Mountain Xpress 05.10.23

BUILT TO LAST

Asheville GreenWorks is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year while two other nonprofits — MANNA FoodBank and Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity — are marking 40 years. Xpress sat down with leaders of the three organizations to discuss their longevity, how they’ve evolved over time and what the future holds. Pictured on the cover, starting left, are Eric Bradford of GreenWorks, Mary Nesbitt of MANNA and Ariane Kjellquist of Habitat for Humanity.

COVER

COVER

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 more than one copy of each issue.

To subscribe to Mountain Xpress, send check or money order to: Subscription Department, PO Box 144, Asheville NC 28802. First class delivery. One year (52 issues) $130 / Six months (26 issues) $70. We accept Mastercard & 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 TO THE PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson

MANAGING EDITOR: Thomas Calder

EDITORS: Lisa Allen, Jessica Wakeman

ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR: Thomas Calder

OPINION EDITOR: Tracy Rose

STAFF REPORTERS: Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Andy Hall, Justin McGuire, Sara Murphy, Greg Parlier, Brooke Randle, Jessica Wakeman

COMMUNITY CALENDAR & CLUBLAND: Andy Hall, Braulio Pescador-Martinez

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Mindi Friedwald, Peter Gregutt, Mary Jean Ronan Herzog, Rob Mikulak, Daniel Walton

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Mark Barrett, Blake Becker, Morgan Bost, LA Bourgeois, Carmela Caruso, Nikki Gensert, Bill Kopp, Trevor Leach, Amber Adams Niven, Daniel Walton

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER: Cindy Kunst

ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER: Susan Hutchinson

LEAD DESIGNER: Scott Southwick

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Tina Gaafary, Olivia Urban

MARKETING ASSOCIATES: Sara Brecht, Vicki Catalano, Jamie Knox, Scott Mermel

INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGIES: Hinton Edgerton, Jeff Fobes, Mark Murphy, Scott Southwick

WEB: Brandon Tilley

BOOKKEEPER: Amie Fowler

ADMINISTRATION & BILLING: Hinton Edgerton, Mark Murphy

DISTRIBUTION: Susan Hutchinson, Cindy Kunst

DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS: Leah Beck, Marlea Kunst, John McKay, Alexis Miller, Desiree Davis Mitchell, Henry Mitchell, Angelo Santa Maria, Courtney Israel Nash, Carl & Debbie Schweiger, Gary Selnick

COPYRIGHT

Fighting climate change means rejecting car-centered land use

Mountain Xpress’ sustainability series served as an excellent reminder that we need to think critically and act conscientiously to address the ongoing climate catastrophe. But it missed an opportunity to discuss our region’s sprawl and car dependency.

According to the Climate and Community Project, transportation is the country’s top source of carbon emissions. And in January, it reported that simply replacing every internal combustion vehicle with an electric one isn’t a solution. Mining lithium for EV batteries is an ecologically destructive activity. Additionally, it demands the continuation of extractivist geopolitical policies that exploit lithium-rich countries in South America.

To fight climate change, we must reduce the “vehicle-miles-traveled” from privately owned automobiles and make alternative modes of transportation more viable. This means rejecting the 1950s-era land use patterns that promote car dependency.

The United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has stated repeatedly that urban infill and density are key to promoting alternative transportation and in turn reducing carbon emissions and protecting natural carbon sinks — like forests — from sprawl. It affirmed this most recently in its 2023 “synthesis report.”

Furthermore, it happens that the same old land use patterns driving carbon emissions also drive housing unaffordability. In fact, our “exclusionary zoning” codes that mandate sprawl were intentionally designed a century ago to promote segregation and to ensure housing would be scarce enough to be a safe speculative asset for owners.

Given all of this, why is land use reform a dirty concept in Asheville?

Last year’s “open space amendment” [avl.mx/coa] debate saw so-called “environmentalists” defending sprawl against a reform promoting infill housing near transit and jobs.

One reason might be found in environmentalism’s history. For men like the famous John Muir, “the environment” represented something opposed to cities and their pollution but also their heterogeneous populations. Environmentalism was an individualistic pursuit. It meant preservation, but not sustainability or justice.

The climate and housing crises together demand that we do what generations of environmentalists have done before us — to question our own biases and received understandings of what is just and what is “green” and to evolve accordingly. (One noted envi-

ronmentalist doing this work is Bill McKibben, who writes this month in Mother Jones about his own conversion to opposing “NIMBYism.”)

Asheville will soon have the opportunity to evolve its position on land use, as the city is slated to address its zoning code’s “missing middle” [avl.mx/cob]. I hope next year the sustainability series will evolve to address land use, too.

— Andrew Paul Asheville

Could seniors get a break on water rate hikes?

I am a senior citizen who has lived here now in Arden, South Asheville, for 18 years. I also am disabled due to many physical injuries in my lifetime,

including a severe TBI (traumatic brain injury) as a young teenager.

I have always paid my bills on time through all the increases and adjustments that have been made. I am not rich, and with my rising property taxes and, yes, everything else, I find it difficult sometimes to understand. I, too, know that many others are like me in my same boat, as they would say.

My area of South Asheville, as you know, is being overwhelmed with development and traffic. I see lots and lots of expensive cars and homes nowadays that were not here even 10 years ago. I see so many more homeless people due to the cost of living here, too!

Is there any chance that Asheville City Council could maybe find some way to give the lower- and middle-class seniors a break from at least this usually yearly water increase? People, especial-

ly seniors, who have not been blessed with the riches that others have?

Yes, I am blessed with a smaller, older home and to be living here. But these days and all of the increases are beginning to, let’s say, “scare me”! Will I be able to keep up with my home repairs and everything else that comes with owning a home (944 square feet) I love?

— Karen Smelter Arden

GOP’s focus on drag queens isn’t about protecting children

Where are children more in danger: a drag show or a house of worship? N.C. House Bill 673 asserts the focus of our fear should be those female impersonators who dance across the stage, call out bingo numbers and occasionally read books to children. Anyone who performs in a drag show in public could be arrested and charged with a crime under a new bill proposed by North Carolina Republican lawmakers, including sponsor Rep. Jeff Zenger, R-Forsyth. Zenger filed the bill after receiving complaints about a drag show at a local community college.

Many conservatives are quick to equate drag queens with pedophilia and other forms of child abuse, but the weight of historical evidence should make us more concerned about trusting children in the company of priests and youth pastors.

In 2022, Southern Baptists released a previously secret list of hundreds of pastors and other church-affiliated personnel accused of sexual abuse, including 30 North Carolinians. There have been thousands of reported cases of sexual abuse among Catholic priests and the subsequent cover-up of their abuse by archdioceses across the country. In 2019, the Diocese of Charlotte published a list of 14 clergy who were credibly accused of child sexual abuse, including Michael Joseph Kelleher, who served at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Hendersonville.

In recent headlines, a Franklin, Tenn., pastor was arrested in April, accused of using his church’s internet to upload images of child sexual abuse. In February, a Pennsylvania grand jury accused nine men with connections to Jehovah’s Witnesses to cases of sexual abuse.

All forms of child sexual abuse, child pornography and exploitation should be condemned and prosecuted, but the Republican Party’s laser focus on drag shows isn’t about protecting children. It’s political theater and a waste of time and energy.

— John Owens Hendersonville

CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON

CARTOON BY IRENE OLDS

CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN

WHY I VOLUNTEER WHY I VOLUNTEER

Tree-passionate people

Pat Strang is a volunteer at Asheville GreenWorks, which works to create an equitable, climate-resilient future for the community.

How long have you volunteered with GreenWorks, and what inspired you to do so?

I have been volunteering with GreenWorks since June of 2019. After attending a Tree Commission meeting, I was recruited to join the Tree Protection Task Force. From there, I became most interested in the Treasured Tree program and have been working on that team ever since. The Treasured Tree team currently consists of six volunteers who visit each of the nominated trees, attach a plaque to the tree and present the owner with a certificate.

What have you learned about the individuals you serve?

I’ve found that the folks who nominate their trees have a deep appreciation of trees and a concern for the environment. Most are well aware of the tree canopy loss here in Asheville and hope that by nominating their trees, they are providing some level of protection for them. The tree owners are very proud of their Treasured Trees!

What has been the greatest reward in the work that you do?

Joining the TPTF and the Treasured Tree team has introduced me to so many tree-passionate people! I love the enthusiasm of our team and of the tree owners. Each tree has an interesting history, and the owners love to share those stories. We see a lot of trees that we believe are 100-200 years old and in good health!

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

GreenWorks has so many great volunteer activities, literally something for everyone. GreenWorks is a great organization that truly appreciates their volunteers. X

Show up for the community

Steven Reinhold is a volunteer with Outdoor Gear Builders. The organization works to foster a prosperous outdoor business community by cultivating, connecting and supporting WNC’s outdoor industry.

What inspired you to join Outdoor Gear Builders?

Working with the OGB folks at the 2022 Outdoor Economy Conference in Cherokee combined with my intrinsic desire to stoke our local outdoor industry inspired me to join OGB’s efforts.

What have you learned about the individuals you serve?

Individuals in the outdoor industry tend to be amazing people with big hearts and adventurous spirits, but that doesn’t directly translate into business savvy or the ability to pursue profitable endeavors. We tend to be dreamers in the outdoor industry, and Outdoor Gear Builders exists to help make those dreams a reality for WNC businesses.

What has been the greatest reward?

As someone who tends to explore and adventure on their own, getting to know this group of like-minded individuals has greatly enriched my life, my adventures and given me a newfound sense of community here within WNC.

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

If you’re on the fence about volunteering, I would encourage you to lean into the experience. You don’t have to save the world through your efforts. All you have to do is give it your best effort, be consistent and show up for the community you wish to serve. X

PAT STRANG STEVEN REINHOLD

Dear John Francis Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil IV (Jack)

by Lord Robert Cecil (as channeled and quoted by Bill Branyon)

I am writing to you as one of your many distinguished Cecil relatives. This group includes your first cousin, William Cecil, who owns Biltmore Estate. My full name is Edgar Algernon Robert GascoyneCecil, 1st Viscount Cecil of Chelwood (1864-1958.) According to Wikipedia, we are both descended from another William Cecil, 1st Baron of Burghley, “principal adviser to England’s Queen Elizabeth I through most of her reign.”

I was awarded the 1937 Nobel Peace Prize for fighting against war and the military-industrial complex. Whereas you, as CEO of Biltmore Farms, control much of the land that George Vanderbilt originally bought for his Biltmore Estate and

are in great part responsible for Buncombe County’s new Pratt & Whitney plant that makes weapon parts. In other words, we are working at cross-purposes.

The Nobel Committee said it was presenting me with its peace award in recognition of my “tireless effort in support of the League of Nations, disarmament and peace. ... Three statesmen who occupied leading positions during World War I were so deeply struck by the deprivation of human life and economic resources, by the futility of war as a social institution, and by its amorality, that they became convinced pacifists and, throughout the rest of their lives, spared no effort to prevent such a calamity from ever again overtaking mankind.”

The other two statesmen were my friends Woodrow Wilson, the American president, and French Prime Minister Aristide Briand, both of whom had previously received the peace prize. My father, Robert Gascoyne-Cecil, served as prime minister of England under Queen Victoria three times. Whereas you and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners arranged for tens of millions of dollars in taxpayer and other subsidies for the Pratt & Whitney factory which, among other things, builds airfoils for an extremely DEADLY jet called the F-35 Lightning. And then you said, according to Asheville.com/News , “The vision for this facility [Pratt

& Whitney] to become a lighthouse location of innovation for the aerospace industry and for our region was inspiring.” It appears that you hope to make Buncombe into a major center for weapons production.

ARMAMENT MANIACS

Still, I believe you have inherited the good heart that characterizes most of the Cecil family. After all, our family motto is “Cor unum via una,” which is Latin for “One heart, one way.” Thus, you probably believe either that creating ever more and ever more destructive weapons prevents wars or that wars are inevitable and the weapons at least help America win those inevitabilities. In one of my four books, The Way of Peace, I called this “the old preparedness heresy.” I continued: “I recognize that force may still be an unavoidable element of international life as it is in national life. But it must be the force of the whole community directed against the lawbreaker and not legalized international brigandage.”

Indeed, stopping international brigandage was one of the major reasons that President Wilson and I started the League of Nations. So, despite what the Nobel committee contended, neither of us was a pacifist. And not so long ago, your country inflicted this same brigandage on humanity, killing hundreds of thousands of people based on the

BRANYON

fraudulent claim that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction.

So, I’m asking you to consider that building excessive numbers of weapons factories may actually be causing war rather than preventing it. As I wrote in my autobiography, A Great Experiment:

“We read sometimes in the papers of terrible cases of human beings who have become addicted to some of those horrible drugs, morphine, cocaine or the like, and they go taking more and more of them until they are ruined body and soul. We call them drug maniacs. I fear very much that there are some armament maniacs still left among the nations of the world. ...

“What keeps alive armaments is one thing and one thing only: It is the fear and suspicions of the nations for one another. We must have a

BILL

“The Ukraine War, or a direct war with Russia or China, could easily become World War III.”

new spirit in international affairs. We must get rid of the idolatry of force.”

Please consider that you and the Buncombe County commissioners who approved this factory may unknowingly be part of this idolatry of force. And I believe it inevitably leads to unnecessary wars because:

“Pretty soon an atmosphere is produced in which everyone talks of war and when that happens, war almost always follows. This is no fancy picture. People of my age have seen the process going on more than once — a kind of automatic drive toward war which, when it breaks out, is justified to the peaceful majority in each country as a war of self-defense.”

This is what I believe happened in the war that formed my opinions, World War I. Please consider that the same thing may now be happening to you, the Buncombe County commissioners and America with regard to Ukraine, Russia and China.

MERCHANTS OF DEATH

In 1934, I was one of some 500,000 volunteers who organized a Peace Ballot in England to try to influence Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald. More than 11 million registered voters took part, the vast majority of whom agreed that the manufacture and sale of armaments for private profit should “be prohibited by international agreement.”

Those millions believed that private weapons manufacturers were a threat to peace. And the Nye Committee, which your own U.S. Congress convened for almost two years from 1934-36, called these private manufacturers “merchants of death.” According to Wikipedia, “Senator Nye, many war critics and members of the American public concluded that the U.S. entered [World War I] for reasons of profit, not policy.” Please consider investigating whether Raytheon Technologies, the

parent company of Pratt & Whitney, is also doing this. Consider, too, whether you and America are caught in an automatic drive toward a war with Russia and China orchestrated by such merchants of death.

Some analysts believe that the reason the U.S. has continued to support expanding NATO membership by admitting countries adjacent to Russia despite having given the Soviet Union indications that it wouldn’t do so was in order to sell American weapons to Ukraine and other countries in Eastern Europe.

Your war promoters may claim that a war with Russia or China can be controlled. But as I contended in The Way of Peace: “When war begins, no one can limit its extent. That is the truth which history teaches, and which all intelligent men and women should recognize.” Thus, the Ukraine War, or a direct war with Russia or China, could easily become World War III. And, as my friend Albert Einstein once said: “I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones.”

You often say that you try to see “the bigger picture.” But I submit to you that the biggest picture is preventing nuclear annihilation. You could use your obviously great powers of charisma, organization and persistence to destroy war — perhaps forever — and in the process save civilization. You can do it! After all, you’re a Cecil. We’ve been saving civi lization since 1588, when our common ancestor William helped the Virgin Queen sink that enemy of freedom of religion, the Spanish Armada!

Sincerely, Lord Robert Cecil Freelance historian Bill Branyon is a member of the activist group Reject Raytheon Asheville (rejectraytheonavl. com), which is trying to stop Jack Cecil and the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners from bringing more weapons factories to the area.

Finding peace in helping other veterans

Every Tuesday morning, I drive 15 minutes from my home in Swannanoa to Asheville to volunteer with Warrior Canine Connection, a nonprofit that breeds, trains and places highly skilled service dogs with veterans with visible and invisible wounds.

As a U.S. Army veteran, I have become intimately familiar with the important role service dogs can play in a veteran’s life. In fact, I learned about WCC after applying for a service dog of my own through a different organization. While I never got a service dog through the other group, I did start volunteering at WCC about a year ago.

I served as a combat engineer during the Vietnam War and years later was diagnosed with cancer due to exposure to Agent Orange. I’ve battled several different forms of cancer since 2005, and in 2018 was diagnosed with stage 4 liver cancer.

I am currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment, and my other form of treatment comes in the form of a wet nose and wagging tail. Each Tuesday morning, while I’m there to help as a volunteer, I greatly benefit from each session myself. I go there to help others but walk away feeling better both physically and emotionally.

WCC’s program is special in that it utilizes area veterans to help train service dogs for their fellow warriors. People like me get to learn about training a dog and, at the same time, learn so much about themselves during the process — things like patience, communication skills, accountability — just to name a few. And the cherry on top is that each dog, at the end of its rigorous training, which takes about two years, is ultimately placed with another veteran in need of support.

It’s a win-win, knowing I’m helping others but also getting to spend time with my fellow brothers and sisters in the military. Battling an illness isn’t for the faint of heart, but I stay positive thanks to my deep faith, family and friends, and by spending my time helping others. I’m so grateful to give back.

— Johnny Martinez, Swannanoa, with Beth Bourgeois, Warrior Canine Connection

Johnny Martinez has lived in North Carolina since 2003. He is a Vietnam War veteran and avid supporter of the veteran community. If you’re a service member, veteran or member of a military family and are interested in getting involved with WCC, you can learn more at warriorcanineconnection.org.

FRIENDS INDEED: Johnny Martinez sits alongside Bryce, a Warrior Canine Connection service dog in training at its Asheville location. Photo courtesy of Warrior Canine Connection

Built to last

BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE

jmcguire@mountainx.com

MANNA FoodBank distributed 42,000 pounds of food to the hungry in 1983. Not bad for a new group operating out of the basement of Eliada Home and relying on a small group of volunteers driving their own cars.

That same year, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity began building its first home, which would not be completed and sold until 1985 as volunteers worked just a few days a week over 18 months. And a group called Quality Forward celebrated its 10th anniversary by continuing efforts to clean up and beautify Buncombe County and promote environmental education in area schools.

Four decades later, the three nonprofits are still around, but their scope and missions have evolved considerably. MANNA, for instance, now distributes more than 42,000 pounds a day in 16 Western North Carolina counties. It operates out of a 50,000-square-foot double warehouse on Swannanoa River Road and has a fleet of 14 refrigerated trucks and a refrigerated van.

Habitat for Humanity builds 15-17 new houses and repairs 70-75 houses every year in Buncombe and Madison counties. And Quality Forward — renamed Asheville GreenWorks in 2007 — operates 250 environmental projects a year in areas ranging from urban forestry to water quality.

As MANNA and Habitat mark their 40th anniversaries and GreenWorks celebrates 50 years, Xpress sits down

Local nonprofits look back on decades of growth, change

with long-time leaders from each group to discuss their longevity, how they’ve evolved over time and what the future holds.

PEOPLE POWER

GreenWorks was never supposed to last 50 years. In fact, the organi-

WHY I VOLUNTEER

zation was born with a three-year expiration date.

Its surprising longevity is thanks to more than 72,000 volunteers who have cleaned streams, picked up roadside trash and planted trees over the years, says Eric Bradford, director of operations. “When someone sees the vest that says ’Volunteer

Building relationships with local farmers

Lisa Fields is a volunteer with the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project. The nonprofit helps link farmers to markets and supporters and strives to build healthy communities through connections to local food.

How long have you been volunteering with ASAP?

I have volunteered during the Fall ASAP Farm tours for three years.

What have you learned about the individuals you serve?

I have learned that people are genuinely curious about not only the produce they are buying but also the farms where it is grown. People are invested in understanding where their food comes from, and it is rewarding to be able to help them learn.

What have you enjoyed most about your volunteer work?

The greatest reward has been the relationships I have made with local farmers and the sense of community I feel when I see the people enjoying the farm tours.

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

I would recommend that anyone interested in volunteering go on the farm tours to get a sense of the amazing work that ASAP does and as a way to see how they could participate.

GreenWorks’ on it, you know something good is about to happen.”

The group began in April 1973, when the city of Asheville and Buncombe County announced the formation of Quality ’76, an ambitious program designed to “improve the area” in anticipation of the nation’s bicentennial celebration in 1976. Much of the focus was on beautifying Asheville’s central business district and other parts of the county.

Quality ’76’s biggest project over its first three years was a deep cleanup of the then-polluted Swannanoa River.

“Well, 1976 comes, and there’s still so much work to do, and the community wouldn’t let it go,” Bradford explains.

The newly rechristened Quality Forward developed stewardship programs for the French Broad River watershed and the city’s urban tree canopy, worked with neighborhood groups and joined with the National Arbor Day Foundation to designate Asheville as “Tree City USA.”

In 2007, Quality Forward became Asheville GreenWorks to better reflect its environmental mission.

LISA FIELDS

HELPING THE HUNGRY: MANNA FoodBank has distributed more than 300 million pounds of food in Western North Carolina since 1983. Photo courtesy of MANNA FoodBank

Bradford has worked for the group for 13 years, but his connection goes much deeper. As a child attending Buncombe County schools in the 1980s and ’90s, he heard Quality Forward’s message many times.

“They came into the schools and told us about environmental concepts,” he says. “They did this for years. They gave us ownership of the environment. So, I have a different view on it than most of my other colleagues because most of them moved in from outside of the area.”

Over the years, environmental educators from the group have spoken to more than 10,000 students, making the group’s message tangible to multiple generations, he says.

Habitat and MANNA leaders agree that community involvement has been key to their longevity.

“Habitat’s mission really resonates with people,” says Ariane Kjellquist, communication director. “Everyone can relate to housing because it’s a basic human need, and our work is really tangible. You can meet the homeowners, you can see the houses being built.”

Habitat builds and repairs homes Monday through Friday each week, with 25-30 volunteers participating each day for a total of about 55,000

volunteer hours annually, she says. The organization sells the new homes to qualified families at no profit. Homeowners are required to

WHY I VOLUNTEER

Becoming a citizen scientist

Jim Clark has volunteered with MountainTrue since 2014, collecting water samples for E. coli testing along the French Broad River. Today, he also collects microplastic water samples and conducts monthly plastic counts at Pierson Bridge.

What inspired you to volunteer with MountainTrue?

I was impressed with MountainTrue’s hands-on approach to improving our regional environment and its advocacy and outreach to state and local government leaders. I was inspired to do my part as a “citizen scientist.”

What have you learned about the individuals you serve?

When people see me taking water samples for E. coli, they often ask about the condition of the French Broad River. The test results are posted online at theswimguide.org. A good rule of thumb is that when the water turbidity is up, especially from runoff after a big rain, then the E. coli levels are likely to be elevated. Obviously, people should avoid swallowing the water or swimming with an open skin lesion.

What has been the greatest reward of volunteering for the nonprofit?

The greatest reward is seeing the data we’ve collected used as evidence for actions to clean up the river and reduce the consumption of single-use plastics.

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

“Citizen science” is just one of the many volunteer opportunities at MountainTrue. Check out their website to find your niche. X

perform a minimum of 200 hours of sweat equity.

“A safe, stable, affordable home can change the trajectory of a family’s life, and we have seen that play out time and time again,” says Kjellquist, who’s been with Habitat for 17 years. “Children go to college, chronic health conditions dissipate, parents save for the future, families build generational wealth. Everyone is thriving instead of just surviving.”

The group became the first Habitat chapter in North Carolina when it was incorporated in February 1983. That October, volunteers constructed an extra bedroom onto a house on Highland Street. Since that first modest project, Habitat has built more than 367 new houses and repaired more than 400 existing homes. About 2,100 people in all have benefitted from those efforts, she says.

In the same time frame, MANNA has distributed more than 300 million pounds of food across Western North Carolina through 276 agencies. From three volunteers working out of that Eliada Home basement in 1983, the group has grown to rely on 3,000 or so every year.

“Since our infancy stages, it’s been all about the people who have come alongside us to help get food to those who need it most,” says Mary Nesbitt, chief development officer for the nonprofit for the past eight years. “It’s this vast community of incredible people who believe that no one should go hungry.”

CHANGING WITH THE TIMES

In addition to experiencing enormous growth over the decades, each of the nonprofits has seen its mission evolve in various ways.

“We’ve been really strategic about our growth and done so with intentionality and planning,” Habitat’s Kjellquist says.

In 1990, for instance, the group — then named WNC Habitat for Humanity — opened a furniture resale shop called the Habitat Home Store on Biltmore Avenue. In 2003, the Home Store moved to its current location on Meadow Road. In 2011, Habitat added 13,000 square feet to the spot and renamed it ReStore. A second location opened in Weaverville in 2019.

Proceeds from the ReStores help fund Habitat.

In 2009, the group became one of the first Habitat affiliates to do home repairs, such as replacing roofs and upgrading heating systems, in addition to building houses. More recently, it launched Aging in Place, a program that builds affordable one-story townhomes for people 55 and older.

“We know the population of older people in this community is growing at all levels, but nobody was addressing the low-income residents,” she says.

MANNA has grown in similar ways.

The group’s 1-800 Food Helpline allows people to call and find food pantries or programs in their areas.

NO PLACE LIKE HOME: Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity has served more than 21,000 Buncombe County adults and children since its founding 40 years ago. Photo courtesy Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity

JIM CLARK

Additionally, Helpline operators are trained to help people sign up for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and connect them with other resources. In 2022, the helpline took 24,000 calls, Nesbitt says.

In 2018, MANNA received a $170,000 gift from the Glass Foundation to fund a food pantry on wheels to serve communities that lack their own pantries. The organization now hosts regular mobile markets in the 16 counties in partnership with community groups, public-sector partners and local nonprofits.

One of the biggest changes, Nesbitt says, is MANNA’s strategic decision about a decade ago to focus on healthy, balanced meals.

“Those in poverty, especially people of color and marginalized communities, face disproportionate health disparities,” she says. “We decided it was not enough for us to just get food to people. We have worked diligently on increasing the amount of fresh produce and protein and perishable items that we get to people.”

GreenWorks’ Bradford says the nonprofit has listened to the community when assessing how to evolve and change.

The group helped launch a pioneering recycling plan in Buncombe County in the early 1980s. Eventually, the city of Asheville and Buncombe County took over management of recycling and waste reduction, allowing GreenWorks to focus on core missions like urban forestry and litter cleanup.

More recently, the organization implemented a paid internship program for high school and college students who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color.

“I’m a cisgender white guy, and most of the environmental people look like me,” he says. “How do we change that? How do we say you’re welcome at the table? It’s a small program, but it’s a way we are trying to make inroads.”

Along the same lines, GreenWorks now looks at its projects through a lens of equity and inclusion.

“Being around for 50 years, we’ve been guilty sometimes of making decisions because we thought we knew better, like where to plant trees in a certain area,” he explains. “But nowadays you need to make sure that you’re receiving a lot of feedback from your community members before you make any decisions about the environments in their areas.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Each of the nonprofits has ambitious plans for the future.

GreenWorks’ strategic plan calls for addressing local climate issues, such as flooding and heat vulnerability, over the next five years, Bradford says. Additionally, the group wants to work with state and local governments, as well as private companies, on solving environmental problems like polluted local streams and rivers.

“We need to go upstream, not just in a physical but a figurative sense, and do what we can as a society to reduce that flow of this trash,” he says. “We’ve spent 50 years holding cleanups, so we know where it’s coming from. And now it’s time to start working with policymakers to say we have this data and it’s time to make a move because we can’t spend another 50 years just cleaning up the trash.”

Habitat’s strategic plan, which began in 2018 and runs through 2028, calls for the nonprofit to serve 1,000 families, which would address 10% of the region’s affordable homeownership and repair needs. “Affordable housing remains one of our region’s most pressing needs,” Kjellquist says.

Among the group’s other goals are identifying additional ways to invest in historically Black and Latinx communities and increasing its donor and volunteer base in Madison County. Habitat expanded operations to Madison County in 2021.

By the Numbers

ASHEVILLE GREENWORKS

Founded: 1973

(as Quality ‘76)

Operating Revenue (2022): $702,177

No. of Employees: 8

ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Founded: 1983

Operating Revenue (2022): $19,355,909

No. of Employees: 68

MANNA’s plans for the next decade include working with policymakers to help address the root causes of poverty and food insecurity.

“Our focus is always going to be food for today, getting food to people who need it,” Nesbitt says. “But we also want to expand our work in food for tomorrow and food for a lifetime. And the food-for-a-lifetime work is really around advocacy and public policy and public-private partnerships.”

The number of local nonprofits has grown considerably since 1983, but all three groups say things are more collaborative than competitive. For instance, Habitat and MANNA have teamed up on food drives in the ReStore, and GreenWorks has received funding through the store’s Register Round Up Program, which allows shoppers to round their purchases up to the nearest dollar in support of a local nonprofit they choose. And Bradford previously sat on Habitat’s Societal Impact Committee.

“Organizations tend to really have each other’s backs,” Nesbitt says. “I think that’s something that is really special about this area.”

MANNA FOODBANK

Founded: 1983

Operating Revenue (2022): $36,844,717

(includes food donation valuations)

No. of Employees: 70

Sources: Asheville GreenWorks, Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, MANNA FoodBank

Strength in numbers

BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN

When it comes to voting rights, Ron Katz leaves nothing to chance.

For nearly 20 years, the Asheville resident has been a registered independent voter so that his work as the facilitator of the WNC Nonpartisan Voting Group and board member of Carolina Jews for Justice can’t be called into question.

“We bend over backwards to be nonpartisan,” Katz says. “Someone can go into the North Carolina voter search page to find out my affiliation. I don’t want anybody to get the impression that I’m speaking in support of a political party, nor am I speaking in support of or representing a particular organization.”

Such transparency is critical for nonpartisan voting rights and education nonprofits, which Katz notes are often villainized by groups seeking to undermine election integrity. While he says voting rights used to be a nonpartisan issue, it’s increasingly interpreted as a left-wing cause.

“And that is an unfair characterization, just like it’s unfair to say that there is a substantial amount of voter fraud and that elections are rigged towards one political party,” he says. “But unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation out there, and sometimes that is the only information that some people have, and so they have some issues with that.”

To help combat misinformation and to be a source for unbiased data, Katz launched a free e-newsletter in 2017 and typically sends out new editions twice a month. “I don’t know all the answers but the key for me is to connect people to groups that do have the answers,” he says.

Nonpartisan voting rights organizations confront mounting challenges

Katz takes a similar approach with the WNC Nonpartisan Voting Group, bringing together people who are affiliated with nonpartisan groups in Western North Carolina, as well as some statewide organizations that don’t have a presence in WNC. They meet monthly to talk about ways that they can better understand what each group is doing.

“There’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and our goal is not to unnecessarily duplicate,” he says. “Our goal is also not to add work to anybody — because we’ve got plenty to do — but to support each other. It’s really a way to build relationships, and that’s

key for us. Not just relationships but trusting relationships.”

MAJOR LEAGUES

Among the organizations that Katz works with in the WNC Nonpartisan Voting Group are the local chapters of the League of Women Voters. Suzanne Fisher, president of the AshevilleBuncombe County contingency, describes her organization as “a fiercely nonpartisan and nonprofit organization” with 501(c)(3) designation.

“We want to be viewed as a trusted neutral party that can be relied on for accurate and objective information.

We are not beholden to any political party or political action committee. Even when candidates and/or parties support issues that we do, we never endorse either,” Fisher says. “We are nonprofit because we do not want to answer to investors as to why our activities are not generating revenue. We can focus on our mission and not worry about making a profit.”

Being part of an extended network also helps these efforts. Fisher notes that LWVABC maintains active partnerships with other league chapters, particularly Henderson County and Catawba Valley. And it has a 501(c)(4) component, granting it tax exemption as a social welfare organization, as do LWV’s North Carolina and national iterations. According to Katz, such designations further differentiate these organizations from their profit-minded counterparts.

“I think the for-profit groups imply that they’re doing this because they’re looking for a specific outcome — and I’m not sure that there’s any for-profit nonpartisan groups out there. I think they’re mostly partisan,” Katz says. “And we do have an outcome: It’s not that one candidate gets elected over another. It’s that everybody who is eligible has the opportunity to participate with as little impediment as possible.”

BRANCHING OUT: Local chapters of the League of Women Voters have expanded their outreach in recent years, including having booths at the Asheville Hemp Fest. Photo courtesy of LWV Asheville-Buncombe County

A challenge of being nonpartisan is that LWVABC has to be extremely careful in deciding which organizations to partner with, making sure that they share the same definition of “nonpartisan” — which also extends to not opposing any candidates.

“However, we are political in that we take positions on selected governmental and other issues after study and consensus,” says Brenda J. Sherrer, president of LWV’s Henderson County chapter. “Our league recognizes the role of political parties in government and believes that participation in the activities of parties is an essential ingredient of citizen responsibility. But while we urge our members to be politically active, certain constraints are necessary to maintain nonpartisanship of the league as an organization.”

While the chapters operate from their specific counties, they extend far beyond what their names suggest. In particular, Fisher says LWVABC’s moniker is historic but not completely descriptive in that the group welcomes everyone as members, not just Buncombe County women, and has participants in Cherokee, Jackson, Madison, Haywood and McDowell counties.

This expanded membership has proved essential as LWVABC has increased its voter registration and education efforts in recent years. Along with having a table at new events, such as the Asheville Hemp Festival in late April, the group is broadening its scope to providing voter information in Spanish and Russian, and increasing its presence on social media platforms.

STATEWIDE SUPPORT

In addition to these efforts, the local LWV chapters have expanded their collaborations, working with such fellow nonpartisan nonprofits as the Carter Center and Common Cause North Carolina. Bob Phillips, executive director of Common Cause NC, notes that the state chapter has its roots in Western North Carolina going back 50 years and that some of its most active members continue to be in WNC.

“Over the decades, we’ve worked to protect the freedom to vote for all North Carolinians, counter the corrosive influence of money in politics and demand transparency at every level of government,” Phillips says. “We’ve fought to end gerrymandering, including when Asheville was split

by unconstitutionally gerrymandered congressional districts. And our effort to establish lasting, nonpartisan redistricting reform continues today. Above all, we’re working to create an inclusive, multiracial democracy where everyone has a voice.”

Phillips adds that in recent years, and certainly since the 2020 election, there has been “a rise in attempts by self-serving politicians and anti-voter extremists to unfairly restrict access to the ballot box.” He and his colleagues also have witnessed a sharp increase in politicians “spreading dangerous misinformation and trying to sow unfounded distrust in our elections.”

“In turn, we and our fellow pro-democracy partners have increased our efforts to combat that misinformation by providing reliable facts to the public,” he says. “We’ve also ramped up our nonpartisan election protection work with our grassroots volunteers to ensure the rights of all voters are respected at the polls.”

Furthermore, Phillips notes that Common Cause NC has strengthened its work inside the halls of government, providing data to lawmakers showing that voters across the political spectrum benefit from robust access to the polls, including early voting,

same-day voter registration and voting absentee by mail.

“We use truth to counter political operatives who are trying to dismantle voting access through their distorted misinformation,” he says. “But we know that fight will continue into 2024 and beyond.”

Over the past decade, Phillips points to historic victories against gerrymandering in North Carolina and growing support for redistricting reform among the public. An increase in North Carolinians, regardless of political party, using early voting and sameday registration likewise has him optimistic that Common Cause’s work is making a difference and can withstand “the baseless attacks on our elections by anti-democracy extremists.”

“I’m also hopeful because of the young people we meet,” Phillips says. “We’re privileged to work with college students around the state, including at all 10 Historically Black Colleges and Universities in North Carolina. Seeing these outstanding students advocating at the legislature, leading marches to the polls and boldly speaking out for the issues they care about makes me confident in our future. We’ll be in good hands with the rising generation.”

Giving is more fulfilling than getting

Judith Biery is a volunteer with Bounty & Soul. The nonprofit provides free produce markets and wellness education to the residents of Western North Carolina.

What inspired you to volunteer, and what is your role?

I’ve been volunteering with the organization for about a year, and I do a bit of whatever needs to be done. I help in the kitchen or at the market, work with the local programs, and clean, paint and garden, among other things.

I joined because I think it’s vital to provide high-quality, healthy food to our community without bias. I also appreciate that Bounty & Soul offers educational resources to help people become stewards of their own health and the health of their families.

What have you learned about the individuals you serve?

Ali Casparian, who started Bounty and Soul almost 10 years ago, is a force of nature and a great human. The Bounty & Soul team is smart, capable and committed. There is a unique fellowship here that I haven’t experienced elsewhere.

Working with the food-insecure community has been eye-opening. It’s easy to assume that food insecurity exists solely in low-income populations, but it’s more complicated than that. Healthy, fresh food is difficult to access for more people than you might realize, and money isn’t the only barrier. For example, we are able to support many individuals with health challenges who see positive results after learning to adjust their cooking and eating habits. Bounty & Soul provides an effective combination of information and ingredients.

What’s been the greatest reward in volunteering?

I get to do work that is both enjoyable and valuable to the community. I’ve also been able to connect with like-minded volunteers and others in the organization who have become cherished friends. I love to interact with and learn from the people I work alongside and the community members we serve. I feel respected and appreciated for my contributions.

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

In my experience, giving is so much more fulfilling than getting. Do a little bit of research and then jump in wherever you think you can help. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain. X

JUDITH BIERY

Identity crisis

At BearWaters Brewing Co., which sits on the banks of the Pigeon River in view of Canton’s 115-year-old paper mill, you can order a beer called the Papertown Pilsner.

If you’d prefer a nonalcoholic drink, you can walk less than a half-mile to Main Street and get a caffeine fix at Papertown Coffee. Not far from there is Papertown Billiards, just across the street from the large “Papertown” mural that covers a wall in Water Wheel Park.

Elsewhere in the Haywood County town, you can find Papertown Equipment Rental, Papertown Storage and a slew of signs with the words “Papertown Strong.”

For more than a century, Canton’s identity has been tied to the pulp and paper mill that opened in 1908 as the Champion Fibre Co. The mill has provided jobs, tax revenue and a sense of community for generations — the beloved Pisgah High School football team even adorns its helmets with the words “Mill Town.”

But that is about to change.

The mill’s closure, announced by Illinois-based Pactiv-Evergreen in March, will begin Friday, June 9, with the first in a series of layoffs. By the time the plant is closed for good on March 9, 2025, more than 1,100 jobs and about $3 million in annual tax revenue will be gone.

Will the town’s identity be next?

“The day after the announcement, I was taking my son to preschool, and I was driving down the hill toward the mill,” says Mayor Zeb Smathers, who traces his family’s roots back to the county’s earliest days. “And it just numbed me to think this child and the children of so many others in Haywood County are going to grow up in a community without the mill.

Can Canton still be a mill town without a mill?

BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE

jmcguire@mountainx.com

It’s just tied into our DNA. And now we’re faced with: How can we be a mill town without a mill?”

For Smathers and others around town, the answer will involve relying on traits they say have defined Canton’s blue-collar ethos since 1908 — hard work, tenacity, community — while charting a course for the rest of the 21st century. That course will include embracing growth, positioning the town as an outdoors recreation hub and determining the future of the mill site itself.

“Change is hard, and change is definitely coming,” says Lisa

Conard, who opened Pigeon River Mercantile on Main Street in 2018. “But if we all just link arms and press on, I think we can get through it and look back and think, ‘Wow, that was a pivotal moment and look where we are now.’”

RETHINKING CANTON

The shuttering of the mill is likely to create opportunities for Canton to experience the WNC real estate boom that so far has eluded it. Developers and others have been wary of a town dominated by a 150-acre industrial site that emits smoke, steam and an infamous dank odor caused by

hydrogen sulfide and other reduced sulfur compounds.

“There is no doubt in my mind that there are lots of people who are now thinking, ‘Hmm, I need to rethink Canton,’ ” says Jeanne Forrest , who opened Grateful Table Cafe & Provisions on Main Street in 2022. “I expect that we are going to have a noticeable increase in business inquiries from people looking to relocate to the area almost immediately.”

In fact, 84 real estate agents and others interested in property sales said in a recent poll they believe the mill’s closing “will create opportunities for real estate investors,” according to the Asheville Citizen Times

MILLING ABOUT: A large “Papertown” mural covers a wall in downtown Canton’s Water Wheel Park. Photo by Justin McGuire

But growth must be carefully planned by officials, cautions Russ Harris , executive director of the Sylva-based Southwestern Commission, a regional council of government that serves Haywood and six other counties.

“Housing costs have stayed affordable in Canton for a variety of reasons over the years,” he explains. “And all of a sudden — you’re 20 minutes from downtown Asheville — you’ve got to be a little bit worried about controlling some of that development and not having it become more unaffordable for people that live there, like a lot of the region is at this point.”

Smathers says his goal is to welcome new people and businesses without losing the town’s identity.

“I don’t want to be Cary to Asheville’s Raleigh,” the mayor says, referring to the area that grew from a quiet town of a few thousand to a sprawling bedroom community of the state capital. “I’m fine with being west of Asheville, but I don’t want to be West Asheville. West Asheville has its own identity, which is great, but we’re Canton.”

He points to Durham, which has leaned into its past as a tobacco hub while reinventing itself with a 21st-century, knowledge-based economy. The city has a Tobacco Heritage Tour, and murals on old warehouses chronicle decades of tobacco history.

Kevin Sandefur , CEO and co-founder of BearWaters Brewing, is confident the town will be able to retain its identity even as growth from Asheville spills over the Haywood County line. “I think the history of this town is pretty ingrained in the community, so I think it will be memorialized in different ways,” he says. “There is a distinct cultural difference here versus an Asheville area.”

GATEWAY TO RECREATION

Unlike Durham, Canton isn’t home to a world-class university and health care system. But it does have plenty of assets that could allow it to become a leader in outdoor tourism.

The Pigeon River, which flows through the middle of town all the way to East Tennessee, provides tubing, kayaking and fishing opportunities. And with the mill gone, the quality of the water will improve, Smathers says. The mill treats wastewater on-site before returning it to the river and has long been a source of local environmental concerns.

Other outdoor attractions include the Rough Creek Watershed Trail System on the south side of the

Newfound Mountain Range about 5 miles north of town. It has three hiking and biking trails on 870 acres. Last year, the town opened Chestnut Mountain Nature Park, which includes an extensive trail system, picnic areas, wildlife habitats and a 10-acre mountain bike skills course called Berm Park.

Pisgah National Forest sits about 40 miles to the town’s northeast. To the west, Great Smoky Mountain National Park is less than 25 miles away, and Cherokee National Forest is about a 40-mile drive.

“I see Haywood County as being sort of the gateway to recreation in Western North Carolina,” Forrest says. “Outdoor activities — that’s our ace in the hole. People want to connect with the outdoors, they want to connect with nature, and we have an abundance of those opportunities.”

Forrest thinks it is crucial that Canton not make the mistake of relying so much on just one economic driver as it has with the mill.

“Diversification is the key to the continued success of any community,” she says. “When you put all your

CONTINUES

eggs in one basket and that basket decides they want to go somewhere else, then you’re left going, ‘OK, now what?’”

FUTURE OF THE MILL

One looming question is what will become of the mill’s 150-acre campus.

“There could be an opportunity to do something, maybe not a paper mill, but something industrial, advanced smaller-scale manufacturing,” says Harris of the Southwestern Commission. “You’re close to I-40, you’re close to Asheville. You’ve certainly got a lot of assets to go in that direction.”

State, local and regional leaders can play a role in working with companies looking to develop the site, he says.

In March, Gov. Roy Cooper sent a letter to Pactiv Evergreen CEO Mike King urging the company to “explore all options to keep the Canton mill in operation, whether through sale, repurposing of the mill or other means.”

So far, the company has not announced its plans for the property. A spokesperson did not respond to an inquiry from Mountain Xpress.

“Hopefully, they’d be willing to sell it,” Harris says. “I think there is some concern that right now the people who would be interested are

competitors. I can’t speak for their intentions or motivations, but I think the fear is that for that reason they would just sit on it instead of any kind of remediation and putting it up for sale.”

Sandefur of BearWaters Brewing would like the town to use part of the industrial site to help mitigate flooding from the Pigeon River. The brewery was among many Haywood County businesses and homes affected by flooding after Tropical Storm Fred swept through Western North Carolina in August 2021.

“Maybe they can put a lake in or some type of a holding area for excess water volume coming down the river in the event of a heavy rainfall event,” he says.

Smathers says the town is in much better shape to survive the mill closing than it would have been 10 years ago, when downtown occupancy was at 20%. Today it’s at 90%, and many of the businesses plan to stick it out.

“We have no plans on going anywhere,” says Forrest of Grateful Table Cafe & Provisions. “We’re doubling down, actually. Canton’s going to get through this rough patch, and we’re going to come out the other side better, stronger and well positioned to bring in new business.”

Conard of Pigeon River Mercantile also says she plans to stay in Canton, as does Sandefur of BearWaters Brewing.

And, he promises, Papertown Pilsner will remain on tap. X

Canton paper mill timeline

1906: Construction on the Champion Fibre Co. mill begins.

January 1908: The Champion mill, the first in the world to make white pulp from chestnut wood, begins operations.

1967: Champion merges with U.S. Plywood to form U.S. PlywoodChampion Papers.

1972: The company is renamed Champion International Corp.

1992: The mill has 1,714 employees, with an additional 251 workers at the Waynesville conversion facility.

1999: Employees of the Canton mill purchase it in a $200 million buyout and rename the company Blue Ridge Paper Inc.

2007: The Rank Group of New Zealand buys the mill and renames it Evergreen Packaging.

2020: Evergreen Packaging and Pactiv, part of Reynolds Group Holdings Limited, come together to form Pactiv Evergreen.

March 6, 2023: Pactiv Evergreen announces closure of the mill.

Sources: Forest History Society, Asheville Citizen Times

END OF AN ERA: The Canton paper mill began operating in the Haywood County town in 1908. Photo by Justin McGuire

Matt Peiken’s ‘The Overlook’ brings daily podcast to Asheville

BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN

earnaudin@mountainx.com

There are rumors that Matt Peiken sleeps, but evidence supporting these claims is sketchy at best.

The latest example of the Ashevillebased journalist’s tireless pursuit of telling others’ stories? After nearly six years of serving as Blue Ridge Public Radio’s arts producer, he resigned Feb. 3 and published the first episode of his new daily podcast, “The Overlook,” on Feb. 13.

“I wanted to show people I am hitting the ground running. I am not going away,” Peiken says. “I’ve always had this ethos of I want people to see that I’m still in the mix — I never left the mix. I don’t know why or even if that’s important, but that’s something that drives me and has driven me to do the things I do, the way I do them.”

EXIT STRATEGY

Peiken knew he was going to leave BPR last fall but wasn’t yet sure of his next move.

As BPR’s first arts journalist, Peiken built a reputation as a trusted reporter and storyteller, skills that became especially essential during the COVID19 pandemic. Throughout 2020 and into the following year, his consistently quick turnaround time on stories kept Asheville-area listeners and readers informed about an ever-changing arts landscape and how local creatives were coping with the challenges of a global health crisis. But the time came when he needed to make a change.

“A lot of people stick in jobs when every signpost says to get the hell out, and they stay because they’re scared. And I was not going to do that,” Peiken says.

Before relocating to Asheville in 2017, Peiken produced videos and created podcasts for WCPO.com in Cincinnati, after a decade of reporting for the St. Paul Pioneer Press in Minnesota.

Throughout his time in Asheville, Peiken says he’d noticed a lack of connectivity among local media outlets, which he’s always seen as a missed opportunity. In more recent years, he’s also witnessed the rise in popularity of daily podcasts. In addition to multiple national examples, he points to City Cast, a network of daily podcasts that currently has 11 locations, including Chicago, Denver and Houston — but none in the Southeast.

After writing out a chart of his options — including returning to Cincinnati — Peiken decided to stay in Asheville and launch “The Overlook,” which he describes as a combination of the New York Times’ “The Daily” and NPR’s “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross.

“I knew if I didn’t do this now, somebody was going to do it,” he says.

ON THE AIR

Peiken subscribes to newsletters from every local media outlet. If there’s a story that he wants “to pull some string on,” he’ll contact the reporter and the editor to inquire about setting up an interview. He also maintains a spreadsheet and a list of headlines with links to stories that he wants to cover.

Along with journalists, “The Overlook” features interviews with local leaders, trendsetters, activists and artists. He also works in a semiregular spotlight on social service nonprofits.

Peiken records most of his shows at the Bebe Theatre on Commerce Street but has done a few episodes in the field, including at Goodwill Industries’ studio. In his preparation, however, he doesn’t write out questions — an approach he’s kept consistent throughout his career.

“I will do a little research and keep it in my head, but when I did my interview with [Asheville Police Department] Chief [David] Zack, it was on the fly,” Peiken says. “I let the conversation go where it goes.”

For his workflow, Peiken plans out episodes a couple of weeks in advance and works one week ahead. He then edits at home and, like “The Daily,” he tries to keep each episode to 30 minutes.

“I am working harder and longer than I’ve worked in years,” he says, noting each show requires as much as six hours of editing to cut extraneous words and gaps between exchanges. “I listen to parts of the interview that aren’t flying and I take that out,” he explains. “A lot of podcasts roll tape and put that post out online, and I’m not doing that. So that’s what takes the time.”

Peiken posts a new episode each weekday for three consecutive weeks before taking a deliberate week off each month. He says the pause allows listeners a chance to catch up on episodes.

“A lot of people have told me they can’t listen every day,” he says. “It’s a

lot to ask them, but I think having a daily podcast, knowing it’s daily creates the perception in my listeners’ minds of ‘There’s a lot going on here and I need to keep up. Maybe there’s more going on in this town than I realized.’”

PODCAST DESTINY

From his research, Peiken has discovered that for podcasts seeking national or global audiences, a minimum of 20,000 listeners is required to attract advertising firms, most of whom prefer 50,000. But in a town of roughly 90,000 people, if Peiken can average 1,000 listeners per episode?

“I’m gold,” he says.

And various forces are helping him climb to those numbers. He’s recruited help on the social media and marketing fronts, WPVM recently began running a weekly roundup of “The Overlook” each Thursday at 9 a.m., and he’s received several unsolicited offers for advertising.

Additional efforts to grow the listener base will include live recordings with audiences and the launch of a Patreon page to help raise funds. Should these plans bear fruit, Peiken has his sights set on nothing short of a Southeastern daily podcast empire.

“If ‘The Overlook’ is a stable success and I figure out how to do this in a replicable way, I will open up in other cities,” he says. “Somebody go start one in Knoxville; start one in Chattanooga; start one in Atlanta or Savannah. Because if they don’t and ‘The Overlook’ is a success, I will start it.”

To learn more, visit avl.mx/cm7. X

TALKING HEADS: Matt Peiken records the majority of his interviews for “The Overlook” at the Bebe Theatre in downtown Asheville. Photo by Thomas Calder

Cat cafe coming to West Asheville

A new cat cafe and adoption facility, House of Black Cat Magic, is holding its soft opening at 841 Haywood Road in early May. The new venue will feature a lounge where visitors can mingle with cats that need homes and a cat-themed retail store that will carry books, candles, incense and other items.

House of Black Cat Magic is a woman-owned collaboration involving Hannah Soboleski, nonprofit Binx’s Home for Black Cats executive director, foster coordinator Shari Comeau and Star Bustamonte, House of Black Cat Magic’s senior vice president.

A grand opening is slated for noon4 p.m. Sunday, June 4, and will feature a black cat adoption event and celebrity cat stylist Kate Benjamin, among other special guests. More information at avl.mx/cnf.

Design company moves to Asheville

Living Stone Design + Build, a luxury custom home building company based in Black Mountain, has relocated to Asheville. The company will join sister design firm I.D.ology Interiors and Design and organic furniture studio Atelier Maison at 121 Sweeten Creek Road in the new Asheville Design District.

Tip of the hat

Weichert, Realtors’ Asheville office has recognized several Realtors for outstanding performance in 2022. Those honored based on gross income and units closed include

Brendan Dennehy, Jessica Kitsos, Laura Hutchinson, Nedra Creason, Rebecca Condrey and Rick Sharpe

“We are extremely fortunate to have such dedicated and knowledgeable agents who went above and beyond to offer exceptional service to their clients,” said Bill Scavone,

president of Weichert Real Estate Affiliates Inc. and New Jersey-based Weichert, Realtors.

There’s still time

The Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority is accepting

applications through Wednesday, May 17, for Tourism Product Development Fund Grants to support tourism-based capital projects. The funding comes from occupancy taxes paid by overnight visitors. Applicants must be nonprofits that have operated for at least two years or a government entity. Projects must be in Buncombe County, demonstrate the ability to increase overnight stays and align with the BCTDA’s strategic imperatives, among other criteria. More information at avl.mx/cng.

Upgrades and enhancements

South Asheville Veterinary Emergency and Specialty, formerly known as Upstate Vet, tripled the size of its facility, going from 9,244 to 28,369 square feet. The hospital at 1836 Hendersonville Road contains state-of-the-art veterinary equipment, including on-site CT, MRI and fluoroscopy imaging. The facility also has separate feline and canine intensive care units and five surgical suites. More information at avl.mx/cnh.

The DoubleTree by Hilton’s downtown location finished $1.5 million in property upgrades last month. The property at 199 Haywood St. includes a full-service bar, a two-story fireplace, a covered patio and new furniture, among other aesthetic details throughout each floor.

Breaking ground

Workers broke ground last month on a paved path that will connect Karen Cragnolin Park. The land, located at 190 Amboy Road, was the site of an auto-crushing facility and was considered a brownfield due to soil contaminants. Nonprofit

PANTHER PARTY: House of Black Cat Magic will hold a grand opening from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 4. Photo courtesy of HBCM

RiverLink has been working on soil remediation of the area for the last 10 years. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the greenway is projected for mid- to late summer. More information at avl.mx/cnw.

Raising funds for Transformation Village

Ten runners representing Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry will take part in the Biltmore/Kiwanis 15K/5K Classic at Biltmore Estate race Sunday, May 21, to raise funds for Transformation Village, which offers housing and support to homeless women, children and veterans. The nonprofit is seeking two other participants to fill out the 10-person team. More information at avl.mx/cny.

Moving on up

Asheville-based craftsman Colin Buxton was tapped to lead outdoor furniture brand Blue Ridge Chair Works. Buxton, who has more than five years of woodworking experience, succeeds Alan Davis, who led the brand since 2002. Buxton plans to explore new ways to reduce waste and increase efficiency, such as repurposing scrap materials to create new products.

Brian Cagle has been named regional vice president for the Asheville region of Allen Tate/ Beverly-Hanks Realtors. Cagle will oversee 20 offices and more than 500 real estate agents and employees and be responsible for growing the realty’s presence and market share in Western North Carolina.

World finals

After placing first in regional and state competitions, a team of students from Evergreen Community Charter School is headed to the world finals for Odyssey of the Mind, a competition that incorporates science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics.

The students will head to Michigan State University to compete Wednesday, May 24, through Saturday, May 27. The team is raising money to cover travel, lodging and competition fees. More information at avl.mx/cnx.

Grants season

The Black Mountain-Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund last month

awarded 21 grants totaling $121,630 to nonprofits serving Western North Carolina. Among the awards were $7,500 to Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity; $4,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of WNC; $5,172 to Black Mountain Center for the Arts; and $10,000 to Black Mountain Counseling Center.

In addition to the endowment, funding also came from the Buckner Family Endowment Fund, the Forbes Fund for Black MountainSwannanoa Valley, the Helen S. and Jerry M. Newbold Jr. Endowment Fund and Standaert Family Endowment Fund.

Raising capital

Startups in Venture Asheville’s mentorship-based incubator, Elevate, have raised more than $50 million in capital and generated over $100 million in revenue. Since its founding in 2015, Elevate has served over 70 Asheville-based startups, with the average startup incubating for 18-24 months. Venture Asheville local startups have created over 360 jobs with an average salary of $78,000 per year.

Fees waived

The Asheville Humane Society is collaborating with the Bissell Pet Foundation, a national animal welfare organization, for the “Empty the Shelters” adoption event. The Asheville Humane Society will waive adoption fees for all animals through Sunday, May 14. Interested adopters will meet one-on-one with adoption counselors to ensure compatibility; no appointments are necessary. More information at avl.mx/co0.

Latino cohort

Mountain BizWorks’ Latino Catalyst Cohort begins this month with 12 entrepreneurs selected from Henderson, Buncombe and Transylvania counties. The 10-month program is offered entirely in Spanish and will provide ongoing business and leadership skills for entrepreneurs of color. Participants also receive $2,000 to subsidize the cost of business services and have the opportunity to work one-on-one with program facilitators and mentors at Mountain BizWorks. More information at avl.mx/co3.

— Brooke Randle X

A servant’s heart

Becky Schmidt is a volunteer at Hendersonville Rescue Mission. The faith-based nonprofit offers several programs addressing issues such as hunger and homelessness.

How long have you been volunteering with Hendersonville Rescue Mission, and what inspired you to do so?

I have been volunteering with Hendersonville Rescue Mission since 2015. Initially, I became involved as Grace Lutheran Church’s social ministry liaison to the Rescue Mission. I had recently retired from full-time employment as director of administrative services at Camp Sea Gull and Camp Seafarer in Arapahoe, N.C., and I was ready to immerse myself in volunteer work. The Rescue Mission seemed like a right fit to begin a new chapter in my life.

BECKY SCHMIDT

What have you learned about the individuals you serve?

The homeless come from all walks of life. The men, women and children who have been helped by the Rescue Mission are equipped with the knowledge and coping strategies to deal with life’s struggles and challenges. The Rescue Mission provides them a safe haven, and they are spiritually, emotionally and physically nurtured. It is especially heartwarming to hear the success stories when former residents return to the Mission to express their deep appreciation for the help and encouragement they received.

What has been the greatest reward in the work you do?

I have enjoyed a very fulfilling experience as a front desk volunteer. I interact very easily with people and enjoy getting to know them. My interaction with staff, guests and the public is what I enjoy most about volunteering at the Rescue Mission. The staff is most accommodating and helpful when questions arise, and they run a “tight ship.” They are compassionate, resourceful and dedicated in providing shelter and hope for those less fortunate. They truly embody a servant’s heart.

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

Be a good listener and ask questions. Become familiar with name recognition. Be compassionate. Respond to comments or questions with a kind word or smile. Shadow a front desk volunteer or help serve a meal. Take a tour of the Rescue Mission and meet the staff. Talk to other volunteers and get their feedback. Treat others as you would have them treat yourself.

The donation is tax-deductible. The process is simple. The impact is real.

Commissioners approve one-year ban on crypto mining

Buncombe County residents concerned over the potential impacts of cryptocurrency mining facilities can rest easy — at least for now.

On May 2, the county Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a one-year moratorium on crypto mining facilities. The measure had first been discussed publicly by the commissioners in February; at an April meeting, Commissioner Terri Wells said she’d floated the proposal to county staff after hearing complaints from Cherokee County residents about noise and pollution created by the facilities.

Cherokee County has at least three crypto mines, or warehouses of computers that process transactions in exchange for cryptocurrency, in operation. It is unclear whether any mining facilities were planned for Buncombe County before consideration of the moratorium.

Buncombe’s land use ordinances do not currently include crypto mining as a specified use, according to a staff

report prepared for the May 2 meeting.

Nathan Pennington, Buncombe’s planning director, said the pause will allow the county to develop regulations in tandem with the county’s comprehensive plan, which seeks to develop standards for all land use over a 20-year period.

“This one-year pause gives us time to work with residents and Planning Board members to craft standards for the newly defined use. … [It] also gives us time to benchmark with other communities and see what standards we might want to put in place,” Pennington said. “We don’t often bring a moratorium to the table.”

During public comment, three people spoke in favor of the moratorium, citing concerns over nuisances associated with crypto mines and their energy consumption.

“I live in the rural part of the county, and we live out there for a reason. We like being outside at night or being outside and not hearing constant roar and loud noises,” said resident Ken

Brame, who co-chairs the Western North Carolina Sierra Club’s conservation and political committees. “If one of these is constructed, it’s going to be in the rural parts of the county, and it’s going to take away our quality of life.”

Four people were opposed to the motion. Resident Craig Duetsch criticized the moratorium as a drastic move that could stifle economic development in the area for decades to come.

“I watched the briefing where the mining moratorium was introduced, and I was encouraged by the commissioners who stated that they didn’t know much about the subject. This made me hopeful that the county will approach this topic with curiosity,” said Duetsch. “That being said, I do not believe that the county looked at alternative solutions to a moratorium before deciding that this was the only path forward.”

Update on short-term rental bills

During their pre-meeting earlier May 2, commissioners also heard an update about progress on their priorities at the state legislature, as delivered by Whitney Christensen and Trafton Dinwiddie, lobbyists with the law firm Ward and Smith.

Among the most significant proposals for the county, said Christensen, are two bills aimed at limiting local governments’ ability to regulate short-term rentals. Senate Bill 667, sponsored by state Sen. Tim Moffitt, R-Hendersonville, would prohibit local governments from placing many limits on STRs. The city of Asheville, for example, could no longer enforce an ordinance that restricts wholehouse stays of less than 30 days throughout almost all of the city.

Christensen said that the county’s lobbyists had been participating in stakeholder groups for the proposed legislation and “can report that we’re having good conversations.” She shared no other information about the progress of the bill.

Another bill, Senate Bill 325, would limit the regulation of online marketplaces such as Airbnb and other STR platforms. That bill, said Christensen, now includes language recommended by Buncombe lobbyists clarifying that powers already held by cities, counties or the state will not be impacted.

“We still don’t view it as perfect, but it’s definitely significantly improved over what it was and far better than what it could be in some of the things we’ve seen proposed or introduced in other states,” Christensen said.

— Brooke Randle X

HEAR ME OUT: Members of the public on both sides of the debate made their case during a May 2 meeting about whether Buncombe County should implement a temporary ban on crypto mining facilities. Photo by Brooke Randle

Compare our CD Rates

* Annual Percentage Yield (APY) effective 5/4/2023. CDs offered by Edward Jones are bank-issued and FDIC-insured up to $250,000 (principal and interest accrued but not yet paid) per depositor, per insured depository institution, for each account ownership category. Please visit www.fdic.gov or contact your financial advisor for additional information. Subject to availability and price change. CD values are subject to interest rate risk such that when interest rates rise, the prices of CDs can decrease. If CDs are sold prior to maturity, the investor can lose principal value. FDIC insurance does not cover losses in market value. Early withdrawal may not be permitted. Yields quoted are net of all commissions. CDs require the distribution of interest and do not allow interest to compound. CDs offered through Edward Jones are issued by banks and thrifts nationwide. All CDs sold by Edward Jones are registered with the Depository Trust Corp. (DTC).

FDI-1867L-A © 2022

EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. AECSPAD

America’s Poverty Fighting Network

May is Community Action Agency Month!

Community Action originated with the passage of the Economic Opportunities Act (EOA) of 1964 as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty.” Today, there are over 1,000 Community Action Agencies across the country. Anti-poverty work is at the heart of what Community Action Agencies do.

• Head Start: providing high quality, early childhood education

- Buncombe & Madison counties

• Life Works: helping families reach employment, education and financial capabilities goals

- Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Polk & Transylvania counties

• Weatherization: making homes energy efficient and safe; repairing / replacing heating systems

- Buncombe, Cleveland, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford & Transylvania counties

Buncombe Schools’ board recommends pay raises for district employees

Teachers and staff members gave a standing ovation late Thursday night as the Buncombe County Board of Education unanimously voted to approve their most generous budget proposal.

The budget — including a 7% supplemental pay increase for certified staff including teachers and a 7.4% raise for classified staff such as bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers in addition to state-level raises — will now go to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners for approval.

“Budgets are a reflection of priorities,” board member Rob Elliot said during the afternoon work session and again before voting on the budget.

“I want to thank [Superintendent] Dr. [Rob] Jackson for listening. He listened to students, he listened to teachers, he listened to parents and came back to us with budget options that in my opinion are student-focused. They prioritize our students and our school community,” he continued.

More than 20 teachers, staff members and parents spoke during the three-plus-hour meeting in the Minitorium at 175 Bingham Road, advocating for higher pay for all school employees in front of a crowd that at one point overflowed into an adjacent room with a live stream of the meeting.

Kim Martin, who has worked for BCS since 2004 as an American Sign Language interpreter, said she can barely survive even after a raise in 2022.

“I have raised four children while working for BCS full time and supplemented my income by literally working dozens of other jobs, including renting out every empty bedroom in my house, as well as relying on local food banks to feed my children,” she said.

Some employees directly addressed Buncombe County Commissioners Martin Moore and Al Whitesides, both sitting in the front row of the audience, to make their plea for higher compensation.

“I never thought we would get to a position where we are literally begging,” said Tate Macqueen, teacher and coach at Erwin High School as he glanced back and forth between the commissioners and school board members.

Ultimately, board members chose the largest of three budget options presented by Buncombe Schools’ Chief Financial Officer Tina Thorpe

during a three-hour budget work session earlier Thursday afternoon to give employees the largest bump in pay.

The 7% raise in the local supplement for teachers brings a first-year teacher’s supplement to 15.5% of their base pay. Supplements are paid by each district to reflect the local cost of living and are calculated as a percentage of the state base pay and vary by years of experience.

Currently, a first-year teacher in North Carolina makes a base pay of $37,000 a year, and BCS adds 8.5%. The state is expected to raise base pay by 4.25% this year, and along with the proposed local supplement increase, a first-year teacher in Buncombe would make $44,551 annually.

The proposed budget also includes a retirement rate increase of half a percent and a total of $400,000 combined coach raises. Each coach would get an extra $300 plus a 10% increase to their pay.

Jackson also included $1.8 million for new positions, including four school counselors, several more English as a second language teachers and ESL specialists, three cybersecurity technicians, an assistant director of transportation and an assistant superintendent of educational equity and support services.

In total, if approved by the county commissioners at its June budget meeting, last year’s BCS budget would go up by $33.9 million to nearly $116 million.

Still, advocates argue it’s not enough for classified staff such as bus drivers, custodians and cafeteria workers.

The agreed-upon budget expedites recommendations from a 2022 salary study that pushed the district to raise classified staff pay by an average of 17.4% over three years. Those staff members would get an average of a 7.4% raise this year instead of spreading that out over two more years, Thorpe said.

For a first-year entry-level custodian, this raise, including the expected 4.25% raise from the state, would bring their pay from $15 an hour to more than $18 an hour.

Advocate Joan Hoffman, a teacher at A.C. Reynolds High School and member of the Buncombe County Association of Educators, asked board members to give the lowest paid staff members at least a 10% raise to get them closer to Just Economics’ living wage of $20.10.

“This will certainly not get them to our goal but will bring them one step closer to the dignity of a living wage,” she said.

During the work session earlier in the day, Thorpe and Jackson said custodians are paid out of state buckets of money because of liability issues related to workers’ compensation insurance, and therefore beyond the control of local budget makers.

“We want to advocate for them to get as much as they possibly can. I

don’t want the message to be that we can’t. From county dollars, we can’t go that route,” Jackson said.

“If local [government] can’t pick it up, that doesn’t mean we can’t do it; that means we need to passionately argue for it at the state level,” he continued.

After the meeting, Buncombe County Association of Educators President Shanna Peele said she was thrilled with the result.

“The increased pay for all staff, especially classified, is a much-needed boost to move our salaries toward a living wage. The addition of student-facing [counselors and specialists] for some of our most vulnerable populations is also a win for our students and community. While our state continues to defund public education after years of cuts and through the expansion of the voucher program, our local school board is taking a stand to ask our county commission to meet our students’ needs now,” she said in an email to Xpress

The vote came after Asheville City Schools passed a similar budget April 17, which included a 7% supplement increase for all certified staff and proposed increasing starting pay for all hourly employees to $20 per hour.

Buncombe County commissioners are scheduled to vote on the entire 2023-24 budget including the education budgets at a June 20 meeting.

— Greg Parlier X

GET PAID: The Buncombe County Board of Education listens as teachers, staff, parents and even one student stated their case for higher wages for all school employees at the board’s regular meeting May 4.

Photo by Greg Parlier

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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

 Online-only events

 More info, page 55

 More info, page 56-57

WELLNESS

Narcotics Anonymous

Meetings

Visit wncna.org/ basic-meeting for dates, times and locations.

Sparkle Time Holistic

Exercise

Aerobic, strengthening, balance and flexibility.

WE (5/10, 17), MO (5/15) 10:30am, Avery’s Creek Community Center, 899 Glennbridge Rd SE, Arden

Tai Chi for Balance

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

WE (5/10, 17), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Free Zumba Gold Fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. Donations are appreciated. For more information call (828)350-2058.

WE (5/10, 17), noon, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Old School Line

Dancing

Old school dances, and some new.

TH (5/11, 18), 6:15pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Swing Dance Lesson & Dance

Swing dancing lesson and dance, every Thursday.

TH (5/11, 18), 7pm, Alley Cat Social Club, 797 Haywood Rd

Asheville Aphasia Support Group

Every Friday in Rm 345. No RSVP needed.

FR (5/12), 10am, WCU at Biltmore Park, 28 Schenck Pkwy, Ste 300

Goat Yoga on the Farm

Move through your sun salutation in a wide open field as baby goats frolic nearby.

SA (5/13), 10am, Round Mountain Creamery, 2203 Old Fort Rd, Black Mountain

Therapeutic Slow Flow

Yoga

A blend of mediation, breathing and movement. All bodies, genders, and identities welcome. Bring your own mat.

SA (5/13), 10am, Mount Inspiration Apparel, 444 Haywood Rd, Ste 103

Yoga in the Park Asheville

Each class is unique, intertwining movement with breath, with a different focus of strength and release.

All levels welcomed but bring your own props and mat.

SA (5/13), 11am, 220 Amboy Rd

BLOCKBUSTER NIGHTS: “Movies in the Park,” a popular summer tradition for many residents, returns to Park Square Park on Friday, May 12. The 2023 season launches with DC League of Super-Pets. Community members are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs to this free viewing, which begins at dusk. Photo courtesy of Asheville Parks and Recreation

Magnetic Minds: Depression & Bipolar Support Group Free weekly peer-led meeting for those living with depression, bipolar, and related mental health challenges. Email depressionbipolarasheville@gmail.com or call or text (828) 367-7660 for more info.

SA (5/13), 2pm, 1316 Ste C Parkwood Rd

Rooftop Yoga w/Down Dog

A foundational yoga class that will challenge students to practice at a slower pace while exploring difficult postures and poses for a full-body flow.

Beginner friendly.

SU (5/14), 11am, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200

Spring Flow w/Jamie

Designed to release heat stored in the body, release excess kapha, and prepare the body for summer. Class is held outside. Bring your mat.

SU (5/14), 11am, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd

Gentle Yoga for Queer & GNC Folks

This class is centered towards creating an affirming and inclusive space for queer and gender non-conforming individuals.

SU (5/14), 1:30pm, West Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd

Rueda de Casino

Salsa dancing for all skill levels.

SU (5/14), 2pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

NCMTR Bent Creek

Trail Run

Multiple pace and distance groups are available to cater to all experience and ability levels, three to six miles. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome.

MO (5/15), 6:30pm, Hard Times Trailhead, 375 Wesley Branch Rd

Treks Hiking Club

Hiking club for adults (50+) that takes low-impact, leisurely-paced hikes each month. Participants must register for each trip individually.

TU (5/16), 9:30am, Asheville Recreation Department, 72 Gashes Creek Rd

Zumba

Mask and social distancing required. Registration not necessary. Por Favor usa tu cubre bocas antes de la clase.

TU (5/16), 6:30pm, St. James Episcopal Church, 424 W State St, Black Mountain

Springtime Skincare

Soirée

Learn from our skincare experts about Botox, fillers, Hydrafacial, laser treatments and more. We'll have demos, raffles, as well as the opportunity for personal consults and Q&As with our MedSpa staff.

TH (5/18), 4pm, Mountain Radiance Medical Spa, 7 Yorkshire St, Ste 102

ART

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. Daily, 10am.

Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Pulp Potential: Works in Handmade Paper

The works in this exhibition reveal the breadth of possibilities and unique qualities

that exist when artists choose to employ and even create handmade paper. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed on Tuesday. Exhibition through July 14. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square Reflections of Nature: The Art of Robert Gregory Gross

An exhibition of Plein air master Robert Gregory Gross’s lifetime of work in watercolors, oils, etchings, ink and pencil sketches. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 11am, and Sunday, 1pm. Exhibition through June 3. Flood Gallery Fine Art Center, 850 Blue Ridge Rd, Unit A-13, Black Mountain

Luzene Hill: Revelate Hill's drawing seek to communicate themes of feminine and Indigenous power across her entire body of work.

Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through May 15.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Art Break: Luzene Hill

Drop in for this Friday’s Art Break and join multidisciplinary artist Luzene Hill as she leads an informal Gallery discussion about her exhibition, Revelate.

TH (5/11), 6pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Natura A Colori

Exhibition

Exhibit explores the wide range of expressive possibilities using various techniques from slumping to "painting" with glass powders. The goal of this show is to share the unexpected ways in which kilnformed glass can make a creative statement.

Open Friday through Sunday, 10am.

North Carolina Glass Center, 140 Roberts St, Ste B

Natura A Colori

Exhibition Opening

An invitation to the exhibition opening of  Kim Adams’ and Mary Lightner’s “Natura a Colori” exhibition.

FR (5/12), 5pm, North Carolina Glass Center, 140 Roberts St, Ste B

Frame It Asheville:

Showcasing Aclaimed

Local Artists

An evening of art featuring six of North Carolina's best and favorite local artists. Meet, talk and learn about the artists, their passions, and their techniques. Original Watercolors, Oil Paintings, Acrylic Paintings, Fine Art Photography, Giclée’s, Drawings and Serigraphs will be on display. See p56-57

FR (5/12), 6pm, Frame it Asheville, 1829 Hendersonville Rd, Ste 50

Fiber Day

During Fiber Day, members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild showcase the elements and craft processes of fiber, demonstrating a range of techniques, each with their own distinct touch and style.

SA (5/13), 10am, Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Parkway

Open Studio Art Tour

Participating resident artists at Grovewood Village will open up their studios to the public, allowing visitors to gain insight into their creative process and view their most recent works.

SA (5/13), noon, Grovewood Village, 111 Grovewood Rd

Tess Darling Presents: Into The Hollow

This showcase is meditated mixed media exploration of the Appalachian cove. The reception is free and open to the public.

Exhibition runs through May 26.

SA (5/13), 5:30pm, Mark Bettis Studio & Gallery, 123 Roberts St

Too Much Is Just

Right: The Legacy of Pattern and Decoration

Featuring more than 70 artworks in an array of media from both the original time frame of the Pattern and Decoration movement, as well as contemporary artworks created between 1985 and the present. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through May 29.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

SOJOURN: Phil Garrett

Paintings & Monotypes

Phil Garrett's work is informed by nature–a kind of mythical nature. The power of storms, the spiritual quality of the elements, the beauty, grace and ferocity of plants and animals. Painting and making monotypes is his search for the mystery within the subject, within himself. Gallery open Monday through Satur-

day, 10am, and Sunday, noon. Exhibition through June 11.

Pink Dog Creative Gallery, 348 Depot St

Altruistic Genius: Buckminster Fuller’s Plans to Save the Planet

This exhibition brings the inventions and designs of R. Buckminster Fuller to Western North Carolina and introduces visitors to Fuller’s strategies for the sustainability of humans and the planet relating to housing, transportation, mathematics, and engineering. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through August 21.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

COMMUNITY

MUSIC

MusicWorks Spring

Concert: Shoot for the Stars

An evening of outof-this-world music featuring student performances an special guest artist Chikomo Marimba.

TH (5/11), 5pm, Leicester Elementary, 31 Gilbert Rd, Leicester Jazz Jam

Hosted by LEAF Global Arts every Thursday, with Thommy Knoles on keys, Felix Pastorius on bass, and Paul Gladstone on drums. This event is followed by an open jam session. Dropins are welcome so bring your instruments and jam with us.

TH (5/11, 18), 7pm, LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St

The Michael Rabinowitz Jazz Quartet Michael Rabinowitz is joined by three of the best jazz musicians in western North Carolina; Michael Jefry Stevens, Zack Page, and Rick Dilling.

TH (5/11), 7:30pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Tumo Kohrs & BJ Leiderman

A two-person musical variety show, with an additional special guest, BJ Leiderman. This is a joyfully contagious show with original songs, original arrangements, multiple instruments, and friendly banter.

FR (5/12), 8pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Pan Harmonia: Concoction 5

Each musical portion is 20-25 minutes long.

Drop in for any part of the afternoon. Walk-ins are welcome. Reservations are encouraged, as seating is limited.

SA (5/13), noon, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square Mozartissimo (1st Performance)

Blue Ridge Orchestra contributes to the Asheville Amadeus Festival with two afternoons featuring Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante and Americana favorites.

SA (5/13), 3pm, Lipinsky Auditorium at UNC Asheville, 300 Library Ln

The Asheville Jazz Orchestra

An evening of jazz favorites featuring this 17-piece Asheville Jazz Orchestra. Whether they are playing a swing dance, club date, or formal concert, the AJO is the hardest swinging band in Asheville.

SA (5/13), 8pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Jazzville: Mother's Day Jazz

A creative cocktail of choruses for every Mother's special day. Enjoy your favorite standards made famous by the mamas of Jazz such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Sarah Vaughan.

SU (5/14), 3pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

WE’RE HIRING!

Mark's House Jam & Beggar's Banquet

Weekly Sunday pot luck and musician's jam with acoustic and plug in players. It's a family friendly community day so bring a dish to share.

SU (5/14), 3pm, Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside Dr

Mozartissimo (2nd Performance)

Blue Ridge Orchestra contributes to the Asheville Amadeus Festival with two afternoons featuring Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante and Americana favorites.

SU (5/14), 3pm, Diana Wortham Theatre, 18 Biltmore Ave

Robin Bullock: Carolina Celtic Series

A monthly concert series which showcases Irish and Scottish musical traditions and often explores their commonality with the Appalachian ballads and stories of the Carolina mountains.

MO (5/15), 7:30pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

The Blue Ridge Ringers

Presents: Spring Dances

The Blue Ridge Ringers is an auditioned community handbell ensemble with 16 ringers from Henderson, Transylvania, Buncombe, Polk, and Spartanburg counties.

TH (5/18), 1pm, Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Home, 1617 Hendersonville Rd

North Buncombe High School Chorus: Chorus Spotlight

North Buncombe High School Chorus directed by Jeannie Graeme, will be performing for the community.

TH (5/18), 7pm, First Baptist Church of Weaverville, 63 N Main St, Weaverville

LITERARY

Joke Writing Workshop

Hosted by Disclaimer

Stand Up Lounge and moderated by Cody Hughes, weekly. Bring 90 seconds of material that isn't working.

WE (5/10, 17), 6:30pm, Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave

Hoedowns, Reels & Frolics: Roots & Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance

Join the Swannanoa Valley Museum for a book club discussion of Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance followed by an author presentation with Phil Jamison.

TH (5/11), 10am, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain

Poetry Open Mic Hendo

A poetry-centered open mic that welcomes all kinds of performers every Thursday night. 18+

TH (5/11, 18), 7:30pm, Shakedown Lounge, 706 Seventh Ave E, Hendersonville

Creative Journaling

Create various types of journals that fill your creative soul. You will have the opportunity to learn about travel, junk, vintage, and art journals.

MO (5/15), 6pm, The Elephant Door, 126 Swannanoa River Rd

Asheville Storyslam: Gossip

Prepare a five-minute story about a rumor that raised eyebrows, dropped jaws, lowered the boom, rattled your cage or earned you a nasty or fabulous rep. Tell us stories of the unfounded, the un-fact checked and the fabulously fabricated. MO (5/15), 6:30pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave

Dark City Poets Society Presents:

Poetry Night

Open to all ages, and no registration is required. Everyone is welcome to share or just sit back and listen. Those interested in sharing can sign up on-site 15 minutes before the event. Each reader will have 3-5 minutes share.

TU (5/16), 6pm, 107 Market & Deli, 107 Black Mountain Ave, Black Mountain

THEATER & FILM

Talk Story & Film

Gather as a community to connect around storytelling, film, visual arts, and creative writing. Afterwards, there is an open invitation for people to talk about potential collaborations, job opportunities, and creative endeavors or anything else surrounding film & story.

WE (5/10), 5pm, The Elephant Door, 126 Swannanoa River Rd, Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV Director Amanda Kim tells, for the first time, the story of Nam June Paik’s meteoric rise in the New York art scene and his Nostradamus-like visions of a future in which “everybody will have his own TV channel.” Members-only film screening.

WE (5/10), 7pm, Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St

The Revolutionists

Four revolutionary women lose their heads in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror.

WE (5/10, 17), TH (5/11,18), FR (5/12), SA (5/13), 7:30pm, SU (5/14), 2pm.

North Carolina Stage Company, 15 Stage Ln

You Belong Here

The documentary will give viewers a diverse understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences in the South while also recognizing the vital role that affirming allies play in promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention amongst individuals who identify within the LGBTQ+ community.

WE (5/10), 6pm, Asheville High School, 419 McDowell St

You Belong Here

The documentary will give viewers a diverse understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences in the South while also recognizing the vital role that affirming allies play in promoting positive mental health and suicide prevention amongst individuals who identify within the LGBTQ+ community.

TH (5/11), 6pm, Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St Movies in the Park

All movies are free and begin at dusk in Pack Square Park. Bring blankets and folding chairs for comfort. There will also be food and treats from local vendors. This month's movie is DC League of Super-Pets (8:10 pm).

FR (5/12), 8pm, 1 South Pack Square Park

Bright Star: A Folk Musical

A  sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of our very own Blue Ridge Mountains in the 1920s and ’40s. Runs through May 14 FR (5/12), SA (5/13), 7:30pm, SU (5/14), 2:30pm, Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E Walnut St

Savannah Sipping Society

In this comedy, four unique Southern women, are drawn together by fate-and an impromptu happy hour-and decide it’s high time to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the

years.

FR (5/12), SA (5/13), 7:30pm, Hendersonville Theatre, 229 S Washington St, Hendersonville

Spring into Dance: An Artistic Bouquet

An evening of Contemporary and clascical new dance works by Asheville Ballet choreographers.

SA (5/13), 2:30pm,m Wortham Center For The Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave

New Works Series

Script-in-hand readings of new plays by emerging local playwrights. A short discussion will follow each reading to provide feedback to the playwright about their script.

SA (5/13), 3pm, Hendersonville Theatre, 229 South Washington St, Hendersonville

DOSED: The Trip of a Lifetime w/The Pearl Psychedelic Institute

A movie premier, followed by a Q&A session with Dr Raymond Turpin from The Pearl Psychedelic Institute.

WE (5/17), 7pm, Grail Moviehouse, 17 Foundy St

Nemesis Theatre Company Presents: Cymbeline

Features a panoply of Shakespeare’s greatest hits: orphaned royalty, mistaken identities, a cross-dressing heroine, a beheading, a war against Rome, poison that doesn’t really kill you, and more. Runs through May 21.

TH (5/11, 18), FR (5/12), SA (5/13)

7:30pm, SU (5/14),

2:30pm BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce St

Say Goodnight Gracie

This show celebrates George Burns whose career was showcased across radio, film, and television and was known for his smoking cigar and arched eyebrow. Runs through may 28.

TH (5/18), 7:30pm, Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre, 44 College St, Mars Hill

MEETINGS & PROGRAMS

Walk Through History: Historic Grovemont

A guided walking tour of the early

20th century Grovemont-On-Swannanoa planned community developed by E.W. Grove in 1924.

WE (5/10), 10:30am, Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, 223 W State St, Black Mountain

Dark Skies Webinar

A free 45-minute online presentation to discuss viewing the night skies. The program will also provide tips on how to combat light pollution and its effects on pollinators and highlight recommended locations for stargazing along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Register at avl.mx/coj

WE (5/10), 11am, Online

Introduction to Medicare: Understanding the Puzzle Webinar

The class will explain how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties, and ways to save money. To register, visit coabc.org or call (828) 277-8288.

WE (5/10), 2pm, Online Stitches of Love

A small group of stitchers who create a variety of handmade items which are donated to local charities. The group has donated over 32,000 items (quilts, lap robes, knitted and crocheted items) over the past 18 years. For more info contact Janet at (828)575-919.

WE (5/10), 3pm, Panera Bread, 1843 Hendersonville Rd

Spanish Club

Spanish speakers of all ages and levels are welcome to join together for conversation to practice the language in a group setting. Every Wednesday.

WE (5/10, 17), 6pm, Black Mountain Brewing, 131 NC-9, Black Mountain

Cacao & Sacred Music w/Voxmana

The power of music to heal and uplift seems the perfect Medicine.

When experienced with the addition of Cacao, an ancient sacrament of South and Central America, the music’s power is amplified and becomes a journey into one’s self.

WE (5/10), 7:30pm, AyurPrana Listening Room, 312 Haywood Rd

Sun & Shade Garden Series: Planting a Native Butterfly Host Plant Garden

Creating a garden with native butterfly and moth host plants will provide native butterflies and moths what they need to complete their life cycle. The Learning Garden will be teaching how to plant these host plants as a food source for caterpillars.

TH (5/11), 10am, Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Center, 49 Mount Carmel Rd, Ste 102

WHY I VOLUNTEER WHY I VOLUNTEER

Passion for the environment

Grady Nance is a volunteer at MountainTrue. The nonprofit champions resilient forests, clean waters and healthy communities in the Southern Blue Ridge.

How long have you been volunteering with MountainTrue, and what inspired you to do so?

I started with MountainTrue after retiring to Western North Carolina 10 years ago. MountainTrue’s mission to improve our environment and preserve it for future generations is a strong value for me. My first project with MountainTrue was helping the technical team push for a better alternative to the addition of miles of large transmission lines that were being proposed by Duke Energy in 2014.

What have you learned about the individuals you serve?

As a volunteer, I indirectly serve everyone who lives or visits in Western North Carolina. As a frequent hiker and occasional kayaker, I see many people, including families on the trails or on the water, enjoying our great outdoors and whom I believe are firm supporters of our environment. As a member of MountainTrue, I have found that every staff member has a passion for the environment and their role.

What has been the greatest reward in your work with MountainTrue?

The largest reward was Duke Energy’s decision to reconfigure the Asheville energy plant to improve air quality, close the coal-fired plant and eliminate the building of large transmission lines across our region. And there are other important projects including:

• Monitoring water quality and detecting the sources of pollution so they can be fixed.

• Advocating for environmental justice so the costs and burdens of development are fair for all.

• Improving the Pisgah and Nantahala National Forest long-term plans to preserve the forests for future generations.

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

MountainTrue has many programs that need volunteers. For potential volunteers, talk to the regional director in your area and choose an activity that you would enjoy and fits with your schedule. I participated in a macrobenthic water quality training and was amazed to see and learn about all the tiny invertebrates in the water. Stream restoration, river cleanups (often followed by socialization at a local brewery) are very popular. Volunteers are needed to help organize activities, man booths or to be board members to help direct the organization.

New knowledge

Bettye Fox Boone and Saylor Fox are volunteers with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. The organization conserves unique plant and animal habitat, clean water, farmland, scenic beauty in the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina.

How long have you been volunteering with the conservancy and what inspired you to join?

We have been volunteering with the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy for 10 years. When we learned about the work they were doing to protect mountains, farms, streams and animal and plant habitats, as well as scenic beauty, we were hooked on working with SAHC.

We have worked eradicating invasive species, restoring habitats, removing trash, planting native species, improving and maintaining hiking trails and leading group hikes.

Family Outdoor Night: Fishing

This is a introductory program to teach some basic fishing skills. Fishing poles and bait will be provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required since class size is limited due to equipment.

TH (5/11), 5pm, Azalea Park, Swannanoa River Rd

Candle Pouring & Scent Mixology Class w/AR Workshop

Create a one of a kind candle while enjoyingdrink and food.

TH (5/11), 5:30pm, 12 Bones Brewery, 2350 Hendersonville Rd, Arden

We were inspired to join by their mission to protect our precious and fragile mountains.

What have you learned about the individuals you work with and the community you serve?

We have learned that the entire staff, the board of directors and many past and present volunteers are extremely committed to protecting our mountains for future generations. We have learned to appreciate and protect the land, the view sheds, the rivers, streams and watersheds, the indigenous species, the fragile environment and the family farms that enrich our lives.

What has been the greatest reward in the work you do?

Knowing there are innumerable people who care about the same thing we do: protecting the mountains of WNC and Eastern Tennessee. After every day of hard work as volunteers, we come home happy to know we are having a positive impact on the sustainability of our land, water, habitats and recreation venues.

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

In our opinion, there is no better organization to become involved with and to support through your volunteer activities than SAHC. They appreciate their volunteers and work hard to make the experience enjoyable for everyone. Most of all, we have learned more about conservation in 10 years volunteering with SAHC than through our previous lifetimes. As volunteers, we have gained far more from our experience with SAHC than they have gotten from us!

BETTYE FOX BOONE AND SAYLOR FOX

GRADY NANCE

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Southside Card Game

Night Families and community members can play card games like bid whist/ spades, Apples to Apples, Uno, and more. Light refreshments served.

TH (5/11, 18), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St

Community Choice

Open House Free time for the community to enjoy the community center. Relax while painting on a canvas, walking on the treadmill, playing a game of cards, shooting some hoops, and more.

TH (5/11, 18), 6:30pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Tea & Tarot Fridays

Play with Tarot and Tea Leaf readings. Bring your cards, tea cup, and other favorite divination tools. All styles and experience levels welcome.

FR (5/12), Mountain Magic Studio, 3 Louisiana Ave

Little Shredders

This is a a social meet up for riders ages three to six who are ready to take on trails and try

basic obstacles while having fun with other young bikers. Participants should bring their own bike and helmet fit for the rider.

FR (5/12), 10am, Richmond Hill Park, 280 Richmond Hill Dr

Brews & Bears

An after-hours summer event series where you can enjoy the WNC Nature Center in the evening with a beer, cider, or wine in hand. There are also food vendors and educational programming, along with popsicle enrichment for black bears Uno and Ursa.

FR (5/12), 5:30pm, WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Rd

Kids Night In

Let your child work off that extra energy with a fun filled night of themed games, crafts, and special activities. Advance registration required. Please call (828) 350-2058 for more info.

FR (5/12), 6pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Family Discovery Day

Explore our 25-acre forest, ninja course, pine play, chicken field, and so other exciting places. Bring your

family and your sense of adventure.

SA (5/13), 10am, Asheville Farmstead School, 218 Morgan Cove Rd, Candler

KidCycle Club Tiny Tots Stride & Glide

A social way for your little one to learn to ride a balance bike. The child will learn basic striding footwork, braking and steering maneuvers and eventually gliding with both feet in the air.

SA (5/13), 10am, KidCycle Club, 503 Stone Ridge Blvd

Makerspace: Second Saturdays

Drop into the studio to experiment freely and collaborate using different materials, tools, and techniques. All ages and abilities are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult; no reservations are required.

SA (5/13), 11am, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Intro to Tarot

Learn the cards, the history, various techniques for reading for yourself and others. Cards are provided but you can

also bring your own.

SA (5/13), 1pm, Mountain Magic Studio, 3 Louisiana Ave Plant Walk w/John Hollis

Joe Hollis leads weekly plant walks around the gardens, sharing his wealth of ethnobotanical knowledge, giving visitors an immersive herbal experience. Perfect for herbalists, acupuncturists, or anyone looking for outdoor weekend activites.

SA (5/13), 1pm, Mountain Gardens, 546 Shuford Creek Rd, Burnsville

Game Day: Perspective Café

Traditional game day with board and card games as well as refreshments from the Perspective Cafe. SU (5/14), 2pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square Chess Tournament Monthly. SU (5/14), 3pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave Emerald Empire Asheville Showcase

The opportunity to meet your producer, who can answer any questions you may have about booking your band. Experience a rehearsal and preview a

variety of musical styles and band sizes to help you find the perfect fit for your event.

SU (5/14), 7pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd

Sew Co./Rite of Passage Factory Tour

On this 30 minute micro-tour, learn about sustainable and transparent business practices and hear about production processes and client collaborations.

MO (5/15), Rite of Passage Clothing & SewCo, 240 Clingman Ave Ext

Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Training

Learn how you can use your voice as a court advocate for abused and/or neglected children in Buncombe County.

MO (5/15), 1pm, First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St Chess Club

Open to all ages and any skill set. There will be a few boards available, but folks are welcome to bring their own as well.

MO (5/15), 4pm, Black Mountain Brewing, 131 NC-9, Black Mountain

The Untold Story of the CIA Mission to Avenge 9/11

Retired CIA Senior Intelligence Officer

David Tyson will share his experiences leading the CIA response to the 9/11 attacks. Free admission. Presented by the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas.

MO (5/15), 7pm, Transylvania County Library, 212 S. Gaston St, Brevard

Blue Ghost Firefly Tours

Witness hundreds of blue ghost fireflies moving silently through the dark forest. Only the size of a grain of rice, the males appear to float above the forest floor as they move about, searching for flightless females.

MO (5/15), TU (5/16), WE (5/17), TH (5/18) 7:30pm, Location provided after registering for event

Astrology: Through The Cosmos

In this nine series workshop, you will learn to cultivate rich relationships with the planets using the language of astrology ease-fully, invoking the planetary guides with ritual and learning how to translate their guidance intuitively.

TU (5/16), 6pm, Mountain Magic Studio, 3 Louisiana Ave, Asheville

Magic: The Gathering Learn & Play

Sharpen your skills and battle it out with fellow gamers. Cards provided, or bring your

TU (5/16), 7pm, Well

Played, 162 Coxe Ave, Ste 101

Simple Pricing Like a Pro

A process that helps develop efficient and manageable profitable pricing for custom requests and standardized offers. You'll walk away with clear steps and tools to know exactly how to price your work in an easy-to-understand framework that you can immediately implement.

WE (5/17), 9:30am, Focal Point Coworking, 125 S Lexington Ave, Ste 101

Learn Over Lunch: Instant Cash Flow

Learn the top strategies used by successful businesses to turbocharge their cash flow and boost their bottom line. Discover proven techniques to maximize your profits, reduce your expenses, and optimize your financial performance. Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, industry experts, and potential partners who can help you elevate your business to new heights.

WE (5/17), 11:30am, Asheville Home Builders Association Office, 14 Mimidis Ln, Swannanoa

Money Visioning & Goal Setting

In this live and interactive online class, you will get a clear picture of your money goals through an interactive visioning exercise. Then, you’ll learn how to create a realistic savings goal and plan the steps needed to reach it. Register at avl.mx/coh

WE (5/17), noon, Online

The Lobby: Tattoo

A salon and meeting place for creative industries, with the aim to hold space for engaging dialogue and provide moments of connection within the professional art and design community. Hear from a few people in our local tattoo scene.

WE (5/17), 6pm, Different Wrld, 701 Haywood Rd, Ste 101

Intro to Tarot Workshop w/Sadie Chanlett-Avery

This workshop is your chance to learn about this ancient system, play with the cards, and ask lots of questions. It’s less about fortune telling and more about future creating.

WE (5/17), 6:30pm, All Bodies Movement and Wellness, 211 Merrimon Ave

How to Find Lasting Peace in an Ever-Changing World

Ananta Nathanson speaks of non-duality with a touch of Kashmir Shaivism.  He says that this life is only a dream and the body/mind is a virtual reality machine. His core teaching is:  At essence we are all the same and in this oneness we are without boundaries. Register at avl.mx/8u5

WE (5/17), 7pm, Online Rhythm of Women

This is a women only drum circle. Learn East African drumming techniques and enjoy the rhythm and sounds of feminine beats.

Text (828) 777-6787 to reserve your space.

WE (5/17), 7pm, The Elephant Door, 126 Swannanoa River Rd, Asheville

Swing Dance Lessons

Open to all beginners wanting to learn 8-count Lindy Hop.

Beginner basics will be learned and explored each week with new moves to add to your tool belt.

WE (5/17), 7pm, LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St

Gardening in the Mountains Presents: Planting Steep Slopes

Master Gardener Beth Leonard will help us to assess and prepare, plant and maintain slopes and offer some hard-learned tips and tricks. If you garden on a hillside or ever plan to, you won’t want to miss this practical presentation. Register at avl.mx/bka

TH (5/18), 10am, Online

Drive In Bingo

Play from the comfort of your car. Winners receive prizes and refreshments will be served.

TH (5/18), 2pm, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd Free Estate Planning 101 Seminar

Hosted by Attorney Christopher M. Craig, this seminar is designed for those who are new to estate planning as well as those who have dabbled in estate planning and wish to gain further insight. The seminar will benefit people who want to protect their assets and avoid the probate process. Register at avl.mx/coi

TH (5/18), 2pm, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd

American Art & Sound: An Evening of Innovators & Innovation Join The Asheville Art Museum and the Moogseum for an immersive evening exploring synergies between American Art and the pioneering sound of Moog synthesizers. The program will include a live synthe-

sizer performance and discussions centered around select works of art from the Museum’s collection.

TH (5/18), 4:30pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square Makerspace: Third Thursday Experiment freely using different materials, tools, and techniques. Visit a chosen artwork in the galleries for inspiration, then head to the studio to create. All ages and abilities are welcome (children must be accompanied by an adult). No reservations required.

TH (5/18), 5pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

WNC, Past and Present: Christmas in Captivity: The Japanese American Incarceration at Montreat, 1942-43

This talk looks at the Japanese American women and children from Hawai, mostly US citizens by birth, and how they were moved by the State Department through Montreat and the Grove Park Inn in Asheville en route to Japan. Register at avl.mx/b99

TH (5/18), 6pm, Online

LOCAL MARKETS

RAD Farmers Market

Providing year-round access to fresh local foods, with 25-30 vendors selling a variety of wares. Handicap parking available in the Smoky Park lot, free public parking available along Riverside Drive. Also accessible by foot, bike, or rollerblade via the Wilma Dykeman Greenway.

WE (5/10, 17), 3pm, Smoky Park Supper Club, 350 Riverside Dr Enka-Candler Tailgate Market

A grand selection of local foods and crafts, everything from produce to pickles, baked goods to body care, with a hefty helping of made-to-order meals from our food trucks. Every Thursday through October.

TH (5/11, 18), 3pm, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler

Pack Square Artisan Market

This market will showcase local handcrafted goods in the heart of downtown Asheville.

Every Friday through October 27.

FR (5/12), 1pm, Pack Square Park

East Asheville Tailgate Market

Local goods from neighborhood vendors selling tamales, dumplings, baked goods, ferments, bread, artisan cheese, meat, flowers, farm fresh vegetables,

www.nifre.org

CIVILITY TRAINING 2023

DATES: June 07/08 2023

9AM-3PM

Times are for BOTH DAYS! Seats are limited- register today to secure your seat

TWO DAY TRAINING!

*LIVING WAGE STIPENDS FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS

REGISTER

NOW!

info@nifre.org

INCLUDING:

• Skills to debias

• Cross cultural communication

• Active tools for self intervention

• Self regulation techniques

• Community collaboration

• Compassion

and more. Every Friday through November.

FR (5/12), 3pm, Grose

UMC, 954 Tunnel Rd

Saluda Tailgate Market

With over a dozen vendors, this agriculture-only market features an assortment of homegrown produce, meat, and eggs within a 25 mile radius. Every Friday through October.

FR (5/12), 4:30pm, W Main St, Saluda

Henderson County

Tailgate Market

Henderson County’s finest seasonal fruits, fresh mushrooms, vegetables, local honey, meat, eggs, garden plant starts, perennials and much more. Every Saturday through October 28.

SA (5/13), 8am, 100 N King St, Hendersonville

Hendersonville Farmers Market

A vibrant community gathering space. With produce, meat, eggs, baked goods, coffee, crafts, food trucks, live music, kids' activities and more. Every Saturday through October 28.

SA (5/13), 8am, 650 Maple St, Hendersonville

Mills River Farmers Market

Listen to local musicians as you shop the wide variety of vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, and high-quality crafts. Every Saturday through October 28.

SA (5/13), 8am, Mills River Elementary School, 94 Schoolhouse Rd, Mills River

North Asheville Tailgate Market

The oldest Saturday morning market in WNC, since 1980. Over 60 rotating vendors offer fresh Appalachian grown produce, meats, cheeses and eggs - with a variety of baked goods, value added foods, and unique craft items. Every Saturday through Dec. 16.

SA (5/13), 8am, 3300 University Heights

Asheville City Market

Local food products, including fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, pastries, and other artisan products. Every Saturday through Dec. 17.

SA (5/13), 9am, 52 N Market St

Black Mountain

Tailgate Market

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

SA (5/13), 9am,130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Community Yard Sale & Art Market

Featuring handmade items, artwork,

collectibles, household goods, plants, furniture, clothing, books, toys, and various other items by local vendors and artisans.

SA (5/13), 9am, Flood Gallery Fine Art Center, 850 Blue Ridge Rd, Unit A-13, Black Mountain

MLC Spring Pop-Up Market

A local, family friendly, pop up market. Proceeds from vendors go to Montessori Learning Community’s development fund. This helps with scholarships and developing more school opportunities.

SA (5/13), 9:30am, St George's Episcopal Church, 1 School Rd

Fairview Handmade Market

Explore the offerings of 30 local artisan vendors and their selection of local pottery, woodwork, herbal medicine, jewelry, handwoven goods, botanical prints, handmade knives, a plant sale fundraiser benefiting Root Cause Farm, and more.

SA (5/13), 10am, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, 57 Sugar Hollow Rd, Fairview

Mother's Day Market

Browse from over 20 local crafters selling everything from jewelry to home goods to clothes and more. Tour the farm house and purchase plants from the farm's gardeners. See p57 SA (5/13), 10am, Historic Johnson Farm, 3346 Haywood Rd, Hendersonville

The Elephant Door Makers Market

Hosting a variety of local crafts, artisans, creative talent and artists.

SA (5/13), 11am, The Elephant Door, 126 Swannanoa River Rd

May Maker's Market

With vibrant local vendors, makers, and purveyors from Asheville and the mountains surrounding. Bringing beautiful art and craft, jewelry, vintage clothing, food items, CBD and more. Live music by Freeway Jubilee Duo.

SA (5/13), 2pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd

WNC Farmers Market

High quality fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, jams, jellies, preserves, sourwood honey, and other farm fresh items. Open daily 8am, year-round. 570 Brevard Rd

Show & Tell Sunday Market

A monthly Sunday market celebrating and supporting local indie craft, design, and vintage. Browse vintage clothes, housewares, handmade jewelry, ceramics, apparel and

more. Free and open to the public.

SU (5/14), noon, Rabbit Rabbit, 75 Coxe Ave

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 (5/14), 1pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200

Tuesday Creative Market

Browse the wares from local makers and creatives.

TU (5/16), 4pm, Different Wrld, 701 Haywood Rd, Suite 101

Etowah Lions Club

Farmers Market

Fresh produce, honey, sweets, flowers, plant starts and locally crafted wares. Every Wednesday through October 25.

WE (5/17), 3pm, Etowah Lions Club, 447 Etowah School Rd, Hendersonville

Leicester Farmers Market

Farmers Market with over 30 vendors. Locally grown and sourced selection of meats, produce, eggs, plants and flowers, baked goods, cheese, honey, sauces, crafts, art, and more. Every Wednesday through October 25.

WE (5/17), 3pm, Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester

Weaverville Tailgate Market

A selection of fresh, locally grown produce, grass fed beef, pork, chicken, rabbit, eggs, cheese, sweet and savory baked goods, artisan bread, fire cider, coffee, pickles, body care, eclectic handmade goodies, and garden and landscaping plants. Open year round.

WE (5/17), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr

Weaverville

Plant Show w/Native Flowers & More Sustainable nursery showcasing native wildflowers as well as complementary plants such groundcovers and herbs.

TH (5/18), FR (5/19) 1pm, SA (5/20), 11am, M R Gardens, 441 Onteora Blvd

Flat Rock Farmers Market

A diverse group of local produce and fruit farmers, craft-food makers, bread bakers, wild crafters, art-crafters, and merrymakers. Every Thursday through October 26.

TH (5/18), 3pm, Pinecrest ARP Church, 1790 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

Brevard Design Day

Over 30 artisans, studios, galleries and retailers will be participating in the first ever Brevard Design Day. This is an opportunity for anyone interested in home design to see what our talented and creative community has to offer. The event is free and open to the public.

WE (5/10), 10am, PLATT, 33 W Main St, Brevard

Asheville Amadeus Festival Kickoff

A grand 10-day festival featuring banjo superstar Béla Fleck as the Festival Headliner, Kishi Bashi as the festival Opener, and 25+ partner organizations offering 40+ events. This year the festival will be celebrating all things Americana with theater, art, music, culinary arts, and more.

TH (5/11), 5:30pm, Cursus Kĕmē, 155 Thompson St

Asheville: Wanderful's 10-Year Anniversary Celebrate Wanderful's 10-Year Anniversary by getting together and celebrating sisterhood as well as networking with incredible travel-loving women in your local community. Free for everyone, but non-members, please RSVP here: avl.mx/co2 FR (5/12), 5pm, Crave Dessert Bar, 41 N Lexington Ave, Ste 100

Connect Beyond Festival Event: Asian Identity in America w/ Kishi Bashi

Join us for a conversation with multi-instrumentalist Kishi Bashi and filmmaker Liz Sargent about minority identity and racism towards Asians in America. Using songs, film, and photography, we’ll look at a history of Asian representation in media and culture. See p57 FR (5/12), 7pm, Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr

Mother's Day Celebration

Play all day for free. SU (5/14), 8am, Well Played Board Game Café, 162 Coxe Ave, Ste 101

Mother's Day Plant Swap & Market Gardeners are invited to bring plants from their own gardens to swap, but plants can also be purchased. Proceeds support the educational programs of Blue Ridge Naturalist Network of individuals. SU (5/14), 9am, Charlotte Caplan’s House, 39 Courtland Ave

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Asheville Amadeus Festival

The sounds of Mozart at Parker Concert Hall. MO (5/15), 7:30pm, Brevard Music Center, 349 Andante Ln, Brevard

2023 Festival of Peonies in Bloom

Open daily through May 31st.

10am, Wildcat Ridge Farm, 3553 Panther Creek Rd, Clyde

Rhythm & Brews Concert Series: Hawktail

Free outdoor shows with a variety of established acts as well as up-and-coming artists from around the nation. Hawktail, a bluegrass and Americana string band, will kick off the concert series. See p57 TH (5/18), 5pm, Downtown Hendersonville South Main St, Hendersonville

BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING

Gather & Grow: Lunch of a Lifetime

Eliada Homes is hosting a fundraiser to help provide shelter, residential treatment, education, and life skills for children and young

adults at Eliada. TH (5/11), noon, Crowne Plaza Resort, 1 Resort Dr

2023 Days of Caring

An opportunity for Henderson County residents to connect with local nonprofits for a day of volunteerism.

This year 25 nonprofit agencies posted 38 projects calling on nearly 400 volunteers to complete the work over the two-day period. All ages are invited to come together to create positive change for themselves, their families and their community.

FR (5/12), 9am, United Way of Henderson County, 32 Smyth Ave, Ste 100, Hendersonville Botanical Gardens Spring Native Plant Market

Browse native plants grown by the Botanical Gardens and local vendors. There will be a wide variety of native flowers, shrubs, and trees to add to your garden. This is a benefit event for the BGA, Asheville's unique native plant sanctuary, which is supported by memberships, donations, and volunteers.

FR (5/12), noon, Botanical Gardens at Asheville, 151 WTWeaver Blvd

The Magnetic Theatre

Sip & Shop: Clothes for a Cause Fundraiser

Update your wardrobe with a variety of gently used clothing and accessories for adults. All proceeds will go to support our mission of bringing art back to the heart of Asheville.

SA (5/13), 10am, The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St

Letter Carriers Stamp

Out Hunger Letter carriers across Henderson County will collect non-perishable food donations from households along their Saturday routes. These donations will be distributed to Interfaith Assistance Ministry, The Salvation Army, and The Storehouse to provide food to Henderson County residents in need.

SA (5/13), 375 Depot St

WHY I VOLUNTEER

Bake Sale to Benefit

Ukraine

Variety of baked goods including Ukrainian specialties. All sales will go to Ukraine for humanitarian aid via the UNWLA Humanitarian Aid Fund. The UNWLA is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. See p55 SA (5/13), 11am, Pink Dog Creative, 348 Depot St

Art Walk & Benefit

This free fundraiser, open to the public, will highlighting a different local nonprofit organization. Take in the eclectic work of local, regional and international artists while learning about the fantastic work being done by each nonprofit. Additionally, each of the 12 galleries will contribute a percentage of sales to its featured nonprofit.

TH (5/18), 5pm, Multiple locations

Time Machine Dance Party w/The Royal Suits & MINØR (pop, dance)

This Asheville Music School fundraiser is bringing a live dance party with the band Royal Suits along with special guests and their flagship student band Minør.

TH (5/18), 7pm, Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr

Find ways to thrive

Paulina Mendez is a volunteer at Asheville Latin Americans Achieving Success. Through mentoring, training and scholarships, the nonprofit works to help develop leaders within the local Latin community.

How long have you been volunteering with your nonprofit, and what inspired you to do so?

I’ve been involved with ALAS in some capacity since 2007. ALAS’ mission is different than any nonprofit I’m aware of, and they are actively working to address gaps created by our educational institutions that create barriers to access to higher education. If our systems aren’t working for us, we have to find ways to thrive despite the challenges, and I love how ALAS walks the walk.

What have you learned about the individuals you serve?

The individuals we serve are talented, smart, dedicated and overall just wonderful people.

What has been the greatest reward?

The greatest reward is knowing that the scholarships are available to students who may not otherwise qualify for scholarships despite their excellence due to issues outside of their control.

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

Be sure your values align with the mission and values of the organization, don’t try to “rescue” but instead walk alongside the population you’re working with and find joy in the work.

WHY I VOLUNTEER

Aha moments!

Leland Arnsdorff is a volunteer at the WNC Nature Center. The organization works to connect people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region.

What is your role at the WNC Nature Center?

I am a docent. In my volunteer position, it is my privilege to share bio facts, information and the story behind the residents of the Nature Center with both adults and children. Being a docent is more than just teaching people; it means engaging guests in a way so that they develop their own appreciation for the residents at the Nature Center.

What have you learned about the individuals you serve?

The “individuals” that I serve are the animals who call the WNC Nature Center home. I have learned quite a bit about the animals that once lived in WNC as well as those animals that live in the area now. Some of the residents of the Nature Center are no longer living here in our area, and I have learned both why this is the case and what we can do to support the wildlife living in our area currently. The information that a docent shares with the guests at the Nature Center could make the difference in how our guests view all wildlife and their habitats.

As a volunteer, what has been the greatest reward?

The greatest reward is seeing the look on a guest’s face, child or adult, when they see the animals and make a personal connection either through something learned or through seeing the animal in person. It is these “aha” moments that are my greatest reward.

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

The Nature Center benefits from volunteers who lend support in a number of areas. Being a docent requires being in front of and interacting with guests, so make sure that you are comfortable with both. If you enjoy expanding your knowledge about and your enjoyment of native wildlife, then the Nature Center is a wonderful place to not only visit but also to volunteer.

LELAND ARNSDORFF

PAULINA MENDEZ

Nothing but the tooth

MAHEC program expands dentists’ capabilities for low-income patients

BY JESSICA WAKEMAN

jwakeman@mountainx.com

When Dr. Amanda Stroud was a seventh grade student at Happy Valley School in Caldwell County, she came home one day with a message from a dentist who’d visited her school.

“I got sent home with a note saying, ‘Your child has cavities and you need to find a dentist to fix them,’” Stroud recalls. “My parents were people who worked 40 hours a week every week, and they never missed work for anything,” she explains. “But they also didn’t have enough money to have dental insurance. … That was considered an extra.”

Stroud and her family were some of the many individuals, including many in rural communities, who lacked dental care in North Carolina. The medical community knows oral health isn’t just about protecting teeth; poor oral health can lead to malnutrition and other health conditions, according to the Harvard T.C. Chan School of Public Health.

Stroud’s experience as a 12-year-old motivated her to pursue dentistry as a profession; she graduated from the East Carolina School of Dental Medicine in 2015. It also motivated her to increase her oral surgery skills for serving low-income patients at a new “mini dental residency” last month at the Mountain Area Health Education Center.

SEWING SKILLS: Dr. Amanda Stroud, a safety net dentist in Western North Carolina, participated in a mini dental residency at Mountain Area Health Education Center in April. “I’ve already sped up my suture technique,” Stroud says, estimating she is five or 10 minutes faster in suturing. Photo courtesy of Kathi Petersen

’SAFETY NET’ CLINICS

MAHEC’s residency is offered to safety net providers, meaning dentists who work at safety net dental clinics.

The clinics are “nonprofit dental facilities where low-income families or individuals can go for dental care,” explains the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. These clinics, located in almost every county in North Carolina, provide services on a sliding-fee scale to low-income patients who have no dental insurance. Oftentimes, being a safety net provider means “you’re the only dentist in this rural community,” Dr. Katherine Jowers explains. “If you’re going to be a safety net provider and move to Ahoskie or [someplace else rural], you’re on your own.”

Jowers is MAHEC chair of the Department of Dentistry and Oral Health and director of an oral health program at UNC.

Stroud has practiced as a safety net dentist since 2015 and is dental director for AppHealth Care, the public health department serving Allegheny, Ashe and Watauga counties. It’s also a federally qualified health center serving Allegheny and Ashe counties.

“We have a lot of patients who are in need of dentures,” Stroud says of her patients. She does tooth extractions — done because the tooth is dead — nearly every day. She says approximately half her patients need 12-14 teeth extracted at one time, and she recalls one time when she extracted 27 teeth from one person. (Humans usually have 32-34 teeth.)

While some dentists specialize in surgery or gum diseases, the MAHEC program is geared toward general dentists who are likely to encounter patients with a range of issues that stem from the lack of dental care. Many patients don’t see dentists because they can’t afford it.

The residency, a collaboration with the N.C. Oral Health Collaborative, ran four weekends from March 30-April 29 and provided hands-on clinical training in dentoalveolar surgery, or surgery on the gums, teeth and jawbone. Stroud and two dentists from Western North Carolina Community Health Services arrived at MAHEC’s Mary C. Nesbitt Biltmore Campus in Asheville on Fridays for lectures and practicing on nonhu -

man soft tissues, such as pig jaws. On Saturdays, the dentists operated on patients who needed those procedures.

The residency focused on treating patients with complex oral health needs caused by a longterm lack of oral health care.

Asheville native Jowers says, “There are so many people that get lost in the shuffle of the glamour of Asheville, and they don’t get enough attention.”

Jowers continues, “My heart is in supporting … the guy who wears overalls to his appointment because it’s the nicest thing he’s got. There’s a lot of people that live out here, and they all need help.”

HANDS ON

On Saturdays, the three safety net dentists practiced procedures with a more experienced oral surgeon “right there at their elbow,” Jowers says. The residency paired “book learning” with handson, “in the clinic doing it with

someone helping you learning,” she explains.

Many of the surgeries dealt with abscesses. “An abscess is an infection that is borne typically from a tooth issue — typically decay that has reached the tooth tissue,” Stroud explains. The infection can eat away portions of the bone and cause damage to sensitive oral nerves. Abscesses are extremely painful, and in worst-case scenarios, the infection from untreated abscesses in children and adults can result in death, she adds.

GETTING DENTAL CARE

Beyond the safety net providers, preventive dental care is beyond the reach of those who struggle financially.

Provider shortages are among the barriers rural communities face regarding oral health care, according to the Rural Health

CONTINUES ON PAGE 38

WHY I VOLUNTEER

Energy and enthusiasm

Robin Lenner has volunteered with Girls on the Run for 10 years. The organization inspires girls of all abilities to strengthen confidence and other important life skills through physical activity.

What inspired you to volunteer with Girls on the Run?

I started out as a volunteer at the Girls on the Run water station at the Biltmore Marathon. Despite the frigid temperature that day — think frozen sports drinks! — the energy and enthusiasm of the staff and volunteers was amazing. From the start I was inspired by GOTR’s programs to empower young girls and by the passion of the people supporting that mission.

What have you learned about the individuals you serve?

I have learned that children who are given the opportunity to learn and connect in a supportive and encouraging environment of peers and adults can exponentially grow their confidence, relationship-building skills and self-efficacy. There is so much intention in how GOTR’s programs are delivered and the relevant skills it teaches. I believe that really matters to our participants, families and volunteers.

What has been the greatest reward?

Being involved for over a decade, I’ve gotten to see girls I coached grow up and become leaders in their communities and volunteers for GOTR. My hope is that one day I get to co-lead a team with a GOTR alumni. It’s powerful to witness the joy, connectedness and confidence our girls shine as they emerge from our programs and spread their influence into the world.

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

You don’t have to be a runner to get involved. GOTR has a multitude of opportunities for people interested in getting involved in one-time events or longer-term roles such as coaching, internships or as board/committee members. X

ROBIN LENNER

Fighting stigma

Steve and Sascha Frowine have volunteered at the Western North Carolina AIDS Project for five years. The organization provides equitable access to care and works to reduce harm from HIV, hepatitis C and drug use.

What inspired you to volunteer?

Over the years we have had friends and colleagues that have been affected by the scourge of AIDS and felt compelled to take action in their memories. We have seen the isolation, rejection and stigmas attached to them that have just added to their pain. We felt compelled to do at least something to show them that we empathize with their struggles and hope we can help in some small way.

What have you learned about the individuals you serve?

That they are folks just like us who many times have unknowingly endangered their lives by exposing themselves to this insidious disease. Most are very grateful for the help WNCAP lends to make what they are going through more bearable.

What has been the greatest reward?

Getting to know the folks and learning more about AIDS. It is most encouraging that with the right treatment, provided by WNCAP, this disease can be contained and managed.

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

WNCAP is a pleasurable organization to work with. They are totally dedicated to their clients and supportive of their volunteers. We have worked as volunteers for various nonprofit organizations and we can unequivocally state that this is one of the best for serving its clients and supporting its volunteers. Volunteering with them has been a truly rewarding experience. X

Information Hub, which is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Other barriers include a higher rate of poverty in rural areas, difficulty finding providers willing to treat Medicaid patients, geographic isolation and lack of public transportation.

While not all states offer adult dental coverage under Medicaid, North Carolina does, according to the National Academy for State Policy. However, it requires that a procedure or service be “medically necessary,” which means preventive care does not qualify.

Individuals who don’t meet the “medically necessary” threshold or who lack dental insurance entirely often visit an emergency room for oral pain rather than visit a dentist, Stroud says. However, many ERs don’t have dentists on staff; Stroud says she is unaware of any locally. ER clinicians often can only prescribe an antibiotic to the patient and advise visiting a dentist.

Such a suggestion, while well-intentioned, is often unhelpful to the broader oral health crisis. “If

they can’t afford to get [dental] care originally, they probably can’t afford to get oral surgery,” Stroud says.

THE DENTAL SCHOOL CONUNDRUM

The MAHEC training in dentoalveolar surgery for general dentists is intended to fill that gap. Complicated oral surgery isn’t explored in great depth during dental school, says Jowers. Instead, dentists have to specialize in those types of care, which requires them to pursue advanced training. “In dental school, you get kind of a broad, thin film of knowledge,” she explains. “They’ve shown you everything, once, you’ve tried everything once — well, then you’re out there [practicing].”

Unlike medical school, which requires a residency for specialized training, dental school has no such requirement, Jowers continues. “More people than not go right out and start practicing without a residency under their belt. … So, a lot of dentists are out there learning as they go,”

WELLNESS

Steve and Sascha Frowine with Chris Weinbrenner, left, volunteer coordinator at WNCAP

she continues. “But you’re not going to get out of your comfort zone and try something you don’t know how to do well,” especially the complex oral surgeries that come with a longtime lack of oral health care.

Educational costs can be another reason dentists don’t obtain specialized training, Jowers says. After earning either a doctorate of dental medicine or a doctorate of dental surgery, dentists can be itching to pay off student loans. With that in mind, MAHEC’s residency costs participants $1,200 for nine classes. By way of comparison, in-state resident tuition for advanced dentistry training at UNC Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry for the 2022-23 school year ranged from $5,000 to $8,000, not including other fees, for a full load of coursework.

Upon completion, the three dentists receiInformation Hubved 32.5 hours of continuing education credits. Dentists in North Carolina are required to complete 15 hours of continuing education each year, according to the N.C. Board of Dental Examiners.

Stroud says the education gave her confidence to treat more oral issues caused by a lack of dental care.

While dentists have the opportunity to augment their education with daylong classes, books or videos, it’s having hands-on experience for complex procedures that matters.

“You’re sort of stuck [at your ability level],” Jowers explains. “You never really get that much better at some things because you just aren’t comfortable cutting that jaw open, removing the bone and getting at that third molar.”

For that reason, Stroud adds, MAHEC’s residency “has been paramount to helping more patients get care.” She adds, “I’ve already sped up my suture technique,” estimating she is five or 10 minutes faster in suturing.

If Stroud sutures three patients more quickly each day, she continues, she could possibly add one more half-hour appointment — one more patient — to her workload.

Stroud tells Xpress she has already used what she has learned at MAHEC in her practice. “I’ve already been able to reach out to more patients and say, ‘I’m more comfortable doing this now.’”  X

The Mission

The mission of the Center for Native Health is the reduction of health disparities for Native communities through engagement in the preservation and respectful application of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS).

As a 501(c)3 your contributions are tax deductible and will contribute directly to CNH’s work to integrate community-based knowledge into all facets of Native health care and education and to promote individual, family and community wellness for Indigenous peoples.

Speaking up Teens

Adults and teenagers have always existed in slightly different worlds, separated by social norms, slang, music and entertainment.

But nowadays, those worlds feel more disparate than ever, says Michael Hayes , founder and executive director of the nonprofit Umoja Health, Wellness and Justice Collective. “We can never say that we understand what they’re going through,” Hayes says of young people. “Because we’ve never been through a pandemic. I didn’t grow up being affected by social media.”

Last June, Umoja debuted HOPE 4 the Future, a summer camp for children and teens. In its initial season, it served 78 youths. And by summer’s end, it had evolved into an after-school program offering a place for kids to relax, lift weights and do homework. Since that time, a lucky few have also been invited to participate in “The Hour of HOPE” podcast broadcast on the online community radio station WDRBmedia.com.

Hayes and his son Tyequan Harrison are the show’s regular hosts. But in each episode, they invite teens from HOPE 4 the Future to lead a portion of the podcast wherein they engage in conversations and discuss issues important to their lives. Guest hosts are invited to join the podcast based on their behavior in school and their grades, Hayes says.

A DEEPER CONVERSATION

The acronym HOPE stands for “Healing Our Past Experiences.” Participants, notes Hayes, feel empowered both in sharing their

discuss participation in ‘The Hour of HOPE’ podcast

own stories and representing their fellow classmates.

To date, “The Hour of HOPE” has released nine episodes, recorded in Umoja’s office space on North Louisiana Avenue. Youth segments have addressed a number of issues, including bullying, preventing substance use and

violence, generational trauma and individual accomplishments.

Nygerio Carson , a 14-year-old contributing host, says a segment about school safety was a personal favorite. The topic, Carson notes, addressed school discipline and issues concerning students feeling seen and understood by their teachers and administrators.

“The conversation was deep,” agrees DD Sullivan , 14, who is also on the podcast. “We all go through the same things at school every day,” she says. “We can share our different experiences and relate to [each other]; it goes into a deeper conversation.”

Adds Julia Darity , 13, another podcast contributor, “To get that off of our chest was freeing.”

ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES

In addition to school-related themes, Hayes says the podcast allows its participants to discuss larger issues they are going

through. For example, one child has a parent who is currently incarcerated. Another has lost two siblings — one older and one younger.

Hayes is forthcoming about his own traumatic life experiences, including childhood molestation and drug and alcohol misuse. On Umoja’s website, he shares how he completed an Adverse Childhood Experiences Study survey during one of his prison sentences. The event marked the first time he ever seriously addressed his mental health, he says.

The survey asks questions about childhood adversities that have an impact on mental health and physical well-being, such as “Did you live with anyone who had a problem with drinking or using drugs, including prescription drugs?” and “Did you live with anyone who was depressed, mentally ill or attempted suicide?” An ACE

CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE: Umoja Health, Wellness and Justice Collective Executive Director Michael Hayes, second from left, hosts a radio show called “The Hour of HOPE” on WDRBmedia.com. From left, Julia Darity, DD Sullivan and Nygerio Carson participate in the show’s youth segment.

Photo by Jessica Wakeman

score of 4 or more — meaning, exposure to four or more adverse childhood experiences — is related to toxic stress and increased odds of health risks.

According to the Umoja website, Hayes scored “a perfect 10” on his survey.

In response, Hayes began learning about mental health issues and pursued a certification as a peer support specialist while incarcerated. He completed the process through Vaya Health after he was released. Subsequently, he attained recovery coach certification through Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness and became a trauma and resiliency educator through Resources for Resilience.

One of Hayes’ main goals for HOPE 4 the Future is to teach young children the coping skills he did not learn until he was incarcerated. It’s important to him “for our kids to learn how to recover from some of the traumas that they’ve been through and start looking to see what resiliency looks like,” he explains. “Then they can see themselves doing better.”

Hayes acknowledges that the kids do open up to him but says it’s easier for them to connect with each other. “When we’re talking about their mental health and their well-being and them understanding where they fit in and belong, they need somebody [their own age] to bridge that gap,” he says.

SURPRISE: Erwin Middle School Principal Travis Collins, left, reunites with Tyequan Harrison, who is Michael Hayes’ son. Collins taught Harrison in the fifth grade at Oakley Elementary School. Photo courtesy of Collins

A LOT TO SAY

For Carson, Darity and Sullivan, their podcast discussion on school safety touched both on their personal experiences as well as the insights on trauma they’ve gained through their participation in HOPE 4 the Future program.

Sullivan believes that the school system is less concerned with students’ well-being than broader aspects of discipline. “They only focus on who’s smoking in the bathroom or who’s raising their voice at the teacher,” she says. “They focus on what they call ‘disruptions’ and stuff like that. They’re not really focusing on what’s really going on with the students in school.”

Adds Darity, “It’s never the ‘why.’”

The students at HOPE 4 the Future regularly talk about personal resilience. An upcoming

segment on the podcast addresses building stronger communities. In a brainstorming session, Darity explains, they discussed “how we can make the school a resilient environment for us.”

Hayes hopes the kids on the podcast and its listeners will connect their experiences to issues like how disciplinary decisions impact the school-to-prison pipeline and disparities in academic achievement. “Systems are designed to promote certain communities of people and systems are designed to keep certain communities down — that’s the true facts,” Hayes says. “Those [systems] have to change. But when we allow ourselves to listen to what today’s youth are going through, then it gives us a better picture of why we should address it.”

— Jessica Wakeman X

Erwin Middle School’s Warrior Time

Umoja started as a nonprofit in 2018. However, many of Michael Hayes’ connections with youth in HOPE 4 the Future formed during the 2022-23 school year, after Clyde A. Edwin Middle School Principal Travis Collins invited Hayes to the campus.

Collins, a longtime educator, joined Erwin Middle School as principal this year. “When I come to a new school, I take a lot of time looking at the data — not just students’ achievement outcomes, but how are our children doing in many different ways,” he explains. Data about the school’s methods of discipline — in-school suspension and out-of-school suspension — stood out to him.

“We have one piece of data called the risk ratio, which essentially calibrates … [a student’s] risk of getting ISS or OSS, compared to their counterparts,” Collins says. For students of color “that number was high.”

Erwin Middle School is a community school in partnership with the United Way. (Community schools partner with local organizations to provide additional support to students and their families; United Way works with both Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools.) Collins says United Way’s community school coordinator suggested he meet with Hayes.

“When [Hayes] mentioned to me that the work that he was doing and building community [outside of school] with our Black and brown students was trauma-informed — that he was working on issues like resiliency — I’m sure I got really excited at that moment,” Collins says with a laugh.

Collins extended an invitation to Hayes to come to the Erwin Middle School campus for Warrior Time, which dedicates 25 minutes per day to provide extra support for students. The program includes academic assistance, such as tutoring, as well as emotional support through its social-emotional learning group.

A small group of students of color meet daily with Hayes during Warrior Time.

“It gives them a time to sit down with Mr. Hayes and unpack the things they need to unpack in a trauma-informed way,” Collins explains. “Students sometimes come to us with their survival brains on and that time helps us transition to their learning brain.”

Erwin Middle School has two full-time counselors, a part-time counselor and a social worker who is nearly full-time, Collins says. In addition to those resources, Hayes’ presence at Warrior Time offers “a valuable system of support.”

And anecdotally, Collins adds, he’s heard the relationship between Hayes and students has had a positive impact.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness

Support, Education, & Advocacy for Indivisuals and Families

Living with Mental Illness

Providing emotional support during times of crisis, and helping each other cope with the unique daily situations associated with mental illness. Come to our support groups, classes, & other events.

356 Biltmore Ave., Suite 207, Asheville 828.505.7353

info@namiwnc.org • namiwnc.org

A song of community

BY BILL KOPP

Popular music venue White Horse Black Mountain is changing from a for-profit enterprise to a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Typically, such a change would represent a fundamental realignment of the way a business is run. But according to the venue’s founder and board of directors, the change merely formalizes what has been the reality for quite a while.

COMING HOME AGAIN

Over the course of his adult life, White Horse Black Mountain owner/ founder and Western North Carolina native Bob Hinkle has worked in almost every corner of the music business: songwriter, touring and recording artist, producer, artists and repertoire representative, label head, artist manager and more. He has worked with artists across the musical spectrum, including The Band, Kenny Rogers, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, The J. Geils Band, Harry Chapin, Etta James, Jim Henson and scores of others.

But Hinkle eventually became frustrated with the business. He spent two or three years as vice president of creative at a subsidiary record label for industry giant BMG. “And I hated it,” he admits. “They had about twice as many people with degrees in economics as they did people with the slightest idea of what music is about.” And after spending 40 years in New York City, he was ready for a change. In 2008, Hinkle and his then-wife moved back to Black Mountain. It felt

White Horse Black Mountain transitions to nonprofit

The space at 105 Montreat Road in downtown Black Mountain had previously been home to an auto dealership and then a warehouse for antiques. When Hinkle first laid eyes upon it, the place was a mess. “There were massive piles of junk all around,” he recalls. “And the floor was in pieces.”

But Hinkle and his spouse saw past the clutter; they had a vision of the space’s potential. “Both of us looked up,” he says, “and we saw that the ceiling was all wood: great for sound.” The roof is arched like a Quonset hut, which is also good for acoustics. And while the space appears to be square, in fact, it’s trapezoidal. “That also helps the sound,” Hinkle explains, “because it keeps those big bass [sound] waves from hitting you in the face.”

After looking the place over, Hinkle turned to his wife and made a request. “Give me a high C,” he said. The trained opera singer obliged. “And,” Hinkle recalls with a smile, “the room treated it very nicely.” Seven months later, White Horse Black Mountain opened to the public. “We opened on Nov. 8, 2008,” Hinkle notes with a laugh. “Right into the jaws of the recession.”

DESPITE THE HEAT

like a homecoming: They settled in the house his uncle had built nearly a century earlier.

About a year later, while visiting the local Chamber of Commerce, Hinkle met Bob McMurray. They bonded over their common backgrounds

in music. McMurray had been one of the original owners of The Grey Eagle when it was located in Black Mountain. He invited the Hinkles to join him for a visit to a building he owned, right across the street from The Grey Eagle’s former location.

Right from the start, keeping White Horse Black Mountain afloat financially would be a struggle. But concertgoers flocked to White Horse, with many becoming regular visitors. “We began to turn it around,” Hinkle says. “Clawing, scratching and asking for help, we were able to keep it open on a monthly basis.”

The business rarely, if ever, turned a profit, but keeping the White Horse

BUSTING A MOVE: Bob Hinkle is taking White Horse Black Mountain in a new direction. Photo by Don Talley

going would yield other, more intangible dividends. Hinkle recalls one August evening in 2009. “It was hot as hell,” he says, “in the low- to mid-90s outside. We had a full house, about 200 people.” Lacking air conditioning, the room was exceedingly hot and stuffy. Onstage was Armenian vocalist Mariam Matossian, backed by Western North Carolina’s own world music ensemble Free Planet Radio. At one point in the show, Matossian asked everyone in the audience to stand. “Let me show you a very simple Armenian dance,” she told them. “She encouraged everybody to make contact with the person next to them,” Hinkle continues. “It escalated until there was a circle of 150 people going around the outskirts of this big room, all doing this dance in the heat.” He vividly remembers thinking, “My god, maybe I’m doing the right thing after all.”

FOR THE BENEFIT

In the years since White Horse Black Mountain opened, the venue hosted countless fundraising and benefit events. Hinkle says he recently attempted to draw up a list of all of them, eventually giving up when he counted around 50. His son Zach — currently one of the seven-member White Horse board — recalls his dad telling him, “I know that there’s got to be at least 50 more, but these are the ones that I can remember.”

Zach Hinkle is proud of the venue’s track record in that regard but makes an important point. “You can’t do 50 of those benefits and expect to make any money [for the business],” he says.

“Bob always puts everyone else first,” Zach says. “And if you’re doing that anyway, really trying to create a place that the community feels at

CONTINUES ON PAGE 46

WHY I VOLUNTEER

A way to support the arts

Kathy O’Neal is a volunteer at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. The organization’s mission is to enrich, enlighten, educate and entertain through the performing arts.

How long have you been volunteering at Wortham, and what inspired you to do so?

I joined the volunteer ushers in early 2017. My cousin who also ushers there suggested I might be interested when I first moved to Asheville. It seemed like a wonderful volunteer opportunity and way to support the arts community.

What have you learned about the individuals you serve?

Welcoming our regular patrons back to the Wortham each time they attend a performance, as well as meeting those who are joining us for the first time, is a truly delightful experience. It’s wonderful to be part of a team that works to make each person feel welcome and comfortable at a performance.

Ushers are the first “face” of the Wortham for guests attending performances, and we all work to create a positive experience from the time patrons step through our front doors with anticipation for a great show to when they leave knowing they’ve probably seen something unique, different, exceptional.

The staff of the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is dedicated to making the performing arts an enjoyable experience for all of our patrons. Managing Director Rae Geoffrey always puts together a season that presents a vast array of performers of the highest quality in their field. While not every artist may be on everyone’s radar, each performance is just about guaranteed to be wonderful to see and hear.

The entire Wortham staff brings a highly professional and inspiring positivity to the Wortham. It is indeed a joy to get to know and work with all of them.

What’s been the most rewarding experience to date?

There are many rewards to being an usher at the Wortham Center, but if I have to name the greatest, it would be the opportunity to hear and see such a wonderful variety of performances.

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

I highly recommend ushering — it’s a way to support the arts in Asheville while enjoying the performances. It’s also a way to make new friends, both with those who work at the Wortham Center as well as with fellow ushers. X

KATHY O’NEAL

Energy-saving practices

Darlene Kucken is a volunteer for Green Built Alliance’s Energy Savers Network. Through volunteers, the network installs energy-efficiency measures in homes with limited income in Western North Carolina.

How long have you been volunteering, and what inspired you to do so?

I have volunteered for GBA’s Energy Savers Network for about five years. When I retired, I wanted to give back to my community. I’ve always worked for environmental issues, both personally and professionally. It’s increasingly hard to pay bills with rising energy costs. Yet there are many ways to reduce energy demands; some are simple and cost little. Our volunteer work is an educational opportunity to help people see how little changes can make a difference. Our great crew leaders also inspire me to sign up as often as I can.

What have you learned about the individuals you serve?

I’m surprised at how many individuals within Buncombe County need our services. I have met folks with many stories of ill health, loss of job, raising grandchildren, caring for a relative or renting from a landlord that simply doesn’t care about the rental unit conditions. Every client has been grateful for what we do for the household; they are kind, thankful, interested and often help us. Sometimes we are even treated to coffee or lunch. Every person I have met has needed our help.

What has been the greatest reward related to the work you do?

It is very rewarding to measure the energy efficiency of a home before and after our work — and find we have increased energy efficiency of the home by 25% and more. That’s not counting the increased efficiency from changing to LED bulbs and installing water-efficient devices. This can result in reduced energy bills — which means more money for medicines and food. Secondly, I have learned so much. I have become more confident and skilled at using some basic tools and energy-saving practices.

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

Just sign up! The crew leaders and experienced volunteers are all very helpful. You will only be asked to work at your level of comfort. We all work together on a crew. Usually, there are three to four volunteers, so plenty of help is available to you. You’ll learn skills to implement on your home. The website makes it easy to sign up, either by date or by a map. With more volunteers, we can reach out and help more folks. The need is here, and your time will be greatly appreciated.

home, transitioning to nonprofit status makes the most sense.”

Official 501(c)(3) status from the federal government is due any day now; at present, the board is “winding down” operations of the for-profit entity. But in terms of how things operate on a day-to-day basis, neither artists nor concertgoers are likely to notice changes in the way White Horse is run.

Where changes will be evident, however, is in the way that White Horse engages with the community. A fundamental goal of the nonprofit venue is to bring the music space and audience even closer together. And nonprofit status “opens the door to collaboration with other 501(c)(3) organizations in town,” says board member, musician and frequent White Horse performer David LaMotte.

“White Horse is a community, not just a performance space,” says board member, writer and storyteller Gareth Higgins. “I wanted to put flesh on the bones of the idea that [the venue] is a member of this community. And this is the mechanism that creates the container for that to happen.”

The venue’s upcoming schedule features some of its highest-profile shows ever. Kenny Rogers’ original band plays May 27; White Horse welcomes Nitty Gritty Dirt Band founding member John McEuen June 2. And a tribute to North Carolina-born singer-songwriter Roberta Flack is planned for August.

TRANSPARENCY AND COMMUNITY

Zach Hinkle emphasizes that most of what a nonprofit does is already built into the way White Horse has operated for years. Nonprofit status “makes you fully and completely transparent, which is what this place is anyway,” he says. “No one’s going to get rich, but nobody was going to get rich anyway! That was never the goal.”

A new membership plan aims to cultivate the relationship between White Horse and the community. Details were announced at a sold-out launch party on April 21.

Memberships help sustain the White Horse and provide a bevy of benefits for members. The basic membership (“Appaloosa”) is $20 per month; it entitles members to a lapel pin, a $2 discount on all ticket purchases and two “golden tickets” each year, good for any White Horse event. Membership also allows attendance at special members-only functions. Higher levels of membership each come with successively more benefits.

SAME AS IT EVER WAS

Zach Hinkle anticipates a question, asking it himself. “A week after we’re a nonprofit, when you walk in here and experience White Horse as a listening room, will it feel any different than the week before?” He answers his own query: “No. But we will be doubling our hours, opening up at 11 a.m. instead of 5:30 and building in educational programming and weekend songwriting retreats.”

After enumerating several more of the new nonprofit’s plans, Zach Hinkle pauses, perhaps reminded by his dad’s recounting of the Matossian performance. He smiles broadly and shares one more item from the list. “We’re going to add air conditioning!”

But beyond that, some things are unlikely ever to change, like the way nearly every performance concludes. “Bob does this little benediction at the end of each night,” Higgins explains. “He says, ‘There are a lot of problems in the world. But when I look out here, I see a lot of people who are part of the solution.’”

As it enters into its new phase as a nonprofit, White Horse looks to be at the center of seeking those solutions. X

ARTS

DARLENE KUCKEN

Submit button

BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN

For fledgling organizations making a positive impact in their communities, achieving stability is of utmost importance. In the case of Punch Bucket Lit, the monthly literary reading series held at Cellarest Beer Project since spring 2022, the quest for long-term success prompted founder Rachel Hanson to seek nonprofit status.

An assistant professor of literature at UNC Asheville, Hanson spoke with Xpress about her passion project, the 501(c)(3) application process and what she’s learned along the way.

This interview has been condensed for length and edited for clarity.

Xpress: What made you want to turn Punch Bucket Lit into a nonprofit?

Hanson: Just over a year ago when I started Punch Bucket Lit in West Asheville, my goals were to offer writers an opportunity to share their

Punch Bucket Lit founder Rachel Hanson on launching a literary nonprofit

work and promote community. To be perfectly honest, I’d not met my people, so to speak, after several years of living here. I was starved for a warm community of serious, talented and dedicated writers who wanted to support and build up other writers. Starting a reading series in my neighborhood felt like a good place to begin.

Of course, there was quite the literary community in Asheville. I just hadn’t found my place in it yet. Punch Bucket Lit allowed me to find that place. The response to the series has been tremendous. I’ve met so many amazing writers through Punch Bucket Lit. I had no idea the series would take off as it has, and I’m extremely grateful we’ve come together.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that we have something special here, so I started thinking of ways to expand. There is so much energy behind Punch Bucket, and I’ve had a lot of interest

from established poets and writers who want to read in the series — not only locally and regionally, but across the country from New Mexico to Connecticut. Forming a nonprofit so Punch Bucket Lit could be better situated to bring more writers to Asheville seemed like a natural next step. The organization is very young and officially received its articles of incorporation certification from the state of North Carolina this past Valentine’s Day.

What kind of research and/or preliminary work did you perform prior to applying?

I checked out other nonprofits that I’ve admired over the years to learn about their history, their goals, their struggles and their achievements. It was really important to me to not entirely reinvent the wheel but also create a nonprofit that was very much Asheville-centric. We have an awesome community of writers and literary enthusiasts here, so highlighting and supporting the local community while welcoming writers from all over is at the top of my priority list.

How did you ultimately decide that becoming a nonprofit was indeed the right decision for your organization?

It’s extremely important to me that Punch Bucket Lit get to a place where it can compensate writers for their labor. Writers have to work so hard to promote their work, while also working to support themselves. Most writers don’t survive by their writing alone. In fact, most have to sacrifice precious writing time for a primary job. I don’t see that changing anytime soon — or ever — but I do believe that writerly labor should be acknowledged, and a very necessary

and practical way of doing that is by offering our readers honorariums.

So, while our goals at Punch Bucket Lit are, among other things, to expand to include an annual literary festival — which we certainly hope will help support local businesses by an influx of writers and literary enthusiasts — compensating our writers in the monthly series is also a huge priority. Forming a nonprofit makes these goals more achievable as Punch Bucket Lit will be able to apply for grants, fundraise, and accept donations that offer tax advantages to donors.

What about the application process has surprised you thus far?

Filing the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status with the IRS. The process wasn’t so bad, but the cost and waiting to hear back took me by surprise. I’ve filed for expedited processing so that Punch Bucket Lit can hit that final submit button on grant application drafts, but, for the most part, we are tied up waiting on the IRS. In retrospect, this probably should not have surprised me.

What efforts are you undertaking to thrive and survive while you wait to hear back about certification?

I’m bad at sitting still, and patience is not my strong suit. Bureaucracy makes my head want to explode. I mean, doesn’t everyone [feel that way]? While waiting for final approval from the IRS, we are developing our outreach program initiatives. We want to create space for young writers to create poems and stories, to help them find their voices and to feel proud and empowered by the work they create.

We are slowly but surely recording writers in conversation with our Punch Bucket Lit readers who have

a weird sentence. Sit at the desk and hit “submit” buttons is more accurate. Continue our monthly reading series at Cellarest. I can’t emphasize enough how grateful I am to our generous and kind hosts for giving us a home for the series. Harrison Fahrer, co-owner and general manager, has gone above and beyond for Punch Bucket Lit, and I’m grateful. The monthly series is still the thing that gives me the most joy (aside from my dog Blue, of course), and no matter what happens, the series will remain my top priority.

WHY I VOLUNTEER

A deeper understanding and friendships

Since 2016, Jan Cosman has worked as a volunteer for MANNA FoodBank. The nonprofit works to end food insecurity in the 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary.

What inspired you to begin volunteering at MANNA?

I felt that volunteering was a great opportunity for me to contribute to my community.

What have you learned about the individuals you serve?

GIANT

Rachel Hanson is confident Punch Bucket Lit will attain nonprofit status and has big plans for its future.

performed over the last year. We will continue to record these conversations with writers who perform in the series and are willing to sit down and chat with us. We hope to get our podcast off the ground sometime in June.

We are reaching out to local businesses that might be willing to provide space for our 2024 Punch Bucket Lit Festival. Punch Bucket Lit: A West Asheville Reading Series continues to take place each month, sometimes twice a month, at Cellarest Beer Project. We are hosting book launch events for several writers in the coming months. Other than that, given that Punch Bucket Lit is an organization mostly made up of writers, we are writing and sharing work. It’s important that we support one another — and we do.

If you’re granted nonprofit status, what are some of your shortterm and long-term action plans for Punch Bucket Lit?

Short term: Hit the ground running on our grant applications. What

Long term: Grow our annual literary festival, find an affordable office space in West Asheville/RAD, preferably one with space to host small events. Punch Bucket Lit staffers Emily Wilson, Bridgitt Belanger and Alex McWalters gather for our monthly meetings at Cellarest or one of our homes, and both are totally fine for now. However, we are on the lookout for a quiet space where we can meet with potential donors, business owners who might want to be part of our literary festival and meet with our writers to record the Punch Bucket Lit Podcast, among other things. All good things take time, but we are committed to serving our Asheville literary community and the larger literary community long-term.

In the event that you’re denied certification, what’s your Plan B?

I’m not thinking that way. We will get approved.

What advice would you give other literary organizations interested in obtaining nonprofit status?

I think there are better people to ask for advice. Local poet Jessica Jacobs immediately comes to mind. Other than that, though it’s a labor of love, forming and running a nonprofit is still labor. Be ready to work.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/cnu.

Editor’s note: Xpress Managing Editor Thomas Calder is an active member of Punch Bucket Lit. X

So many folks that are in need of food assistance are hard-working families that are simply trying to put one foot in front of the other and have difficulty making ends meet. With the recent challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more people are relying on supplemental assistance.

What has been the greatest reward in your role as a volunteer?

I have met so many wonderful people at MANNA — both volunteers and staff. So not only do we have the opportunity to help our community, we also get to develop new and lasting friendships.

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

I would say two things:

• Prepare yourself to have a deeper understanding of food insecurity in our community.

• Prepare yourself for some amazing new friendships! X

WHY I VOLUNTEER

Loneliness is truly an epidemic

Donna Mann is a volunteer at Meals on Wheels of Asheville & Buncombe County. The organization delivers hot, nutritious meals and friendly visits to homebound seniors each weekday.

What inspired you to volunteer with Meals on Wheels?

I started volunteering for Meals on Wheels at the beginning of the pandemic. I knew from volunteering with them in Texas that most of the drivers were elderly people themselves. Because the virus was disproportionately affecting older people, I thought as a younger retired person I should step up and step in.

What have you learned about the individuals you serve?

That loneliness is truly an epidemic, especially among older people. Most of the people on my route live alone. Many have no family nearby or anyone who can help them. I worked as a geriatric social worker and really enjoy older people. But anyone can be kind and take a few minutes to hear about someone’s life. You would be amazed at the stories they have to tell!

What is the greatest reward in the work you do?

I often tell people that Meals on Wheels is more than lunch, especially during the pandemic. We may have been the only people that our clients had contact with. I went to one woman’s home, and she answered the door wearing two sweaters and a hat. I went inside and found that the temperature was 50 degrees. We figured out that her oil tank was empty, so the Meals on Wheels social worker called Grace Fuel Co., and they came right out and filled her tank.

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

Really think about what makes you feel happy and fulfilled and look for that in a volunteer situation. There are so many opportunities to help, but you have to find the right fit. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries. When you find your joy, you will bring joy to others!

LEAPS:

Photo by Jonathan R. Brown

DONNA MANN

JAN COSMAN

In loving memory

Asheville artists celebrate the creative legacy of Carrie Cox

BY TREVOR LEACH

mallowrosecottage@gmail.com

Local artist Carrie Cox died March 17 at the age of 53, but her creative spirit lives on through her family and former colleagues. Cox, along with her dog, Keva, was a beloved member of the community of artists working out of Wedge Studios in the River Arts District. After her death from a long struggle with cancer, previous and current Wedge artists came together to plan a celebration of her life.

Opening Saturday, May 13, inside the Spotlight Gallery at Wedge Studios, more than a dozen artists will present a group exhibition of works made in posthumous collaboration with Cox.

“Each artist has chosen unfinished work of Carrie’s and will complete the piece with their own creation and include Carrie’s original work within it,” says Patricia Hargrove, whose paintings occupy the studio right next to the Spotlight Gallery. Every finished artwork in the show is priced at $275 to help raise money for Cox’s family and their choice of charity to support in her honor.

A GENTLE SPIRIT

“Carrie was very serene, sophisticated, understated, subtle, elegant — and that’s what her work was,” says artist Jacqui Fehl. “She was always trying to include people and coordinate things.”

Fehl keeps an ornament Cox made from colorful strips of paper hanging

behind her desk as a reminder of her creative inspiration.

Cox was known for integrating various materials into her craft, especially paint and paper. With soft, pale tones, her abstract compositions convey tranquility and a mastery of simplicity. Circular forms in repetition, squiggly lines, fields of color and scraps of cut-paper collage all combine to communicate her vision of the world.

“Carrie was a talented, gentle-spirited and innovative artist working in paper and mixed media and is greatly missed by our community,” says Hargrove.

Cox also expressed herself through creative writing and poet-

ry. Fehl has incorporated Cox’s poem “Cloud House” into their joint work for the exhibition, as well as bits of paper Cox assembled over the years. In her poem, Cox writes about a desire “to float/and stretch/and dance/across the sky” like a cloud.

“Carrie always liked to do work on small artwork, and I always liked to work big,” says Callie Ferraro Ferraro previously shared the third floor of Wedge with Cox, where they became close friends. Eventually, Ferraro moved into another space on the second floor, but their friendship remained strong as they traded artwork back and forth to work on together, including a door ornamented by their collective vision. “She was one of my best friends,” Ferraro adds.

“She had a lot of ideas,” notes Rachel Klecker Clegg, who shared the third floor with Cox in the final years of the artist’s life. “She wasn’t afraid to try different materials, and she was always encouraging of collaborating with people.”

After Cox entered hospice in January, Clegg came into the studio three days a week to help Cox’s husband, Brian, organize all that remained in the studio.

“After everything was moved out, that’s when it hit pretty hard,” says Clegg, who also moved out her own work at the same time.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Before her death, Cox had planned a collaborative exhibition with glass artist Emily Yagielo. The show was set to open in May. But after her death, the original two-person exhibit inside the Spotlight Gallery morphed into a larger celebration of Cox’s life.

“It was an organic thing,” Hargrove says about the process of organizing the exhibition. Hargrove initially spoke with Brian Cox about his late wife’s yet-to-be-finished work and creative ways to honor her memory. Together, they agreed that it would be meaningful to allow her former colleagues to select works that spoke to them and finish them in her honor.

“We just decided as a group: This would be a great way to honor our friend,” says Hargrove. “It’s something from our hearts.” Even if they were unable to work together with Cox in life, they could still join in art after her untimely passing.

“We all decided to each do a collaborative piece of her work as an extension of the joy that she brought to all of us,” says Ferraro.

“It was a community agreement thing. I think we just knew that was something Carrie would like,” continues Ferraro.

Fehl, Hargrove, Ferraro and Clegg all made their works well in advance of the opening night for the exhibition, partly to work through the grief of losing their friend.

“I didn’t even know what my intention was. I just started working,” says Clegg. “I think maybe that’s part of processing emotion, too, because you’re not getting ahead too much — you’re speaking through your heart in a way.”

“She did not want a funeral,” adds Hargrove. “All of the family is going to come in for this, so it’s really like a reception for Carrie [with] family, as well as the artists, the community and anybody who loved Carrie.” X

WHAT Wedge Artists’ Collaborative Honoring Carrie Cox.

WHERE Wedge Studios, 129 Roberts St., Spotlight Gallery, second floor. Free.

WHEN Saturday, May 13, 3-6 p.m. avl.mx/cmw

FOR CARRIE: Jacqui Fehl, left, and Patricia Hargrove are among several local artists participating in Wedge Artists’s Collaborative Honoring Carrie Cox. Photos courtesy of Fehl and Hargrove

Tashlikh 5773

“And you will cast all their sins into the depth of the sea” — Micah 7 Tashlikh: a ritual of symbolically casting ones sins into a moving body of water performed on Rosh Hashanah afternoon

Into this shallow creek, into this narrow gesture of land, this slow discourse of water, I empty my holiday pockets, a years crumbs of gossip, I empty my eyes of lust, my heart of unsympathetic joy over his fortune, I empty my hand of the fist and my mouth of silence where there should have been cries of injustice, I empty even the emptiness of vows I made last night, before the open heart of this synagogue, this wounded house of prayer; into this trickle I empty the comfort of ritual so that I may stand stripped to the bone of creation, without a deed to justify my life, this life, carried now only by the current of Your mercy.

us to our souls’

Richard Chess on the influence of Judaism on his poetry

BY THOMAS CALDER

tcalder@mountainx.com

If things had gone according to his original plan, it’s likely Richard Chess would not be discussing his poetry with Xpress.

“I started out as an art major, studying with conceptual artists,” he explains. At the time, he was enrolled at the University of Colorado. But after his first year, he moved back home to southern New Jersey, where his friends struggled to understand the art he was crafting. Discouraged, Chess quit.

But within a short period, he continues, he felt the need to create. “I also started my first serious relationship,” the poet continues. “Some words started coming. I didn’t know where they were coming from. I didn’t know what they meant. I was maybe 19. That, I think, was the beginning of work in poetry.”

Since then, Chess has published several collections, including 2017’s Love Nailed to the Doorpost.

In this month’s poetry feature, Chess — a professor emeritus of English at UNC Asheville, where he served as the director of the Center for Jewish Studies for 30 years — discusses the influence Judaism has had on his writing and the role poetry plays in the present day. Along with the conversation is Chess’ poem “Tashlikh 5773.”

Xpress: What inspired this piece, and how, if at all, did the poem evolve through revisions?

Chess: I was asked by leaders of Congregation Beth Israel here in Asheville to read a poem as part of that year’s tashlikh ceremony. Tashlikh is a ceremony performed on the afternoon of the first day of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, in which Jewish people symbolically cast off their sins by dropping breadcrumbs into a moving body of water.

Reed Creek runs through the CBI’s property, so I envisioned us gathered at Reed Creek preparing to perform the ritual. I wrote the poem in very short lines as a way, in part,

of suggesting the width of the creek as it moves through the property. Those lines may also come to suggest something about our vulnerability at a time of year when we are being judged for our actions over the year that has just come to an end.

I think this poem came pretty quickly. I really like writing poems to be used as part of rituals. There’s a long tradition of that.

At what stage of a given work do you start thinking about the presentation and layout of the actual words on the page and how that choice could offer additional layers to the text?

I work intuitively. I play with line lengths, for instance, as I go, searching for line lengths that will enable me to find the voice of the poem. Also, as I try out longer lines, shorter lines, and, say, standard length lines — about 10 syllables. I’m also looking for ways that the poem’s lineation will enable me to see what’s there in a draft of the poem and what’s getting in the way of the vision coming through. I’m also searching for a way to clear a space to see or sense what’s really there or what could be there in the poem. I don’t tend to think mimetically ... that is finding a form that matches the subject of the poem. However, in this poem, the short lines seemed right, as I said, for the narrow creek that runs through the property of Congregation Beth Israel. The sense of vulnerability those lines may express — I discovered that after I had landed on the line length and shape of the poem. Circling back, can you speak a little more about your faith and the ways in which it has influenced your writing?

Well, I’m obsessed with Judaism and Jewishness! I love drawing on Jewish texts as points of departure for my work — poetry and prose. Judaism and Jewish culture stimulate me imaginatively, intellectually, spiritually, even physically. There is no space between Jewish stuff and everything else in my life, so it’s inevitable that it would be central to my writing.

‘Awakening

BIG INFLUENCE: “Judaism and Jewish culture stimulate me imaginatively, intellectually, spiritually, even physically,” says local poet Richard Chess. Photo courtesy of Chess

As far as faith is concerned, that word doesn’t speak much to me. Judaism draws me into questions, and just about everything I write arises from questions and leads to more questions. I like to point out that questioning is central to Judaism. The Four Questions are always a highlight of a Passover seder. Who gets to ask those questions? The youngest children! So, from the earliest age Jewish kids are taught to question.

Also, in Hebrew, Adam — Hebrew for “man” or generically “human being” — is connected to the word “adamah,” which literally means “earth.” However, the rabbis point out that adamah can be broken into two words: “Adam” and “mah.” Adam, as I said, means man or human; mah means “question,” or “what?” So, what is a human? A questioning being. Questioning — our most essential characteristic.

That’s fantastic. What role do you see poetry playing in the modern world?

I don’t know what role poetry plays in the world right now. Language is used all around us in reductive, manipulative, abusive ways. Poetry at its best uses language to, among other things, express complex and nuanced emotions. In that, poetry reflects the fullness of human experience, something that the language, say, of politics and advertising fails to do. Perhaps most importantly, poetry plays a role in awakening us to our souls.

Is there a recent poetry collection by a local poet that you’re particularly excited to read? If so, why?

I am really looking forward to the publication of Jessica Jacobs’ forthcoming book Unalone. It’s a book of midrashic poetry based on the Book of Genesis. Jessica is a serious student of midrash, a rabbinic method of interpreting biblical texts: filling in gaps, telling missing stories, playing on multiple and sometimes contradictory meanings of individual words in Hebrew. Jessica is also a first-rate poet. The new book will be great not only as a book of powerful poems; it will also make a significant contribution to the body of American-Jewish poetry.

Who are the four poets on your personal Mount Rushmore?

This is a hard question for me to answer. There are the poets whose work got me going: Gerald Stern and C.K. Williams among them. And W.S. Merwin and Robert Bly and Denise Levertov and Galway Kinnell. And then there was Yehuda Amichai, maybe the most important poet to me. And then those Hebrew poets of Muslim Spain, who I’ve come to love through Peter Cole’s translations: Samuel HaNagid , Solomon ibn Gabirol , Judah HaLevi. And, of course, there are all the poets whose work inspires, challenges and sustains me. Some days it’s Edmond Jabes, some days it’s Federico García Lorca and Rafael Alberti. Oh, and my late teachers, Stephen Dunn and Donald Justice. Well, the list is long. X

ARTS & CULTURE

FOOD ROUNDUP

What’s new in food

A chocolate collaboration celebrates ‘momtrepreneurs’

French Broad Chocolates co-owner Jael Skeffington says she loves a “good airplane brainstorm.”

On a recent flight to Washington, D.C., Skeffington says she was reflecting on all the talent within the Asheville community, when she brainstormed the idea of a collection of bonbons celebrating mothers who’d also founded local businesses. She knew she had to work quickly if she wanted the product out in time for Mother’s Day, so she reached out to six women with whom she had partnered before. Each one got on board immediately, and the Mountain Mamas Collection was born.

The chocolates feature flavors inspired by Katie Button, CEO and co-founder of Cúrate; Ginger Frank , founder and co-CEO of Poppy Hand-Crafted Popcorn; Jess Reiser, CEO and co-founder of Burial Beer Co.; Cristina Hall Ackley, co-founder and president of Ginger’s Revenge; Chemist Spirits’ mother-daughter team of Debbie Word, founder, CEO and co-owner, and Danielle Donaldson, co-owner; and Skeffington herself.

“I admire each of [these women] for their courage, kindness, passion and dedication to growing both as humans and as leaders,” says Skeffington. “It was magic. The fact that we each had the same window of availability in such a short time frame was a small miracle. We had a lot of fun.”

Skeffington says she designed each flavor as an homage to the women and their businesses. “For example, Katie Button’s bonbon is Rosemary Honey Caramel, inspired by Cúrate’s berenjenas con miel, which is a delicate, fried eggplant drizzled with honey and rosemary. Mine is probably the most random,” she laughs. “It’s simply two of my favorite flavor obsessions, coffee and cardamom, in dark chocolate.”

Other chocolates in the collection include Salted Caramel Popcorn, Red Wine & Chocolate, Ginger & Orange Peel and Negroni Caramel.

Skeffington says although running a business while raising kids presents challenges, it can be done with support and encouragement. “Ask for help! Lose the guilt!” she advises. “It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling like you’re never giving enough — to your family, or to your business

and team. But you are modeling to your kiddos all that is possible — if you give your heart and your creative energy to something you believe in.”

French Broad Chocolates has locations at 10 S. Pack Square and 821 Riverside Drive. For more information, visit avl.mx/cni.

A new menu for M.O.M.

In 2019, Sam Kosik, owner of Mother Ocean Seafood Market, was selling fresh seafood in the parking lot of Vinnie’s Neighborhood Italian restaurant on Merrimon Avenue when he received the bad news. His business loan for a permanent location across the street had been declined.

“That four-lane road I’m looking across just became 16 lanes,” Kosik told a customer at the time. To Kosik’s surprise, the customer, whom Kosik wishes to remain anonymous, offered to loan him the money he needed to build the business.

In March, the market celebrated its three-year anniversary as a brick-and-mortar. And on May 2, the menu, which features daily specials, added some new items.

Chef Christopher Cox , whom Kosik met while Cox owned and operated the Montford Pull Up, creates dishes that use the market’s seafood, which is delivered daily, as well as local ingredients such as vegetables from tailgate markets and locally made products like DJ’s Pickles, Lusty Monk Mustard and Sunburst Trout Farms trout. Menu items include a Caesar salad with smoked trout and goldfish crackers, a Cuban sandwich made with alligator sausage served on bread from Geraldine’s Bakery, and ahi tuna poke with quick-pickled veggies and Cox’s signature General Tso’s sauce.

Mother Ocean still sells seafood at several tailgate markets such as the West Asheville Tailgate Market on Tuesdays from 3:30-6:30 p.m., April through November. The Merrimon Square storefront, which offers lunch daily, is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Mother Ocean Seafood Market is at 640 Merrimon Ave. For more information, visit avl.mx/ba9.

Baking for Ukraine

On Saturday, May 13, a bake sale will be held at Pink Dog Creative from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. to benefit Ukrainian National Women’s League of America. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go toward the nonprofit’s Humanitarian Aid Fund for Ukraine, devoted to helping women who have lost their husbands in war, assisting elderly women without families and finding and returning kidnapped Ukrainian children to their families. The sale, organized by Asheville artist Andrea Kulish with community organization AVL4Ukraine, will feature baked goods made by members of the local Ukrainian American community, as well as other supporters in the River Arts District.

Items for sale include Ukrainian specialties such as classic Kiev cake, which consists of layers of hazelnut meringue and rum-infused buttercream, topped with a chocolate icing. There will also be oreshki, which are traditional shortbread cookies filled with dulce de leche and hazelnuts, as well as a variety of other treats, both Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian.

Although Kulish has organized several fundraisers for Ukrainian

organizations in the past year, this will be her first bake sale. She said she was inspired after reading about other successful bake sales organized by UNWLA branches around the United States. “This is a delicious and fun way to share Ukrainian culture,” she says. “Plus, everyone loves cake and cookies, right?”

Kulish is a member of UNWLA and hopes to start an Asheville branch of the organization. She invites those interested to reach out to her or visit the bake sale.

Pink Dog Creative is at 344 Depot St. For more information, visit avl.mx/xmasjbo.

California wine dinner

Asheville’s Metro Wines will host a dinner with California’s Ancient Peaks Winery owner Karl Wittstrom on Wednesday, May 17, at 6 p.m. Local chef Sam Etheridge will prepare dishes to pair with the wine and evoke “summertime vibes,” says Metro Wines co-owner Gina Trippi

Guests will be greeted with an amuse-bouche and a glass of Ancient Peaks sauvignon blanc, followed by a four-course dinner with wine, served family-style. Menu items include

Sunburst Trout Farms rangoons with fermented mango; a tomato and watermelon gazpacho with fresh buffalo milk mozzarella and ramp pesto; Heritage Farms Cheshire Pork ribs with charred corn and shrimp potato salad, pork belly hush puppies and black garlic barbecue sauce; and a grilled beef tri-tip, wild mushroom and scallion “short stack” with sundried tomato butter, pomegranate syrup and ramp chimichurri.

“Ancient Peaks has an event in Knoxville the night before and thought why not add on a trip to

Asheville,” says Chris Curtis, who works with distributor Winebow Imports. “What with the Asheville food and wine scene being nationally recognized and Metro gaining a reputation beyond the city limits as well, Metro was the obvious choice for a partnership.”

The dinner, which is $89 plus tax, will be held at 41 N. Merrimon Ave. For more information, visit avl.mx/cnj

Breakfast in Burnsville

Burnsville has a new option for breakfast: Hot Mess Food Truck. Opened on March 13, the truck serves breakfast using meat from Burnsville’s Double J’s Meat Processing, eggs from a local farm and coffee from Dynamite Roasting Co. in Black Mountain.

The name was inspired by the co-owners’ outlook on life. “Our lives are anything but normal, and we wanted a name that was fun, wasn’t traditional and didn’t tie us to a particular food,” says co-owner Jessica Marks. “Hot Mess was thrown out, and we all instantly knew it was the right name for us.”

Marks and her partner started a breakfast truck because mornings were the only time they had available, as other jobs occupied the rest of their days.

“We are just a couple families coming together to take a dream to reality,” says Marks.

The truck currently has a spot in front of Appalachian Handicraft. The team is also available for catering and special events.

Hot Mess Food Truck is open Monday through Friday from 5:3010:30 a.m. at 1724 West U.S. Highway 19E, Burnsville. For more information, visit avl.mx/cnk.

— Andy Hall X

MOUNTAIN MAMAS: French Broad Chocolates co-owner Jael Skeffington, center, invited other mothers who run local businesses to collaborate on a chocolate collection. Photo by Jill Schwarzkopf

Around Town

Artéria Collective puts focus on youth of color with spring showcase

Asheville Writers in the Schools and Community has held spring showcases before. But under its new identity as Artéria Collective, the nonprofit arts and culture organization is thinking bigger with this year’s event.

“It will be much larger and include more of our external BIPOC [Black, Indigenous and people of color] community members that are not directly involved in our organization’s programs but who we are building relationships with,” says Taz Crowley, events and outreach coordinator for Artéria. The group works to provide young people from marginalized neighborhoods with experiences in the arts.

Artéria will host Sugarbush Showcase from noon-7 p.m., Sunday, May 21, at The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage.

The show will feature musical performances by artists including April B. and the Cool, Tony J, Nina Gi, and an all-youth band from one of Artéria’s core programs, Word on the Street. Spoken-word poets, artists, dance performers, vendors and food trucks will also be on hand.

Program participants will perform, display art, run workshop tables for hands-on creating and sell merchandise they created throughout the year, including hand-printed shirts, photographs and paintings.

“Community members will get to engage with us as an organization, as well as see what all the youth have been up to this year,” Crowley says. “We hope that this creates a space to ... strengthen relationships with our communities.”

Founded in 2011, the group was originally focused on writer residencies in local public schools. Its mission has since expanded to include efforts to ignite social change through the power of arts, culture and restorative self-expression.

“We strive to provide brave spaces for BIPOC youth to express themselves and to feel empowered,” Crowley says.

“We believe that providing access to resources for BIPOC is vital to supporting healthy social and emotional

development and strengthens cohesion of our communities.”

The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage is at 131 Sweeten Creek Road. For more information or to buy tickets, visit avl.mx/cnl. To donate to Artéria, go to avl.mx/cnr.

Early birds

Most concerts at The Grey Eagle start around 8 or 9 p.m., times that aren’t convenient for a lot of people. With that in mind, the popular River Arts venue is launching Country Brunch, an all-ages Sunday music series that will run monthly through October.

“We’re always looking for new ideas and ways to cast a wider net that makes music more accessible,” says John Zara, marketing director. “Having a dedicated afternoon show that was more family-friendly fills that void. We hope this series will allow patrons that wouldn’t typically come out to enjoy some live music.”

The series starts Sunday, May 14, with a performance by Asheville

Americana singer-songwriter

Julia Sanders

The rest of the lineup:

• June 11: Classic country band Hearts Gone South

• July 9: Americana duo Underhill Rose

• Aug. 13: Honky tonk group Jessie & The Jinx

• Sept. 10: Jazz/honky tonk/rock band Heavenly Vipers

• Oct. 8: Country/Americana singer-songwriter Erika Lewis

“With other country-themed shows in town seeing success, that was something we really wanted to tap into,” Zara says.

All shows are noon-3 p.m., with doors opening at 11 a.m. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Kids get in free.

The Grey Eagle is at 185 Clingman Ave. For more information or to buy tickets to the May 14 event, go to avl.mx/cnm.

Stay in the frame

Frame It Asheville will present an exhibition of works by local and regional artists Friday, May 12, 6-8 p.m.

Featured artists will be Ray Byram of Pisgah Forest, who works in oils, watercolor and printmaking; Sara Simboli of Asheville, who specializes in classical painting of landscapes and figures; Rebecca Paris of Black Mountain, who paints portraits, land-

HANDS-ON LEARNING: Participants in Artéria Collective’s programs have created merchandise that will be sold at the group’s spring showcase. Photo by Alpha Cardenas/Artéria Collective

“Mountain Xpress is essential to the spirit and culture of Asheville. Invaluable!!!” –

scapes, animals and abstracts; photographer Larry Hind of Hendersonville; Sharyn Fogel of Sylva, who paints watercolor landscapes; and painter Allison Parker of Jonesboro, Tenn.

The artists will all be at the free event, and their paintings will be available for purchase.

Frame It Asheville is at 1829 Hendersonville Road. For more information, go to avl.mx/cno.

Thinking of Mom

Hendersonville’s Historic Johnson Farm will host its third annual Mother’s Day Market on Saturday, May 13, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The outdoor craft fair will feature more than 20 local vendors selling jewelry, ceramics, leather items, wooden décor, baked goods and more. Also on tap will be readings of the farm’s new children’s book, Winston the Farm Dog: A History of Historic Johnson Farm, at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Local car enthusiast Bob Noel will have an antique Model T car to view, and the Heritage Weavers & Fiber Artists’ gift shop will be open.

In addition, the historic farmhouse will be open for self-guided tours, and food and drinks will be available.

Historic Johnson Farm is at 3346 Haywood Road, Hendersonville. For more information, visit avl.mx/cnn.

Orchestra spotlights

Asian identity

Connect Beyond Festival and the Asheville Symphony Orchestra will present Asian Identity in America at 7 p.m. Friday, May 12, at Salvage Station.

“Using songs, film and photography, this conversational-styled event will look at a history of Asian representation in media and culture,” organizers say in a press release.

The event will feature multi-instrumentalist Kishi Bashi and Korean American filmmaker Liz Sargent. Bashi (a pseudonym for Seattle-born Kaoru Ishibashi) will share clips from his upcoming film titled Omoiyari, a Japanese word that means to have sympathy and compassion toward another person. In addition, the event will screen Sargent’s short film Take Me Home, which premiered at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.

Salvage Station is at 467 Riverside Drive. For more information or to buy $25 tickets, visit avl.mx/cnp.

Listen to the music

Hendersonville’s Rhythm & Brews Concert Series kicks off Thursday, May 18, with a 7:30 p.m. headlining perfor-

mance by bluegrass/Americana quartet Hawktail. Asheville string band Holler Choir opens the event at 5:30 p.m.

In addition to beer and wine from several local breweries and wineries, the monthly event will feature food trucks and a kid zone.

Here’s the rest of the schedule:

• June 15: Jonathan Tyler & The Northern Lights (blues rock/ Southern rock) with the Carolina Drifters (Southern rock)

• July 20: The Stooges Brass Band (New Orleans brass) with Zydeco Ya Ya (zydeco)

• Aug.17: Fireside Collective (progressive Bluegrass) with The Roving (Americana)

• Sept. 21: Melissa Carper (Americana/Western swing) with Angela Easterling & The Beguilers (singer-songwriter). Each concert will take place at the south end of Main Street in Hendersonville. For more information, visit avl.mx/cnq.

Application deadline

Applications for ArtsAVL’s Arts Build Community Grant are due by Thursday, June 15.

The program was created in 2018 to support innovative arts-based projects that inspire diverse groups of participants to be more civically engaged by creating together, the group says.

Eligible organizations must have been in operation for at least one year and be located in Buncombe County. Priority is given to projects based in low-income neighborhoods and communities in need. Grants range from $1,000 to $2,500.

For more information, go to avl.mx/cnt.

— Justin McGuire X

MOVIE REVIEWS

Local reviewers’ critiques of new films include:

GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY

VOL. 3: Writer/director James Gunn’s entertaining series-capper is the first MCU film to make grown men cry and traumatize their kids. Grade: B-plus

— Edwin Arnaudin

Helping others is rewarding

Ray Porter has been a tutor with Literacy Together since 2022. The organization works to meet the literacy and English language needs of people of all ages in Buncombe County.

What inspired you to become a volunteer, and who do you work with Literacy Together?

After participating in an online training orientation, I became a tutor for students who want to learn English as their second language. Buncombe County has many people moving here who need help becoming part of the community. I thought that tutoring would be an easy way to help people transition to a better life here.

What have you learned about the individuals you serve?

My students are very nice, hardworking individuals who want to positively contribute to their new communities. My students have become my friends, and I look forward to seeing them each week to encourage them as they work to improve.

What has been the greatest reward?

One of my students spoke very little English when we started working together a year ago. His bank of vocabulary words was extremely small, negating any possibility of actual conversation. We are now able to have simple conversations and he is more inclined to ask questions.

What advice would you offer those thinking about volunteering?

Helping others is rewarding. Though it seems risky doing something outside your comfort zone, it will very quickly be the highlight of your week.

RAY PORTER

For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333,

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

Stand-Up Comedy

Open Mic, 8pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Jay Brown (roots, blues, jazz), 6pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Open Mic Wednesday Night, 7pm

FRENCH BROAD

BREWERY

Bluegrass Jam

Wednesday, 6pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Songwriter Series w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Old Time Jam, 5pm

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

SALVAGE STATION

Joe Russo's Almost Dead (Grateful Dead tribute), 5pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Poetry Open Mic, 8pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Mariah Houston, Sleep Habits w/Slowpacker & Aunt Ant (indie, bedroom-rock, altrock), 8pm

THE BARRELHOUSE

Original Music Open Mic, 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• John Kirby & The New Seniors (punk-metal, rock, guitar-pop), 4pm

• Agent Orange w/ Suzi Moon & The Deathbots (cali-punk, surf-rock), 7pm

THE ODD

Hans Gruber & The Die Hards, Farseek, Kerosene Heights, Dim & Paper Mills (emo revival, rock, punk), 7pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Maria Bamford w/

Jackie Kashian & Moira Goree (comedy), 7pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Wednesday Open Mic, 5:30pm

WHITE HORSE

BLACK MOUNTAIN Irish Music Circle, 7pm

THURSDAY, MAY 11

27 CLUB

Naughty Trivia Night, 10pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY

ACADEMY

Kiki Thursday: Drag Party w/DJ RexxStep, 9pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR

BAR

Robert Thomas Band (jazz, progressive-rock), 7:30pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Ashley Heath (Americana, blues), 6pm

CROW & QUILL

Queen Bee & The Honeylovers (swing, jazz, Latin), 8pm

DIFFERENT WRLD

Evelyn Gray, Connie Page, Henshaw, Sayurblaires & Lurky Skunk (hardcore, experimental, indie-folk), 8pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Country Westerns, The Squealers & Watches (country, punk-rock), 9pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY

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

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM

Not Rocket Science

Trivia, 6pm

IMPERIÁL

Homage to Fania All Stars (latin, Afro-Cuban), 9pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7:30pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Conner Hunt & Bearwallow Band (country), 7pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Bo Aughtry (Americana), 7pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

The Lumpy Heads (Phish tribute), 9pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Alma Russ & Bryson Evans (country, roots), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

JLAD (The Doors tribute), 8pm

SALVAGE STATION

Jennifer Hartswick Band w/Joslyn & The Sweet Compression (funk), 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Django Jazz Jam, 7pm

THE BUSH

FARMHOUSE

African Music Nights, 6pm

THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR

Karaoke w/Terraoke, 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Sunburned

Hand Of The Man (punk-rock, psychedelic), 4pm

• Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum (rock), 7pm

NASHVILLE ROCKERS: Nashville-based rock band, Country Westerns, will be performing at Fleetwood’s in West Asheville at 9 p.m., Thursday, May 11. The group’s twangy rock ‘n’ roll style combined with its punk energy is reminiscent of bands such as The Replacements, Old 97’s and Bottle Rockets. Photo courtesy of Angelina Castillo

THE ODD

Volcandra Voraath, Urocyon & Bleedseason (metal), 7pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

The Fabba Show (Abba tribute), 7pm

THE OUTPOST

Outpost: Dave Desmelik Trio (Americana, folk), 6pm

THE ROOT BAR

Kendra & Friends (multiple genres), 6pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Thursday Night

Karaoke, 8:45pm

URBAN ORCHARD

Trivia Thursday, 7pm

URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO. SOUTH

SLOPE

Latin Dancing Night, 8:30pm

WRONG WAY CAMPGROUND

Don't Tell Comedy: West Asheville, 7pm

FRIDAY, MAY 12

12

BONES BREWERY

Panthertown (Americana, folk, country), 6pm

27 CLUB

Sacrilege Goth Dance Party, 10pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY

ACADEMY

Venus (dark house dance party), 10pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

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

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

ATYYA & Thoughts

Process w/GRGLY (electronic, bass, dance), 9pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Honeycutt & Co. (Appalachian, country), 6pm

CATAWBA BREWING

COMPANY SOUTH SLOPE ASHEVILLE

• Comedy at Catawba: Emily Walsh, 7pm

• Comedy at Catawba: Jill Weiner, 9:30pm

CORK & KEG

The Uptown Hillbillies (honk'n'tonk, country), 8pm

CROW & QUILL

DJ Dr. Filth (soul, oldies, rock'n'roll), 8:30pm

DIFFERENT WRLD

SAUXE w/DJ Audio, DJ Grimmjoi & Pave (hip-hop, house, Latin), 9pm

FLEETWOOD'S Drunken Prayer, JD Pinkus & Los Gun Show (Americana, punk), 9pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM

Color Machine (folk, rock), 6pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM

David Reynolds (acoustic), 7pm

IMPERIÁL

DJ James Nasty, 9pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Van Landers (country, blues), 9pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Open Mic Night w/ Hamza, 8pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

TrancEnd (prog-rock), 8pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

• Free Dead Friday w/ Gus & Phriends, 5pm

• Jess Goggans (funk, rock, blues), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

5J Barrow Friday Nights (folk), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

King’s of Soul: The JLloyd Mashup w/ Datrian Johnson & Reggie Headen (soul), 8:30pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Rahm & Friends (indierock, soul-jazz), 9pm

STORY PARLOR

Speakeasy Presents: Going Blue, 7pm

THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR

Whiplash: A Full-Fetish Drag Show, 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: IMIJ of Soul (Jimi Hendrix tribute), 4pm

• Eilen Jewell w/Miss Tess (surf-noir, country-folk, rock'n'roll), 7pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

The Bergamot (indiefolk, rock), 7pm

THE ODD

Bold Burlesque

Presents: Furry at The Odd, 8pm

THE ORANGE PEEL Drive By Truckers w/Lydia Loveless (Southern-rock, country, Americana), 7pm

THE OUTPOST

Outpost: The Pinkerton Raid (indie-rock, folk), 6pm

WXYZ BAR AT ALOFT

The Hill Climbers (Appalachian), 7pm

SATURDAY, MAY 13

27 CLUB

Hellbilly Goth: Burlesque, 9pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY

ACADEMY

80s MAXimum Overdrive w/DJ Nato, 10pm

ASHEVILLE CLUB

Mr Jimmy (blues), 7pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

The Widdler, SKEYEview, Snakko & King Shotta (electronic, dance hip-hop), 9pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

David Potter (folk, bluegrass, Celtic), 6pm

BOLD ROCK

ASHEVILLE

Shed Bugs (rock, blues, funk), 8pm

CORK & KEG

The Slocan Ramblers (bluegrass), 8pm

DIFFERENT WRLD

OTNES, Claire Whall, Lavender Blue, Night Walks (pop, synthscapes), 7pm

ETOWAH VALLEY

GOLF AND RESORT

Geriatric Jukebox

Acoustic Duo (oldies), 6pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Hex Wizard & Bill's Garage (psych, indie), 9pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

Don't Tell Comedy: River Arts District, 8pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

SOUTH SLOPE

LOUNGE

Ben Phantom (pop, jazz, bluegrass), 4pm

opt. 4.

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN TAPROOM

Big Dawg Slingshots (western-swing, jazz), 7pm

HOMEPLACE BEER CO.

Muddy Guthrie (Americana, rock, blues), 6:30pm

IMPERIÁL

DJ Nex Millen (hip-hop, funk, R&B), 9pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

• Nobody's Darling String Band, 4pm

• Bald Mountain Boys (Appalachian, newgrass, old-time), 9pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE Karaoke Night, 9pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Kayla McKinney (funk, soul), 8pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

FRUTE (psych-funk), 10pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING WEST

• Freeway Jubilee Duo (rock, bluegrass, jazz), 4pm

• Pulp Love & The Lumpy Heads (funk, rock), 9pm

SALVAGE STATION

Asheville Symphony Orchestra w/Kishi Bashi, 7pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Phuncle Sam (Grateful Dead tribute), 9pm

SILVERADOS

Puddle of Mudd w/The Redcoats Are Coming (alt-rock, nu-metal, post-grunge), 5pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Newt Pal w/Natural

Blk Invention & Ideal Self (ambient, noise, electronic), 8pm

THE BURGER BAR

Best Worst Karaoke w/ KJ Thunderk*nt, 9pm

THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR

In Plain Sight Dance Party, 7:30pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Jazz is Dead: w/ Alphonso Johnson, Steve Kimock, Pete Lavezzoli & Bobby Lee Rodgers (jazz), 7pm

THE MEADOW AT

HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Casual Cadenza (beachfunk), 6pm

THE ODD

Party Foul Drag: Saturday Night Tease, 7pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Drive By Truckers w/Lydia Loveless (Southern-rock, country, Americana), 7pm

WXYZ BAR AT ALOFT

• Livin’ on the Ledge Series w/Phantom

Pantone, 2pm

• DJ Rexx Step, 7pm

SUNDAY, MAY 14

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY

Life's a Drag Brunch, 12pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN

BREWING

Dark City Kings (garage-rock, country, pop), 2pm

CATAWBA BREWING

CO. SOUTH SLOPE

ASHEVILLE

Comedy at Catawba: Bo Johnson, 6pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Search & Destroy Punk Karaoke, 8pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY Reggae Sunday w/ Chalwa, 3pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN TAPROOM

Mr Jimmy Duo (blues), 1pm

IMPERIÁL

DJ Mad Mike, 9pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

• Bluegrass Brunch, 1pm

• Traditional Irish Jam, 3:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Emily Bodley, 3pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Sunday Jazz Jam, 1:30pm

SALVAGE STATION

Robert Jon & The Wreck w/Georgia Thunderbolts (rock), 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Aaron Woody Wood (Appalachia, soul, Americana), 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Country Brunch w/Julia Sanders (country), 11am

• Melissa Carper w/

Carolina Story (Americana, classic-country, old-time), 7pm

THE MEADOW AT

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

AJEVA (funk, rock), 2pm

THE ODD

Weirdo Rippers & Terraoke Karaoke

Takeover (post-punk, new-wave, power-pop), 5pm

MONDAY, MAY 15

27 CLUB

Monday Karaoke, 9pm

5 WALNUT WINE BAR

CaroMia, Rahm, Daniel Iannuci & Jaze Uries (soul, R&B, dream-pop), 8pm

HAYWOOD COUNTRY

CLUB

Taylor Martin's Open Mic Mondays, 6:30pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Totally Rad Trivia w/ Mitch Fortune, 6pm

IMPERIÁL

DJ Short Stop (soul, latin, dance), 9pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Quizzo! Pub Trivia w/ Jason Mencer, 7:30pm

MONTE VISTA HOTEL

Becki Janes & Mark Guest (jazz), 6pm

NOBLE CIDER

DOWNTOWN Freshen Up Comedy Open Mic, 6:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

It Takes All Kinds Open Mic Nights, 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Open Mic Downtown, 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Mashup Mondays w/ The JLloyd Mashup Band, 8pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Problems w/Safety Fluid & Dot Com Bubble (noise, noise-folk, harsh-noise), 8pm

THE JOINT NEXT DOOR

Mr Jimmy & Friends, 7pm

TUESDAY, MAY 16

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Trivia w/Drag Queens, 8pm

D9 BREWING CO. Malus Mons (electronic), 6pm

IMPERIÁL DJ Mad Mike, 9pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Team Trivia, 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

The Grateful Family Band Tuesdays (Dead tribute, jam band, rock), 6pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA Weekly Open Jam hosted by Chris Cooper & Friends, 6:30pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Nina Garcia, Arnaud Rivière w/Manas & All New Teeth (harsh, analog-noise), 8pm

THE BURGER BAR C U Next Tuesday Late Night Trivia, 9:30pm

THE GREY EAGLE • Patio: Many A Ship (indie-folk, rock), 4pm • I See Hawks In L.A. & Alex Meixner w/ The HawtThorns (Americana, folk, rock), 7pm

THE ODD

Open Mic Comedy, 8pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Tuesday Night Trivia, 7pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK

MOUNTAIN

White Horse Open Mic, 7pm

WEDNESDAY, MAY 17

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

Stand-Up Comedy

Open Mic, 8pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Jay Brown (roots, blues, jazz), 6pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Open Mic Wednesday Night, 7pm

FRENCH BROAD BREWERY

Bluegrass Jam Wednesday, 6pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Songwriter Series w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Old Time Jam, 5pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Latin Night w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 8:30pm

SALVAGE STATION

Karl Denson's Tiny

Universe w/Ivan Neville (jazz), 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Poetry Open Mic, 8pm

THE BARRELHOUSE

Original Music Open Mic, 8pm

THE FOUNDRY HOTEL

Shed Bugs (rock, blues, funk), 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Strawhouse, Old Weather & Taylor

Knighton (folk, rock, Americana), 4pm

• Riki Rachtman: One Foot in the Gutter, 7:30pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Hari Kondabolu, 7pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Wednesday Open Mic, 5:30pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK

MOUNTAIN

Irish Music Circle, 7pm

THURSDAY, MAY 18

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY

ACADEMY

Kiki Thursday: Drag Party w/DJ RexxStep, 9pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

Strangebyrds (folk, Americana), 7:30pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN

BREWING

JR Williams (multiple genres), 6pm

EURISKO BEER CO.

Ashevillians Comedy Showcase, 7pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Jerry's Dead (Grateful

Dead & JGB Tribute), 6pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Divine’s Drag Cabaret, 7pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7:30pm

OKLAWAHA

BREWING CO.

Possum Royale, 8pm

ONE STOP AT

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

The Lumpy Heads (Phish tribute), 9pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Steve Della Sala (altrock), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Mama & The Ruckus (blues, rock), 8pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Alex Homan w/ Superflower, Yes

Selma & Nostalgianoid (ambient-noise, indie), 8pm

THE BUSH FARMHOUSE

African Music Nights, 6pm

THE GETAWAY RIVER

BAR

Karaoke w/Terraoke, 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: John Allen Keck (alt-rock), 4pm

• Andrew Duhon & Abe Partridge (Americana, folk, country), 7pm

THE ODD

Graveyard Shift: Goth Dance Party, 8pm

THE OUTPOST

Outpost: Solvivor (blues, rock), 6pm

THE ROOT BAR

Kendra & Friends (multiple genres), 6pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY Thursday Night Karaoke, 8:45pm

URBAN ORCHARD

Trivia Thursday, 7pm

URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO. SOUTH SLOPE

Latin Dancing Night, 8:30pm

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY BY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): All of us are always telling ourselves stories — in essence, making movies in our minds. We are the producer, the director, the special effects team, the voice-over narrator, and all the actors in these inner dramas. Are their themes repetitious and negative or creative and life-affirming? The coming weeks will be a favorable time to work on emphasizing the latter. If the tales unfolding in your imagination are veering off in a direction that provokes anxiety, reassert your directorial authority. Firmly and playfully reroute them so they uplift and enchant you.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): A famous football coach once said his main method was to manipulate, coax, and even bully his players into doing things they didn’t like to do. Why? So they could build their toughness and willpower, making it more likely they would accomplish formidable feats. While this may be an approach that works for some tasks, it’s not right for many others. Here’s a further nuance: The grind-it-out-doing-unpleasant-things may be apt for certain phases of a journey to success, but not for other phases. Here’s the good news, Taurus: For now, you have mostly completed doing what you don’t love to do. In the coming weeks, your freedom to focus on doing fun things will expand dramatically.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Most of us have an area of our lives where futility is a primary emotion. This may be a once-exciting dream that never got much traction. It could be a skill we possess that we’ve never found a satisfying way to express. The epicenter of our futility could be a relationship that has never lived up to its promise or a potential we haven’t been able to ripen. Wherever this sense of fruitlessness resides in your own life, Gemini, I have an interesting prediction: During the next 12 months, you will either finally garner some meaningful fulfillment through it or else find a way to outgrow it.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Many of us

Cancerians have high levels of perseverance. Our resoluteness and doggedness may be uncanny. But we often practice these subtle superpowers with such sensitive grace that they’re virtually invisible to casual observers. We appear modest and gentle, not fierce and driven. For instance, this is the first time I have bragged about the fact that I have composed over 2,000 consecutive horoscope columns without ever missing a deadline. Anyway, my fellow Crabs, I have a really good feeling about how much grit and determination you will be able to marshal in the coming months. You may break your own personal records for tenacity.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Why do migrating geese fly in a V formation? For one thing, it conserves their energy. Every bird except the leader enjoys a reduction in wind resistance. As the flight progresses, the geese take turns being the guide in front. Soaring along in this shape also seems to aid the birds’ communication and coordination. I suggest you consider making this scenario your inspiration, dear Leo. You are entering a phase when synergetic cooperation with others is even more important than usual. If you feel called to lead, be ready and willing to exert yourself — and be open to letting your associates serve as leaders. For extra credit: Do a web search for an image of migrating geese and keep it in a prominent place for the next four weeks.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I boldly predict that you will soon locate a missing magic key. Hooray! It hasn’t been easy. There has been luck involved, but your Virgo-style diligence and ingenuity has been crucial. I also predict that you will locate the door that the magic key will unlock. Now here’s my challenge: Please fulfill my two predictions no later than the solstice. To aid your search, meditate on this question: “What is the most important breakthrough for me to accomplish in the next six weeks?”

ROB BREZSNY

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Losing something we value may make us sad. It can cause us to doubt ourselves and wonder if we have fallen out of favor with the Fates or are somehow being punished by God. I’ve experienced deflations and demoralizations like that on far more occasions than I want to remember. And yet, I have noticed that when these apparent misfortunes have happened, they have often opened up space for new possibilities that would not otherwise have come my way. They have emptied out a corner of my imagination that becomes receptive to a fresh dispensation. I predict such a development for you, Libra.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Kissing is always a worthy way to spend your leisure time, but I foresee an even finer opportunity in the coming weeks: magnificent kissing sprees that spur you to explore previously unplumbed depths of wild tenderness. On a related theme, it’s always a wise self-blessing to experiment with rich new shades and tones of intimacy. But you are now eligible for an unusually profound excursion into these mysteries. Are you bold and free enough to glide further into the frontiers of fascinating togetherness?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (1632–1723) worked at a variety of jobs. He sold cloth. He was a land surveyor and bookkeeper. He managed the household affairs of his city’s sheriffs, and he supervised the city’s wine imports and taxation. Oh, by the way, he also had a hobby on the side: lensmaking. This ultimately led to a spectacular outcome. Leeuwenhoek created the world’s first high-powered microscope and was instrumental in transforming microbiology into a scientific discipline. In accordance with astrological omens, I propose we make him your inspirational role model in the coming months, Sagittarius. What hobby or pastime or amusement could you turn into a central passion?

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I wonder if you weren’t listened to attentively when you were a kid. And is it possible you weren’t hugged enough or consistently treated with the tender kindness you deserved and needed? I’m worried there weren’t enough adults who recognized your potential strengths and helped nurture them. But if you did indeed endure any of this mistreatment, dear Capricorn, I have good news. During the next 12 months, you will have unprecedented opportunities to overcome at least some of the neglect you experienced while young. Here’s the motto you can aspire to: “It’s never too late to have a fruitful childhood and creative adolescence.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): As I’ve explored the mysteries of healing my traumas and disturbances over the past 20 years, I’ve concluded that the single most effective healer I can work with is my own body. Expert health practitioners are crucial, too, but their work requires my body’s full, purposeful, collaborative engagement. The soft warm animal home I inhabit has great wisdom about what it needs and how to get what it needs and how to work with the help it receives from other healers. The key is to refine the art of listening to its counsel. It has taken me a while to learn its language, but I’m making good progress. Dear Aquarius, in the coming weeks, you can make great strides in developing such a robust relationship with your body.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Can we surmise what your life might be like as the expansive planet Jupiter rumbles through your astrological House of Connections and Communications during the coming months? I expect you will be even more articulate and persuasive than usual. Your ability to create new alliances and nurture old ones will be at a peak. By the way, the House of Communications and Connections is also the House of Education and Acumen. So I suspect you will learn a LOT during this time. It’s likely you will be brainier and more perceptive than ever before. Important advice: Call on your waxing intelligence to make you wiser as well as smarter.

MARKETPLACE

REAL ESTATE & RENTALS | ROOMMATES | JOBS | SERVICES

ANNOUNCEMENTS | CLASSES & WORKSHOPS | MIND, BODY, SPIRIT

MUSICIANS’ SERVICES | PETS | AUTOMOTIVE | XCHANGE | ADULT

Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 advertise@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember the Russian proverb: “Doveryai, no proveryai,” trust but verify. When answering classified ads, always err on the side of caution. Especially beware of any party asking you to give them financial or identification information. The Mountain Xpress cannot be responsible for ensuring that each advertising client is legitimate. Please report scams to advertise@mountainx.com

EMPLOYMENT

GENERAL

SERVICES

AUDIO/VIDEO

DISH TV SPECIAL $64.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95

BCI WALK-IN TUBS ARE ON SALE Be one of the first 50 callers and save $1,500! Call 844-514-0123 for a free in-home consultation. (AAN CAN)

Omega, Patek Philippe, Here, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. The advertiser pays cash for qualified watches. Call 888-320-1052 . (AAN CAN)

ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY IS HIRING

Join our team and help us further our mission of building homes, communities, and hope. We are seeking to fill the following position: Construction Supervisor, Accounting Associate, Housing Development Director, FT AVL ReStore Associates, AmeriCorps Construction Crew Leaders apply at: ashevillehabitat. org/careers

PROFESSIONAL/ MANAGEMENT

NAMI WESTERN CAROLINA SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NAMI Western Carolina seeks a self-starter Executive Director that will help the organization build on its strong volunteer base as it adds staff and builds out its capacity to provide advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives: namiwnc. org

High Speed Internet. Free installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-566-1815. (AAN CAN)

HOME

4G LTE HOME INTERNET NOW AVAILABLE! Get GotW3 with lightning fast speeds plus take your service with you when you travel! As low as $109.99/mo.! 1-866571-1325. (AAN CAN)

ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

ATTENTION HOMEOWN-

ERS If you have water damage and need cleanup, call us! We'll work with your insurance to get your home repaired and your life back to normal ASAP! Call 833-6641530. (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: 1-866-370-2939. (AAN CAN)

DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? Appeal! If you're 50+, filed SSD and denied, our attorneys can help! Win or Pay Nothing! Strong recent work history needed. 1-877-311-1416 [Steppacher Law Offices LLC Principal Office: 224 Adams Ave Scranton PA 18503].

DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details.

888-476-1107. (AAN CAN)

DONATE YOUR CAR TO CHARITY Receive maximum value of write off for your taxes. Running or not! All conditions accepted. Free pickup. Call for details.

888-476-1107. (AAN CAN)

GUTTER GUARDS AND REPLACEMENT GUTTERS INBOUND Never clean your gutters again!

Affordable, professionally installed gutter guards protect your gutters and home from debris and leaves forever! For a free quote call: 844-947-1470

(AAN CAN)

LONG DISTANCE MOVING

Call for a free quote from America’s Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Call to speak to our Quality Relocation Specialists: Call 855-7874471. (AAN CAN)

rentals

MEN'S SPORTS WATCHES

NAME CHANGE I want to Change my Name from No Name Given Ankit as per US and Ankit as per India to Ankit Ankit as my official name everywhere.

NATIONAL PEST CONTROL

Are you a homeowner in need of a pest control service for your home? Call 866-616-0233. (AAN CAN)

SPECTRUM INTERNET AS LOW AS $29.99! Call to see if you qualify for ACP and free internet. No Credit Check. Call Now! 833-9550905. (AAN CAN)

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT

COUNSELING SERVICES

ASTRO-COUNSELING

Licensed counselor and accredited professional astrologer uses your chart when counseling for additional insight into yourself, your relationships and life directions. Stellar Counseling Services. Christy Gunther, MA, LCMHC. (828) 2583229

AUTOMOTIVE

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

spaces

sliding scale. Scan

WANTED Advertiser is looking to buy men's sport watches. Rolex, Breitling,

CASH FOR CARS! We buy all cars! Junk, high-end, totaled – it doesn’t matter! Get free towing and same day cash! NEWER MODELS too! Call 866-535-9689 (AAN CAN)

ACROSS

1 Texter’s “Hold that thought”

4 401(k) alternatives

8 Motormouth

14 ___ Lingus

15 “WTF” podcast host Maron

16 Use a joystick and a kneeboard, say

17 Astronaut Jemison

18 Expensive cut of steak

20 Ho-hum

22 Remark from someone trying to be inconspicuous

23 Post-workout lament

25 First name in daredevilry

26 Verbal flourish following a feat

28 Twitter, for some

33 Easy win

35 Actress Kathryn of “Glass Onion”

37 Place for Christmas lights

38 Fail to mention

39 Classic muscle car

40 Shock or awe

41 Diaper bag supply

42 Movie theater eponym

43 Jane Austen novel that inspired “Clueless”

44 What a pocket protector may protect against 46 Arias, typically 48 Deficiency 50 Bygone West Coast conference name

53 Was in one’s comfort zone

58 ___ Koenig, frontman of rock’s Vampire Weekend

59 Revealing an inappropriate amount of personal detail, as depicted three times in this puzzle

61 Red carpet walker, for short

62 Authoritarian government

63 Against 64 Crackerjack

65 Whiffs

66 Light gas

67 Is down with DOWN

1 Faline’s sweetheart in a Disney classic

2 The underworld, to Hades

3 It may be bottled for a caretaker

4 Economic org. since 1945

5 Like fridges, at times

6 Good dinosaur in “The Good Dinosaur”

7 Final word from a director

8 “Challenge accepted!”

9 Walled city of Spain

10 Omen

11 Cake or Bread

12 Subject for Niels Bohr

13 Splicing target

19 Some fall debuts

21 They might pick up embarrassing side remarks

24 Mesmerized

27 “Hmm, that makes sense”

29 They may relax in tiny hammocks

30 Certain comingof-age event

31 Tube traveler?

32 Lawless role of the 1990s

33 Bread served with aloo gobi

34 Sultanate near Yemen

36 Noshed

40 Ward of “The Fugitive”

42 Isn’t able to stand

45 Component of some sci-fi ammunition

47 Not totally against 49 Text that begins with Al-Fatihah

51 Feminist author Jong 52 Scruffs 53 Debate venues

54 At all 55 Kind of brick

56 Little off the top, say 57 Fielder’s shout 60 One-third of a negroni

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS NY TIMES PUZZLE