

A storytelling show involving the audience and created spontaneously out of whatever stories and lives happen to be gathered together at that moment in time.

TH (5/9), 7:30pm, $10, Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd

Stewart & Owen Dance Wortham’s resident dance company returns to share their latest contemporary choreography, which draws on themes of passion, intimacy and playfulness.

TH (5/9), 8pm, Wortham Center For The Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave

MEETINGS & PROGRAMS

Etowah Library Speaker Series: The World of Monarch Butterflies

Learn from Joyce Pearsal, Conservation Specialist with Monarch Watch, about the Monarch life cycle, where they go in the winter and summer, and their migration routes.

WE (5/1), 10:30am, Henderson County Libraries, Etowah Branch, 101 Brickyard Rd, Etowah

Dharma & Discuss w/ David McKay

David will lead a conversation with the group on the dharma, with many opportunities to ask questions, share insights, or listen and learn.

WE (5/1), 7pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

The Great Bird Adventure

An expertly guided educational tour that gently leads you through five magnificent exhibits, showcasing rare and endangered birds from every continent of the world.

WE (5/1, 8), SA (5/4), MO (5/6), 10am, Carolina Avian Research and Education, 109 Olivia Trace Dr, Fletcher

The Beautiful Hiking Trails Around Asheville

With so much land protected by National and State Forests and Parks, learn about the endless hiking opportunities in Asheville.

WE (5/1), 7pm, OLLI/ Reuter Center, UNCA, 300 Campus View Rd

CMDA National Convention

An opportunity to transform as you fellowship with Christian healthcare professionals, learn about current health and social issues, renew your faith through worship and network with exhibiting organizations.

TH (5/2), Ridgecrest Conference Center, 1 Ridgecrest Dr Black Mountain

Embroiderers' Guild of America: Laurel Chapter

This event allows chapter members an opportunity to both donate unwanted stitching items, and to purchase new ones. All proceeds from the sale go into the chapter’s general fund.

TH (5/2), 9:30am, Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 Sixth Ave W, Hendersonville

Kids & Teens Kung Fu Learn fighting skills as well as conflict reso lution and mindfulness. First class is free to see if it's a good fit for you.

TH (5/2, 9), MO (5/6), TU (5/7), 4pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Palestine is a Reproductive & Environmental Justice Issue Assemble abortion pills and reproductive  justice info kits while learning about the intersection of reproductive justice, environmental justice, and Palestinian liberation.

TH (5/2), 5:30pm, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd

Music Bingo Thursdays Test your music knowledge and your luck with Music Bingo by DJ Spence.

TH (5/2, 9), 6:30pm, Lookout Brewing Co., 103 S Ridgeway Ave

Swing Asheville: Lesson & Dance

An evening of swing lessons and a dance social with music provided by DJ Hi-Fly. No experience is required.

TH (5/2), 7pm, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd

Senior Road Trippers

Participants purchase their own meals and souvenirs. Transportation provided. Advance registration required as space is limited.

FR (5/3), 9am, Linwood

Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd

Postpartum Posse

An opportunity to gather in community and support one another through the walk of motherhood. This is a free event with no agenda other than connecting with one another.

FR (5/3), 10am, Temple Chiropractic, 10 B E Market St, Black Mountain

Bingo on Grove Street

A fun and friendly game of bingo in the community.

FR (5/3), 10:30am, Grove St Community Center, 36 Grove St

Permanent Jewelry w/ Honey Koshka

Permanent jewelry is clasp-less, custom fit jewelry that’s micro-welded to create a seamless flow.

Personalize yours with charms, initials, and gemstones.

FR (5/3), 4:30pm, Ignite Jewelry Studios, 191 Lyman St, Ste 262

Astronomy Club of Asheville: Public Star

Gaze

A public star gaze at Grassland Mountain Observatory in Madison County. This event is free and open to everyone, and registration is not necessary to attend.

A temporary gate code, required for entry, will be posted on their website by 5:00 pm on the day of the star gaze.

Sunset occurs at 8:18

pm. Location directions at avl.mx/prxa FR (5/3), 5pm, Grassland Mountain Observatory, 2890 Grassland Pkwy, Marshall

Parent's Night Out: XP League Asheville Enjoy a relaxing night out and let the kid's game. Pizza dinner is included, registration is required.

FR (5/3), 5pm, XP League Asheville, 15 Loop Rd, Arden Trivia & Game Show Fun

A fun-themed event for the community to connect and play trivia and games with friends, couples and families.

FR (5/3), 6pm, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd Black Out Friday

A monthly celebration for BIPOC professionals, entrepreneurs, musicians, and artists. Connect with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and make crucial connections over small bites,  drinks and beats.

FR (5/3), 6:30pm, Haiku AVL, 26 Sweeten Creek Rd

Chestnut Ridge Hike

A 4-mile loop hike in the historic Fortune Fields property, formerly owned by Arthur Joe and Mary Hemphill. Bring snacks and beverages for a post-hike celebration around the fire at the pavilion.

SA (5/4), 8am, Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, 223 W State St, Black Mountain

Fundamentals of Sales

In this class, you will learn an ethical, relationship-based, model of sales. Learn the

many ways sales helps your business survive and grow.

SA (5/4), 9am, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler

NACA Affordable Housing Workshop

Hendersonville City Councilwoman Debbie Roundtree will lead a discussion to address regional affordable housing struggles related to evictions, Section 8, low credit scores, other related costs and challenges.

SA (5/4), 9am, Trinity Presybterian Church, 900 Blythe St, Hendersonville

Ask a Native Plant Aficionado: Honey & the Hive Plants for Wildlife is hosting experienced native plant gardener volunteers at each of the plant kiosks during the spring planting season to answer plant-related questions.

SA (5/4), 11am, Honey & the Hive, 23 Merrimon Ave, Weaverville Board & Brush Workshop

This DIY sip and craft workshop is designed for individuals who love to create beautiful décor pieces. Learn the techniques needed to craft a tray that looks professionally made and is sure to enhance your home’s aesthetic.

SA (5/4), noon, Atelier Maison & Co., 121 Sweeten Creek Rd

Bid Whist Make bids, call trumps, and win tricks. Every Saturday for fun competition with the community.

SA (5/4), 1pm, Dr Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St

Herb Container Garden Workshop

A hands-on experience where you'll learn how to create your very own herb garden in a container, perfect for any space.

SA (5/4), 1pm, Zillicoah Beer Co, 870 Riverside Dr, Woodfin Coloring w/Cats: Kiddie Edition

A relaxing artistic session with coloring books and markers while you pet cats to reduce stress and anxiety.

SA (5/4), 1:30pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd

By Oak, Ash & Thorn: A Beltane Revel

Celebrate the growth and fertility of the land and all beings with dance, song, poetry, maypole and more. Wear your flower crowns, faery wings, and dancing shoes.

SA (5/4), 3pm, French Broad River Park, 508 Riverview Rd

What's Shaking? Music & Dance Party

A live, interactive 60-minute concert for young people and their adults. Shows include Mr. Ryan’s original poems, songs, and a few classic covers.

SA (5/4), 3pm, Sweeten Creek Brewing, 1127 Sweeten Creek Rd

Bringing in the May In this workshop, you'll learn several summer songs from and inspired by English and Irish folk traditions, Irish Bealtaine traditions, and songs to European deities of

abundance.

SU (5/5), 1pm, Weaverville Yoga, 3 Florida Ave, Weaverville

Kiddie Cat Etiquette

Bring your kiddos for a fun and educating workshop where your kids will learn the fundamentals of cat behavior.

SU (5/5), 1pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd, Mother's Day Floral Arranging Workshop

Perfect for beginners and experienced arrangers alike, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to hone your skills and express your individual style through the beauty of flowers.

SU (5/5), 1pm, Turgua Brewing Co, 3131 Cane Creek Rd, Fairview

Wellness Fair Mix and mingle while learning more about getting and staying healthy.

SU (5/5), 1pm, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd

Weekly Sunday Scrabble

Weekly scrabble play. All scrabble gear provided.

SU (5/5), 1:30pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Coloring w/Cats

Set time for yourself and cuddle with the panthers, meet other cat-lovers, and color a beautiful picture of a cat from our adult coloring books.

SU (5/5), 2pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd

Tiny Tykes Day

This free family festival features hands-on experiences and adventures tailored for kids ages 5 and under including bounce houses, face painting, twisty balloons, craft making, biking and more.

SU (5/5), 2pm, Martin Luther King Jr Park, 50 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr

First Friday

Experience the vibrancy and creativity of our historic community.

SU (5/5), 5pm, YMI Cultural Center, 39 S Market St

Naturalist Hikes

Enjoy short, slow-paced hikes led by experienced naturalists to identify plants, animal tracks, bird songs, and other phenomena of Southern Appalachia.

MO (5/6), 9:30am Asheville Recreation Park, 65 Gashes Creek Rd

Montford Adult Walking Club

Improve your heart and lung health, reduce the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stress and joint pain.

MO (5/6), 10:15am, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave

Monthly Companion Orientation

Learn about our worship services, our medical respite facility, and our bi-weekly restaurant style meals and how you can get involved.

MO (5/6), 5pm, Haywood Street Congregation, 297 Haywood St

Black Men Monday

A local group that has stepped up in the community to advocate for and mentor students through academic intervention. Kids, ages 7 and up, are welcome to join.

MO (5/6), 5:30pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Community Drum Class w/Larry McDowell

Hone your hand drum skills with an experienced local drummer and instructor. All skill levels welcome.

MO (5/6), 7pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana

Wildflower Hike

Head outside and learn to identify both common and rare Appalachian wildflowers. Plant checklists and a bibliography will be supplied for folks to take notes on the plants seen on the walk and for further education.

TU (5/7), 9am, Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, 223 West State St, Black Mountain

Parkinsons Support Group

A monthly gathering for People with Parkinson's and the people who support them. This month's gathering will explore diet and nutrition with Kendra Miller, a registered dietitian nutritionist.

TU (5/7), 10am, Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Rd

Therapeutic Recreation

Adult Crafting & Cooking

A variety of cooking and crafts for individuals with disabilities ages 17 and over each week.

Advance registration at avlrec.com is required.

TU (5/7), 10am, Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd

Queer Cowork

A new cowork space in West Asheville by and for queer folk. Get your work done and some community engagement at the same time.

TU (5/7), 11am, The Well, 3 Louisiana MBBC Networking Event w/Focus on Leadership

A monthly networking meeting with a special guest speaker. The meeting will focus on why leadership is key and there will be food, conversation and networking.

TU (5/7), 11:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Kung Fu: Baguazhang

It is the martial arts style that Airbending from the show Avatar: The Last Airbender was based on.

TU (5/7), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Veterans Creative Retreat

A safe space for veterans to explore various artistic mediums, socialize with peers, and find calm and comfort in creating. This program is free and includes all materials and supplies.

TU (5/7), 5:30pm, Dr Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St

Dungeons n' Drafts

Participate in a Dungeons and Dragons campaign while you enjoy drinks in a social setting.

TU (5/7), 6pm, Dssolvr, 63 N Lexington Ave

Tango Tuesdays

No partner is required and drop ins are always allowed. No experience needed for the beginners class.

TU (5/7), 6pm, Urban Orchard Cider Co. S Slope, 24 Buxton Ave

Security in a Challenging World: Terrorism, Kidnapping & Emergency Evacuations

Learn about how managing operations in some of the world’s most challenging locations requires an ability to respond quickly and effectively to terrorist incidents, kidnappings, airplane hijackings, and emergency evacuations from countries at war.

TU (5/7), 7pm, OLLI/ Reuter Center, UNCA, 300 Campus View Rd

Tarot Club

Each month, we’ll study a new method, approach, or way to work with the cards while engaging in personal journeywork. This meetup is part learning and part self-exploration.

TU (5/7), 7pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana

Walk Through History: Piney Grove Cemetery

Take a guided tour of the Piney Grove Church cemetery, which dates all the way back to the end of the Revolutionary War.

WE (5/8), 9:30am, Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, 223 W State St, Black Mountain

Tot Time w/Kylie Brown

Take an express tour of the galleries, then go on an adventure with art, music, or storytelling in the Museum’s interactive Art PLAYce. For children ages 0–5 years old and their families or caregivers.

WE (5/8), 11:30am, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Crafting w/Cricut

Make a new craft each month using your Cricut. For more information, call (828) 350-2058

or email kkennedy@ ashevillenc.gov.

WE (5/8), 6pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Strange Visitors on Brown Mountain w/ Arcane Carolinas Arcane Carolinas discusses the myths, legends, forgotten lore, and hidden history of the Carolinas, from Appalachia to the Atlantic.

WE (5/8), 6pm, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain

Business Communications: The Art of Influence

This program is for entrepreneurs and/or small business owners who are looking to maximize the impact of their communication efforts. Register at avl.mx/dna.

TH (5/9), 9am, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler

Therapeutic Recreation Adult Hiking Club Participants need to pack a lunch, water bottle, and clothes comfortable to move in.This session will depart from Murphy-Oakley Community Center for Laurel River Trail.

TH (5/9), 9am, Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd

Green Drinks: The French Broad Paddle Trail & Henderson County

Learn about the history, present condition, and opportunities for growth facing the French Broad Paddle Trail in Henderson County and abroad.

TH (5/9), 5:30pm, Trailside Brewing Co, 873 Lennox Park Dr, Hendersonville

Pigeon Community Conversations w/ Storytellers Series

This curated series will showcase award-winning storytellers from WNC’s African American, Latinx, and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian communities. This week, Ann Miller Woodford will interpret the history and culture of WNC African Americans.

TH (5/9), 6pm, Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center, 450 Pigeon St, Waynesville

The Evolution of Southern Appalachian Barn Traditions

Taylor Barnhill presents how the southern Appalachian Mountains embody a historically recent example of the American post-Revolution settlement.

TH (5/9), 6pm, Black Mountain Public Library, 105 N Dougherty St, Black Mountain

Dharma Talk w/Paul Linn Meditation followed by a Dharma talk on Buddhist principles applied to daily life. Beginners

and experienced practitioners are welcome.

TH (5/9), 6:30pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Nerd Nite AVL

A monthly gathering hosted in over 100 cities around the globe. Each month, a rotating cast of knowledgeable characters talk about a topic they are uniquely educated in.

TH (5/9), 7pm, The River Arts District Brewing Co., 13 Mystery St

LOCAL MARKETS

RAD Farmers Market

Providing year-round access to fresh local foods from over 30 local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, pastured meats, cheeses, raw honey, and more. Located right on the Greenway, the market is safely accessible by bike, foot, or rollerblade.

WE (5/1, 8), 3pm, Smoky Park Supper Club, 350 Riverside Dr

Craft & Plant Market

The sale will feature student work in four mediums, including fiber, metals, ceramics, and wood. A variety of plants, vegetables and herbs will also be available. Proceeds from each sale will benefit their respective club or student group.

TH (5/2), 7:30am, Haywood Community College, 185 Freedlander Dr, Clyde

Friday Market

Produce to the People provides equitable access to nutritious, culturally relevant food through weekly community markets. Come enjoy local staples as well as a live cooking demo and kids activities.

FR (5/3), 205 NC-9, Black Mountain

Asheville Botanical Garden Spring Native Plant Market

Offering beautiful native plants grown by the Asheville Botanical Garden and local plant vendors. There will be a huge variety of native flowers, shrubs, and trees to enhance your garden.

FR (5/3), noon, Asheville Botanical Gardens, 151 WT Weaver Blvd

East Asheville Tailgate Market

Featuring locally grown vegetables, fruits, wild foraged mushrooms, ready made food, handmade body care, bread, pastries, meat, eggs, and more to the East Asheville community since 2007. Every Friday through Nov. 22.

FR (5/3), 3pm, 954 Tunnel Rd

Green River Community Yard Sale

Find amazing treasures at this annual community yard sale.

SA (5/4), 8am, Tuxedo Park, 1299 Old US Hwy 25, Zirconia

North Asheville Tailgate Market

The oldest Saturday morning market in WNC, since 1980. Over 60 rotating vendors providing a full range of local, sustainably produced produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, plants and unique crafts.

SA (5/4), 8am, 3300 Unviersity Heights

Black Mountain Tailgate Market

Featuring organic and sustainably grown produce, plants, cut flowers, herbs, locally raised meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheeses, eggs and locally handcrafted items. Every Saturday through November.

SA (5/4), 9am, 130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Mars Hill Farmers & Artisans Market

A producer-only tailgate market located on the campus of Mars Hill University on College Street. Offering fresh local produce, herbs, cheeses, meats, eggs, baked goods, honey, body care and more. Every Saturday through Oct. 26.

SA (5/4), 10am, College St, Mars Hill

Meadow Market

Browse goods and gifts from local makers and artisans with different vendors every week, you’ll find specialty items. Shop for handmade jewelry, housewares, vintage goods, and crafts.

SU (5/5), 1pm, The Meadow at Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

Maritzaida & Raíces

Emma-Erwin Latin America Dancers

This event celebrates Latin American culture with dance and traditional bolero music. Enjoy the timeless melodies of Latin America's romantic heritage.

TH (5/2), 7pm, Folkmoot Friendship Center, 112 Virginia Ave, Waynesville

2024 Festival of Peonies in Bloom

The event is free for all peony lovers to visit the farm and enjoy a blooming peony paradise. Open daily, 10am.

Wildcat Ridge Farm, 3553 Panther Creek Rd, Clyde

Grand Opening of The Jaime Byrd Gallery

Renowned Asheville artist Jaime Byrd proudly announces the official Grand Opening celebration of the new Jaime Byrd Art Gallery with an evening filled with immersive art exploration, interactive video experiences, delicious food, and fine wine.

FR (5/3), 4pm, Jaime Byrd Gallery, 375 Depot St, Ste 105

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta

An evening filled with vibrant music, delicious Latinx food, and exciting activities. DJ Avenger will be spinning the best dancing music and there will also be a raffle with prizes. See p32

FR (5/3), 5pm, Pigeon Community Multicultural Development Center, 450 Pigeon St, Waynesville

Pop-up Mini Craft Fair

A pop-up mini craft fair opportunity for members to sell their work. Visitors can browse a variety of fine craft of different disciplines: bladesmithing, glassblowing, wheelthrown and hand-built ceramics and more.

SA (5/4), 10am, Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Spring 2024 Treasured Tree Walk

Tour is approximately 2-2.5 miles, and there will be a brief stop at each tree to share history/ significance.

SA (5/4), 10am, Anderson Auditorium, Lookout Rd, Montreat

The Spring Art Fling Features more than 20 local, independent creatives, makers, services, and food trucks. Additionally, it will highlight and support Woodfin Elementary School’s Arts Programs.

SA (5/4), 11am, Reynold's Village, 61 N Merrimon Ave

Get in Gear Fest

Enjoy activities for all ages and outdoor experience levels including a pop-up bike park, demo bike and e-bike rides, hammocking, fly casting, and more. See products launch and meet the movers and shakers of the Outdoor Industry Hub.

SA (5/4), noon, The Outpost, 521 Amboy Rd

Grove Arcade in Bloom

A spring extravaganza with breathtaking floral installations, flower pop ups, build your own terrarium bar, honey tastings, performances from Asheville Ballet and more.

SA (5/4), noon, Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave

Kids Garden Spring Fling

There will be bounce houses, slime making, seed planting, tons of arts and crafts, a child run makers market and so much more. There will also be a chance to win various prizes for parents and children.

SA (5/4), noon, Kids Garden Asheville, 4 S Tunnel Rd

The Office: Grand Opening Party Shakey's is celebrating their downstairs expansion and new bar concept, The Office. There will be live music from Big Blue Jams and DJ Abu Disarray as well as drag shows.

SA (5/4), 6pm, Shakey's, 38 N French Broad Ave

Darth Disco: Star Wars

Costume & Dance Party

Get ready to boogie on the dark side for Darth Disco with this Star Wars Theme costume Party and Dance off. DJ Brandon Manitoba will be playing a night of disco fever while you enjoy drinks.

SA (5/4), 8pm, Dssolvr, 63 N Lexington Ave

Highland Brewing: The Big Bash Highland Brewing is turning 30 and will be hosting a big bash to celebrate this milestone. You can expect exclusive Anniversary Beers, throwback draft specials, a 90’s Photo Booth, live music at The Meadow and more. See p24-26

SA (5/4), 11am, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200 Girls on the Run 5K

The fun-filled family event aims to promote health, fitness and empowerment for young girls in the community. Alongside the 5K race, participants can enjoy, legos, large board games, a DJ and a dance party.

SU (5/5), 8am, Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd

27 Club's Six Year Anniversary Party

A day of festivities with live music, DJ dance party, grilled hotdogs, a trivia contest and a costume contest where you can dress as one of the 27 crew.

SU (5/5), 2pm, 27 Club, 180 Patton Ave

Webster Celebrates New Community Pavilion

The new structure is located in between the softball field park and the former Southwestern Child Development Center. There will live music provided by J Rex & His Mountain Pals, two food trucks on site for citizens to purchase food and complimentary cake and cupcakes. See p33

SU (5/5), 2pm, Jackson County Family Resource Center, 1528 Webster Rd, Webster Holocaust

Remembrance Day: YomHaShoah

The event will feature keynote speaker Michèle Taylor, a U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations Human Rights Council, who will speak on Living the Legacy of the Holocaust SU (5/5), 3pm, Highsmith Student Union, 1 University Heights

Cinco de Mayo Party

Celebrate Mexican-American culture and the importance of comunidad with traditional food, music, and games at Burton Street Community Center.

SU (5/5), 4pm, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St Festy at the Westy The Osprey Orchestra will be hosting a festival with live music, beer,

vendors, flow and visual arts. Osprey Orchestra is a WNC four piece band displaying sounds of folk, blue grass, and reggae in a jam/improv style. SU (5/5), 6pm, One World Brewing W, 520 Haywood Rd

Women for Women

Grant Awards

Celebration

A women's philanthropic giving circle, announces and celebrates its 2024 Grant Awards. Shannon Spencer, the current Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life at Warren Wilson college will be the guest speakers.

WE (5/8), 4:30pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200

2024 WNC Yarn Crawl

A chance to create a self guided tour, stopping by as many Local Yarn Stores during this event for a chance to win prizes, shop great deals and specials. For the full list of participating stores and their hours, visit avl.mx/dne.

TH (5/9), Multiple Locations, Citywide

GOVERNMENT & POLITICS

Affordable Housing Advisory Committee meeting

The Affordable Housing Advisory Committee will meet in the first Floor North Conference Room of Asheville City Hall.

TH (5/2), 9:30am, Asheville City Hall, 70 Court Plaza

BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING

2nd Annual Mosaic Art Walk & Benefit

Take in the eclectic pieces from local, regional and international artists while learning about the fantastic work being done by each nonprofit. Each gallery will contribute a percentage of the evening’s sales to its featured nonprofit.

TH (5/2), 5pm, 14 Participating Downtown Asheville Galleries

Divine's Karaoke Kiki & Fundraiser

Expect plenty of toasts, roasts, sing-alongs and hilarious banter to keep the audience on their toes while supporting local charities.

TH (5/2), 7pm, Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Rd

12 Baskets Fundraiser

A launch party for the Asheville Poverty Initiative that benefits 12 Baskets Café, a no cost eatery that distributes food each month. The event will feature a local DJ, tasty treats, team trivia and the opportunity to round up your tabs to support the initiative.

See p31 FR (5/3), 5pm, The Whale, 507 Haywood Rd

Project Linus: Make-aBlanket Day

Participants will have the opportunity to make both no-sew fleece and quilted blankets. Or they can join the knit/crochet circle to work on their own work-in-progress projects.

SA (5/4), 10am, Lutheran Church of the Nativity, 2525 Hendersonville Rd, Arden

Blood Drive

The event offers donors a chance to make a life-saving difference while receiving rewards. Donors receive a $30 e-gift card, and a $10 charitable donation will be made to PubCorps for every donor.

SA (5/4), noon, The Railyard Black Mountain, 141 Richardson Ave, Black Mountain

Drag Brunch Concert: SingO de Mayo Drag queens actually sing live at this melodic event while you enjoy the culinary delights of The Sweet Monkey. Proceeds support the operating costs of Bearded Lady Productions. SU (5/5), 11am, The Hideaway, 49 Broadway St

City of Hope Benefit & Concert

This concert benefits The City of Hope located in Ntagacha, an extremely impoverished Tanzanian community that rescues children from situations of abuse, child marriage, female genital mutilation, hunger, and disease. There will be musical performances by Adama Dembele and Jonathan Pearlman. See p33 SU (5/5), 4pm, The River Arts District Brewing Co., 13 Mystery St

DraDivine Intervention: Fundraiser for Sunrise Community Bearded Lady Productions is thrilled to return with another round of Divine Intervention, the smash hit game show FUNdraiser. All profits donated to Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness. TH (5/9), 7pm, New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St

Ongoing scrutiny

BY ANDREW R. JONES AN ASHEVILLE WATCHDOG REPORT

Mission Hospital’s patient care profits have skyrocketed since its purchase by HCA Healthcare in 2019, largely because of cost-cutting measures that have led to significantly lower staffing levels than at hospitals across the state and nation, according to public data.

A 12-page working draft report out of Wake Forest University titled “Mission Hospital’s Financial Performance

Under HCA” collates information from federal data, HCA’s own projections and other studies to show how the Asheville hospital has prospered since the $1.5 billion purchase five years ago.

In 2019, Mission’s profits from patient care were just under $20 million, according to the draft report. By 2021, it made $221 million, “which was eight times its profits the year prior to purchase (2018), and almost six times its four-year pre-purchase average,” the draft report stated.

Patient care profits represent a portion of the overall profits of the hospital, which include returns on investments. Mission’s overall profits in 2019 were $170 million. By 2021, they had risen to $273 million before dropping in 2022 to $156 million, according to the draft report.

Patient care profit, according to the draft report, appears to be directly related to a much smaller full-time staff. After the sale, costs went down, prices for services went up, and Mission saw a significant decrease in employees who care for patients, the report concludes.

Mission’s staffing rate per occupied bed dropped from 6.0 in 2018 to 4.7 in 2019. In 2020, that rate stayed steady at 4.7. But in 2021, it dropped to 3.7, according to the draft report.

“(P)rior HCA, Mission’s overall staffing levels were above state and national averages, but, under HCA, staffing levels immediately dropped by almost a quarter,” the draft report stated. Then, two years later, staffing dropped further, to a level that is roughly a third less than state and national levels,“ the draft report stated.

Projections laid out in Mission’s own certificate of need application to bring 67 more hospital beds to the Asheville hospital show HCA expects to continue its financial trajectory. The company projected that its profits for acute care services would increase an additional 75% from 2021-26.

“These findings should give lawmakers here and elsewhere pause about the

Staff reductions contributed to Mission’s soaring profits after HCA sale, draft report says

PROFITS AND CARE: A graph shows Mission Hospital’s profits since 2011, according to the draft report. The blue bars represent profits from patient care. The orange bars represent overall profits, which include patient care and returns on investments. The black bar labeled “HCA” signifies when HCA Healthcare purchased the hospital. Graph courtesy of Wake Forest University/Mark Hall

decision North Carolina made in 2016 to terminate antitrust oversight of the Asheville hospital market,” Mark Hall, the draft report’s author, told Asheville Watchdog, referring to the certificate of public advantage. “Without those financial guardrails, this track record shows that other background regulatory and market controls exert much less restraint on how a for-profit company manages a hospital that has a dominant market position.”

Mission has faced significant scrutiny recently after state and federal investigators found the Asheville hospital had violated care standards in more than 15 incidents between April 2022 and November 2023. Following investigators’ findings, the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services notified HCA and Mission that the hospital would be placed in immediate jeopardy until conditions threatening patients were amended.

The immediate jeopardy status, the most severe sanction a hospital can face, was removed in March, but because of numerous deficiencies, Mission remains at risk of losing U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid funding.

The incidents included the deaths of four patients, and according to a 384-page N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and CMS investigation report, staffing issues played a part in each of those cases.

The findings are part of a larger report Hall is working on, set to be published later this year.

“This writing was funded by a group that is funding litigation against Mission Health. It is not an impartial ‘study,’ and it does not justify comment or response,” HCA and Mission Health spokesperson Nancy Lindell said when asked for comment on the draft report. She did not respond to several questions for more detail about hospital profits, staffing and Mission board members’ internal discussions when approving the HCA sale.

Hall, a member of the National Academy of Medicine, is a leading scholar on health care law, public policy and bioethics, and the author or editor of 20 books. He recently wrote other draft reports that said HCA has significantly decreased charity care for lower-income Mission patients since its purchase of the hospital and

that showed the discrepancy between Leapfrog and Healthcare ratings for quality at the hospital and the recent federal finding of immediate jeopardy.

He is an independent academic researcher whose work is funded through an Arnold Ventures grant to Wake Forest University.

Arnold Ventures is a philanthropic group headquartered in Houston “working to improve the lives of all Americans by pursuing evidence-based solutions to our nation’s most pressing problems. We fund research to better understand the root causes of broken systems that limit opportunity and create injustice,” according to its website.

Arnold Ventures is helping to fund Fairmark Partners a group pursuing antitrust lawsuits against “hospital behemoths in Wisconsin, Connecticut, and North Carolina,” according to the group’s website. Attorneys at Fairmark are representing plaintiffs in a Western North Carolina antitrust lawsuit against HCA and Mission Hospital.

35 Million Americans have Chronic Kidney Disease and don’t know it.

Check your kidney health today. MyOnlineLab.shop

Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) testing, shipped directly to you in the comfort of your home.

Contact us at (800) 905-4272 Sciteck Clinical Laboratories is CLIA & CAP Accredited.

Sciteck Clinical Laboratories offers DTC laboratory testing for clinical wellness monitoring. DTC testing is only permitted as allowed per jurisdiction. All results should be reviewed with your doctor for interpretation. None of these tests are a substitute for seeking professional medical advice, help, diagnosis, or treatment. Sciteck Clinical Laboratories does not provide licensed professional medical advice for interpretation of lab results; however, we can help direct you to services that do provide licensed professional medical advice.

What

Would You Do You Do Without Without Neuropathy Neuropathy Pain Pain

What Would

Several years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy treatments. I'm now in remission and have felt blessed to be here except for so much pain. My feet and hands were constantly burning – a tingling sensation, almost like when your leg is falling asleep," shares Barbara of Biltmore Forest.

Barbara was suffering from Chemotherapy Induced Peripheral Neuropathy or CIPN. While chemo kills cancer cells, it also causes much bodily damage. Nerves, especially those far from the brain, are among the first to be harmed. 30-40% of cancer patients treated with chemotherapy experience peripheral neuropathy.

"Standing all day was not just a challenge, and it caused me physical agony. Keeping up with my busy schedule – forget about it. I couldn't even go for walks in my neighborhood."

Barbara, like so many others, was prescribed Gabapentin help with the pain and told there was nothing anyone could do. In Doctors’ words, 'there is no treatment for neuropathy.'

Then Barbara found Dr. Autum Kirgan, DACM, C.SMA, L.Ac of South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness. By blending the time–tested science of acupuncture with more modern medical technology, Dr. Kirgan has designed a natural solution for peripheral neuropathy.

"Acupuncture is incredible at restoring blood flow and stimulating damaged nerves, preventing them from dying off," says Dr. Kirgan. "We take our treatments a step further by integrating FSM Therapy which targets specific nerves in the body using microcurrent. FSM Therapy is like watering a plant. This treatment will stimulate the blood vessels to grow back around the peripheral nerves and provide them with proper nutrients to heal and repair.

Visit www.southslopeacupuncture.com or call 828-575-5904 to learn more and to take advantage of their New Patient Offer

After only four weeks of treatment, Barbara is already seeing incredible improvement. "I've taken the handicap placard off my rearview mirror and I am finally back to walking my neighborhood. I can't wait to see how I feel at the end of my program! I used to think that this pain was just the price I had to pay for still being alive. Dr. Kirgan has really given me hope for a better life!"

The number of treatments needed to allow nerves to recover fully will vary from person to person and can only be estimated after a detailed neurological and vascular evaluation. If you or someone you love suffers from peripheral neuropathy (of any origin), call 828-575-5904 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kirgan and her South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness team. They are waiting for your call.

Much of the draft report compares Mission with a set of 11 other hospitals in North Carolina and South Carolina that were used by N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein’s office, state regulators and Mission when evaluating the proposed sale to HCA. All parties agreed that these hospitals were valid comparisons, based on their size, scope of service, market and location, according to the draft report.

While Mission and the 11 other hospitals followed relatively similar fiscal paths from 2011-19, Mission’s veered dramatically after the sale.

Mission’s patient care and overall profit margins first plummeted in 2020 then spiked far above its peers in 2021, according to the draft report.

“HCA Mission went from a loss level at the bottom of the peer range in 2020 to a very large patient-care profit margin of 17% in 2021,” the draft report stated. “Mission’s profit margin exceeded any other peer comparison hospital and was much higher than the peer average, which was essentially zero. … Despite the instability caused by the COVID19 pandemic, over HCA’s first four years of ownership, Mission went from the lower end of patient-care profitability to the top of the range among these peer hospitals.”

The draft report looks at two ways all hospitals boost profits: increased prices and reduced costs.

It found that prices did go up for patients, which the draft report said, is common: “(A)lmost all hospitals maintain list prices with a markup that is surprisingly or shockingly high.”

Few patients actually pay the full amounts for their care, the draft report explained, but for some, list prices are the basis for negotiating discounted payments. Being billed these amounts also can harm patients’ credit.

Mission has steadily increased its list prices since 2011, according to the draft report. After HCA bought the hospital, prices shot up more quickly and were much higher than the average list prices of the 11 peer hospitals, according to the draft report.

“Under HCA … Mission’s annual markup increases doubled, averaging 33 percentage points a year (or 30 points disregarding the 2019 transition year),” the draft report stated. “These accelerated price increases propelled HCA to the top of this peer range within just two years, which is

especially notable considering that, over this same time, the average for peer comparison hospitals remained essentially level.”

Even though these price markups have been significant, they don’t fully explain Mission’s significant profit margins, according to the draft report.

Two things have played a role in those profits. One is how much it charges patients for care, or “cost-control,” according to the draft report.

“Mission’s Medicare profitability has skyrocketed under HCA,” the report stated. “Prior to HCA, Mission Hospital on average lost 4 percent each year on Medicare patients. Within three years after HCA’s acquisition, however, it was making almost a 15 percent profit on Medicare patients, and in 2022 continued to make 6 percent (with a three-year average of 10 percent). That remarkable increase pushed Mission from below the peer hospital average to near the top of the peer range, with only one hospital making more (Cape Fear at 13%).”

But Mission’s profits have benefited the most from deep cuts to hospital staff, according to the draft report.

“Following HCA’s acquisition … staffing plummeted in just a single year, from above the peer average to the bottom of the range, and staffing has remained at a level that is 30 percent below the peer group average,” the draft report stated.

The draft report relies on data from a State Employees International Union analysis published in 2022 to show Mission’s staffing of full-time equivalent employees per occupied hospital bed was lower than the state and national averages between the most recent years for which data was available: 2019-21.

Before 2019, that rate at Mission was higher than the state and national averages.

Though staffing data can be measured in various ways, the draft report says, each of those points to a consistent conclusion: “Sharply reduced staffing for patient care under HCA explains a large component of the hospital’s markedly increased profitability under HCA.

… HCA’s reported data provides only limited insight, but ... much of its total expenses are concentrated in labor costs, and … the very large majority of labor costs are devoted to patient care rather than administration.”

This seems to contradict what board members were told as they considered approval of the HCA sale, according to the draft report, namely

“Mission’s profit margin exceeded any other peer comparison hospital and was much higher than the peer average, which was essentially zero”

— Mission Hospital’s Financial Performance

Under HCA draft report

that improved financial performance would primarily happen “through purchasing power and back-office efficiencies.”

Data HCA and Mission submitted to NCDHHS in 2022 as part of its “certificate of need” application to add 67 more beds to the Asheville hospital suggest that such cost savings probably won’t be Mission’s main profit driver through 2026, according to the draft report.

Should Mission continue to boost profits through staff losses as it has since 2019, that trajectory would align with what nurses and doctors say they have experienced over the past five years after the sale and continue to experience today.

In a lawsuit filed against HCA and Mission last December, N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein, the

Democratic candidate for governor, argued that the hospital company reduced staff and resources in emergency department and cancer care services, leading to patient harm and violating two of 15 commitments it made to keep services open and running for 10 years after the 2019 sale.

HCA countered Stein early this year in N.C. Business Court, saying it had never made a commitment to provide quality care.

Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. Andrew R. Jones is a Watchdog investigative reporter. Email arjones@ avlwatchdog.org. The Watchdog’s reporting is made possible by donations from the community. To show your support for this vital public service go to avlwatchdog.org/donate. X

All in the family

Highland Brewing turns 30

BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN

Oscar Wong’s activities in 1994 are the stuff of Asheville legend.

In a rented, 12,000-square-foot basement space below Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria in downtown Asheville, the retired engineer launched Highland Brewing Co. with head brewer John McDermott, producing craft beer on a system primarily made from retrofitted dairy equipment. There, they created such beverages as Celtic Ale (later Gaelic Ale), St. Terese’s Pale Ale and Oatmeal Porter, which were served upstairs at Barley’s and bottled by hand for local distribution.

But what was his daughter, current Highland President/CEO Leah Wong Ashburn, up to back then?

“I was two years out of college, working at a print shop in Charlotte as a graphic design typesetter,” she says, sitting next to her father in a conference room at the Highland offices. “And I liked it — I always liked design. And I remember I was sort of the social chair for the staff at this little print shop because there were probably six of us that were around the same age, so we started doing a lot of fun stuff together.”

And while she was settling into life as an independent adult, what did she think of her father starting a brewery in a city that had no such operations?

“It was Dad’s second business, so it didn’t surprise me that he started something. This one was particularly cool — cooler than an engineering company, to a 24-year-old,” she says, turning to face her father. “But I really had no concept of how tricky it was: how long it took to get the permits and how many conversations were had with city [of Asheville] folks and [Buncombe] county folks about utilities and being in this old basement. I’m sure I just know a sliver of it, but it took longer than you intended to get it off the ground.”

Wong replies, “It did — and it took eight years to break even,” cracking one of his iconic smiles. “Your mother did think I was a pretty smart guy when I was an engineer. But I lost credibility when I got into this.”

These humorous recollections and other memories are on Wong’s and Wong Ashburn’s minds this year as Asheville’s longest-running brewery celebrates its 30th anniversary. Before the weeklong festivities, which run through Sunday, May 5, the father-daughter team sat down with Xpress to reminisce

about the past three decades and look ahead — well, maybe not another 30 years, but certainly with an eye toward continued success.

PREDICTABLY UNPREDICTABLE

Today, Gaelic Ale can be found in nearly every area taproom, grocery store and even most gas stations. And considering how IPAs have come to dominate the craft beer industry, it’s all the more remarkable that such an unusual style helped put Asheville on the map.

Wong and McDermott liked the balanced flavor of the English brown ale base but didn’t know the creation would be “it” as far as a flagship brew went. Wong says that status came along more naturally and actually dawned on him a few years into Highland’s run when he was ready to try new things and possibly take the brewery in a different direction.

“But I changed my mind when I visited New Belgium [Brewing Co. in Fort Collins, Colo., circa 2000]. They said, ‘Fat Tire [Amber Ale] is 87% of our business.’ At the time, Gaelic Ale was two-thirds, maybe just over 50% of ours. And I thought, ‘Don’t shy away from it. If that’s what drives your boat, go with it,’” he recalls.

“So I came back with the idea that this is our champ, but let’s be open. I think we were slow to go over to IPAs — but it’s OK. You live and learn. If you don’t adapt to what your customer is looking for, after a while you’ll wonder, ‘Where’d they go?’”

That mix of consistency and innovation has proved key to Highland’s sustained operations in an ever-changing industry. Wong notes that the Gaelic Ale of today “is no doubt different from what it was.” His memory of the initial Celtic Ale is a brew that was “a lot more citrusy,” and views the current iteration — which he describes as “a lot smoother than it’s ever been” — as evidence of minute upgrades over time that have been all but invisible. One notable exception is the popular Cold Mountain Winter Ale, which intentionally evolves slightly from year to year with different ingredients.

“Once in a while, something new pops up where we touch it. But we rely on our brewers,” Wong says. “We give them guidelines: You can’t change it. You can tweak it, you can improve it, but it better be fine so that you might go three years down

the road and it be fairly different, but you can’t tell. We don’t change stuff like that. We go with new stuff.”

GROWING GAINS

Having maxed out brewing capacity at its downtown basement, Highland moved to East Asheville in 2006, taking over the former home of Blue Ridge Motion Picture Studios. The brewery bought the entire 40-acre property and gradually added more building space, renovating the industrial structures that had trees growing through the floor, as well as copious mold, asbestos and an indoor lake in what’s now the packaging area.

“We’re trying to get pictures together [for the 30th anniversary celebrations],” Wong Ashburn says. “We still have some of how bad it was in this building because our own staff doesn’t even know.”

The expansion might not have happened without a largely forgotten piece of Highland history. Unsure if there was a market for the doubled brewing capacity that the East Asheville location offered, Wong contracted with Wild Goose Brewery in Frederick, Md., which produced roughly twothirds of Highland’s bottled beer from 2004-06. During that time, Highland made and filled all kegs in Asheville, but the outside help allowed Wong to test the market without overextending the company’s resources.

“So when we moved in here, we were able to break even in the first year,” he says. “Most breweries can’t say that when they move to a new location. See, that’s more dangerous than starting out — that first move, because you can’t move incrementally. It isn’t worth it. So, we took a measured risk.”

Wong is quick to rattle off facts and figures from those early years but oth-

MAKING HISTORY: Leah Wong Ashburn, left, and Oscar Wong have steered Highland Brewing Co. for a combined 30 years. Photo courtesy of Highland Brewing Co.

erwise notes he isn’t much interested in revisiting the brewery’s past.

“I’m not a backward-looking guy. It was what it was. We worked hard to meet the quality and consistency as best we could. We’ve improved all that over the years and we continue to do that,” he says. “I’m a big one for moving on. You look around, and a lot of old farts like me are hanging on there — and [they] have no business hanging, and they don’t have a clue what’s coming up on the highway. And they get run over and they say, ‘What the hell happened?’”

THE FUTURE IS FAMILY

Not getting metaphorically flattened is part of why Wong Ashburn was brought in to succeed Wong as head of the brewery — though if she had her way, Highland would have been a true family business far earlier. Wong Ashburn made several attempts to join the company in the brewery’s first decade, including as a local beer seller, but Wong says he didn’t think it was the right thing for her to do at that time.

“In classic Wong approach, I didn’t say, ‘I would like to apply for a job,’” Wong Ashburn says. “I kind of gently

nosed around, like, ‘I wonder what kind of opportunities there are?’ And, ‘How’s it going at the brewery?’ Things like that, and kind of got the message.”

She officially joined Highland in 2011 and became company president in 2015. Under her leadership, the brewery underwent a brand refresh in 2018, trading bagpipe-and-beertoting Scotsman “Scott” for a crisp, clean, compasslike logo.

Her tenure has also overlapped with large enterprises such as AnheuserBusch InBev and Kirin Holdings purchasing numerous smaller craft breweries. Wong and Wong Ashburn confirm that Highland has indeed fielded offers from so-called “Big Beer” and has received pitches to buy other breweries. Neither avenue is appealing to the Highland ownership team, and there’s also zero interest in establishing taprooms outside Asheville.

“That’s never been part of our culture,” says Wong, who’s stayed on as vice president. “We’re proud of Asheville, and we want Asheville to be proud of us. We’d hoped to be as integral to the area as possible. That

CONTINUES ON PAGE 26

modern vegan cuisine, biodynamic wine, local beer, and cocktails in an intimate setting with a seasonal patio.

reservations recommended with first-come bar seating

828-258-7500

165 merrimon avenue plantisfood.com

visit our breakfast/ lunch sibling restaurant

233 S Liberty St pulpandsprout.com (828) 412-5701

was our goal — to just be a really good citizen and part of the community.”

In 2021, however, Highland made what Wong calls both a natural move, returning to its downtown roots with a taproom in the renovated S&W Market, and “kind of a defensive move.” He says that if they hadn’t taken the opportunity, fellow locally based, family-owned Ellington Realty Group would have partnered with another brewery.

MILESTONES APLENTY

Rather than grow beyond their means, Wong Ashburn says Highland has focused on “making great beer” and staying in its four-state distribution footprint of the Carolinas, Georgia and Tennessee.

“I don’t see that changing anytime soon. The ‘deep versus wide’ [approach] has worked well for us,” she says. “We’ve invested in a smaller place and would rather be important and really part of what’s going on here versus less important in a greater space.”

That “here” has grown significantly, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. Wong says the Highland team “dreamed about having a place that people would love coming to and relaxing,” and feels that the East Asheville property has become just that.

While the rooftop bar and events center were completed before 2020, the outdoor spaces now include popular volleyball, disc golf and cornhole areas. And with the move away from co-hosting large ticketed concerts with The Orange Peel — which now holds them at its Rabbit Rabbit venue in the South Slope — Highland’s grassy, tree-lined Meadow stays green and lush throughout the outdoor season.

“The response to the activity has been awesome,” Wong Ashburn says. “This whole new layer of local folks that we get to have here — hearing them talk about what it means to them and how much time they spend here because they just want to be here and want to do the things that are happening here, it’s meant a whole lot.”

These spaces promise to be hopping on Saturday, May 4, for the brewery’s Big Bash celebration, during which multiple new beers will be available on draft, including OG Dub IPA, named in honor of Wong, and The Long Game tropical lager.

Also in the mix are four “throwback” releases from Highland’s past that are no longer in production: St. Terese’s Pale Ale, Little Hump Session IPA, Devil’s Britches Imperial Red Ale and Mandarina IPA.

“They might be modernized because we’re going to take that license and do what we think reflects people’s palates a little bit better,” Wong Ashburn says.

With the past and present aligning for a milestone accomplishment that’s a first for the Asheville craft beverage industry, it’s tough not to look to the future and wonder what’s in store. So, with three historic decades under its belt, is Highland already planning for another stretch of that magnitude?

“I can’t say that I have a 30-year vision, but it’s been so energizing to see what a rebrand can do and what devel-

oping our property has done and can still do,” Wong Ashburn says. “So there are other things yet to be unveiled. We have no commitments, but we’re looking constantly at other beverages. We’re not a ‘throw everything against the wall and see what sticks’ company. When we innovate, we do that with a lot of thought. So if something makes sense, then we’ll be open to it.”

To learn more, visit avl.mx/dll. X

STATUS:

THE GOOD OLD DAYS: Oscar Wong hand bottles beer in the mid-1990s at Highland Brewing Co.’s original home in a basement space below Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria. Photo courtesy of Highland Brewing Co.

CULT

Oscar Wong, left, and Leah Wong Ashburn celebrate the 2016 edition of Cold Mountain Winter Ale. The annual release has garnered a devoted following and evolved into a multiday celebration. Photo courtesy of Highland Brewing Co.

Vicious cycles

New book examines WNC’s violent past

BY KIESA KAY

In 1927, more than 2,000 people combed the mountains of Western North Carolina in search of Broadus Miller, a Black laborer accused of murdering Gladys Kincaid, a 15-year-old white girl, in Morganton. Miller was found near Linville Falls. Commodore Burleson, a member of the posse, shot and killed him. Miller’s body was later displayed on Morganton’s courthouse lawn.

Kevin W. Young, a lecturer at Appalachian State University, has spent nearly two decades researching the topic for his newly released book, The Violent World of Broadus Miller: A Story of Murder, Lynch Mobs, and Judicial Punishment in the Carolinas. Young will give a talk on the topic, Tuesday, May 7, 6:30 p.m.,

at the Center for Pioneer Life, 134 Joe Young Road in Burnsville.

Xpress: What role does the city of Asheville play in your book?

In the early 1920s, the boll weevil laid waste to the cotton fields of South Carolina, causing many African Americans from upstate South Carolina — including Broadus Miller and his relatives — to move to Asheville, which was experiencing an economic boom and offered numerous job opportunities for manual laborers. This influx of Black South Carolinians caused a reactionary backlash from white residents, leading to great tension in race relations.

As I describe in the book, a local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan was very active in the city; the Klan had the support of some of Asheville’s most prominent residents and maintained close ties with local law enforcement. In 1925, the backlash against Black immigrants from South Carolina culminated in a series of false accusations of rape that brought racial tensions in the city to a fever pitch. One of the falsely accused men would be convicted and spent five years on North Carolina’s death row before finally being pardoned.

What inspired you to spend 17 years researching this subject?

Back in 2006, I came across a brief mention of the Miller case in an article by historian Bruce Baker I began going through microfilmed newspapers and learned that, for two weeks in the summer of 1927, the case had been headline news in newspapers throughout the United

ROOT CAUSES: “Violence spins in vicious cycles, and if you want to fully understand why these events in Morganton occurred, then you have to examine root causes that predate 1927,” says author and historian Kevin W. Young. Author photo courtesy of Young

States. I started digging into census and courthouse records and discovered that Miller, a native of upstate South Carolina, was an orphan who had been adopted by his uncle and aunt — tenant farmers. In 1921, Miller had pled guilty to killing a Black woman in Anderson, S.C. A court-appointed psychiatrist examined him and concluded he was severely mentally ill. He was incarcerated for three years in the South Carolina State Penitentiary. Everything I learned about the case further fueled my curiosity. In many ways, this individual story seemed to exemplify much larger historical patterns of race relations in the early 20th-century South. This story deserved to be told, and I wanted to do it full justice.

How did your interviews with Gladys Kincaid’s siblings inform your work?

When you’re writing or reading about “true crime,” it can be easy to become so fascinated by the details of a case that you lose sight of the immense human suffering within every such story. Gladys Kincaid was a teenage girl whose father had died. She had to quit school and work in a hosiery mill to help support her widowed mother and younger siblings. When I began researching this case, I had the opportunity to speak with Kincaid’s brother Cecil and sister Elizabeth.

Talking with them made me keenly aware that her violent death had caused unimaginable grief for her family. Judging from the available evidence, it seems Broadus Miller

did indeed kill Kincaid, and it would be wrong to minimize or ignore the pain his actions caused.

However, the events of 1927 caused many people to suffer. Around the same time that I spoke with Kincaid’s siblings, I interviewed a 90-year-old Black woman in Morganton; she still vividly remembered the terror she and her family had felt in the days following Kincaid’s murder, when all African Africans in the town had been threatened by angry mobs.

A few years later, I visited the rural church cemetery in South Carolina where Broadus Miller’s relatives are buried, and as I stood next to the grave of his aunt, I thought about how this woman also must have felt incredible heartache and pain. She had taken an orphaned and mentally impaired child into her home and had raised him as her own. And she had lived to witness that child grow up to be an adult who was hunted down and killed, with his body subsequently put on public display and then disposed of in an unmarked grave.

What have you learned about prison conditions in the Carolinas?

In the early 20th century, several commentators warned of the dire consequences of having a penal system that focused on making money through convict labor, not on reforming or rehabilitating prisoners. This emphasis on financial profit extended to every branch of the penal system, from operating sweatshops within penitentiaries to using chain gangs for road construction and maintenance, to running

prison work farms that resembled antebellum slave plantations.

Conditions for mentally ill inmates were especially horrific. During the same time that I was researching conditions in the South Carolina State Penitentiary in the 1920s, The Atlantic ran a couple of articles about the present-day treatment of mentally ill prisoners in South Carolina. Reading these articles was sickening, for they described a prison system that was fundamentally the same as a century before, with mentally ill persons subjected to a disproportionate use of force and caged in small cells that were smeared with the blood and feces of previous occupants.

Incarcerating mentally ill people in hellish and brutalizing conditions, then releasing them — untreated, unrehabilitated and unsupervised — back into the world at large ... well, that’s an appallingly obvious recipe for disaster. If the South Carolina State Penitentiary had truly been a correctional institution, instead of merely a punitive institution, then perhaps Gladys Kincaid’s death could have been prevented.

Would you characterize Broadus Miller’s death as a lynching?

The public exhibition of Miller’s dead body certainly resembled a lynching, but whether you characterize it as such depends on your definition of that term. In the early 20th century, anti-lynching activists generally defined lynching as a killing committed by a group of people “without authority of law.” Miller was killed by a single individual, and his death was legally authorized, for Burke County officials had utilized a provision of state law to designate him an outlaw, meaning any North Carolina citizen had a legal right to kill him if he tried to flee or resisted arrest.

Miller had grown up in a region where there were numerous lynchings — that is, illegal killings of African Americans by mobs of

whites — and growing up in such a pervasively violent region undoubtedly played a role in shaping his own behavior. Both the violence committed by Miller and the violence committed against him are essential parts of this story, and it would be a profound mistake to focus entirely on one and ignore the other.

Neither of these two things excuses the other, and condemning one should never imply condoning the other. Violence spins in vicious cycles, and if you want to fully understand why these events in Morganton occurred, then you have to examine root causes that predate 1927. And if you want to come to a full reconciliation today for events that happened in the past, then you have to acknowledge the pain and suffering of everyone who was personally affected.

In Buncombe County, the Reparations Commission has been formed to make recommendations toward repairing damage caused by public and private systemic racism. What are your thoughts on reparations?

Anyone who researches the past immediately confronts the ugly truth of how extensive racism has been. In 1898, African Americans were essentially disfranchised at gunpoint in both North and South Carolina, with massacres occurring in Wilmington and other places, including Broadus Miller’s native Greenwood County. Throughout the early 20th century, political leaders in the Carolinas openly proclaimed white supremacy as a fundamental principle of state government. Racism was engrained within all aspects of the judicial and legal systems, from anti-miscegenation statutes to segregation ordinances. I believe that, in general, a necessary first step in repairing the damage is openly confronting the past and fully examining events such as what happened in Asheville in 1925 and in Morganton in 1927.

What’s new in food

Old Fort welcomes its first winery and tasting room

As it turns out, you can teach an Old Fort new tricks. In late January, two years after relocating from Washington, D.C., and one month after welcoming their first child, winemaker Michael McGeary and his wife, Abi McGeary, opened the tasting room at Euda Wine, the small McDowell County town’s first winery.

Euda’s seven 2022 wines — identified by year, type and graphic labels evoking the sensation of the wine — were made from grapes grown in small vineyards throughout North Carolina. “We are not yet growing our own grapes, though eventually we hope to,” Michael McGeary says. “Western North Carolina is very much an unexplored region [for vineyards], but there is interesting soil and altitude, which grapes like. We have plenty of rain, though it can be too much. Grapes don’t like wet feet.”

Michael started making wine in a rented space while he and Abi outfitted the building they found on Commerce Street. Initially, the tasting/taproom, which seats 40, operated only on Saturdays and Sundays. But spring’s arrival has brought a flurry of activity: An official grand opening was held March 30 with the winery’s first 2023 vintage — a sauvignon blanc — released that day.

Euda is now open 2-8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and noon-8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. The McGearys recently opened an outdoor patio, adding about 40 more seats. Charcuterie boards from Old Fort-based Abbiocco Pizzeria (owned by former Rhubarb chef de cuisine Glenn Osterberg) are a wine-friendly snack, and food trucks do a rotating schedule on-site. On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, Euda will mark the occasion — Abi’s first since giving birth to son Parrish in December — by pulling the cork on its 2023 rose.

Michael, who is from Durham, acknowledges that wine isn’t necessarily the first thing folks think of when it comes to North Carolina products. But he hopes Euda Wine can open some minds. “It’s exciting to feel like you’re part of something new and growing something in your home state,” he says.

Euda Wine is at 164 Commerce St., Old Fort. For more information, visit avl.mx/dmi.

Life changes

As his downtown French comfort food restaurant, Bouchon, is about to

NEW RELEASE: Winemaker Michael McGeary and his wife, Abi, are pictured in the tasting room of their Old Fort winery, Euda Wine. Their newest release is baby boy Parrish, a late 2023 vintage. Photo courtesy of Euda Wine

mark its 20th year on Oct. 5, 2025, longtime Asheville restaurateur Michel Baudouin is looking forward to streamlining his life. In an April 23 media release, Baudoin announced plans to sell the restaurant. He intends to continue operating Bouchon’s East Asheville sister restaurant, RendezVous.

“When thinking about the future of Bouchon, one thing I’m really sure of is that I wish to slow down,” he writes in the release. “I’m not ready to completely retire from the industry I’ve loved for 51 years, but my priorities have altered. Not to mention that my Medicare-affiliated body has been issuing many, many hints that it’s time for a change.“

Baudouin says Bouchon employees will be welcomed at RendezVous if they wish to stay with the company.

Bouchon is well known for its allyou-can-eat mussels nights and pommes frites, which are repeat winners for Best Fries in the annual Mountain Xpress Best of WNC polls. Baudouin is a co-founder of the Asheville Independent Restaurant Association.

For more on Bouchon, visit avl.mx/5s1. For acquisition information, contact Carla Barnard at carla@carla-co.com.

Moon landing

Chef Ron Jimenez introduced himself to Asheville diners from the window of his Tahini Jar food truck, which

he launched with help from his wife, Courtney, in July 2023. Since then, the blue-and-orange-painted vehicle has continued to serve its healthy, plantbased Middle Eastern cuisine around town at breweries, tailgate markets, events and residential complexes.

But while the concept and menu were well received within Asheville, Jimenez says, other communities and counties were not as receptive to that fare. Undeterred, he decided to try out a concept he believed would be impossible to resist — doughnuts.

“Doughnuts have a universal appeal, but New Moon Donuts is also a personal passion project — I have always loved doughnuts,” he cheerfully shares. Jimenez found a retired short bus in South Carolina, refurbished the interior as a miniature doughnut shop and painted it a glossy, bright turquoise. New Moon Donuts made its official debut at the Small Business Center on A-B Tech’s Enka campus on April 12, selling out shortly after noon.

New Moon will always try to have six flavors available. For now, all are the old-fashioned cake style, with a twist: They’re all vegan. “I am not pushing too hard on the vegan thing, because I don’t want to push anyone away from trying it,“ he says. ”They’re really good, and no one would guess they’re vegan.”

The most popular flavors so far have been maple glazed and lemon poppyseed glazed; all are cooked fresh in the truck every morning of service. Until Friday, May 10, New Moon will be serving its doughnuts — plus beverages from Greenville, S.C.-based Methodical Coffee — at A-B Tech 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday and Monday.

Jimenez will add more locations as he gets staffing sorted out and can scout a semipermanent location to park. Courtney Jimenez is a little busy at the moment — she gave birth to the couple’s fourth child April 20.

A-B Tech’s Small Business Center is at 1465 Sand Hill Road, Candler. Check New Moon’s Instagram feed at avl.mx/dm9 for updates on locations and hours. For Tahini Jar’s schedule, visit avl.mx/bwu.

Yo, Zella

Mikey’s Meatball and Johnny’s Italian have moved to Swannanoa and can be found on the menu of the newly relocated Zella’s Deli, now housed in the former location of Loott House (which moved in November to Beacon Village with Terra Nova Beer Co.)

The Northeast-inspired sandwich shop was opened by partners Mike Reppert, John Tressler and Ivy Lamos on College Street in downtown Asheville in April 2022. The new

site has kept the eponymous subs and popular deli sandwiches like pastrami, corned beef, Reuben, chopped cheese, roast beef on a kaiser roll and lox on a bagel, and expanded the lunch repast with under-$10 items like egg salad, tuna salad, liverwurst on white bread and a beef hot dog.

More big news is the addition of dinner service seven days a week from 5-8 p.m. On the menu are soups, salads, appetizers, entrées and pastas such as pork saltimbocca, chicken Parmesan, spaghetti and meatballs, and fettuccini alfredo. Weekend dinners are special: Italian Fish Fry Friday, Prime Rib Saturday, Family Lasagna Sunday and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Zella’s is at 2372 U.S. 70, Swannanoa. For details, visit avl.mx/dm8.

Crêpe diem

Shoppers at the Asheville City Market can seize the day with a fresh-made breakfast crepe from Full of Crêpe, Ethan Van Der Bleet’s unique concept. He first learned the skill of crêpe preparation in his hometown, Chicago. “Making crêpes at farmers markets around the city was my high school job,“ he says.” They’re really popular there, and I got a lot of experience.“

Warren Wilson College brought Van Der Bleet to Western North Carolina in 2017, and he fell in love with the area. He applied to be a vendor at the City Market last fall and built a following for his crêpes, which he makes savory or sweet. He took an extended break for some international travel while the winter market was in session but is back, just in time for strawberry season.

“I am committed to using produce from the other vendors at the market, so I’ll be getting strawberries from Lee’s One Fortune Farm and honey from Charlie [Oak of WilderKin Beekeeping],” he says. “For the savory ones, I shop for the seasonal greens, eggs, bacon and cheese.”

He says the entire process — from pouring the batter onto the superhot, flat, round cast-iron pan he uses, to folding the finished crêpe into a rectangle for savory and quarter-circle for sweet — takes about seven minutes. (He also has gluten-free batter for those who request it.)

“Doing this at the market is great because I can make new crêpes every week depending on what comes into season,” he explains. “It’s very front-facing, and people enjoy watching me do it. Plus they get a kick out of the name.”

Asheville City Market happens 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays at 52 N. Market St. For menu updates from Full of Crêpe, visit avl.mx/dma.

Cookie crumbles

Aside from the familiar ring to it, Lyndon Johnson has made a name for himself in Asheville apart from the 36th president of the United States. He launched his pop-up Honey Badger Bakes four years ago and built a strong following for his baked goods. In particular, people seek out his repertoire of crusty bagels at the Asheville City Market on Saturdays and East Asheville Market on Fridays.

But there’s only one place people will find Johnson’s one-of-a-kind cornmeal cookie — at chef Ashleigh Shanti’s Good Hot Fish restaurant. The sweet, savory, crispy, chewy, bigger-than-ahockey-puck cookie is made from the same cornmeal blend milled by Farm & Sparrow for the restaurant’s fish, plus Lindley Mills flour, Dry Ridge Farm eggs, Muddy Pond sorghum and blackstrap molasses.

Johnson — who also cooks for Shanti — has made other desserts for the restaurant, but the cornbread cookie is the ultimate calling card.

Good Hot Fish is at 10 Buxton Ave. Follow Honey Badger Bakes on Instagram at avl.mx/dmb.

Giving large

Like a good neighbor, The Whale Craft Beer Collective is there for many Asheville-area nonprofits. One of those — the Asheville Poverty Initiative — will benefit from the West Asheville location’s largesse all of May when customers can choose to round up their tabs with proceeds going to API.

The most visible program of the nonprofit, which is dedicated to building community and promoting economic justice, is 12 Baskets Café in West Asheville. The no-cost eatery distributes over 10,000 pounds of food each month, all rescued from area food providers.

The Whale will host a kickoff party for the program 5-8 p.m. Friday, May 3. Guests will be able to enjoy tunes spun by a local DJ, participate in a community art project, sample tasty treats from Back Porch Baking Co., do team trivia starting at 7 p.m. and practice rounding up those tabs.

The Whale is at 507 Haywood Road. For more information, visit avl.mx/dm7.

— Kay West  X

The City of Asheville’s Public Art and Culture Commission has put out an open call for artists and designers to submit their qualifications for a new art piece along Asheville’s Urban Trail.

The piece will be installed on the sidewalk in front of the 1929 S&W Building, an art deco food hall designed by Douglas Ellington with original art fabricated in Italy. Over time, the art eroded and had to be removed. Karli Stephenson, an urban designer for the city, says the decision was made last year to replace the art rather than restore it. The new piece will become station No. 7 on the Asheville Urban Trail, a walking tour of Asheville’s architectural and artistic legacy.

“The artwork doesn’t need to be an exact replica of the architecture/style of the S&W Building, but it should complement and celebrate it,” says Stephenson. “The proposed artwork will be reviewed by the Public Art and Culture Commission as well as the Historic Resources Commission to ensure it is contextual and relevant.” Ideas such as functional or interactive art have been suggested, as well as sculpture, mosaic or brickwork.

The deadline to apply is Monday, May 13, 5 p.m. Applications must include a plan for installation and maintenance of the art piece. Three artists or teams will be selected to develop proposals, and the two semifinalists not chosen will be paid a $500 honorarium. The selected artist will command a budget of $80,000 for the project, including fabrication and installation of the facade.

The S&W building is at 56 Patton Ave. For more information, visit avl.mx/dmx.

Folkmoot celebrates Latin American music

Folkmoot USA will present a celebration of Latin American culture featuring Maritzaida and Latin American

dance group Raíces Emma-Erwin in Waynesville on Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m.

The event will honor Latin America’s musical heritage through the traditional style of bolero music. Maritzaida began her professional singing career performing for the U.S. Air Force Band alongside her husband, guitarist Aaron Weibe.

Raíces Emma-Erwin is a nonprofit that promotes awareness of Latino culture and builds community through Latino music and dance traditions. The group has developed youth programs for the Emma/Erwin area such as the Ballet Folklórico, which will perform at the celebration. Delish food truck will be on-site providing Venezuelan food. General admission is $22, and student tickets are $5.

The Folkmoot Friendship Center is at 112 Virginia Ave., Waynesville. For more information, visit avl.mx/cp9.

Honoring missing Indigenous people

Qualla Boundary MMIW and Museum of the Cherokee People will hold a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Archiving Event on Thursday, May 2, 9 a.m.-noon. and 1-5 p.m., in the museum’s multipurpose room.

The museum will begin housing community materials for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Collection. The organization is seeking photos, newspaper clippings, video recordings, voice recordings and other materials associated with missing members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians that can be archived to provide information about the missing persons. The collections staff will be available at the event to scan and return original material, and contributors are welcome to make privacy requests for their documents. Lunch will be provided.

DECO DO-OVER: The City of Asheville has put out an open call to replace the S&W Building artwork on Asheville’s Urban Trail.

The event coincides with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Awareness Month. MMIW has also organized the fifth annual Walk & Vigil for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives on Sunday, May 5, which is National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. This event will take place at Oconaluftee Island Park in Cherokee and is sponsored by the Center for Native Health.

The Museum of the Cherokee People is at 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee. To learn more, visit avl.mx/dmz.

Young professionals awarded

PROpel AVL will host an inaugural award ceremony at Highland Brewing Co. on Tuesday, May 7, 6-8 p.m. The PROpel awards celebrate young professionals who have served the Asheville community with distinction.

PROpel Awards are part of the Asheville Chamber of Commerce’s initiative to create a sense of community and collaboration among Asheville’s young entrepreneurs. The awards are distributed based on a range of factors such as public service, mentorship and industry leadership. Candidates must work for an Asheville chamber member company with a significant presence in Buncombe County.

“The awards gala, where we are recognizing five outstanding young professionals, had almost 40 nominees,” says Leeanne Briggs, director of PROpel AVL. “Our community volunteers and advisory committee voted on the winners. We also have PROpel AVL After Hours [events], which encourage a sense of community and help us foster and build professional network skills. Those occur monthly starting in July 2024.”

This year’s nominees include Charlotte Stack, chief operating officer of Chai Pani Restaurant Group; Samantha Coffin, owner of Matcha Nude; Lucy Phillips of MANNA FoodBank; Woody Taylor, assistant men’s basketball coach for UNC Asheville; and many more. Molly Parti will perform a DJ set for the event, and Carin Metzger will emcee. There will also be a cash bar with dinner served by Everyday Gourmet.

To learn more about the candidates or the awards ceremony, visit avl.mx/dn0.

Benefit concert for Tanzanian clinic

River Arts District Brewing Co. will host a fundraiser for the City of Hope, a Tanzanian children’s clinic, on Sunday, May 5, 4-7 p.m.

The fundraiser was organized by Asheville residents Kathy Scott and Richard Williams, who recently returned from a monthlong volunteer trip in Ntagacha, Tanzania. There they worked at the Amani Medical Center in the City of Hope clinic, which they say desperately needs renovations.

“The City of Hope was started in 2007 to provide residential care for orphans and other at-risk children,” Scott says. “This program is where their physical, emotional, educational, social and spiritual needs are met.”

A raffle will be held to raise funds for the Amani Medical Center’s tile fund, featuring prizes from Black Dome Mountain Sports, Still Point Wellness, Skinny Beats Sound Shop, La Rumba Restaurant and more.

Adama Dembele and his trio will perform live African music from 4:30-5:15 p.m., followed by Jonathan Pearlman, who will perform an eclectic set on the acoustic guitar. Queens Island Cuisine food truck will be on-site.

River Arts District Brewing Co. is at 13 Mystery St. To learn more about the City of Hope, visit avl.mx/dn1.

Romance concert

Asheville chamber orchestra Pan Harmonia will perform an evening of Romance music at First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, May 5, 3 p.m.

Kate Steinbeck will play flute, Katherine Haig will play cello, and Dewitt Tipton will play piano. The set list includes Bach’s Cello Suite, Ernst Bacon’s Dusk Over the Marsh, John Rutter’s Suite Antique and Carl Maria von Weber’s Trio for Piano, Flute and Cello.

The Romance concert represents the finale of the 2024 chamber orchestra season. The performance is donation-based, and reservations are encouraged.

First Presbyterian Church is at 40 Church St. For more information visit avl.mx/93e.

New pavilion unveiled in Webster

Webster is celebrating the completion of a new community pavilion on Sunday, May 5, 2-4 p.m.

The Jackson County Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Team will host the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m., followed by brief remarks by local and state dignitaries. The event will feature live music performed by J Rex and His High Mountain Pals, as well as lawn games, cornhole boards, bubbles and a station with materials for making flower crowns. The Town of Webster will provide complimentary cupcakes, and food trucks Dogs on Wheels and Jack the Dipper will serve hot dogs and ice cream. At 3:15 p.m., Diane Shallock will lead a maypole dance around a pole constructed from a local poplar by Will Whitfield

The pavilion is at 1528 Webster Road, Webster. For more information, visit avl.mx/dmy or email info@ townofwebster.org.

MOVIE REVIEWS

CHALLENGERS: Tense, intense and steamy, this erotic thriller set in the world of professional tennis is the best film yet from director

Luca Guadagnino (Call Me By Your Name). Grade: A-minus — Edwin Arnaudin

May Stone: Celestite

May Herb: Rhubarb Root

5/1: HAPPY BELTANE!!

Reader: Jessica 12-5

5/2: Magical Book Club 6-7

Reader: Alondra 3-7

5/3: Merry Meet & Greet 5-7

Reader: Krysta 12-6:30

5/4: BELTANE FAIRE 11-5

Abby’s Magical Hour 6-7:30

Reader: Edward 12-6

5/7: NEW MOON at 11:22pm

Reader: Byron 1-5

(828) 424-7868

FULL MOON May 23rd

from over 40 local

Mon.- Sat. 10-8pm • Sun. 12-6pm 640 Merrimon

— Oby Arnold

Photo by Oby Arnold

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1

12 BONES BREWERY

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Billy Allen & The Pollies (rock, funk), 9pm

BARLEY'S TAPROOM & PIZZERIA

Trivia Night w/PartyGrampa, 7pm

EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY

Sounding Arrow &

Dub Cartel (indie-folk, reggae), 8pm

EULOGY

Sadburn w/Greg

Freeman & Sinai Vesell (folk-rock, indie), 8pm

FLEETWOOD'S

The Last Laugh, 9pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER

BREWERY

Saylor Brothers & Friends (jamgrass), 6pm

HI-WIRE BREWING BIG

TOP Trivia, 7pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Well-Crafted Music w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Old Time Jam, 5pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING

CO.

Bluegrass Jam w/Derek McCoy & Friends, 6pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

WEST

Latin Night Wednesday w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 8pm

SHAKEY'S

Sexy Service Industry Night, 10pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Trivia Wednesdays, 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Poetry Open Mic, 8pm

THE DRAFTSMAN BAR + LOUNGE Trivia Nights, 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Chris Smither (folk, blues, jazz), 8pm

THE MONTE VISTA HOTEL

Music Wednesdays, 5pm

THE ODD

Free Terraoke Karaoke Takeover, 9pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Metric (alt-indie, electronic, rock), 8pm

THE OUTPOST

Copperhead (Americana-jam), 6pm

THE RAILYARD BLACK

MOUNTAIN

Dan's Jam (bluegrass), 7pm

URBAN ORCHARD

CIDER CO. SOUTH

SLOPE Trivia, 6:30pm

THURSDAY, MAY 2

27 CLUB

Heart Break Club Presents: May Day Burlesque, 9pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR

BAR

MGBs (Americana), 7:30pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Joslyn & The Sweet Compression (soul-funk, R&B), 9pm

CROW & QUILL

The Deltaz (blues, Americana), 8pm

EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY

Karaoke, 8pm

EULOGY

Cigarettes @ Sunset w/ Yesterday's Clothes & Paprika (alt-rock, indie), 8pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER

BREWERY

Jerry's Dead (Grateful Dead & JGB Tribute), 6pm

HI-WIRE BREWING BIG

TOP

Survey Says, 7pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

• Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7pm

• Pat Byrne (Irish, Americana), 9:30pm

LAZOOM ROOM BAR

& GORILLA

Modelface Comedy

Presents: Ryan Thomas, 8pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Freeway Jubilee (rock, blues, funk), 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

The Knotty G's (Americana), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

WEST

Annie in the Water (Americana, indie-rock), 8pm

OUTSIDER BREWING

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

The Greenliners (Americana, bluegrass), 6pm

FLORIDA GIRL IN ASHEVILLE: On Saturday, May 4. Fort Lauderdale-born singer-songwriter Lydia Luce performs at Citizen Vinyl. The show starts at 7 p.m., and fans of her indie-folk tunes will be treated to songs from her second full-length album, Florida Girl. Photo courtesy of Zachary Gray

RABBIT RABBIT

Portugal. The Man w/ Reyna Tropical (pop, rock), 7pm

SALVAGE STATION

Get The Led Out (Led Zeppelin tribute), 7:30pm

SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/DJ Franco, 9pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Karaoke Night, 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Stella Prince w/Old Sap & Jackson Grimm (Americana, folk, country), 5:30pm

• John Paul White (indierock, folk, Americana), 8pm

THE JOINT NEXT

DOOR

Soul Blue (soul, blues, R&B), 7pm

SUN: Cosmic Appalachian Soul Sundays, 7pm

MON: Ping-Pong Tournament, 6pm

TUE: Open Jam w/ house band the Lactones, 8pm

WED: Poetry Open Mic AVL, 8:30pm/8pm signup

5/3 FRI LACTONES, 9pm Psychedelic Rock / Drip Noise

5/4 SAT DAYOWULF, 9pm Electronica / World

5/10 FRI SISTER IVY, 9pm Neo-Soul / Jazz / R&B / Rock

THE ORANGE PEEL

Pond w/26fix (psych-rock, indie, electronic), 8pm

THE OUTPOST

Flashback Fringe (psychrock), 7:30pm

THE RIVER ARTS

DISTRICT BREWING

CO.

Peggy Ratusz & Kelly Jones (blues), 6pm

THE STATION BLACK

MOUNTAIN

Mr Jimmy (blues), 6:30pm

URBAN ORCHARD

CIDER CO. SOUTH

SLOPE

Bachata Thursdays, 8:30pm

WICKED WEED

BREWING

Stephen Evans (folk, rock), 5pm

FRIDAY, MAY 3

27 CLUB

Bruschetta DeLorean, Formless, Cyberdelics & Abito Nero (experimental, electronic, psych-synth), 9pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY

P*rn Star Karaoke, 10pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR

BAR

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

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Dizgo (funk, psych-rock, soul), 9pm

CATAWBA BREWING

CO. SOUTH SLOPE

ASHEVILLE

• Comedy at Catawba: Django Gold, 7pm

• Freaky Friday Stand-Up Comedy, 9pm

CORK & KEG

Brody Hunt & The Handfuls (country), 8pm

CROW & QUILL

Hearts Gone South (country, honky tonk), 8pm

EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY

Adrianne Blanks & The Oracles (Latin-pop, jazz, psych-rock), 8pm

EULOGY

Chastity Belt (alt-indie, rock), 7pm

FLEETWOOD'S Spill Mill, Phantom Ships & Curbside Loveseat (psych-rock), 8pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM

Mitch Hayes (Americana, folk), 6pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM

Drag Music Bingo w/ Divine the Bearded Lady, 7pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Random Animals (indiesoul), 9pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Open Mic w/Hamza, 8pm

MAD CO. BREW

HOUSE The Lads (rock, blues), 6pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING

CO.

Gathering Dark (multigenre), 8pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

• Free Dead Friday w/ Dirty Dead (Grateful Dead tribute), 6pm

• Oh No! Casino (electronic), 10pm

ONE WORLD BREWING The Goldz (electronic, pop), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Sun of Stars (bluegrass), 8pm

SALVAGE STATION

Manic Focus & Mark Farina (electronic), 8pm

SHAKEY'S

Big Blue Jams Band (multiple genres), 9pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Stetson's Stink Bug Bourbon Band (country, Americana), 9pm

SILVERADOS

Afroman (rap, hip-hop), 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE

John Craigie (folk), 8pm

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR

Kindred Company (altrock), 7pm

THE ODD

Shadowcloak, The Jesus Casino, Hellir & Ever

After (prog-rock, psych, post-metal), 9pm

THE ORANGE PEEL Royal Blood w/Bad Nerves (indie-rock, blues), 8pm

THE STATION BLACK

MOUNTAIN

Vaden Landers (country), 6pm

URBAN ORCHARD

CIDER CO. SOUTH

SLOPE

Trippin' Up the Stairs (Celtic, Irish, old-time), 6pm

SATURDAY, MAY 4

ASHEVILLE CLUB

Mr Jimmy (blues), 6pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR

BAR

The Project (rock, blues), 7:30pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Buddhagraph Spaceship w/Muskrat Flats (rock, funk, Americana), 9pm

BATTERY PARK BOOK

EXCHANGE

Dinah's Daydream (jazz), 6pm

CATAWBA BREWING

CO. SOUTH SLOPE

ASHEVILLE

Modelface Comedy

Presents: Django Gold, 7pm

CITIZEN VINYL

Lydia Luce w/Night

Walks & Jess Nolan (indie-folk), 7pm

CORK & KEG

3 Cool Cats (rock'n'roll), 8pm

CROW & QUILL

DJ Dr. Filth (jazz, soul, R&B), 9pm

EULOGY

Rich Ruth w/MANAS (alt-indie, dance, electronic), 8pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Catwolf, Safety Coffin & Miss Lonely (rock'n'roll), 9pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

Eyes Up Here Comedy, 7pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM

Vice Versa (jazz, funk, blues), 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

• Bluegrass Brunch w/ The Shady Grove String Band, 12pm

• Nobody’s Darling String Band, 4pm Alma Russ w/The Boondockers (country, folk, Appalachian), 9pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Karaoke, 9pm

LAZOOM ROOM

Karaoke w/KJ

Beanspice, 8:30pm

NEW ORIGIN

BREWING CO.

Flimflams & Shenanigans Comedy Night, 9pm

OKLAWAHA

BREWING CO.

• Millie Palmer (acoustic), 1pm

• The Feels (soul, funk, R&B), 8pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING

Acklen Walker (hip hop, pop, indie-rock), 8pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING WEST

• Invitational Blues

Showcase, 4pm

• Saturday Sessions: Columbia House Music Project (house, electronic, dance), 8pm

SALVAGE STATION

Del McCoury Band (bluegrass), 6:30pm

SHAKEY'S

Friday Late Nights w/DJ

Ek Balam, 12am

SHILOH & GAINES

Caged Affair (alt-rock, punk), 9pm

SILVERADOS

Cooper Alan (country), 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Todd Cecil & Dirt

Yard Choir (Americana, blues, rock), 5:30pm

• Mikaela Davis (pop, psych, folk-rock), 9pm

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR

Perry Wing Band (Americana, rock, bluegrass), 7pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Sold Out: Prof w/Grip & Futuristic (hip hop, funk, soul), 7pm

THE OUTPOST

The Ain’t Sisters & Brother Fat (funk, folkrock), 7:30pm

THE STATION BLACK

MOUNTAIN

Live Music Saturday Nights, 7pm

URBAN ORCHARD

CIDER CO. SOUTH SLOPE

Dance Night w/DJ Free Range, 7pm

WXYZ BAR AT ALOFT DJ Molly Parti, 7pm

SUNDAY, MAY 5

27 CLUB

Bleedseason, Mockery & Do Us Part (metal, doom), 9pm

CATAWBA BREWING CO. SOUTH SLOPE

ASHEVILLE

Julia Macias Roasts Her Wyt Friends, 6:30pm

EULOGY

Drag Me To Brunch, 1pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Best Ever Karaoke w/KJ Chelsea, 6pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER

BREWERY

Reggae Sunday w/ Chalwa, 3pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM

Jazz Sunday's, 2pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

• Bluegrass Brunch w/ Bluegrass Brunch Boys, 12pm

• Traditional Irish Jam, 3:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING

CO. ALR Trio (blues, rock), 3pm

ONE STOP AT

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Killa Keyz (multi-genre), 9pm

food. music. beer. community. and maybe a train or two .

THURSDAY, 5/2 at 7pm

Work Truck featuring Willy Smith & Noah C. Night

Work Truck brings the hard hitting tunes of both Classic & Deep Cut country, as well as some good ole Americana.

FRIDAY, 5/3 at 7pm Human Nip

Human Nip began as a group of friends getting together & jam in a West Asheville  basement. Currently the band has evolved into an original song-based band while holding onto the concept of improvisational jamming. It’s like Cat Nip for people!!!

Saturday, 5/4 at 7pm

Peas and Cornbread

Peas & Cornbread was the original acoustic duo conceived in Oxford, Mississippi that evolved into the eclectic Bokomaru Madness and southern rock giants Daybreakdown. Following a 20-year hiatus, Reid and Rich have decided to summon the magic of the past and bless the world again.

SUNDAY, 5/5 Cinco De Mayo

Specials on Margaritas, Corona, and Modelo

Details, food menus and more at railyardblkmtn.com

live music + 15 screens of sports + full bar + tasty eats + ice cream sammies + fun for the family open til 11 pm | kitchen closes 10 pm on fri and sat

CLUBLAND

PISGAH BREWING

CO.

Pisgah Sunday Jam, 6pm

S&W MARKET

Mr Jimmy (blues), 1pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Cosmic Appalachian Soul Sundays, 7pm

THE DRAFTSMAN

BAR + LOUNGE

Karaoke Nights, 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Keturah

Allgood (Americana, soul), 5:30pm

• Jesse Roper (indie, blues, Americana), 8pm

THE MEADOW AT

HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Dis-N-Dat (reggae, dance-hall, R&B), 2pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Psychedelic Porn

Crumpets (psych-rock), 8pm

THE OUTPOST

Dirty Dead (Grateful Dead tribute), 4pm

PL

ĒB URBAN WINERY

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 4pm

MONDAY, MAY 6

27 CLUB Karaoke Monday, 9pm

5 WALNUT WINE BAR

CaroMia, Rahm, Iannuci & Jaze Uries (dreampop, soul, R&B), 8pm

DSSOLVR

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

HI-WIRE BREWING

RAD BEER GARDEN

Hot Mic w/Taylor Knighton, 6pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Geeks Who Drink Trivia, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Quizzo! Pub Trivia w/ Jason Mencer, 7:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Takes All Kinds Open Mic Nights, 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Open Mic Night, 7:30pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

WEST

Mashup Mondays w/ JLloyd, 8pm

SHAKEY'S

• Open Mic Night w/ Nick, 6pm

• Live Band Honky Tonk Karaoke, 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Mama & The Ruckus w/ Conor & The Wild Hunt (blues, soul, folk-pop), 8pm

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR

Mr Jimmy & Friends (blues), 7pm

THE RIVER ARTS

DISTRICT BREWING

CO.

Trivia w/Billy, 7pm

TUESDAY, MAY 7

27 CLUB

Smile More: DJ Night, 9pm

FLEETWOOD'S Yesterday's Clothes, North By North & Big Fur (indie, rock), 9pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER

BREWERY

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

FUNKATORIUM

Trivia w/Billy, 12am

HI-WIRE BREWING

Themed Trivia w/Not Rocket Science Trivia, 7pm

LOOKOUT BREWING

CO.

Team Trivia Tuesday's, 6:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING

CO.

Team Trivia, 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

WEST

The Grateful Family Band Tuesdays (Grateful Dead tribute), 6pm

SHAKEY'S Booty Tuesday w/DJ Lil Meow Meow, 9pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Open Mic, 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Tuesday Night Open Jam, 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: JM Stevens (Americana, rock-pop), 5:30pm

• Davy Knowles & Jeffrey Gaines (rock, folk, blues), 8pm

THE JOINT NEXT

DOOR

The Lads (rock, blues), 6pm

WEDNESDAY, MAY 8

12 BONES BREWERY

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

27 CLUB

Total Wife, Celltower, Feeling Format & Trust Blinks (noise-pop, rock, experimental), 9pm

BARLEY'S TAPROOM & PIZZERIA

Trivia Night w/PartyGrampa, 7pm

EULOGY

The 40, 20, 10s w/Gold Rose (Americana), 8pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER

BREWERY

Saylor Brothers & Friends (jamgrass), 6pm

HI-WIRE BREWING BIG

TOP Trivia, 7pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Well-Crafted Music w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Old Time Jam, 5pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING

CO.

Bluegrass Jam w/Derek McCoy & Friends, 6pm

ONE STOP AT

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Falcon4 (funk, dance), 10pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

WEST

Latin Night Wednesday w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 8pm

RABBIT RABBIT

Primus w/All Them Witches (alt-indie, progrock, prog-metal), 7pm

SHAKEY'S

Sexy Service Industry Night, 10pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Trivia Wednesdays, 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Poetry Open Mic, 8pm

THE DRAFTSMAN BAR

+ LOUNGE

Trivia Nights, 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Eric Slick w/Scott McMicken (indie-rock), 8pm

THE JOINT NEXT

DOOR

Knotty G's (Americana), 7pm

THE MONTE VISTA HOTEL

Music Wednesdays, 5pm

THE ODD

Ellimist w/Systematic Devastation & 4th Horse (death-metal, rock), 8pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Periphery w/Eidola & Jake Bowen (prog-metal), 8pm

THE RAILYARD BLACK

MOUNTAIN

Dan's Jam (bluegrass), 7pm

URBAN ORCHARD

CIDER CO. SOUTH

SLOPE

Trivia, 6:30pm

THURSDAY, MAY 9

ASHEVILLE GUITAR

BAR

Christine Havrilla & the Sirens (funk, pop, rock), 7:30pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Jonathan Scales

Fourchestra w/After Hours (jazz, prog-rock, funk), 9pm

BATTERY PARK BOOK

EXCHANGE

Mike Kenton & Jim Tanner (jazz), 5:30pm

CROW & QUILL

Russ Wilson & The Kings of Jazz, 8pm

EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY Karaoke, 8pm

EULOGY

Gos w/Natural Blk Invention & Nostalgianoid (experimental, glitch, electronic), 8pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER

BREWERY

Jerry's Dead (Grateful Dead & JGB Tribute), 6pm

HI-WIRE BREWING BIG

TOP Survey Says, 7pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7pm

LOOKOUT BREWING

CO.

Music Bingo Thursdays, 6:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

West End String Band (bluegrass, roots), 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

The Knotty G's (Americana), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

WEST

Chris McGinnis & Patrick French (Appalachian, Americana, bluegrass), 8pm

OUTSIDER BREWING

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

The Well Drinkers (Americana, bluegrass, Cajun), 6pm

SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/DJ Franco, 9pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Karaoke Night, 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Polly Panic (rock), 5:30pm

• Tep No (pop, electronic), 8pm

THE JOINT NEXT

DOOR

Hope Griffin (folk), 7pm

THE ODD

Manic Third Planet, The Ruff'tons, John Kirby Jr. & The New Seniors (punk, metal, rock'n'roll), 8pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Helmet w/Cro-Mags (alt-metal, alt-rock), 8pm

THE OUTPOST

The Plate Scrapers (bluegrass), 7:30pm

THE STATION BLACK

MOUNTAIN

Mr Jimmy (blues), 6:30pm

URBAN ORCHARD

CIDER CO. SOUTH

SLOPE

Bachata Thursdays, 8:30pm

WICKED WEED

BREWING

Andy Ferrell (folk, blues, bluegrass), 5pm

MARKETPLACE FREEWILL ASTROLOGY BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The world’s record for jumping rope in six inches of mud is held by an Aries. Are you surprised? I’m not. So is the world’s record for consecutive wallops administered to a plastic inflatable punching doll. Other top accomplishments performed by Aries people: longest distance walking on one’s hands; number of curse words uttered in two minutes; and most push-ups with three bulldogs sitting on one’s back. As impressive as these feats are, I hope you will channel your drive for excellence in more constructive directions during the coming weeks. Astrologically speaking, you are primed to be a star wherever you focus your ambition on high-minded goals. Be as intense as you want to be while having maximum fun giving your best gifts.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I don’t casually invoke the terms “marvels,” “splendors,” and “miracles.” Though I am a mystic, I also place a high value on rational thinking and skeptical proof. If someone tells me a marvel, splendor, or miracle has occurred, I will thoroughly analyze the evidence. Having said that, though, I want you to know that during the coming weeks, marvels, splendors, and miracles are far more likely than usual to occur in your vicinity — even more so if you have faith that they will. I will make a similar prediction about magnificence, sublimity, and resplendence. They are headed your way. Are you ready for blessed excess? For best results, welcome them all generously and share them lavishly.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In accordance with astrological omens, I recommend you enjoy a celebratory purge sometime soon. You could call it a Cleansing Jubilee, or a Gleeful Festival of Purification or a Jamboree of Cathartic Healing. This would be a fun holiday that lasted for at least a day and maybe as long as two weeks. During this liberating revel, you would discard anything associated with histories you want to stop repeating. You’d get rid of garbage and excess. You may even thrive by jettisoning perfectly good stuff that you no longer have any use for.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Graduation day will soon arrive. Congrats, Cancerian! You have mostly excelled in navigating through a labyrinthine system that once upon a time discombobulated you. With panache and skill, you have wrangled chaos into submission and gathered a useful set of resources. So are you ready to welcome your big rewards? Prepared to collect your graduation presents? I hope so. Don’t allow lingering fears of success to cheat you out of your well-deserved harvest. Don’t let shyness prevent you from beaming like a champion in the winner’s circle. P.S.: I encourage you to meditate on the likelihood that your new bounty will transform your life almost as much as did your struggle to earn it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Ritualist and author Sobonfu Somé was born in Burkina Faso but spent many years teaching around the world. According to her philosophy, we should periodically ask ourselves two questions: 1. “What masks have been imposed on us by our culture and loved ones?” 2. “What masks have we chosen for ourselves to wear?” According to my astrological projections, the coming months will be an excellent time for you to ruminate on these inquiries—and take action in response. Are you willing to remove your disguises to reveal the hidden or unappreciated beauty that lies beneath? Can you visualize how your life may change if you will intensify your devotion to expressing your deepest, most authentic self?

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): If human culture were organized according to my principles, there would be over eight billion religions—one for every person alive. Eight billion altars. Eight billion saviors. If anyone wanted to enlist priestesses, gurus, and other spiritual intermediaries to help them out in their worship, they would be encouraged. And we would all borrow beliefs

and rituals from each other. There would be an extensive trade of clues and tricks about the art of achieving ecstatic union with the Great Mystery. I bring this up, Virgo, because the coming weeks will be an ideal time for you to craft your own personalized and idiosyncratic religious path.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Hidden agendas and simmering secrets will soon leak into view. Intimate mysteries will become even more intimate and more mysterious. Questions that have been half-suppressed will become pressing and productive. Can you handle this much intrigue, Libra? Are you willing to wander through the amazing maze of emotional teases to gather clues about the provocative riddles? I think you will have the poise and grace to do these things. If I’m right, you can expect deep revelations to appear and long-lost connections to re-emerge. Intriguing new connections are also possible. Be on high alert for subtle revelations and nuanced intuitions.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): It’s fun and easy to love people for their magnificent qualities and the pleasure you feel when they’re nice to you. What’s more challenging is to love the way they disappoint you. Now pause a moment and make sure you register what I just said. I didn’t assert that you should love them *even if* they disappoint you. Rather, I invited you to love them BECAUSE they disappoint you. In other words, use your disappointment to expand your understanding of who they really are, and thereby develop a more inclusive and realistic love for them. Regard your disappointment as an opportunity to deepen your compassion — and as a motivation to become wiser and more patient. (P.S.: In general, now is a time when so-called “negative” feelings can lead to creative breakthroughs and a deepening of love.)

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I assure you that you don’t need “allies” who encourage you to indulge in delusions or excesses. Nor do I recommend that you seek counsel from people who think you’re perfect. But you could benefit from colleagues who offer you judicious feedback. Do you know any respectful and perceptive observers who can provide advice about possible course corrections you could make? If not, I will fill the role as best as I can. Here’s one suggestion: Consider phasing out a mild pleasure and a small goal so you can better pursue an extra fine pleasure and a major goal.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I invite you to take an inventory of what gives you pleasure, bliss, and rapture. It’s an excellent time to identify the thrills that you love most. When you have made a master list of the fun and games that enhance your intelligence and drive you half-wild with joy, devise a master plan to ensure you will experience them as much as you need to — not just in the coming weeks, but forever. As you do, experiment with this theory: By stimulating delight and glee, you boost your physical, emotional, and spiritual health.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian author Lewis Carroll said, “You know what the issue is with this world? Everyone wants some magical solution to their problem, and everyone refuses to believe in magic.” In my astrological opinion, this won’t be an operative theme for you in the coming weeks, Aquarius. I suspect you will be inclined to believe fervently in magic, which will ensure that you attract and create a magical solution to at least one of your problems—and probably more.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Which would you prefer in the coming weeks: lots of itches, prickles, twitches and stings? Or, instead, lots of tingles, quivers, shimmers and soothings? To ensure the latter types of experiences predominate, all you need to do is cultivate moods of surrender, relaxation, welcome, and forgiveness. You will be plagued with the aggravating sensations only if you resist, hinder, impede, and engage in combat. Your assignment is to explore new frontiers of elegant and graceful receptivity.

Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 advertise@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds

RENTALS

HOMES FOR RENT

ASHEVILLE SHORT-TERM

FURNISHED RENTAL 10 mins to downtown. First home is a 3-2 at $1500 per week or $300 per night. Second home is a 1-1 at $600 per week or $150 per night. 3 night minimum.

828-380-6095

NEW DUPLEX UNIT FOR RENT New fully furnished private 1500 sq. ft. 1 bedroom unit in West Burnsville. Easy access to I-26. 45 minutes to Asheville. $1500 long or short term. Utilities included. 2 person maximum. Discount for seniors. Call or text Red at (954) 496-9000

EMPLOYMENT

GENERAL

FLOWER FARMER, FULL TIME AND PART TIME

OPPORTUNITIES Carolina

Flowers is seeking an experienced farmer with at least a year (or two seasons) of experience. $18 - $22 DOE. Farm is near Marshall. Apply at carolinaflowers.com/ jobs@ carolinaflowers.com

SALES/ MARKETING

SALES PROFESSIONAL WORK FOR A LOCAL COMPANY THAT HAS COVERED THE LOCAL SCENE FOR OVER 20 YEARS!

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

XCHANGE

SPORTING GOODS

CANOE FOR SALE (GRUMMAN) 13 foot all aluminum double ender. Excellent condition. Paddles and truck rear receiver rack included. $380. Text 772-285-3333

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

24/7 LOCKSMITH We are there when you need us for home & car lockouts. We'll get you back up and running quickly! Also, key reproductions, lock installs and repairs, vehicle fobs. Call us for your home, commercial and auto locksmith needs! 1-833-2371233. (AAN CAN)

AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE?

You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-292-8225 Have zip code of property ready when calling! (AAN CAN)

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES

In as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months!  Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 1-877-510-9918. (AAN CAN)

GOT AN UNWANTED CAR?

Donate it to Patriotic Hearts. Fast free pick up. All 50 States. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans find work or start their own business. Call 24/7: 1-855-402-7631. (AAN CAN)

NEED NEW WINDOWS?

Drafty rooms? Chipped or damaged frames? Need outside noise reduction? New, energy efficient windows may be the answer! Call for a consultation & FREE quote today. 1-877-248-9944. You will be asked for the zip code of the property when connecting. (AAN CAN)

PAYING TOP CA$H FOR MEN'S SPORT WATCHES

Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. Call 1-855-402-7109 (AAN CAN)

PEST CONTROL Protect your home from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-237-1199. (AAN CAN)

STOP OVERPAYING FOR

AUTO INSURANCE A recent survey says that most Americans are overpaying for their car insurance. Let us show you how much you can save. Call now for a no obligation quote: 1-866-472-8309

TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 1-855-402-7208. (AAN CAN)

UNCLAIMED PROPERTY The following is a list of unclaimed property currently being held at the Weaverville Police Department. Electronics, personal items, tools, weapons (including firearms) and other miscellaneous items. Anyone with a legitimate claim in the listed property has 30 days from the date of publication to contact the Weaverville Police Department, M-F 9AM - 3PM, 828-645-5700. Items not claimed within 30 days will be disposed of in accordance with North Carolina General Statute.

WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! Call 24/7: 1-888-2902264 Have zip code of service location ready when you call! (AAN CAN)

YOU MAY QUALIFY For disability benefits if you have are between 52-63 years old and under a doctor’s care for a health condition that prevents you from working for a year or more. Call now! 1-877-247-6750. (AAN CAN)

edited by Will Shortz | No.

Classic Camaro

5 Unit equivalent to eight quarts

9 *Closefitting

13 *Wiggler in a child’s mouth

14 “It seems to me …,” to a texter

___ de gallo

Like someone in pointe shoes, perhaps

A bit green

19 With 36-Across, mnemonic device for turning 54-Across … or a hint to the answers to the starred clues

T that comes before a Y

Pioneering I.S.P.

temper

the GameCube

Happy as a clam

*”Don’t go anywhere!”

See 19-Across

*Like some paper and tea

Prevented from being published

Asian honorific

Honest ___

Place for some “me time”

“Blue” river of waltz

Knot

Stick used for breaking

Toolbox tools

Base jumper, e.g.

Characteristic sound of Yoko Ono?

Arab bigwig

Fork part

*Rhyming partner of “Good night”

*Naval threats, according to an old saying

Rosebud in “Citizen Kane,” e.g.

67 Some 4x4s

1 ___ Islands (home to Corfu)

2 Hooch

3 “But then again …,” to a texter

4 Baker of jazz

5 Bean in refried beans

6 Contents of some folders

7 Pound, as a drink

8 Devoid of pork and shellfish, say

Neuters

Without it, that’s neat

Act like a bobblehead

Oh, to be in

“American ___”

Small fry

Name found when reading between the lines?

of old film

48 “Once a wolf, always a wolf” coiner

50 Program operators 51 It might be used while boxing 52 Did zippo

55 “Don’t be ___” (former Google motto)

56 “Casablanca” role

57 V, in electronics

58 Where Joe was bidin’ time?: Abbr.

caps

End of an act, maybe

Rids (of)

59 Chum, in Champagne

60 “Grip it and ___ it!” (golfer’s mantra)

ET who once appeared on “Entertainment