Mountain Xpress 08.18.21

OUR 28TH YEAR OF WEEKLY INDEPENDENT NEWS, ARTS & EVENTS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA VOL. 28 NO. 3 AUGUST 18-24, 2021

Polyamory community discusses love in Asheville

12

New book examines the 1936 murder at Battery Park Hotel

26

Fish, gummies and life on the edge

C O NT E NT S

WELLNESS

ARCHIVES

FEATURE

NEWS

FEATURES 12 THE MORE, THE MERRIER How the polyamorous live in Asheville

16 Q&A WITH TRACY SWARTOUT Xpress speaks with the Blue Ridge Parkway superintendent

THE ADVENTURE ISSUE Looking for adventure? You’ve come to the right place. This week’s issue is packed with tales about fishing, stolen cars, podcasts and delta-8 — a naturally occurring chemical compound derived from the cannabis plant. And while CBD dispensaries in the region say these products are increasingly popular with consumers, a broader debate concerning delta-8’s legality and safety is looming.

COVER IMAGE iStock

17 ‘NOTHING RECOGNIZABLE’ 1891 resident shares his vision of the city’s future

COVER DESIGN Scott Southwick

3 LETTERS 3 CARTOON: MOLTON

20 LAST RESORT WNC’s uninsured rely on free and low-cost health clinics

5 CARTOON: BRENT BROWN 8 NEWS 15 BUNCOMBE BEAT

A&C

18 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 22 GONE FISHIN’ Local chefs find excitement and calm on the river

20 WELLNESS 22 ARTS & CULTURE 34 CLUBLAND

A&C

37 CLASSIFIEDS 26 MURDER REVISITED New book explores 1936 slaying at the Battery Park Hotel

38 FREEWILL ASTROLOGY 39 NY TIMES CROSSWORD

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.

C O NT AC T U S: (8 2 8 ) 2 5 1 - 1 3 3 3 • F A X (8 2 8 ) 2 5 1 - 1 3 1 1 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

2

AUG. 18-24, 2021

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

STAFF PUBLISHER & EDITOR: Jeff Fobes ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson EDITOR: Thomas Calder ASSISTANT EDITOR: Daniel Walton ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR: Thomas Calder OPINION EDITOR: Tracy Rose STAFF REPORTERS: Able Allen, Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Brooke Randle, Jessica Wakeman, Daniel Walton COMMUNITY CALENDAR & CLUBLAND: Justin McGuire CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak, Gina Smith REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Mark Barrett, Leslie Boyd, Carmela Caruso, Bill Kopp, Cindy Kunst, Kay West, Ben Williamson ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER: Susan Hutchinson LEAD DESIGNER: Scott Southwick GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Olivia Urban MARKETING ASSOCIATES: Sara Brecht, David Furr, Andy Hall, Tiffany Wagner OPERATIONS MANAGER: Able Allen INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES & WEB: Bowman Kelley BOOKKEEPER: Amie Fowler-Tanner ADMINISTRATION, BILLING, HR: Able Allen, Jennifer Castillo DISTRIBUTION: Susan Hutchinson, Cindy Kunst DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS: Desiree Davis, Henry Mitchell, Tiffany Narron, Kelley Quigley, Angelo Santa Maria, Carl & Debbie Schweiger

COPYRIGHT 2021

BY MOUNTAIN XPRESS ADVERTISING COPYRIGHT 2021 BY MOUNTAIN XPRESS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

OPINION

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

City should not have complaint-based noise ordinance I’m not in favor of the present noise ordinance. I proposed that they take dBA (A-weighted decibels) readings all the same, near the sources of noise: 20 feet from buskers, 20 feet from amps and drums, 20 feet from businesses (the property line), 20 feet from automobiles and trucks with faulty mufflers.

Right now, the drums and amps we get from Pack Square will be from a public space and be “noise disturbance.” Nothing much has happened to ever enforce noise disturbance. It is a little undefined, although the new administrators — they can be called upon a complaint — can come to our condos and can take readings and then act.

My preference is the administrators always act on their own without any need for residents to complain.

This ordinance means we will have to endure “above standards” noise and may have to all purchase noise meters to figure out if those making noise are in compliance; then use our own meters; call in; and wait for quite a while as the complaint is registered. Then the administrator can get out to help, can come to our condos and take readings and proceed to help us. This is nuts.

We should not have a complaint-based system; we should never have to get a noise administrator to come into our condos to measure sound after we complain. We should have administrators acting on their own to serve the residents of the city. The city should take care of the noise with their administrators.

The condo owners will find that 72-75 dBA at the condo — for hours and consisting of any music: drums, amps, etc. — can be very disturbing. Then, of course, dBA readings do not report the “bass” well, and that low frequency will penetrate the walls of our condo.

Even if just below the threshold, it will certainly be disturbing.

Reporting only the noise that gets into residences will allow some venues to be very loud, and others with closer residences will have to be less loud.

Rabbit Rabbit can be about 115 dBA before The Aston condos receive the “less than” 73-75 dBA. Other businesses with residences across the street from a bar or performance may only be able to produce maybe 80 dBA before being in violation. How is this fair to businesses?

And complaining to the Police Department about noise of vehicles — that has been a disaster. The Police Department seems to never be in the core, never gives tickets for noise.

Under this ordinance, they will still be responsible for “vehicle” noise. We can be disturbed by four-six vehicles on parade — racing, blowing coal — with

and science. We hoped you would apply the same standards of proof to opposing views in your reporting.

— Rick Freeman President Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods Asheville Editor’s response: Our Aug. 4 coverage primarily was to explain the outcome of the vote rather than the various arguments made by contending interests. Our earlier coverage in the June 23 issue of Xpress did explore the arguments in detail, including those of the letter writer, in the story, “Hear Ye, Hear Ye: Proposed Noise Ordinance Could Reshape Downtown’s Future.”

Jewish community also addressing racial justice issues C A R T O O N B Y R AN DY M O L T O N huge noise from the engines, and nothing is being done. ...

And as for the police helping reduce noise with the flag-wavers, amps and megaphones and as they block the kids from enjoying the pigs? Nope, it does not happen. ...

I am very frustrated with how loud Asheville has become. Buskers frequently cannot perform as they enjoy “close by” listeners and contributors.

The buskers are driven away by those making loud noises: the drums, the amps. Asheville is worse for its inability to control noise.

I applaud the city for adding in “administrators” to help monitor the sound. I am frustrated that they can’t help the residents more by enforcing a code without needing a resident’s complaint and the resulting mess of collecting proof — coming to residences, necessitated by the ordinance as presented. It did not have to be this hard to lessen the noise in the core of Asheville.

— Jerry Hinz Asheville Editor’s note: A longer version of this letter will appear at mountains.com.

Article should have included science of noise pollution The recent article about changes to the noise ordinance stands in stark contrast to several other articles in the Aug. 4 edition.

While Carmela Caruso’s posting about the high levels of contamination in the French Broad River liberally acknowledges scientifically confirmed standards and measurements established by the Environmental

Protection Agency and other authorities [“Pollution Hunt: Enhanced French Broad Monitoring Highlights Water Safety Issues,” Aug. 4, Xpress], the Aug. 4 article by Brooke Randle fails to mention the considerable science behind excessive noise and its adverse effects on human health, well documented by the EPA, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [“Revised Noise Ordinance Clears Council in 5-2 Vote,” Xpress].

As with water and air pollution, noise pollution is a recognized public health issue that contributes to increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, sleep disturbance, depression, stress and hearing loss.

Another sharp contrast was the posting about local businesses prioritizing community over tourists [“Locals First: Some Asheville Businesses Prioritize Community Over Tourists,” Aug. 4, Xpress]. The new noise ordinance is literally tone-deaf to Asheville residents, taking an unsubstantiated position that local musicians will not recover from the difficulties of the past year without louder, later venues. Because the music scene thrived pre-COVID with relatively few noise complaints, it is a difficult leap to understand how making downtown and other commercial areas louder will improve business.

Moreover, the ordinance totally ignores residents who must deal with nonmusic-generated noise from industrial, commercial and other sources.

Noise pollution is content neutral and harmful to public health, no matter what the source.

Brushed aside by the City Council, the Coalition of Asheville Neighborhoods’ recommendations are based on facts

I was distressed to read the article of July 28 titled, “The Work Goes On: How Local Faith Communities Are Addressing Racial Justice in 2021,” [Xpress] by Jessica Wakeman.

While the worthy efforts of five Christian faith communities were highlighted in the article, not one mention was made of the work of the Jewish community. I know Ms. Wakeman was aware of some of this work, as I was interviewed for that article, and I am a member of the Jewish community.

Judaism has a basic tenet of faith called tikkun olam, which means repair the world. Racial justice issues fall under this precept. Using that as guidance, Congregation Beth HaTephila’s social action committee sponsored four evenings of discussion around issues of racial justice, which included understanding the role of white supremacy.

A study group encouraging further introspection of these issues provided a further avenue for discussion during the afternoon of Yom Kippur, a holiday devoted to prayer for atonement and forgiveness. Because of COVID, events took place online.

We have also provided congregants with lists that highlight Black businesses in Asheville, so they can support them with their patronage, and a reading list with relevant materials to continue personal study. Before COVID, we were able to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. weekend with St. James AME Church. Our efforts will continue in the coming year.

CBHT is not alone in the Jewish community in these endeavors.

Congregation Beth Israel’s social action committee sponsored its own study groups, its own lists and will be going forward with them.

CONTINUES ON PAGE 5

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 18-24, 2021

3

4

AUG. 18-24, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM

CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN The first large-scale public effort to address racial justice issues in the Jewish community was sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council. Their programs were open to the entire Jewish community in the area, heavily attended via Zoom, and spurred the actions highlighted above.

Another Jewish group, Carolina Jews for Justice, is also intensely involved in the racial justice movement.

Perhaps you could give me a reason as to why the Jewish community’s involvement was omitted? If we are trying to be inclusive in this region, I think it would have been a good idea to mention it.

— Vivian Ellner Weaverville Editor’s response: We regret not including additional faiths in our recent piece. Some of what the writer notes in her letter, including the four-part discussion on racial justice, was previously addressed in initial reporting on the subject in August 2020 in the article, “Love Thy Neighbor: Religious Leaders Tackle Systemic Racism.”

Reporter Jessica Wakeman adds: “Thank you for making yourself available as a member of Congregation Beth HaTephila to be interviewed. Reporters work within a limited word count in their stories, and, unfortunately, not all the information we gather or interviews we conduct make it into every article.

In retrospect, I regret not including

a synagogue or mosque in the piece for a more comprehensive view of the religious landscape of WNC.”

Masking is about common sense and courtesy [Regarding “County Recommends Return to Masking in Indoor Public Spaces,” Aug. 11, Xpress:] What is the common-sense reason for wearing a mask? COVID circulates via droplets in the air, which you breathe. So it makes sense to wear a mask to prevent you from breathing in those droplets. Even if some masks are not as effective as the N95, it still makes sense to gain some protection inside.

Outdoors, the virus droplets are swamped by the atmosphere, wind and ultraviolet rays of the sun. So there is no need to wear masks outside, but many did. Why? Paranoia/fear. Does this concept still apply today? The answer is: It depends on whether or not you are vaccinated.

If you are not vaccinated, you ought to wear a mask indoors to protect yourself. On the other hand, if you are vaccinated, you don’t need to wear a mask.

The data states that 90% of the people with serious cases, hospitalization and death are not vaccinated.

But the government is telling vaccinated people they must wear masks.

Why? Paranoia/fear. If you are paranoid

and you fear the virus even though you are vaccinated, you are free to wear a mask. But why must the government require people who are not paranoid or fearful to wear a mask? Simple. Paranoia and fear have overcome common sense.

Of course, there are breakthrough cases where vaccinated people get COVID. …. Why is this the case?

Because if the vaccine does not prevent you from getting COVID, it really does prevent you from having a serious case.

So I choose to live a normal life without a mask. Having said this, if I go to a business establishment and they have a sign that says masks are required or they want to see my vaccine card, I am happy to comply. After all, they are allowing you on their premises, and we should honor their requirements for admission.

Alternatively, if I don’t feel like wearing a mask in someone’s place of business, I simply can choose not go in.

Nothing about this has anything to do with politics. It has to do with common sense and courtesy.

— Ed Rothberg Weaverville

Hoping that masks will be required [Regarding “County Recommends Return to Masking in Indoor Public Spaces,” Aug. 11, Xpress:] I think each business owner should make the decision, but I strongly hope that most of them will require masks! I myself plan to wear them indoors. I also hope the county and city government will require masks in all public indoor spaces.

— Marti Wilmering Hendersonville

Masks should be required indoors [Regarding “County Recommends Return to Masking in Indoor Public Spaces,” Aug. 11, Xpress:] Yes, officials should require masks in indoor situations — it is such a small thing to do to protect ourselves and others.

— Linda Zang Weaverville

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

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 18-24, 2021

5

OPINION

In real life

We recently asked Xpress readers and writers to share their own true stories of adventure for possible publication in this special issue. We received a variety of intriguing accounts — from unexpected encounters with nature to wild career rides and more. Read on below and throughout the issue for reports of how our local community members found adventure (or how adventure found them) both in Western North Carolina and farther afield.

Rather than be upset, the boys felt so incredibly lucky to have such a magical experience feeding the otters!

The circle of life. We laugh and talk about still. The 2-year-old is now 7 and still remembers that adventure!

— Melody Green Asheville

A free concert ticket

Rescue operation with a twist

LORETTA O’HANLON

OTTERLY FUN: Five years after their adventure, Melody Green, right, and her sons River Goldie and Zen Arthur Green enjoy a trip to the WNC Nature Center. Photo courtesy of Melody Green About five years ago, my 2- and 12-year-old sons and I went to a local Asian grocery store. We discovered they had a lot of live crawdads. Both boys pleaded with me to purchase some and give them back their freedom. Being an Indigenous creature, I agreed to get some and take them to the French Broad River.

On the way, we decided it would be fun to have a race! We parked not far from the bridge on Emma

Why I support Xpress: 6

AUG. 18-24, 2021

Road with the “You go, girl!” tag and headed toward the water. The boys were so excited about freeing them as we lined up about 10 little clawed creatures and cheered them on to the water.

As soon as the first one made it in the water, a river otter popped up, grabbed it and ate it while floating on its back. We were mesmerized!

Another river otter swam up, and they both feasted.

“Xpress represents the heart of Asheville and I want it to – Michele Bryan always be here.”

Join Michele and become a member at SupportMountainX.com MOUNTAINX.COM

I guess one never knows when or where an adventure might start.

Who would’ve thought my being the unexpected recipient of a free Ozzy Osbourne concert ticket in May 1996 would dramatically alter not only my life but also have significant impact on an entire profession? In actuality, I’m not a huge Ozzy fan, but, hey, pass up a free ticket?

The next morning after the concert, while flipping through the local St. Petersburg, Fla., paper, I noticed a classified ad for an extremely reasonable vacation property in the Western North Carolina mountains.

Our vacation was everything we expected and much more. We couldn’t get enough of the exquisite mountain scenery and thrilling excursions.

That vacation became a regular, and it wasn’t long till we explored the idea of moving. I was an experienced Florida licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner, and my husband had been offered a position at a resort in Highlands.

We packed up the two kids, along with our dogs Sissy and Fang, our gray wolf. (Fang’s adventures for another time!) We had assumed that we knew what to expect after taking a month off to explore the surrounding WNC counties, schools and to look for work. I did find it unusual that several medical and program directors who interviewed me seemed hesitant. This was not the case in Florida, but I chalked it up to cultural differences.

That is until eventually a program

director in Franklin enlightened me.

“You have a job if you get a license,” he said. He had never heard of a psychiatric nurse practitioner before!

I realized then that my research had obviously not been thorough.

I later confirmed that indeed there were no other psychiatric nurse practitioners licensed in WNC and only two others in the whole state. Got to watch that “assume” thing!

The journey to obtaining my licensure involved delving into North Carolina’s licensing laws, working directly with the N.C. Board of Nursing and its nurses association, while developing the North Carolina psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner role. This was truly a team effort. Due to the dedication of many, I’m happy to say there are over 6,500 PMHNPs currently providing much-needed services in North Carolina.

— Loretta O’Hanlon, PMHNP Asheville

A victory celebration like no other

JERRY STERNBERG World War II actually started with a bang for the United States when the Japanese attacked our fleet at Pearl Harbor in 1941. The hot winds of war were propelling us down the path of mobilization at warp speed.

The war became pervasive in our lives. When the men were called to war, our steadfast women and even we teenagers took over the jobs necessary to keep our country going and support war production. We endured rationing of such things as gasoline, meat, shoes and sugar.

We gathered nightly by the radio and saw and read about the horrors of war at the movie theater and in the Citizen-Times as we felt the pain

of loss of life and limb by our brave troops. America was unified as never before or since.

After the fall of Germany in May 1945, we were told that it could take three years to conquer the tenacious Japanese army on their home soil.

But then we dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The war also ended with a bang. The Japanese immediately surrendered, and we celebrated V-J Day on Aug. 14, 1945.

V-J Day was such a thrilling day.

My friends and I went downtown to join thousands of Ashevilleans who gathered around a huge granite monument that used to be on Pack Square and spread down Patton Avenue and filled Court Plaza. The crowd danced and cheered and wept. Music was blaring, and people were dancing in the street. I couldn’t catch my breath as I got caught up in the celebration.

We were told we were going to now live in world peace, which was a concept that I had trouble understanding since I had only known war my entire teen life.

Even as my friends and I skipped and frolicked on our way home that night, I knew that this was to be one of the most special moments of my life.

— Jerry Sternberg Asheville

Lost and found in Asheville

80% of stolen cars are eventually found, which gave my husband hope.

But I had my doubts.

Two weeks later, we drove our rental car to a Charley Crockett concert at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre.

As we looked for an empty spot, my husband called out, “That’s our car!”

What made me realize we’d found our own stolen car was seeing a package of mine sitting in the back seat. The thieves had opened it and stolen the baby gift for my friend (a porcelain dachshund). They left my letter to her and the ripped envelope.

Kale drove our rental car home to get our car keys (and called the police again to say we found the car), while I stood watch over our newly discovered vehicle. When we opened the car doors, the stench of pot smoke burst out. I’m glad to have the car back, of course, but it has taken bags of odor-absorbing charcoal and many, many drives with open windows to get the marijuana smell out.

The thieves also stole a tennis racket and sunglasses. What they left behind was strange: a pile of large rocks in the back seat. I don’t have a clue what the rocks were piled there for. I don’t think I want to know.

We’re both glad to have our car back, of course. It’s special to us — it’s the first car we’ve owned together, and it’s the car we drove from New York when we moved to Asheville in October. But even with my relief, I feel paranoid about safety here now in a way that I never did in Brooklyn. All in all, this is one

adventure in Asheville that I wish I’d never had.

— Jessica Wakeman Asheville

Not looking for adventure

KEN JONES My dad thought I had just decided to go to Canada as an adventure. But that wasn’t the case at all. I was going as a matter of conscience. He had worked for the Army for 30 years, and I was becoming a draft resister.

The Vietnam War had jerked me out of my upwardly mobile trajectory and made me an exile.

I was 21 years old, disillusioned with my country and the life I was leading. I dropped out, turned on and tuned in. And hitchhiked with no

money and no real plan to Montreal.

What I knew was that I wanted no part of the U.S. war machine and was badly in need of changing my life.

I soon found myself in Toronto, houseless, sleeping in a city park, without a penny to my name. It was a pretty rude awakening for a college-educated kid who had no idea about poverty or how to deal with it. I was befriended by people who knew the ropes of how to survive on nothing. I found my way despite my naïveté.

I was young, but I quickly became wiser, especially at seeing the world through a new perspective. I could see clear as a bell the imperialistic role of my country and the blasé ignorance of its citizens.

I was only in Canada for a year because of a fluke in the draft lottery system, but the transformation I went through there has stuck with me. I have been an anti-war and anti-imperialist activist my whole life since then. I am 72 years old now, active in the Reject Raytheon movement here in Asheville, and ever hopeful that some day we shall overcome.

One person’s adventure is another person’s awakening.

— Ken Jones Swannanoa

Donate your car.

Change a life.

JESSICA WAKEMAN On a Wednesday afternoon in early May, I realized our white Kia wasn’t in the parking lot outside our apartment. I asked my husband, assuming he had parked it someplace nearby.

He then ran around the parking lot and confirmed the car was, in fact, gone. Cue a panic attack.

He called the police to file a report.

The responding officer claimed that

Do you have an extra car that needs a new home?

Your donated car can open the doors to independence, increased income, and higher education for a hardworking member of our community. Vehicles of all types and conditions are welcomed and appreciated!

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

The impact is real.

workingwheelswnc.org | 828-633-6888 MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 18-24, 2021

7

NEWS

One bond under the line?

The delta-8 debate

BY BRETT TINGLEY

36,000 SQ. FT.

OF ANTIQUES, UNIQUES & REPURPOSED RARITIES!

Mid Century Arm Chair Find in TRS Inventory

Best of WNC since 2014!

Clothing Swap Sunday, Aug. 29th • 4-6pm Swap your gently used clothes, shoes & accessories! All sizes, styles, genders, ages are welcome!

Open Everyday! 10-6pm 26 Glendale Ave • 828.505.1108 regenerationstation.com

TheRegenerationStation Greenest Junk Removal!

Asheville’s oldest Junk Removal service, since 2010

Purge Unwanted Junk, Remove Household Clutter! call us to remove your junk in a green way!

828.707.2407

www.junkrecyclers.net 8

AUG. 18-24, 2021

bbtingley@gmail.com Drug-induced “adventures” are almost as old as the human species, though both the chemicals involved and the context in which they’re taken have varied considerably in different times and places.

But if you’ve visited one of Western North Carolina’s many hemp dispensaries lately, there’s a good chance you’ve seen products featuring a substance known as delta-8. The naturally occurring chemical compound is derived from the cannabis plant. Another cannabis product — cannabidiol, or CBD — is legal in North Carolina and also sold in dispensaries. Products containing delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, an alternate form of THC, are in somewhat of a legal gray area, however, as the compound is more psychoactive than CBD. Many users say the effects are closer to those induced by delta-9 THC, the component in marijuana that’s responsible for its characteristic high.

While CBD dispensaries in the region say these products are increasingly popular with consumers, a broader debate concerning delta-8’s legality and safety is looming, both locally and nationwide. The safety concerns are linked to the lack of both clinical data on the isolated compound (as opposed to the whole plant) and manufacturing safeguards in an unregulated market.

Delta-8’s name refers to the double bond between the eighth and ninth carbon atoms of its molecular structure. Delta-9, the better-known form of THC, has a double bond between its ninth and tenth carbon atoms.

Because of the two compounds’ similar structure and effects, delta-8 is sometimes referred to as “marijuana lite” or even “diet weed.” Many delta8 users report feelings of euphoria or relaxation, and some say it provides relief from pain, nausea and assorted mental health issues. As with other THC products, however, some consumers report experiencing anxiety, paranoia, drowsiness and/or other negative effects.

On a recent visit to Asheville, nationally known comedian and writer Emily Winter says she tried delta-8 after hearing about it.

“When I asked people around Asheville about delta-8, they told me it’s closer to CBD than weed. I don’t really feel much when I take CBD, but I wanted to try the local legal drug, so I

MOUNTAINX.COM

GRIN AND BEAR IT: Jason Ward of Black Mountain’s Trinity Pharms Hemp Co. holds up a bag of delta-8 gummy bears. Photo courtesy of Ward bought some delta-8 and ate a lot of it.”

Winter says she and her husband first consumed about 30 milligrams — “a much higher dosage than we should have.” As a result, she explains, they “had to wait hours to come down.

“It was the same as the negative effects of too much weed: feeling both nervous and anxious but also slow and heavy, and being slow to understand other people. When I was waiting for it to subside I was shopping with friends in downtown Asheville, then eating outside at a restaurant.

My husband kept his sunglasses on, even though it wasn’t sunny, because he felt so high he didn’t want anyone to look into his eyes.”

Undeterred, however, Winter’s adventurous spirit led her to try

again. “Days after that first mishap, I took much smaller dosages and found it pleasant and relaxing,” she reports.

Her husband, the Brooklyn-based comedian and actor Chris Calogero, says he’s tried both CBD and delta-9 edibles in the past and was expecting an “elevated CBD experience” with delta-8. Instead, Calogero says he and Winter got “extremely, extremely high” and felt “woozy. I think it was maybe because I wasn’t expecting it, but I was definitely flying.”

BUSINESS IS BOOMING

Several Asheville-area residents whom Mountain Xpress reached out to said that while they enjoy delta-8

ASHEVILLE-AREA

“I wanted to try the local legal drug, so I bought some delta-8 and ate a lot of it.”

— Emily Winter, comedian and writer products and find them a great relaxation aid, they declined to go on the record about their use due to the stigma that surrounds cannabinoid products in many professional settings.

Nonetheless, the appearance of delta-8 products has sparked a “new boom” in the hemp market, says Jason Ward, co-founder of the Black Mountain-based Trinity Pharms Hemp Co. The business, he says, was created with one goal: to “vastly change the quality of life, for all people in our pathways, for the better.” Its products are intended to provide relief and “achieve a state of homeostasis within the body” in the most natural ways.

The company doesn’t manufacture its own delta-8 products, but Ward says it works directly with producers to offer the highest-quality products on the market. “That’s what separates us in this industry: We deal directly with manufacturing laboratories. We do not deal with middleman- or catalog-or-

dered products” — practices that, he maintains, “give products a bad name because of skimping on integrity, ingredients and equipment. That’s not who we are or what we represent.

“We are advocates for full legalization of all things cannabis, so for us, jumping in the delta-8 market and providing quality products to our customers was a no-brainer,” continues Ward. “It’s brought a brand-new clientele to our business. This plant offers something for everyone, in all walks of life. The surge in sales speaks for itself.

People buy the products because it makes their quality of life better.”

Faith Wright, marketing coordinator for the locally based Franny’s Farmacy, says the stores chose to sell those products because of “the amazing discoveries of what this cannabinoid can offer, from aiding anxiety to sleep.” Wright says Franny’s Farmacy

EATS & DRINKS 2021 GUIDE

NEW

EDITION

Pick up your print copy today in boxes everywhere!

CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 18-24, 2021

9

Support

N EWS

your

Keeping Asheville LOCAL PaperWeird Since 2010 VOTED WNC #1 KAVA BAR

Feeling good?

Feel better.

OPEN DAILY • 828.505.8118 268 Biltmore Ave • Asheville, NC WWW.ASHEVILLEKAVA.COM

OPEN AND LOVING THE TREEHOUSE ASHEVILLE, NC For bookings, contact Heather at

hlrudzenski@gmail.com or

@mirr0ry0urmagic

AUTUMNAL EQUINOX HEALING CIRCLE A mini festival celebrating the change of seasons, to help you find your WORTH, step into your POWER and speak your absolute TRUTH.

Wed., Sept. 22, 2021

•

Releasing. Letting go. Accepting.

Finding your worth. Meeting your community.

Creating your peace. Standing in your SELF. Some of the activities include: Art Therapy • Sound Healing Shadow Work • Community Cooking Hammock Hang • Gratitude Circle of Fire

“The entire sum of existence is the magic of being needed by just one person.” ...YOU.

10

AUG. 18-24, 2021

12pm-10pm

MOUNTAINX.COM

ONLY 8 spaces available!

offers a wide variety of products to serve a more diverse clientele and provide relief for many different ailments.

“There have been some important studies impacting our decision to not only manufacture our own products but distribute and sell them in our retail stores as well,” she says.

ADVENTURES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT

Delta-8 products may be selling well now, but it’s unclear how long they’ll retain their current legal status. Paul R. Adams III, industrial hemp program manager at the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, says that while the federal 2018 Agriculture Improvement Act legalized hemp products containing up to 0.3% delta-9 THC, the legality of delta-8 is not as well defined. In 2020, he notes, the Drug Enforcement Administration declared that it would treat delta-8 THC, or any THC products that are “manufactured/synthesized/converted or otherwise created through synthetic methods,” as illegal. “It would be at the discretion of law enforcement to enforce that law. However, should they decide to pursue legal action against manufacturers or sellers of delta-8, they could do so,” he says.

Mountain Xpress reached out to several public health and law enforcement agencies in the region, but few were willing to comment on the use of delta-8. Because the products are relatively new, some public agencies said they haven’t yet had enough experience with them to offer an opinion. Others said that they can’t comment until the compound’s legal status is clarified. As of this writing, delta-8 is currently banned or restricted in 17 states, and several more are considering such actions.

“Given that the legality of delta-8 THC is in a bit of a gray area, the Asheville Police Department won’t be able to make any comments until a legislative body (Congress or state legislators) or the court system addresses it,” said APD spokesperson Christina Hallingse. And Aaron Sarver, spokesperson for the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, said he’s “not aware of any criminal statutes regarding the public use of CBD products” and therefore has no comment. None of the public health agencies contacted by Xpress reported having had any issues with residents using delta-8.

For her part, Wright of Franny’s Farmacy believes that banning delta8 “would be unfortunate, especially being a cannabinoid that’s naturally derived from the hemp plant. To take away an alternative to delta-9 THC that is more subtle, less captivating and can be very aiding to

FARM TO FARMACY: Frances “Franny” Tacy of the locally based Franny’s Farmacy, which manufactures and sells its own delta-8 products throughout Western North Carolina and beyond. Photo courtesy of Franny’s Farmacy those with serious pain is illogical,” she maintains.

Likewise, Ward says Trinity Pharms is actively working to keep delta-8 products legal. “Of course we are always keeping an eye on legislation and would hate to see it go, but our job is to follow the laws and be compliant.” In the meantime, however, “We’ll advocate, educate, work with our attorney and continue to fight for what’s right.”

NO FAULT, NO FOUL

Meanwhile, one area resident who was willing to speak on the record echoes other users’ reported experiences, both positive and negative.

Michelle Aldaine, a hair colorist and stylist at Asheville’s Rain or Shine Salon, says, “I’ve been taking it mostly in the evenings to sleep. I already take sleeping medications, but they don’t help me fall asleep. My delta-8 blend helps me turn off my brain and puts me in [the right] mood.”

Still, she continues, delta-8 does have a downside. “The only negative is that it’s easy for me to accidentally take too much and get really high. It wasn’t exactly a paranoid experience, but I felt like I couldn’t accomplish anything: I just had to lay on the couch.”

And while Aldaine says she’d recommend delta-8 to friends who have trouble sleeping, that’s partly because it’s one adventure that plays out strictly within the bounds of the law.

“I think it’s a good alternative. I like it because it’s legal here. ... I prefer being able to go into a store and buy it and know that nobody has any cause to give me any grief over it.” X

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 18-24, 2021

11

NEWS

The more, the merrier

How the polyamorous live in Asheville nogamous, compared with 27% of respondents in Generation X and 16% of baby boomers.

BY JESSICA WAKEMAN jwakeman@mountainx.com Western North Carolina prides itself on its “live and let live” ethos. From the moonshiners of yore to back-tothe-land homesteaders to the sprawling artistic community, many people feel they can make their living differently here.

That independent streak often runs through people’s personal lives, too. For that reason, some consider Asheville to be an accepting place for polyamory — engaging in emotional and sexual relationships with multiple partners.

Polyamory, also called consensual or ethical nonmonogamy, is distinguished from infidelity by forthrightness about multiple relationships, as well as explicit agreements on how those relationships operate. Folks in polyamorous relationships can be married, dating, hooking up, hanging out or have no definition for their bonds.

“One could say I have five partners, depending on how you define ‘part-

You know us in print each week.

OPEN HEARTS: Tikva Wolf of Swannanoa draws frequently draws her webcomic Kimchi Cuddles about polyamory. Image courtesy of Tikva Wolf

Try us online each day.

Essential updates.

Original reporting.

Daily at 2 p.m.

Sign up at MountainX.com/Newsletters

12

AUG. 18-24, 2021

ner,’” says Tikva Wolf. A panel in Ask Me About Polyamory!, a collection of comics by the Swannanoa-based cartoonist, explains, “If you’re happy and not causing others harm, you’re doing it right.”

These untraditional relationships exist worldwide, but in Asheville, they may be more out in the open. “For a town in the South, Asheville has a large progressive, open-minded community, which makes it more poly-friendly than most of the surrounding region,” says Luke Hankins of West Asheville, who is from Louisiana.

Several of the area’s social outlets specifically welcome poly people. A local Facebook group for the poly community allows members to share advice and post events, such as happy hours and informal support groups. A local kink group, Asheville After Dark,

MOUNTAINX.COM

includes poly folks at their events.

And multiple polyamorous people who spoke with Xpress say they’ve met each other through the local community that attends the annual Burning Man festival held in Nevada.

Despite this openness, it’s hard to quantify Asheville’s polyamorous community; there’s no way of knowing how many of the 1,700 members of Asheville’s poly Facebook group actually engage in consensual nonmonogamy, and the U.S. census does not ask questions about sexual exclusivity. But a 2021 study in the research journal Frontiers in Psychology found that 1-in9 single Americans had engaged in polyamory at some point in their lives.

And the practice may be increasing among younger generations. Of millennial respondents to a 2020 YouGov survey, 31% said they were nonmo-

BINARY BIAS

Yet even in Asheville, polyamorous people can face social stigma and struggle with the way monogamy is held up as the default relationship pattern.

“It’s a societal bias, especially in the South, and one that I frankly resent,” says Hankins. “I’ve even had people literally walk out on dates when polyamory came up, as if suddenly human dignity and common decency no longer mattered — as if I were no longer worthy of respect.” But, he adds, “I refuse to be ashamed about it.”

One Asheville man, who spoke with Xpress anonymously due to fear of professional consquences, had the experience of being outed as polyamorous in his workplace. He’s been in an open marriage with his wife for six years. Although he had met other poly folks in social settings while working in Asheville, he had also been using two online dating apps.

In late 2019, the man’s boss called him into his office and said someone, whom the boss declined to identify, reported finding him on a dating app.

“He didn’t seem to care so much,” the man recalls about his boss’s reaction.

“But he said that since we are a government organization, it was possible that a higher-up would find out and care a lot more. He then not meanly, but strongly, suggested I take down my dating profiles.”

The source chose to share with his boss that he and his wife are polyamorous, as the alternative to his boss believing he was cheating. “He said he understood and knew that my wife and I were open-minded people,” the man says. “He just wanted me to be extra careful.”

The man removed himself from the dating apps immediately. He says he felt shocked, saddened, angry and frustrated by the situation. Yet the experience has not changed how open he feels he can be in public, although he notes, “I’m careful around new people.”

Polyamorous people also face the belief that their behavior is unsafe for children. Wolf (who uses they/ them pronouns) dealt with this directly when, after moving to Asheville eight years ago, they say a housemate

CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 18-24, 2021

13

N EWS

Adventures in stupidity In 1979, I hitchhiked from New York City to Mexico; en route, I passed through the Asheville area on Interstate 40, having no clue that I’d end up moving here seven years later. Several months into what turned out to be a yearlong stint in Latin America, I ill-advisedly took it into my head to spend the night atop a highly active Guatemalan volcano.

After riding in the back of a truck over dusty roads, I disembarked somewhere near Pacaya. A fellow passenger obligingly brought me to his hut, where his wife served up a simple meal. He then accompanied me to the base of the volcano, doing his best to persuade me just to come back down to his place. I politely declined, saying I needed to do it “para la aventura.”

The upper slopes were loose volcanic soil, and by the time I summited, it was almost dark, so I focused on figuring out how to survive the night.

I had no tent, and the wind would have blown my sleeping bag clear off the mountain; but some parts of the recently congealed lava flows could simply be snapped off, and I placed enough “stones” on the bag to hold it till I could crawl inside.

After that there was nothing to do except wait and listen to the ground sheet’s ceaseless flapping.

It was perhaps the longest night of my life. One minute I was enveloped in sulfur; the next a particularly fierce blast of wind cleared it away, momentarily revealing a panoply of stars. This sequence played out endlessly, hour after hour, but with never any sign of the fiery light show I’d imagined. Happily, the ground itself was warm, compensating for my cheap sleeping bag.

Still, the unutterably bleak setting, and my inability to escape, evoked the classical Hades, and images of everyone I’d ever loved (including my father, whom I’d

PETER GREGUTT spent 18 months caring for while he was dying of cancer) paraded before my mind’s eye.

At the first faint pink blush, I stashed the bag (no mean feat with the wind still screaming) and plunged down the barely visible slope, more skiing than hiking, till I reached the tree line, supremely grateful to be out of there.

Days later, I described my adventure to filmmaker friends in Antigua. Stunned, they said they’d recently been filming on those very slopes when the mountain erupted and, clutching their cameras, they barely outran the lava that was melting the soles of their shoes.

These days, though, I’m content to summit one of our non-firebreathing WNC peaks, savor wave on wave of shimmering blue ridges — and then head back down to grab a beer somewhere. Why tempt fate?

— Peter Gregutt

Xpress contributing editor Asheville

Mountain Xpress 27th Annual

RDS X AWA

2021

Thanks for Voting! Results will be published in September 14

AUG. 18-24, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM

reported concerns about their family to Buncombe County’s Department of Social Services.

Wolf is raising an 11-year-old daughter with a co-parent. Currently Wolf, the co-parent, and another partner rent three townhouses side by side.

This support provides “an extended family feel,” they say, and the proximity is helpful for child care. But a former housemate, who lived with Wolf when their daughter was 3 years old, saw something different.

“When they found out we were polyamorous, they had a really strong response to that,” Wolf recalls of the housemate. “They moved out immediately and called Children Protective Services on us.”

A county official showed up unannounced at Wolf and their co-parent’s house to investigate an allegation that a toddler was in danger, they say. The official asked Wolf questions about their home environment, including about polyamory, and concluded that the child was not at risk.

But Wolf says this reminder of how some people view polyamory as licentious rattled them. “I guess [the former housemate’s] understanding of what polyamory was was based entirely on sex, and [they were] concerned there would be orgies in the living room,” Wolf recalls.

CARING HEARTS

A provider’s lack of understanding about polyamory can impact the medical care a person receives. Many health screenings don’t solicit information about multiple partners, which some poly people say is delegitimizing and provides an incomplete picture of their sexual health. Wolf notes that the queer community and people of color who are polyamorous can face additional discrimination in these settings on top of the stigma they already face.

Getting mental health support can also be more challenging for poly people. Asheville-based sex therapist Charlotte Taylor says she’s heard other therapists in social settings criticize polyamory. While she’s quick to note that not all therapists who hold this view, Taylor suspects the professionals who do may harbor misunderstanding and fear that can hinder their ability to connect with patients. “It’s a block to understanding why somebody else would make that choice,” she says.

How therapists support a polyamorous relationship is not necessarily different from how they support a monogamous relationship, Taylor adds.

“Often the people who find their way to ethical nonmonogamy or polyamory are people who have done a lot of work on their ability to show up in relationships and their understanding of their needs

and their emotions,” she explains. She encourages good communication, the ability to name feelings and needs and clear articulation of sexual desires.

And Alisa Genovese, a couples therapist in Asheville, says she has seen the most success in poly relationships when partners agree about boundaries, such as that sexual play is allowed with other partners but there should not be emotional connections made.

LOVING WHILE POLYAMOROUS “If you’re going to be poly, Asheville is a great place for it,” says Lindsey Wright, who has been practicing polyamory for three of the five years she’s lived here. She is engaged to a partner in Asheville, and the two share a long-distance boyfriend in Georgia.

Wright is also getting to know another man in Georgia. While that relationship doesn’t yet have a label, her connected group of nonmonogamous folks is together called a polycule.

Wright and her fiancée, whom she refers to as her primary partner, have established some ground rules: If she goes on a date with someone else, she’ll tell the partner, and she’ll always use protection when having sex. “What some people don’t seem to realize is yes, you can cheat in a poly relationship if you’re lying to your partner or hiding from your partner,” she says.

As with any relationship, jealousy and insecurity can be detrimental when left to fester. But other bumps in the road are specific to nonmonogamy.

Problems can arise if one partner is more involved with other people than the other partner is, Genovese says.

Some polyamorous relationships are intentionally nonhierarchical, meaning one partner does not take precedence over the other. But other poly relationships will designate a primary partner, like Wright and her fiancée. In Genovese’s experience counseling poly couples, she has witnessed the most success when a primary relationship has priority over other relationships.

Some people become aware of their desire for polyamory early on and seek relationships with others who have a similar mindset. But other couples, established as monogamous, make a mutual choice to open up the relationship. Of the latter configuration, Genovese says, “I think that’s one of the trickier ones, because it’s a change to the whole system.”

The emotions involved underscore the skill required to navigate these relationships. “Successful poly relationships do not have an absence of jealousy, an absence of hard feelings or an absence of problems,” says Taylor.

“They often have all of those things, but they are dealt with in an understanding and supportive way.” X

BUNCOMBE BEAT

Residents weigh in on proposed East Asheville homeless shelter News that Asheville’s homeless residents may receive new support from the city — in the form of $9.75 million for an emergency shelter in East Asheville — was met with both support and concern from members of the public during the second of two community meetings, held virtually on Aug. 12.

The city is currently under contract to purchase the Ramada Inn 148 River Ford Parkway, for conversion into a low-barrier shelter with a minimum of 110 beds. While Asheville has contracted with the hotel since April to provide temporary shelter for homeless residents, the permanent operation would provide additional congregate space for crisis referrals from law enforcement, emergency medical services, 24/7 access, medical care, mental health resources and food and laundry services.

Emily Ball, who leads Asheville’s coordination with community homelessness organizations, explained that the shelter is specifically aimed at serving people who do not fit eligibility requirements for the city’s existing shelters, such as having proper identification or being sober from drugs or alcohol. She noted that 116 of the 527 people recorded as experiencing homelessness in the city’s 2021 Point in Time Survey were unsheltered, indicating a demand for new shelter solutions.

“We haven’t had the type of shelter available that best meets the needs of this particular subset of the population,” Ball said.

While each of the dozen speakers at the meeting commended city leaders for taking steps to help

[that] we do need resources for homeless individuals in our community,” added resident Leila Allen.

“The other side of the coin is that, being a mom and a resident of River Ridge, I am concerned when we do find drug paraphernalia on our walks around the neighborhood or up to businesses and I’m with my kids. It is a safety concern.”

Ball noted that the city planned to include fencing and additional lighting around the facility and aroundthe-clock security. The city’s $9.75 million spending on the shelter, to be funded from its $26.2 million in federal American Rescue Act funds, would include the purchase and conversion of the hotel and three years of operating expenses. City staff would provide oversight and support for the shelter but contract with outside groups to manage and run the facility. A request for proposals for a shelter operator was released Aug. 6.

Asheville City Council is expected to hear a presentation and vote on whether to approve the project during its meeting of Tuesday, Aug. 24. Should the shelter be approved, operations could begin as soon as spring 2022.

— Brooke Randle X

LOW-BARRIER, HIGH ACCESS: Asheville is currently under contract to purchase the Ramada Inn at 148 River Ford Parkway for conversion into a low-barrier shelter for people experiencing homelessness. The shelter would contain a minimum of 110 beds, emergency medical services, 24/7 access, mental health resources and food and laundry services. Photo by Brooke Randle Asheville’s homeless residents, some who were also residents at the River Ridge and Verde Vista apartment complexes, both less than a quarter-mile away from the Ramada Inn, voiced concern about the proposed shelter’s location.

Tamera Pierson, assistant manager at River Ridge, said that she

and the complex’s residents have noticed increased trespassing, vandalism and property crime since the temporary shelter started operating in April. “We also have had about eight car break-ins just between May 2021 and July,” she said.

“I work in community mental health, so I can totally appreciate

Dr. Elizabeth Garbarino

A Women’s Healthcare Practice Specializing in Gynecological Care

Welcoming New Patients!

828.575.9562 • LivingWellWNC.com

NO JOB TOO LARGE OR SMALL

FATHER AND SON

Home Improvement Billy & Neal Moxley

100 Edwin Place, AVL, NC 28801 | Billy: (828) 776-2391 | Neal: (828) 776-1674 MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 18-24, 2021

15

FEA T U RE S

Q&A with Tracy Swartout, Blue Ridge Parkway superintendent Working in the National Park Service has taken Tracy Swartout all around the country. But in many ways, her new role as superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway, based at the service’s office in Asheville, is a homecoming.

Swartout grew up in Columbia, S.C., and has many fond memories traveling along the park’s 469-mile route through North Carolina and Virginia as a child with her parents.

Swartout continued exploring the parkway during a year at Montreat College. In adulthood, career demands took her from Washington, D.C., to Congaree National Park in South Carolina to, most recently, Mount Rainier in Washington state. But Western North Carolina always stayed close to her heart: Not only did Swartout get married in Hendersonville, but she and her husband named their children after locations on the Parkway.

“When this opportunity opened, I wanted to throw my hat in the ring

COME SEE US TODAY! BRING YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR & YOUR ASIAN CAR — TOYOTA, LEXUS, HONDA, ACURA, SUBARU, NO EUROPEAN MODELS

Free alignment inspection with any service, just ask.

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

REMEMBER TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE A RIGHT. TAKE YOUR PARENTS AS AN EXAMPLE.

SUMMER SPECIAL Mention Ad - Get 10% off labor!

We Treat You Like Family!

MOSTLY AUTOMOTIVE 253 Biltmore Ave. 828-253-4981 16

AUG. 18-24, 2021

because Blue Ridge Parkway is my dream park,” Swartout says. She started as the park’s superintendent in May and has spent her first few months traveling up and down the parkway to meet with staff and constituents.

Swartout spoke with Xpress about making history in her role, the threat to the parklands caused by heavy visitation and a camping experience on the parkway that pivoted from terrifying to cute.

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

How does it feel to be the first female superintendent for the Blue Ridge Parkway?

I appreciate the recognition because it’s important, but I’m quick to think about the women who are about 15 years older than me in their careers and who broke ground in ways that I didn’t have to. They really climbed to get to where they are, and it’s on their efforts that I got here.

Another thing I think about is gender not being the only diversity in our leadership ranks that we need to improve. We are really behind in terms of racial diversity in leadership in the Park Service, not unlike many other organizations. So, I want to pause for a moment and say, yeah, that’s awesome — I didn’t know when a female superintendent would happen here and I’m really glad to have it happen, whether it’s me or anybody else. And let’s keep going.

What’s special to you about the Blue Ridge Parkway?

The fact that this park is so long, connecting through two states, you see what the Appalachians are like and get to experience the culture in an intimate way that you don’t when you’re on a highway and every exit makes you feel like you could be in any state in the country. It’s unmistakable where you are when you travel the parkway — the viewshed, the amazing places you can see like Mount Mitchell. The highest point on the East Coast, you can visit right here off the parkway.

What are some of the issues at the Blue Ridge Parkway that need to be addressed?

Heavy visitation. This park, along with the Great Smoky Mountains, is right at the top in terms of amount of visitation. It thrills me that so many people want to be connected to their national parks. It’s deeply meaningful to know people are doing that, and it can compromise the resources if people

MOUNTAINX.COM

are hiking off-trail or parking out of where they’re supposed to park. It can impact their experience by causing traffic jams or accidents. That’s a challenge that all the national parks are facing.

Climate change is another big one.

We have a number of species in this park of concern. When we change the climate, we change food availability and where plants can grow. If the only place some plants can grow is at Craggy Gardens in this really small space — and yet more and more people want to be in that small space — those plants that were critically endangered before may go completely.

Some people say heavy visitation is “loving it to death.” I don’t know if I love that language. Sometimes you want to have an experience and you don’t know your actions are harmful.

Part of our job is to educate people about how they can interact responsibly with the space. I think most people want to do the right thing; they just don’t know how.

What do people want to do in the park that has made visitation so heavy?

The scenic drive — drive a while, get out a while. And people, particularly those who are not from the area, want to understand what Appalachian culture is like. They want to learn about music and the arts and get a glimpse of what life was like. Part of our work is helping people understand that it’s not a quaint photo album of the past, but an active and engaging present.

There is a current music scene, there is a current arts scene. There is something that is vibrant and creative and demonstrates great ingenuity all along this road.

Do you have a favorite place to camp or hike?

I like to hike where I can’t see another person. I find that being able to get into wilderness areas of our country, or paths where there are fewer visitors, is where I’m able to find a quietness and reflect. Whether you’re an attorney, a painter, a teacher or an emergency worker, your work life might be kind of busy and loud. Being out in nature gives us a chance to strip that away.

It’s you and the elements, and it’s only in that quiet that I think people can look within a little better.

That might mean being at a busy place on the parkway, but being there at 6 o’clock in the morning. This morning, I came in on the parkway at about 7:30. I pulled off into an over-

TRAILBLAZER: Tracy Swartout is the first female superintendent of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Photo by Jessica Wakeman look. There was not another person. I passed maybe three cars in 10 miles. I had a really nice solitude experience in the busiest park in the country.

What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened to you in a national park?

When I was in my 20s, I was driving with friends along the parkway late at night, trying to find a place to stay, looking on Forest Service land, looking on Park Service land. We were going camping and we couldn’t see in the clearing where we hiked into to set up our tents. Right about dawn, I heard snuffling and snorting and I was, like, ‘Oh no, it’s bears!’ They were grunting and pawing at the tent. I was terrified that I was going to get eaten by a bear.

Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore.

I had to see what was going to kill me and I unzipped the tent a little bit.

We’d set up on forest land, but we were adjacent to a pasture. Someone had left a gate open, and there were miniature ponies that had surrounded the tent. They were the cutest little things!

That sounds like a dream come true.

Yeah, it was a dream, but it was a nightmare! I was sure it was going to be a bear. It was kind of funny that miniature ponies scared me so much.

— Jessica Wakeman X

ASHEVILLE ARCHIVES

by Thomas Calder | tcalder@mountainx.com

‘Nothing recognizable’ 1891 resident shares his vision of the city’s future

INTO THE FUTURE: In an 1891 article published by The Asheville Daily Citizen, an unnamed writer shared his visions from a recent dream wherein he time traveled to 1950. Images courtesy of Buncombe County Special Collections, Pack Memorial Library; collage by Scott Southwick Not all adventures are based in reality. That was certainly the case for one unnamed resident, who recalled an action-packed dream about the city’s future in a Dec. 14, 1891 article published by The Asheville Daily. In his evening vision, the writer time traveled to 1950. (Imagine, had he just made it to 1955, he might have run into Marty McFly.) In his fantasy, the city’s former 1891 population of roughly 10,235 had skyrocketed to “half a million souls.”

A far cry from Asheville’s actual future population of 53,000 recorded in the 1950 census — but alas!

“There was nothing recognizable but the court house and square,” the author continued. Sadly, this prophecy was also off. A new county courthouse would be completed in 1928, along with a new city hall, the same year — not to mention a number of other additions on the square, including the Jackson Building and the now-former Vance Monument, which was erected in 1898. (See “Asheville Archives: Mayor John H. Cathey’s Fight Over City Hall, 192628,” Jan. 29, 2019, Xpress)

The author continued, “Vanderbilt’s mansion was just on the outskirts of the city, and the people who occupied it were contemplating a removal on account of the property’s close proximity to the bustle and life of the metropolis.”

Surely, the writer would be shocked to learn Cornelia Vanderbilt Cecil and her husband, John Francis Cecil, opened the estate to the public in 1930 to help attract tourists amid the Great Depression. (See, “Asheville Archives: Biltmore Opens To The Public, 1930,” Sept. 20, 2020, Xpress) Eventually, the dreamer made his way onto a streetcar — “the same ones you see come to the square now, not changed except as to age,” the author wrote. Like everything else foreseen, this vision, too, fell short: Trolley service concluded in 1934.

(See “Asheville Archives: Asheville’s Streetcars Take a Farewell Tour, Sept. 6, 1934,” Sept. 12, 2017, Xpress) The remainder of the writer’s dream continues its focus on the city’s trolley system, offering perhaps some insight into the unnamed

author’s true intentions for writing the piece. At the time of the 1891 article, residents were in an uproar over a recent spike in fares: The Asheville Co. had raised rates from 5 to 10 cents.

In his dream, the city’s transportation method remained as unpleasant as it apparently was in 1891. Seated on the trolley, the dreamer notes, “I was badly shaken up for about two blocks, and was thinking of getting off, when the conductor came to me for my fare.”

Much to the writer’s shock, the rate had skyrocketed to 50 cents by 1950. “And fifty more every time you transfer,” the conductor told him in the dream. Further stunned, the unnamed author states he fell from his imaginary seat, at which point he awoke from his slumber.

In a humorous twist, the article concludes with the writer declaring his sudden gratitude for the present day. “[I] thank[ed] my stars that I was still living in the year ’91.”

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

AUG. 18-24, 2021

17

COMMUNITY CALENDAR AUG. 18-26, 2021 For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 828-251-1333, opt. 1.

Online Events = Shaded WELLNESS Sparkle Time - Holistic Senior Exercise Aerobic, strengthening, balance, flexibility. $5 per class, ongoing.

WE (8/18, 25), MO (8/23), 10:30am, Avery’s Creek Community Center, 899 Glennbridge Rd SE Arden Zumba Gold Low-impact dance, multiple styles. Suggested donation.

WE (8/18, 25), 12pm, $5, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Yoga in the Park Outdoor yoga group meets every Saturday and Sunday.

SA (8/21, 22), 1:30pm, Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd

Steady Collective Syringe Access Outreach Free naloxone, syringes and educational material on harm reduction.

TU (8/24), 2pm, Firestorm Books & Coffee, 610 Haywood Rd

ART Swinging the Pendulum: From Patriarchy to Empowerment Multi-medium exhibition featuring works of local artist Jenna Jaffe.

WE (8/18, 25), TH (19, 26), FR (8/20), MO (8/23), TU (8/24), 10am, SA (8/21), SU (8/22), 12pm, Free, The Refinery, 207 Coxe Ave Olympics-themed Art Exhibitions Three exhibitions drawn from the museum’s Collection

UNDER THE ARBOR: The N.C. Arboretum will hold its Arbor Evenings in the main gardens behind the Baker Exhibit Center Thursday-Friday, Aug. 19-20, 5:30-8 p.m. The event will include performances from local musicians, a beverage shack with wine and beer, and food from Bent Creek Bistro. Proceeds help support The N.C. Arboretum Society. Photo by Andy Hall in conjunction with the 2021 Summer Olympics.

WE (8/18, 25), TH (8/19, 26), FR (8/20), SA (8/21), SU (8/22), MO (8/23), 11am, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square Exhibit Opening Reception & Pickin’ in the Parlor A reception marking the official opening of Unearthing Our Forgotten Past: Fort San Juan, with refreshments, live old-time music, yard games, and more.

Sponsored by WNC Historical Association.

WE (8/18), 5:30pm, Free, Smith-McDowell House Museum, 283 Victoria Rd Unearthing Our Forgotten Past Exhibit exploring the Spanish occupation of Fort San Juan and the native people who lived in the Joara area of WNC. Sponsored by the Western NC Historical Association.

TH (8/19), FR (8/20), SA (8/21), 10:30am, Free, Smith-McDowell House Museum, 283 Victoria Rd

Conversations with Phil Sanders, Master Painter Sanders, the curator of the gallery's Picture That summer printmaking exhibition, will discuss his various printmaking processes and experiences helping artist TH (8/19), 5pm, Free, Momentum Gallery, 24 N. Lexington Ave Studio 46 Grand Opening Reception Artist and gallery owner Nan Sherry debuts her work in portrait, figure, landscape and nature.

Light refreshments.

TH (8/19), 5pm, Free, Studio 46, 46 South Main St, Marshall Artificial/Art Official Solo exhibition of paintings and sculptures by contemporary artist James Love.

FR (8/20), SA (8/21), 11am, Pink Dog Creative, 348 Depot St. Come to Leicester Studio Tour Free, self-guided tour.

Visitors choose their own tour stops using a printed full-color map

THE FEHR PIANO STUDIO Piano Lessons: all ages, experienced artistic teaching fully vaccinated Sand Hill Road: 1 Mile from 1/26 & 1/40 Juncture

(828) 777-0061

18

AUG. 18-24, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM

of the area, along with pictures of each artist’s work.

SA (8/21), SU (8/22), 10am, Leicester Community Center, 711 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester The Nature of Summer Group art show featuring 21 artists.

SA (8/21), 11am, Asheville Gallery of Art, 82 Patton Ave

ART/CRAFT STROLLS & FAIRS The Black Wall Street MarketPlace Supporting local Blackowned businesses.

SA (8/21), 10am, Grind AVL, 346 Depot St

COMMUNITY MUSIC Michael Jefry Stevens Trio (jazz) Free outdoor concert in tribute to the Great American Songbook.

SA (8/21), 7:30pm, Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sandhill Rd, Candler Sharon Hoover Trio (jazz) Shannon Hoover, co-founder of the Greenville Jazz Collective, plays electric and acoustic bass, piano and brass.

TH (8/26), 6pm, $20, The Center for Art & Entertainment, 125 S Main St, Hendersonville

Thursday Night Live w/Marilynn Seits Jazz Duo Marilynn Seits and Sean McAusland provide musical background as patrons stroll through the gallery.

TH (8/26), 6pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square

SPOKEN & WRITTEN WORD Terry Roberts Launches My Mistress' Eyes Are Raven Black, in conversation with Wayne Caldwell The authors discuss Roberts' new book.

Sponsored by Malaprop's. Registration required.

WE (8/18), 6pm, avl.mx/a09 Author Shannon Hitchcock and Illustrator Sophie Page launch She Sang for the Mountains Hitchock and Page discuss their new book.

Sponsored by Malaprop's. Registration required.

TH (8/19), 7pm, avl.mx/a6u Notorious HBC (History Book Club) Sponsored by Malaprop's. Meets the third Thursday of every month.

TH (8/19), 7pm, Registration required, avl.mx/9s9 LitCafé: Anne Chesky Smith Presents Murder at Asheville’s Battery Park Hotel WNCHA Executive

Director Anne Chesky Smith will discuss her new book. Sponsored

by Western North Carolina Historical Association.

TU (8/24), 6pm, Free-$5, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St Miss Malaprop's Storytime Children's event.

Recommended for ages 3-9.

WE (8/25), 10am, avl.mx/a8m Hybrid Event: John Ross presents Through the Mountains: The French Broad River and Time Event will be live-streamed from Malaprop's; there also will be limited in-store seating.

WE (8/25), 6pm, Registration required, avl.mx/a8n Lora Beth Johnson Launches Devil in the Device in conversation with Andrea Tang and Emily Suvada The authors discuss Johnson's latest work of Y.A. fiction.

TH (8/26), 6pm, Registration required, avl.mx/a8o

THEATER Virtual Reading: The Sound of Birds You Don't Expect Presented by the The Magnetic Theatre.

WE (8/18), 7:30pm, $1, avl.mx/a95

Summer Soundtrack (Broadway hits) Presented as part of the Asheville Area Arts Council’s LIVE! An Asheville Arts Benefit Series. Donations appreciated.

TH (8/19), 7:30pm, free, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St Dark Horse Theatre & The Magnetic Theatre present: Shadow Ballads Ghost stories, folktales and more.

FR (8/20), SA (8/21), SU (8/22), 7pm, $23, Hominy Creek Greenway, 130 Shelburne Rd The Sword in the Stone Local production of King Arthur legend.

Free.

FR (8/20), SA (8/21), SU (8/22), 7:30pm, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St

CLASSES, MEETINGS & EVENTS Help Restore Craggy Bald Participants will hike half a mile to the bald to clear trees and remove debris. RSVP required, Audrey Pearson, apearson@ brpfoundation.org or (828)308-2773, ext 19.

WE (8/18), 9am, Craggy Gardens Picnic Area, Milepost 364, Blue Ridge Parkway

Jus’ Runnin’ Pub Run Rain or shine, all ages and experience levels welcome.

WE (8/18, 25), 6:15pm, Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Rd Introduction to Fly Fishing Class for ages 12 and older. Call 828-8774423.

WE (8/18), 9am, Registration required, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, 1401 Fish Hatchery Rd, Pisgah Forest Fairy Trail Stroll the Fairy Trail, which extends about 300 yards and includes tiny doors that can be opened and closed to reveal fairy life scenes.

WE (8/18, 25), TH (8/19, 26), FR (8/20), SA (8/21), MO (8/23), TU (8/24), 9:30am, Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville Money Visioning & Goal Setting Focuses on creating realistic savings goals.

Presented by OnTrack Financial Education & Counseling.

TH (8/19), 5:30pm, Free, avl.mx/a34 Weaverville Center for Creative and Healthy Living Listening Tour An opportunity for Weaverville residents to share their interests and concerns about health, education, welfare and recreation.

TH (8/19), 6:30pm, Weaverville Town Hall, 30 S. Main St, Weaverville Adult Snorkeling in the Stream Ages 16 and older. Call 828-877-4423.

FR (8/20), 9:30am, Registration required, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, 1401 Fish Hatchery Rd, Pisgah Forest Slow Art Friday: The Element of Line Hank Bovee, touring docent, leads a conversation about three artworks in the Asheville Art Museum’s Collection and special exhibitions Suggested donation for non-members.

FR (8/20), 12pm, Free$10, avl.mx/a18

Meet Your Neighbors Learn about the resources found in Asheville. Part of the Fridays at the Folk Art Center series.

FR (8/20), 7:30pm, Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Parkway Blood Connection Blood Drive Donors are asked to register in advance by visiting RedCrossBlood. org/give and entering the sponsor code AshevilleOutlets. Blood donation organizers will practice advanced safety protocols. For more information, visit ShopAshevilleOutlets. com.

SA (8/21), 10am, Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd Spiritual Fusions Psychic & Holistic “Pop-Up” Expo Featuring 37 psychics, mediums, holistic healers, artisans, vendors plus reading and Aura photography.

SA (8/21), SU (8/22), 10am, $6, WNC Ag Center (Boone Building), 761 Boylston Hwy, Fletcher

Social Contract Bridge Group For more info, contact Stefano 727-481-8103.

MO (8/23), 12:30pm, free, Senior Opportunity Center, 36 Grove St WNC History Café: 100 Years of the Black Mountain Firehouse Museum staff and Black Mountain Fire Department representatives will talk about the history of the department and the use of the building over time. This event will take place via Zoom.

MO (8/23), 6:30pm, $8-12, avl.mx/a85 Casting for Beginners Ages 12 and older.

Registration required.

Call 828-877-4423.

TU (8/24), 9am, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, 1401 Fish Hatchery Rd, Pisgah Forest Fly Fishing Expo All ages. Call 828-8774423.

WE (8/25), 10am, Registration required, Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, 1401 Fish Hatchery Rd, Pisgah Forest

Congressional Redistricting and Voter Suppression: Updates and New Initiatives August membership meeting of the Jackson County Branch of the North Carolina NAACP. Email jcnaacp54ab@ gmail.com to receive instructions to join online.

SA (8/21), 10am, Registration required, avl.mx/9gz

Connections with Asheville Art Museum: Childhood Connections is an artsbased program serving community-dwelling adults with mild to moderate memory loss and their care partners. Doris Potash, master docent, leads a conversation about four artworks.

WE (8/25), 1pm, Free, Registration required, avl.mx/a97

Overmountain Victory Trail Lunch & Learn Learn about the Overmountain Men and their role in the Revolutionary War. SA (8/21), 12:30 pm, Free, Mountain Gateway Museum & Heritage Cente, 24 Water Street, Old Fort

French Conversation Group Meeting every two weeks. Visit meetup. com, Asheville French Conversation Group or text Eliza, 402-4802793.

WE (8/25), 5:306:30pm, Ingles, 29 Tunnel Rd

14th Annual Mermaid Parade Art, music, food, water fights. Costumes encouraged.

SA (8/21), 5pm, Free, Downtown Marshall

Introduction to Medicare The class will explain how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties, and ways to save money. To register, visit the Council on Aging of Buncombe County’s website (www.coabc.org) or call the Council on Aging at 828-277-8288. Class held via Zoom.

WE (8/25), 5:30-7pm, avl.mx/9hz

Fun Friday for Families: Jewelry-Making Use a variety of materials to create your own unique piece of jewelry.

Fridays in August.

FR (8/20), 1:30pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square

Climb for a Cure Local colorectal cancer survivors J.J. Singleton and Joe Bullock will host a community hike to raise awareness for the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men and women in the U.S. SU (8/22), $25, Mount Mitchell State Park, 2388 State Hwy 128, Burnsville

Aurora Studio & Gallery's Fun on Friday Arts/fundraising activity for Asheville visitors.

To register, text Lori Greenberg at 828335-1038. Suggested donation.

FR (8/20), 2:30pm, $20, The Refinery, 207 Coxe Ave

How to Build and Repair Your Credit Score Focuses on what credit is and why it’s important. Presented

by OnTrack Financial Education & Counseling.

MO (8/23), 12pm, avl.mx/a3l

Cooperative Agroforestry and Acorn Donut Tasting Learn about local agroforestry and land stewardship programs from Zev Friedman (Cooperate WNC) and Justin Holt (Nutty Buddy Collective).

Address and directions will be emailed to participants upon registering.

WE (8/25), 6pm, $15-20, Register for location, Asheville

Arbor Evenings Stroll through the Arboretum’s gardens and experience the Wild Art outdoor sculpture showcase as live music plays.

TH (8/19, 26), FR (8/20), 5:30pm, Free$16, NC Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way Glenville Area Historical Society annual meeting This year’s topic is "Remembering Glenville’s Historic Buildings and Homes.”

TH (8/26), 6pm, Glenville Area Historical Society, Hwy 107, Glenville WNC History Café: The Negro Motorist Green Book in Western North Carolina Lisa R. Withers will discuss the Negro Motorist Green Book and African American travel in Western North Carolina. Attendees will receive a zoom link to the talk.

TH (8/26), 6:30pm, $8-12, avl.mx/a89

FOOD & BEER RAD Farmers Market Weekly farmers market featuring more than 30 local farmers, makers, bakers and craft artisans.

WE (8/18, 25), 3pm, Pleb Urban Winery, 289 Lyman St Les-ter Farmers Market Weekly farmers market through September, Leicester Community Center.

WE (8/18, 25), 3:30pm, Leicester Community Center, 711 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester Flat Rock Farmers Market Weekly local market.

TH (8/19, 8/26), 3pm, Flat Rock Farmers Market, 1790 Greenville Hwy, Hendersonville Westside Creative Market Local handmade goods and artwork.

SA (8/21), 11am, Haywood Quick Stop, 495 Haywood Rd Jackson Arts Market Weekly event every Saturday through Dec. 18.

SA (8/21), 1pm, 533 W Main St, Sylva Meadow Market A rotation of local bakers, makers, and artisans.

SU (8/22), 12pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy #200

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 18-24, 2021

19

WELLNESS

Last resort

HEMP & HEALTH

WNC’s uninsured rely on free and low-cost health clinics

Summertime Soreness

has met its match!

BY JESSICA WAKEMAN jwakeman@mountainx.com

Whether it’s arthritis or muscle pain, inflammation or burning sensations, this Healing Salve has you covered! (literally)

Local and handmade Delta 8 Products are available!

ASHEVILLE (8 2 8) 5 0 5 -7 10 5

SOU TH ASHEVILLE (8 2 8) 67 6 - 0 9 4 0

HENDERSON VILLE (8 2 8) 6 9 7-7 3 0 0

WWW.FRANNYSFARMACY.COM

Every Saturday morning, nurse practitioner Amy Beane can be found at the Ebbs Chapel Community Center in Mars Hill. The building is home to the Outland Family Clinic, which opened June 5; it’s where Beane volunteers weekly to provide free health care to anyone in need.

“I had someone come in who has not seen a primary care provider in 10 years,” Beane recalls of a recent Saturday. This patient did not have health insurance, had limited transportation and was employed irregularly, she explains. Through his appointment at Outland, the patient learned he had diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.

The following patient that morning, Beane says, was a 20-something

who had recently gotten off a parent’s health insurance and was concerned that his fever was a symptom of COVID-19.

“It’s all over the place, what comes in the door,” says Beane. She has seen approximately 50 patients since the clinic opened; their only commonality is how finances have driven them to seek free health care.

Outland Family Clinic is one of several resources in Western North Carolina where people who are uninsured or underinsured can access free health care. According to Kaiser Family Foundation data, 10.9% of Americans under age 65 were uninsured in 2019, but in WNC, that percentage skews even higher: 14.6% for Buncombe County adults under age 65, according to 2018 Small Area Health Insurance Estimates data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Buncombe’s seven surrounding counties also exceed the national average of uninsured people. Henderson County’s rate is 14.7%, for example, with Haywood County at 12.4% and Madison County at 13.4%.

Many of the health clinics that serve the uninsured are federally qualified community health centers, which are funded by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration Health Center Program. In WNC, those centers include Western North Carolina Community Health Services, also known as the Minnie Jones Clinic, Appalachian Mountain Community Health Centers, Blue Ridge Health, Hot Springs Health Program and others. They provide primary care on a sliding scale based on yearly income and household size.

“The problem is that sometimes the sliding scale fee is more than what people can do,” says Beane.

A free clinic — whether subsidized by the government or funded through private donations, like the Outland Family Clinic — can be a last resort.

Otherwise, says Erica Palmer Smith, director of Care4Carolina, a Raleighbased nonprofit seeking to increase health insurance access across the state, the uninsured “go to the emergency room if something gets bad enough.”

WORKING WITHOUT COVER

Employment does not guarantee health insurance coverage, notes the 20

AUG. 18-24, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM

PROVIDING CARE: Nurse practitioner Amy Beane recently treated a patient at Outland Family Clinic who had not seen a primary care provider in 10 years. Image courtesy of Amy Beane Rev. Scott Rogers, executive director of Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry. Seven out of 10 patients at ABCCM’s medical ministry are employed, he says.

ABCCM’s program serves only uninsured people with an income below 200% the federal poverty level ($25,760 for a single person and $34,840 for a family of two). This population may work while being injured or sick because taking time off work means forgoing a paycheck for their family, Rogers says. He notes that many of the ministry’s patients work in professions that service the tourism industry.

Outland Family Clinic does not collect data about employment, Beane says. But as a privately funded operation, the clinic accepts patients who have health insurance, and she says many are employed.

“These people are working hard, and this is where they’re finding themselves,” says Beane. “Every single person who shows up at my door has been a college student, somebody who has a job or someone who has kids in school that they’re trying to pay their tuition.”

Beane estimates that 80%-90% of Outland Family Clinic’s patients are uninsured; the remaining patients have private health insurance or Medicaid. However, those insured patients often have high deductibles that they can’t afford to meet.

Financial constraints can inhibit Medicaid beneficiaries, too. Beane says Outland Family Clinic has served patients who do not have reliable transportation, cannot afford gas to travel to specialists in larger cities or lack home internet access for telemedicine.

OUNCE OF PREVENTION

One crucial role of free clinics is providing preventive care, such as wellness checks and cancer screenings.

“One of the biggest tragedies is that folks aren’t able to get preventative care,” says Smith of Care4Carolina.

“Because someone wasn’t able to get a colonoscopy at the right stage, instead of finding out they have colon cancer at stage 1, or being able to catch it as a polyp before it even develops into cancer, they catch it when they’re symptomatic going into the emergency room at stage 4.”

ABBCM can provide cancer screenings for patients through Project Access, a volunteer program of the Western Carolina Medical Society, says Rogers. To qualify for Project Access, a patient must be uninsured, at or below 138% of the federal poverty level ($17,774 for a single person and $23,517 for a family of two) and a resident of Buncombe or Madison county for the past 12 months.

Other preventive care services include monitoring patients’ blood sugar, disbursing diabetes glucose strips and insulin, and offering access to medication, Rogers says. According to the nonprofit’s data, the ABCCM medical ministry saw 6,540 patients during 2020.

WNCCHS in Asheville also provides primary care, as well as dental and behavioral health services, says Scott Parker, the clinic’s director of development. According to federal data, about one-third of its nearly 14,000 patients in 2020 had hypertension, 14% had diabetes, 6% had HIV and 4% had asthma; 61% of all WNCCHS patients were uninsured.

THE COVERAGE GAP

While free or low-cost clinics serve many needs, they are limited in their offering of speciality care. For example, a free clinic may be able to treat a

stomachache, but persistent abdominal pain may require the expertise of a gastroenterologist. Other specialist care, such as chemotherapy, is so intensive that clinics are unable to provide it for free.

Additionally, clinics are subject to budgetary restraints, whether publicly or privately funded. “They can only go so far, because their dollars can only go so far,” says Smith.

To address the lack of affordable health care for many free clinic patients, Smith advocates for closing “the coverage gap”: the lack of financial assistance for people who earn too much income to qualify for Medicaid but do not earn enough to qualify for an Affordable Care Act subsidy in the private health insurance marketplace. To meet that need, organizations like Care4Carolina advocate for the expansion of Medicaid to cover people within the gap.

If the coverage gap were closed, 16,877 people in Buncombe County would gain access to affordable health insurance coverage, according to Care4Carolina data. And according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Medicaid expansion would make 372,400 uninsured adults across the state eligible for coverage.

North Carolina is one of 12 states that has not expanded Medicaid coverage. Although Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, included $1.3 billion from the federal American Rescue Plan Act to support Medicaid expansion in his proposed budget for fiscal years 2021-23 budget, the budget currently under consideration in the majority Republican General Assembly as Senate Bill 105 does not include that funding.

Until health insurance is more accessible, free and low-cost clinics will provide a stopgap for the uninsured and underinsured. And the health care providers who work and volunteer there are ready.

“I don’t really care why you’re here. I’m just glad for you to come,” says Beane. X

ASHEVILLE BUNCOMBE FUTURES MOVEMENT is seeking new members!

ABFM is a youth-led collective of high school students from across Buncombe County, who meet weekly to plan & implement projects in their schools & communities to prevent & reduce youth substance use.

Meetings are being held virtually through Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To join the movement, email substancefreeyouthbc@gmail.com

Health Focused Mercury Safe Dentistry Dr. Deborah Anders and Dr. Mark Armistead perform health-focused dentistry through a Mercury Safe philosophy which sets our practice apart from other area offices.

• Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique Certified • Biological Dentistry & Products

• Ozone Therapy • Digital X-rays = Less Radiation • Bio-Compatibility Test Kits

Appointments readily available: Emergency Visits • Tele-Dentistry Calls Friday & Saturday Openings

New Patient Special

199

$

(Includes cleaning, x-rays and exam) Dr. Anders and Dr. Armistead’s Dental Office 3094 US 70 Hwy, Black Mountain, NC 28711 • 828-669-8781

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 18-24, 2021

21

ARTS & CULTURE

Gone fishin’

Local chefs find excitement and calm on the river

BY KAY WEST kwest@mountainx.com An adventurous spirit is in the DNA of chefs who open their own restaurant, a risky business to say the least. And for some of these thrill-seekers, when they’re not playing with fire, they take to nearby rivers and streams, playing hideand-seek with the elusive mountain trout.

Xpress recently asked a few of these local chefs and fishing experts to share their angle on angling.

COMBINING PASSIONS

Somewhere in a box is chef William Dissen’s first catch, his gateway to an enduring passion for fishing.

“My dad took me fishing on the Kanawha River in Charleston, W. Va., where I grew up,” he recalls.

“We went for catfish, which was the standard first for a kid, and he actually had it mounted.”

ABOUT THAT TROUT: Chef Silver Cousler is pictured with their catch from a day of fly-fishing on the Hungry River in Flat Rock. Photo by Cherry Iocovozzi And while Dissen says he continued the sport throughout his early youth, he later lost sight of it. “I started working in restaurants when I was 15 and got away from fishing,” he explains.

But his break wasn’t absolute. One of the things that lured Dissen to buy The Market Place restaurant in downtown Asheville in 2009 was the undeniable pull of his Appalachian roots, including the city’s nearby access to creeks, rivers and streams.

“Some of the best fly-fishing on the East Coast and the country is right here,” he says. “I had done a little before, but I was not proficient at it.

Being here, I wanted to learn. I’m not a guy who spends hours on a golf course to decompress. I want to get out to hike or into a river or stream.

Fly-fishing combines the two.”

CATCH YOUR OWN

Catching your own, particularly when it comes to fly-fishing, can be a 22

AUG. 18-24, 2021

In Asheville, Cousler previously worked as chef de cuisine at Gan Shan West, which frequently features whole-fish dishes. They left their position in late 2019, bound for a live-fire cooking residency at Palm Heights resort in the Cayman Islands — a venture sunk by COVID. In spring 2020, Cousler returned to Asheville and went to work on developing Neng Jr.’s, a casual eatery slated to open in West Asheville in October. Neng Jr.’s — Cousler’s Filipinx nickname — will serve Filipinx cuisine, sharing the building that previously housed music venue Mothlight with Different Wrld, a collaborative creative space.

MOUNTAINX.COM

complicated and potentially expensive endeavor. But the rewards — even when no fish are caught — are immeasurable, notes chef Silver Cousler, who uses gender-neutral pronouns.

“There’s nothing bad about standing in a river all day,” they say.

Like Dissen, Cousler was first exposed to fishing as a child, joining their father and uncle on deep-sea adventures off the coast of eastern North Carolina, as well as during trips to their mother’s native country, the Philippines.

“When we went to the Philippines, we would go to Batangas, a very rural area with saltwater tributaries about three hours south of Manila,” they remember. “It was all about eating fresh fish, like a whole tuna or milkfish, right off the boat and cooking it right away on fire. Being exposed to that kind of freshness was very significant to me, as well as the ways they air-dry, preserve and ferment it.”

ON THE FLY

During the COVID downtime and inevitable delays in construction, Cousler waded into fly-fishing, guided by friend Alex Matisse, co-founder of East Fork Pottery.

“I was so sick of being cooped up during quarantine,” the chef explains. “I needed to get outdoors, and Alex offered me his place in Flat Rock on the Hungry River while he [was] out of town. He had a lot of fly-fishing gear there, and I wanted to fish right away, but you really need someone to teach you.”

Dissen agrees. “Fly-fishing is a real learning curve,” he says. “When I decided to get serious about it, I went to Hunter Banks in Montford to learn the basics and get my gear together so I was knowledgeable enough to be able to go to the river whenever I can.”

Miller Watson, marketing and communications chair for Hunter Banks Fly Fishing, says the company’s staff is there to help new fishing enthusiasts navigate the waters.

“Fly-fishing and all the equipment and terminology can be overwhelming, so we have tried to create an atmosphere here that welcomes beginners who don’t speak the language and want to ask questions.”

The starting point, he continues, is understanding the rigs, how to set up a rod and where to go. Beginners in particular benefit from a half or full day of schooling; more experienced fly fishers who are new to the area or brushing up on their skills will benefit from guided fly-fishing trips as well.

“Whether you’re a first-timer or have some skills, you don’t want to go out there shooting in the dark, not knowing where to stand, where the trout are, why they’re there and what they’re eating,” says Watson.

“It seems like a big investment up front, and it can be, but in the long run it’s worth it. If you find you like

it, you can get what you actually need to not waste money.”

According to Watson, a beginner can get on the bank of a stream with an entry-level rod, reel, line and flies for $250; getting into the water requires additional gear such as waders, and the starting point there is about $600. Customers with deep pockets, he says, have been known to sink several thousand dollars into equipment. And don’t forget the fishing license — an annual pass for in-state residents is $25.

Casting is another skill to master, one Cousler says isn’t necessarily costly, but it does take practice. “I had a really ugly cast for a while,” they admit. “I’m not a big TikTok person, but I started watching a lot of fishing TikToks to see how people do it and what they reel in.

Casting is really choreography, and you have to figure out the flow. I feel confident in my cast now.”

Dissen believes the hard part of fly-fishing is learning how to use the gear, what flies to use for conditions and how to tie knots. “I have a real appreciation for people who know how to tie their flies from scratch,” he says. “It is really laborious.”

HOOKED ON A FEELING

What is not laborious, the chefs maintain, are the mental and emotional benefits derived from a day in the water. “I’m not really a person who knows how to sit still,” Cousler says. “Fly-fishing is an active way of fishing that is also peaceful and puts

me in a place of meditation, which is really good for me.”

Dissen notes a similar experience.

“It’s taking the time to calm down and forget everything else going on, especially this past year. It’s listening to the sounds of the water, being in touch with nature, being at peace for a bit. There are times I haven’t caught a single fish, but it’s still the best day ever.”

Typically, when the fish are biting and they reel in a trout — either wild or stocked — Dissen and Cousler practice catch and release. Watson says all the Hunter Banks excursions do the same. His staff members joke that it ensures job security, but Watson notes clients end sessions with the skill set and knowledge to catch and keep fish on their own future independent outings.

When it comes to cooking the catch, both Cousler and Dissen subscribe to the K.I.S.S. principle: Keep It Simple Stupid. (See accompanying recipe for more.)

Dissen laughs describing a complex spin on trout that didn’t go exactly as he envisioned.

“When we opened Haymaker in Charlotte, I did a pan-roasted Sunburst [Trout Farms] trout with a butter bean and boiled peanut succotash and some Benton’s Country ham, a fermented green tomato chow chow and a green ramps broth,” he explains. “To me it represented modern Appalachian cooking and epitomized what I love and who I am as a chef. Nobody bought it. It was the most delicious fail.” X

Lessons learned while tubing My wife, Rhea, and I have been Tar Heels since 1982 when we came to Fayetteville from Atlanta. Oddly, those living out here in WNC rarely if ever use that term, which is more for Easterners (there is a Tar Heel, N.C., and a Tarboro, N.C., in the east, and of course the UNC Tar Heels).

We never cared for this nickname, nor for the brutal Sandhills climate of Eastern North Carolina. In 2005, we finally retired to Asheville and have not one regret — except for the dearth of breweries (ha).

The grandkids from Alabama came every summer. We found the Green River tubing past Flat Rock to be fun, inexpensive and family-oriented. Fifteen dollars each for a 2- to 3-mile gentle run and a free bus ride back at the end.

Ella at 7 loved the gentle rapids but yearned to be released from our “stay in the inner tube” rule. She finally wore us out about it, so we gave permission.

She jumped out and began playing in the rapids only to lose her tube and was unable to reach it.

STEVE LEVENBERG AND RHEA CRAVENS The water was maybe a foot deep but fast.

We got the tube for her and waited while she caught up to us, tearful. She then blurted out angrily at us, “Why did you let me get out of the tube?”

This is the origin of the homily, “No good deed goes unpunished.”

— Steve Levenberg Asheville

Pan-roasted Sunburst Trout Courtesy of William Dissen Serves: Four people Ingredients: • Two whole Sunburst Trout, gutted (about 1 pound each) • Four lemons, sliced into rings, two per trout • 12 garlic cloves, six per trout • One bunch of thyme • Four sprigs of parsley • 3 tablespoons olive oil • 3 tablespoons butter Rinse fish, then dry them well with paper towels. Preheat a 16-inch cast iron pan over medium-high heat (or over the coals of a camp fire). Season the inside cavity and outside of the trout fillets with salt and pepper.

Place the lemon rings, a few sprigs of thyme and the parsley inside the

cavity of the trout. Add the oil to the pan, place the trout into the pan and cook until the bottom of the fish begins to turn golden. Using a large spoon or spatula, carefully flip the fish over to brown the other side. As the opposite side begins to brown, pour out the oil and add the butter, garlic cloves and remaining thyme sprigs. As the butter begins to foam, tilt the cast iron pan slightly and use a large spoon to baste the butter over the trout to help it cook fully.

Check to see if the trout is cooked through by inserting a knife inside; if it comes out clean and is warm, then the trout is finished. Carefully remove the trout from the pan and serve immediately. X

Join the Organic Growers School at an upcoming program: Farm Beginnings® yearlong training for beginning farmers Journeyperson yearlong training for intermediate farmers Applications for both due September 18, 2021 9/24-25 Forest Farming Intensive 11/9 Farm Dreams Find more on our website: organicgrowersschool.org/events/ MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 18-24, 2021

23

ARTS & C U L T U R E

PODCASTS

Episodic thrills

Travis Book and Johanna Hagarty discuss the wild world of podcasting

BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN earnaudin@mountainx.com Before 2004, hardly anyone had heard of a podcast. Seventeen years later, they’re borderline inescapable.

With topics varying from true crime (“Serial”) to long-form interviews (“WTF with Marc Maron”) and practically everything in between, these episodic, recorded offerings have remained a cultural constant while other trends have faded into obscurity.

“It’s a perfect medium to take in while you’re commuting and doing other things,” says Brevard-based musician and podcaster Travis Book.

“It’s a way to digest and play with concepts and ideas in a semipassive way, which is perfect for Americans.”

Arguably the ultimate democratic technology, podcasts continue to attract creators from around the world who use it in traditional ways, as well as others who are taking advantage of recent developments that appear poised to keep the medium relevant for decades to come.

Xpress spoke with Book and fellow local creator Johanna Hagarty about their adventures and experiences in this crowded field and what they and the industry have planned for the future.

‘HAPPY HOUR’ DISTILLATION

The bassist for the progressive bluegrass band The Infamous Stringdusters, Book launched his musical variety show, “The Travis Book Happy Hour,” in June 2020 to stay creatively active and engaged with industry peers during the early tourfree days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the time, he had no intentions of expanding the series into a podcast. Instead, the initial 90-minute Facebook Live stream featured a new musical guest each episode. Book would subsequently upload each show to YouTube, where he was content to leave things.

But by December, he had a revelation: The 90-minute show was ideally suited for condensing into a 40-minute audio companion, composed of its best musical moments and a distillation of the interview portion.

“In that shorter form, it’s got all the elements and is jampacked with good stuff,” Book says.

Once he committed to the podcast, he says he “couldn’t be stopped” and was up at 4 a.m. each day working on 24

AUG. 18-24, 2021

DIFFERENT STROKES: Travis Book, left, and Johanna Hagarty take varied approaches to creating podcasts. Photo of Book by John A. Zara; photo of Hagarty by Libby Gamble episodes. Book notes that he usually doesn’t enjoy dealing with technical aspects of music or fiddling with editing software like Pro Tools. (“I always have the smallest pedal board of all the guys in the band” he says.) And yet, in learning editing techniques, he feels that he’s found another artistic pursuit.

“The editorial choices I make and even the little editing bits — the way that I fade between segments or the musical interludes that I use, even just the way that I mix the audio — all of that contributes to the general feel of the podcast,” he says. “These are real subtle things, but it’s these little stylistic differences that are what really makes each podcast unique and distinctive.”

Rather than listening to music and interview podcasts for inspiration, the bike-racing enthusiast has taken many of his stylistic cues from cycling podcasts. By funneling this guidance into the “Happy Hour” editing process, Book has seen his communication style improve and is less likely to repeat elements that hamper clarity on subsequent shows.

Through it all, he’s also learned plenty about selecting guests who will rise to the occasion of what he feels is essentially improvisation, as well as the art of interviewing.

“It’s so dynamic, and it’s happening in real time. And especially when it’s happening in a live setting, you learn to be an active and attentive interviewer and lead things in the right direction — not cut off ideas but really allow the right things to blossom,” he

MOUNTAINX.COM

says. “That is a really difficult skill, and now I’m so much more appreciative of great interviews when I see them.”

INTERACTION SATISFACTION

Launching a podcast is an adventure in and of itself, but once it’s established, finding a dedicated audience becomes the next great challenge.

And while thousands of shows await discovery on popular “podcatcher” services, such as Apple Podcasts and Spotify, new platforms have arisen in the past year that offer a level of listener interaction previously unavailable in this milieu, including Clubhouse.

Hagarty, an Asheville-based entrepreneurial coach, debuted “The Johanna Patrice Hagarty Show” via online radio station Biz Radio Asheville last November. Each week, she explores the intersections of art and entrepreneurialism with different guests, then takes the audio from the radio show and turns it into a podcast.

This spring, Hagarty heard about Clubhouse through her coaching work and requested a membership invitation through one of her professional Facebook groups. At the time, the app was in beta testing and only available on iPhone. (It went public in late July and is now also available via Android.)

From there, she navigated the numerous “rooms” that users can join to listen to various speakers; an additional feature also allows audience members the opportunity to verbally

contribute a question or comment.

While she quickly exited a room devoted to late-night dating, where she says people were “ridiculous and just yelling,” she found one with author and alternative medicine advocate Deepak Chopra giving a talk and has since listened to Oprah Winfrey and other appealing celebrities and influencers.

“The level of professionals and high-ranking people in all different entrepreneurial industries just floored me,” Hagarty says.

As she’s grown increasingly comfortable with Clubhouse, Hagarty has begun hosting events and joining public and private clubs. Her favorite thus far is “The Power of Art,” which is described as “a collective of over 81,000 artists, community organizers and change agents.”

“When you find the right rooms and you find the right connections, you are working with worldwide potentials,” Hagarty says. “But if you don’t know how to get involved in the clubs and you don’t find the clubs that relate to you, then you might not find it to be supervaluable.”

Now that she’s well versed in the platform’s capabilities, she’s also considering using it to livestream her podcast, which would permit for a post-show Q&A with listeners.

Clubhouse also lets hosts play prerecorded content, which would allow her to schedule the podcast for listening at a set time each week.

Similar options are available on Stereo, which broadcasts live discussions between two or more hosts and empowers listeners to record messages that creators can preview via transcription and choose to play on-air.

Twitter Spaces also offers a live interactive model, but is more ephemeral and, unlike Stereo, does not result in an automatically recorded file. In contrast, Stereo hosts can download said file, edit and post to the podcatcher of their choosing.

Clubhouse currently lacks an in-app recording feature, and while additional tools and resources make recording possible, doing so will result in a low-quality audio file. But regardless of what platform podcasters decide is best for them, Hagarty is confident that the medium is here to stay.

“It’s about connection,” she says.

“Hearing that voice, hearing that conversation, hearing that rawness and process — very rarely are podcasts completely polished. That authenticity is something I don’t think is ever going to go away.” X

MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 18-24, 2021

25

ARTS & C U L T U R E

LITERATURE

Murder revisited

New book explores 1936 slaying at the Battery Park Hotel profiled in Chesky Smith’s book.

A larger-than-life character, he played a crucial role in modernizing the sheriff’s office, creating the county’s first night patrol. He also militarized the department, purchasing machine guns and an armored car.

As Chesky Smith organized Brown’s files, she discovered a carbon copy of a confession by Moore.

“That is what initially piqued my interest and had me look more into what the document was related to,” she says. “I wanted to know who Martin Moore was and what he was confessing to. It all spiraled from there.”

“Oh, it is awful! It is awful! What is done,” shouted William Clevenger as he stormed down the second-floor hallway of the Battery Park Hotel on the morning of July 16, 1936.

Moments prior, Clevenger, an N.C. State University professor and state dairy extension officer, had casually strolled from his room, 231, to room 224, where his 19-year-old niece, Helen Clevenger of Great Kills, Staten Island, N.Y. was staying. The two were traveling the western part of the state together: William, to inspect the region’s dairy farms; Helen, to explore the South for the first time after completing her freshman year at New York University.

Upon reaching room 224, William discovered the door was unlocked.

Inside, his niece lay dead on the floor — bludgeoned and shot in the chest.

When hotel management arrived, they ordered William back to his room. Another hour would pass before they called the police.

Clubland Listings Are Back!

mountainx.com/ clubland

MURDER, SHE WROTE: After nearly a decade’s worth of research, local author Anne Chesky Smith celebrates the publication of her new book, Murder at Asheville’s Battery Park Hotel: The Search for Helen Clevenger’s Killer. Photo by Thomas Calder In her new book, Murder at Asheville’s Battery Park Hotel: The Search for Helen Clevenger’s Killer, local writer Anne Chesky Smith explores the 1936 tragedy that made national headlines. Along with outlining the events, Chesky Smith raises questions about the official narrative, which resulted in the arrest, conviction and speedy execution of Martin Moore, a 22-year-old Black employee of the hotel.

AMONG THE STACKS

As Chesky Smith tells it, she first learned of the murder by happen26

AUG. 18-24, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM

stance. Prior to becoming the executive director of the Western North Carolina Historical Association in 2020, the author served for nearly a decade as the Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center’s first full-time director.

A cardboard box loaded with documents donated by the family of former Buncombe County Sheriff Laurence Brown was among the first collections Chesky Smith processed in 2010.

Brown, who served 16 consecutive terms beginning in 1930 (after losing his initial bid for reelection in 1928), is one of several people

MEDIA FRENZY

Prior to Moore’s arrest, Brown ran a nearly monthlong investigation in search of the killer. Pressure, notes Chesky Smith, came from several directions. “Tourism was definitely one of them,” the author says. “It shows up in the papers again and again — that this is giving Asheville a black eye.”

Meanwhile, Brown himself was up for reelection that November. “So he’s really feeling the pressure to solve the case before then,” Chesky Smith continues.

In the immediate aftermath of the murder, Brown detained several suspects, including Mark Wollner, a German violinist living in Asheville, and Daniel Gaddy, the hotel’s night watchman. William Clevenger was also questioned.

Within her book, Chesky Smith does a marvelous job detailing the lives of these suspects and the community’s reactions to their arrests.

And though the story is a tension-filled, macabre tale, the author doesn’t exclude moments of humor and poignancy, including Wollner’s solo violin concert performed while in custody.

Chesky Smith is also masterful in re-creating the general frenzy surrounding the case, as reporters from Raleigh, Atlanta, New York and Baltimore swarmed Asheville.

Meanwhile, local reports often provided play-by-play accounts of the investigation. “Much of what is known about the day-to-day investigation into Helen’s murder comes from the yellowing pages of Asheville’s daily newspapers,” Chesky Smith writes. The information, she continues, came from

reporters “staking out the county courthouse, the hotel and the funeral home.”

SELECTIVE HEADLINES

Nearly a month after the murder, on Aug. 9, 1936, the Asheville Citizen-Times ran a special afternoon edition, announcing Moore’s arrest. The headline read, “Negro Arrested for Clevenger Murder; Confesses to Slaying.” The front page included a photograph of the declared killer, surrounded by several law enforcement agents, including Sheriff Brown.

The publication sold over 25,000 copies that day.

“Cars stopped in the middle of the road so that drivers could grab a paper,” Chesky Smith writes, “with some people buying as many as 15 copies.”

Moore’s trial began shortly thereafter, on Aug. 17. Two of the assigned jurors, Chesky Smith points out, expressed their belief in the young man’s guilt prior to their selection. Meanwhile, the author continues, newspaper accounts were far more selective in what they reported on about the trial compared to the earlier investigation, limiting column space for testimonies that placed Moore away from the hotel on the night of the murder. Furhtermore, Moore’s own testimony, in which he claimed detectives repeatedly beat him until he confessed to the crime, rarely made the front page.

Addtionally, multiple eyewitness accounts initially described a man less than 6 feet tall and believed to be white fleeing the hotel at the time of the murder. Moore, an African American, stood 6 feet 3 inches.

Nevertheless, the suspected killer was found guilty on Aug. 22 and sentenced to death. His execution date was set for Oct. 2, but an appeal delayed it two months.

On Dec. 11, 1936, the 22-year-old was strapped to a chair inside the state’s new gas chamber, holding his breath for three minutes before succumbing to the fumes, Chesky Smith writes.

insights, this reporter will simply note that Murder at Asheville’s Battery Park Hotel is a must-read for local history buffs and true crime enthusiasts.

“As a historian, I really believe in the power of good storytelling to teach and inform,” says Chesky Smith.

Over the 10 years she spent researching the investigation, the author continues, she’d often come across shorter versions of the crime from individuals without a full understanding of the case. Not surprisingly, she notes, these accounts were riddled with inaccuracies.

But more than just getting the story right, Chesky Smith sees the events as a glimpse into a time period of the city’s history that is often

overshadowed by the larger narrative of the Great Depression.

“The story really helps us learn a lot about what Asheville was like in the 1930s for different segments of the community,” Chesky Smith says. “Especially for the African American community here and what they were facing.”

A tragedy on multiple accounts, the author writes in her book: “Helen was not the only one to lose her life from the events that unfolded at the Battery Park in the early morning hours of July 16, 1936. Her death became a strand in a tangled knot of politics, police brutality and systemic racism that would, before the end of the year, entrap another young soul.”

— Thomas Calder X

LitCafé hosts Anne Chesky Smith Want to learn more about the case? Join Anne Chesky Smith on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 6-7 p.m., as she offers a virtual talk about her research and writing of Murder at Asheville’s Battery Park Hotel: The Search for Helen Clevenger’s Killer. The event is hosted by Western North Carolina Historical Association as part of its ongoing LitCafé series. The lecture is free for members and $5 for the general public. To learn more, visit avl.mx/a84. X

ANOTHER YOUNG SOUL

Ultimately, Murder at Asheville’s Battery Park Hotel raises more questions over the guilt of Moore than answers as to who might have committed the crime, though Chesky Smith does offer theories with some intriguing evidence supporting her claims. To avoid spoiling these new MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 18-24, 2021

27

ARTS & C U L T U R E

MUSIC

Spice of life

On his new album, Outside the Box, Larry “Po’folk” Williams dishes out an impressive amount of variety. Over the course of 11 tracks, the Asheville-based hip-hop artist works in a mix of the dance-friendly club bangers and lyrically rich head-nodders for which he’s become known, while also making room for silky smooth R&B numbers and even a lullaby.

“About the only thing I didn’t put on there was a country song,” Williams says with a chuckle.

The record’s eclectic nature stems from the diverse fan base that the artist has built up in recent years.

After establishing himself as a rapper in the early 2010s, he began exploring his interests in R&B/soul and released the EP The Lounge Singer in 2020. He feels the album helped open up his musical side in tandem with his passion for spitting rhymes.

“I tapped into that grown-up type of vibe, singing cool, classytype songs, but then I didn’t want to get away from my hip-hop side,” Williams says. “I’m older now. I don’t have a stigma of feeling like I have to make trap music or anything like that. I make so much different music — you can’t just call me a rapper.”

In approaching the range of musical styles, Williams says the beat talks to him, sparking ideas that allow him to hear a song’s chorus and overall

Po’folk, Wild Array and The Chariot release new albums

SONIC DELIGHTS: Clockwise from left, Asheville-based recording artists Po’folk, Wild Array and The Chariot are keeping the late-summer release slate hot with new albums. Po’folk photo by Andy Bishop; Wild Array photo by Alexa Bonsey; The Chariot photo by Renato Rotolo style. If an instrumental inspires him to that extent, he knows it’s a good fit and starts writing the song from there, rather than penning a track first and then picking a beat.

“I’m going to make a sandwich with it — I’m going to complement it,” he says. “I’m not going to try and work against it.”

Likewise true to the album’s title is Williams’ selection of collaborators. Though he didn’t intentionally exclude local producers, he feels that looping in creators outside of Asheville wound up best serving the project.

Through the power of social media and music websites, he worked with producers in the U.K., South Korea

New singles spotlight No time to hear a full album? Give these standout singles by local artists a spin.

King Garbage, “Piper” The modern soul duo of local multi-instrumentalists Vic Dimotsis and Zach Cooper are back with their first new recorded music in nearly four years, and this time they’re joined by LA-based renaissance man Nate Mercereau on percussion, bass and guitar. Over a danceable, staccato drum beat, rounded out by Cooper on piano, Dimotsis’ smooth voice feels more raw than usual, dishing out pleasantly ambiguous lyrics. A full-length follow-up to 2017’s Make It Sweat is due in March 2022. In the meantime, check out the duo’s multiple contributions to Leon Bridges’ new album, GoldDiggers Sound. avl.mx/a5j Christopher Paul Stelling, “WWYLLYD” The Asheville-based singer-songwriter’s new tune takes its title from an acronym for “When What You Love Lets You Down.” But rather than a straight-up lament, the lyrics point to responsibility on both sides of each relationship and the simple power of considering one another’s potential struggles. Paired with clean, active acoustic guitar work, Stelling reminds listeners, via a voice that suggests its owner has seen a thing or two, “Everyone is suffering — not just you.” The single is part of the artist’s sixth album, Forgiving It All, which will be self-released on Sept. 24. avl.mx/a5k Tan Universe, “Randall’s World” After dropping the 2018 EP Sundaze and a pair of singles in 2020, the Asheville-based rock trio of Daniel O’Grady (guitar/vocals), Jack Ryan (bass) and Lawson Alderson (drums) returns with this catchy anthem that carries an important, weighty message. The unfiltered exploration of toxicity in music scenes — “You think that you’re progressive/ But really you’re fake” — nicely weaves classic nasally punk vocals and winning guitar riffs of varying distortion levels with a unified rhythm section for a well-rounded sonic experience. The band has already played The Odditorium and Fleetwood’s this year and looks to build on that success in 2021’s second half. avl.mx/a5l X

28

AUG. 18-24, 2021

and across the U.S., including several beat-makers in North Carolina.

“A lot of times, the young people who make beats are from the ’burbs, and they’ve got all the good equipment,” Williams says. “It’s all about tapping in to new sounds. If we stayed in our same area, the sounds would all sound the same.”

The main exception is Ashevillebased vocalist Mia Faith, who has a star-making turn singing the hook on album standout “Tell Me Why.” Williams describes Faith as someone who has some singing experience but doesn’t pursue music professionally.

A mutual friend connected them, and while Williams says the vocalist was somewhat nervous in the studio, he believed in her abilities and helped guide her to a memorable take.

“She was so happy,” Williams says. “It showed me what I can do with somebody.”

MOUNTAINX.COM

NOCTURNAL ANIMALS

Formerly known as the indie-pop trio Hoo:Lumes, Asheville-based artists Sophia Darby, Collin Demos and Drew Sencabaugh took a break from playing music together in 2019. But following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, they re-formed with a renewed focus and energy.

“As everything seemed to slow down, we found ourselves writing and playing music together in a way that felt fresh and exciting and different from how we had done so before, so we thought we needed a new name to introduce our new chapter,” Demos says. “Wild Array feels like a name that’s truly boundless. Plus, it’s actual words that people know, which is always nice.”

In seeing that recharged vision through, the trio decided on a concept album of sorts under the title That Night.

“The priority was to feature songs that were about nights that we carry with us. Nights that remain in our memory for a while, whether that is because of friends, love, loss, heartbreak or whatever it may be,” Sencabaugh says. “Sonically, we were excited to take songs wherever we felt they needed to go. Because of that, yes, the record is varied sonically and stylistically, but it is my hope, and I think all of our hopes, that the stories of different evenings tie it together for listeners.”

Crafting these more ambitious works, however, wasn’t easy. Though Demos says all three musicians have “an expressed desire to be a larger band that incorporates more electronic, energetic and soundscaped elements,” none had the skill set to easily achieve that dream.

— Edwin Arnaudin X

Asheville’s Premier Professional Ballet Academy

a de my.org

Nutcr acker Audition

Experience the joy of dance, classes for all ages

$29.99

sac

Many local hip-hop fans know Davaion “Spaceman Jones” Bristol and Cliff B. Worsham, aka “Mother Hood,” for their consistently stellar work as Spaceman Jones and The Motherships. For their latest project, The Chariot, the duo grows to a trio with the addition of Maximiliano “Kingdom Kome” Kuper — a transition so seamless that one would be forgiven for thinking their self-titled debut was their fifth or sixth album instead of their first.

A native of Argentina, Kuper grew up in Miami and ran a successful label in his 20s, focusing on artist management and music production, which led to crafting scores for video games and TV shows. After experiencing one too many frustrations with the music industry, he took a step back and committed to making the kind of music he wanted to create. That decision coincided with a move to Asheville in 2011, where he says he experienced “a little bit of culture shock” from the different pace of life. But establishing friendships with Bristol and Worsham soon helped him feel right at home.

“I linked up with Davaion early on, just kicking it. Mother Hood as well. I just embraced those guys, and it was kind of like a natural flowing chemistry,” Kuper says. “They brought me out a couple of times at shows, and then we just started vibing on the same interests.”

Kuper looped in Bristol for a guest verse on his 2019 track “God Exists”

2 Week Introductory Progr am

1501 Patton Ave., Asheville, NC 28806 | 828.761.1277

rp

BLADE TRINITY

ic o

and rapped over a Mother Hood beat on his 2020 bilingual album, Doble Filo. From there, they began work on a full-length project and hit the studio with a batch of new Worsham instrumentals for inspiration. The blending of two gifted, complementary voices, going back and forth over tracks by one of the Southeast’s top producers is nothing short of game-changing for the Asheville hip-hop scene. And while some of it was created piecemeal and methodically, much of it was more impromptu.

“At this point in my career, I try to just go off of emotion and feeling. I don’t like to overthink it. So, honestly, a lot of it was freestyle,” Kuper says.

“Just us in the studio together, going off ideas. Sometimes, if you capture that moment and that essence, that’s what music is — that feeling.”

In choosing a name for the collaboration, the three artists turned to their overlapping interests in spiritualism, esoteric studies and higher planes of consciousness — particularly Kuper’s and Bristol’s connection to the tarot.

The more they worked together, the more the symbolism of the chariot felt like the perfect representation.

“In the tarot, the chariot can mean many things, but it’s a driving force,” Kuper says. “The way I see it, Mother Hood is the chariot driver that sits in the front. Me and Spaceman are the two sphinxes that sit side by side.

And we’re kind of this vehicle that is channeling progression and shifting the consciousness, sonically.”

Though each group member will continue pursuing solo projects, all are committed to making The Chariot a long-term collaboration.

Kuper says the familylike mutual respect among the three friends provides a strong foundation from which they’ll look to build through festival appearances this year and a growing discography, all in the hopes of elevating the local and statewide scene.

ps

Enter producer Mike Johnson (Midnight Snack; Slow Packer), whose synthesizers gave Wild Array the sonic textures that the trio craved. A talented multi-instrumentalist, he also plays trumpet on the track “Sun of a Gun.” Sencabaugh applauds Johnson’s willingness to give any idea a shot. And the fact that the collaboration occurred amid a major public health crisis is even more cause for celebration, he adds.

“We had songs we were excited about and eager to use some time last summer and fall to record, but we weren’t sure if recording was even going to be possible,” Sencabaugh says. “But thanks to Mike and his ability to find safe solutions to recording during the pandemic, he made it happen. There’s no way to understate his role on this record.”

Translating this newly expanded sound to the stage is a challenge that Wild Array is looking forward to tackling. Demos says they’re having a blast pushing themselves to play new instruments, and with help from “a few new friends,” they’ll be back in front of audiences before long.

te

r

MOUNTAINX.COM

Saturday, Aug. 28th, 2pm Open to the community.

Roles for dancers from Age 4 through Adult.

AUG. 18-24, 2021

29

ARTS & C U L T U R E

FOOD ROUNDUP

What’s new in food The Market at Underground Baking Co. eyes its relaunch

After a year of refurbishing, repairing, renovating, reconceiving and rebranding, Hendersonville’s 11-year-old Underground Baking Co. is fully inspected, permitted and ready to reopen on bustling Seventh Avenue as The Market at Underground Baking Co. The exact date of its relaunch, however, is pending.

“We are ready to open the doors as soon as we feel confident we won’t have to close again right away,” says co-owner Matthew Hickman, responding to the recent uptick in COVID-19 cases.

Hickman and his wife, Lisa Hoffman, opened UBC on Main Street in 2009 but moved to a century-old building at 352 Seventh Ave. in 2010. The couple have since expanded the operation, taking over additional space inside the building, which also accommodates their second business, Independent Bean Roasters, launched in 2017.

After closing to the public in March 2020, UBC pivoted to online orders with twice-weekly pickups.

The company also significantly increased its wholesale accounts in Hendersonville and Asheville and helped start the weekly Saturday Hendersonville Farmers Market.

“The farmers market is set up a half-block from the bakery, and we have a double booth [there]. It’s essentially been our bakery at an outdoor market,” says Hickman.

Among the products for sale there and online — in addition to an extensive line of artisan breads — are the bakery’s signature bre-

30

AUG. 18-24, 2021

zels. “It’s the German word for soft pretzel,” Hickman explains. “Ours are as authentic as you can get to a Bavarian soft pretzel.”

He adds that UBC recently tripled down on its croissant game and will have a larger selection of those and scones when the store reopens.

An inventory of regionally produced specialty food and nonfood items is also in the works as part of the market’s concept.

Finally, the bakery will bring back its trademarked croink, a croissant with bacon, cheese and jalapeno.

“We have not had croinks since we closed the building, so we expect a run on them when we reopen,” Hickman says.

He encourages croink fans and others to check the UBC’s social media platforms for the official building opening day and to order online from their website.

352 Seventh Ave. E., Hendersonville.

For more information, visit avl.mx/a7f.

Zadie’s Market welcomes customers

Speaking of markets, after COVIDrelated delays, Zadie’s Market in Marshall recently welcomed its first in-store customers, who perused newly stocked shelves, displays and coolers of produce and prepared foods in the brick-and-mortar space that opened July 29.

“It was really fun to put product on shelves for people to actually shop,” says co-owner Emily Copus, who offered online and delivery options in the early days of the pandemic. “Purchasing habits are very different in person when people can see and touch products.”

The building, which previously served as the town jail, also houses the four-suite Old Marshall Jail Hotel and Old Marshall Jail Bar. The latter offers drinks as well a food menu that includes burgers and fries, a fried chicken sandwich with slaw, homemade pimento cheese and an heirloom tomato and peach salad from the kitchen run by chef Ronnie Collins under the culinary direction of Rhubarb and Benne on Eagle owner John Fleer. Copus says dishes will change with the season

MOUNTAINX.COM

DAILY BREAD: The Market at Underground Baking Co. owners and bakers Matthew Hickman and Lisa Hoffman are eager to reopen their businesses on Seventh Avenue in Hendersonville. Photo by Brian Woodward but will always be regional fare with local ingredients.

Zadie’s will continue online sales and delivery and will increase operating hours as it hires more staff.

Zadie’s Market is at 33 Baily’s Branch Road, Marshall. For more, visit avl.mx/a7e.

Neighborhood watch Brewer Daniel Juhnke knows there is no shortage of breweries in Asheville, but that didn’t stop him from relocating by way of Minnesota to open New Origin Brewing Co. on Thompson Street, the deadend leg of a little pocket of activity adjacent to the Swannanoa River.

The brewery’s neighbors include Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, The Regeneration Station and Brouwerïj Cursus Kĕmē, which reopened Aug. 6, the same day New Origin made its debut in Beer City.

Juhnke started homebrewing before he was of legal age to drink and celebrated his 21st birthday by founding Junkyard Brewing in Moorhead, Minn., with his brother.

When Juhnke and his wife tired of spending frigid winters cooped up

inside with their two young children, they looked to Asheville for a fresh start.

“We want to be a local brewery serving the local community, and Asheville seemed like a good place to do it,” Juhnke says.

New Origin is a 7-barrel brewery with a small taproom and large patio. Juhnke, who co-owns the business with friend Brian Fetting, says, “We’re more of an experimental brewery; we will have a changing menu and are not planning any flagships. We’ll be brewing styles like New England IPAs, fruited sours, pastry stouts and occasional lager and English styles.”

New Origin opened with five of its 14 taps ready to pull. Currently, there is no kitchen, but food trucks are available on-site. Operating hours will expand as the brewery hires additional staff.

New Origin Brewing Co. is at 131 Thompson St. Learn more at avl.mx/a7h.

Meat up

Chop Shop Butchery recently announced the resumption of

its in-person butchery and sausage-making classes. The first in over a year was the perennial sellout, Whole Hog Butchery 1.0, held Aug. 5. But fear not, you can still go hog wild with repeats on Thursday, Sept.

2, and Thursday, Oct. 28. Additional workshops are also planned for the coming months. Each class, led by head butcher Matt Helms, starts at 6 p.m. in the shop and includes charcuterie, cheese and libations.

Tickets are $90.

Chop Shop Butchery is at 100 Charlotte St. For the full schedule and to register, visit avl.mx/a7g.

Wine down

Learn to make muscadine wine in the comfort of your own home through two virtual classes offered

by Chuck Blethen of Jewel of the Blue Ridge Vineyard. Blethen, who has over 40 years’ experience making country wines, will cover legal considerations for home winemaking, supplies needed, basic testing equipment and the winemaking process. The first class on Wednesday, Aug. 18, is oriented to novices; the second, on Saturday, Aug. 21, is intended for more experienced home winemakers.

For more information, call 828606-3130; to register, visit avl.mx/a7i.

Gone to seed

Area schools are opening to in-person classes, but teachers and students alike benefit from outdoor lessons as well, and the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project’s Growing Minds Farm to School program is here to help. In partnership with Sow True Seed, free seeds for cold-hardy leafy greens, lettuce, beets, carrots, radishes, turnips, kohlrabi and cilantro are now available to public and private schools in ASAP’s 60-county Appalachian Grown region.

Thanks to grant support, recipe cards, stickers, bookmarks and posters are also available to prekindergarten through 12th-grade educators and school nutrition professionals.

ASAP is at 306 W. Haywood St. Seeds and materials can be picked up at the ASAP office Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or can be requested by mail. For more information on Growing Minds, visit avl.mx/9fo.

Continuing education A-B Tech has partnered with Givens Estates, a nonprofit, continuing care retirement community,

to create North Carolina’s first culinary apprenticeship program. The new program is also the first to be announced under A-B Tech’s newly formed Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeships Department.

The inaugural apprentice in the culinary program is Caitlin Wright, one of six applicants for the position.

She began working at Givens in July and is enrolled in A-B Tech’s fall semester. Givens recently invested $8 million in a new dining and culinary program, which includes three new restaurants on the grounds.

“We employ many A-B Tech culinary graduates in our program, and this is the next step in growth through a combination of work-based training and academics,” Given Estates dining services director Kenneth Jensen said in a press release.

In other A-B Tech culinary news, after months of practice, a five-member student team — Josh Waters, Michael Welsh, Emmer Moraza, Patricia Santibanez, and Roman Nourse — went to Orlando, Fla., during the first week of August to compete in the American Culinary Federation’s national competition.

It was the 12th time a team from A-B Tech has made it to the national competition — more than any other student team in the country.

The group earned the silver medal and won the award for best appetizer for its sunflower seed-crusted mullet with creamy grits, tasso cream sauce, seafood sausage, and a tomato and watermelon relish.

Team captain Waters says, “It was a humbling experience being able to compete at the national level, and we are all extremely happy and proud of the efforts we put in as a team. I think I can speak for everyone that we really want to do more competitions and progress and grow as young culinarians and rising chefs.”

— Kay West X

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

Featuring vegan & vegetarian options

Reservations Recommended

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

THEBLACKBIRDRESTURANT.COM MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 18-24, 2021

31

ARTS & CU L T U R E

ROUNDUP

Around Town

Marshall’s Mermaid Parade returns to its roots The town of Marshall in Madison County is about 300 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, but that hasn’t stopped a bevy of mermaids, pirates and sea creatures from visiting each year.

Launched in 2008, the Mermaid Parade is an annual event featuring nautical-themed floats and costumes, water buckets and squirt guns — lots of squirt guns. “If you don’t want to get wet, it’s best to bring a rain jacket,” says Rhesa Edwards, vice president of the Downtown Marshall Association.

After a year off due to COVID-19, the parade returns Saturday, Aug. 21, at 5 p.m. Participants are encouraged to gather on Blannahassett Island as early as 3 p.m. to set up floats and bipeds. From the island, the parade will make its way into the

town via Jerry Plemmons Way, formerly known as Back Street, before heading down Main Street.

In recent years, thousands of visitors have flocked to the streets of downtown Marshall to view the parade and participate in the event’s additional all-day happenings. But this year, the parade’s organizers are cutting back on activities due to ongoing COVID safety concerns. So gone is live music on the courthouse steps, as well as Splash Island, which included a waterslide, bounce house, dunk tank and food.

“We expect the event to be smaller,” Edwards says. “We are looking at possibly 100 participants in the parade, a total maybe 30 or so cars and floats, and a lot of people walking and playing musical instruments.”

And don’t forget about those squirt guns and buckets, which organizers will provide in three designated “water zones.”

Although activities have been scaled back considerably, there still will be plenty for visitors to do

AHOY: Expect to see lots of people in nautical-themed costumes when Marshall’s annual Mermaid Parade returns Saturday, Aug. 21, at 5 p.m. Photo by Caroline Odell after the parade. Downtown festivities, including live music, food and drinks at local establishments, will be happening until 10 p.m.

For more information, visit avl.mx/a7n.

Artistic expedition Sometimes it’s the journey and the destination.

That’s certainly the case for the Come to Leicester studio tour, which allows people to visit local artists in their studios while also taking in some of the area’s natural beauty by driving along scenic rural roads.

“The first time I went on the tour, I had only been through the Leicester community, traveling straight down New Leicester Highway on my way to another place,” says Barbara Hebert, a participating artist. “I was amazed at the diversity and unspoiled beauty in the areas off the beaten track. It was a day of adventure for me and helped to expand my view of what the Leicester community has to offer.”

The 16th annual studio tour will run Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 21-22, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Visitors choose their own tour stops with the help of a full-color map and pictures of each artist’s work, available at various Leicester locations before the tour, as well as at each stop. Signs along the route direct visitors to the individual studios as well.

More than 25 local and visiting artists are participating, offering a variety of fine art and crafts, including brooms, furniture, pottery, paintings, iron work, turned bowls and quilts.

32

AUG. 18-24, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM

“Many of our local artists are well known in Western North Carolina and beyond, but welcoming others to their private studios is a chance to visit and help others get to know the person behind the art,” Hebert says.

In addition to the art, the tour offers several food stops, a wine tasting at Addison Farms and a Saturday fish fry at Sandy Mush Community Center, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Due to increasing cases of COVID19, visitors will be required to wear masks at all indoor locations on the tour, Hebert says. Artists are taking additional precautions in their studios with capacity limits and extra sanitation.

For more information, visit avl.mx/a7p/.

N.C. authors speak Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle, the first enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to publish a novel, will be among a group of authors and experts discussing North Carolina as a popular literary setting and inspiration during a Zoom panel Thursday, Aug. 19, at noon.

The Tar Heel State: Literary Muse and Memory is part of the Ten for NC event series sponsored by Carolina Public Press.

Saunooke Clapsaddle’s debut novel, Even As We Breathe, was named one of NPR’s Best Books of 2020 and was a finalist for the Weatherford Award. The book is a coming-of-age story in which narrator Cowney Sequoyah reflects on his experiences during the summer of 1942.

Other panelists are Jacqueline DeGroot, Jaki Shelton Green and Terry L. Kennedy.

The event is free, but space is limited and RSVPs are required. Registration is now open at avl.mx/a7q.

Synthesizing history

the two main characters to face physical obstacles as well as their own problems.”

To buy the book, go to avl.mx/a9a.

Seeking stories of Black builders

Asheville’s Bob Moog Foundation is kicking off its 15th anniversary celebration by raffling off a vintage, fully restored Minimoog Model D synthesizer signed by the late Moog himself.

Funds from the raffle, which goes through Monday, Aug. 30, will be used to support Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, the foundation’s educational project that reaches more than 3,000 elementary school students each year. The foundation plans to make the program nationwide in 2022.

The raffle also will support the Moogseum, which the foundation describes as “an immersive, experiential facility.” The Moogseum opened in late May 2019 at 56 Broadway and has welcomed more than 10,000 visitors.

Moog (1934-2005) was an engineering physicist and pioneer of electronic music who invented the first commercial synthesizer. He lived in Asheville during the final decades of his life.

Tickets for the raffle are $20 each, six for $100, 14 for $200 or 40 for $500, and can be purchased at avl.mx/a7s.

Preservation North Carolina is finishing up the research phase for its new education program, We Built This: Profiles of Black Architects and Builders in North Carolina, and wants to hear from local residents.

The nonprofit is seeking stories, photographs and other materials about Black builders, architects, brickmasons and artisans who helped construct or design buildings, churches and houses in the Tar Heel State.

“We want to make sure that we aren’t missing anyone that should be included in these materials,” says Annie Jernigan, the organization’s marketing manager.

The group does not have a deadline, but the sooner people make contact, the better, Jernigan says.

We Built This will include a traveling exhibit, a three-part film and book.

Contact Julianne Patterson at jpatterson@presnc.org.

Write what you know

Bruce Steele’s and Edwin Arnaudin’s latest critiques of new films available to view in local theaters and via popular streaming services include:

Local author Don Harris’ latest novel, Classmates, tells the story of two young men who come of age in the same small North Carolina mountain town during the turbulent 1960s.

“All of the books I have written are set mostly in the mountains or near them,” Harris says. “I guess I choose this area because of rich and diverse history, plus the mystery of the mountains. It’s not hard to find a legend, battle, lost tribe, rich scoundrel, heroic soldiers on which to base characters. Most of my characters have some resemblance to people I have know or have heard about here in the mountains.”

An avid trout fisherman, Harris set the climax of Classmates at the headwaters of the Raven Fork River in the Smokies. “I have fished the lower section of that river in the Cherokee reservation several times,” he says. “I have not tried to climb to the headwaters because I have read how difficult it is. That seemed like a good setting for

— Justin McGuire X

MOVIE LISTINGS

RESPECT: Aretha Franklin gets the formulaic biopic treatment in a film bolstered by Jennifer Hudson’s strong lead performance and loving, energetic presentations of the Queen of Soul’s many hits.

Grade: B-minus. Rated PG-13 FREE GUY: A brilliant premise involving a video game’s NPC (non-player character) turning sentient is undermined by lazy plotting and godawful “jokes.”

Star Ryan Reynolds deserves better, though his recent cold streak suggests otherwise. Grade: D. Rated PG-13

Start with being loose July 14 started with a piece of paper and a pencil. The list, which Kennedy wrote while riding in the back seat of the VW camper van, started with No. 1: Be loose.

Each numbered item had a little box so we could check off each destination as the day proceeded.

My granddaughter Kennedy and I have been adventuring around Western North Carolina for as long as she can remember. She’s 7 now. I grew up in Asheville, so I’m lucky to know a lot of the cool places. The blue VW Westfalia was one of four such campers that supported my career as a touring musician giving concerts for kids and families.

Today would be an epic adventure. First stop: the Sierra Nevada gardens and playground. Then, on the way to No. 2, Looking Glass Falls, Kennedy decided she’d rather see the fish at the hatchery first.

“Well,” I said, “that’s why the list started with ‘Be Loose.’” And when it came time for Moore Falls, being loose allowed us to nix that little hike altogether. A smart move — there wouldn’t have been time.

Over the course of the day, we checked off seven destinations, including our magical picnic on the parkway, overlooking Looking Glass Rock.

Kennedy and I, along with my wife, Susana, on occasion, have been all over the place. It’s a weekly event for us, and we love it.

KENNEDY’S ADVENTURE What a great way to celebrate the countless waterfalls in our region — plus high mountain balds, swimming holes, museums, hikes, caverns, cityscapes, farms, playgrounds, river parks, fire departments and airports, hidden dirt roads to nowhere and so much more!

— Timmy Abell Asheville

EASTMOOR by the RIVER Art Show

Mixed Media Art & Oil Paintings • Swamp-Bunny Fiber & Goods Whimsical Lawn Art • Recycled Fancy Cans • Hand Made Earrings

August 21st & 22nd

11am to 4pm Find full reviews and local film info at ashevillemovies.com patreon.com/ashevillemovies

•

Rain or Shine

14 Riverview Parkway, Asheville, NC 28805 allurapr@earthlink.net MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 18-24, 2021

33

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

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18 185 KING STREET Trivia Night, 7pm 305 LOUNGE & EATERY Mark Fisher (solo acoustic), 1pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY • Beauty Parlor Comedy w/Hunter Roberts, 7pm • Move On Up: Soul/R&B Night, 9pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm ATTIC SALT THEATRE The SuperHappy Trivia Challenge, 7pm BEN'S TUNE UP Big Blue (jam), 8pm BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING Jay Brown (roots), 6pm CASCADE LOUNGE Open Bluegrass Jam, 12am FBO AT HOMINY CREEK Old Timey Jam by the River (musical collaboration), 6pm HANDLEBAR & GRILL Ladies Night Karaoke, 7pm HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Jenny Bradley, David Earl Tomlinson (singer-songwriters), 6pm ICONIC KITCHEN & DRINKS Marc Keller (acoustic), 6pm MILLS RIVER BREWING Open Mic Night, 6pm MYSTIC DOME STUDIO Open Jam in the Dome (open mic), 6:30pm ODDITORIUM EMO NIGHT w/Bumpin' Uglies, 8pm OFF THE WAGON All Request Piano Show, 8pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. French Broad Valley Mountain Music Jam, 6pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Free Anesthesia (psychedelic power trio), 9pm ONE WORLD BREWING Latin Night Wednesday, 9pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Blooming Bass w/DJ Ephcto (cultural bass), 6:30pm RENDEVOUS Albi Podrizki (jazz), 7pm SILVERADOS Open Mic Night, 7pm SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY Jazz Night w/Jason DeCristofaro, 5:30pm

34

AUG. 18-24, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM

SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Witty Wednesday Trivia, 6:30pm THE 2ND ACT Round Robin Open Mic w/Letters to Abigail, 6pm THE DUGOUT Open Bluegrass Jam w/ The Well Drinkers, 8pm THE GREY EAGLE • Jason Ringenberg (alt country), 6pm • Riley Downing w/The Kernal (roots), 9pm THE OMNI GROVE PARK INN The B's (jazz, standards), 7pm THE ORANGE PEEL Joe Zimmerman (comedy), 8pm THE SOCIAL Karaoke w/DJ Lyric, 8pm TRISKELION BREWING CO. TriskaTrivia, 7pm WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Irish Music Circle, 7pm

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19 131 MAIN Aaron LaFalce (soul, rock, pop), 6pm 185 KING STREET Alexa Rose (Americana), 7pm

BROTHER ACT: Asheville power trio Billingsley will perform at Hendersonville’s Dry Falls Brewing Co. Saturday, Aug. 21, 7-10 p.m. Band members, from left, Grant, Bennett and Wilson Billingsley, count the Eagles, Coldplay, Sublime and Foo Fighters among their influences. Their most recent album, Rare, was released in 2020. Photo courtesy of Billingsley ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Phursdays w/Gunslinging Parrots (Phish tribute), 9pm PISGAH BREWING COMPANY Hunter Begley & Eric Ledford (Americana), 6:30pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Everybody Free Dance Party, 10pm

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 The Trailblazers (bluegrass), 8:30pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Mr Jimmy (blues), 7:30pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Sons of Ralph (bluegrass), 7:30pm

ASHEVILLE CLUB Mr Jimmy (blues), 5pm

RABBIT RABBIT Sunset Rooftop Comedy Show, 8pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Stella Blue presents Weedeater, Joe Buck Yourself, Adam Faucett & Harriers of Discord (metal), 9pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR The 40, 20, 10s (Americana), 7:30pm

RYE KNOT KITCHEN BREWERY DISTILLERY Chris Flanders (acoustic), 6pm

ATTIC SALT THEATRE Ritch Shydner’s History of Stand-up Comedy, Part 1, 8pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL VEIL B2B NotLö (EDM), 7pm

SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Open Mic, 6pm

BEN'S TUNE UP DJ Kilby Spinning Vinyl (throwback dance party), 10pm

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

BEN'S TUNE UP Offended! Open Mic (comedy), 9:30pm CASCADE LOUNGE Team Trivia, 7:30pm DOWNTOWN HENDERSONVILLE SOUTH MAIN STREET Rhythm & Brews Concert Series w/Jamie McLean Band (Americana, blues, soul), 5:30pm GINGER'S REVENGE CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM Gluten-Free Comedy, open mic at Ginger's Revenge, 6pm ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio (folk), 7pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Bluegrass Jam w/Drew & the Boys (bluegrass), 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE • Morgan Geer (Americana), 6pm • Scott H. Biram (rock, blues, classic country), 9pm THE GROCERY The Blushin' Roulettes (folk), 7pm THE JOINT NEXT DOOR Rod Sphere (rock), 5:30pm THE ODDITORIUM Yatra (Doom), Svbhollow, Cave Grave (metal), 9pm TRISKELION BREWING CO. Open Mic Night, 7pm WHISTLE HOP BREWING CO. Jazz and Wine Night w/ Adi the Monk, 6pm

FRIDAY, AUGUST 20

MILLS RIVER BREWING Funky Ass Trio Jam (funk), 6pm

185 KING STREET Kayla Lynn & the Change (funk), 8pm

OFF THE WAGON All Request Piano Show, 8pm

305 LOUNGE & EATERY Geriatric Jukebox (oldies), 5pm

BLUE GHOST BREWING COMPANY Caribbean Cowboys (classic rock, Southern rock, R&B), 6:30pm BURNTSHIRT VINYARDS CHIMNEY ROCK Patrick Lockett (jazz, blues, Americana), 5pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Free Dead Friday w/Gus & Friends (Grateful Dead tribute), 6:15pm POINT LOOKOUT VINEYARDS Mo Jo Blues Band, 6pm SALVAGE STATION The String Cheese Incident, 6pm SAWYER SPRINGS VINEYARD Myron Hyman (classic rock, blues), 2:30pm SILVERADOS Warrant (metal), 7pm SLY GROG LOUNGE Brennan Carroll, Lo Wolf, Rhinestone Pickup Truck (rock), 8pm

DRY FALLS BREWING CO. Awake in the Dream (rock), 7pm

SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Hour Glass Kids (reggae, blues), 6pm

FBO AT HOMINY CREEK Phuncle Sam (Grateful Dead tribute), 6pm

THE DUGOUT Twisted Trail (classic rock, country), 5pm

FLEETWOOD'S Kangaroos, Static Static, Hans Condor (synth, garage punk), 9pm GETAWAY RIVER BAR Getaway Comedy w/ Valerie Tosi, 8pm GUIDON BREWING The Well Drinkers (bluegrass, folk), 7pm HENDERSONVILLE VISITOR CENTER Music On Main Concert Series, 7pm

THE GREENHOUSE MOTO CAFE Ska City (ska, two tone), 8pm THE ODDITORIUM All Hell, Augur, Oblivion Throne (black thrash, metal punk), 8pm THE ORANGE PEEL Fade To Black – A Tribute To Metallica, 9pm WXYZ BAR AT ALOFT Riyen Roots (Americana, blues), 7pm

WILD WING CAFE SOUTH Commodore Fox (rock, dance), 8:30pm

SATURDAY, AUGUST 21 ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY • Beauty Parlor Comedy w/Valerie Tosi, 7pm • Sacrilege: Goth Party, 10pm ASHEVILLE CLUB Kyle Corbett (acoustic), 6:30pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Magic City Hippies w/ Cool Company (alt-pop), 9pm ATTIC SALT THEATRE Ritch Shydner’s History of Stand-up Comedy, Part 2, 8pm BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE Dinah's Daydream (jazz), 5pm BLANNAHASSETT ISLAND Music by the River w/ Racheal and the Tuesday Boys (bluegrass), 6pm BREVARD MUSIC CENTER Bruce Hornsby (rock, gospel, heartland rock), 7:30pm BRIDGE PARK PAVILION Hook, Line and Drinker Festival w/the Carolina Soul Band, 3pm BURNTSHIRT VINYARDS CHIMNEY ROCK Ben Phantom (singer-songwriter), 2pm DRY FALLS BREWING CO. Billingsley (rock, funk, jazz), 7pm FALLOUT ART SPACE Open Mic Night, 7pm

ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Sarah Clanton (Americana), 7pm Michael Flynn (acoustic), 8:30pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB The Saturday Old-Time Jam (musical collaboration), 2pm JIMMY'S ON THE RIVER Lucky James (Americana), 7pm PACK SQUARE PARK Shindig on the Green, 7pm SALVAGE STATION The String Cheese Incident, 6pm SILVERADOS Hinder (alt rock, hard rock), 7pm SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Roots and Dore (blues), 5pm THE GREENHOUSE MOTO CAFE Marvin King Revue with Vince Junior Band (blues), 7pm THE GREY EAGLE Magenta Sunshine w/ Chilltonic (jam, rock), 8:30pm THE ODDITORIUM Party Foul Outdoor Drag, 7pm THE ORANGE PEEL The Breakfast Club ('80s), 9pm TURGUA BREWING CO. Resonant Rogues (folk, country, swing), 5pm WXYZ BAR AT ALOFT DJ Phantom Pantone, DJ strongmagnumopus & DJ Abu Disarra, 2pm

SUNDAY, AUGUST 22 ARCHETYPE BREWING Sunday Sessions w/ Stephen Evans (folk, rock), 3pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Mark's House Jam, Beggar's Banquet (rock), 3pm BEN'S TUNE UP Good Vibes Sunday (reggae), 6pm BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING Dark City Kings (rock), 2pm BURNTSHIRT VINYARDS CHIMNEY ROCK Dan Johnston (acoustic), 2pm HOME GROUND COFFEE BAR & DELI Bluegrass Brunch Shindig w/Supper Break, 11:30am JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Bluegrass Brunch, 12pm OFF THE WAGON All Request Piano Show, 8pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Shakedown Sundays (rock, jam band), 7pm ONE WORLD BREWING Jazz Jam Brunch (jazz), 1:30pm RIVERSIDE RHAPSODY BEER CO. Drinkin' & Thinkin' Trivia w/Allie & Alex, 5:30pm SALVAGE STATION The String Cheese Incident, 6pm ST. PAUL MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS IN FLAT ROCK Geriatric Jukebox (oldies), 2:30pm THE DUGOUT The Lads avl (rock, folk, blues), 3pm THE GREENHOUSE MOTO CAFE Myron Hyman (classic rock, blues), 3pm THE GREY EAGLE Tuba Skinny (jazz, blues), 8pm THE ODDITORIUM Panties in a Brunch! Drag Brunch, 12pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Sunday Dance Party w/DJ RexxStep, 10pm

THE OMNI GROVE PARK INN Bruce Lang (guitar, vocals), 7pm

ASHEVILLE CLUB Vaden Landers (country blues, honky tonk), 3pm

TURGUA BREWING CO. The Blushin’ Roulettes (folk), 4pm

WHISTLE HOP BREWING CO. Ashley Heath (Americana), 6pm

MONDAY, AUGUST 23 ARCHETYPE BREWING Trivia Mondays w/Jess, 6:30pm ASHEVILLE CLUB Freshen Up (comedy, open mic), 7pm HAYWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Open Mic Mondays w/ Taylor Martin, 6:30pm HENDERSONVILLE VISITOR CENTER Street Dances, 7pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Mitch's Totally Rad Trivia, 6pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. It Takes All Kinds Open Mic Night, 7pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Trivia Night, 6pm THE JOINT NEXT DOOR Mr Jimmy and Friends (blues), 7pm

TUESDAY, AUGUST 24 185 KING STREET Travis Book & Friends w/ Andy Falco (Americana, bluegrass), 6:30pm 305 LOUNGE & EATERY Bob Sherill (singer-songwriter), 1pm ANTIDOTE The Little Posey Trio (jazz, swing), 6pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Aquanet: Goth Night, 9pm CORK & KEG Savoy, Bertrand & Lege (Cajun), 8pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Music Bingo, 6pm MILLS RIVER BREWING Weekly Trivia Night, 6pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Team Trivia, 7pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Early Tuesday Jam w/ The Trilateral Omission (funk), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Grateful Family Band (Dead tribute), 6pm THE GREY EAGLE Emmaline (jazz), 7pm THE ORANGE PEEL Pop Evil (hard rock, alternative metal), 7:30pm WHISTLE HOP BREWING CO. Trivia Tuesdays, 6pm WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Open Mic at White Horse, 7pm

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25 185 KING STREET Trivia Night, 7pm 305 LOUNGE & EATERY Mark Fisher (solo acoustic), 1pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY • Beauty Parlor Comedy w/Kelsey Rosen, 7pm • Move On Up: Soul/R&B Night, 9pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm BEN'S TUNE UP Big Blue (jam), 8pm

FBO AT HOMINY CREEK Old Timey Jam by the River (musical collaboration), 6pm

RENDEVOUS Albi Podrizki (jazz), 7pm

HANDLEBAR & GRILL Ladies Night Karaoke, 7pm

SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY Jazz Night w/Jason DeCristofaro, 5:30pm

HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Sarah Siskind (singer-songwriter), 6pm ICONIC KITCHEN & DRINKS Marc Keller (acoustic), 6pm MILLS RIVER BREWING Open Mic Night, 6pm MYSTIC DOME STUDIO Open Jam in the Dome (open mic), 6:30pm OFF THE WAGON All Request Piano Show, 8pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. French Broad Valley Mountain Music Jam, 6pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Free Anesthesia (psychedelic power trio), 9pm ONE WORLD BREWING Latin Night Wednesday, 9pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Blooming Bass w/DJ Ephcto (cultural bass), 6:30pm

GETAWAY RIVER BAR Turntable Tuesday, 10pm GREEN MAN BREWERY Old Time Jam (musical collaboration), 3pm

CITIZEN VINYL Kathryn O’Shea (Americana), 4pm

HAYWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Grass at the Club Bluegrass Jam, 8pm

CORK & CRAFT WINE BAR Albi Podrizki (acoustic), 6pm

131 MAIN Aaron LaFalce (soul, rock, pop), 6pm 185 KING STREET Aaron Burdett Trio (Americana), 7pm

SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Witty Wednesday Trivia, 6:30pm THE 2ND ACT Round Robin Open Mic w/Letters to Abigail, 6pm THE DUGOUT Open Bluegrass Jam w/ The Well Drinkers, 8pm THE GREY EAGLE Travis Book Happy Hour w/Andy Falco (bluegrass), 7pm THE OMNI GROVE PARK INN The B's (jazz, standards), 7pm THE SOCIAL Karaoke w/DJ Lyric, 8pm THE WEAVER HOUSE Mr Jimmy & Patrick Lockett Dance Party (blues), 7pm TRISKELION BREWING CO. TriskaTrivia, 7pm WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Irish Music Circle, 7pm

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

PISGAH BREWING COMPANY Hunter Begley & Eric Ledford (Americana), 6:30pm RABBIT RABBIT Sunset Rooftop Comedy Show, 8pm RYE KNOT KITCHEN BREWERY DISTILLERY Chris Flanders (acoustic), 6pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Will Ray & the Space Cooties (rock), 7:30pm

SILVERADOS Mr Jimmy Power Trio (blues), 7pm

BEN'S TUNE UP Offended! Open Mic (comedy), 9:30pm

SLY GROG LOUNGE Augur, Dawn of Dismality (metal), 8pm

CASCADE LOUNGE Team Trivia, 7:30pm

SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Open Mic, 6pm

GINGER'S REVENGE CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM Gluten-Free Comedy (open mic), 6pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Bluegrass Jam w/Drew & the Boys (bluegrass), 7pm MILLS RIVER BREWING Funky Ass Trio Jam (funk), 6pm OFF THE WAGON All Request Piano Show, 8pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Phursdays w/Gunslinging Parrots (Phish tribute), 9pm

THE GROCERY Jay Brown (classic country, jazz, ragtime), 6:30pm THE JOINT NEXT DOOR Rod Sphere (rock), 5:30pm THE MAGNETIC THEATRE Eyes Up Here Comedy at the Magnetic Theatre, 7:30pm THE ODDITORIUM Destroyer of Light, Witchcryer, Rocky Mtn Roller (metal), 8pm TRISKELION BREWING CO. Open Mic Night, 7pm

EXPERIENCE WNC’S NEWEST OUTDOOR CONCERT VENUE

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING Jay Brown (roots), 6pm CASCADE LOUNGE Open Bluegrass Jam, 6pm

SILVERADOS Open Mic Night, 7pm

THURSDAY, AUGUST 26

Tickets On Sale NOW SilveradosWNC.com FRI 8/20

Warrant

SAT 8/21

Hinder Big Ol’ Nasty Getdown

SAT 8/28 FRI 9/3

w/ The Get Right Band

John Michael Montgomery

All Outdoor Concerts are rain or shine • Parking and Shuttle Available Uber/Lyft HIGHLY recommended

Gates 6pm • Show 7pm • ALL AGES SHOW

2898 US 70, Black Mountain NC 28711 Across from Ingles Warehouse MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 18-24, 2021

35

36

AUG. 18-24, 2021

MOUNTAINX.COM

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 RENTALS HOMES FOR RENT COME LIVE UNDER THE RAINBOW 2bd/2ba, Deluxe Chalet in the Mts. with vista views from wrap around decks with gardens and privacy tastefully furnished and immaculate west burnsville with easy access to 26; 20 min to Weaverville and 45 min to Asheville; Gas Fireplace and 3 big screen tv's and much more. no pets. ref. $1500+ 1 OR 2 people, 1 car. Lets talk…Text 954.496.9000.

EMPLOYMENT GENERAL AFG DISTRIBUTION FULL TIME WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATE AFG Distribution is looking for several full-time employees to join our growing shipping departments, 1st and 2nd shifts available.

8:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday, 4:00pm-12:00am Sunday-Thursday.

New hires are responsible for picking and packing to fulfill customer orders. The position does require some lifting, 50 lbs or more as well as being comfortable using tall ladders.

We are looking for candidates that are detail oriented, have a positive attitude, are able to keep up a fast pace and have the potential and desire to advance. We offer competitive salary, health benefits, paid holidays, personal days, paid vacation time, and 401k as well as a friendly and comfortable work environment. Must be able to pass background check. Pay: $15.00 - $17.00 per hour To apply email gretac@ afgdistribution.com.

ASHEVILLE PARKS & RECREATION PROGRAM LEADER Our Program Leaders are motivated, enthusiastic, and have a passion for providing programs and activities that

meet community needs.

Pay starts at $21.51/hour + benefits. Join our team today!

Apply at www.ashevillenc. gov. Posting closes 8/24/21.

Priority deadline for materials is Wednesday, August 18th, 2021 but candidate materials will be reviewed until the position is filled.

EDITORIAL/DESIGN/ PRODUCTION ASSISTANT WANTED KL2 Connects LLC seeks a part-time assistant to help with writing, editing, research, design, and document preparation.

Compensation is negotiable.

Forward your letter, resume, and writing samples to aschlimm@gmail.com.

ADMINISTRATIVE/ OFFICE

LITERACY TOGETHER. PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES (ESOL) Half-time position with English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) program.

Duties include tutor training and support; student orientation, intake, and assessment; data management; and direct instruction. Must be fully bilingual in English/Spanish. Apply at https://lit-together.org/ job-openings/ Lit-together. org

RESTAURANT/ FOOD

SEEKING DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS TO JOIN A SUPPORTIVE, FLEXIBLE, EXCITING TEAM AT ARTEMIS INDEPENDENT Media promotions agency hiring for Station Relations Specialist & Internal Communications and Client Specialist positions.

Visit our website at artemisindependent.com/career-opportunities for more info! To Apply: Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume to mackenzie@ artemisindependent.com.

HIRING?

Advertise your job listings Place your ad here and get a FREE online posting Contact us today! advertise@mountainx.com

A-B TECH IS HIRING A-B Tech is currently taking applications for a Full-Time position as Foundation Accountant. For more details and to apply: https:// abtcc.peopleadmin.com/ postings/5731

DISHWASHERS PT AND FT SIERRA NEVADA BREWING $1000 SIGN ON BONUS + BENEFITS The Dishwasher, who reports to the BOH Supervisor, is a member of the kitchen team who will receive and organize products; wash and sanitize equipment, plates, utensils, and spaces; stock equipment as needed in order to maintain proper BOH operations for the continuity of the guest experience. https://sierranevada. com/careers/ LINE COOK - SIERRA NEVADA BREWING $1000 SIGN ON BONUS + BENEFITS The Line Cook is a member of the kitchen team, who will work closely with all other positions in the Back of the House operations to prep, cook, and expedite food to the guests ordering onsite, delivery, and to-go. The Line Cook, who reports to the BOH Supervisor Team, operates grills, fryers, broilers, and other commercial cooking equipment to prepare and serve food. recruiting@ sierranevada.com

HUMAN SERVICES HELPMATE SEEKS A FULLTIME LGBTQ+ SERVICES SPECIALIST Helpmate, a domestic violence organization

in Buncombe County, NC seeks a full-time LGBTQ+ Services Specialist to oversee and implement Helpmate's role as Western Regional Hub for the LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Response Initiative.

This position will assist with advancing the capacity of Helpmate staff in order to deliver safe and effective services to LGBTQ+ survivors of intimate partner violence.

Job duties include forming community partnerships and providing education and outreach to LGBTQ+ communities and to organizations that serve LGBTQ+ individuals. Strong communication skills required.

Qualified candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree or 2 years experience in social work or related field, with preference for experience in domestic violence or related field, or a commensurate combination of work and experience. Qualified candidates must also have experience working within LGBTQ+ communities. Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. Email resume and cover letter by 5:00pm on August 25 to hiring@helpmateonline.org with LGBTQ+ Services Specialist in the subject line. No phone or in person inquiries. https:// helpmateonline.org/

PROFESSIONAL/ MANAGEMENT JCC IS HIRING LEARNING COMMUNITY SUPPORT SPECIALIST This is a grant-funded position working as a mentor and resource to early childhood education teachers. To apply, email your resume to tiffany@ jcc-asheville.org.

SEEKING PROPERTY MANAGER Property Manager wanted for three vacation rental units, and possibly two multi-family properties + one house. If you are an experienced PM, please reach out. navihous.com

We are back and happy to serve our community Thursday- Saturday: 4:00 - 9:00 Sunday: 11:30- 9:00 350 Riverside Dr. #3141 Asheville, NC 28801 MOUNTAINX.COM

AUG. 18-24, 2021

37

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY ARIES (March 21-April 19): A blogger who calls herself TheSaddestChorusGirlInTheWorld writes, “Having sex with someone is a big deal and involves a ton of vulnerability. And I think it’s troubling and gross and unhealthy and, yes, dangerous that we pretend otherwise and encourage people to ’be mature’ by compartmentalizing or completely eliminating their deeper emotions from their sexuality.

And even worse, any other view is dismissed as prudish and invalid and unenlightened and restrictive.” You may agree with everything TheSaddestChorusGirl says here. But if you haven’t arrived at her conclusions, now is a good time to meditate on them. Why? Because your assignment in the coming weeks is to deepen and refine your relationship with your sexuality. Be extra reverent about your sensual longings. Ensure that your erotic activities serve your highest ideals and noblest goals.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The popular American TV sitcom 30 Rock produced 138 episodes in seven seasons. At the height of its success, it crammed an average of 9.57 jokes into every minute. Its comic richness derived in large part from multi-talented Taurus star Tina Fey, who created the show and played one of its main characters. She was also a writer and executive producer. I propose we make her your role model in the coming weeks. According to my projections, you’re entering a charismatic, ebullient and creative phase of your astrological cycle. It’s time to be generous to the parts of your life that need big happy doses of release and liberation.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I got an email from a Gemini reader named Jaylah. She wrote, “Hi, not sure if you remember me, but in our past lives, you and I used to write sacred cuneiform texts on clay tablets while sitting across from each other in a cave in Mesopotamia 4,910 years ago. Your name was Nabu. Mine was Tashmetu. I was always a little jealous because you earned more money than I, but it didn’t get in the way of our friendship. Anyway, if you ever want to catch up about the old days, give me a holler.” I loved receiving this inquiry from a soul I may have known in a previous incarnation. And what she did by reaching out to me happens to be the perfect type of activity for you Geminis right now. Secrets of your history may be more available than usual. The past may have new stories to tell. A resource from yesteryear could prove valuable in the future.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerian-born Franz Kafka was an interesting writer and a master of language. But even for him, it could be a challenge to convey what he really meant. He said, “I am constantly trying to communicate something incommunicable, to explain something inexplicable, to tell about something I only feel in my bones and which can only be experienced in those bones.”

Now here’s the good news, as far as you’re concerned, Cancerian: I suspect that in the coming weeks, you will have more power than usual to do exactly what Kafka aspired to do.

You will be able to summon extra ease and grace in expressing your truths. I invite you to be a connoisseur of deep conversations.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “If we wait until we are ready, we will be waiting for the rest of our lives,” declared novelist Lemony Snicket.

This is good advice for you to heed right now.

I really hope you avoid the temptation to wait around for the perfect moment before you begin. In my vision of your best approach, you will dive into the future without trying to have all your plans finalized and all your assets gathered. I expect you will acquire the rest of what you need once the process is underway.

38

AUG. 18-24, 2021

BY ROB BREZSNY

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Author Katherine Mansfield once told her friend Virginia Woolf, “You put me in touch with my own soul.” I’m sorry Mansfield didn’t previously have that precious connection, but I’m elated that Woolf helped her make it. In the coming weeks, I expect you will encounter an abundance of influences like Woolf: people, animals, places and experiences that can bring you into more intimate contact with your soul. I hope you take full advantage.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): At the age of 70, Libran novelist Magda Szabó mused, “I know now, what I didn’t then, that affection can’t always be expressed in calm, orderly, articulate ways; and that one cannot prescribe the form it should take for anyone else.” In that spirit, Libra, and in accordance with astrological omens, I authorize you to express affection in lively, unruly, demonstrative ways. Give yourself permission to be playfully imaginative, exuberantly revelatory and vivaciously animated as you show the people and animals you cherish the nature of your feelings for them.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Do you Scorpios lie to yourselves more than the other signs lie to themselves? Are you especially prone to undermine yourselves through self-deception? I don’t think so. However, you might be among the signs most likely to mislead or beguile other people. (But here’s a caveat: On some occasions, your trickery is in a good cause, because it serves the needs of the many, not just yourself.) In any case, dear Scorpio, I will ask you to minimize all such behavior during the next five weeks. I think your success will depend on you being exceptionally honest and genuine — both to yourself and to others.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “I like being broken,” says Sagittarius actor Jamie Campbell Bower. “It means I can have chocolate for breakfast.” I guess that when he feels down, he gives himself special permission to enjoy extra treats and privileges. According to my assessment of the astrological omens, you now have the right to give yourself similar permission — even though I don’t expect you’ll be broken or feeling down. Think of it as a reward for the brave work you’ve been doing lately. Enjoy this chocolatey grace period!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Abraham Joshua Heschel (1907–1972) was a Jewish theologian born under the sign of Capricorn. He wrote, “Indifference to the sublime wonder of living is the root of sin.”

That’s a different definition of sin from what we’re used to! To be a moral person, Heschel believed, you must be in “radical amazement” about the glories of creation. I hope you will cultivate such an attitude in the coming weeks, Capricorn. It would be a mistake for you to numbly take things for granted. I dare you to cultivate as much awe, reverence and adoration as you can muster.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): A blogger who calls herself Hopeful Melancholy wrote a message to her lover. She said, “My favorite sexual position is the one where you work on your paintings and I work on my book, but we’re in the same room and occasionally smile at each other.” You might want to consider trying experiments comparable to that one in the coming weeks, Aquarius. The time will be fertile for you and your dear allies to work side-by-side, to cheer each other on and lift each other up, and to explore new ways of cultivating companionship and caring for each other.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Dick Dudley was a 17th-century swindler. Among his many victims was the Pope. Dudley offered an item for sale that he claimed was a divine relic: a piece of the beard of St. Peter, founder of the Roman Catholic Church. The Pope paid Dudley a small fortune for the treasure and kissed it copiously. Only later did the full story emerge: The so-called beard was in fact a sex worker’s pubic wig. I hope you don’t get involved in switcheroos like that anytime soon, Pisces. Make sure that the goods or services you’re receiving — and offering, for that matter — are exactly what they’re supposed to be.

MOUNTAINX.COM

MARKETPLACE TEACHING/ EDUCATION A-B TECH IS HIRING A-B Tech is currently taking applications for a Full-Time position Executive Assistant, Economic and Workforce Development and Continuing Education. For more details and to apply: https:// abtcc.peopleadmin.com/ postings/5726 A-B TECH IS HIRING A-B Tech is currently taking applications for a Full-Time position Executive Assistant, Economic and Workforce Development and Continuing Education. For more details and to apply: https:// abtcc.peopleadmin.com/ postings/5726 A-B TECH IS HIRING A-B Tech is currently taking applications for a Full-Time position of Associate Director, Technical Training. For more details and to apply: https://abtcc.peopleadmin.com/postings/5732 JCC IS HIRING EARLY CHILDHOOD SUBSTITUTE TEACHER This teacher works on a flexible schedule, between 8 and 40 hours per week, with ages infant to preK. To apply, email your resume to tiffany@jcc-asheville.org.

JCC IS HIRING FULL TIME TODDLER CLASSROOM FLOATER This teacher works with one or more classrooms throughout the day, helping the team provide an engaging learning experience for the children in their classrooms.

See full listing at https:// www.jcc-asheville.org/news/ full-time-toddler-classroomfloater/ PREVENTION COORDINATOR Our VOICE is hiring for a Prevention Coodinator! Please go to www.ourvoicenc.org for more info!

PREVENTION EDUCATOR Our VOICE is hiring for a Prevention Educator! Please go to www.ourvoicenc.org for more info!

ARTS/MEDIA

GRAPHIC DESIGNER NEEDED Temporary Fall Position: Highly skilled designer needed for creating compelling advertising, The ideal candidate has excellent graphic design and layout skills for print publication, has experience working with style guides and adhering to brand structures, understands project management, can thrive in a fast-paced environment, is exceptionally organized and deadline-driven, and has excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, an exceptional creative eye and a desire to ensure high quality output. You must have the proven ability to create original, effective advertising and marketing materials, Candidates must: • Be proficient in Adobe CSC programs (inducing, InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat) • Be able to prepress and troubleshoot a variety of file types and to work interdepartmentally to organize, schedule and maintain workflows. • Be fluent in the Mac OSX platform • Be able to interface with other departments in the company.

• Have a minimum of 2-3 years graphic design experience Newspaper, and web-ad design experience a plus. This is a full or part-time time position running from early to mid October through mid November. Email cover letter explaining why you believe you are a good fit, your resume, and either a URL or PDF of your design portfolio to: design@mountainx.com No applications or portfolios by mail, and no phone calls or walk-ins, please.

COMPUTER/ TECHNICAL

ARE YOU THE WEBMASTER? WE ARE THE SITE KEEPER. Mountain Xpress is seeking the right person to continue the evolution of our online

presence. You must have: 1) Excellent web development skills (PHP, MySQL, HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, RWD) with at least 2 years of professional experience; 2) Strong problem solving skills with the ability to work independently; 3) Ability to manage in-house and outsourced projects; 4) Willingness to be a team player; 5) Commitment to a locally focused, social-media-engaged outlet. The ideal candidate will have WordPress development experience (templating, custom post types, taxonomies, widgets, hooks & actions), the ability to write custom database queries, as well as modify existing custom PHP applications. You will also need experience managing a LAMP infrastructure with high-availability principles. Salary for this part time position is based on experience and skill. Send cover letter (that demonstrates your passions, how those passions would fit with Mountain Xpress’ mission and needs, and why you’d like to work with us) and resume to: xpressjob@mountainx.com

IN NEED OF A GEEK Mountain Xpress offers a part-time position in IT helping administer, develop and provide day-to-day support for the company’s IT systems in a multi-user, server-based Mac environment. This 15-25 hour/week position could be for someone newly entering the job market or taking the next step in an IT career or returning to IT after a hiatus.

The successful applicant should be strong on learning new systems and have a desire to contribute to our mission-driven organization.

Position will assist with the LAN, database systems (FileMaker-based) and website (WordPress CMS). Actual job description may flex according to skills of strong applicant.

Points for experience with Mac OS server admin, database-development and FileMaker server admin, management and configuration

of network equipment, web development, network protocols, phone systems, printers, graphics (Adobe Creative Suite) and computer hardware. Send cover letter, resume and references to: xpressjob@mountainx.com

RETAIL ASHEVILLE HABITAT FULL TIME RESTORES ASSOCIATES Make a difference and work for Asheville Habitat -- Our Weaverville and Asheville ReStores are looking for two Full-Time Associates, $13.70/hr Tues - Sat go to our website for more information and to apply. https://www. ashevillehabitat.org/careers

XCHANGE WANTED BUYING ANTIQUES Vintage, cast iron, pottery, advertising signs, primitives, old collections, estates, old tools, taxidermy, rifles, decoys, wood carvings, signs, clocks, and much more! 828-582-6097 • steadyaim1@yahoo.com.

SERVICES AUDIO/VIDEO CABLE PRICE INCREASE AGAIN? Switch To DIRECTV & Save + get a $100 visa gift card! Get More Channels For Less Money. Restrictions apply. Call Now! 877-6930625 (AAN CAN) DISH TV SPECIAL $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote.

Some restrictions apply.

Promo Expires 7/21/21.

1-855-380-2501 (AAN CAN) HUGHESNET SATELLITE INTERNET Finally, no hard data limits! Call Today for speeds up to 25mbps as low as $59.99/mo! $75 gift card, terms apply. 1-844-416-7147 (AAN CAN)

THE N EW Y OR K TI M ES C ROSSWORD P UZ Z LE 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! 1-888519-0171 (AAN CAN) NEVER PAY FOR COVERED HOME REPAIRS AGAIN! Complete Care Home Warranty COVERS ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE. $200.00 OFF + 2 FREE Months! 1-877673-0511 | Hours Mon-Thu, Sun: 9:30 am to 8:00 pm Fri: 9:30 am to 2:00 pm (all times Eastern) (AAN CAN)

HOME IMPROVEMENT ELECTRICIAN ELECTRICAL SERVICE Power to the People! Serving Asheville and abroad. Troubleshooting, fixture hanging, can lights, generators, car chargers, remodels, new construction, we do it all!

Licensed and insured. Free Estimates. 828-551-9843

ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS BATH & SHOWER UPDATES In as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available.

Call: 1-877-649-5043 (AAN CAN)

BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR! We edit, print and distribute your work internationally. We do the work…

You reap the Rewards! Call for a FREE Author’s Submission Kit: 844-511-1836. (AAN CAN) COMPUTER & IT TRAINING PROGRAM Train ONLINE to get the skills to become a Computer & Help Desk Professional now! Grants and Scholarships available for certain programs for qualified applicants. Call CTI for details!

1-855-554-4616 (AAN CAN) DONATE YOUR CAR TO KIDS Your donation helps fund the search for missing children. Accepting Trucks, Motorcycles & RV’s , too!

Fast Free Pickup – Running or Not - 24 Hour Response Maximum Tax Donation – Call 877-266-0681 (AAN CAN) LES-TER FARMERS MARKET Recruiting Leicester-area vendors for farmers market.

Staring August 4, every Wednesday from 3:30-6:30 PM, through September, Leicester Community Center.

Please contact lesterfarmersmarket@gmail.com.

LONG DISTANCE MOVING Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America’s Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 855-947-2919 (AAN CAN)

STILL PAYING TOO MUCH FOR YOUR MEDICATION? Save up to 90% on RX refill!

Order today and receive free shipping on 1st order - prescription required. Call 1-855-750-1612 (AAN CAN)

LEGAL NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE Trishia Kirkland hereby gives notice that an action to appoint the wrongful death representative of Paul B. Wizamiar has been instituted in the Eighth Judicial District for Converse County, State of Wyoming, Action No: 18387. Any person claiming to qualify as a wrongful death representative under W.S. § 1-38-104(a) may intervene as a matter of right pursuant to W.S. § 1-38-103.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS CLASSES & WORKSHOPS AQUANATAL & AQUABABY (PRENATAL & POSTPARTUM MOVEMENT IN THE WATER) Aquanatal classes: Breathing,Being & Letting go! relieving common discomforts of pregnancy while preparing physically & emotionally for childbirth. Aquababy classes: A nurturing space for mom's self-care & postpartum well-being while bonding with baby and providing gentle stimulation saraheisenstein32@gmail.com

CULTURAL COMPETENCY TRAINING We guide individuals and businesses to increase profitability and employee engagement through effective communication and work relationships in multicultural environments. Contact Roxanna for more information: info@ interculturalconsultations. com https://interculturalconsultations.com/

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT BODYWORK FEELING WHACKED? Let Kaye's revive you back! Incall/ Outcall 280-8182

COUNSELING SERVICES ASTRO-COUNSELING Licensed counselor and accredited professional astrologer uses your chart when counseling for additional insight into yourself, your relationships and life directions.

Stellar Counseling Services.

Christy Gunther, MA, LCMHC. (828) 258-3229.

AUTOMOTIVE AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES 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)

edited by Will Shortz | No. 0714

ACROSS 1 Gets rid of, so to speak 5 Parties with glowsticks 10 Old-fashioned taste?

13 Menu at un café 15 Amazon’s biz 16 Subj. for some aspiring bilinguals 17 Clamoring for “The Bonfire of the Vanities”?

19 They can help you get out of a rut, for short 20 Business plan 21 One of 20 on the Titanic 23 TV alien played by Robin Williams 24 Selling someone on “The Importance of Being Earnest”?

26 Group with lodges 28 Exam with logic questions, for short 29 “Any other place besides here?”

34 Genesis creator 37 Curse 38 Kindle, e.g. … or a hint to this puzzle’s theme?

41 Hair color of about 2% of the world’s population 42 Not fooled by 44 They’re a bit of a stretch 46 Some jeans features 49 Humorist Bombeck 50 Spot to store “A Confederacy of Dunces”?

54 ___ Zor-El, real name of Supergirl 58 Battle with clearly defined sides 59 “Now wait just a second!”

61 With 14-Down, what “Fin” might mean 62 Positive review of a Nancy Drew mystery?

64 “Jingle Bells” contraction

1

2

3

|

PUZZLE BY AMANDA RAFKIN AND ROSS TRUDEAU

4

13

5 14

17

8

9

10

26 30

27 32

33

34 39

43 46

40

44 47

51

53

54 59

64

65

67

68

65 Architect born in Guangzhou 66 A dance or a dip 67 Narc (on) 68 Six of the first 10 elements on the periodic table 69 Units of poetry

DOWN 1 Philosopher with a “razor” 2 Crime drama set in the Midwest 3 Fast-food fixture 4 Rascal 5 Counterpart of “FF” 6 Bikini, e.g.

7 Sound 8 Towering figure of architecture?

9 Is out 10 Creatures that have the densest fur of any mammal (up to 1 million hairs per square inch) 11 Hayes with three Grammys and an Oscar 12 “Lady Lazarus” poet Sylvia 14 See 61-Across 18 Onetime popular blog that covered Manhattan gossip

57

49

58 62

56

41 45

48 52

61

36

28

38

42

35

22

25

31

37

12

19 21

24

11

16

18

23

50

7

15

20

29

6

55

60

63 66 69

22 Predisposition 25 R&B’s ___ Brothers 27 Big name in jeans 29 “___ goes there?”

30 Lay figure?

31 People person, perhaps 32 Portuguese title with a tilde 33 Cusps 35 “My word!”

36 Often-skipped parts of podcasts 39 Coarse 40 Dashboard abbr.

43 “Essential” things 45 Gold insignia of the armed forces

47 Babe or Wilbur, in film 48 Conceptual framework 50 Aristotle, to Alexander the Great 51 Tony nominee Milo 52 A host 53 Host 55 Singer of the titular song in 2012’s “Skyfall” 56 Clear one’s plate, in a way 57 Bothered terribly 60 Gives the thumbs-up 63 “___ Last Bow” (Sherlock Holmes story)

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS NY TIMES PUZZLE

T A D A S L O P A P O P R E D E B A U S E L G A L S L O R O H D R N B A L O S E S N A G D O N O W I N

MOUNTAINX.COM

F R E E W A Y S S T S

O H M B E A U S A D R T A K M E S S L C T O A N D S P D O U P P L A G A B E T S T E T A C T H

B R O E S L E G C R T E R M A L I N P O E

R A M A

E V E N S B O O A D I O O N N A Y P S A I R A

AUG. 18-24, 2021

R E G A I N

L A P S E

Y O C K A E R A S R E C E 39