With the Asheville Police Department’s 150th anniversary coming up in 2025, officials decided it would be a good time to look back at the department’s history. The goal is to produce a 200-page book by next year. Currently, APD is seeking community input to help uncover some of its past.
COVER DETAILS
Pictured, left to right, are J.L. Ballenger, John Page and E. M. (Edgar Marcillus) Lyda
COVER PHOTO
Courtesy of Buncombe County Special Collections, Pack Memorial Library.
COVER DESIGN
Tina Gaafary
Animal
PUBLISHER & EDITOR: Jeff Fobes
ASSISTANT PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson
MANAGING
EDITOR: Thomas Calder
EDITORS:
Lisa Allen, Edwin Arnaudin, Gina Smith, Jessica Wakeman
ARTS & CULTURE
EDITOR: Thomas Calder
OPINION
EDITOR: Tracy Rose
STAFF REPORTERS: Lisa Allen, Edwin Arnaudin, Thomas Calder, Justin McGuire, Pat Moran, Greg Parlier, Brooke Randle, Gina Smith, Jessica Wakeman
COMMUNITY CALENDAR & CLUBLAND: Braulio Pescador-Martinez
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Jon Elliston, Mindi Friedwald, Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak
REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Oby Arnold, Mark Barrett, Eric Brown, Carmela Caruso, Cayla Clark, Kristin D’Agostino, Brionna Dallara, Kiesa Kay, Storms Reback, Kay West
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Cindy Kunst
ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER: Susan Hutchinson
LEAD DESIGNER: Scott Southwick
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Tina Gaafary, Caleb Johnson, Olivia Urban
MARKETING ASSOCIATES: Sara Brecht, Ralph Day, Scott Mermel, Geoffrey Warren
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES: Hinton Edgerton, Jeff Fobes, Mark Murphy, Scott Southwick WEB: Brandon Tilley
BOOKKEEPER: Amie Fowler
ADMINISTRATION & BILLING: Hinton Edgerton, Mark Murphy
DISTRIBUTION: Susan Hutchinson, Cindy Kunst
DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS: Ashley Alms, Corey Biskind, Tracy Houston, John McKay, Henry Mitchell, Courtney Israel Nash, Joey Nash, Carl & Debbie Schweiger, Gary Selnick, Noah Tanner
Embrace of ignorance harms next generation
[ Regarding “Going Alone: Pride Display Drives Yancey County Library Out of Regional System,” Aug. 28, Xpress:]
I cannot even feel shocked about the embracing of ignorance in some Western North Carolina areas anymore. What is there left to say that has not already been said or written? Other than it is our next generation who is being underserved by the blatant ignorance of bigots in their homes, their schools, their political offices. We will never get past the generational bigotry, misunderstanding and intolerance of anyone who does not look like us, sound like us, love like us with this sort of small-mindedness being given the platform to deny truth to the young. For those of you who support this decision to deprive the Yancey County citizens who are served by the “traveling library,” please ask yourselves … what is it you are afraid of?
— Shirley Duehring Asheville
Yancey County will lose pooled resources
[ Regarding “Going Alone: Pride Display Drives Yancey County Library Out of Regional System,” Aug. 28 , Xpress:]
The Yancey County administration may be unaware of advantages gained by being in a three-county system, such as interlibrary loans of materials that a single system is unable to afford. They will lose the pooled resources that a larger system provides.
— Anne Barker, MLS (Master of
Library Science) Asheville
On decision-making and homophobia
[ Regarding “Going Alone: Pride Display Drives Yancey County Library Out of Regional System,” Aug. 28 , Xpress:]
I think any action prompted by homophobia is bound to have ill effects.
— Sam Cook Asheville
Come together to honor Asheville’s peace heroes
Since the fall of last year, we in Asheville have new peace and justice activists adding new life to our cause. We see the people in Gaza being killed as ten -
sions now stretch throughout the Middle East. This younger team of activists is making an impact on our region.
They remind us of the starvation and total destruction of an ancient culture at the hands of an occupying force armed with U.S. weapons. These activists lead rallies, mourn the dead and dying, sponsor programs and teach-ins, while building solidarity with those in Palestine, as well as those from other oppressed groups. This collective deserves our thanks and respect.
But they join others who have sacrificed and demonstrated for peace here in our region for decades before and during endless wars.
Beginning in 2003, members of WNC Veterans for Peace stood for peace in front of the former Vance Monument every Tuesday afternoon. Twenty-one years later, passersby would see their signs and banners urging drivers and walkers to, as John Lennon pleaded half a century ago, “Give peace a chance.” These vigils now are drawing to a close, but the vets and their associates intend to still be active in the community.
Until a few years ago, Women in Black did a regular silent vigil on behalf of women and their families suffering from war waged by the USA and approved by both parties’ policies, even though many of those members of Congress knew the reasons were lies.
Also here in Asheville, we witness the WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility standing in that spot educating passersby about the possible devastation caused by a nuclear war.
A younger crowd dressed in red, calling themselves the Party for Socialism and Liberation, chants slogans, marches and delivers powerful lectures in sol -
CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON
idarity with those here and away who are suffering from injustice and oppression.
When a member of the military-industrial complex opened a 1.2 million-square-foot Pratt & Whitney (a subsidiary of RTX) plant on a hundred acres of forested land formerly owned by Biltmore Farms, another group for peace formed. They called themselves Reject Raytheon AVL. You can see them with weekly banners on Montford Avenue’s overpass above Interstate 240, reminding drivers that U.S. weapons are committing genocide on innocents in Gaza.
These local groups and many more peace and justice groups make up a culture of peace in Asheville, envied by many other communities in our mountain region. Most of us operate on a shoestring, compared to how much our country spends annually on offensive wars (over a trillion dollars). But our heroes honor diplomacy, while our elected leaders seem to salivate over “forever wars.”
Come honor those who advocate and stand for those harmed and killed by our weapons at our one day of peace, the International Day of Peace. We’ll gather at Land of the Sky United Church of Christ
on Saturday, Sept. 21, at 11 a.m. to honor Asheville’s peace heroes and proclaim why we do what we do and how we can change our community and world by “giving peace a chance.”
— Rachael Bliss
Asheville
Runners, take a lesson from skiers
Here in Asheville there are many nice paths for people and dog walking, and for those running. Now we have the addition of the great bike lanes to keep bikers safe, as well as keeping drivers from moving out across the center line to give cyclists more space. Most of us are considerate in this. But the runners are the most inconsiderate! They come up behind walkers on a narrow path
Editor’s note
August marked Xpress’ 30-year anniversary. Throughout September we’ll be celebrating the milestone with articles, photo spreads and reflections from current and former staff members. Thanks for reading and supporting Xpress X
without any warning. These people are obviously not skiers! The rule in skiing is the person in front or the person downhill has the right of way . The skier who will be passing the downhill skier announces themself by saying, loudly enough to be heard, “On your right” or “On your left,” thus alerting the downhill skier not to make any turns in either direction and cause a collision. Unfortunately, I have seen this happen more than once. I startle very easily. It is unnerving and frankly annoying when there is no consideration given to those ahead of you just because they are going slower. For both of our safety, please try to do better! — Valerie Noble, a walker Asheville X
Word of the week
macabre
(adj.) having death as a subject; dwelling on the gruesome
In this week’s “On the Record,” Asheville City Council candidate Charles “CJ” Domingo states: “I know that sounds a little macabre, but that was my hard-nosed assessment.” For full details on Domingo’s bleak evaluation, turn to page 26. X
CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN
School session
BY GREG PARLIER
Ten candidates are running in four races for the Buncombe County Board of Education in November’s election, and at least two will be elected to lead Western North Carolina’s largest school district for the first time.
Last year, Buncombe County Schools (BCS) grappled with implementing policies to comply with Senate Bill 49, also known as the Parents’ Bill of Rights, while also trying to protect its LGBTQ+ students. Then, the school board begrudgingly redrew its district lines at the behest of the N.C. General Assembly, spending thousands of dollars to slightly change an alignment that had been in place since 1975. In the spring, the board voted to ban one book from libraries districtwide, and a schoolbased committee voted to remove three others from the shelves at Enka High School. And in May, the board’s at-large member, Amanda Simpkins, suddenly resigned, replaced in June by Glenda Weinert
All of that happened while an independent consultant conducts a state-mandated and county-led feasibility study meant to help leaders determine if Asheville City Schools (ACS) should merge with BCS. That study is due to state legislators in February.
The 10 candidates include two incumbents and the recently appointed Weinert. Three candidates will appear countywide for the at-large seat; two will face off in District 1; three in District 2; and two in District 4. Check your voter registration at avl.mx/6nq to see what races you’ll vote on.
Candidates for Buncombe school board weigh in on local issues
All candidates recently spoke with Xpress to discuss why they jumped in their individual races.
STATUS QUO
As one would expect, every candidate running for school board expresses a “passion” or “dedication” for education as a reason to run. Incumbents Ann Franklin (District 1) and Amy Churchill (District 4), as well as a few challengers, say the current board has a lot to be proud of in navigating last year’s challenges, particularly in passing a budget to fund schools despite shrinking support from the state.
Everyone agreed that recruiting and retaining teachers should be a priority, and adequate pay scales are
an important tool to attain that goal. Beyond that, there was little consensus among the candidates.
Some, like Greg Parks (District 1), who also ran for a seat in 2022, say their perspectives as parents of children in the district would give a more in-touch voice to a board that is a little older on average than most parents of school-age children.
“Currently only one member of the board has school-aged children. There is a disconnect between what parents experience daily and how school system decisions impact them mentally, physically and financially,” Parks says. “As a working parent, I have a connection that my opponent does not have with the families in our school system. I am facing the same challenges as they are and understand
how decisions impact daily home life,” he adds.
Parks is running for the seat that historically represents northern Buncombe County, currently held by Franklin.
The role of parents in the school system was at the center of a debate over how to implement Senate Bill 49, which advocates said safeguards parents’ roles in their children’s education. Opponents of the law said it would create an unsafe learning environment for LGBTQ+ students. The board received dozens of emails and heard heated public comments across multiple meetings before passing seven policies in response to the law, ultimately garnering mostly positive reviews.
AT LARGE: From left, Arria Williams, Charles Martin and Glenda Weinert are running for the Buncombe County Board of Education’s at-large seat. Weinert was appointed to the seat by the board in June after former board member Amanda Simpkins resigned in May. Photos courtesy of the candidates
VGUIDE OTER 2024 E lection
IMPORTANT DATES for the Nov. 5 general election
Friday, Oct. 11:
The last day to register to vote. You must register by 5 p.m. Note: You also can do same-day registration during early voting, which runs from Thursday, Oct. 17-Saturday, Nov. 2. For more information, visit avl.mx/e1z.
Candidate Greg Cheatham (District 2) says he went to every board meeting where the so-called Parents’ Bill of Rights was discussed.
“I saw firsthand how our current board listened to the diverse opinions from our community. I was quite impressed with how the board crafted our school system’s policies and procedures that respected the feelings of our community while attempting to follow state and federal laws. They did their best,” he says.
Current board member Churchill credited the district’s policy committee with the board’s success in threading the needle.
“I believe the policy committee did an excellent job bringing forth updated policies to comply with the Parents’ Bill of Rights while also making it a priority to provide a safe and welcoming place for all of our students. Fortunately, we have outstanding school counselors and other support staff working closely with LGBTQ+
students in our schools and keeping the board apprised of that work,” Churchill says.
When asked how the board handled the Parents’ Bill of Rights, Churchill’s opponent in District 4, Jim Fulton, says the board’s policy of allowing three minutes for each person addressing the board during public comment falls short of “addressing the issues that matter to the community.”
“This time constraint doesn’t allow for meaningful dialogue on complex issues that affect our students, parents and educators,” he notes.
Fulton says that if elected, he will hold regular town hall meetings where constituents can express concerns, ask questions and provide feedback in a more interactive setting.
STATE-LEVEL ENDORSEMENTS
Local candidates typically focus on local issues. But this year’s statewide race for N.C. Superintendent
of Public Instruction — between Republican Michele Morrow and Democrat Maurice (Mo) Green — has local candidates weighing in.
Morrow has drawn national attention for controversial comments made about everything from public schools to former President Barack Obama In 2020, she expressed support on Twitter for the televised execution of Obama.
“I prefer a pay-per-view of him in front of the firing squad,” she wrote in May 2020 in response to a user who suggested sending Obama to prison at Guantanamo Bay. “I do not want to waste another dime on supporting his life. We could make some money back from televising his death.”
Morrow also suggested President Joe Biden should be killed for advising Americans to wear masks for 100 days in December 2020. She has called public schools “indoctrination centers” and urged parents not to send their children to them. At a campaign speech in February, Morrow said North Carolina should eliminate its state board of education, instead having the superintendent work directly under the state legislature.
“I think we would be so much better off because you don’t have all these extra people right in the mix,” she said at the event.
Churchill, who recently changed her party affiliation from Republican to independent, says she endorses Green for superintendent because he is a “proven champion” for public schools while Morrow, who reportedly homeschooled her children, “has no experience, knowledge or qualifications to hold such an important position.”
Fulton says he supports Morrow because “she demonstrates a clear focus on serving the educational community with integrity and dedication.” He’s concerned Green’s approach “is more politically driven,” he says.
Thursday, Oct. 17:
In-person early voting begins. Sameday registration available.
Tuesday, Oct. 29:
The last day to request an absentee ballot. Any registered voter can request, receive and vote through a mail-in absentee ballot. You can request one online at avl.mx/8ii or by mail at avl.mx/e13.
Saturday, Nov. 2:
The last day for in-person early voting.
Tuesday, Nov. 5: Election day. Absentee ballots must be submitted by 7:30 p.m.
For additional information on voting locations, voter ID requirements and other election-related news, visit avl.mx/e20.
DISTRICT 1: Buncombe County Board of Education Chair Ann Franklin, left, is running to maintain her seat on the board in November. Greg Parks, right, who ran for a seat in 2022, is her challenger in the district, which covers the northern part of the county. Photos courtesy of the candidates
Candidate Sara Disher Ratliff (District 2) also endorsed Morrow for the position because of her proposal to limit screen time in the classroom.
“While technology is essential and offers many benefits, excessive reliance on it can disconnect parents from their child’s learning,” she says. “We need to strike a balance that integrates both books and technology, allowing parents better access to and involvement in their child’s education.”
Charles Martin, (at-large) was one of six candidates to endorse Green, citing Green’s experience as superintendent of Guilford County Schools, one of the state’s largest districts.
“I think with his experience, he can take our public schools in the state to the next level.”
Parks and Weinert, both registered Republicans, did not endorse either candidate.
DECLINING ENROLLMENT
While BCS’ enrollment stabilized last year, its number of students has steadily shrunk over the previous 10 years. Enrollment numbers affect state funding, meaning the health of the district is intimately tied to how many students attend.
Most of the candidates, including Churchill, Parks, Cheatham, Franklin and Nancy Hargrove (District 2) say that the district should do a better job selling itself to parents.
“Positive publicity about our schools’ successful programs will help, such as highlighting student groups’ achievements and service. We need to involve more community leaders in our programs, seek more grants and recruit more volunteer service,” Hargrove says.
Weinert says she expects numbers to continue to stabilize and improve under the leadership of BCS Superintendent Rob Jackson, who received support from all 10 candidates.
Martin says the district should seek more data to better understand why enrollment is shrinking and suggests conducting exit interviews with each family that pulls their children out of the district.
“We should investigate each case to identify where breakdowns are occurring and address these issues within our school system. Families leave when ongoing problems for their child remain unresolved,” he says.
Arria Williams (at-large) the youngest of all school board candidates at 21, agrees with Martin that the district should investigate the root causes of parents’ decisions to leave the district. She says the district shouldn’t over-
look the effect COVID-19 continues to have on Buncombe County families.
“Many families are opting to homeschool and one overlooked factor in that trend may be the ongoing pandemic. Families with disabled and immunocompromised members may be choosing to homeschool because the health risk of public schools is too great as COVID transmission remains high,” she suggests.
VOUCHERS
Disher Ratliff and Fulton acknowledge the role parent choice has in the district’s enrollment struggles.
For Fulton, you can’t discuss enrollment without acknowledging the role the state’s private school voucher program is playing.
The expanding investment in what the state legislature calls opportunity
scholarships will cost public schools in Buncombe County $5.6 million by the 2026-27 school year, according to the state N.C. Office of State Budget and Management.
“I believe we should focus on improving our schools to attract and retain students. By achieving excellent academic results, we can offer a compelling reason for families to choose Buncombe County Schools and discourage them from seeking alternatives. Strengthening our schools should be our top priority to ensure state funding remains robust,” Fulton says.
For Disher Ratliff, the responsibility to sell the district as the best option lies predominantly with the school board.
“Parents deserve the autonomy to choose the best educational path for their children, and the state must ensure equitable access to these diverse options. By understanding
and addressing parents’ needs, we can improve public education, making it a compelling choice for more families and benefiting all students.”
Most of the candidates expressed stringent opposition to the state private school voucher program and support for a resolution passed by the school board in June asking the state to put a moratorium on the voucher program until public districts are adequately funded.
CONSOLIDATION
Hanging over any conversation about public schools in Buncombe County is potential district consolidation. Until the feasibility study is completed early next year, most candidates declined to comment on endorsing consolidation or not.
While Franklin didn’t include an opinion on the matter in her responses to Xpress, she recently showed her sentiment in a joint public meeting with the Asheville City Board of Education and Buncombe County Board of Commissioners.
“We really don’t have any proof that consolidation would save money. Nothing that I’ve read or studied would indicate that in any way, shape or form. So let’s take it off the table and get to the things that really could benefit [us],” she said during the meeting.
In his response to Xpress, Martin supported the possibility, outlining six ways a merger could help the overall fabric of local public schools.
“The merger of our two districts presents an exciting opportunity to create a stronger, more dynamic educational system that better serves our students and communities,” he says. X
DISTRICT 2: From left, newcomers Sara Disher Ratliff, Greg Cheatham and Nancy Hargrove are running for a four-year term in the Buncombe County Board of Education’s easternmost district. Photos courtesy of the candidates
DISTRICT 4: Amy Churchill, left, is defending her seat representing the Buncombe County Board of Education’s southernmost district against newcomer Jim Fulton, right. Photos courtesy of the candidates
Starting over Afghan refugee reflects on new life in Asheville
BY JESSICA WAKEMAN
jwakeman@mountainx.com
Like many other Afghans who arrived in the United States after the Taliban seized control of Kabul in August 2021, Farzad had to flee his home country suddenly.
That fall, he touched down at Asheville Regional Airport, after an initial stint at an American military base. Farzad is a pseudonym to protect him and his family.
“When they said you’re going to Asheville, North Carolina, I thought, ‘OK, when I go over, there is nobody helping,” he tells Xpress during an interview at Pisgah Legal Services (PLS). He continues, “You don’t have money — nothing. It was very hard. When I arrived to the airport, I was confused where I’m going.”
Farzad, who is in his 20s, was met at Asheville’s airport by a caseworker from Catholic Charities, a resettlement agency, who took him to a hotel for his first night. Thus, his new life in America began.
Three years later, Xpress checked in with Farzad and his PLS team to discuss his resettlement experience in Asheville.
GETTING SETTLED
On the military base, which was his initial stop in the U.S., Farzad received security vetting and medical exams. His first few weeks in Asheville were a flurry of activity, in which he received intensive case management for 90 days from Catholic Charities. Their caseworkers helped Farzad attain Social Security identification and initial work authorization, which helped him find employment.
Catholic Charities placed Farzad with a local family, with whom he lived for a year. “Everything was brand new for me,” he says. “I start from zero. My English was not perfect. I don’t have job. Like, nothing.” The family helped him with money, food and clothes, he explains. He still refers to the woman from the family as his “sister.”
Farzad, a college graduate, speaks Pashtu and Dari. Prior to his arrival in the U.S., he also knew some basic English. Once in Asheville, Catholic Charities helped him enroll in English as a second language
(ESL) classes at a community college. He says he’s also improved his English by watching American movies with subtitles.
Over the previous three years, he’s held a variety of jobs, including a position as a dishwasher, a commercial trucker and a role at East Fork Pottery Co. (The company employs people who have been impacted by systemic oppression.)
In August, he began training in aviation. “My great ambition is to be a pilot,” he tells Xpress
Along with his ongoing education and work experiences, Farzad has been learning about the nuances of American culture. For example, in Afghanistan, he says it’s not considered rude to comment on someone’s body size, whereas in the U.S., that can be dicey. There was unfamiliar infrastructure he had to get accustomed to, like crosswalk signals. He’s also adjusting culinarily.
“I love American food, especially mashed potatoes,” Farzad says. The local family he initially stayed with introduced him to the orange-flavored soft drink Fanta (and taught him the Fanta jingle, “Don’t you want a, want a Fanta”). He also drinks a lot of green tea, which is a staple in Afghanistan.
“In my experience working with our Afghan clients, they are very disappointed in the tea [in the U.S.],” says PLS pro bono services program director Max Gibbons. Amid laughter from the PLS staff, Farzad tactfully agrees the tea is better in Afghanistan.
‘MY BEST FRIEND’
In spring 2022, PLS began working with Farzad on his immigration petition.
PLS has helped 79 Afghan evacuees brought to WNC, says spokesperson Evie White . Of those, 54 have remained in Western North Carolina.
Bob Clifford — one of many attorneys PLS sought to help Afghans with asylum paperwork — has been a sounding board, shepherd and friend. “I told my story to Bob — all my story,” Farzad says. Clifford helped him prepare his asylum petition and filed the application in July 2022.
When Farzad had his asylum interview in Washington, D.C., he
volunteer attorney Bob Clifford, Pisgah Legal Services pro bono services program director Max Gibbons and PLS legal support staffer Kristianna Gasparjan have been providing legal support for “Farzad,” a 20-something Afghan man who settled in Asheville following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistant in 2021. Photo by Jessica Wakeman
needed to be there for only two nights. But Clifford had an idea. “Bob said, ‘You can stay more nights and then you can eat more Afghan food,” Farzad says. “Then he paid from his pocket for my hotel.” They stayed for a couple extra nights in the D.C. area, which allowed Farzad to eat at several Afghan restaurants in Arlington. They also visited the U.S. Capitol building and saw the White House, and Farzad rode the metro for the first time.
“I love Bob — he is my attorney and my best friend,” Farzad says. He was granted asylum in April 2023 and has a pending green card application.
Farzad also credits Noele Aabye, a case worker from Catholic Charities, with helping him connect with cultural-specific resources in WNC. She helped him to find a mosque, people to worship with, and places to shop for halal food — both locally at Ingles and at specialty markets
Letting kids be kids
A U.S.-based charity called Hope for Ukraine has provided some relief for Ukrainian children, ages 10-15, who have settled in Asheville.
Seventy Ukrainian children from the Asheville area participated in a Hope for Ukraine summer camp, says Hope for Ukraine CEO Yuri Boyechko. It’s a mix of American children with Ukrainian heritage and kids newly arrived to the U.S. The nonprofit partners with local churches and community groups to make the roster of kids.
in South Carolina. According to Islamic dietary law, meat needs to be slaughtered a certain way.
AFGHANS AND UKRAINIANS
Lutheran Services Carolinas (LSC) is another social services organization helping resettle those evacuated from Afghanistan. And, as the war in Ukraine has endured, it is helping Ukrainian refugees as well.
Resettlement director Hanna DeMarcus says LSC opened an office in Asheville in January 2022 to aid with the U.S. Afghan Placement and Assistance Program.
Of the 87 Afghans LSC has worked with, approximately half remain in WNC, DeMarcus says. Similar to Farzad’s experience with Catholic Charities, LSC had an intensive initial involvement. It helped Afghans locate initial housing, sign up for
Hope for Ukraine, launched in 2016, ran camps in Ukraine and Italy last year and expanded to the U.S. this year. They give kids from the same background time to spend together. Boyechko tells Xpress in a phone interview that recently-immigrated Ukrainian children said they “keep to themselves [because] it’s really hard to connect.” Summer camp lets them spend three-to-give days with other Ukrainian kids swimming, doing arts and crafts and just plain being kids.
Hope for Ukraine rented a facility in Georgia for the Asheville group. Camp focused on soccer — “a big sport in Ukraine,” says Boyechko. But the camp is “very relaxed — a time for them,
social service benefits like Medicaid, food stamps and enroll children in schools.
Over the past two years, DeMarcus has watched the resettled Afghans advance from their first jobs in WNC to better-paying ones. Some have even purchased vehicles.
Beginning in June 2022, LSC started serving Ukrainians, so far working with over 300 people.
While many Afghans were Taliban targets because of their jobs, people fleeing Ukraine resettled in the U.S. seeking safety, DeMarcus said.
The Ukrainians are emigrating through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services program called United for Ukraine. The program allows U.S.-based immediate family members to sponsor an individual or a family. “Asheville has a very large Eastern European community, so a lot of Ukrainians came here to rejoin friends and family,” DeMarcus says. X
since a lot of them, a big part of their childhood has been lost or damaged because of the war, we try to bring back those good times,” he explains.
Hope for Ukraine camps also have ESL teachers and a medical professionals who help with psychological support. “They come here already with a baggage of issues from [the war] there,” Boyechko explains. They are also confronting the language barrier, and getting used to new schools.
“They build long-lasting relationships, and I think it’s going to help them overall with their mental state,” he says. X
IT TAKES A VILLAGE: From left,
Buncombe considers funding for more low-barrier shelter beds
At its Sept. 3 meeting, the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners reviewed $3.6 million in funding requests that would add 18 beds to three area low-barrier homeless shelters.
Low-barrier shelters do not require ID or sobriety and are open 24/7. Some shelters allow families to stay together and some allow pets.
Haywood Street Respite requested $1.6 million to add 13 beds to its existing nine-bed facility, requiring adding a second floor and an elevator to its Patton Avenue location, according to a presentation from Lacy Hoyle, Buncombe’s homelessness program manager. Adult men and women will be welcome at Haywood Street, including those in need of mental or behavioral health services, including sex offenders.
A $1.3 million request from Safe Shelter would add five beds at Trinity United Methodist Church’s educational building — vacated by PEAK Academy — and fund a sprinkler system and showers.
The Salvation Army requested $980,000 to maintain its current 20-bed operations for another year.
Both Safe Shelter and the Salvation Army welcome adults and families with children younger than 18 but do not admit sex offenders. Haywood Street Respite and Safe Shelter allow pets.
“[Pets] are new for Safe Shelter, not new for Haywood Street. It is more common now to increase access,” wrote Lillian M. Govus, Buncombe County’s communications and public engagement director, in an email to Xpress
All three facilities offer community health workers on staff, substance abuse support and housing placement.
Commissioner Parker Sloan commended the Continuum of Care (CoC) on how quickly it responded to the National Alliance to End Homelessness (NEAH) recommendations to increase low-barrier shelter capacity for the homeless. The CoC is a consortium of local government
and other organizations addressing homelessness in the community.
The work was spurred by a January 2023 NAEH report that recommended that the CoC add 95 more low barrier shelter beds in the community, among other recommendations.
Since the report, Haywood Street Respite, Safe Shelter and the Salvation Army have added 43 beds.
The CoC board recommended full funding for Haywood Street Respite and The Salvation Army but partial funding for Safe Shelter.
Safe Shelter still has to obtain rezoning and other permits to pursue its plans. The CoC board recommended $1 million for Safe Shelter’s current location in the church. The organization applied for a temporary use permit, which will allow it to move its existing 20 beds into the education building. Safe Shelter will add five more beds once it receives a permanent permit.
“I’m impressed with these three [recommendations],” said Sloan.
“We’re in a really different place as a community than we were just two years ago, when you’re thinking about … the number of beds. I would regularly hear stories about families with a single dad and kids living in their car because they were not eligible for any local shelter bed,” said Commissioner Jasmine Beach-Ferrara.
If ultimately approved, this expansion will bring the area’s total low-barrier beds, spread across Haywood Street Respite, Safe Shelter and the Salvation Army to 115.
The proposals are scheduled to come before commissioners for a vote on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
Broadening broadband access
Nearly 1,000 locations in rural Buncombe County will get improved internet access after commissioners approved $3.6 million for a broadband infrastructure project.
BellSouth Telecommunications will pitch in about $3 million toward the $10.3 million project, which will expand access to the Broad River, Upper Hominy and Fairview communities.
The N.C. Department of Information Technology will pitch in another $3.6 million for the project.
Buncombe has already spent $600,000 of its overall broadband budget, leaving the county about $700,000 short of what it needs for this project to help close the gap. The board approved using $300,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds, as well as reallocating another $411,000 from leftover funds originally meant for Medicaid-related expenses.
Public comment
Three speakers addressed the board, two commenting on the makeup of an 11-member volunteer committee to review and recommend
regulations for short-term rentals (STRs), which the board appointed at its Aug. 20 meeting.
Gay Weber, chief operating officer of Carolina Morgan Vacation Rentals, presented a letter expressing concern about the current composition of the task force.
“While we recognize the importance of including a variety of voices, we are shocked that no professional property managers were included in the task force. Our expertise and experience in managing vacation rentals provides us with a unique perspective that we believe is crucial to this discussion,” Weber said.
Mark Bastin, chief marketing officer from Yonder Luxury Vacation Rentals, voiced similar concerns.
Real estate broker Randall Blankenship expressed concerns about the task force’s rush to complete regulations without a thorough data review.
After public comment, board Chair Brownie Newman noted that the task force included a member of GreyBeard Realty, which manages more than 450 vacation and long-term rentals in the area. Chip Craig, owner and founder of GreyBeard Realty, said the appointee from GreyBeard was a broker and not a property manager.
The community members selected for the committee include real estate professionals, STR owners and other business owners, and affordable housing advocates, Newman said. The committee met for the first time Aug. 28. Its next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 11.
GIMME SHELTER: Buncombe County Commissioners, from left, Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, Brownie Newman and Parker Sloan discuss funding requests for expanding homeless shelters. Photo by Greg Parlier
BCS grapples with federal litigation around sex discrimination regulations
Due to a lawsuit backed by three far-right groups, including Moms for Liberty, local school districts are scrambling to draft policies that comply with a shifting federal legal landscape over what constitutes sexual harassment and discrimination.
At its meeting Sept. 5, the Buncombe County Board of Education unanimously (7-0) passed interim policies that broaden the school district’s interpretation of what constitutes a complaint as defined by Title IX, a federal law passed in 1972 that bars sex discrimination in education.
The district’s new policies make several small changes to two existing Title IX policies, which were last amended in 2020, when federal law changed to specifically address sexual harassment. Under Buncombe County Schools’ current interim policies, anything that constitutes sex discrimination, not just sexual harassment, will trigger a Title IX procedural response.
“What we are adopting here is a process just handling complaints, complaints by one student against another or against an employee,” said board attorney Dean Shatley Shatley noted that not all sex discrimination is harassment, but all harassment is discrimination. For example, if a student complains that a math teacher is unjustly giving all the boy students better grades than girl students, that would constitute discrimination on the basis of sex, Shatley said. But it is not sexual harassment. Under the new policies, sex discrimination would trigger the same Title IX-mandated procedure that sexual harassment requires under 2020 federal regulations.
However, the interim policies aren’t in total compliance with 2024 federal regulations because of the shifting legal landscape.
“We wanted to create a way for our school system to have one way to process these complaints. If we were going to adopt a policy that was in total compliance with 2024 regulations, it would look different. We are basing this all on the 2020 policy,” Shatley said.
After the Biden administration’s Department of Education released updated regulations surrounding Title IX in April, a trio of far-right organizations — Moms for Liberty, Young America’s Foundation and Female Athletes United — joined four states in suing the department over the rules.
According to the Associated Press, the 2024 rules would expand Title IX civil rights protections to LGBTQ+ students, expand the definitions of sexual harassment at schools and colleges, and add safeguards to victims.
A Kansas judge filed an injunction blocking the regulations’ implementation in July, pending a full trial. The rules were scheduled to go into effect Aug. 1. The injunction, upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in August, impacts all states involved in the lawsuit as well as any schools outside these states that have students whose parents are directly involved in the ongoing litigation.
Multiple lists have been released by the Kansas court, and as of Aug. 28, more than 30 BCS schools and six Asheville City schools were included in the list.
Asheville City Schools (ACS) spokesperson Kim Dechant told Xpress Sept. 6 that ACS is still working through the implications with its attorney and currently has no comment on the matter.
MOMS FOR LIBERTY
At the Sept. 5 BCS meeting, more than a dozen community members came to speak out against passing updated policies related to the new Title IX regulations.
Kim Poteat, chair of Buncombe County’s Moms for Liberty branch, expressed fear that if the interim policies reflected the “radicalized Title IX regulations,” BCS may begin to “allow biological males in our daughters’ restrooms, locker rooms and hotel rooms on overnight field trips,” she said.
“Will students and staff be charged with sex-based harassment claims for not using preferred names and pronouns, regardless of religious or personal belief, because of the new definition of sexual harassment?” she asked.
Shatley, in comments later in the meeting, assured Poteat and others that the policies had nothing to do with the issues she raised, which were referenced in the lawsuit that resulted in the recent injunction.
Shatley said the policy only changed procedure — widening what would constitute a Title IX-defined response to include sex discrimination, for example — and wouldn’t change how the district approaches disagreements between students and staff over the use of pronouns, participation in athletics or who uses which locker room.
INTERIM
POLICIES: Buncombe County Board of Education member Rob Elliot said the shifting federal rules around Title IX regulations forced the board to pass interim sex discrimination policies. Photo by Greg Parlier
Existing, unrelated district policy requires that a “transgender student may not be required to use a facility that conflicts with the student’s gender identity consistently asserted at school.” Additionally, the policy asserts: “The individual student is the best person to determine their own identity. School staff should be sensitive to, and use, the terminology that supports and respects the wishes of the individual child. Under North Carolina law, schools must inform a student’s parent(s) prior to any changes in the name or pronoun used for a student in school records or by school personnel.”
TRANSPARENCY ISSUES
Other speakers, such as Jim Fulton, who is running for a seat on the school board in November against current Vice Chair Amy Churchill, expressed concern with the speed at which the board was pushing through these policies.
The board waived its typical process of holding two public readings on any policy change in order to pass the interim policies on first reading without a vote from its policy committee.
“Many of these decisions were made basically without adequate public discussion and outside your typical procedure, by waiving the first reading before policy changes. When decisions seem predetermined and public debate is minimized, it fosters a sense of distrust. I’m not alone in perceiving a lack of transparency,” he said.
Board member Rob Elliot, who serves as chair of the policy committee, said the board elected to hear these policies immediately because of the unique nature of conflicting guidance on Title IX from the Department of Education and the injunction that affects some but not all BCS schools. With the school year already underway, the board felt it was important to get updated policies on the books to guide administrators, he said. The interim tag reflects the expectation that the district will have to again review the policies as federal regulations shift with expected appeals from the Education Department and results of the pending court case in Kansas.
“We’re being extremely careful with this policy,” Elliot said. “I really do believe this was a really smart way to go. It protects free speech of students and staff. It will still protect LGBTQ students and staff.”
Other changes in the 2024 regulations, according to Shatley, include redefining a “hostile act” for the purposes of sexual harassment from being “severe or pervasive” to “severe and pervasive.” Additionally, the definition of sex in the regulations is expanded to include pregnancy and postpartum women and girls, similar to recent changes made in federal Title VII regulations about workplace discrimination. These current regulations are not included in BCS’ interim policies.
Different from the 2020 rules, Buncombe’s current policies also reflect that coverage of discrimination now includes school trips overseas or any situation in which the school system has “substantial control over the harasser or the context in which the harassment occurred.”
Editor’s Note: For more coverage of the September 5 Buncombe County Board of Education meeting, go to avl.mx/e4v.
— Greg Parlier X
Protect and preserve
BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE
With the Asheville Police Department’s 150th anniversary coming up in 2025, officials decided it would be a good time to look back at the department’s history. There was only one problem.
“When they were trying to find information, they were like, ‘Hey, we don’t really have a history put together,’” says Hannah Silberman, the APD’s accreditation manager.
In response, a six-member research committee, spearheaded by Jimmy Wingo , APD’s law enforcement technology specialist, and including Silberman was established in June 2023 to flesh out the department’s history, starting with its formation in 1875. The goal is to produce a 200page book by next year. APD intends to get the final product in the hands of every living officer who has served the city, past and present.
A self-proclaimed “history nerd,” Silberman, who has held her position with APD since 2015, was the natural person to take the reins of the project. “I like to read old newspaper articles, I do my family genealogy,” she says. “I had unofficially started being the history person here. I just sort of ran with it.”
She’s approached the research in many different ways — reaching out to retired officers and their families, seeking input from the community, and gathering what little historic archives the department kept following building renovations in 1998. As a result, she has an office closet brimming with vintage uniforms and badges, photographs dating to 1904, newspaper clippings and more. And she has completed more than 70 pages
of the manuscript for the book, taking the department’s story to the 1920s.
Now, she is looking for help from the public.
“There aren’t a lot of pictures or other items from the 1930s to the 1980s,” she says. “I have some, but it’s few and far between. So I’m really hoping to get the word out to people who had a relative, like
their grandpa, who was a police officer. They might have pictures or old equipment or anything that they could share.”
MAKING HISTORY
Poring over old newspaper stories in the Asheville Citizen and the
Asheville Times has been a delight for Silberman. The papers, which merged in 1991, covered the APD thoroughly throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the colorful prose journalists tended to use in those days, she says.
“There’s so many awesome stories, you have no idea,” she says. “The old newspapers liked to publish the
little funny stories, and it’s great. They were really into the politics of the department.”
And the politics in those early years could be intense and confusing because the police chief was elected by the public until civil service reforms in the 1930s made it an appointed position.
“Elections were every single year, and then it moved every two years, and so for the first 50 years of our department, there was a constant rotation of police chiefs,” Silberman says. “It makes it very hard to untangle.”
The department’s first official police chief was Ambrose Featherston, a saloon keeper who took the job in 1880. “Something I enjoy is that they penciled in ‘chief of police’ over ‘saloon keeper’ in the 1880 census,” Silberman says.
A 1900 story in The Asheville Register revealed another fascinating story about an Asheville police chief:
“While attempting to escape from the city prison Wednesday evening Joe McClatchy received blows at the hand of Chief of Police Lyerly which resulted in his death. The fatal encounter took place in the gloomy half light of the basement of the city hall, just in front of the dungeon door.”
FIRST BLACK OFFICERS
Through newspaper accounts, Silberman discovered the story of George Greenlee, a Black private detective who frequently worked with APD in the early 20th century until his death in 1912. The department hired Greenlee to help solve robberies or track down murder suspects because he had contacts in the Black community that the all-white police force lacked.
“There are lots and lots of articles about him, and so I have a whole page on him in the book,” she says. “He gave a service to the community as a very skilled detective.”
One article she found referred to Greenlee as an Asheville police officer, an obvious mistake considering the department did not hire Black officers until 1946. That year, DeLaney A. Horne and Gilbert Sligh were added to the force after the idea was pushed by a group of citizens led by Eugene Smith, publisher of Asheville’s Black-owned newspaper The Southern News. Silberman has been researching the lives and careers of the two men, knowing their pioneering efforts are worth celebrating in the book. She would love to get her hands on an original copy of a photo of the two officers The Asheville Times ran on April 4, 1946, their first day on duty. Through Ancestry.com, she has found high school yearbook photos
IN THE BOOKS: An album of newspaper clippings from the 1990s is among the items Hannah Silberman has collected as she puts together a book on the history of the Asheville Police Department.
of Horne, who was a teacher and coach at all-Black Stephens-Lee High School before he joined the police force. “Then he quits the force in 1948, under strange circumstances,” she says. “I haven’t figured it out yet.”
Sligh retired as an officer on Nov. 24, 1962, due to a back injury sustained on the job and other health-related issues.
FULL STORY
Old newspaper accounts also led Silberman to the story of the APD’s first female police officers. A February 1943 article in The State: A Weekly Survey of North Carolina, helped her fill in the details. The magazine was published out of Raleigh starting in the 1930s.
“In the 1940s, World War II absolutely decimated the [APD] staffing, because all the officers went to join the armed forces,” she explains. “So they hired female traffic cops to issue traffic tickets. They had full authority, but they didn’t give them weapons. There’s a lot of shaded sexism [in The State article], like, ’The rough stuff will be left to the men.’ Eventually, they transitioned them to be school crossing guards, which is how they’re often referred to in the newspaper.”
Asheville would not have nontraffic women police officers until the 1970s. In 1979, the U.S. Justice Department ruled that the APD discriminated in its hiring practices when it failed to hire five women as officers between 1974 and 1977, according to contemporaneous reports in The Asheville Times.
The book will not shy away from such topics, Silberman says. Similarly, more recent history like the APD’s staffing crisis and local protests following the death of George Floyd likely will be addressed.
“I haven’t gotten there yet,” she says. “I’m sure we’ll just deal with it as truthfully as we can. And the same with all the history all around it. The story is what it is.”
’SENSE OF BELONGING’
Rae Ferguson retired as an APD lieutenant in 2012 after 28 years of service. She now works part time in the accreditation department and serves on the committee putting together the book.
As a longtime department member, she hopes to provide some historical perspective “if I can remember it,” she says with a laugh.
In addition to helping Silberman with research and editing, she has been working with retired officers who want to share items from their personal collections or come to the department to have their pictures taken for the book.
The retired officers, some of whom have died since she talked to them, seem excited about the project.
“When I came along [in the 1980s], I didn’t know anything about the history of the department because nobody kept up with that stuff back then,” she says. “I always was curious as to how did we get to where we are? What were the changes and the processes and the goals and those kinds of things. When you have that historical perspective, and you see how the process has gone over the years, it gives you interest in wanting to be a part of something that’s bigger than you. It gives you a sense of ownership and a sense of belonging.” X
Looking for APD items
If you have access to photos, badges, uniforms or other items related to the history of the Asheville Police Department, get in touch with Hannah Silberman at hsilberman@ashevillenc.gov. Items from the 1930s to the 1980s are of particular interest. X
–
Photo by Justin McGuire
MEN IN BLUE: Asheville police officers in a February 1949 photo. Photo courtesy of APD
Line by line
BY ROB MIKULAK
robmikulak@gmail.com
I’m in the midst of observing some important personal milestones. Early next month — exact date uncertain — will mark my 50th year in journalism. And late last month — Aug. 23, to be exact — marked the 11th anniversary of my layoff from the Asheville Citizen Times, where I was copy desk chief, a position that has largely disappeared from most publications. That was a time of great uncertainty, and frankly, I was marking time until retirement. Corporate greed and ineptitude got me first, however.
Then, in early September 2013, I was approached at a meetup by Jake Frankel, then a reporter for Mountain Xpress, asking if I’d be interested in doing freelance editing. After an interview with Publisher Jeff Fobes, I began my freelance career, and I was rejuvenated. The respect shown to me by everyone at Xpress validated my long and mostly under-the-radar career.
But more than just the ego boost, working for Xpress has made me realize what a vital journalism landscape we have here in Western North Carolina. From the Citizen Times to Xpress to Carolina Public Press to Asheville Watchdog to WLOS to the newest addition, 828NewsNow, and several radio stations, glossy magazines, news websites and myriad weekly newspapers, WNC has a vibrant media scene that rivals much larger metropolitan areas. I am proud of and excited by my association with Xpress and the dedicated and creative people I’ve worked with there.
And what a creative bunch they are. The roster of full-time journalists and freelancers has included musicians, novelists, poets, artists, chefs, actors, screenwriters, historians and numerous other creative professions. They all bring a wide range of knowledge, talent and perspective that hones their skills in telling the stories that make WNC such a compelling place to live and visit.
My journalism career has included daily newspapers, weeklies, semiweeklies, trade publications and online news sources. Much has changed in the industry since 1974, when I worked with a manual typewriter, hot wax that held copy, photos and ads onto layout boards, and Xacto knives that occasionally drew blood if your hand slipped. Then came the age of computers the size of file cabinets and joysticks that sent many editors running to orthopedists to treat severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. Spellcheck? What was that? That’s what dictionaries were
From the copy editor’s desk
COPY THAT: Rob Mikulak has worked in journalism since 1974 and has logged more than a decade as Xpress’ go-to copy editor. Photo by Leslie Boyd
for. Pagination systems allowed editors to assemble entire pages at once but still required hot wax and Xacto knives (and sliced fingers) to put together.
Finally came the desktop publication revolution, which steadily eliminated the need for humans to do many previously necessary tasks. In the process, numerous talented, hardworking journalists lost their livelihoods.
But journalists by nature are stubborn and resourceful. Lay me off? Well, I’ll find other ways to make a living in my chosen field. Shut down the newspaper? Then I’ll start my own, probably online these days. No advertising revenue? Then I’ll start a nonprofit news platform.
Some newspapers, however, have managed to stay in business, grow and thrive. Fortunately for Asheville and WNC, Mountain Xpress is one. Since moving here in 2002, I have seen Xpress transform from an edgy, quirky publi-
cation to the strong, serious news and cultural resource it is today — without sacrificing its trademark uniqueness. If you’re lucky enough to have Xpress issues from 30 years ago (or 20 or even 10), you’ll notice many differences in look and content but not in its commitment to capture the unique vibe of this region.
And the public has responded, as evidenced by Xpress’ longevity, advertising base and loyal readership. How loyal? Just ask the Xpress staff members who collect, sort and tally the tens of thousands of ballots cast in the yearly Best of WNC contest. Or ask the calendar editors at Xpress who compile the robust listings that businesses and organizations clamor to get into each week. Or ask the numerous locals and tourists you see consulting Xpress’ articles, calendars and ads that guide the use of their time and resources. I’ll bet you’re one of those people.
Moreover, Xpress has captured the variety and evolution of the people of the region. If anything, Xpress has been ahead of the curve in embracing and celebrating the diversity (if that word offends you, go read a different publication) of the people, professions, interests, beliefs and livelihoods that bolster WNC’s uniqueness.
I doubt I’ll be around to celebrate Xpress’ 50th anniversary, but if the next 20 are like the first 30, then the people of WNC will be the biggest winners.
Rob Mikulak has worked in journalism since 1974 as a reporter (in his early days) but mostly as an editor on daily and nondaily newspapers, magazines and trade publications in New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and the Dakotas. In addition to Mountain Xpress, his freelance work includes Carolina Public Press, Chiron Publications and marketing agencies in Asheville. He also worked for six seasons as an usher for the Asheville Tourists baseball team. X
Golden Agers
Making time for adventure and new connections during retirement
BY CAROL KAUFMAN
ckaufman828@gmail.com
For Maurice Frank, retirement revolves around three key pursuits: playing, socializing and giving back. Since retiring from a career in information technology management in 2016 and relocating to Asheville by way of Atlanta with his wife, Wendy, Frank has been steadily checking these goals off his to-do list — one fulfilling activity at a time.
As a hiking enthusiast, Frank will always carve out time to hit the trails, often seeking new places to explore. In 2023, he walked the entire 500mile Camino Frances in Spain in 35 days. More recently, in July, he set out on a 300-mile solo trek along the Camino Portuguese de Santiago.
“I would describe that trip as a blend of adventure, physical challenge and social interaction,” says the 68-year-old Frank. “It’s also a chance to step away from my daily routine and gain a fresh perspective on life — something I enjoy doing from time to time.”
He reflects on his experiences with a sense of fulfillment. “Both trips were equally satisfying because my intentions were met each time. For the 2023 Camino Frances, my goal was to be part of the Camino community. For the recent Portuguese Camino experience, my goal was solitude, although I also enjoyed some true camaraderie with other ‘pilgrims.’”
When it comes to giving back, what stands out to Frank is teaching an ongoing estate planning course at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) — a senior learning center on the UNC Asheville campus. He also spent five years as an organizer for the popular Meetup group Asheville Fika.
“Wendy and I joined Fika in 2016, a few days after moving to Asheville,” says Frank. “Fika is a Swedish word that roughly translates as ‘gather-
ing together over coffee.’ The group proved to be a good fit for us both and soon became our main social activity.”
In 2018, when Frank became the organizer, Fika consisted of roughly 500 members. That number rose to over 1,000 by the time he stepped down in 2023 to prepare for his first Camino trip.
During those five years as group organizer, Frank gained a new understanding of his core values.
“I want to believe that my efforts with Fika helped build community and form lasting friendships,” he says. “I know that it has for Wendy and I. That’s why we keep coming back.”
From his teaching gig at OLLI to his Fika community to walking the Camino — which he says he’d undoubtedly do again — retirement for Frank couldn’t be any richer.
Editor’s note: Golden Agers is a monthly feature that explores local residents who are retired or semiretired but remain active in the community. X
COFFEE KLATCH: Maurice Frank relaxes inside Gemelli restaurant during a recent Asheville Fika event.
Photo by Carol Kaufman
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
SEP. 11 - SEP. 19, 2024
For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 828-251-1333, opt. 1.
Online-only events
More info, page 29
More info, page 30-31
WELLNESS
Gentle Yoga for Seniors
A yoga class geared to seniors offering gentle stretching and strengthening through accessible yoga poses and modifications.
WE (9/11, 18), 2:30pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Therapeutic Recreation
Adult Morning
Movement
Wednesday mornings are all about active games, physical activities, and sports adapted to accommodate all skill levels.
WE (9/11), 10am, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34
Tai Chi Fan
This class helps build balance and whole body awareness. All ages and ability levels welcome. Fans will be provided.
WE (9/11, 18), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Pearson Ave
Tai Chi for Balance
A gentle Tai Chi exercise class to help improve balance, mobility, and quality of life. All ages are welcome.
WE (9/11, 18), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Community Yoga & Mindfulness
Free monthly event with Inspired Change Yoga that will lead you into a morning of breathwork, meditation and yoga.
WE (9/11), 10:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Chen Style Tai Chi
The original style of Tai Chi known for its continual spiraling movements and great health benefits.
TH (9/12, 19), MO (9/16), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Nia Dance Fitness
Friday Fitness
Focuses on strengthening, stretching, and aerobics every Friday.
FR (9/13), 10am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Tai Chi for Adults
Improve your movement and flexibility with relaxation techniques each week. Intended for participants ages 40+.
FR (9/13), 1:30pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Qigong for Health
A part of traditional Chinese medicine that involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind and spirit.
FR (9/13), TU (9/17), 9am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, ste 109
Moving Meditation in the Park
Practice gentle movement to tune into your body, feel grounded and energized for your day. No experience or equipment needed.
SA (9/14), 8am, 1 South Pack Square Park
Yoga for Everyone
A free-in person yoga class for all ages and abilities that is led by alternating teachers. Bring your own mat and water bottle.
SA (9/14), 9:30am, Black Mountain Presbyterian, 117 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Yoga in the Park Yoga class alongside the French Broad River, based on Hatha and Vinyasa traditions and led by certified yoga instructors. All levels welcome.
SA (9/14), SU (9/15), 11am, Yoga in the Park Asheville, 220 Amboy Rd
Imagine the soothing tones of Tibetan singing bowls washing over you, calming your mind, and rejuvenating your spirit.
SA (9/14), SU (9/15), 11am, Somatic Sounds, 12 1/2 Wall St
A sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts and healing arts.TH (9/12, 19), 9:30am, TU (9/17), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
FALL PLANT MARKET: Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville hosts its fall plant sale Thursday, Sept. 12-Saturday, Sept. 14, starting at 9 a.m. each day. The market will feature a wide selection of locally grown native plants, perennials, shrubs, trees and cool-season annuals, with proceeds supporting the nonprofit’s mission. Photo courtesy of Bullington Gardens
Sunday Morning Meditation Group Gathering for a combination of silent sitting and walking meditation, facilitated by Worth Bodie.
SU (9/15), 10am, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Yoga Taco Mosa Donation based yoga with Clare Desmelik.
Bring your mat, a water bottle and an open heart.
SU (9/15), 10am, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave
Strength & Exercise
Workout at your own pace in this weekly class for active adults working on overall fitness and strength.
MO (9/16), 9:30am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Chair Volleyball
Enjoy a light workout while improving handeye coordination and having lots of fun.
MO (9/16), 10:30am, Dr Wesley Grant Sr.
Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Zumba Gold & Silverobics
Calorie-burning, fun, low-impact class that incorporates dance and fitness for older adults each week.
MO (9/16), 10:30am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Mindful Movements
Yoga
Instructor Laura Towell weaves breath and movements together to create a playful exploration of body and mind.
MO (9/16), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Yoga & Coffee
An hour long hatha yoga class on the covered deck, with the option to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, tea or pastry afterwards.
TU (9/17), 9:30am, Cooperative Coffee Shop, 210 Haywood Rd
Power Hour Chair
Exercise
Build power through fun, upbeat, and gentle chair exercises each Tuesday.
TU (9/17), 10am, Grove St Community Center, 36 Grove St
Balance, Agility, Strength, Stretch
This weekly class for adults focuses on flexibility, balance, stretching, and strength.
TU (9/17), noon, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Qigong
A gentle form of exercise composed of movement, posture, breathing, and meditation used to promote
health and spirituality.
TU (9/17), 1:15pm, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Adult Fitness for Beginners
Learn the basics of weight lifting and cardio exercises consisting of squats, hinges, pushing, and pulling.
WE (9/18), 6pm, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd
Senior Exercise Party
Welcome fall as you break a sweat with other active seniors.
TH (9/19), 11am, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St
Intro to Fitness
Learn how to use equipment and machines in the fitness center to jump start a regular fitness routine on the third Thursday of each month.
TH (9/19), 1pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Training w/Tre
This group body weight exercise program is designed for adults to help begin their fitness journey with a coach.
TH (9/19), 7pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
SUPPORT GROUPS
Nicotine Anonymous
People share their experience, strength and hope to stop using nicotine. You don’t need to be stopped, just have a desire to attend.
Free in-person Zumba classes. No registration required.
TH (9/12, 19), TU (9/17), 6:30pm, St. James Episcopal Church, 424 W State St, Black Mountain
Line Dancing for Adults
Groove in for this fun weekly drop-in class. Intended for ages 40 and over.
TH (9/12), noon, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
We Line Dance Instructor Brenda Mills leads an inclusive exercise class that uses line dancing to get your body moving.
TH (9/12, 19), 6:15pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Rueda de Casino
Beginners and advanced dancers welcomed at Rueda de Casino, a circle of couples dancing Cuban salsa figures.
SU (9/15), 2pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Sunday Swing Dance & Concert w/Meschiya Lake
An unforgettable evening of swing dancing followed by an open dance session with a live performance by Meschiya Lake.
SU (9/15), 6pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200
Line Dance: Beginner
Some familiarity with line dance steps is helpful, but not necessary in this weekly class.
MO (9/16), noon, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Tango Tuesdays
Tango lessons and social with instructors
Mary Morgan and Mike Eblen. No partner required, and no experience needed for the beginners class.
TU (9/17), 6pm, Urban Orchard Cider Co. S Slope, 24 Buxton Ave
West Coast Swing
Learn fundamentals that make West Coast Swing so unique in a four-week session. No partner necessary.
TU (9/17), 6pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Swing Asheville
Weekly swing dancing lessons with a live dance social afterwards.
TU (9/17), 7pm, Fleetwood’s, 496 Haywood Rd
Ballroom Dance
Learn the basics of ballroom dancing in this drop-in class that works on two different dances each week including waltz, tango, foxtrot, cha cha, rumba, swing, and salsa.
WE (9/18), 6pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Latin Night Wednesday w/DJ Mtn Vibez
A Latin dance social featuring salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia, and reggaeton with dance lessons for all skill
levels.
WE (9/11, 18), 8pm, One World Brewing W, 520 Haywood Rd
TH (9/19), 11am, Grove St Community Center, 36 Grove St
Line Dancing
Designed to teach the latest line dances step by step, this weekly class inspires community members to put on their dancing shoes and boogie.
TH (9/19), noon, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Anatolii Tarasiuk:
Embrace The Journey Tarasiuk’s art style is abstract expressionism with lots of color. His biggest inspiration is the vision of his art giving feelings of joy and hope to each viewer. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 10am, and Sunday, noon. Exhibition runs through September 22.
Pink Dog Gallery, 348 Depot St
Beautiful Mystery Exhibition
This exhibition features the colorful batik paintings of Robin Ford, clay pieces by Susan Grier and Joe Frank McKee, jewelry by Ilene Kay, and wood sculptures by Brian Melton. Gallery open daily, 10am. Exhibition through Nov. 11.
Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Pkwy
Shifting Perceptions: Photographs from the Collection
A selection of photographs presented in a trio of sections, each featuring seemingly opposing forces: Natural/Unnatural, Together/Apart, and Inside/ Out. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday.
Exhibition through September 23.
Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square Into The Future
This exhibition features a science-fiction themed local artist showcase. You'll be able to browse art from Joshua Tripoli, Levy, Amy Kalyn Sims, Jeremy Horton and Matthew Stuart Decker. Gallery open Monday through Sunday, noon. Exhibition through Oct. 6.
Push Skate Shop & Gallery, 25 Patton Ave At the Table
This exhibition features numerous nationally known artists, that brings together contemporary works of art from the 1980s to the present that explore ideas of community, power, and representation through their depiction or use of a table. Gallery open Tuesday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition through Dec. 6, 2024.
WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee
Daily Craft Demonstrations
Two artists of different media will explain and demonstrate their craft with informative materials displayed at their booths. These free and educational opportunities are open to the public. Open daily, 10am. Demonstrations run through Dec. 31.
Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Pkwy
Randy Shull: Black & White
An exhibition of abstract work that will feature Shull’s unique ability to evoke both gravity and weightlessness within a single artwork, pouring thick layers of paint around the loose weave of handmade hammocks.
Gallery open Wednesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through Sept. 21.
Tracey Morgan Gallery, 22 London Rd
Western North Carolina Glass: Selections from the Collection
A variety of techniques and a willingness to push boundaries of American glass art can be seen in this selection of works. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through September 16. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S. Pack Square
Kaleidosope: An Exploration of Color & Shapes
This exhibit provides visual stimulation through pattern recognition and color, inspiring artists to explore the world of shapes and colors.
Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 10am and Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through Oct. 27.
Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N Main St, Waynesville
1-on-1 Pottery Lessons
Private lessons offering individuals 30 minute classes. Walk-ins will be welcome, schedule permitting.
SA (9/14), SU (9/15), 11am, Odyssey Clayworks, 236 Clingman Ave
Clay Studio
Learn sculpting techniques from Jim Kransberger. Firing of pieces is included, but clay is not. Advance registration required.
TU (9/17), 9am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Lou Ella Tucker: Story/ Place Tucker's exhibition showcases her curiosity of how spaces influence us and how we influence them, has led her to record their unique stories of humanity around the world. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 10am, and Sunday, noon. Exhibition runs through September 22. Pink Dog Gallery, 348 Depot St
Honoring Nature: Early Southern Appalachian Landscape Painting
This exhibition explores the sublime natural landscapes of the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina and Tennessee. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through Oct. 21. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Christine Schlageter: Wings
COMMUNITY MUSIC
Wings & Strings: Acklen Walker
This music series at at the Sweeten Creek location will feature local bluegrass-style bands every week.
TH (9/12), 6:30pm, Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack S, 3749 Sweeten Creek Rd, Arden
Jazz Jam
Open jam starts after a house band set, guaranteed to fill your soul with groove and joy.
TH (9/12, 19), 7pm, LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St
Brank Family Gospel
Singers
Local family singing group perform traditional and contemporary gospel music.
FR (9/13), 7pm, First Baptist Church of Weaverville, 63 N Main St, Weaverville
Rob Satori Concert
A renowned cabaret vocalist, piano-man and entertainer. He has a remarkably comfortable command of a variety of styles and genres for listeners to enjoy.
FR (9/13), 7pm, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way
Yala Cultural Tour
An in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Yala Cultural Tour includes drumming, dancing, and stories from Ivory Coast.
SA (9/14), noon, LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St
An Afternoon of Music w/Friction Farm Modern-folk duo Friction Farm is a husband and wife team of traveling troubadours. SA (9/14), 3pm, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hendersonville, 2021 Kanuga Rd, Hendersonville
Scottish Music
A session of traditional Scottish tunes with a rotating group of musicians. Not an open jam.
SA (9/14), 4pm, Ginger's Revenge Craft Brewery & Tasting Room, 829 Riverside Dr Candlelight: A Tribute to Queen and More
SU (9/15), 2pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Mark's House Jam & Sunday Potluck
Bring a potluck dish to share with an a community of local musicians from around the globe. Please note that this isn't an open mic.
SU (9/15), 3pm, Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside Dr Asheville Jazz Orchestra
Featuring a night of big band tunes from the swing era to the present day including original compositions.
SU (9/15), 7:30pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Therapeutic Recreation
Adult Crafting & Cooking
A variety of cooking and crafts, available at two different times. Advance registration required.
TU (9/17), 10am, Murphy-Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd Violin Recital w/Alexi Kenney
This innovative recital project weaves together pieces for solo violin and violin/ electronics by J.S. Bach and composers of other eras to form a program with dramatic arc, flow, and scope.
TU (9/17), 7pm, First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St
Appalachian Ballads w/ Saro Lynch-Thomason
Listen to traditional ballads and explore their relevance to contemporary mountain life with award-wining singer, folklorist and documentarian, Saro.
TH (9/19), 7pm, Weaverville Community Center, 60 Lakeshore Dr, Weaverville
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
Jewelry Making
Make a bracelet, necklace, or earrings for yourself or a gift on the second Wednesday of the month. Participants may bring their own materials or jewelry they would like to repair.
Experience the colorful and and captivating world of winged creatures through Christines Schlageter's remarkable new exhibition that celebrates the beauty of nature through her eyes. Gallery open daily, 11am. Exhibition through September 30. Asheville Gallery of ARt, 82 Patton Ave
A live, multi-sensory musical experience in awe-inspiring locations like never seen before. Discover the music of Queen and more under the gentle glow of candlelight.
SA (9/14), 5:30pm, Asheville Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway
Amici Music: Broadway Violin
A fun, toe-tapping program entitled Broadway Violin, featuring great arrangements of Broadway songs for piano and violin.
incorporate a one- and three-card pull for daily guidance.
FR (9/13), 5:30pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
Political Magic Workshop
A one-hour class that will provide attendees with some ideas and magical techniques for supporting a fair and free election to help ensure every vote is counted and prevent election interference.
SU (9/15), 6pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
How to Buy a House in Asheville Learn how to take advantage of increased inventory and dropping interest rates. We will help you understand what buying a house really costs, how to get an action plan, and what is going on in the market.
MO (9/16), 5:30pm, Asheville Crafted Real Estate, 201 Haywood Rd Ste 101
LITERARY
George Masa: A Life Reimagined Janet and Paul will discuss their groundbreaking new book, in which they tell Masa’s story in full for the first time with the benefit of years of research conducted in both the United States and Japan.
WE (9/11), 2pm, East Asheville Public Library, 3 Avon Rd
George Masa: A Life Reimagined Book Launch Party for George Masa: A Life Reimagined is presented In Partnership with Malaprops, Blue Ridge Public Radio, Citizen Vinyl and SmokiesLife. WE (9/11), 7pm, Citizen Vinyl, 14 O Henry Ave
Caitlin Ledford: The Eladrin Princess Blue Ridge Books will host author Caitlin Ledford who will be presenting her final book plus you can get a picture or autograph.
SA (9/14), noon, Blue Ridge Books, 428 Hazelwood Ave, Waynesville
WE (9/11), noon, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Cooking Budget-Friendly Meals
Learn to cook easy, delicious and nutritious meals on a budget.
TH (9/12), 5:30pm, North Carolina Cooperative Extension-Madison County Center, 258 Carolina Ln, Marshall Tarot w/Cats
This 1-hour workshop will be held in the cat lounge, and will include a brief history of the tarot, and how to
Lauren Thoman: You Shouldn't Be Here
Author Lauren Thoman and Beth Revis will discuss Lauren's new release, the speculative mystery You Shouldn't Be Here, followed by a book signing.
SA (9/14), 3pm, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd
God & Liberation Featuring books by black, womanist, mujerista, Latino, Palestinian, Indigenous, LGBQIA+, and disabled authors to deconstruct what we've been taught about
ART
who God is and build something new.
MO (9/16), 7pm, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 10 North Liberty St
Dark City Poets Society Open Mic Night
Everyone is welcome to share a few poem. Signups to share will begin 15 minutes prior to the start of the event.
TU (9/17), 6pm, Oak and Grist Distilling Co., 1556 Grovestone Rd, Black Mountain
Wise Words Open Mic
Welcoming beginners and fellow artists to a creative space to express ourselves poetically.
TU (9/17), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St
Pen to Paper Writing Group
Share stories of your life with others on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
WE (9/18), 10am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Asheville Storyslam:
Elbow
Prepare a five-minute story about rolling up your sleeves. Putting in long hours, burning the midnight oil — the blood, sweat and tears.
TH (9/19), 7:30pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave
THEATER & FILM
Jesus Christ Superstar
Electrifying music, and gut-punching vocal stylings unite to help narrate the last seven days of Jesus’ life through the eyes of Judas Iscariot.
WE (9/11, 18), TH (9/12, 19), FR (9/13), SA (9/14), 7:30pm, SU (9/15), 2pm, Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock
The Campfireball: Joy
It's part storytelling, part game show and part immersive theatre experience built entirely around the audience.
TH (9/12), 7:30pm, Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd
Henry VI Part 1
An anarchic, gleefully theatrical, and urgent iteration of Shakespeare's War of the Roses. MPP's "Henry VI" is the Elizabethan ancestral mashup of Game of Thrones and Succession, with guest spots by the Muppets.
FR (9/13), SA (9/14), SU (9/15), 7:30pm, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St Scuttlebutt
A monthly improv comedy show inspired by guest storytellers, audience suggestions and a talented and dynamic cast.
FR (9/13), 9:30pm, LaZoom Room, 76 Biltmore Ave
The Great American Trailer Park Musical
Get ready to laugh till you cry with The Great American Trailer Park Musical, a wildly funny and heartwarming romp through Armadillo Acres, Florida's most exclusive trailer park.
As per usual, Vaudeville will have a selection of rascals, rapscallions, some clowns, burlesque, jugglery, puppets, dance and silliness to elevate the fun level of your evening.
TH (9/19), 8pm, Sly Grog Lounge, 271 Haywood St
MEETINGS & PROGRAMS
River Snorkeling
Participants receive wetsuits, wetsuit socks, snorkels, and masks.
WE (9/11), noon, Asheville Recreation Park, 65 Gashes Creek Rd
Family Open Gym
Weekly time in the gym reserved for all ages to shoot hoops and play other active games as a family
WE (9/11, 18), 6pm, SU (9/15), 4pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center
The Power of YOU: Finding Balance in a 24/7 World
Learn how engaging the power of self-renewal, building a support network and managing your energy can increase your ability to be more creative, energized and resourced in your personal and professional life.
WE (9/11), noon, Blue Ridge Community College, 45 Oak Park Dr, Brevard
IBN Biz Lunch: Brevard & Pisgah Forest Network and have lunch with new and old friends while you promote your business products and services.
Creating a Plan for Your Loved One After You're Gone
Cynthia Alleman instructs you how to best plan for your loved ones. She will be joined by Athena Kinch, from Hope for the Future, who will discuss guardianship and case management.
Adult Community Basketball Shoot some hoops or play a pick up
game with friends. No pre-registration required.
TH (9/12), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Exploring the Center for Cultural Preservation’s Mountain Elder Wisdom Project Hear from David Weintraub, the dynamic Executive Director of the Center for Cultural Preservation and acclaimed documentary filmmaker.
TH (9/12), 6pm, Black Mountain Public Library, 105 N Dougherty St, Black Mountain
Fan Convention Community Info Session
We are holding Community Information Sessions to find volunteers interested in helping us bring this event to life.
TH (9/12), 6:30pm, E Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Rd
Relational Mindfulness
w/Deborah Eden Tull
It teaches 9 timeless principles for awakening through the beautiful, dynamic, and complex field of human relationship.
TH (9/12), 6:30pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Round-Trip Hike from Montreat to Mt Mitchell & Back
This challenging adventure will lead you to the summit of Mt. Mitchell via the Greybeard Trail, Historic Old Toll Rd, Buncombe Horse Trail, and Camp Alice Trail, before returning to Montreat.
FR (9/13), 6am, Swannanoa Valley Museum, 223 W. State St, Black Mountain
Farm Tour & Cut Your Own Bouquet
Enjoy a tour of our beautiful farm and colorful flower fields and learn a bit about our specialty flowers and sustainable growing methods. Get the chance to cut your own bouquet.
FR (9/13), 6pm, Bloom WNC Flower Farm, 806 North Fork Rd, Black Mountain
Science of Eating
Explore the scientific side to mouth watering foods including cloud bread and rock candy with science experiments that you can eat.
FR (9/13), 6pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave
Swiftie Skate Night
Dress as your favorite era Taylor and bring friendship bracelets to trade. Please bring your own skates, limited skates available for rent. See p31
FR (9/13), 6pm, Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd
Palm Reading Class for Healing, Growth & Alignment
Learn ways to utilize this knowledge and understanding for personal growth and living your most authentic, sovereign life.
FR (9/13), 6:30pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Valley History Explorer Hike: Leader's Choice
A captivating hike along the Kitsuma Trail to a stunning viewpoint with sweeping vistas of the Swannanoa Valley.
SA (9/14), 9am, Swannanoa Valley Museum, 223 W. State St, Black Mountain
Chinese Tea & Tai Chi Foundations
Settle your Qi with Chinese tea while learning the fundementals of Tai Chi to imorive your health. Beginner friendly so all levels are wecome.
SA (9/14), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Hemlock Hike
The hike will take 3-4 hours and traverse mostly flat paths, totaling around 2.5 miles. HRI staff will showcase hemlocks that we have treated around Bent Creek Rd and the Carolina Mountain Trail.
SA (9/14), 1pm, The North Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way
Adult Community Volleyball
Enjoy open play volleyball. No pre-registration required.
SA (9/14), 11:30am, TU (9/17), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Vegetable Fermentation
Enjoy an afternoon of chopping, salting, and packing while discussing fermented foods throughout history, the benefits of lacto-fermentation for our internal and external microbiomes, and the practical knowledge needed to ferment at home.
SA (9/14), 1pm, Earthaven Ecovillage, 5 Consensus Circle, Black Mountain
Sunset Mountain Tour of Homes
This two day tour features a day of exploring beautiful homes in the charming neighborhood of Grove Park, Sunset Mountain. Take a leisurely stroll through the streets and admire the unique architecture and design of each home.
SA (9/14), SU (9/15), 1pm, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 337 Charlotte St
Sunday Celebration
A Sunday celebration for the spiritual community.
SU (9/15), 11am Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way
Invasive Plant Removal
Workday
Participants will receive training in plant identification and in invasive species control methods. Then, with the help of Biologist Josh Kelly, you'll help remove non-native invasive plants and help the native forest thrive.
SU (9/15), 1pm, Richmond Hill Park, 300 Richmond Hill Dr Coloring w/Cats: Teens & Adults
Set time for yourself and cuddle with the panthers, meet other cat-lovers, and color a beautiful picture of a cat from our adult coloring books.
SU (9/15), 2pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
Family Open Gym
Weekly time in the gym reserved for all ages to shoot hoops and play other active games as a family.
SU (9/15), 4pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
AIA NC Presents: Erin Brokovich
An unforgettable evening with our opening keynote speaker, the legendary advocate and environmental activist Erin Brockovich.
SU (9/15), 8pm, The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave
Forest Therapy
Learn how to slow down, unwind, and rediscover connections to nature. Space is limited, advance registration required.
MO (9/16), 10am, Asheville Recreation Park, 65 Gashes Creek Rd
Therapeutic Recreation Walking
Get your steps in while making new friends around WNC. Participants provide their own lunch, water bottle, and clothes comfortable to move in.
MO (9/16), 10am, Murphy-Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd
Black Men Monday
A local group that has stepped up in the community to advocate for and mentor students through academic intervention. Kids, ages 7 and up, are welcome to join.
MO (9/16), 5:30pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Somatic Healing Circle
In this monthly exploration, you will learn to develop practical tools to heighten awareness of how you experience, embody, and express yourself in the world.
MO (9/16), 7pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
IBN Biz Lunch: Arden
The meeting will consist of 1 minute introductions by every guest, a discussion of future networking opportunities in the area, a roundtable business needs and solutions segment and more.
TU (9/17), 11:30am, Wild Wing Cafe South, 65 Long Shoals Rd, Arden
Veterans Creative Retreat
In this free class, you will create beautiful, handmade journals and fill them with watercolor paintings, charcoal sketches, mixed-media collage, and more. All materials and supplies are included.
TU (9/17), 11:30am, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Youth Mental Health
First Aid: For Adults
Program designed to teach adults how to help an adolescent who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.
TU (9/17), noon, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Kung Fu: Baguazhang
It is the martial arts style that Airbending from the show Avatar: The Last Airbender was based on.
TU (9/17), 1pm and 5:30pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Seed Saving w/Sow True Seeds
Listen to gardeners as they share tips for saving seeds this season. Free, no registration required.
TU (9/17), 6:30pm, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain
Treks Hiking Club for Active Adults
Treks is a low-impact hiking club offering leisurely-paced hikes for active adults 50 or better.
WE (9/18), 9:30am, Asheville Recreation Park, 65 Gashes Creek Rd
Change Your Palate Cooking Demo
This free lunchtime food demonstration is open to all but tailored towards those with type 2 diabetes or hypertension and/or their caretakers.
WE (9/18), noon, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Stressed Brain Syndrome: Brain Function for a Healthier You
An evening with Dr. Cory Noll where he will lead a healthy discussion about our
brain function.
WE (9/18), noon, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Mountain Stitchers
Gather with other makers while you work on knitting, crocheting, stitching, or other personal fiber projects on the third Wednesday of the month.
WE (9/18), 1pm, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Brainy Brews: Solar Energy w/Sugar Hollow Solar
Learn what solar energy is, how it benefits the environment, financial incentives and tax benefits for 2024, and how to start.
WE (9/18), 6pm, The River Arts District Brewing Co., 13 Mystery St
NSA-WNC Meeting
Professional keynote speakers, coaches, trainers, facilitators, and consultants who cover a broad range of topics, skills and knowledge.
All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts. Bring a big stack of business cards or flyers and invite your business contacts to attend.
TH (9/19), 11:30am, free, Southern Porch, 449 Main St, Canton Family Fishing Night This introductory program teaches basic fishing skills. Fishing poles and bait provided.
TH (9/19), 5pm, Azalea Park, Swannanoa River Rd
Dharma & Discuss
Meditation instructions will be given during a sitting which will last 15 to 20 mins. This will be followed by a talk and an opportunity to ask Roger questions afterwards.
TH (9/19), 6:30pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain Craft & Connect
Get crafty and acquire new skills while connecting with friends and neighbors. Advance registration required.
TH (9/19), 7pm, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
GAMES & CLUBS
Bridge for Fun A bridge game night for mid-level players, not for beginners. Contact Tom Fehsenfeld at tom.fehsenfeld@gmail. com.
WE (9/11, 18), 2pm, N Asheville Recreation Center, 37 E Larchmont Rd
Music Bingo Thursdays
Test your music knowledge and your luck with Music Bingo by DJ Spence.
TH (9/12, 19), 6:30pm, Lookout Brewing Company, 103 S Ridgeway Ave, Black Mountain Southside Family Game Night Enjoy popular board and card games with friends, your family or by yourself. Games are provided, but feel free to bring your own share.
FR (9/13), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St Bid Whist Make bids, call trumps, and win tricks. Every Saturday for fun competition with the community.
SA (9/14), 1pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Weekly Sunday Scrabble Weekly scrabble play where you’ll be paired with players of your skill level. All scrabble gear provided.
SU (9/15), 1:30pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Bid Whist Group meets weekly with light refreshments and teams formed based on drop-in attendance.
MO (9/16), 5:30pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
A Night of Dungeons & Dragons
Get matched up for a fiery, heroic evening filled with enthralling stories led by the best. Come solo, bring your friends or bring your gaming foes.
MO (9/16), 6pm, Urban Orchard Cider Co. S Slope, 24 Buxton Ave Ultimate Bid Whist & Spades Bring a partner or come solo for a fun evening of competitive bid whist and spades every Tuesday.
TU (9/17), 6pm, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd
Grove Street Card Sharks
Play a variety of card games including bid whist, spades, tunk, and more every Wednesday.
WE (9/18), 2pm, Grove St Community Center, 36 Grove St Dungeons & Drafts
An evening of adventure, drinks and company to play D&D. There will be premade characters for you to choose from and join the action.
WE (9/18), 6pm, Ginger’s Revenge Craft Brewery & Tasting Room, 829 Riverside Dr
KID-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS
Toddler Takeover
Fun-themed days for children ages 1 to 5.
This weeks features tumble time at West Asheville Park.
WE (9/11, 18), 10:30am, W Asheville Park, 11 Vermont Ave
Kids & Teens Kung Fu
Learn fighting skills as well as conflict resolution and mindfulness. First class is free to see if it’s a good fit for you.
TH (9/12, 19), MO (9/16), TU (9/17), 4pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Toddler & Me Time
Out
This open gym time allows toddlers and caregivers to make memories and new friends through structures and unstructured activities.
FR (9/13), 10am, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Coloring w/Cats:
Kiddie Edition
Release your inner child by coloring with us in the cat lounge while you relieve stress and anxiety.
SA (9/14), 1:30pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
Parks & REC-cess
A recreation experience for kids and teens who are homeschooled with a variety of activities on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Advance registration required.
WE (9/18), 1pm, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd
Let’s Wrestle
Young wrestlers will learn fundamentals of wrestling and experienced wrestlers build skills and improve technique.
TH (9/19), 4:30pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
LOCAL MARKETS
Etowah Lions Farmers Market
An array of farm-fresh local produce that features lettuce, collards, kale, mushrooms as well as local artisans, herbal products, plant starts, prepackaged meals and more. Every Wednesday through October.
WE (9/11, 18), 3pm, Etowah Lions Club, 447 Etowah School Rd, Hendersonville
Weaverville Tailgate Market
A selection of fresh, locally grown produce, grass fed beef, pork, chicken, rabbit, eggs, cheese, sweet and savory baked goods, artisan bread, body care, eclectic handmade goodies, garden and landscaping plants.
Open year round.
WE (9/11, 18), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr Weaverville
Leicester Farmers Market
A community-led farmers market local produce, cheese, meats and crafts, every Wednesday.
WE (9/11, 18), 3pm, Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester
RAD Farmers Market
Providing year-round access to fresh local foods from over 30 local vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, pastured meats, cheeses, raw honey, and more.
WE (9/11, 18), 3pm, Smoky Park Supper Club, 350 Riverside Dr Enka-Candler Farmer’s Market
A grand selection of local foods and crafts, everything from produce to pickles, baked goods to body care, and even educational resources. Every Thursday through October 31.
TH (9/12, 19), 3:30pm, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler
East Asheville Tailgate Market
Featuring locally grown vegetables, fruits, wild foraged mushrooms, ready made food, handmade body care, bread, pastries, meat, eggs, and more to the East Asheville community since 2007. Every Friday through Nov. 22.
FR (9/13), 3pm, 954 Tunnel Rd
Pack Square Artisan Market
Featuring local handcrafted goods in the heart of downtown Asheville. Browse unique products and meet the folks that produce them. Every Friday through Oct. 25.
FR (9/13), 3pm, 1 South Pack Square Park
Henderson County Tailgate Market
Featuring Henderson County's finest produce, hand crafts, plant starts, vegetables, Sourwood honey, baked goods, fresh eggs, mushrooms, sausage and more. Every Saturday through Oct.
SA (9/14), 8am, 100 N King St, Hendersonville
Hendersonville Farmers Market
Featuring fresh produce, meats, baked goods, crafts, live entertainment, food trucks, and more.
SA (9/14), 8am, 650 Maple St
North Asheville Tailgate Market
The oldest Saturday morning market in WNC, since 1980. Over 60 rotating vendors providing a full range of local, sustainably produced produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, plants and unique crafts.
SA (9/14), 8am, 3300 University Heights
Asheville Botanical Garden Fall Native Plant Market
Browse native plants grown by the ABG and local nurseries, for your garden. Fall is the best time to plant so come early for the best selection.
SA (9/14), 9am, Asheville Botanical Garden, 151 WT Weaver Blvd.
Asheville City Market
Featuring local food products, including fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, pastries, and other artisan products. Every Saturday through December 21.
The market features a wide selection of locally grown native plants, perennials, shrubs, trees, and cool-season annuals, all perfect for fall planting.
SA (9/14), 9am, Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville
Mars Hill Farmers & Artisans Market
A producer-only tailgate market located on the campus of Mars Hill University on College Street. Offering fresh local produce, herbs, cheeses, meats, eggs, baked goods, honey, body care and more. Every Saturday through Oct. 26.
SA (9/14), 10am, College St, Mars Hill
RADVIEW Pop Up
Shop unique artisans and support a local non-profit at this monthly RADVIEW Pop Up as you stroll the studios and shops in the River Arts District.
SA (9/14), 2pm, Kind Hearted Goods, 20 Artful Way
WNC Farmers Market
High quality fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, jams, jellies, preserves, sourwood honey, and other farm fresh items. Open daily 8am, year-round.
570 Brevard Rd
Honky Tonk Flea
A honky-theme flea market featuring western wear, vintage, antiques and hand crafted finds galore. There will also be a live DJ and food on site.
SU (9/15), 11am, Eda's Hide-a-Way, 1098 New Stock Rd, Weaverville
Junk-O-Rama
Browse vintage clothing vendors, local crafters, antiques and more.
SU (9/15), 11am, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd
Magical Market
Stock up on magical supplies in the shop, browse the market of local vendors, and even pet some panthers in the cat lounge.
SU (9/15), noon, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
West Asheville
Tailgate Market
Featuring an array of goods including fruits, vegetables, baked goods, bread, eggs, cheese, milk, poultry, and fish to locally made specialty items such as natural beauty products, herbal medicine and locally made art and crafts. Every Tuesday through November 26.
TU (9/17), 3:30pm, 718 Haywood Rd
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
The Asheville Ballet: Fall Into Dance
A professional production of all original choreography by Western North Carolina’s own Ballet Company and North Carolina’s oldest ballet company, The Asheville Ballet, directed by Ann Dunn. See p30-31
FR (9/13), SA (9/14) 7:30pm, 1 S Pack Square Park
4th Annual Vintage Radio Market Museum and vendors will offer many restored and restorable vintage radios, parts, accessories and books.
SA (9/14), 7am, A-B Tech Campus, 16 Fernihurst Drive, 16 Fernihurst Dr
15th Annual West
Asheville Garden Stroll
This special garden stroll features 15 diverse gardens in the Horney Heights neighborhood, on both sides of Sulphur Springs Road from Lucy Herring School westward. Local organizations will be on hand in the morning with resources for
gardeners.
SA (9/14), 10:30am, Lucy S. Herring Elementary School, 98 Sulphur Springs R Asheville Festival of Neighborhoods
The Neighborhood Advisory Committee invites all of Asheville to gather for a day filled with neighborly interaction, learning, and fun for the whole family. There will be food trucks, yard games, DJ music and more. See p31
SA (9/14), 11am, Martin Luther King Jr Park, 50 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr
HCA Healthcare: Show Love Fest
A fun-filled day for the WNC community to show gratitude for good health and healthcare workers. This festival will also feature live music performances from local bands and there will be food and beer truck options for purchase.
SA (9/14), noon, Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd
Sow & Grow Fest 2024
A family-friendly event celebrating WNC's vibrant food and farming community. Local musicians Laura Blackley and Ashley Chambliss will entertain you with their soulful sound. See p29 SA (9/14), noon, Hickory Nut Gap Farm, 57 Sugar Hollow Rd, Fairview
Historic Shiloh Community Celebration Celebrate the history of Shiloh with stories, artifacts, fellowship and more.
SA (9/14), 1:30pm, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd
Music In the Mountains Folk Festival
An annual folk festival that celebrates the traditional mountain music and cultural heritage of WNC. This year's festival honoree is accomplished musician
Terry McKinney who is recognized for substantial contributions to the musical traditions in our area.
SA (9/14), 2pm, Homeplace Beer Co., 6 South Main St Area C, Burnsville
Bi-Annual Grovewood
Village Studio Tour
During this event, the resident artists at Grovewood Village will open up their studios to the public, allowing visitors to gain insight into their creative process and view their most recent works. This is a free, self-guided, explore-at-your-ownpace tour.
SA (9/14), SU (9/15), noon, Grovewood Village, 111 Grovewood Rd
Rock the RAD Block Party
It's the ultimate party to celebrate Asheville's River Arts District with music from DJs, an artisan market, BBQ, local beers, specialty cocktails and more.
SU (9/15), noon, Paynes Way, Paynes Way
Pisgah Pepper Party
Featuring an array of hot sauce vendors, craft vendors, kid's games and activities as well as the much anticipated release of their Mole Stout.
SU (9/15), 4pm, Pisgah Brewing Co., 2948 US Hwy 70 W, Black Mountain
New Belgium Battle of the Bands
New Belgium coworkers, who work together, and rock together will put their talents on the line, for a chance to be featured at the 2024 Tour De Fat Party.
TU (9/17), 8:30pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave
Panel Discussion & Common Ground Film
Screening
Earth Fare and Devil's Foot Beverage Company are partnering to present free screenings of Common Grounds,
an award-winning, star-studded documentary that explores the impact of regenerative agriculture.
WE (9/18), 6pm, The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd Ste 10
Common Ground Film
Screening & Vendor Market
Earth Fare and Devil's Foot Beverage Company are partnering to present free screenings of Common Grounds, an award-winning, star-studded documentary that explores the impact of regenerative agriculture. There will also be a local vendor fair on this date.
TH (9/19), 6pm, The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd Ste 10
Love Is Art: AVL Pride Week Kickoff Party
Experience a live queer body painting artistic performance using Love Is Art Kits by artist Jeremy Brown, beats by local DJ Griffin White, and an appearance from drag queen Ganymede.
TH (9/19), 6pm, Marquee Asheville, 36 Foundy St
BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING
Oakley Community Closet
A cost-free opportunity to swap and shop clothes, shoes, and toys. Donations happily accepted at Murphy-Oakley Community Center throughout the week.
WE (9/11), 1pm, Murphy-Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd
Walk-In Mammography
This new service is available to women who have not had a mammography exam in the past year and is for screening mammograms only.
FR (9/13), 9am, Haywood Regional Medical Center, 262 Leroy George Dr, Clyde
2024 WNC Run/Walk for Autism
An amazing and funfilled community event that helps improve the lives of autistic children and adults by raising funds to support local autism programs.
SA (9/14), 8am, Bill Moore Community Park, 85 Howard Gap Rd, Fletcher
Comedy To The Rescue
A comedy night featuring Shivani Nadarajah and Clay Foley that will have you laughing till your sides split while supporting the pets of the homeless in Asheville. See p31
SA (9/14), 2pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave
German Shepherd Rescue & Adoptions
A special meet and greet that will feature available German Shepherd dogs for adoption.
SA (9/14), 2:30pm, Pisgah Brewing Co., 2948 US Hwy 70 W, Black Mountain Manna Food Bank Fundraiser & Wood Art Auction Artisan woodworkers from around Western North Carolina have created one-of-a-kind pieces of art to be auctioned. All proceeds of the 2024 event will benefit Manna Food Bank to support their work combating food insecurity.
SA (9/14), 5pm, Foundation Woodworks, 17 Foundy St, Ste 10
The Grey Eagle Classic Golf Tournament
This tournament welcomes local businesses, community partners, supporters of music and arts for a day full of golf, games, food, drinks, and lots of fun. A portion of proceeds will directly support MountainTrue.
SU (9/15), 2:30pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave
WELLNESS
Rabid critters
BY JESSICA WAKEMAN
jwakeman@mountainx.com
An animal bite can be dangerous. The Buncombe County Public Health Department typically receives upward of 1,000 bite reports yearly, according to Buncombe public health nurse Susan Creede
Since the beginning of 2024, there have been 930 bite reports filed, she says. The Public Health Department and the county Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Department investigate every one. And so far this year, there has been sufficient concern about potential exposure to rabies that Public Health recommended people begin to take postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) in 178 of those cases.
Creede and Jessica Silver, county environmental health program manager, spoke with Xpress about the procedure for getting PEP after an animal bite, indicators that an animal might have rabies and what to know about bats in your house.
This interview has been condensed for length and edited for clarity. What should someone do if bitten by an animal?
Susan Creede: The best thing that anybody can do is treat a bite like a car accident. If you get bit by a dog, get that dog’s name, the owner’s name, phone number, address and vet. Animal Control will follow up with the vet to verify the status of the animal’s rabies vaccine status. If we know [the owner’s] phone number and where they live, that makes the process seamless. … Any bite, any break in the skin, we need to know about it.
Walk me through what happens –to the human and to the animal – if someone is bitten.
Animal bites should be treated ‘like a car accident,’ says
health department
BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY: Buncombe County environmental health program manager Jessica Silver, left, and public health nurse Susan Creede say every animal bite is treated as if it could be a potential exposure to rabies. A person who has been bitten will be started on a regimen of postexposure prophylaxis, also called the rabies vaccine, if an investigation can’t determine whether the animal has had a rabies shot. Photo by Stacey Wood
SC: Say you’re out hiking in Bent Creek and a random dog chomps your leg. [That would require filing a] bite report. The doctor’s office, the hospital, urgent care — they’re all
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obligated by law to report a bite to us and to Animal Control. Then we in Public Health deal with the human side of things, and Animal Control handles the animal portion.
Animal Control will attempt to locate and quarantine that dog. If we can quarantine the dog, there’s a 10-day quarantine that happens in the home. The dog is not euthanized, the dog is not taken away. Quarantine has some guidelines — simple things like don’t let your dog out in the front yard unattended, and for them to pee and poo, they need to be on a leash, and [keep the dog away from] other dogs or other humans. So if you were having a dinner party, you want to keep that dog locked up in a room.
At the end of the 10 days, Animal Control either stops by the house or does a FaceTime call with that family and observes the dog. If the dog is alive, we’re done. We know that rabies will take over a domesticated animal within 10 days, and that is the [reason for] the quarantine. So if we can just keep that dog away from others and quarantined in the home, then we know [it doesn’t have rabies]. Tell me about postexposure prophylaxis for rabies. When would the Public Health Department recommend a person who has been bitten start taking PEP?
SC: [If an animal is quarantined and it is alive after 10 days], we do not recommend PEP. Now, if that animal were to die on day seven, we could send it for testing and verify if it did or did not die from rabies. If the lab/animal resulted positive for rabies, we would recommend PEP to start immediately.
[If we can’t locate the animal], which happens now and again, we would have to recommend you start PEP. … Every bite, until you do your investigation is a potential exposure to rabies.
What’s the procedure like for PEP? The patient needs to have a
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lot of shots over a period of a few weeks, correct?
SC: It’s a lot of shots. If you are recommended to get PEP, it must start at the hospital because you have to get a shot of the immunoglobulin. It’s known as HRIG (human rabies immune globulin). That just gives you immediate protection; it’s like a jump start to your immune system. While you’re in the hospital, you’re probably going to get an antibiotic for that bite, and you should get an updated tetanus shot. There’s a bunch of shots that happen on day zero.
The rest of the shots are on a schedule. Day zero [requires going to the] hospital; then on day three, you return for shots, [and then you return again on] day seven and day 14. … That schedule is designed [for shots to be administered] at 10 a.m.-2 p.m. perfectly. We can never give a shot early. If something happened, we could give it a little bit late, but for full protection, you want to stick to that schedule to the best of your ability.
What animal bites are the most common?
SC: It’s a variety. Any bite is reportable by law — a raccoon bite, a squirrel bite, bear bite, dog, cat, groundhog. Most of them are [from a] dog. The animals that we’re most worried about are bats, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, skunks. Those are our highest vectors — they can transmit rabies more often than other animals. How do people come into contact with some of these animals?
Jessica Silver: The majority of the wild animals that I know that have bitten people have been from people being overly friendly — like “Oh, it’s a raccoon, let me touch it, let me play with it, let me feed it.” [With] wildlife, regardless of how cute it looks, [you] should stay away — not try to pet them or pick them up.
SC: It is primarily feeding – people feeding a deer or raccoon. The ani-
mal approaches and approaches, but it’s still a wild animal and it’s going to bite if it gets spooked.
[We have] our good Samaritans who try to rescue an animal who’s been hit by a car or injured on the side of the road. They pick the animal up and get it to safety. Oftentimes, an injured animal [may] bite. That includes wild or domestic animals.
If you’re a good Samaritan in that way, make sure you’ve got good gloves and a heavy towel. We don’t recommend doing it at all — but if you’re going to be that person, you need to have equipment.
Can you tell if an animal has rabies just by looking at them?
SC: Animals will act strangely, like a raccoon shouldn’t be out during the daytime. They’re typically aggressive, fearless. They might be staggering. They could have a seizure. Lots of times they’re drooling. That’s where rabies lives, in the saliva. …
You’re going to want to keep your [pets] away from an animal that is presenting differently or poorly. You’re certainly not going to let your children or loved ones anywhere near it. Again, that animal is not going to survive greater than 10 days if it has rabies. It’s going to crawl off into the woods and die pretty quickly. Probably sooner than 10 days, really. You should never try to feed it or help it. Just let nature take its course. Is there anything else you want people to know about animal bites and rabies?
JC: Bats are unique critters in that their teeth are so sharp that you don’t necessarily know you’ve been bitten. Let’s say you take a nap on your sofa, you wake up and you see a bat in the house — you’ll definitely want to call Animal Control, and Animal Control officers can come out and help capture the bat and send the bat for testing. … You never, ever want to let a bat go. X
Magical Offerings
9/13: Reader: Krysta 12-7
9/14: Reader: Edward 12-6
Abby’s Magical Hour 6-7:30
9/15: Reader: Andrea 12-5
Welcoming Circle 4:30-6
9/16: Reader: Aimee 1-7
9/17: FULL MOON
Partial Lunar
Reader: Bryon 1-5
ARTS & CULTURE
Born and raised
BY THOMAS CALDER
I have a tendency to get lost when I’m driving. So when Asheville City Council candidate Charles “CJ” Domingo suggested we meet on the Blue Ridge Parkway, I knew there was a chance things might not go my way.
As if sensing my unwritten concern (we’d planned our meeting over several emails), he suggested I select the overlook. I opted for Craven Gap Trail, where he and I agreed to gather at high noon on a recent Thursday as part of Xpress’ limited, six-part series, “On the Record,” wherein I meet with an individual Council candidate to listen to an album of their choosing and discuss the local arts scene.
Despite being in charge, I somehow managed to get Domingo lost, sending him in the opposite direction of my intended location. But we figured it out over the course of a couple of texts. And eventually, with great embarrassment, I found my way to the candidate, who — because of my poor directions — sat parked in his 2003 Toyota Echo at the Haw Creek Valley overlook.
After some initial small talk, I hopped into the passenger seat of his car, where we listened Jim Croce’s 1973 album Live: The Final Tour.
’NOBODY UP THERE CARES’
Domingo’s affinity for Croce is tied to his father, Gilbert, who had aspirations of becoming a professional musician.
“All through my childhood, guitar music was a backdrop,” Domingo says. “And Jim Croce’s style of playing is kind of in the vein of what my dad tried to reach.”
Ultimately, Domingo’s father put down his guitar and worked 40 years for the City of Asheville’s Information Technology Services. Growing up, Domingo remembers getting out of school and going downtown to visit his dad. These daily trips inspired him to work for the city, joining the Transportation Department from 2022-23.
But his experience as an employee proved dramatically different from his childhood memories. “The gist of it is, City Hall is the pink palace where ideas go to die,” he says, as we listen to
OLD SCHOOL: At 36, Charles “CJ” Domingo is among the youngest in this year’s pool of candidates running for Asheville City Council. Despite his age, he was the only candidate who brought a physical CD to his conversation with Xpress for the limited series, On the Record. “I’m kind of a throwback person,” he says. Photo by Thomas Calder
Croce. “Nobody up there cares about what anybody out on the street is actually doing. And that was consistently the feeling of so many employees.”
This disconnect led to Domingo’s departure from his post. (Today, he works for Securitas Loomis as operations supervisor.) It was also the groundwork for what eventually inspired him to run for office.
“I don’t want to sound overly negative,” he says of his time with the city. “But because of my experience, I was really disillusioned and upset. … You can only really be that hurt and broken over something if you loved it in the first place.”
SPEAKING THE LANGUAGE
Unlike the other five candidates running for Council, Domingo is the lone registered Republican. But his party affiliation, he notes, is not what matters.
“I’m an Ashevillean first,” he says. “I love this town. I was born and raised here. … I want to make sure that we’re taking care of our people, taking care of our city and doing stuff that we need to do.”
When it comes to the arts, Domingo views it as an essential component of the community’s fabric, noting his
fond recollections of attending Bele Chere and the rich artistic experience he had as a former student at Francine Delany New School.
“Art is another language,” he says. “It is the language that we use to express some of those hidden parts of us. Some of those true parts of us. … If not everybody’s speaking that language, it diminishes.”
But government’s role in such expression, Domingo continues, should be approached with caution. He is in favor of community spaces and programs that provide opportunities for residents to learn new artistic skills such as pottery and metalwork. But he is opposed to the idea of local government having artists on the payroll.
“I tend to have a view that if the government is paying for the art, that kind of changes the art,” he says.
A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO HOUSING
Similar to my previously published conversations with candidates Tod Leaven, Kevan Frazier and Kim Roney, housing is a major priority for Domingo in his run for Council.
While he supports incentive programs that encourage developers
to include affordable units within a given project, he also advocates for community members taking matters into their own hands.
“My housing plan tries to invite the neighborhoods to join in helping make their neighborhood more dense,” he says. “If you’re renting out a room in your house or an ADU [accessory dwelling unit] on your property, you decide how much you want to charge at that time. And because you’re not a faceless corporation … if the arts is really important to you and you see an artist [applying], you can say — ‘I’m gonna cut that person a deal.’ That allows for the natural goodness of the community and the community’s love of art to come out.”
Domingo also favors grants for homeowners to convert larger units into quadraplexes, instead of potentially selling their property to a large corporation when it’s time to downsize. Additionally, he’d like to see the city implement a program that eases the permitting process on individual properties, so homeowners could build grant-funded, preapproved ADU models on their land, which he believes could create quicker turnaround on much-needed housing.
“Building several small ADUs could be done parallel by multiple construction companies, so you can get dozens of them up at the same time, where building one apartment complex can take you a year to years,” he says.
A STITCH IN TIME
When Croce’s album ends, we step outside Domingo’s car. Storm clouds roll in over the mountains. He looks out across the parkway and brings up a previous job he had during the COVID-19 pandemic. His position involved delivering medicine to individual homes. Despite the risks associated with these close interactions,
he says he went all in. In part, because he was single and in his mid-30s.
“I was the most expendable to society,” he says. “I know that sounds a little macabre, but that was my hard-nosed assessment. … I’m not a doctor, so I couldn’t help in that way, but I could run stuff to people and keep myself as safe as possible so I could be a conduit for people to get medicine.”
Throughout that period, he continues, he regularly took the parkway to and from the office. “It was a solemn time, but I was reconnecting with music, having long periods of listening to some old albums,” he says.
I ask Domingo if I can photograph him posing with the Croce CD. Despite being one of the youngest candidates (Domingo is 36), I point out that he’s the only one who brought a physical copy to the series interview.
“I’m kind of a throwback person,” he says.
To emphasize his point, he turns to his car. The windows, he notes, are manual. The reason, he explains, is because as a child he survived a car accident in which the vehicle crashed into a lake. “We had early automatic windows,” he says. “They couldn’t roll down.”
Everyone survived the event, but it left an impression. “I like things that are mechanical because I can learn how to fix it myself,” he explains.
Which brings him back to why he’s running for Council. His major criticism of the city, he says, is its seeming inability to stay on top of maintenance — be it the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium or the parking garages. These delays, he stresses, cost taxpayers more money.
A light rain begins to fall.
“How did we forget that a stitch in time saves nine?” he asks.
Soon thereafter, we shake hands and part ways, just as the summer storm fully unleashes. X
What’s new in food
Two Asheville chefs bring the heat to the NCRLA Chef Showdown
Chef Jill (Wasilewski) Heaton's decision to close her 7-year-old Arden restaurant in October 2023 wasn’t easy. But the popularity of Ivory Road and several years of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath had taken a toll. “It was too much for one owner,” she says.
Since then, she turned the stone cottage into an events and rental space where she has hosted dinners, pop-ups, brunches and other “little things here and there.” She also married her longtime partner Zach Heaton — they are expecting their first child in October. And this summer, Jill Heaton joined fellow chef and Utopian Seed Project (USP) culinary and development director Terri Terrell in representing Asheville in the eighth annual N.C. Restaurant and Lodging Association (NCRLA) Chef Showdown grande finale on Aug. 26 in Durham, N.C.
After making it through the event's preliminary and regional rounds, Heaton was named one of five pastry finalists and won the People’s Choice award for Best Dessert. (She received the same award in 2023.)
“The purpose of the competition is to showcase North Carolina ingredients,” she explains. “It’s the dead of summer, so corn is everywhere. It worked well in my dessert.”
Her dish was a sweet corn crème brûlée on graham cracker cake with basil-marinated peaches and saffron milk crumble. She sourced the corn, cream, eggs, basil and peaches in North Carolina for her 500 grand finale mini brûlées, with her husband helping as sous chef.
In the few weeks before she adds the role of mama to her resume, Heaton will be one of four chefs cooking for USP's next Trial to Table event on Saturday, Sept. 14 (see next item). Also on the calendar are a wine dinner with Mountain Brook Vineyards on Thursday, Sept. 19, and a bourbon dinner with Two Trees Distilling on Thursday, Sept. 26, all at Ivory Road.
Terrell was one of only two women among the Showdown’s 15 Savory Chef finalists and the only savory chef from Asheville to move on from the pool of 64 competitors at the April preliminary round, where she won Best Dish. “It was a really big deal for me that I got so far,” she says.
TASTE OF ASHEVILLE: Chefs Terri Terrell, left, and Jill Heaton, right, represented Asheville in the Aug. 26 grand finale of the N.C. Restaurant & Lodging Association’s 2024 Chef Showdown. Photos courtesy of NCRLA and the chefs
Terrell sourced nearly all of her ingredients from USP. Aside from the personal accomplishment, she says, it was exhilarating to spotlight the nonprofit's mission, products and founder, Chris Smith — as well as heirloom corn from Asheville chef Luis Martinez’s Tequio Foods. “I got to show and tell people that had never heard about Utopian Seed Project all about it. That was the big win,” says Terrell.
The dish that took her to the finals was collard-wrapped North Carolina catfish tamales with tomato gravy. Highlighting USP's crop diversity work, the creation also included alternative summer greens beurre blanc (made with fig, tomato, sochan and shiso leaves); a succotash featuring tomato aspic, rainbow corn and “promiscuous” peas (genetically diverse Southern peas); corn silk crackling; and okra seed chili crisp.
“I made 500 minitamales for the finals and tied each one,” she says. “I was proud to challenge myself and showcase Utopian Seed Project.”
Ivory Road is at 1854 Brevard Road. For a calendar of Heaton's events, visit avl.mx/e3z. For more on Terri Terrell, visit avl.mx/e45.
Seed to table
The fourth of the Utopian Seed Project's five 2024 Trial to Table events produced by Terrell will take place Saturday, Sept. 14, 4:30-7 p.m., at Ivory Road with desserts by Heaton.
Each Trial to Table highlights one of the nonprofit's trialed crop products, inviting participating chefs to avail themselves of over 50 items in the USP pantry to create two dishes each — resulting in eight tapas-sized plates for attendees.
Chefs Yunanda Wilson (aThoke Lay Burmese pop-ups), Awo Amenumey (Eh’vivi Ghanian popups) and Erica "Shorty" Simhoff (Bun Intended) will use bitter melon to make two savory dishes each; Heaton will incorporate it into two desserts. There will also be a tasting table and bitter melon cooking demo.
Drinks will be available for purchase. Tickets are a suggested $50 per person with a pay-what-youcan option.
Ivory Road is at 1854 Brevard Road. For tickets, visit avl.mx/e44.
Fair food
It’s that time of year when the scent of funnel cakes and corn dogs
wafts all across the U.S. At the 30th annual N.C. Mountain State Fair, which kicked off Sept. 6 and continues through Sunday, Sept. 15, attendees will find those tasty treats and more in the food area adjacent to the midway. But N.C. Department of Agriculture spokesperson Ellerslie McCue urges fairgoers to also walk on over to the Got to Be NC Pavilion, which has been supersized this year.
Inside the Chevrolet Davis Arena, guests can sample and purchase nearly 40 value-added, made-inNorth Carolina products from companies such as Appalachian Mountain Brewery, Baste sauces and seasonings, Carolina Gold Oils and Light of the Moon baked goods.
Additionally, there are 20 North Carolina food vendors parked on the food truck alley, including Blunt Pretzels, Umami, Glazed and Infused, and MeMa’s Chick’n & Ribs. “Just follow the wood smoke,” McCue says.
The fair is at the WNC Agricultural Center, 1301 Fanning Bridge Road, Fletcher. For information, visit avl.mx/e3u.
All Day Darling plans Oakley eatery
Chef Jacob Sessoms recently announced plans to add an Oakley location to his Montford restaurant, All Day Darling.
The Montford location will celebrate the upcoming launch with a party Saturday, Sept. 14, 5-9 p.m., featuring house-made pizzas, barbecue and picnic dishes, wine and cocktails.
Construction on the Oakley eatery will begin in early 2025 with the goal of opening by the end of that year, according to a media statement. The specific location has not yet been disclosed.
All Day Darling is at 102 Montford Ave. Learn more at avl.mx/cbk.
Oktober in September
Fonta Flora Brewery invites you to raise a stein and say "prost!" at its eighth annual Oktoberfest, Saturday, Sept. 14, noon-9 p.m. at Whippoorwill Farm in Nebo. There will be German-inspired dishes from the Fonta Flora kitchen, Bavarian soft brezels by Underground Baking Co., music from the Steubenville Tootlers Polka Band 3-6 p.m., the popular stein-holding contest at 5 p.m. and, of course, plenty of beer. Lederhosen and dirndl finery is encouraged. Admission is free. Whippoorwill Farm is at 6751 N.C. 126, Nebo. For more information, visit avl.mx/e3n.
Sow & Grow Fest
The Organic Growers School (OGS) will host Sow & Grow Fest on Saturday, Sept. 14, noon-5 p.m. at Hickory Nut Gap Farm. The event includes a plant and seed share, interactive gardening demonstrations, tomato tastings, vendors, music by Laura Blackley and Ashley Chambliss, and family-friendly activities. The festival is free, but preregistration is required.
To raise funds for OGS' Grow for Good Fund, which supports farmer training programs and scholarships, the festival will include a community potluck 1-2 p.m. featuring farmfresh dishes made by farm program students, board, staff and partners. Visitors can buy a ticket for the potluck ($20 suggested donation) or bring a shareable dish instead.
Hickory Nut Gap Farm is at 57 Sugar Hollow Road, Fairview. For more information and to register, visit avl.mx/e3l.
Dinner and show
Dr. John Wilson Community Garden in Black Mountain marks two decades of growing produce for the community and providing space for residents to garden with a 20th-anniversary celebration on Sunday, Sept. 22, 5-8 p.m., at White Horse Black Mountain. The event includes dinner prepared by local restaurants and gardeners, a cash bar, silent auction, raffle, live music and an original play from community theater playwright and director Jerry Pope.
Proceeds will provide financial support for the garden’s interns and seed money for a new structure to replace the current barn. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door. Student (college and K-12) tickets are $25. Children 6 years and younger are admitted free.
White Horse Black Mountain is at 105 Montreat Road, Black Mountain. For more information, visit avl.mx/e3p.
Azalea Bar & Kitchen blooms in Kenilworth
Azalea Bar & Kitchen, the two-story lounge and restaurant on the property of The Residences at Biltmore hotel in Kenilworth, has opened its outdoor patio with sunshades and heaters. A new culinary team has refreshed the elevated-casual dinner menu, which will shift seasonally around staples including deviled egg sliders, fried green tomatoes, a tempeh and black bean wrap, and Chef John's Shogun Burger with pickled apple slaw and shoyu glaze.
Azalea Bar & Kitchen is open for dinner 3-9 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and brunch 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 5 Caledonia Road. For more information, visit avl.mx/e31.
Botanist & Barrel founder honored
Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 Tastemakers class of 2024 list is out, and Botanist & Barrel Cidery & Winery co-founder/COO Lyndon Smith is in. The magazine says honorees are recognized for “changing the wine, spirits, beer, cider and cannabis spaces for the better,” describing Smith as “a mad fermentation scientist.”
B&B, which has a farm and production facility in Cedar Grove, was founded in 2017 by Smith; his wife, Amie Fields; and his sister Kether Smith and her husband, Derric McGuffey. They opened their downtown Asheville tasting room and bottle shop in 2021.
The B&B tasting room is at 32 Broadway. Learn more at avl.mx/e46.
— Kay West X
Authentic Brazilian Cuisine
• 15 different rotisserie-grille meats & signature items served right at your table
• Full bar with fine wines • Expansive salad bar and delectable desserts
• Serving dinner every night and brunch on Sat & Sun • Live music on Fridays
• Sunday brunch for only $34.95
@Camdenscoffeehouse • 40 N Main St, Mars Hill, NC
Around Town
Punch Bucket Lit
launches literary festival in Asheville
Punch Bucket Lit will present its first literary festival Friday-Saturday, Sept. 20-21, at the Wortham Center for Performing Arts and the Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel. Launched in 2022 as a monthly literary reading series at Cellarest Beer Project, Punch Bucket became a nonprofit in February 2023.
“Punch Bucket’s vision has always been to support local writers while also working to provide a platform for regional and national writers interested in sharing their work with the Asheville-area community,” says Alex McWalters, outreach director for the organization. “As the series grew, we felt it was time to create a larger platform for the exchange of ideas and the showcasing of local and national literary talent and to provide
MOVIE REVIEWS
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE: Michael Keaton deserves an Oscar for this hilarious resurrection of his most beloved character. Grade: B-plus — Edwin Arnaudin
a chance for the wider community to partake as well. It seemed to us that Asheville was ready and eager for a literary festival.”
The event will feature more than 100 writers, including New York Times bestselling and three-time National Book Award-nominated author Lauren Groff. Groff’s novels include The Monsters of Templeton, Arcadia and Fates and Furies
Also on tap will be readings, workshops and panel discussions covering memoir, fiction, nonfiction and poetry. An all-day book fair will host representatives of more than 20 literary magazines and presses, including The Sun magazine, Ecotone, The Rumpus and Loblolly Press
Plans for the festival began shortly after Punch Bucket Lit achieved nonprofit status, McWalters explains.
“We set out designing the sort of festival we ourselves would be interested in attending. We called it a festival, as opposed to a conference, because we knew we wanted the emphasis to be on writers reading/ sharing their work.”
The festival will open at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20, at the Wortham Center with five-minute prose-and-poetry performances by authors Leah Hampton, Halle Hill, Bryn Chancellor and Ye Chun, as well as poets Jessica Jacobs, Meg Day, Melissa Crowe and Evelyn Berry
On Saturday, Sept. 21, the event will feature more prose-and-poetry readings, literary panels and workshops from 8:30 a.m.-5:15 p.m. at both venues. The book fair will run from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Wortham Center.
LITERARY ENDEAVOR: A conversation between authors Lauren Groff, left, and Tessa Fontaine will headline the Punch Bucket Literary Festival on Saturday, Sept. 21. Photos courtesy of Punch Bucket Lit
Saturday Night’s keynote event will begin with poets Diamond Forde and Jóse Olivarez in conversation with Eric Tran. The festival’s headlining event will feature Groff in conversation with memoirist and novelist Tessa Fontaine
“We hope each attendee experiences a deep personal connection to at least one piece of work they encounter during the festival,” McWalters says. “Literature has the power to allow us to see ourselves and to see others in new and deeper ways, and perhaps the only thing more powerful than internalizing that power — the power of art — is to have that experience amongst others, in community.”
The Wortham Center for the Performing Arts is at 18 Biltmore Ave. The Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel is at 31 Woodfin St. For more information about the Punch Bucket Literary Festival, visit avl.mx/prye.
Local poet publishes interviews with colleagues
Black Mountain poet Michael Hettich has released And the Poet Said..., a book featuring interviews he conducted with 14 fellow poets for Hole in the Head Review, a journal of poetry, art and photography.
The idea of collecting the interviews, originally published in the journal over four years starting in 2020, came from Hole in the Head founder and editor Bill Schulz, Hettich says.
“Seeing all these interviews collected here under one cover is gratifying and impressive,” he says. “I’m
impressed by the variety and range of answers I got to fairly straightforward questions. I’m impressed also by their range and depth, by their commitment to the art of poetry.”
Hettich found it natural to reach out to local poets, and six of the poets featured in the book have Asheville ties: Mildred Barya, an assistant professor of English at UNC Asheville; Jeff Davis, a former instructor with UNCA’s Great Smokies Writing Program; Marie Harris, a former New Hampshire poet laureate who now lives in Asheville; Sebastian Matthews, a former Warren Wilson College teacher; Merrill Gilfillan, who lives in Asheville; and Eric Nelson, a former Georgia Southern University professor who retired to Asheville.
“All of the poets interviewed for the book shared a dedication to craft that included wide and creative reading as well as daily practice,” Hettich says. “They are all serious artists. That shouldn’t surprise me, since I count myself one of them, but it does fly in the face of the wrongheaded notion that poets are people who simply write when the impulse grabs them or when they’re ’inspired.’”
For more information, go to avl.mx/e3r.
Ballet under the stars
The Asheville Ballet’s first show of the 2024-25 season, Fall Into Dance: An Artistic Harvest, will take place FridaySaturday, Sept. 13-14, 7:30 p.m., at the Roger McGuire Green stage in Pack Square Park.
Ann Dunn, the ballet’s artistic and executive director, describes it in a press release as “a perfect opportunity for people, young and seasoned, to
encounter professional classical and contemporary dance in a wonderful collection of artistic visions, from funny to powerful.”
Among the works performed will be Dunn’s “Conch,” Alisha Ear’s “Donde Voy,” Phillip McRorie’s “Just Do What You Can” and Tricia Renshaw’s “Re-dress.” Other featured choreographers will be Fleming Lomax, Regina Rice, Rachel Sanford and Rachel Taylor
Pack Square Park is at 80 Court Plaza. For more information, go to avl.mx/e3s.
Meet your neighbors
The City of Asheville’s Neighborhood Advisory Committee will present the Festival of Neighborhoods on Saturday, Sept. 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Martin Luther King Jr. Park.
The event, created to strengthen community connections, will include an inflatable obstacle course, a popup bike park, a firetruck, yard games, food trucks and a DJ.
Representatives from neighborhood organizations will be on hand to discuss projects, initiatives and volunteering opportunities. Residents will also have the chance to talk to city employees from departments, including police, public works, parks and recreation, and transportation as well as mental health providers and literacy organizations. In honor of Emergency Preparedness Month, Fire Department representatives will provide information on how to get ready for emergency events.
Admission is free.
Martin Luther King Jr. Park is at 50 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. For more information, visit avl.mx/e3t.
Local memoirist speaks at library
Jennifer McGaha, a teacher at UNC Asheville and coordinator of the Great Smokies Writing Program, will discuss her 2023 memoir Bushwhacking: How to Get Lost in the Woods and Write Your Way Out, on Thursday, Sept. 12, 7-8 p.m., at the West Asheville Library. The talk will be the first of three presented by the Wilma Dykeman Legacy as part of its “My Story 2024” series.
Described by its publisher as “part writing memoir, part nature memoir and part meditation on a life well lived,” Bushwhacking features essays on McGaha’s experiences running, hiking, biking, paddling and getting lost across the Appalachian Mountains. “Every time I went into the woods, I learned something new, something
that captivated and inspired me and somehow translated to my writing life,” she writes in the book.
The Dykeman Legacy will also present talks by Ann Batchelder, author of Craving Spring: A Mother’s Quest, a Daughter’s Depression, and the Greek Myth that Brought Them Together, on Thursday, Nov. 14; and Benjamin Gilmer, who wrote The Other Dr. Gilmer: Two Men, a Murder, and an Unlikely Fight for Justice, on Thursday, Dec. 12. Both events will be from 7-8 p.m. at the West Asheville Library.
The Wilma Dykeman Legacy is a nonprofit that honors the life of the late writer and activist, a Buncombe County native best known for her 1955 book, The French Broad.
The West Asheville Library is at 942 Haywood Road. To register to participate by Zoom, email MyStory@ wilmadykemanlegacy.org. For more information, go to avl.mx/e3v.
Skate it off
Asheville Parks & Recreation will host Swiftie Skate Night on Friday, Sept. 13, 6-8:30 p.m., at Carrier Park.
The free event will feature an all-Taylor Swift soundtrack.
Participants are encouraged to dress in a way that represents their favorite Swift era and bring friendship bracelets to trade. Only a limited number of rental roller skates will be available.
Carrier Park is at 220 Amboy Road. For more information, visit avl.mx/e3w.
Comedy show benefits pets
Stand-up comedians Clay Foley and Shivani Nadarajah will perform at Comedy to The Rescue, a benefit for the Street Dog Coalition of Asheville, on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2 p.m., at The Grey Eagle.
All proceeds from the show will go to the coalition’s emergency fund, which provides advanced veterinary care for pets of people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The coalition also holds free clinics focused on preventive care every two months at the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry.
Paper Pills, Acid Jo & Machine 13 (alt-rock, experimental, cyberindustrial), 9pm
THE GREY EAGLE Anya Hinkle & John Doyle (Appalachian, Americana), 8pm
THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.
Well-Crafted Music w/ Matt Smith, 6pm
THE ODD
Terraoke Karaoke Takeover, 9pm
THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL
Team Awesome (covers), 10pm
CLUBLAND
AMERICAN ROOTS MUSIC: On Monday, Sept. 16, The Grey Eagle hosts song-driven Americana band Fruition, starting at 8 p.m. This show will feature music from the group’s latest studio album, How To Make Mistakes, a melting pot of rock, soul, folk and pop. Photo courtesy of Kaja Sigvalda
THE ORANGE PEEL Badflower w/Slothrust & Missio (alt-rock, post-grunge), 7pm
THE OUTPOST Bluegrass Jam w/Sam Wharton, 6pm
URBAN ORCHARD
CIDER CO. SOUTH SLOPE Trivia Wednesday, 6:30pm
WHITE HORSE BLACK
MOUNTAIN Irish Session, 7pm
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
ASHEVILLE GUITAR
BAR
John Allen Keck & Above Ground (rock, Americana), 8pm
ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Adam Deitch (electronic, hip-hop, funk), 10pm
AYURPRANA LISTENING ROOM
Steve Forbert (folk, rock), 6:30pm
BATTERY PARK BOOK
EXCHANGE
Mike Kenton & Jim Tanner (jazz), 5:30pm
CROW & QUILL
Russ Wilson & The Kings of Jazz, 8pm
EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY Karaoke Night w/KJ Marcula, 8pm
FLEETWOOD'S In Dog Years, Why Why & Pink No Pink (rock, surf-rock, indie), 9pm
FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Jerry's Dead (Grateful Dead & JGB Tribute), 6pm
IMPERIÁL
DJ Mark Majors (hiphop, funk, R&B), 9pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7pm
LAZOOM ROOM BAR & GORILLA Eyes Up Here Comedy, 8:30pm
MAD CO. BREW
HOUSE
Karaoke Thursday, 6pm
OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.
Trio De Janeiro (rock, blues, jazz), 8pm
ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC
HALL
Isaac Hadden's Thursday Throwdown, 9pm
ONE WORLD BREWING
Ashley Chambliss (Americana), 8pm
ONE WORLD
BREWING WEST
Fee Fi Phaux Fish (Phish tribute), 8pm
OUTSIDER BREWING
Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm
PULP
Slice of Life Standup
Comedy Contest, 7pm
PISGAH BREWING CO.
Fern (prog-rock, funk, jazz), 6:30pm
SALVAGE STATION
The Nude Party (altrock), 8pm
SHILOH & GAINES
Karaoke Night, 8pm
SIERRA NEVADA
BREWING CO.
Lettuce (funk, hip-hop, rock), 6pm
SOVEREIGN KAVA
Django & Jenga Jazz Jam, 7pm
STATIC AGE LOFT
Karaoke Night, 10pm
STATIC AGE RECORDS
Melodi Royale, New New, Amari D & Slim (R&B, hip-hop, newosoul), 8:30pm
THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR
Karaoke w/Terraoke, 7pm
THE GREY EAGLE
The March Violets (post-punk, rock), 8pm
THE JOINT NEXT DOOR
Moonshine State (Americana, country), 7pm
THE ODD
D.R.I, Re-Tox AD, On The Block & Halogi (thrash, metal), 8pm
ARIES (March 21-April 19): One of the longest bridges in the world is the 24-mile-long Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana. During one eight-mile stretch, as it crosses Lake Pontchartrain, travelers can’t see land. That freaks out some of them. You might be experiencing a metaphorically similar passage these days, Aries. As you journey from one mode to the next, you may lose sight of familiar terrain for a while. My advice: Have faith, gaze straight ahead, and keep going.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): My horoscopes don’t necessarily answer questions that are foremost in your awareness. This might annoy you. But consider this: My horoscopes may nevertheless nudge you in unexpected directions that eventually lead you, in seemingly roundabout ways, to useful answers. The riddles I offer may stir you to gather novel experiences you didn’t realize you needed. Keep this in mind, Taurus, while reading the following: In the coming weeks, you can attract minor miracles and fun breakthroughs if you treat your life as an art project. I urge you to fully activate your imagination and ingenuity as you work on the creative masterpiece that is YOU.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The Gemini musician known as Prince got an early start on his vocation. At age 7, he wrote “Funk Machine,” his first song. Have you thought recently about how the passions of your adult life first appeared in childhood? Now is an excellent time to ruminate on this and related subjects. Why? Because you are primed to discover forgotten feelings and events that could inspire you going forward. To nurture the future, draw on the past.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): You are lucky to have an opposable thumb on each of your hands. You’re not as lucky as koala bears, however, which have two opposable thumbs on each hand. But in the coming weeks, you may sometimes feel like you have extra thumbs, at least metaphorically. I suspect you will be extra dexterous and nimble in every way, including mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. You could accomplish wonders of agility. You and your sexy soul may be extra supple, lithe and flexible. These superpowers will serve you well if you decide to improvise and experiment, which I hope you will.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The internet is filled with wise quotes that are wrongly attributed. Among those frequently cited as saying words they didn’t actually say, Buddha is at the top of the list. There are so many fraudulent Buddha quotes in circulation that there’s a website devoted to tracking them down: fakebuddhaquotes.com. Here’s an example. The following statement was articulated not by Buddha but by English novelist William Makepeace Thackeray: “The world is a looking glass. It gives back to every man a true reflection of his own thoughts.” I bring these thoughts to your attention, Leo, because it’s a crucial time for you to be dedicated to truth and accuracy. You will gain power by uncovering deceptions, shams, and misrepresentations. Be a beacon of authenticity!
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Peregrine falcons can move at a speed of 242 miles per hour. Mexican free-tailed bats reach 100 miles per hour and black marlin fish go 80 mph. These animals are your spirit creatures in the coming weeks, Virgo. Although you can’t literally travel that fast (unless you’re on a jet), I am confident you can make metaphorical progress at a rapid rate. Your ability to transition into the next chapter of your life story will be at a peak. You will have a robust power to change, shift, and develop.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Mythically speaking, I envision a death and rebirth in your future. The death won’t be literal; neither you nor anyone you love will travel to the other side of the veil. Rather, I foresee the demise of a hope, the finale of a storyline, or the loss of a possibility. Feeling sad might temporarily be the right thing to do, but I
want you to know that this ending will ultimately lead to a fresh beginning. In fact, the new blooms ahead wouldn’t be possible without the expiration of the old ways. The novel resources that arrive will come only because an old resource has faded.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Did you ever have roommates who stole your credit card and used it to buy gifts for themselves? Does your history include a friend or loved one who told you a lie that turned out to be hurtful? Did you ever get cheated on by a lover you trusted? If anything like this has happened to you, I suspect you will soon get a karmic recompense. An atonement will unfold. A reparation will come your way. A wrong will be righted. A loss will be indemnified. My advice is to welcome the redress graciously. Use it to dissolve your resentments and retire uncomfortable parts of your past.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): One of my oldest friends is Sagittarius-born Jeffrey Brown. We had rowdy fun together in our twenties. We were mad poets who loved to party. But while I went on to become an unruly rock and roll musician, experimental novelist and iconoclastic astrologer, Brown worked hard to become a highly respected, award-winning journalist for the PBS News Hour, a major American TV show. Among his many successes: He has brought in-depth coverage of poetry and art to mainstream TV. How did he manage to pull off such an unlikely coup? I think it’s because he channeled his wildness into disciplined expression; he converted his raw passions into practical power; he honed and refined his creativity so it wielded great clout. In the coming months, dear Sagittarius, I urge you to make him one of your inspirational role models.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Let’s hypothesize that you will be alive, alert and active on your hundredth birthday. If that joyous event comes to pass, you may have strong ideas about why you have achieved such marvelous longevity. I invite you to imagine what you will tell people on that momentous occasion. Which practices, feelings, and attitudes will have turned you into such a vigorous example of a strong human life? The coming weeks will be an excellent time to meditate on these matters. It will also be a favorable phase to explore new practices, feelings and attitudes that will prolong your satisfying time here on planet Earth.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Few Americans are more famous than George Washington. He was a top military leader in the Revolutionary War before he became the country’s first president. George had a half-brother named Lawrence, who was 16 years older. Virtually no one knows about him now, but during his life, he was a renowned landowner, soldier and politician. Historians say that his political influence was crucial in George’s rise to power. Is there anyone remotely comparable to Lawrence Washington in your life, Aquarius? Someone who is your advocate? Who works behind the scenes on your behalf? If not, go searching for them. The astrological omens say your chances are better than usual of finding such champions. If there are people like that, ask them for a special favor.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Over 15 centuries ago, Christian monks decided Fridays were unlucky. Why? Because they were the special day of the pagan Goddess Freya. Friday the 13th was extra afflicted, they believed, because it combined a supposedly evil number with the inauspicious day. And how did they get their opinion that 13 was malevolent? Because it was the holy number of the Goddess and her 13-month lunar calendar. I mention this because a Friday the 13th is now upon us. If you are afraid of the things Christian monks once feared, this could be a difficult time. But if you celebrate radical empathy, ingenious intimacy, playful eros and fertile intuition, you will be awash in good fortune. That’s what the astrological omens tell me.
RENTALS APARTMENTS FOR RENT
AFFORDABLE SENIOR AND DISABLED HOUSING Asheville Terrace Apartments in Asheville NC is now accepting applications for the waiting list for efficiency, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments. Accessible units designed for persons with disabilities subject to availability. Eligibility and rent are subject to income restrictions; rental assistance will be available for those who qualify. No application fee, but we do run criminal background checks on every applicant. Visit us at 200 Tunnel Rd; Mon-Thurs 9am-5pm. Call 828-255-8345 for more info. Equal Housing Opportunity.
APARTMENT FOR RENT Lower level 1 bed 1 bath apartment East of Asheville near Warren Wilson College. Owner shares laundry room. $1050/month, plus $100 for utilities. Includes heat, A/C, and Wi-Fi. 828-545-0043
HOMES FOR RENT
ARDEN - 3/2 1500SF HOUSE - FURNISHED WITH ALL UTILITIES! $2970 1500 SF 3B/2BA. Two covered porches. Driveway with carport (pass to street). New central heat/air. Open to rent 2/1 portion alternatively. Fully furnished. No pets. ALL utilities included. jmtrexler@jmtrexler. com
EMPLOYMENT GENERAL
READY FOR AN OFF-ROADING ADVENTURE? New Bronco Off-Roadeo location opening in Maryville, TN. We are building a team of Trail Guides, Guest Services, and Vehicle Detailers! Text BRONCO to (313) 5857123 to APPLY.
HUMAN SERVICES
ONTRACK WNC IS HIRING A BILINGUAL EDUCATOR We will review applications and schedule candidate interviews on a rolling basis beginning Thursday, August 8th until the position is filled. Job description & application instructions: ontrackwnc.org/ were-hiring SERVICES
ART/WRITING
PORTRAIT OF YOUR HOME (FALL COLOR) Pen/ink/ watercolor paintings by Asheville artist Michael Havelin. A treasured gift for new or old homes, closings, wedding, anniversary, birthday, etc. A gift that will be treasured. 828-712-5570 havelinmaking.com michael@michaelhavelin.com michaelhavelin.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT
HANDY MAN
HANDY MAN 40 years experience in the trades, with every skill/ tool imaginable for all trades with the exception of HVAC. No job too small. $35 an hour. Carl (828) 551-6000 electricblustudio@ gmail.com
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET
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NEED NEW WINDOWS? Drafty rooms? Chipped or damaged frames? Need outside noise reduction? New, energy efficient windows may be the answer! Call for a consultation & FREE quote today. 1-877-248-9944. (AAN CAN)
PAYING TOP CA$H FOR MEN'S SPORT WATCHES Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. Call 1-855-402-7109 (AAN CAN)
PEST CONTROL Protect your home from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-2371199. (AAN CAN)
STOP OVERPAYING FOR AUTO INSURANCE A recent survey says that most Americans are overpaying for their car insurance. Let us show you how much you can save. Call now for a no obligation quote: 1-866-4728309. (AAN CAN)
TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 1-855-402-7208. (AAN CAN)
YOU MAY QUALIFY For disability benefits if you have are between 52-63 years old and under a doctor’s care for a health condition that prevents you from working for a year or more. Call now! 1-877-247-6750 (AAN CAN)
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
CLASSES &
SING FOR JOY AND
TION! ~HARK
CHOIR~ Do you like to sing? Even if you only sing alone in the shower, this is the group for you! We teach all the songs by ear, never perform, (phew!) and sing accessible songs that are multi-part and groovy. Group sizes range from 40-80, and the harmonies are gorgeous! Our 8-week season begins September 29th, and then we meet Sundays 5-7 @ the Asheville JCC, and Wednesdays, 7-9
UNCLAIMED / RECEIVED FIREARMS The following is a list of unclaimed firearms currently in the possession of the Asheville Police Department: COM/BRO, DAVIS INDUSTRIES, P-32, .32; BLK, SPRINGFIELD, SA XD, 9MM; BLK/GRY, RUGER REVOLVER, LCR, .38; BLK/TAN, GLOCK, 42, .380; BLK, TAURUS, PT738, .380; BLK, TAURUS, .357 MAGNUM, .357; BLK, GLOCK, 26, 9MM; BLK, TAURUS, G2C, 9MM; BLK, GLOCK, 36, .45; UNK, LLAMA, PARABELLUM, 9MM; UNK, HERITAGE, ROUGH, .22; BLK, SMITH & WESSON M&P, M&P 15-22, UNK; UNK, GSS-SHOTGUN, STEVENS 94H, SINGLE; UNK, GSP 12 GA SHOTGUN, MAVERICK 88, 12GA; BLUE, STEVENS, STEVENS 320, 12 GA; GLD/ BLK, S&W PISTOL, S&W, .22; BLK, GLOCK, 43, 9MM; BLK, HI POINT RIFLE, HIPOINT, 9MM; BLK, REMINGTON, 870, 12 GA; BLK, GLOCK, 43, 9MM; UNK, S&W PISTOL, M&P 9 SHIELD EZ, 9MM; SIL/BLK, S&W PISTOL, SD, 9MM; BLK, GLOCK, 22, .40; BLK, KEL TEC, P3AT, .380; BLK/SIL, GEORGIA, VT PA-63, 9MM; BLK, HI-POINT, S&W, .40; BLK, RUGER REVOLVER, LCR, .38; BRO, TAURUS, G2C, 9MM; BLK, SMITH & WESSON, S&W, .380; SIL, RAVEN, MP-25, .25; BLK, HI-POINT, C9, 9MM; SIL/BRO, SENTINEL, MKI, .22; BLK, SMITH & WESSON, S&W, .40; BLK/SIL, HI-POINT, CF380, .380; SIL/BLK, AMT, BACKUP, 9MM; BLK, SMITH & WESSON, SHIELD, 9MM; SIL/BLK, JENNINGS, J22, .22; BLK/SIL, SMITH & WESSON, 9 SHIELD, 9MM; BLK, EAA REVOLVER, .357 MAG, .357; BLK, EAA REVOLVER, EA/R, 38. Anyone with a legitimate claim or interest in this property must contact the Asheville Police Department within 30 days from the date of this publication. Any items not claimed within 30 days will be disposed of in accordance with all applicable laws. For further information, or to file a claim, contact the Asheville Police Department Property and Evidence Section at 828-232-4576 WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. We do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! For a free estimate, call 24/7: 1-888-290-2264. (AAN CAN)
1 Rhyme of 49-Across, but not a homophone of 19-Across
5 On the ___
8 Rhyme of 46-Across, but not a homophone of 21-Across
12 Key that might be part of a chain
13 Olay competitor
15 Spaniard’s “other”
16 Opposite of hopping
17 Customer service worker
18 “Serves you right!”
19 Main branch of a tree
21 It gets baked
23 Take a break
24 Not on board with 25 Evaluate for purity
28 Like Plan B, for short
30 Wee
34 Marshland
35 “___ Choice”
38 “Another sheep pun? ___ gotta be kidding!”
39 Field for grazing
40 Everglades wader
41 Shade
42 Gun-regulating grp.
43 By way of
45 I.C.U. staffers
46 Attention-getting sound
48 Sounds of sympathy
49 Uneven 51 Conditional words
53 Pacific ___
54 Unfair outcome, informally
58 Corkscrewshaped pasta
62 A pop star might go by this
63 Stay away (from)
64 Used as a platform
65 More timid 66 Rhyme of 19-Across, but not a homophone of 46-Across 67 Heavy-hearted 68 Denver-toOmaha dir.
69 Rhyme of 43-Across, but not a homophone of 49-Across DOWN
1 Put in an offer
2 Avail
3 Exerciser’s target
4 Classic accessory for Humphrey Bogart
5 Many a Gilbert and Sullivan work
6 Park in N.Y.C., e.g.
7 Untruthful 8 Pooch
“Conversely
26 Take care of 27 Real mess
29 Rhyme of 21-Across, but not a homophone of 43-Across
Leader who wrote “The Discovery of India”
Totally shifted the momentum of
“Hoo-boy!”
Exclamation of understanding
Subj. taught by Fulbright scholars
Clothing, colloquially
Serious workplace problem, for short 47 “Puh-lease!”
50 Leaves out
Island country that’s 24 hours ahead of its closest neighbor 53 Apply, as sunscreen 54 Brownish pear
55 “Once more ___ the breach”
56 Communicate like a Sphynx
57 Give for a time
“___ is very agreeable, but the bad thing is that it goes on 24 hours a day”: Gabriel García Márquez
