Mountain Xpress 10.04.23

‘HUCK-FINNING IT’

East Asheville resident Clark Glenn recounts the recent 12-day journey he and his son took down multiple waterways. The adventure began on the French Broad River and ended on the Mobile River in Alabama.

COVER

Courtesy of Clark Glenn COVER

Scott Southwick

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Asheville deserves fully renovated auditorium

[Regarding “Time for a Makeover: Artists and Promoters Point Out Shortcomings of Asheville’s Auditorium,” Sept. 13, Xpress:]

The Thomas Wolfe Auditorium is a huge asset to Asheville and deserves to be completely renovated. The Asheville Symphony has performed there for so many years and is a beloved part of the music scene in Asheville for listeners of all kinds.

When plans are developed, high priority should go to best views of the stage and for best acoustics. For steps, handrails are needed, and attention must be given to accessibility for set development and for attendees of all ages. Go for the best auditorium. Asheville deserves it!

— Ann McLellan Asheville

Go for ‘Broadwayready’ auditorium

[Regarding “Time for a Makeover: Artists and Promoters Point

Out Shortcomings of Asheville’s Auditorium,” Sept. 13, Xpress:]

In response to your solicitation for opinions in a recent Xpress newsletter about whether to renovate the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium and, if so, to what extent, I am in favor of

THE SHALLOT

a “Broadway-ready” revamp, as you put it, and am willing to pay more in taxes for this to occur.

The fact that the original facility was built in 1940 and has only received one renovation in 1975 is sad. Diana Wortham is nice, but small, and Harrah’s is far too large for the kinds of things that can occur in the auditorium.

— Michael W. Drye Asheville

Thumbs-up for downtown bike lanes

money who have turned to bikes, Onewheels, skateboards, scooters and e-bikes as their mode of transportation. These vehicles are so much quicker and easier to navigate. Bike parking would accommodate way more people than current metered spots.

Creating bike lanes would bring more people downtown. It’s not like traffic would be slowed any further. This would also allow for bicycle taxis, which people would definitely catch while trying to cruise across town from say, Patton Avenue to the South Slope.

If you own a business, your income is not reliant on that one parking spot out in front of your establishment.

— Bettina Freese Asheville

Join the effort to build new park

This Oct. 4-8, hundreds of folks from across Asheville will join forces to build Candace Pickens Memorial Park.

Two years after the former Jones Park playground was razed due to safety concerns, community members rallied to raise funds for the park, while hundreds of community members signed up to build it.

Local Real Estate possibly affected as Housing becomes relatively optional

For the million gazillion newly arrived residents to Asheville vying for the two “affordable” apartments that open up for rent each month, the expected Supreme Court ruling concerning tent encampments elevates an increasingly attractive housing alternative: tenting on public property.

However, not everyone is pleased with the prospect of affordable city camping. According to various (unreliable) social media outlets, unpaid advertisements for “camping space in my backyard” are on the uptick. This essential income stream for the working class is at risk if anyone can camp just anywhere.

“How is our driveway space – with access to the kitchen every other day, vegan preferred — supposed to compete, if camping next to Salvage Station is for free?” complained an anonymous West Asheville sub-sub-tenant. “How are the five of us living in a unheated two bedroom garage going to make our outlandish rent if our means for subletting the backyard is undercut?”

A rally is planned for Friday night after work to support the various camping factions. A counterrally to support the backyard-sub landlords was postponed due to lack of interest. X

The best way to park in Asheville is by using a parking deck. Trolling for spots in the downtown area is time-consuming, blocks traffic and slows the ability for deliveries. People are walking all over the place using sidewalks, jaywalking and crossing streets at random times and places. It’s chaos. Parking on the periphery and using parking decks would make downtown easier to navigate for everyone.

People who come downtown want to shop, eat, have drinks on a rooftop, have dessert on the square, hear music at Rabbit Rabbit and then Uber home. They don’t drive in, park in front of the restaurant and then leave. They tour the entire city. Creating bike lanes is not going to hinder that. Nobody is driving from dinner at Cúrate to hear music on the South Slope, then driving over to the AC Hotel for rooftop drinks. They are walking. If they have bikes, they will ride from place to place.

It’s nice to say that bike lanes would allow access for people who can’t afford to drive and park, but there are a lot of people with

Dozens of local businesses are pitching in to feed volunteers and provide our teams with tools. Hundreds of student-athletes will be picking up shovels and hammers to make this park a reality.

Come join us and be a part of Asheville history as we honor and remember Candace by building a park that generations of kids will play in and remember. More volunteers are still needed! Sign up at bit. ly/buildpark.

Let’s build a park while we build community!

— Brooke Heaton West Asheville

Ending the cycle of addiction

Here in Buncombe County, socioeconomic disparities are determinants of future health. In 2023, the most concerning health issue to plague us is something we are all too familiar with: the effects of addiction. Drug use and addiction continue to touch us and our loved ones. By letting addiction go on without com-

CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON

Like The Onion, but purple

CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN

Random acts of kindness

I wish to send a big thank-you to that very kind but anonymous N.C. Arboretum patron who found my cellphone when I was cycling the Friday afternoon before Labor Day.

I didn’t notice it was missing until near the entrance-gate parking lot after my ride, when I tried to call my wife. Oops. Where’s that phone? I double-checked my back pockets, but it really was gone. How? Where? Briefly puzzled, I then recalled the dirt bath I’d taken over by Lake Powhatan.

As I struggled up the steepest section of trail, an awfully gnarly tree root snagged my back wheel. Up and over I went. Flat on my back, stunned, I stared dumbly through the rear-wheel spokes up at the rhododendron, as I made sure my neck was not broken. Fortunately, aside from a minor bruise, I was not hurt. I’m very thankful for that, too.

The phone must have fallen out of my pocket when I did that unexpected backward flip. It might still be lying in the dirt near those nasty tree roots. More likely, someone was already ordering from my Amazon account or charging a trip to Australia with the credit card information stored on my phone.

I decided to trek on back to the incident site and hope for the best. On the way, my monkey brain chattered incessant, pessimistic scenarios, which I managed to slow somewhat, through clenched teeth, with affirmative Buddhist mantras.

I finally reached the steep hill. I expected the worst because I had passed dozens of hikers and bikers on the trail during my ride. Dismounting, I walked the bike down and slowly scanned the pathway. A man was walking his dog up the hill. “Did you happen to lose a cellphone?” he asked. “As a matter of fact, I did.” “It’s sitting on the rail of that bridge down there,” he pointed. “Did you find it?” He said no, so I thanked him and went down to recover my cellphone where some kind arboretum patron had placed it after finding it.

So, I must say thank you, thank you, thank you, whoever you are. Thank you for your random act of kindness that has touched my heart. And thank you, also, to the dog walker and all the other hikers and bikers who passed by my phone, so glaringly conspicuous on the bridge railing, without taking it.

That’s why I love living in Asheville: There are so many kind and considerate people here. Actually, there are kind and considerate people everywhere. “Humans help each other with small things about every 2 minutes,” according to UCLA sociologist Giovanni Rossi. Researchers observed everyday interactions among people in widely different cultures all around the world. Everywhere from the outback of Aboriginal Australia to towns in England, with strangers or among relatives, “people complied with small requests seven times more often than they declined.” Whether it’s a simple gesture like passing the salt, answering a request for help or responding to nonverbal cues to lift a heavy load, people are just basically nice to each other most of the time.

So, is the ubiquitous nastiness in the media today a delusion? I believe it’s definitely a selection bias. Regrettably, you get more news coverage with gloom and doom than with Mom’s apple pie. Some scientists have argued that our brains are hard-wired to be paranoid because it prepares us to face environmental dangers and therefore has survival value.

However, acts of kindness can also have survival value. A Middle East combat veteran returned to the States with homicidal hatred of Muslims. He visited a mosque in his hometown with plans to place explosives and kill or wound at least 200 people. But the imam met him at the door and hugged him, and the congregation welcomed him. Overcome by acts of kindness, the vet abandoned plans for revenge. And he even joined the mosque! (See Stranger at the Gate , a short film by Joshua Seftel.)

I was walking our puppy Max while pondering what to write in this essay. Max came from a rescue, was poorly socialized and barks viciously at other people and dogs, so I try to avoid them. We were rounding the back parking lot of a local retirement home and going down a hill. An elderly man with a cane was struggling up the hill with a sack of groceries. I rushed Max across the street and tried to hurry past as he yelped and tugged at his leash. The man waved for me to come over. With great hesitation, I eased Max in his direction. “Can you help me get up this hill?” he asked. As the man took my arm for support, Max stopped barking. He pranced before us, his little tail wagging, all the way to the retirement home door.

So, it looks like I’m now committed to acts of kindness toward strangers. I encourage everyone to give it a try. It can bring peace and comfort to people in distress. It can transform hate into loving kindness and even make a difference between life and death. It can even soothe the savage beast in your shelter dog.

Thank you very much for reading this essay. May you know peace, may you know happiness, may you be free from suffering and filled with joy and lovingkindness.

— Richard Kownacki Asheville

Richard Kownacki is a retired psychologist who hasn’t entirely given up on trying to find the meaning of life, the universe and everything.   X

prehensive community action, we systematically allow it to continue.

Addiction binds our citizens to a lifetime of fighting for recovery and sometimes fighting a way out of the justice system. Yet, with the stigmatization and disheartening belief that is all too common against the criminally convicted, we often forget about those of us whose addiction has hit the hardest: the formerly incarcerated.

The most substantial effects of hard-on-drugs laws in North Carolina are the socioeconomic disparities they cause for the formerly incarcerated. Upon release from the Department of Corrections facilities here in Buncombe County, the formerly incarcerated face impairments to housing opportunities, vocational and occupational limitations and, worse, distrust and stigmatization.

Yet, as community members, many of us sit here and wonder why drug-involved and justice-involved individuals cannot “find a job” or “get a life.” The formerly incarcerated cyclically too often return to the sense of stability that once housed them within penitentiary walls: drug use and distribution.

The end to Buncombe County’s drug epidemic takes conversation, understanding, compassion and removing one’s ingrained societal ideas of crime. Incarceration without proper drug rehabilitation perpetuates mass incarceration. The Department of Corrections maintains a prison system that strips individuals of civil rights as well as dignity. Due to the oppressive structure that the Department of Corrections enforces, recidivism, revocation and reoffending have systematically become the new reduce, reuse, recycle. Only this time, the formerly incarcerated stand within the cycle of incarceration.

Without restorative justice systems, lack of support and housing resources remains one of the reasons reoffending rates are so high. The state of North Carolina currently upholds hard-on-drug laws that stem from the drug prohibition days of the war on drugs era. Buncombe County instills this system of drug laws that put imprisonment before rehabilitation, especially by revocating the formerly incarcerated for dirty urinary analyses.

According to the Buncombe County Community Health Assessment (2021), substance misuse is a health priority area because, between 2015 and 2019, there have been 405 Buncombe County residents who have lost their lives due to opioid overdose.

The wash cycle repeats as the formerly incarcerated complete treatment in detention centers, relapse

RICHARD KOWNACKI

on the streets, revoke their right to community supervision and reenter the system.

Compassion and restorative justice are the keys to breaking the cycle of addiction and disrupting the cycle of mass incarceration. By continuing to disregard the needs of the perpetrator, we also uphold the cycles of the victims.

In pursuit of justice reformation, the citizens in the state of North Carolina must support the reentry systems of Buncombe County. Every month, Buncombe County holds a community meeting at one of our local community buildings. At gatherings like these, the public is free to come and maintain support for reparations, restoration and reentry services.

Reentry systems like Operation Gateway out of Asheville are led by

trusted community leaders who not only strategically know the ways to end reoffending but, against all odds, have beaten the system themselves. By supporting reentry services like Operation Gateway, we are supporting the end of addiction. When every odd is against the formerly incarcerated, every act of compassion that restores their sense of connection aids in restoring the community. Let us end the cycle of incarceration; let us end the cycle of crime; let us end the cycle of addiction.

— Tess Monty Certified community health worker Asheville

Editor’s note : A longer version of this letter will appear at mountainx. com.  X

No more free rein

Town of Woodfin pulls back on growth

BY MARK BARRETT

markbarrett@charter.net

A plaque with a quote from former Woodfin Town Administrator Jason Young sits a couple of feet behind Mayor Jerry VeHaun’s desk in Woodfin Town Hall.

“Growth is not a four-letter word in Woodfin,” it reads.

VeHaun, 80, decided against seeking another term in this year’s town election, so he will be packing up the plaque and other memorabilia when he vacates the office at the end of 20 years as mayor. The sentiment behind the plaque may not disappear entirely, but it is fading.

Only a couple of years after VeHaun took office in 2003, developers were lining up to bring new housing to the town. In 2005, five projects alone promised about 1,100 new homes, many of them luxury properties selling at prices the mostly working-class town had never seen before. There appeared to be little opposition.

But less than three years ago, plans for a huge development sparked a political earthquake in the town. The Bluffs would have included as many as 1,545 apartments, a hotel, and retail and office space on land just west of the French Broad River. The plans, later reduced to a little fewer than 1,400 apartments, were ultimately shelved in the face of strong public opposition. In 2021, the uproar helped three newcomers who said the town needed tougher rules on development oust three longtime members of a seven-member Town Council in a landslide vote.

The result reflected how Woodfin was changing. None of the three winning candidates had lived in Woodfin longer than five years at the time of their election, but that didn’t matter so much to voters — many of whom were relatively recent arrivals, too. The town’s population jumped 27% from 2010-21, according to census data.

Voters will be choosing among newcomers for mayor in November, too. Jim McAllister, now vice mayor, and Jason Moore are vying for the post. Four others, only one an incumbent, are running for three Council seats.

“People coming here without knowing the full history of (Woodfin) were probably surprised to find out how little land-use regulation existed,” says Eric Edgerton, one of the three elected in 2021.

Three months later, Council appointed two allies of the newcomers to replace members who had resigned for health reasons, giving proponents of more controls a majority. They later adopted an ordinance limiting construction on steep slopes, rules to curtail the growth of short-term rentals and expanded Council’s power over large development projects.

Edgerton says the changes mean Woodfin has shed its status as “the landing spot for any developer who didn’t want to comply with the more stringent requirements of other municipalities.” Council’s “progressive and responsible actions” have created more of a balance between growth and desires to preserve the environment and Woodfin’s smalltown feel, he says.

Debbie Giezentanner, one of the three incumbents who lost their Council seats in 2021, said Edgerton is exaggerating the degree to which town rules favored developers. But, she added, she likes some constraints on development the new Council has adopted: “I don’t know that Woodfin was totally ready for The Bluffs.”

VeHaun, who as mayor only votes if the other six members of Town Council are deadlocked, said the way Council handled development over the years reflected the desires of its citizens at the time. Before The Bluffs, “I don’t know that we really had a lot of opposition” to any development, he says.

HOME PRICES JUMP

From 2000-22, Woodfin’s population more than doubled to 8,072 due to development and annexation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Clara Redden can see signs of the changes from the front porch of the house she and her late husband, Clyde, bought

in an older neighborhood in town in 1978. The couple, who met when they worked together in a textile mill, raised two children there.

One house a few doors down rents as an Airbnb. Another in the opposite direction has been extensively renovated. A house in between was built two years ago, one of many new homes that have popped up in Woodfin neighborhoods recently.

Newer arrivals in Redden’s neighborhood “paid a lot more for them than they used to” for housing, and tax values have risen accordingly, she says.

Tax values for homes on Skyland Circle closest to Redden’s jumped by an average of nearly 50% from 201721, the dates of Buncombe County’s two most recent mass appraisals. Two nearby houses sold last year for more than double the prices they brought five and seven years ago.

Despite those increases, houses in Redden’s neighborhood are still valued at only a fraction of those in Reynolds Mountain, an upscale development that’s brought million-dollar homes with million-dollar views to a high ridge on the eastern side of Woodfin. Proximity to Asheville has been one of Reynolds Mountain’s primary selling points — a 2002 ad called it “North Asheville’s Premier Development” even though almost all of it lies outside the city.

Pausing outside his Reynolds Mountain home while detailing his Porsche sports car, Mark Levan gives a similar explanation when asked

WELCOME: Woodfin, once an affordable alternative to Asheville, is trying to slow the pace of development. Photo by Thomas Calder

LAST WEEKS: Retiring Woodfin Mayor Jerry VeHaun, shown in his office at Town Hall, “really, really was a wonderful mayor,” says Debbie Giezentanner, who served on Town Council with VeHaun. “He’s got a lot of respect for the residents of Woodfin.” Photo by Mark Barrett

what prompted him to buy there two years ago.

He and his wife “liked the Beaver Lake area, access to the services … and the proximity to downtown” Asheville, says Levan, a retired CEO of a manufacturing company in upstate New York. “It meets all of our needs.”

The Great Recession of 2007-09 shelved or curtailed many upscale housing developments proposed for Woodfin. Still, Woodfin’s population has shifted to become more like the rest of Buncombe County, Census Bureau figures say.

For instance, the percentage of Woodfin residents with four-year college degrees in 2000 was only 60% that of Buncombe County as a whole. By 2020, that difference was close to disappearing. Median household income — the point at which half are higher, half lower — in the town was two-thirds that of Buncombe County in 2000. Twenty years later, the figure for Woodfin was more than 90% of Buncombe County’s.

WHERE TO LIVE?

Woodfin was incorporated in 1971 partly because “people didn’t want to be a part of Asheville” and would rath-

er control their own community, says VeHaun. He says his goal has been to “just give people good government at a fair price and don’t lie to them and help them if you can.”

Every town in Buncombe County, however, is affected by Asheville’s attraction for those looking for a new place to live, and the national jump in housing costs.

Cassie McIntosh says she and her husband had been trying to buy a

house since January and had targeted Woodfin and Weaverville without success. “We pretty much looked everywhere” for something in decent repair that fit their budget, she says. They put in four or five offers above the asking price for homes but were outbid, then finally found a house in East Asheville’s Oakley neighborhood, she says.

“Woodfin is just growing by leaps and bounds with people moving into

the area,” says Kaylynne Lanning, a lifelong town resident and McIntosh’s employer at Kaylynne’s Briar Patch Florist in Woodfin. The town was once regarded by some as “a no-man’s land” made undesirable by the proximity of the county landfill, a prison and the Metropolitan Sewerage District treatment plant, she says. The landfill has closed, the prison moved to an isolated location on the edge of town, and improvements at the treatment plant have dramatically reduced its smell.

“People coming to Asheville are finding Marshall and Woodfin and all kinds of outlying areas to be more interesting than they were years ago,” Lanning says.

A WAVE, AND MORE HOOPS

Some residents worry that rising housing costs will push working-class people out of town over time. The percentage of Woodfin residents with incomes below the poverty line is 20.9%, nearly double that of Buncombe County.

“For people close to minimum wage and a little bit more, it’s got to be

CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

OLD WOODFIN: Clara Redden enjoys a pleasant September afternoon on the porch of her home in one of Woodfin’s older neighborhoods. Photo by Mark Barrett

Fall 2023

Nonprofit Issue

quite a struggle,” says retiree Richard DeAngelis. “I do feel sorry for the younger people” trying to buy a home.

Interest in Woodfin will likely rise as the town creates an artificial wave in the French Broad River designed as a playground for whitewater enthusiasts and adds 5 miles of greenway beside the river and Beaverdam Creek over the next three years.

The wave will be “a very cool, very fun destination” for residents and visitors, says former Asheville City Council member Marc Hunt, who helped start the effort to create the wave and is advising the town on the projects. He says similar efforts elsewhere have sparked economic development in the communities around them, and the same is likely to happen in Woodfin.

Existing greenways and other planned paths mean that in a few years, “a Woodfin resident that works in downtown Asheville will be able to take a very flat and very safe route” from home to work by bicycle, Hunt

says. Commuters might outnumber recreational riders on weekdays, he says, and some will reduce their cost of living by forgoing having a second car in the family.

Edgerton says the town’s stricter rules will not have a negative impact on the availability of affordable housing — no one was building inexpensive houses on the steep slopes that are now more protected, he says. Some rules, like restrictions on short-term rentals, will slow the conversion of existing homes into vacation rentals, thus preserving more of the town’s housing stock for residents, he says.

All large projects are now subject to conditional zoning, a set of rules that allows the Town Council to require developers to take certain steps to obtain project approval. Council’s recent approval of a 300-unit development on Goodman Road with a requirement that 10% of the units meet affordability guidelines is an example of how that will work, Edgerton says.

“We didn’t have to invest a dime” to get 30 affordable homes, he says.

But Mike Figura, founder and owner of Mosaic Realty in Asheville, says gentrification in Woodfin has already begun and some of the changes will make it worse. On a positive note, restricting short-term rentals will help preserve some homes in town for rentals and positively affect affordability, says Figura, who formerly worked as an urban planner.

On the other hand, putting Town Council in a position to negotiate details of a project will have the opposite effect, he says. The process opens a door for public pressure to stop construction of housing or for Council to demand features that make it more expensive, he says.

“Think about how many housing units have been proposed in Asheville that have not been built” because of resident opposition, Figura says. “That has a real impact in the marketplace.” X

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Publishes November 15th

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NEW VIEW: Homes in the Reynolds Mountain development in Woodfin have million-dollar views of downtown Asheville and Mount Pisgah. Photo by Mark Barrett

Small apartments, big questions

Community members debate new microhousing developments

BY CHASE DAVIS

cdavis@mountainx.com

A new form of affordable housing has been a contentious topic among city leaders and developers in Asheville.

Two microapartment developments, with individual housing units averaging about 250-350 square feet, have been approved for nearly $2.5 million of Land Use Incentive Grant funding, a program designed to bolster affordable, workforce and low-income rental housing. The grants come in the form of tax rebates over 20 years.

The grant requires that 20% of the units in both developments — about 50 units — be deemed affordable with rent less than $1,190. The amount is based on 30% of the area median income. While the grant locks in that rate for the affordable units for 20 years, developer David Moritz confirmed that market-price rent would be between $1,000 and $1,200, meaning

that the city-subsidized units would not be any cheaper than those for regular tenants initially.

The developments have sparked debate among city officials and residents over whether microhousing is truly a solution to the affordable housing crisis.

STATUS OF THE DEVELOPMENTS

The first set of microapartments, slated to be constructed on a 0.18-acre lot at 217 Hilliard Ave., will include 80 units over five stories. No unit will be larger than 350 square feet but will be fully furnished and include a private bathroom and a half-kitchen that includes a sink and space for small kitchen appliances, like a microwave and a minifridge. A communal kitchen and living space on each floor will be shared by 16-20 tenants. No vehicle parking is included, though there will be bike storage.

The second development on Aston Street will include two seven-story buildings on a 0.64-acre parcel, with 72 units facing Sawyer Street and 159 units facing Aston Street. The design is similar to 217 Hilliard Ave., with communal laundry, kitchen and lounge spaces.

Though microhousing is new to Asheville, Moritz says his business partner, Scott Shapiro, has built such developments nationwide, including

Martin Flats, a 150-unit micro-apartment complex in Nashville, Tenn. Mortz said it’s 100% occupied, primarily by residents in their late 20s. It opened in October 2021 with rent around $1,000 a month with utilities and Wi-Fi included.

Moritz anticipates a similar rent in Asheville but said it could rise, depending on inflation and construction costs. For comparison’s sake, nearby studio apartments on Patton Avenue run about $1,800 a month.

Both developments are obtaining the necessary permits to break ground. According to Moritz, developers hope to have the Hilliard project completed by 2025, and the Aston project by early 2026.

DEBATING LUIG

After the City Council voted 5-2 in June 2022 to approve the Hilliard Avenue grant, the city’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee recommended that Council suspend LUIG awards for microhousing, noting that Asheville policy “does not contemplate microapartments, which are substantially smaller than a typical studio unit.”

Council initially tabled approving a $1.9 million LUIG grant for the Aston development in May, but when staff recommended a further delay in July, several Council members voiced their concern that further delaying the

MICRODEVELOPMENTS: The first set of microapartments, slated to be constructed on a 0.18-acre lot at 217 Hilliard Ave., will include 80 units. Photo courtesy of the City of Asheville

vote could lead to the development being canceled altogether. Vice Mayor Sandra Kilgore noted that while there may be concerns with the project, it would ultimately bring in more affordable housing, which is the purpose of LUIG.

“I think that this development is a good fit for the city and will help to bring more diversity downtown because people could actually live where they work instead of having to commute,” Kilgore said. “Yes, it will serve as a pilot to see if this kind of housing will work, but I think that we may not want to take a chance at losing this development.”

Council member Sage Turner noted that while the policies within the LUIG program should be updated, Council should not further delay a housing development that has been in the works for nearly a year.

“I fully agree that we need to look at our LUIG policies, but in the meantime, let’s not stop what is already in the queue,” Turner said. “We put so much effort into addressing our housing crisis … and this project is helping with the issue.”

Council members Sheneika Smith and Antanette Mosley opposed the grant because they were still unsure if the development meets affordability requirements laid out in the LUIG policies.

THE BENEFITS OF MICROLIVING

Kim Giovacco, a resident of the Acony Bell Tiny Home Community in Mills River, says she lived in a microapartment in Boston and had a positive experience.

“The apartment I lived in [while in Boston] was 200 square feet with no parking, and I lived there for six years with no issues,” says Giovacco. “While I personally would not want to share a kitchen with other people, if some people want to put up with that, it is their choice.”

This sentiment was echoed by UNC Asheville student Cole Jackson, who says that he would be interested in microhousing once he graduates in May.

“I would definitely consider living in a microapartment once I graduate. I don’t want to have to move back in with my parents, but I don’t make enough in a month to get a full-sized apartment. Having to only pay $1,000 for rent and all of my utilities; that’s not too much more than what I pay for campus housing.”

Kristen McKinnley has lived in a microapartment in Nashville for about a year and a half and has had few issues. She pays $1,200 a month for rent and utilities.

“So far, living in a microapartment has not been a terrible experience. I initially moved into this apartment to save up for a house,” McKinnley says. “While I still have a lot left to save, I think living here has definitely helped me overall. I will say the units look a lot bigger before you move in; once you are living here, it definitely starts to feel cramped, especially if you ever try to have someone over.”

While some people may be OK with the price and the size of the units, critics of the development argue that the units are too small and too expensive to be deemed affordable housing.

“Microhousing as a concept is not a bad idea, but charging $1,000 a month for 250 square feet of space is egregious,” says downtown resident Mark Mendell. “I know that we need creative solutions to help solve the affordable housing crisis, but this isn’t it. These apartments don’t give people an opportunity to save up for a better life, they just trap them in high rents and take advantage of people who may not be able to afford anything else. It’s basically just a human parking lot.”

Developers say building affordable housing in Asheville and Buncombe is difficult.

“There’s not that many affordable housing projects coming to the table because it’s hard to make the numbers work,” said Barry Bialik, a developer and past chairman of Asheville’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee.

“There’s not one piece of land in the city that you can build on right now that costs less than $100,000,” says Bialik.

Land is generally about 25% of the total cost, “so if there are no lots for sale for $100,000, that means there will be no houses tomorrow for sale for less than $400,000 unless we take drastic measures to open up the land and bring the land costs down.”

Additionally, the City of Asheville “doesn’t extend any of its own infrastructure,” Bialik says. “It has to be on a private developer to do everything.”

Moritz says he and his firm are “doing everything they can to keep the cost of rent low for residents,” but ultimately they have to take into consideration the high costs of development. “It is much more expensive to build these apartments than when we initially started drafting plans, and ultimately the rent rate we set will reflect those costs.

“Some people may or may not like it. Some people have the privilege of owning a home, like I do. Not everybody does. This is a choice people will make,” Moritz says. “If someone decides to live there, they’ve decided it’s the best option for them in Asheville.”

BEST OF THE CLASS: As a child, Maggie Allen, a first grade teacher at Hall Fletcher Elementary School, struggled at school until one of her teachers advocated on her behalf. “If it wasn’t for her and those teachers that saw something in me, I don’t know where I would be,” Allen says in a press release. “That is why I became a teacher.” On Sept. 26, Allen was named Asheville City Schools’ Beginning Teacher of the Year. She is now a finalist for the N.C. Beginning Teacher of the Year award. If selected, Allen will receive a $5,000 cash prize and the opportunity to participate in a Go Global NC trip, according to ACS spokesperson Dillon Huffman. “Maggie exemplifies the excellence and innovation that we value in our school district, and we wholeheartedly support her in the upcoming statewide competition,” says ACS Superintendent Maggie Fehrman in the same release. Photo courtesy of ACS

Council approves Project Aspire despite concerns

Project Aspire, a vast mixed-use, mixed-income development set to reshape the city’s skyline, received approval from Asheville City Council at its Sept. 26 meeting. After nearly two hours of public comments featuring 37 speakers and discussions between Council members and the developer, Council approved the rezoning for the project in a 5-2 vote, with Council members Antanette Mosley and Kim Roney opposed.

Project Aspire is a joint venture involving First Baptist Church of Asheville and the Asheville YMCA, which own the 10.5 acres along Woodfin and Oak streets. The development is being managed by Greenville, S.C.- based Furman Co.

Council voted 6-0 on Sept. 12 to delay consideration of the project until the Sept. 26 meeting because of Council members’ concerns regarding building height, parking and funding.

The development includes plans for apartments, hotel rooms, commercial spaces, a brand-new YMCA and office facilities. It includes two imposing structures: a 19-story residential building and office space; and a 20-story hotel, the latter of which is poised to become the city’s tallest building, potentially surpassing the Buncombe County Courthouse and Kimpton Hotel Arras.

Despite urging from several Council members, the developer, represented at the meeting by Furman President and CEO Stephen Navarro, said he was unable to lower the building’s height. A smaller hotel, he said, would mean sacrificing revenues and other services.

“The decision to not lower the hotel is a complicated one,” Navarro said. “We have minimums and maximums for this project, so we don’t know exactly what each of the buildings will entail because each of them will have to come back to [city staff] for individual approval. However, we are trying to work within your guidelines.”

Though it’s “possible” the hotel could have fewer stories, Navarro said, he could not make any promises.

Jennifer Murphy, chief administrative officer of the YMCA, spoke after Navarro’s comments, noting that she fully supports the project. “After years of discussions with one another, our neighbors, community organizations, local businesses and our local government, we have embarked on a plan to reimagine our downtown corner. This project’s positive impact could endure beyond the individuals in this room. This shared space for the community is ambitious and crucial for our city’s continued desirability as a place to live and belong.”

Several other supporters were longtime members of the First Baptist congregation. Wayne Caldwell, the church’s historian and member of the church since 1989, noted that he spoke in Council Chambers once before in 1981 opposing a “suburban-style mall” proposed for the middle of downtown. He said that Project Aspire was finally something that he could wholeheartedly support.

“I have waited 42 years for a large downtown mixed-use project to emerge that I could support wholeheartedly, so tonight I am happy to be called to speak,” Caldwell said. “This is a downtown project that truly does not bear down; it builds up. Project Aspire does not displace people; it will give displaced people space in which to live, do business and grow.”

Local opponents to the project include residents of the East End/ Valley Street neighborhood, a historically Black community that bounds the project area at the edge of downtown.

Kimberly Collins, a representative of the neighborhood, said not only is the project going to damage the historic footprint of the East End neighborhood but that “when it comes to people wanting to see progress, they want to see progress through their lens. They don’t want to see progress

A LARGER NARRATIVE: During the Sept. 26 City Council meeting, Council member Antanette Mosley said that Project Aspire was part of a larger city narrative that disregards minority voices. Screenshot courtesy of the City of Asheville

through the lens of the people who are truly impacted.”

Collins said the neighborhood knew it couldn’t stop the hotel but asked, again, for the height to be reconsidered.

“You’re driving them out,” she said of her community’s residents. “Aspire will do this. Your 20-story building will do this. I admonish you to please take into consideration not your white privilege, take into consideration the harm that you will actually be doing to a Black community who has already been harmed to the hilt.”

Mosley said the development was part of a larger city narrative that disregards minority voices.

“I’ve never seen a single instance where a majority community has ceded ground to a minority community, even when the minority community purports to speak for itself,” Mosley said in her closing comments. “It seems as if tonight will be no different.”

Vice Mayor Sandra Kilgore cited in her support the amenities that the development would provide for the surrounding community.

“I understand the pain. I have suffered, my family has suffered,” she said. “But I also understand that we have to stop getting in our own way. I want our children to be able to enjoy the services that the Y and this

development will bring. I want that for kids in the East End, in Southside, in Shiloh. We cannot stop progress, and these developers are willing to work with us and we can keep them accountable.”

In other news

After months of public engagement and discussion, City Council also approved the proposed Pack Square Plaza Vision Plan in a 7-0 vote. The 49-page plan is part of the city’s Pack Square Visioning Project.

Durham-based civil engineering firm McAdams Co. began work on the plan in July 2022 and has a $111,000 contract funded by both the city and county. There are 10 main areas of focus within the plan, including creating new spaces for civic engagement and expression, repositioning the elevated lawn and redesigning South Market Street as an active cultural corridor to The Block.

The plan proposes closing North Pack Square to vehicular traffic, converting College Street from one-way into two-way traffic, and moving the Patton Avenue-Broadway crosswalk farther south for safer pedestrian access to Pack Square Plaza.

The most ambitious part of the plan involves possibly relocating the police and fire departments at 100 Court Plaza. The building could be “repurposed as a cultural museum to share a comprehensive, inclusive story of Asheville,” the plan suggests.

Central to the redesign is to make the park a more “people-centered place.” According to the plan, community members noted that “the presence of the police and fire department limit the potential of Pack Square, South Market Street and The Block.”

The fate of the Vance Monument also remains in question, pending a state Supreme Court ruling that is expected soon. The Society for the Historical Preservation of the 26th North Carolina Troops sued to put back the obelisk, arguing that the city was in breach of contract after the group raised more than $138,000 in 2015 to restore the monument.

“The plan itself is just the first step in the process,” City Attorney Brad Branham said. “It is still my belief that we will hear something from the court, which will provide direction before the City Council would take any final action to start plan implementation work.”

McAdams Co. included in its plan a contingency in case the Supreme Court rules that the Vance Monument must be put back.

— Chase Davis

Support wavers for BCTDA-Sports Commission merger

Despite a consultant’s recommendations to merge the Buncombe County Tourism and Development Authority and the Asheville Buncombe Regional Sports Commission, BCTDA President and CEO of Explore Asheville Vic Isley said at the Sept. 27 BCTDA board meeting she intends to vote to keep the Sports Commission independent. As one-fourth of the governing members responsible for making the decision, Isley’s pivot puts the merger in limbo.

The Sports Commission was created as an independent body in 2010 by the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, UNC Asheville and the BCTDA to bring more sporting events to the area. Each entity appoints a member to the commission’s governing board. Isley represents the BCTDA, City Council member Sage Turner represents the city, County Commissioner Amanda Edwards represents the county, and Athletic Director Janet Cone represents UNCA. The commission also has a 24-member advisory board.

The idea for a merger came from the Huddle Up Group, a Phoenixbased sports tourism consulting firm, hired by the BCTDA. The suggestion to merge was strongly opposed by the commission’s advisory board, which voted 10-0 against it at its Sept. 18 meeting. Ten members abstained from voting, and four were not present. Board Chair Stephen Zubrod pointed to the commission’s previous successes, such as bringing both the NCAA 2023 Southern Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament and the U.S. Billie Jean King Cup tennis tournament to Asheville as reasons for retaining independence.

“We want to stay independent so we can fulfill our entire focus,” Zubrod said at the meeting. “When you merge a smaller organization into a bigger, broader corporate entity, that clarity of what you are trying to achieve gets muddled.”

However, members of the BCTDA argue that the commission’s success is largely due to its funds, which have increased to $230,000 annually, far surpassing the $45,000 annual allocations each from the city and county.

“Since the formation of the Sports Commission, Explore Asheville has maintained its own sports initiatives, as well as been a funding partner [for the Sports Commission]” said Isley. “Over time, we have increased investment levels and become the primary investor, as they never diversified funding

sources as originally intended by the founding members.”

While initially supporting Huddle Up’s recommendation, Isley noted that the negative reaction from the advisory board and the public led to her decision to support the commission’s independence.

“From a relationship standpoint, it would do more harm than good to take the recommendation,” Isley said. “Does it make all the sense in the world? Yes, it does.”

According to Huddle Up’s study, sports commissions typically are not completely independent from development authorities, with 70% being fully controlled and 12%-14% working under a blended model. Completely independent sports commissions are usually found in cities with major league teams, such as Charlotte.

However, Isley noted that if the commission remains independent, the BCTDA plans to bring “funding more in line with funding from other founding members.”

MORE HARM THAN GOOD: While initially supportive of Huddle Up’s recommendation, Explore Asheville President and CEO Vic Isley noted that the negative reaction from the advisory board and the public led to her decision to support the commission’s independence.

“At the end of the day, this board has a responsibility,” said BCTDA board member HP Patel. “We can’t just throw money wherever we want, and we need to show results for our funding.”

Several other board members were disappointed by the reaction the merger recommendation received. Board member Larry Crosby called the situation “an absolute shame.”

“We had very good intentions and we were trying to do the right thing. This is not a dirty business, and we always have great intentions. It’s a shame that it went that way,” Crosby added.

The four members of the Sports Commission’s governing board were scheduled to vote on the possible merger on Oct. 3. The meeting had been rescheduled from Sept. 28. Should the merger go through, the Sports Commission would keep its funding but lose executive control over sporting events and marketing.

In addition to voting on the merger, Isley said the governing members may look at bylaw changes to expand the governing board beyond four members. She would like to see more voices involved in the commission’s future decisions.

— Chase Davis

Photo by Chase Davis

Planning and Zoning Commission to discuss new 279-unit development

City of Asheville

The public will be able to provide input on two zoning map amendments at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4 , which will be in person at City Hall’s firstfloor North Conference Room at 70 Court Plaza. A meeting of the same body to review the agenda, which is open to the public but does not allow public comment, will be at 4:30 p.m. in the fifth-floor Large Conference Room.

The Design Review Committee will meet virtually at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, with an agenda review at 12:15 p.m. the same day. The agenda for that meeting was not available as of press time.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Residents can submit comments via email and voicemail until 24 hours before the meeting or provide in-person comment during the meeting itself. Instructions on how to attend and comment, as well as the full meeting agenda, are available at avl.mx/8b6

ZONING MAP AMENDMENTS

2 Butler Road, Arden Property owners Margaret Wallace, Jeanne Fort, Deirdre L Hawes, Robert Swicegood II, Marita Stepp and Patricia and Jimmie Earwood are requesting to conditionally rezone 8 acres at 2 Butler Road from Community Business II to Residential Expansion — Conditional Zone. If approved, the land will be used for a 279-unit apartment complex with five residential buildings and seven ancillary structures, including a leasing office, fitness center and five garages.

110 River Hills Road, Asheville Property owner Wood Ave LLC is requesting to amend the conditional zoning ordinance for property at 110 River Hills Road to make changes to the site plan and project conditions. If approved, the land will be used for a one-building, 153-unit multifamily development, as well as a clubhouse.

Buncombe County

One project seeking a special-use permit is on the agenda at the Buncombe County Board of Adjustment meeting at noon Wednesday, Oct. 11. The in-person meeting will be at the Board of Commissioners Chambers, 200 College St.

Information on how to attend and apply for comment can be found at avl.mx/anq. No email or voicemail comments will be accepted.

SPECIAL-USE PERMITS

Wilderness Ridge SUP (99999 Reeves Code Road, Lower Hominy Township)

Kevin Kerr of Asheville-based Wilderness Ridge LLC is requesting a special-use permit to build a Level 1 Planned Unit Development on 60.66 acres. The development will consist of 75 condominium units across 35 buildings. Each condominium will be about 2,850 square feet and include a two-car garage. The 5.75 acres of heavily wooded common space will be maintained by a homeowners association. The review of this application is continued from the board’s Wednesday, Sept. 13, meeting. Project documents are available at avl.mx/cvd.

— Chase Davis

NEW DEVELOPMENTS: A new development proposed at 2 Butler Road in Arden is set to include a 279-unit apartment complex with five residential buildings and seven ancillary structures, including a leasing office, fitness center and five garages. Rendering courtesy of the City of Asheville

‘Huck-Finning it’ Local man and his son travel from Asheville to Mobile, Ala. — by river

BY STORMS REBACK

stormsreback@gmail.com

East Asheville resident Clark Glenn has always loved rivers.

As a kid growing up in Mobile, Ala., he spent hours studying the waterways prominently displayed on the state seal. He spent even more time in boats. “Every summer of my childhood from Memorial Day to Labor Day, I was on the water of Mobile Bay,” he says. “It’s in my bones.”

In 1984, his father took him to the grand opening of the TennesseeTombigbee Waterway, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project that runs 234 miles, connecting the Tennessee River in northeast Mississippi with the Tombigbee River near Demopolis, Ala. In Mobile, Glenn explains, residents refer to it as Tenn-Tom. During the grand opening event, Glenn leaned over to his father and said, “One day I’m going to run the Tenn-Tom in a boat.”

Nearly 40 years later, Glenn revisited the idea — albeit with a new twist. Rather than simply traverse the Tenn-Tom, he decided to start from the Swannanoa River and travel by water to the Gulf of Mexico, using a canoe and a johnboat in a piecemeal fashion he calls “Huck-Finning it.” His 11-year-old son, Taber, would be his first mate.

In February, the two visited Clark’s hometown for Taber’s first Mardi Gras. At a spot overlooking Mobile Bay, Clark explained to his son the link between Western North Carolina and the spot where they were standing. “There’s a drop of water from Snake Creek right here,” he told Taber, referring to a stream on their property in East Asheville. “Why don’t we leave from our front door, and we’ll go the whole way?”

SAFETY FIRST

The idea wasn’t as crazy as it sounds.

A former sea kayak and whitewater instructor, Clark has plenty of experience working on rivers as well as making them settings for grand adventures. When he was the director of outdoor programs at The Lawrenceville School in New Jersey, he built a kayak out of mahogany and paddled from his house to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

To prepare for the trip to Mobile, Clark took his son to Swannanoa’s

Charles D. Owen Park and taught him canoe paddle strokes before they set off on their adventure on Aug. 7. Staying true to the original vision, they started walking from their front door with backpacks on. They crossed U.S. 70 and headed west along the railroad tracks until they reached Porters Cove Road, where Glenn’s fiancée, Lisa Greenberg, met them with the canoe.

Greenberg served as their support team for the first three days of the trip and was forced into duty just a few hours after Clark and Taber started paddling down the Swannanoa River. A storm hit, and the weather forecast said there was going to be heavy rain, 40 mph winds and possible tornadoes for the next 5 1/2 hours. Clark and Taber were in a narrow, steep-walled section of the river — not a place you want to be during a flood. Greenberg picked them up and took them to a nearby Cracker Barrel, where they enjoyed hot chocolate and French toast while the rain blew sideways against the windows.

Glenn’s other concession to safety came on the second day of the trip, when he chose to raft Section 9 of the French Broad River with French Broad Adventures instead of braving its Class III and IV rapids in a canoe. Later, he and Taber ran several smaller rapids in their canoe up near Hot Springs. But for subsequent larger ones, they “lined” the canoe, guiding

it down the river with a rope while walking along the bank.

Once they completed the French Broad rapids, Greenberg picked them up near Newport, Tenn. From there, they swapped the canoe for a johnboat. Clark estimated paddling to Mobile would have taken two months, time they did not have.

They launched their latest vessel near Kodak, Tenn., where Clark and his son enjoyed a cruising speed of 20 mph, until Taber identified a problem. “I can see water splashing up,” he said, pointing. “I think it’s a rapid.”

Unlike with a canoe, there is no way to line a johnboat. “Once it’s in the water, it’s in the water,” Clark explains.

Idling the boat with its bow pointed upstream, Clark scouted the rapid, readied their throw bag and discussed a safety plan with Taber. Fortunately, Clark found a path through the rapid he felt good about, lifted the johnboat’s 110-pound motor out of the water and ran it cleanly.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ON THE TENNESSEE RIVER

Downriver from Kodak, the Holston River joins the French Broad, and their confluence forms the Tennessee River. “On a lot of these rivers, when they come together and you have a new name for a river, there’s generally a distinctive change in the feeling of the river,” Clark says. “When a river’s name changed, you felt like you were in a different place.”

Clark estimated the Tennessee River was 400-500 yards wide at this point in their journey. Compared to the French Broad, it also had more of an industrial feel. They had to share the river with commercial traffic, which Clark found comforting. “A lot of these sections of river are very remote, so any traffic is a welcome thing,” he says.

Clark used the sight of other boats as an opportunity to teach his son about river culture. “Almost every single boat waves to each other,” he

BOAT LIFE: Twelve days after leaving Asheville by canoe, Clark Glenn, left, and his son, Taber, completed their journey to Mobile, Ala., by johnboat. Photo by Clark Glenn

LINED UP: When they hit larger rapids, the father-and-son duo would “line” the canoe, guiding it down the river with a rope. Photo by Clark Glenn

explained to Taber. “You’re not only saying hello to people, you’re also acknowledging that you’re OK.”

Another educational opportunity arose when they encountered the first of the 18 locks they would need to navigate on their trip. Locks raise and lower boats between sections of rivers that have different water levels. The night before they arrived at Fort Loudon Lock, Clark called its operator, who instructed him to call back when they were 15 minutes out so he could prepare the lock for them.

Six hundred feet long and 110 feet wide, the locks on the Tennessee River can fit as many as eight barges, and the entire process, from entering a lock to exiting it, usually takes 30-45 minutes. Glenn used that time to give his son engineering lessons. “We were able to talk about the mathematics of the distances we were falling in the locks and figure out their volume,” he recalls. “Locks are fascinating because they have these massive doors and these massive volumes of water, but it’s actually a very simple system.”

TRAVELING ON FUMES

As Clark and Taber entered the heart of their journey, they faced a series of challenges. Multiple storms forced them to seek shelter at various locations, including a Sonic in South Pittsburg, Tenn., and an abandoned dock west of Decatur, Ala.

They also experienced several mechanical issues. As they entered Guntersville Lake near Huntsville, Ala., the johnboat’s motor suddenly quit on them. Clark waved down “two angels from northern Alabama,” who loaned them the socket wrench they needed to fix the problem and gave Taber candy bars and a Gatorade.

Even more frustrating, eelgrass continually clogged the johnboat’s cooling water intake while they crossed the 75-mile-long lake.

After nearly traversing the entire width of Alabama on Aug. 13, they arrived in Florence at sunset. They had hoped to get to Florence Harbor Marina, but it was on the other side of Wilson Lock, which, at 94 feet, is the highest lift lock east of the Rocky Mountains. It also has a reputation for being one of the Tennessee River’s busier and slower locks, so it was a disappointment, but not a surprise, when its operator told Glenn there was a 3 1/2-hour wait and they should come back at 6 a.m.

Taking a chance, they left their johnboat at the public boat ramp and hitched a ride to a hotel. They awoke at 4:30 a.m. and finally made their way back to the ramp at 6 a.m., in time to get through Wilson Lock.

On Aug. 14, they crossed into Mississippi and entered the TennTom, which they followed south until they crossed back into Alabama at Aliceville Lake, where the Tenn-Tom ends and the Tombigbee River begins.

The efficiency of the johnboat’s 15 horsepower, four-stroke engine allowed them to go 22 mph at full

throttle while burning a little more than a gallon of gas per hour. They’d started the trip with a 6-gallon tank as well as a 3-gallon tank and along the way bought a 2 1/2-gallon tank as a backup, giving them roughly 10 hours of runtime.

Eager to get to Demopolis, where one of Clark’s high school friends lived, they traveled 177 miles on Aug. 16 before running out of gas 3 miles from their destination. Combining the dregs of all three tanks into one and holding it beneath his arm, Clark was able to restart the motor and get them to the town’s dock on time.

THE HOMESTRETCH

The trip wasn’t all adrenaline and stress. Clark and Taber often stopped to swim, and they enjoyed numerous wildlife sightings. In the French Broad’s whitewater section, they watched a deer casually walk through rapids on its way to an island. On a flatter stretch of the French Broad, they saw two bald eagles fighting; the loser, perhaps injured, used its wings

to swim away. They also spotted lots of wild hogs and turkeys as well as a copperhead snake.

There were many cultural highlights as well throughout their stops in Alabama. At the Cochrane Campground in Aliceville, their host family invited them to tag along to pull up trotlines. The first two were empty, but the third held three large catfish, the biggest of which was as long as Taber’s leg. Passing through Epes, they saw its famous Selma chalk formations, Alabama’s version of the White Cliffs of Dover. And in Silas, they stopped at Bobby’s Fish Camp, a marina that’s earned a reputation for serving some of the best fried catfish in the South.

After the Tombigbee River met up with the Alabama River to form the Mobile River, Clark was able to judge the distance to his hometown by the landmarks they passed. First, there was 27 Mile Bluff, which was Mobile’s original location and the first capital of French Louisiana. Then came the General W.K. Wilson Jr. Bridge, known locally as the Dolly Parton Bridge.

Finally, on Aug. 17, 12 days after leaving Asheville, they arrived at the Mobile Convention Center. The trip there from Asheville is about 530 miles by car. Glenn estimated the journey by boat was more than 1,100 miles. By any measure it was a grand adventure. That he’d done it with his son made it even more so. “He was the best first mate a captain could ever want,” Clark says. “Every day, he got right back into it. He was never bored. Not once.”

Shortly after finishing the journey, Clark called his father to share the news with him. “Remember me telling you I was going to run the Tenn-Tom one day?” he said over the phone. Glenn’s dad laughed. “Yeah, but I didn’t think you were actually going to do it.”

LOCKED IN: Taber Glenn poses as he and his father enter their first lock on their river run. Photo by Clark Glenn

Birds of a feather

One resident’s unique bond with area waterfowl

BY JACK LUDKEY

Little electronic sailboats flit across Lake Tomahawk in Black Mountain as some people walk laps around the man-made lake and others play tennis nearby. Alone on a park bench sits James Hewitt with a duck in his lap. The wind carries his bag of Ritz Crackers toward me.

“Could you grab that?” Hewitt asks.

I return the crackers to him and inquire about the duck. It’s a drake, he informs me, which is the proper term for a male duck. For nearly 20 years, Hewitt has visited the park, developing a unique relationship with the area’s feathered critters.

Sadly, he notes, many of the ducks are disappearing. “A lot of them get hit by cars,” he says.

Hewitt stares out onto the lake without blinking. He’s wearing a custom

shirt that reads, “Duck Whisperer.”

Courtney King, the co-owner of nearby Hey Hey Cupcake, had it made for him, Hewitt tells me. The shirt also

features Hewitt’s name on the back, as well as a picture of Nika, one of Hewitt’s many goose friends.

I sit next to Hewitt, who brings out a bag of honey wheat bread. Passersby wave and say hi to him as he feeds the ducks. Meanwhile, inside the nearby Parks and Recreation office, a small photo of Hewitt sits framed. Melinda Polites, a staff member, says Hewitt has helped remove hooks and wires from a number of ducks. Early in my visit, it becomes apparent that Hewitt is a local celebrity of sorts.

MUTUAL CARE

Though Polites and others know Hewitt as Duck Whisperer, he has gone by many names during his 20 years at Lake Tomahawk: Duck Guru, Goose King and Silly Goose, to name a few. He carries these nicknames on a folded sheet of paper in his pocket. “I’ve been waiting for someone to call me ‘Goose God,’ since they already called me ‘Duck God,’” he says with a proud smile.

According to Hewitt, the birds at Lake Tomahawk have a tough time, “Some people don’t really like these guys,” he explains. “Kids used to torment them. Hit them with rocks and sticks. I got on their case about it, and they stopped.”

Hewitt’s favorite duck, Maya, was attacked by a dog earlier this year and has been taken to a bird sanctuary, which doesn’t allow visitors. Hewitt hasn’t seen her since. “She would fuss if any girl talked to me,” he says. “And

she would peck at me until I put the bandana around her neck.”

Though he is often seen petting the ducks, Hewitt says he is more spiritually connected to the geese. His favorite goose, Draco, disappeared in 2013. Hewitt still dreams of the lost goose and writes down these reveries in a journal that never leaves his room.

“He just loves them,” Jamie Davis, Hewitt’s mother, tells me a few days later. “They’re his buddies, and he wouldn’t hurt them for anything in the world. And I’m sure they’ve been there for him for things he was going through that I wasn’t even aware of. These ducks have a rough life; a lot of people don’t really care about them. People don’t care about much anymore.”

A PARAKEET NAMED DUDE

At the lake, Hewitt and I leave the bench and head closer to a tree. The ducks sit around us, taking a midday nap. Hewitt tells me when he’s not by the water, he’s often at the Black Mountain Public Library, where he researches animals and ancient gods. As he talks, Hewitt empties his pockets and multiple backpacks. All are filled with documents and notes on his feathered friends.

Hewitt shares articles on various bird legends, as well as printed selfies with local birds and a list of names for each of the winged creatures. Another sheet of paper is from an online spirit animal quiz. Not surprisingly, Hewitt was paired with a goose.

Hewitt says his interest in birds began as a child, when he got a parakeet named Dude. Dude could speak and mimic the phone.

“That’s what got me hooked on birds,” he says.

“My dad even taught him the F-word,” Hewitt continues. “We definitely didn’t want him to learn that. He forgot how to say half of his words when he burned his feet on Mom’s frying pan.”

As we chat, Hewitt observes a group of children walk by. They’re all gripping phones and tablets. “There are people that will walk right by a bird that they will never ever see again because they’re looking at their phones,” he says. “I mean, I look at my phone a lot too, but I am more interested in the nature.”

By now, Hewitt has run out of bread for the ducks, who all remain asleep anyway.

“Well, if no one wants to sit next to me, I might as well get going,” Hewitt says.

He picks up his things, placing them into his bag, and walks through the sleeping ducks who barely budge as he makes his way toward town. X

DUCK WHISPERER: James Hewitt, a Black Mountain resident, is known by many as Duck Whisperer. But he says he’s had several other bird-related nicknames over the years on account of his friendship with the ducks and geese at Lake Tomahawk. Photo by Kim Mannine

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

OCT. 4 - OCT. 12, 2023

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 32-33

 More info, page 30-31

WELLNESS

Tai Chi for Balance

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

WE (10/4, 11), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

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

WE (10/4, 11), noon, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Tai Chi Fan

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

WE (10/4, 11), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Therapeutic Recreation

Adult Morning Movement

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

WE (10/4, 11), 10am, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave

Yoga in The Solarium Flow through gentle Vinyasa and center yourself to the effects of sound bathing. All experience levels welcome.

WE (10/4), 6:30pm, The Restoration Hotel Asheville, 68 Patton Ave

Dharma & Discuss People coming together in friendship to meditate, learn and discuss the Dharma. Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome.

TH (10/5, 12), 7pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Tai Chi for Beginners

A class for anyone interested in Tai Chi and building balance as well as body awareness.

TH (10/5, 12), MO (10/9), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Nia Dance Fitness

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

TH (10/5, 12), 9:30am,

TU (10/10), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Seeds of Spirit

A weekly meditation and healing circle. Register at avl.mx/cya.

TH (10/5), 7pm, Online

Qigong for Health

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

FR (10/6), TU (10/10), 9am, SA (10/7), 11am, Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Yoga for Everyone

A free-in person yoga class for all ages and abilities that is led by registered yoga instructor Mandy.

SA (10/7), 9:30am, Black Mountain Presbyterian, 117 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Free Meditation

All are welcome to this one-hour silent meditation practice.

SA (10/7), 10am, Ganesh Place, 594 Ray Hill Rd, Mills River

Therapeutic Slow Flow

Yoga A blend of meditation, breathing and movement. All bodies, genders, and identities welcome.

SA (10/7), 10am, Mount

Inspiration Apparel, 444 Haywood Rd, Ste 103

Yoga in the Park

All-levels welcomed, but bring your own props and mat. Pre-register at avl.mx/9n6.

SA (10/7), SU (10/8), 11am, 220 Amboy Rd

Magnetic Minds: Depression& Bipolar Support Group

Free weekly peer-led meeting for those living with depression, bipolar, and related mental health challenges. Email

DIG IN: On Friday, Oct. 6, the Yancey Community Garden will host its annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser at the Burnsville Town Center, 4-7 p.m. This is an all-ages dinner that will celebrate food, art, community and the power of growing together, while raising awareness and providing resources toward building food security. Photo courtesy of Michael Lopez

depressionbipolarasheville@gmail.com or call or text (828) 367-7660 for more info.

SA (10/7), 2pm, 1316

Ste C Parkwood Rd

Sunday Walking Meditation

Walking slowly and mindfully to slow your heart rate and reduce stress with Scott MacGregor.

SU (10/8), 10am, Walk Jones Wildlife Sanctuary, Montreat

Fall Flow w/Jamie Knox

A level 1+ heat increasing flow with restorative bonds designed to warm the body, calm anxiety, and release excess heat built over the summer.

SU (10/8), 10:30am, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd

Gentle Yoga for Queer & GNC Folks

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

SU (10/8), 1:30pm, W Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd

Barre Fusion

A high energy low impact practice that shapes, sculpts, and tones the body like a dancer. No experience necessary, open to all levels.

MO (10/9), 9:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Monday Metta Meditation

In-person guided meditation focused on benevolence & loving-kindness, instructed by Scott MacGregor. MO (10/9), 7pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Morning Meditation

Everyone is most welcome to join the sit; however no meditation instructions are provided.

TU (10/10), 7:30am, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain Zumba

Free zumba class; Registration not needed.

TU (10/10), 6:30pm, St. James Episcopal Church, 424 W State St, Black Mountain

ABCs & 123s

For people looking to start a fitness journey with morning walks, stretching, and calisthenic workouts.

WE (10/11), 10am, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St

Community Yoga & Mindfulness

Free morning of breathwork, meditation and yoga. Bring your own mat.

WE (10/11), 11:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Sacred Chant w/Adam Bauer

Adam leads his chanting sessions with a gentle, grounded ener-

gy, guiding participants to profound levels of conscious awareness.

TH (10/12), 7pm, AyurPrana Listening Room, 312 Haywood Rd

ART

Western North Carolina Glass: Selections from the Collection

Western North Carolina is important in the history of American glass art. A variety of techniques and a willingness to push boundaries of the medium can be seen in this selection of works. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through April 15, 2024.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Daily Craft Demonstrations

Two artists of different media will explain and demonstrate their craft with informative materials displayed at their booths, daily. These free and educational opportunities are open to the public. Open daily, 10am. Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Pkwy

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

This exhibition celebrates the legacy of Lambert Wilson, a passionate collector of contemporary Native American art. Over 140 works on view tell the story of the

relationships he built and the impact that he made by dedicating himself to this remarkable collection. Gallery open Tuesday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition through Dec. 8. WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee

Art & Soul

Relaxing art classes and self expression with other adults 50 and over. Free, but advance registration at avlrec. com required.

FR (10/6), 6:30pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave

The Art of Food: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation

This exhibition explores the many identities of food in daily life: whether a source of pleasure, a reason for gathering, a mass-produced commodity, or a reflection of social ideologies and divisions. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed on Tuesday. Exhibition through Oct. 22.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

The Wool & The Wood

Featuring needle-felted wool landscapes by Jaana Mattson and fine furniture by Scott Kestel. Gallery open Monday through Sunday, 10am. Exhibition through Oct. 29.

Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Rd

Krafthouse 2023: Forest of the New Trees

An immersive art installation that engages with concepts related to an imagined major event, species survival and adaptation. Recommended for ages 12 and over.

TH (10/5, 12), FR (10/6), SA (10/7), 5pm, Center for Craft, 67 Broadway St

A Southern Trans & Nonbinary Art Exhibit: Opening Reception

A group art exhibit that captures the rich tapestry of trans and nonbinary lives in the South. Guided by the vision to spotlight the diverse experiences and artistic expressions of gender nonconforming individuals.

FR (10/6), 6pm, Mars Hill University, Weizenblatt Gallery, 79 Cascade St, Mars Hill

You Were Only Waiting for This Moment to Arise: Opening Reception

Mira’s new body of work references years of finding inspiration in nature. The artist presents paintings of peaceful spaces populated with wildflowers and plants—and the occasional figure of an animal or human—depicted in gloaming meadows and glimmering sunlight.

SA (10/7), 5pm, Tyger Tyger Gallery, 191 Lyman St, Ste 144

Beyond the Lens: Photorealist Perspectives on Looking, Seeing, and Painting Reflecting on the history of american realism one can see the endless variety of approaches artists choose to record their world. This exhibition continues this thread, offering viewers an opportunity to explore a singular and still vigorous aspect of American painting. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed on Tuesday. Exhibition through Feb. 5, 2024.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Romare Bearden: Ways of Working

This exhibition highlights works on paper and explores many of Romare Bearden's most frequently used mediums including screen-printing, lithography, hand colored etching, collagraph, monotype, relief print, photomontage, and collage. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through Jan. 22, 2024. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square Surrender: Embrace Ginger Huebner’s new solo show represent a leaning into–an embracing of–the surrender of control of what is to come. The works are structured by edges and pathways of the natural world that act as touch points for her layers of color using the medium of chalk pastel.

Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 10am, and Sunday, noon. Exhibition through Oct. 29.

Pink Dog Gallery, 348 Depot St

Laine Bachman: Eden Revisited Exhibition

A solo exhibition of lush, botanical paintings by popular artist Laine Bachman featuring real and imaginary creatures and goddess-like women with a deep connection to the natural world. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 10am, and Sunday, noon. Exhibition through Oct. 30.

Bender Gallery, 29 Biltmore Ave

Weaving at Black Mountain College:

Anni Albers, Trude Guermonprez & Their Students

The first exhibition devoted to textile practices at Black Mountain College. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through Jan. 6, 2024.

Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St

Mira Gerard: You Were Only Waiting for This Moment to Arise

The artist presents paintings of peaceful spaces populated with wildflowers and plants—and the occasional figure of an animal or human— depicted in gloaming meadows and glimmering sunlight. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am, and Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through Oct. 29.

Tyger Tyger Gallery, 191 Lyman St, Ste 144

Public Tour: The Art of Food

A volunteer educator led tour of The Art of Food: From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation. No reservations are required.

TH (10/12), 6pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

COMMUNITY

MUSIC

Music to Your Ears

Discussion Series: Led Zeppelin's House of the Holy Bill Kopp, author and music journalist is joined by Christopher Everett and will discuss Led Zeppelin's album and play recordings from it.

WE (10/4), 7pm, Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside Dr YAIMA

An immersion of deeply revitalizing organic rhythms, warm soothing vocals, and heartened lyricism from a Cascadian Folktronic duo hailing from

Seattle, WA.

WE (10/4), 7pm, AyurPrana Listening Room, 312 Haywood Rd

Brenda McMorrow & Paloma Devi

An evening of heart opening, inspiring and healing music. Guest musicians Jahidi, Scott Sheerin, and Chris Rosser, Paloma and Brenda will each share a set.

TH (10/5), 7pm, AyurPrana Listening Room, 312 Haywood Rd

David Childers & Zachary Warren

David Childers and Zachary Warren return to the Bloom WNC's outdoor concert series with their brillaint songwriting and guitar skills.

FR (10/6), 5:30pm, Bloom WNC Flower Farm, 806 North Fork Rd, Black Mountain

The Return of Zephyrus

Featuring Molly Quinn, soprano; Daniel Swenberg, lute and theorbo; Gail Ann Schroeder, viola da gamba.

SA (10/7), 4pm, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 337 Charlotte St

StrathSpan

The sound of StrathSpan starts with traditional Scottish pipe and fiddle tunes, layering innovative harmonies and rhythms.

SA (10/7), 7pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 West State St, Black Mountain

Descolada & Friends

w/Low Groves & Vandiver

An evening of American, country and folk music by Descolada. Low Groves and Vandiver will be joining the night.

SA (10/7), 7:30pm, Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd

Kruger Brothers

A special evening of bluegrass and new American folk music with The Kruger Brothers.

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

Kathy Mattea

This legendary hitmaker brings elements of traditional country, folk, bluegrass and gospel to her music, fusing these influences with all the intimacy, heartfelt honesty and musical authenticity of a singer-songwriter.

SA (10/7), 8pm, Wortham Center For The Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave

Mark’s House Jam & Beggar’s Banquet

Weekly Sunday pot luck and musician’s jam with acoustic and plug in players. It’s a family friendly community day

so bring a dish to share.

SU (10/8), 3pm, Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside Dr

Reuter Center Singers

Seasoned seniors that study and perform classical, popular, show tunes and other favorites.

MO (10/9), 6:15pm, UNC Asheville Reuter Center, 1 University Heights

Music Movie Mondays: The Song Remains the Same Showcasing the best in new, classic and cult films about music, these special screenings feature an introduction by music journalist Bill Kopp, followed by a screening of the film and then a moderated discussion about what we've just seen and heard.

MO (10/9), 7pm, Grail Moviehouse, 17 Foundy St

John Prine w/The Knotty G's

Celebrating the music and legacy of one of America’s most influential and beloved songwriters, John Prine by The Knotty G's and friends. See p30

TU (10/10), 7pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave

WNC, Past & Present: Ballad Singing in the Great Divide

Listen to Ian Kirkpatrick, local ballad singer clogger, and folklorist, share details of 20th century collections of local musicians.

TH (10/12), 6pm, Black Mountain Library, 105 N Dougherty St, Black Mountain

Black Violin

Boldly merging string arrangements with modern beats and vocals to create a world where Mozart, Marvin Gaye and Kendrick Lamar harmoniously coexist on one stage.

TH (10/12), 7pm, Wortham Center For The Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave

Chikomo Marimba

Playing high-energy polyrhythmic arrangements inspired by the Shona tradition of central and south America.

TH (10/12), 8pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd

The Jahidi Experience Sonic alchemist and sound healer, Jahidi, will lead this session with the power of sound, vibration, rhythm and melody.

TH (10/12), 8pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

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

WE (10/4, 11), 6:30pm, Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave

Poetry Open Mic Hendo

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

18+

TH (10/5, 12), 7:30pm, Shakedown Lounge, 706 Seventh Ave E, Hendersonville

Juniper Bends Reading Series

Quarterly reading series with three readers and a musical guest. Featuring Jasmin Pittman Morrell, Brit Washburn, Carolina Siliceo Perez and more.

TH (10/5), 6pm, Citizen Vinyl, 14 O'Henry Ave Woods & Wild: Annual Storytelling

An evening of captivating tales and musical enchantment as we celebrate the beauty of nature and the magic of storytelling.

FR (10/6), 7pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd

Painting from the Palette of Love: The Mystical Poetry of Kabir

A presentation by Thomas Rain Crowe on his new book Painting from the Palette of Love: The Mystical Poetry of Kabir.

SA (10/7), 3pm, City Lights Bookstore, 3 E Jackson St, Sylva Poetry Slam

A Poetry Slam Night on the second Sunday of each month. There will be cash prizes, food and refreshments.

SU (10/8), 6:30pm, Art Garden, 191 Lyman St, Ste 316

Book Tok

Discuss books, play trivia, and get more reading recommendations.

TU (10/10), 6pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave

Ron Rash: The Caretaker American poet, short story writer and novelist, will read from and discuss his new book and answer questions.

TU (10/10), 7pm, Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville

Wired for Dating Book Club

Discuss neurobiology and attachment styles in love relationships, and apply the lyrics of secure love songs in dating.

WE (10/11), 6pm, White Duck Taco, 388 Riverside Dr

An Evening w/David Sedaris

This event features a live reading of new material, time for audience members

to ask questions for the author, and book signings before and after the event.

TH (10/12), 7:30pm, WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee

THEATER & FILM

Toy Box Theater, Jake Budenz & Bad Ties

An evening of wild theatrics, puppetry, comedy and America's favorite cartoon witch.

WE (10/4), 8pm, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd

Ben & Angela

A young couple follow the twisty, sometimes hilarious, Rd of marriage from first infatuation through the kinks and perils and triumphs of the long haul. See p30 TH (10/5, 12), FR (10/6), SA (10/7), 7:30pm, BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce St

The Adventures of Tortoise and Hare: The Next Generation

With dazzling visuals, poignant storytelling and the creative use of music from classical to pop, this production brings this tale into a new brilliant light. Reccomended for grades K-5. Connect with the artists in a post-show Q&A.

FR (10/6), 10am and noon, Wortham Center For The Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave

Asheville Mind Reading Show

A mind reading show where your thoughts are the stars of the night. Experience the amazement of mind reading, lightning memory, real time hypnosis, and more.

FR (10/6), 7:30pm, Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd

The Splatter Play

Tina and her optimistic realtor parade a cast of unsavory potential buyers through the home, tormented all the while by the resident creepies and crawlies who aren't quite as ready to move on as Tina would hope.

FR (10/6), SA (10/7), TH (10/12), 7:30pm, SU (10/7), 4pm, The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St

Pippin

With a score by Stephen Schwartz and a dazzling circus-inspired production, Pippin is an audience-pleasing theatrical spectacle that explores themes of love, war, and the meaning of life.

FR (10/6), SA (10/7), 7:30pm, SU (10/8), 2:30pm, Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E Walnut St

I Am What I Am: A One Woman Drag Origin Story

A theatrical experience with live singing,

enchanting narrative, and a unique exploration of Divine's origin story. This nationwide touring production serves as a fundraiser for the ACLU's Drag Defense Fund.

WE (10/11), 7:30pm, New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St

MEETINGS & PROGRAMS

Introduction to Fly Fishing

Participants learn about basic gear, how to cast a fly rod, where to go, and rules and regulations for fishing in North Carolina. All gear provided, but advance registration at avlrec.com is required.

WE (10/4), 9am, Asheville Recreation Park, 65 Gashes Creek Rd

Community Choice

Enjoy family activities including puzzles, board games, arts and crafts, and more. Kids ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

WE (10/4, 11), 6:30pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St

Eightfold Path Study Group

A group will gather to study the Eightfold Path Program. Kris Kramer will host the group as a fellow participant and student.

WE (10/4, 11), 3pm, Black Mountain, Honeycutt St, Black Mountain

Free E-Bike Rental

A free one hour bike adventure to experience Asheville's historic River Arts District, French Broad River Greenway, local breweries, restaurants and more.

WE (10/4, 11), 10am, Ace Bikes, 342 Depot St

Intro to Golf

One-on-one coaching, as well as tips and tricks to learn the game of golf. Participants responsible for green fees.

WE (10/4, 11), 10am, Asheville Recreation Park, 65 Gashes Creek Rd

Beginners Aerial Silks

Learn a new skill and be part of a supportive community. All bodies are welcome. Space is limited so registration is required.

WE (10/4, 11), 4pm, 5:30pm, Amethyst Realm, 244 Short Coxe Ave

Intro to Ballroom Dance

Explore the world of Latin and Ballroom dancing with such styles as swing, salsa, foxtrot, rumba, merengue, and more.

WE (10/4, 11), SA

(10/7), 6pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain Peace Education Program

An innovative series of video-based workshops that help people discover their own inner strength and personal peace.

WE (10/4. 11), 5pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Dollar Décor DIY

Enjoy new crafts made from simple items you have at home or can be found at dollar stores. Advance registration at avlrec.com required.

WE (10/4, 11), 7pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Spanish Club

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

WE (10/4, 11), 6pm, Black Mountain Brewing, 131 NC-9, Black Mountain

Electric Vehicles: Why the Future is Now

Dave Erb will discuss positive reasons for choosing electric vehicles (EVs). Ample time will be allotted

for questions and discussion.

WE (10/4), 7pm, WNC Sierra Club Office, 45 Wall St, Ste 709

Evolution of Modular Synthesis w/Chris Meyer & Dave Rossum

The Bob Moog Foundation is excited to announce its upcoming event featuring modular synthesis educator and musician Chris Meyer and synthesizer pioneer Dave Rossum.

WE (10/4), 7pm, Citizen Vinyl, 14 O'Henry Ave

The Artist's Way Workshop

A guided walk through Julie Cameron's world renown self-help book for professional artists, part-time creators, or anyone looking to discover and unblock their creative process.

WE (10/4, 11), 7pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain

Therapeutic Recreation

Adult Hiking Club

Participants need to pack a lunch, water bottle, and clothes comfortable to move in. Open to individuals with disabilities ages 18 and over.

TH (10/5), 9am, Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd

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 (10/5, 12), MO (10/9), TU (10/10), 4pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Embroiderers' Guild of America: Laurel Chapter Sue Osterberg will provide instruction in the techniques required to create a bead-woven edging. All supplies will be furnished and there is a nominal fee for this project.

TH (10/5), 9:30am, Horse Shoe Community Church, 3 Banner Farm Rd, Mills River

Dharma & Discuss: Paul Linn Teaching Meditation instructions followed by a dharma talk and an opportunity to ask Paul questions afterwards.

TH (10/5), 7pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Swing Dance Lesson & Dance Swing dancing lesson and dance, every Thursday.

TH (10/5, 12), 7pm, Alley Cat Social Club, 797 Haywood Rd

Astronomy Club of Asheville: Public Star Gaze

A public star gaze at Grassland Mountain Observatory in Madison County. This event is free and open to everyone, and registration is not necessary to attend. A temporary gate code, required for entry, will be posted on their website by 5:00 pm on the day of the star gaze. Sunset occurs at 7:07 pm.  Location directions at avl.mx/prxa

FR (10/6), 5pm, Grassland Mountain Observatory, 2890 Grassland Parkway, Marshall

National Geographic Explorer & Climate Scientist

World-renowned climate scientist Baker Perry will explain the science and the thrills of leading the team that set up the world's highest weather station on Mt. Everest in the Himalayas.

FR (10/6), 7pm, First United Methodist Church, Waynesville, 566 S. Haywood St, Waynesville

Cataloochee Wildlife Watching Experience

Attendees will caravan in to the park to witness the wildlife of

Cataloochee and also enjoy a short hike to a historic cabin in the woods for lunch and community.

SA (10/7), 9am, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 1194 Newfound Gap Rd, Cherokee

How to Start a Small Business

This class will give you a solid base on what is needed to define, start, and run a small business. This is a teamtaught class.

SA (10/7), 9am, A-B

Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler

Community Reparations Summit

This event provides an opportunity for the public to hear directly from the impact focus areas of criminal justice, economic development, education, housing, and health and wellness and provide feedback on their draft recommendations.

SA (10/7), 10am, UNC Asheville Sherrill Center, 227 Campus Dr

Mindfulness in Daily Life

In this class, you will use the building blocks of mindfulness meditation practice, breath, body, feelings,

and thoughts as we cultivate our capacity to be present in daily life.

SA (10/7), TU (10/10) 11am, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain

The Great Pumpkin Pop-Up

A family-friendly event that features a free pumpkin decorating class, entertainment from local life size puppetry collective Street Creatures, a string band and pop-ups from merchants.

SA (10/7), noon, Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave Therapeutic Recreation Bowling League

A five-week non-competitive bowling league for individuals. Open to individuals with disabilities ages 6 and over. For more information, please call (828) 232-4529.

SA (10/7), 1pm, Sky Lanes, 1477 Patton Ave

Introduction to Knitting

Participants will learn the basic skills of knitting, which include how to cast on, knit, purl, bind off, increase, decrease and knit in the round. Projects will include a headband or fingerless mitts, an infinity scarf, and a

beanie style hat. SA (10/7), 2pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St, Black Mountain

APR Outdoor Social Sampler

This week features a bike ride from New Belgium Brewing to Hominy Creek River Park and back. Advance registration at avlrec. com required.

SA (10/7), 3:30pm, New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St

From Introspection to Celebration

Exploration of conditioning connection through somatic meditation and movement, song, storytelling and art.

SU (10/8), 10am, Center for Conscious Living and Dying, 83 Sanctuary Rd, Swannanoa

Weekly Sunday Scrabble Club

Tournament-style scrabble. All levels of play.

SU (10/8), 12:15pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Emote Clothing Swap: Costume Edition

A costume clothing swap. Bring your unwanted costumes and come find some new free pieces. Regular clothing is welcome as well.

SU (10/8), 1pm, Different Wrld, 701 Haywood Rd, Ste 101

Birding by Ear

A four week course introducing the world of birding. Participants will have two instructional sessions with an emphasis on birding by ear followed by two birding nature walks.

MO (10/9), 10:30am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd

Sew Co./Rite of Passage Factory Tour

On this 30 minute micro-tour, learn about sustainable and transparent business practices and hear about production processes and client collaborations. Preregister at avl.mx/cec.

MO (10/9), 11am, Rite of Passage Clothing & Sew Co, 240 Clingman Ave Ex

Recreate Asheville Community Workshop

Help develop a community-powered comprehensive plan to guide Asheville Parks & Recreation's decisions for the next 10-15 years to connect, fix, build, and preserve recreation programs and parkland.

MO (10/9), 2pm, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd

Stitches of Love

Meeting

Stitches of Love is a small group of stitchers who create a variety of

handmade items which are donated to local charities. New members are always welcome to join.

MO (10/9), 3pm, Panera Bread, 1843 Hendersonville Rd

Chess Club

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

MO (10/9), 4pm, Black Mountain Brewing, 131 NC-9, Black Mountain

Guitar League Club

Rod Sphere, a foundational figure in the underground acoustic scene of California will be at this guitar club meeting.

MO (10/9), 6pm, Groce Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Rd

WNC Sierra Club MAP

Series

The WNC Sierra Club launches a MAP (Music, Art and Policy) series, featuring an evening of music, art and policy focused on turning inspiration into action.

MO (10/9), 6pm, Wedge Brewery at Foundation, 5 Foundy St, Ste 10

Black Men Monday

A local group that has stepped up in the community to advocate for and mentor students through academic intervention.

MO (10/9), 7pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Dalton & the Opening of the Atlanta Campaign

Robert Jenkins will discuss the Confederate efforts to build their army before the campaign and the opening moves of both armies from the Dalton area south to Resaca, GA. MO (10/9), 7pm, Haywood County Public Library, 11 Pennsylvania Ave, Canton

World Tavern Poker Night

A free to play poker night every Monday. MO (10/9), 7pm, The Getaway River Bar, 790 Riverside Dr

Toddler Discovery Time

Crafts, games, and playtime for toddlers. Advance registration at avlrec.com required.

TU (10/10), 9:45am, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Intro to Senior Games Sports

Each week will cover a different sport. This is for people trying a new sport for the 2024 Asheville-Buncombe senior games.

TU (10/10), 10am, W Asheville Park, 11 Vermont Ave

Therapeutic Recreation Adult Crafting & Cooking

A variety of cooking

and crafts for individuals with disabilities ages 17 and over. This week will focus on pumpking carving.

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

A Stitch in Crime

A drop-in yarn art circle where you can bring your current project or work on a new one while listening to true crime podcasts.

TU (10/10), 2pm, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain Leadership is Free Workshop: Growth & Development in 3 Areas

A free six week course that will enhance your growth development in three areas of leadership.

TU (10/10), 5pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Tap into ASL w/Hope Free ASL classes, games, drinks and socializing. All levels welcome.

TU (10/10), 6:30pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, 200

Creating a Textural Sunset w/Michell Sider

In this three-day workshop, Michelle Sider, will take you step-by-step through her distinctive technique to create a stunning textural sunset mosaic. For more details and to register, visit avl.mx/d24.

WE (10/11), TH (10/12), 10am, Art Garden, 191 Lyman St, Ste 316

MBBC Networking Event w/Focus on Leadership

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

TH (10/12), 11:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Bowling for Adults 50 & Over

A friendly game of bowling for adults 50 and over. Transportation provided from Grove St Community Center.

TH (10/12), 1pm, Sky Lanes, 1477 Patton Ave

Change Your Palate Cooking Demo

This free food demonstration is open to everyone but tailored towards those with type 2 diabetes or hypertension and/ or their caretakers. Our featured host is Change Your Palate's very own Shaniqua Simuel.

TH (10/12), 5:30pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Therapeutic Recreation

Adult Supper Club

Prepare and enjoy meals with new and old friends. Open to

individual with disabilities ages 18 and over.

This week focuses on chicken and vegetable kabobs.

TH (10/12), 6pm, Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd

LOCAL MARKETS

Etowah Lions Club Farmers Market

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

WE (10/4, 11), 3pm, Etowah Lions Club, 447 Etowah School Rd, Hendersonville

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

WE (10/4, 11), 3pm, Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester

RAD Farmers Market

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

WE (10/4, 11), 3pm, Smoky Park Supper Club, 350 Riverside Dr

Weaverville Tailgate Market

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

WE (10/4, 11), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr

Weaverville

Enka-Candler Tailgate Market

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

TH (10/5), 3pm, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler

Flat Rock Farmers Market

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

Oct. 26.

TH (10/5, 12), 3pm, Pinecrest ARP Church, 1790 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock

Pack Square Artisan Market

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

Every Friday through Oct. 27.

FR (10/6), 1pm, 1 South Pack Square Park

Saluda Tailgate Market

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

FR (10/6), 4:30pm, W Main St, Saluda

Henderson County

Tailgate Market

Seasonal fruits, fresh mushrooms, vegetables, local honey, meat, eggs, garden plant starts, perennials and much more. Every Saturday through Oct. 28.

SA (10/7), 8am, 100 N

King St, Hendersonville Hendersonville

Farmers Market

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

SA (10/7), 8am, 650 Maple St, Hendersonville

Huge Swannanoa Community Yard Market

Browse dozens of sellers and join hundreds of buyers for this popular twice-yearly yard sale that's hosted at the Swannanoa Ingles parking lot.

SA (10/7), 8am, Ingles

Swannanoa Parking Lot, 2299 US-70, Swannanoa

North Asheville

Tailgate Market

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

SA (10/7), 8am, 3300

University Heights

Asheville City Market

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

SA (10/7), 9am, 52 N Market St

Black Mountain

Tailgate Market

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

through Nov. 18.

SA (10/7), 9am, 130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Mars Hill Farmers & Artisans Market

A producer-only tailgate market located on the campus of Mars Hill University on College Street. We offer fresh local produce, herbs, garden and landscape plants, cut flowers, cheeses, meats, eggs, baked, and more. Every Saturday through Oct. 28.

SA (10/7), 10am, College St, Mars Hill

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

Asheville Punk Flea Market

The Asheville punk flea market is back. Browse for wild punk gear, DIY art, records and more.

SU (10/8), noon, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd

Meadow Market

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

SU (10/8), 1pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

Plott-tober Fest

A four-day festival to celebrate the Plott Hound, North Carolina's state dog and Haywood County's German heritage. Visit avl.mx/d0p for the daily schedule of events. See p30-31

TH (10/5), FR (10/6), SA (10/7), SU (10/8), 9am, Sorrells St Park, Corner of Main and Sorrells Sts., Canton

Hospitality Workers Date Night

Celebrating Asheville's hospitality industry with an evening of art, music, tours, and more. Admission is free for all hospitality and restaurant staff. See p32-33

TH (10/5), 5pm, Asheville Art Museum,

2 S Pack Square

Media Arts Education & Career Day

Aspiring artists ages 6th grade and up are invited to drop in and browse education options, internships, or a job resources. Booths will be hosted by schools and businesses in the industry from all

over the country. FR (10/6), 9am, Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave, Tryon Tryon International Film Festival

Offering an amazing array of film screenings of productions from around the globe, education sessions and events. This year TRIFF will also offer passes to its first Media Arts and Education Day for middle and high school-age youth and has expanded its Education Institute.

FR (10/6), SA (10/7), SU (10/8), 9am, Downtown Tryon, Trade St, Tryon

Eliada Fall Festival & Corn Maze

Eliada's corn maze is back with corn cannons, lawn games, hay rides, slides, custom-designed corn maze and more. One-hundred percent of proceeds will benefit the children of Eliada to aid in their growth and success.

FR (10/6), 3pm, SA (10/7), 9am, SU (10/8), 10am, Eliada Corn Maze, 49 Compton Dr

Asheville Truth Rally

This free and open public event will host over two dozen local speakers, musicians, filmmakers, singers, poets and performance artists sharing their views, inspirations, wisdom and commitment to truth and unity. All participants will have an opportunity to sign up to speak and share.

FR (10/6), 6pm, Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza

The 11th Annual Haunted Trail

An entirely immersive and interactive spooky night out while also ensuring no contact.

Asheville Plays creates a show with a unique perspective on Halloween fun with 15 live action scenes for guests to watch and enjoy.

FR (10/6), SA (10/7), 6pm, Adventure Center of Asheville, 85 Expo Dr

15th Annual ColorFest

Artisans will be displaying authentic works in pottery, jewelry, photography, loom beading, handmade soaps, needle work, Christmas ornaments, wreaths, candles, rustic furniture, baskets, books and more. ColorFest will also feature music performances and high-energy dance team, The J. Creek Cloggers.

SA (10/7), 10am, Front Street Arts & Crafts Show, Front St, Dillsboro

Tour de Fat

A celebration of bicycles and beer with a bike parade starting at 11:30am and a long

list of festivities.

SA (10/7), 11:30am, New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St

Pickin' and Pullin' Family-friendly event with BBQ, live music from the Dirty French Broads, Andy Ferrell and John Duncan. SA (10/7), noon, Funkatorium, 147 Coxe Ave

Weaverville Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest celebration with Weaverville Breweries, Leveller, Eluvium and Zebulon offering their own unique Oktoberfestbier-inspired goodies. See each individual breweries for times and special events.

FR (10/6), SA (10/7), SU (10/8), 1pm, Leveller Brewing Co., 25 N Main St, Weaverville

Asheville Oktoberfest

The Asheville Oktoberfest will feature 20+ breweries, craft beverage makers, and food vendors. There will also be a festival games section hosted by Asheville Sports and Social Club, local emcee Robert from Totally Rad Trivia, and live music. See p32 SA (10/7), 2pm, Pack Square, 1 N Pack Square

Oktoberfest

A celebration with art vendors, beer tents and games. Stipe Brothers and Hustle Souls will provide the music.

SA (10/7), 2pm, Oklawaha Brewing Co., 147 1st Ave E, Hendersonville

Harvest Masquerade

Ball

A community masquerade celebration with crafts, costumes, a potluck, music and beer. A suggested donation will be collected at the event SA (10/7), 6pm, Dreaming Stone Arts and Ecology Center, 382 Pleasant Hill Rd, Rutherfordton

The Haunted Farm

Bring your friends and family for a night of spooky and exciting fun with quality horror sets that aim to bring fear to extreme new heights. Hours vary by date, visit avl.mx/d23 for dates and times.

FR (10/6), SA (10/7), 7pm, The Haunted Farm, 624 Townsend Rd, Hendersonville Black Bear Half Marathon & 8k Black Bear Half, the popular and scenic, half marathon in WNC, returns during peak leaf season with its beary speedy companion the 8k. Register at avl.mx/d1y.

SU (10/8), 8am, Oklawaha Brewing Co., 147 1st Ave E, Hendersonville

Asheville VeganFest

Celebrating being vegan, with food, artisan vendors, clothing, family fun zone and contests. This year we are doing a suggested donation for the festival.

SU (10/8), 11am, 1 South Pack Square Park

WNC Parade of Homes

Explore cutting-edge designs and connect with talented building professionals in Asheville. No tickets required, just visit avl.mx/d1p for directions and tour information.

SA (10/7), SU (10/8), 11am, Multiple Locations, citywide

Barktoberfest

Bob for tennis balls, participate in canine contests, get a caricature of you and your dog, and take a photo at the doggy kissing booth.

SU (10/8), noon, French Broad River Park, 508 Riverview Rd

Roll Up Herbal Bar

Mobile mocktail bar will be celebrating their opening with complimentary charcuterie, dessert bites, trivia, live music, and chances

to win cool prices.

WE (10/11), 3pm, Sunny Point Cafe Event Space, 9 State S

BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING

Community Build of Candace Pickens

Memorial Park: Volunteers Needed

Actively seeking volunteers to help build this park as a community effort. Volunteers can work one or more shifts during the build. Food will be provided each day and childcare will be provided on Saturday and Sunday.

WE (10/4), FR (10/6), SA (10/7), SU (10/8) 8am, Former Jones Park Playground, Ottari Rd

Community Build: Jones Park

Hundreds of volunteers from neighborhoods across the city and county will be giving their time to help bring this playground back. WE (10/4), TH (10/5), SA (10/7), 8am, 544 Kimberly Avenue

Teresa Ramsay

Fundraiser

A benefit for the USPS worker who was shot and seriously injured during a carjacking while delivering mail. Live music from 3 Little Birds, The Cinners, Generous Electric, Dirty Dawg, White Oak Splits adn more. See p31

TH (10/5), 6pm, Mars Hill Brewing Co., 70 N Main St, Mars Hill

Musicians for Overdose Prevention Benefit

A benefit show for overdose prevention featuring Acid Jo, Yawni, Rugg and Dark City Knights. The focus is to distribute Narcan/ Naloxone, a harmless opioid-blocker, to small underground rock bands, as well as to the venues that support them.

TH (10/5), 8pm, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd

Dig In: Yancey Empty Bowls Fundraiser

Annual fundraiser that is a part of an international grassroots movement to raise awareness and mobilize resources towards building food security. Tickets include a choice of soup, bread, dessert, and a handcrafted bowl.

FR (10/6), 4pm, Burnsville Town Center, 6 S Main St, Burnsville

Carolina Mountain Cheese Festival

Celebrating artisan cheeses being made in WNC, this is an annual fundraiser for the WNC Cheese Trail, a nonprofit whose goal is to spread the word about cheeses being made in the region.

SU (10/8), 1pm, Oak & Grist Distilling Co., 1556 Grovestone Rd, Black Mountain

Friends of Dorothy: The Brunch of Oz Wizard of Oz themed brunch benefitting Open Hearts Arts Center, a nonprofit studio and gallery dedicated to empowering adults with varied abilities to reach their full potential through the arts. All ages event. See p33 SU (10/8), 1pm, Plēb Urban Winery, 289 Lyman St

Trains & Trade That Made America Oktoberfest Oktoberfest and Pysanky fundraiser for Ukraine at this exhibit of original watercolors by artist Nadine Charlsen. One-hundred percent of donations will be in support of Ukraine. Live music by Chris Wilhelm. TH (10/12), 5pm, The Wedge at Foundation, 5 Foundy St

by Jessica Wakeman | jwakeman@mountainx.com

HCA’s independent monitor hosts community meetings

Gibbins Advisors, the independent monitor for HCA Healthcare, will hold a community meeting about Mission Hospital, CarePartners and Mission Children’s Hospital for members of the public at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 19, at The Scenic Hotel Cypress/Maple Room, 184 Hendersonville Road.

The independent monitor will provide an update and HCA’s 15 commitments, which can be found at avl.mx/d1o, and answer questions from the audience. The independent monitor was appointed when HCA, a for-profit health care system, purchased the nonprofit Mission Hospital for $1.5 billion in 2019. Gibbins Advisors is paid by Dogwood Health Trust, a nonprofit that was created during the sale of Mission Health to HCA.

Gibbins Advisors will also hold individual meetings about Transylvania Regional Hospital in Brevard, Angel Medical Center in Franklin, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in Cashiers, Mission Hospital McDowell and Blue Ridge Hospital in October and November.

The dates, times and locations for those community meetings can be found at avl.mx/wordcapg.

All community meetings are in-person and open to all members of the public, though space may be limited depending on attendance.

New COVID vaccines available

The Buncombe County Health and Human Services received a

supply of updated Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for adults and children who have health insurance and for children who are uninsured. BCHHS also has the updated Moderna COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 12-18 who are uninsured or who have Medicaid.

The BCHHS Immunization Clinic, 40 Coxe Ave., has walkin hours 8-11:30 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 1-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Individuals can also schedule a vaccination appointment during those same hours by calling 828-250-5096. More information is at avl.mx/d1m.

Free COVID-19 tests are available at BCHHS and other locations. Households can also receive four

free rapid antigen COVID-19 by mail through www.covid.gov/tests.

Updates on Steady Collective

Harm reduction nonprofit Steady Collective announced new locations and hours for its outreach. Sessions will be held 1:30-4 p.m. Tuesdays at 25 Balm Grove Ave.; 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Wednesdays in the parking lot of Sly Grog Lounge at 271 Haywood St.; and 2-5 p.m. Fridays at 265 State St. All of Steady Collective’s services, including naloxone distribution, syringe exchange and wound care, are free and confi -

dential. For more information visit avl.mx/d1s.

Asheville nurses rally with AFL-CIO

Mission Hospital nurses who are members of the National Nurses Organizing Committee/National Nurses United held a rally for workers’ rights in Pack Square Park on Sept. 7. Hannah Drummond , a registered nurse at Mission Hospital and a member of NNOC/NNU was a featured speaker alongside MaryBe McMillan , president of the N.C. State AFL-CIO and other state labor leaders.

Mission RNs began holding rallies after HCA purchased Mission. Following the sale, health care professionals and former patients alleged that care declined, citing problems such as long patient wait times.

Mission RNs announced their intention to pursue labor representation in early 2020 and voted for representation by NNOC/NNU later that year. It is the country’s largest nurse union and represents more than 1,500 registered nurses at Mission Hospital.

Trauma nurses join AHS football games

Beginning with the fall 2023 foot- ball season, nurses with acute care training will join the medical side- line team for Asheville High School home football games. The nurses from Mission Hospital’s emergency and trauma department will join the existing Mission Health Sports Medicine team consisting of a physi- cian, a primary care sports medicine fellow and an athletic trainer.

In the event of an injury, the trauma nurse can assist the physician with care such as sutures or staples or IV administration.

Nutrition education

Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation donated $2,000 to YWCA of Asheville for the nutrition pro- gram. The YWCA of Asheville’s Healthy Meals Kitchen prepares breakfast, lunch and snacks for children in its early childhood education program. The nonprofit will use the donation for child-friendly family cooking demos and family-centered nutrition education.

COMMUNITY MEETING: Mission Hospital’s independent monitor will provide an update and HCA’s 15 commitments, and answer questions from the audience. Photo by Jen Castillo

Community kudos

• Ten Mission Health nurses have been recognized by the Great 100, Inc., which honors registered nurses across the state. Jodie Becker , Kelly Bowers , Jenny Bradley , Viche Castleberry , Robin Clendenin, Tiffany Davall, Kevin Hancock, Brittany Hart and Ashley Sundheim at Mission Hospital, and Tiffany Rose at Mission Hospital McDowell, were nominated by their peers and scored on their commitment to patients, outcomes in their practice setting and other attributes.

• UNC Health Pardee welcomes family medicine physician Dr. Evan Beasley as medical director of care delivery for Pardee BlueMD. Pardee BlueMD, at 2695 Hendersonville Road, Suite 200, Arden, is a federally qualified health center. FQHCs offer sliding scale fees and will see all patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Dr. Beasley is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 828-694-8420.

• Harris Urology, a department of Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, welcomes family nurse practitioner Kara Cummings . Cummings is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 828-631-8755.

• UNC Health Pardee welcomes Drs. Corey Beals and J. Gregory Mawn to Southeastern Sports Medicine and Orthopedics. Beals specializes in orthopedic sports and shoulder surgery, while Mawn specializes in hip, joint and knee replacement. Both doctors are accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 828-274-4555.

• Harris Medical Associates at Harris Regional Hospital welcomes family medicine physician Dr. Amanda Fernandez. Dr. Fernandez specializes in primary care, including women’s health. She speaks both Spanish and English and is accepting new patients. To schedule an appointment, call 828-586-8971.

• Duke LifePoint Healthcare appointed Ashley Hindman as chief executive officer of Harris Regional Hospital and Swain Community Hospital. Hindman has served as chief financial officer of the hospital system since 2019. Save the

• Buncombe County Health and Human Services will offer a free

community overdose reversal training noon-1 p.m., Friday, Oct. 6, at 40 Coxe Ave. The training will include one free Narcan kit while supplies last, as well as information about preventing and responding to overdoses. For more information about harm reduction in Buncombe County, visit avl.mx/czf.

• Trip-sitter and psychedelic guide J. Andrew Phillips will teach his workshop “Beginner’s Guide to Psychedelics,” which will cover the use of psilocybin mushrooms. DMT, ketamine and MDMA, 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 7, at The Well, 3 Louisiana Ave. A $10-$30 donation is requested. Register at avl.mx/d1l.

• Asheville Parks and Recreation is hosting a hike for women, people who identify as women and nonbinary folks 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 8. Participants should be able to walk three to five miles on uneven terrain. Transportation will be provided to the location; the trail will be announced one week before the event based on weather conditions. Registration is $5 at avl.mx/czb.

• The Invision Diagnostics mobile mammography bus will be parked 2-7 p.m., Monday, Oct. 23, at Hillman Beer, 25 Sweeten Creek Road. Women ages 35-39 are eligible for one scan during those four years; women ages 40 and over are eligible for a mammogram annually. Patients must schedule an appointment in advance and have a primary care provider for the mobile radiologist to send results to. Patients should bring an insurance card and driver’s license. (Hillman Beer will cover mammograms for three women who do not have insurance on a first come, first serve basis.) To schedule an appointment, visit avl.mx/d1t.

• Henderson County Parks & Recreation is hosting a pickleball tournament 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 708 South Grove St. The tournament will be open for men’s doubles and women’s doubles. The fee is $10 per person, and participants can register at avl.mx/d1u.

• The Buncombe County Violence Prevention Task Force will host a presentation from Helpmate about the intersection of domestic violence and substance use on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 6-7 p.m., at East Asheville Public Library, 3 Avon Road. The discussion is open to the public, and ASL and Spanish interpretation will be available. Dinner will be provided. RSVP at avl.mx/d1k. X

Fresh Dish

Suzy Phillips on why eggplants get a bad rap

BY ANDY HALL

Suzy Phillips grew up in Rabieh during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-90). The conflict eventually led her family to flee their home country and relocate to Stuart, Fla. Years later, Phillips headed north to Asheville and eventually turned to cooking, despite no formal training.

“In [my] country, everybody cooks — it runs through our veins,” she says, seated on the patio of her restaurant, Gypsy Queen Cuisine, on Patton Avenue. The eatery began as a food truck in 2011, before Phillips opened her brick-and-mortar in 2015.

“I got a really small business loan from the [Small Business Administration], and after all was said and done, I opened on Patton Avenue with $37 in the bank,” she says. “That was eight years ago, and here we are.”

In this month’s installment of “Fresh Dish,” Xpress speaks with Phillips about beet shawarma, eggplant and how Asheville needs a heartier ethnic cuisine scene.

Xpress: What is a current dish on your menu that you feel is not getting the attention that it deserves?

We looked at the sales, and the dish with the least is the beet shawarma. Not a lot of people like beets. I think people associate beets with dirt because they taste like earth.

But the way we do them is like a shawarma, which is a meat from a spit that is thinly sliced. For our lamb and beef shawarma, we use

Lebanese seven spice, which we make in-house. We also put that on the beet shawarma. It’s almost like a pastrami.

The beets are sliced thin, and they’re boiled. And then they’re tossed in that spice. And then they are rolled up with a traditional toum, a vegan garlic aioli that we Lebanese call our “almighty sauce.” We serve it with mint, cabbage salad, tomatoes, pickles — it’s delicious.

Outside of your own, what’s a local dish that you’ve tried in the last month that completely blew you away, and why?

A few weeks ago, my friend and I went to Cucina 24. I hadn’t been there in a while, but it’s one of my favorite restaurants in town. Brian Canipelli is one of my favorite chefs. He travels a lot to Italy and gets really inspired when he’s there, so he’s constantly bringing back dishes and putting his spin on them. He uses great ingredients and infuses

his food with his passion — and you can taste that.

I had this pasta dish that’s called tajarin al tartufo — with roasted chicken jus, butter, parmesan, black pepper and lots of shaved truffles. Sometimes I’m a little too overwhelmed with truffles, but this dish brought tears to my eyes. It was that good.

What’s a good seasonal ingredient underrepresented in home cooking?

Purple eggplant. I feel like it’s not being represented right, or people are scared of it. It’s just simply not in a lot of American cuisine.

But in Lebanon, in the Mediterranean or even in Southeast Asia, eggplant is a star, and it’s used in so many different ways. What I don’t like about eggplant here is it’s harvested when it’s so big that the eggplant is bitter and full of seeds. The smaller the things are, the more flavor and tenderness they have.

What I do with eggplant, besides making a dip out of it, is roast it and make a baba ghanoush. We also have a dish called sheik al mahshi, which means “the sheik of stuffing.” Eggplant is peeled and a little fried, stuffed with ground lamb, pine nuts and onions ... and then covered with a lamb bone broth with tomatoes and baked. When it comes out, it’s topped with a dollop of yogurt.

You can also slice eggplant thin and eat it like chips, or you can core it and stuff it with rice and meat ... or just rice. There’s so many ways you can have eggplant. But I think your average American home cook has only seen it in eggplant Parmesan. What cuisine would you like to see represented more in Asheville?

We don’t have enough good Chinese, Ethiopian and Portuguese [restaurants]. There’s a few Thai ... and one good Vietnamese place. Overall, I think we need more ethnic cuisine.

Sometimes people say they want something, but then it’s a little bit out of their way to go support it. I think Ashevilleans need to step up when it comes to supporting places that are not in their 1-mile radius of driving.

What’s a favorite food destination within driving distance of Asheville that readers should add to their list?

Atlanta. I used to live there. I don’t miss anything but the food scene. There is this great market called Decatur Farmers Market. It’s huge. When you walk in, you think you’re in a different world. Everybody that works there is from a different country.

They wear name tags that tell where they’re from. They sell things you can’t find in regular grocery stores — we’re talking from Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Southeast Asia, Australia, Lebanon, the Middle East, Morocco ... everywhere. Whatever ingredient you want or meat you’re looking for, you can find it there. And there are cheeses from all over the world.

There’s also this road called Buford Highway. That is the mecca of foreign food, foreign restaurants and markets. You can find the best Vietnamese, the best Indian, the best Mexican, the best Ethiopian — you name it.

Who would you like to see us dish with next month?

Aileen Tan of Wild Ginger. I love Vietnamese, and she does it so well. It’s so good and so fresh. And she’s a hustler ... and a badass ... and an amazing woman. X

CAN’T BE BEET: Suzy Phillips, owner and chef of Gypsy Queen Cuisine, showcases the restaurant’s beet shawarma. Photo by Andy Hall

Around Town

A deep love for the music of late Americana artist John Prine is something Chuck and Gill Knott shared in common when they first met in 2017. The husband-and-wife duo, known as the Knotty G’s, will host their second annual tribute to Prine on his birthday, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m., at The Grey Eagle.

Celebrating John Prine with The Knotty G’s, an all-ages, partially seated show, will also feature local heavy hitters Felix Pastorius, Lyndsay Pruett, Jackson Dulaney, Daniel Combs, Jeff Sipe and other special guests.

Prine’s music has become a staple of the Knotty G’s’ repertoire, and during the pandemic, they hosted a livestream on social media called “Gospel Sundays,” which also included a lot of his songs. After his death, says Chuck, they wanted to throw a party in appreciation of Prine’s songwriting in Asheville with some of their favorite musicians. “Gill pitched the idea to The Grey Eagle. ... We couldn’t think of a better room in Asheville to play such revered songs, as it’s the perfect balance of a listening room that can turn into a hootenanny at the drop of a hat.”

“We’ve got some sparse and emotional arrangements in the works and some reworking of some songs that we think will tickle a lot of folks’ fancies,” says Gill. “We’ve also really beefed up our lineup of special guests this year to feature some total-

Local musicians pay tribute to John Prine

ly different tones. We’ve got some bluesy stuff, some searing lead players coming in, and we’ve even got a horn section joining in on some really funky arrangements of some of our favorite upbeat songs of John’s.”

Chuck adds that they’re thrilled with the house band, including the new addition of drummer Jeff Sipe. “Talking about music with him is just the most enlivening thing.”

American highway gospel musician K.M. Fuller of the group Gold Rose will open the evening on the

venue’s patio with Prine songs as well as originals.

The Grey Eagle is at 185 Clingman Ave. For more information, visit avl.mx/d19.

A play on marriage

A new play from local playwright David Brendan Hopes and director Steven Samuels, Ben & Angela, will debut at the BeBe Theater on Thursday, Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m.

The Sublime Theater production stars two Asheville actors who are also a real-life couple, Scott Fisher and Kirby Gibson

“No matter how long people have been doing it, marriage remains a mystery,” says Hopes. “In Ben & Angela, a young couple follows the twisty, sometimes hilarious road from first infatuation through the kinks and perils of living life together for the long haul.”

“Plays about true love tend to be … icky,” says Samuels. “Ben & Angela is anything but. ... There’s darkness, yes, but it rises toward the light.”

The show runs ThursdaySaturday, Oct. 5-21, 7:30 p.m.

The BeBe Theatre is at 20 Commerce St. For more information, visit avl.mx/d1b.

Reading about religions

The Rev. Vicki Michela Garlock, local award-winning author and founder of the educational organi-

zation World Religions for Kids, has written a new children’s book.

ABCs of the World’s Religions, which focuses mainly on Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Judaism, Christianity and Islam — with the Baha’i faith and Indigenous/polytheistic traditions included — is geared toward school-age readers but is enlightening for all ages, says Garlock. “Religion and culture are inextricably intertwined,” she says in a press release. “Being a knowledgeable global citizen and a compassionate neighbor really requires knowing something about the world’s faith traditions.”

Garlock was the curriculum specialist and ordained minister of education for Jubilee! Community Church, where she developed a multifaith curriculum for kids.

For more information, visit avl.mx/d1d.

Hounds and heritage

Plott-Toberfest 2023, a fundraiser to benefit the Haywood County Historical & Genealogical Society and the Canton Historical Museum, will be held Thursday, Oct. 5, to Sunday, Oct. 8, at Sorrells Street Park in Canton. This inaugural event will celebrate North Carolina’s state dog, the Plott hound, as well as Haywood County’s German heritage.

The celebration will begin with an opening ceremony at 3:15 p.m. Thursday featuring speakers including Zeb Smathers, mayor of Canton, and Bob Plott — a descendant of Henry Plott, who brought the

IN SPITE OF OURSELVES: Husband-and-wife duo Chuck and Gill Knott, center, are hosting the second annual tribute to John Prine at The Grey Eagle on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m. Photo by Andy Hall

hounds to the area when he and his wife settled along the Pigeon River in the early 1800s.

Live performances throughout Friday and Saturday will include The Steubenville Tootlers, the J. Creek Cloggers, The JackTown Ramblers and An Evening of Bluegrass with Darren Nicholson, Marc Pruett, Reed Jones and Audie Blaylock. Food trucks, live craft demonstrations, a children’s area and free shuttles to the Museum of Haywood County History in Clyde will be available at various times on both days.

On Saturday, the highlighted activity is Plott Fest, a dog show that includes a coon treeing event and a roundtable discussion with Plott.

The festival will close at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Morning Star United Methodist Church with a shaped note singing demonstration. June Smathers Jolley & Friends will sing from the Christian Harmony Songbook, published in 1873. Jolley is a genealogical society board member. Sorrells Street Park is at 8 Sorrells St., Canton. For more information, visit avl.mx/d1e.

A night to write

The Tracey Morgan Gallery will host its second Write Night on Friday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. The event, created by writer Elaine Bleakney, invites up to 50 attendees to choose a work in the gallery and spend a quiet 30 minutes writing about it.

“Visual art is often a strong source of inspiration for me,” says Bleakney. “There are experiences of awe in viewing another person’s visual work. I wanted to create a place for that in a gallery, to formalize it a bit as an alternative to a reception and give introverts a chance to engage in ekphrasis together.”

Bleakney says she reached out to Tracey Morgan because she features so many local artists. “The embroi-

dered textiles she has up right now by Orly Cogan are wild, layered, hot, weird — perfect for storytelling. And for more lyrical souls, Cole Caswell’s tintypes cast gorgeous opportunities for interaction in the back room. I can’t wait for anyone with a notebook and pen to write with us on Oct. 6.”

The Tracey Morgan Gallery is at 188 Coxe Ave. For more information, visit avl.mx/d1g.

Community fundraiser for carjacking victim

A benefit show and silent auction for Teresa Ramsay, a mail carrier who was the victim of a Sept. 5 carjacking in Mars Hill, will be held Thursday, Oct 5, 6-11 p.m., at the Mars Theatre Brewing Co.

The event will feature live music from 3 Little Birds, The Cinners, Generous Electric, Dirty Dawg and the White Oak Splits, as well as locally donated items available for purchase.

Ramsay, who was shot while delivering mail, is currently recovering from serious injuries. All proceeds will go toward assisting her and her family.

Mars Theatre Brewing Co. is at 70 N. Main St., Mars Hill. For more information, visit avl.mx/d1a.

Thomas Wolfe Auditorium FAQs

A new FAQ page addressing the renovations at the historic Thomas Wolfe Auditorium was launched on ArtsAVL’s website last month. Questions were collected from the community at ArtsAVL’s first town hall, held on Aug. 21. The page will be updated as plans progress for the auditorium, and questions and comments are still being accepted.

Maintenance needs have obliged the venue to temporarily reduce its operating capacity, resulting in revenue losses and questions about future performances.

The Thomas Wolfe Auditorium at Harrah’s Cherokee Center is at 87 Haywood St. Visit the FAQ page at avl.mx/d1h.

— Andy Hall  X

MOVIE REVIEWS

DUMB MONEY: Director Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya) and an all-star cast craft a wildly entertaining dramatization of the GameStop stock saga. Grade: A-minus — Edwin Arnaudin

Find full reviews and local film info at ashevillemovies.com ashevillemovies.substack.com

Asheville Oktoberfest returns to Pack Square Park

Asheville Oktoberfest, Asheville Downtown Association’s local spin on the traditional Bavarian festival, returns to Pack Square Pavilion on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2-6 p.m., for the first time since 2019.

The event, which began in 2012, will invite 23 beverage vendors from across Western North Carolina to pour multiple selections of brews, cocktails, wine, cider and ginger beer. While the vendors’ specific contributions are being kept secret, patrons can expect a range of libations from traditional German festbiers and autumnal lagers to more experimental fare highlighting familiar fall flavors.

“This is one of Asheville’s only beverage festivals featuring exclusively local vendors,” says Hayden Plemmons, executive director of the Asheville Downtown Association. The association partnered with the Asheville Brewers Alliance to encourage participation from as many local brewers as possible, with priority given to applicants identifying as women, LGBTQ+ and racial minorities. The only requirement is that all vendors offer a fall-themed or Oktoberfest beverage.

“We took extra care to make this an inclusive festival that respects the spirit of Asheville,” says Asheville Downtown Association event manager Marci Ingram.

Aloft Hotel will sponsor, and the Asheville Sport and Social Club will produce, a set of traditional Oktoberfest games such as Masskrugstemmen (stein hoisting), a lederhosen relay, pretzel toss and beer pong. Winners will receive prizes including brewery merchandise, gift cards and steins.

Food vendors Smasheville, Blunt Pretzels, Simply Hot Dogs and Darë Vegan Cheese will provide both clas-

sic Oktoberfest food (brats, schnitzel, pretzels, etc.) and local fare (burgers, sandwiches, vegan options). Robert Bennett of Totally Rad Trivia will serve as the event’s emcee, and bands Lagerhosen and The Hillclimbers will play live music.

“The Asheville Downtown Association works to create a vibrant and active Downtown Asheville; we hope that folks come out and enjoy all this Oktoberfest has to offer while supporting the thriving beverage scene across the city,” says Plemmons.

Tickets cost $55 for general admission, $100 for VIP (early entry, exclusive perks) and $20 for a designated

driver/non-drinking ticket. Pack Square Park is at 80 Court Plaza. Visit avl.mx/d13 for tickets.

Art night for hospitality workers

Asheville Art Museum will host a Hospitality Workers Date Night event on Thursday, Oct. 5, 5-8 p.m., offering free general admission to anyone in the hospitality industry.

“The Asheville Art Museum would like to acknowledge Asheville’s hardworking hospitality and restaurant service community and invite them to unwind, socialize and explore the museum,” says communications manager Hilary Greene. “Everyone is welcome, including couples, singles and/or groups of co-workers.”

The evening of art, music, tours and togetherness includes crafted cocktails at the museum’s Perspective Café, two of which play on the classic Aperol spritz and cosmopolitan with inspiration from a current exhibition, The Art of Food. Local drink specials, including $6 beers and $9 wines, will also be served. Prints of paintings from featured collections will be available for guests to color in as they sip.

Deborah Czeresko, season one winner of the Netflix series “Blown Away,” and Tim Tate, director of the

PACK SQUARE PROST: Asheville Oktoberfest returns to Pack Square Park for first time since 2019. Photo courtesy Asheville Downtown Association

Washington Glass School, will hold a discussion on their shared history of using glass sculpture to highlight LGTBQ+ rights. The museum’s Learning and Engagement staff will also lead an experiential class on how to create natural art using everyday produce. DJ MOJAV will provide live music throughout the event from the museum’s Sculpture Terrace.

Asheville Art Museum is at 2 S. Pack Square. Online registration is recommended. Visit avl.mx/d14 for additional information.

Lookout asks, ‘Wine not?’

Lookout Brewing Co. wine representative Taylor Goodale will lead an exploratory wine tasting at the brewery on Thursday, Oct. 5, 6-8 p.m.

“Even though we are a brewery, we like to invite all kinds of folks to enjoy an evening here,” says General Manager Tonya Engelbrecht. “We have a fairly extensive wine list for a brewery.”

A sparkling wine starter will be followed by tastings of two white wines and three red wines from Goodale’s portfolio in her position at Advintage Wines. Charcuterie-style small plates will be provided throughout the tasting. The theme for this event is “stuff Taylor is stoked about,” explains Engelbrecht. “She is studying to be a sommelier and is very knowledgeable about wine but presents it in a more relaxed and approachable way.”

In addition to the wine enjoyed on-site, discounts on bulk purchases of wine to take home will be available for orders of six and 12 bottles.

Lookout Brewing Co. is at 103 S. Ridgeway Ave., Black Mountain. Visit avl.mx/d17 for tickets ($30 per person) and additional information.

Yellow brick drag brunch

Asheville Drag Brunch hosts The Brunch of Oz, the nonprofit organization’s first event themed after The Wizard of Oz, on Sunday, Oct. 8, 1-2 p.m., at plēb urban winery.

“We chose this theme due to its multigenerational connection,” says Asheville Drag Brunch’s Divine Holeburn. “While this is not a reenactment of the film, the performances are inspired by the story and classic characters. We’re over the rainbow about it!”

Tickets, starting at $30 per person, include admission to the event, a catered fried chicken brunch (which includes Kansas fried chicken, two

sides, a roll and tea or lemonade) and performances from drag artists Jasmine Summers, Quindyn Tarantino, Nova Jynah and Katarina SynClaire. Mimosa and paired wine specials will also be available from plēb.

All proceeds from the event will go to Open Hearts Art Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit studio and gallery dedicated to empowering adults with varied abilities to connect to and reach their full potential through the arts. “We want to give a platform to those who are as passionate and as eloquent as Asheville Drag Brunch, and it is important we give opportunities for those voices to be heard,” adds plēb Executive Manager Lauren Turpin.

“We hope that our lively event is a celebration of diversity, community and charitable giving,” says Holeburn. “We model and promote the acceptance and equity of all people and encourage the welfare of our community members.”

plēb urban winery is at 289 Lyman St. Visit avl.mx/d15 for tickets and additional information.

Eat pizza, help animals

The Hendersonville Woman’s Club will host a pizza party benefiting the Blue Ridge Humane Society on Sunday, Oct. 8, 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at Guidon Brewing Co.

Tickets cost $5 per person and include two slices of local pizza. All profits from the event will go directly to the Blue Ridge Humane Society, and Guidon Brewery will have a variety of beer, wine and nonalcoholic beverages available for purchase.

“The Hendersonville Woman’s Club hopes to keep the public informed of the many programs that the Blue Ridge Humane Society provides to our area,” says Animal Compassion Committee chairperson Leslie Maier.

“Some of us volunteer with the BRHS either at the shelter or in the thrift shop, and many of our members have adopted their pets from BRHS.”

Guidon Brewing Co. is at 415 Eighth Ave. E., Hendersonville. Visit avl.mx/d16 for tickets and additional information.

Foothills food trucks relocate

Foothills Farm & Butchery LLC has announced plans to transition its food trucks out of Asheville and into Black Mountain and Old Fort. Foothills’ presence in Black Mountain already includes Foothills Grange and Foothills Butcher Shop and Deli. Foothills Watershed will open later

this year in Old Fort as an eatery and recreation space stretching over 37 acres along the Catawba River.

“We’ve invested in Black Mountain for over 20 years, and Old Fort is where we live and continue to raise our kids,” says Foothills co-founder Casey McKissick in a news release. “As Foothills matures, we want to commit our resources to our hometowns.”

Foothills’ last day at Hi-Wire Brewing’s Biltmore Village taproom was Oct. 2, and its last day at the Hi-Wire River Arts District Beer Garden will be Friday, Nov. 24. “We are currently working on permanent solutions for bringing food options to both locations,” says Hi-Wire marketing and public relations specialist Shanda Williams.

“Foothills has been a great partner for us,” adds Hi-Wire co-owner Adam Charnack. “After almost eight years, we mutually decided it was time to go our separate ways.”

Mehfil’s food truck will serve Hi-Wire Biltmore Village every Tuesday and Wednesday through October, and The Smokin’ Onion will serve Hi-Wire RAD on Mondays until permanent options are established.

For more information, visit avl.mx/6n3.

Ivory Road closes

Ivory Road Café & Kitchen will close at the end of October, says owner Jill Wasilewski in a social media announcement.

“These past seven years of restaurant ownership have brought me an immense amount of joy and fulfillment. … I’m extremely proud of how far we’ve come as a little, independent restaurant,” says Wasilewski in the announcement.

“However, I’m also feeling the exhausting effects of the restaurant industry and am needing a life change.”

While the end of October will mark the end of the restaurant’s breakfast and lunch service, all events scheduled through the end of 2023, including wine dinners, holiday teas and privately booked events, will still be held.

Wasilewski also alludes to a future phase of Ivory Road after taking this break.

Follow for updates at avl.mx/bcs.

— Blake Becker  X

APPALACHIAN-ROOTS BAND: The Well Drinkers perform at Pisgah Brewing Co. on Thursday, Oct. 5, at 6:30 p.m. This progressive bluegrass and Americana band from WNC brings an experimental jam with a variety of genres into its live performances. Photo by Jared Searcy

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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Jay Brown (roots, blues, jazz), 6pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Bluegrass Jam w/The Saylor Brothers, 6:30pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Well Crafted Music w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Old Time Jam, 5pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

FBVMA: Mountain Music Jam, 6pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Latin Night w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 8:30pm

SHILOH & GAINES Trivia Night, 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic, 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE Shawn James w/ Christian Lopez (folk, blues, R&B), 8pm

THE ODD Noctomb, Nganga & Urocyon (doom, metal), 8pm

THE ORANGE PEEL Old Dominion (country), 8pm

THE OUTPOST

The Last Revel (folk, old-time, indie-rock), 7pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

Joe Medwick (blues, R&B), 7:30pm

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

The MGB's (acoustic), 7:30pm

BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE

Dinah's Daydream (jazz), 6pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

The Blushin' Roulettes (folk), 6pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

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

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN TAPROOM

Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7:30pm

LONESOME STATION

Zachary Warren Briggs, Andrew Victor & Allysen Callery (folk), 7pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Mr Jimmy (blues), 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

HAFLA: A Belly Dance Party, 8pm

OUTSIDER BREWING

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

PULP

Slice of Life Comedy

Open Mic, 8pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

The Well Drinkers (Americana, bluegrass), 6:30pm

SALVAGE STATION

The Brothers Comatose (Americana, country, bluegrass), 8pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Karaoke Night, 8pm

THE DFR LOUNGE

Steve Simon & The Kings of Jazz (Latin, jazz), 7pm

THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR

Karaoke w/Terraoke, 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE Shinyribs (blues, R&B, country), 8pm

THE ODD

Friendship Commanders, The Jesus Casino & Shadowcloak (post-metal, psych), 8pm

THE OUTPOST

The Copper Children (psych-gospel), 7pm

URBAN ORCHARD Trivia Thursday, 7pm

WNC OUTDOOR COLLECTIVE Trivia, 6:30pm

WRONG WAY

CAMPGROUND

Don't Tell Comedy: West Asheville, 7pm

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6

27 CLUB

The Discs, Call The Next Witness w/John Kirby Jr. & The New Seniors (rock'n'roll), 9pm

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

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY

Venus House Party, 10pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

Mr Jimmy's Friday Night Blues, 8pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Durand Jones (R&B, soul), 9pm

BEN'S TUNE UP

EK Balam (reggaeton, hip-hop), 8pm

MOUNTAIN BREWING Dark City Kings (garage-rock, country, pop), 6pm

BOTANIST & BARREL

TASTING BAR + BOTTLE SHOP

The Blushin' Roulettes (folk), 6pm

CATAWBA BREWING

CO. SOUTH SLOPE

ASHEVILLE

Comedy at Catawba: Evan Berke, 7pm

CITIZEN VINYL

Appa-Laffin' Mountian

Revue, 8pm

CORK & KEG

One Leg Up (jazz, latin, swing), 8pm

DIFFERENT WRLD

Haus of Jane Presents: Burlesque, 9pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Good Deal Band, Hi Helen's & Bombay

Gasoline (indie, punk), 9pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM

Life Like Water (Americana, indie, folk), 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Honky-Tonk Fridays w/ Jackson Grimm, 4pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Open Mic Night w/ Hamza, 8pm

OKLAWAHA

BREWING CO.

Blake Ellege (rock, blues, country), 8pm

ONE STOP AT

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Funky First Fridays w/ Funk'n Around, 10pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Eric Chesson (funk, Americana), 8pm

RABBIT RABBIT

Silent Disco: Class of '93 Homecoming, 8pm

SALVAGE STATION

The Lil Smokies & Town Mountain w/

Two Runner (country, bluegrass, honky tonk), 6:30pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Jamie Hendrickson

Trio w/Thommy Knoles & Joe Enright (psych, funk), 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Stop Light Observations w/The Simplicity (rock, pop, indie), 9pm

THE GROCERY

Greg Candle (country, old-blues), 6:30pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Doss Church & the Unholy Noise (indie, post-folk), 7pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Lovett or Leave It, 8pm

THE RAD BREW CO.

The Two Fontaines (rock), 7pm

URBAN ORCHARD

Cider Celts (Celtic, folk, old-time), 6pm

WXYZ BAR AT ALOFT

Muddy Guthrie (Americana, rock, blues), 7pm

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

ASHEVILLE CLUB

Mr Jimmy (blues), 7pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

Briscoe w/Sugadaosy (Americana, folk, indie), 9pm

BEARS SMOKEHOUSE

BBQ

Backyard BBQ w/DJ Audio, 7pm

BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE

Dinah's Daydream (jazz), 6pm

BEN'S TUNE UP

Jaze Uries (house, electronic), 8pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Wife Island (folk-rock, jazz, country), 6pm

BOLD ROCK

ASHEVILLE

Muddy Guthrie (Americana, rock, blues), 7pm

CORK & KEG

Mary Kay & the Moonlighters (jazz, swing, funk), 8pm

CROW & QUILL

Drayton & The Dreamboats (vintage-jazz, rock'n'roll), 8pm

DIFFERENT WRLD

Sheer Mag, Hotline

TNT & Poison Ruin (rock, grunge, pop), 9pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Scott Yoder, Tight & Pleasure House (glam, punk), 9pm

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON

Comedy Hypnosis w/ Jon Dee, 8pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Steeln' Peaches (Allman Brothers tribute), 6:30pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM

Eyes Up Here Comedy: NashGals Edition, 8pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Nobody's Darling String Band, 4pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Karaoke Night, 9pm

LAZOOM ROOM

Scary-okie, 9pm

NEW BELGIUM BREWING CO.

Pimps of Joytime (soul, funk), 1:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

• Stipe Brothers (covers), 2pm

• Hustle Souls (soul, funk), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

• David Earl Duo (rock, roots), 4pm

• The Art of House:

Saturday Sessions, 8pm

PILLAR ROOFTOP BAR

Steve & The Caribbean Cowboys (Buffett tribute), 6pm

RABBIT RABBIT

Silent Disco: Libra Party, 8pm

SHILOH & GAINES

JLAD (The Doors tribute), 9pm

SILVERADOS Preacher Stone (rock), 7pm

THE BURGER BAR

Best Worst Karaoke, 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Electric Six & The Surfrajettes (rock, metal, punk), 9pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

The Fixins (rock), 6pm

THE MULE Brawl of the Dead, 6pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Misfit: Gary Gulman

Stand Up Comedy, 8pm

THE OUTPOST

Everyman Jones & The Stick People (multiple genres), 8pm

URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO. SOUTH SLOPE 80's Dance Night, 7pm

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Billy Presnell (folk, Americana), 2pm

CATAWBA BREWING CO. SOUTH SLOPE

ASHEVILLE

Comedy at Catawba: Kenny Stempien & Derek Boskovich, 6:30pm

DIFFERENT WRLD Basement Days, Little Champion & Rhinestone Pickup Truck (emo, punk, indie-rock), 7pm

FLEETWOOD'S

¿Watches?, Optic Sink & Tahiti Syndrome (punk, synth, rock), 9pm

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY

Reggae Sunday w/ Chalwa, 3pm JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

• Bluegrass Brunch, 1pm

• Traditional Irish Jam, 3:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

5J Barrow (folk), 4pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

• Sunday Jazz Jam, 1:30pm

• Jeff Sipe Trio w/Mike Seal & Taylor Lee (jazz), 6pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

Pisgah Sunday Jam, 6:30pm

S & W MARKET Mr Jimmy (blues), 1pm

SALVAGE STATION

Pink Talking Fish (tribute band), 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Aaron Woody Wood (Appalachia, soul, Americana), 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Country Brunch w/Meschiya Lake, 12pm

• Sold Out: Red Clay Strays w/Meg McRee (rock, country, gospel), 8pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

The Big Deal Band (bluegrass, old-time), 2pm

PLĒB URBAN WINERY

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 4pm

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9

27 CLUB Karaoke Monday, 10pm

DSSOLVR Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

FLEETWOOD'S Best Ever Karaoke, 9pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Totally Rad Trivia w/ Mitch Fortune, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Quizzo! Pub Trivia w/ Jason Mencer, 7:30pm

NOBLE

RABBIT RABBIT

Gregory Alan Isakov (indie, rock, folk), 7pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Songwriters Night, 7pm

SILVERADOS

Dark City Comedy Night, 8pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Weekly Open Jam

hosted by Chris Cooper & Friends, 6:30pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK

MOUNTAIN

White Horse Open Mic, 7pm

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Stand-Up Comedy

Open Mic, 8pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Jay Brown (roots, blues, jazz), 6pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Bluegrass Jam w/The Saylor Brothers, 6:30pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

Well Crafted Music w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Old Time Jam, 5pm

OKLAWAHA

BREWING CO.

FBVMA: Mountain Music Jam, 6pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Latin Night w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 8:30pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Trivia Night, 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Poetry Open Mic, 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE

Superchunk w/Sluice (indie, punk, rock), 8pm

THE ODD

Macula Dog, Natural

Blk Invention, Dot

Com Bubble & Splash

Blade (electronic, punk, noise), 9pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

Irish Music Circle, 7pm

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12

BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE

Dinah's Daydream (jazz), 6pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Ashley Heath (blues, Americana), 6pm

CROW & QUILL

Sparrow & Her Wingmen (jazz, swing), 8pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

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

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN TAPROOM

Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Andrew Wakefield (bluegrass, folk, and Americana), 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Naomi Martin & Cheyenne Champion (acoustic), 8pm

OUTSIDER BREWING

Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

PISGAH BREWING CO.

Ethan Heller & Friends (psych-rock, funk), 6:30pm

SALVAGE STATION

Dirty Logic (Steely Dan tribute), 7pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Karaoke Night, 8pm

SILVERADOS

Oliver Anthony (Americana, country, folk), 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Django Jazz Jam, 7pm

STORY PARLOR

Multivitamin: A Night of Songwriting & Comedy, 7:30pm

THE DFR LOUNGE

Steve Simon & The Kings of Jazz (Latin, jazz), 7pm

THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR

Karaoke w/Terraoke, 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: The Two Tracks (Americana), 5pm

• Mapache w/Johnny

Payne (pop, rock, country-folk), 8pm

THE ODD

PONS, Dish & Aunt

Vicki (indie-rock, glamrock), 8pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

The Lone Bellow w/ Leah Blevins (folk, pop), 8pm

THE STATION BLACK MOUNTAIN

Mr Jimmy (blues), 5pm

URBAN ORCHARD

Trivia Thursday, 7pm

WNC OUTDOOR

COLLECTIVE Trivia, 6:30pm

ARIES (March 21-April 19): I’ve been doing interviews in support of my new book Astrology Is Real: Revelations from My Life as an Oracle. Now and then, I’m asked this question: “Do you actually believe all that mystical woo-woo you write about?” I respond diplomatically, though inwardly I’m screaming, “How profoundly hypocritical I would be if I did not believe in the ‘mystical woo-woo’ I have spent my adult studying and teaching!” But here’s my polite answer: I love and revere the venerable spiritual philosophies that some demean as “mystical woo-woo.” I see it as my job to translate those subtle ideas into well-grounded, practical suggestions that my readers can use to enhance their lives. Everything I just said is the prelude for your assignment, Aries: Work with extra focus to actuate your high ideals and deep values in the ordinary events of your daily life. As the American idioms advise: Walk your talk and practice what you preach

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I’m happy to see the expanding use of service animals. Initially, there were guide dogs to assist humans with imperfect vision. Later, there came mobility animals for those who need aid in moving around and hearing animals for those who can’t detect ringing doorbells. In recent years, emotional support animals have provided comfort for people who benefit from mental health assistance. I foresee a future in which all of us feel free and eager to call on the nurturing of companion animals. You may already have such friends, Taurus. If so, I urge you to express extra appreciation for them in the coming weeks. Ripen your relationship. And if not, now is an excellent time to explore the boost you can get from loving animals.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini author Chuck Klosterman jokes, “I eat sugared cereal almost exclusively. This is because I’m the opposite of a ’no-nonsense’ guy. I’m an ’all-nonsense’ guy.” The coming weeks will be a constructive and liberating time for you to experiment with being an all-nonsense person, dear Gemini. How? Start by temporarily suspending any deep attachment you have to being a serious, hyper-rational adult doing staid, weighty adult things. Be mischievously committed to playing a lot and having maximum fun. Dancing sex! Ice cream uproars! Renegade fantasies! Laughter orgies! Joke romps! Giddy brainstorms and euphoric heartstorms!

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerian comedian

Gilda Radner said, “I base most of my fashion taste on what doesn’t itch.” Let’s use that as a prime metaphor for you in the coming weeks. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you will be wise to opt for what feels good over what merely looks good. You will make the right choices if you are committed to loving yourself more than trying to figure out how to get others to love you. Celebrate highly functional beauty, dear Cancerian. Exult in the clear intuitions that arise as you circumvent self-consciousness and revel in festive self-love.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The amazingly creative Leo singer-songwriter Tori Amos gives this testimony: “All creators go through a period where they’re dry and don’t know how to get back to the creative source. Where is that waterfall? At a certain point, you say, ‘I’ll take a rivulet.’” Her testimony is true for all of us in our quest to find what we want and need. Of course, we would prefer to have permanent, unwavering access to the waterfall. But that’s not realistic. Besides, sometimes the rivulet is sufficient. And if we follow the rivulet, it may eventually lead to the waterfall.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Do you perform experiments on yourself? I do on myself. I formulate hypotheses about what might be healthy for me, then carry out tests to gather evidence about whether they are. A recent one was: Do I feel my best if I eat five small meals per day or three bigger ones? Another: Is my sleep most rejuvenating if I go to bed at 10 p.m. and wake up at 7 a.m. or if I sleep from midnight to 9 a.m.? I recommend you engage in such experiments in the coming weeks. Your body has many clues and revelations it wants to offer you.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take a few deep, slow breaths. Let your mind be a blue sky where a few high clouds float. Hum your favorite melody. Relax as if you have all the time in the world to be whoever you want to be. Fantasize that you have slipped into a phase of your cycle when you are free to act as calm and unhurried as you like. Imagine you have access to resources in your secret core that will make you stable and solid and secure. Now read this Mary Oliver poem aloud: “You do not have to be good. You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): An Oklahoma woman named Mary Clamswer used a wheelchair from age 19 to 42 because multiple sclerosis made it hard to use her legs. Then a miracle happened. During a thunderstorm, she was hit by lightning. The blast not only didn’t kill her; it cured the multiple sclerosis. Over the subsequent months, she recovered her ability to walk. Now I’m not saying I hope you will be hit by a literal bolt of healing lightning, Scorpio, nor do I predict any such thing. But I suspect a comparable event or situation that may initially seem unsettling could ultimately bring you blessings.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): What are your favorite mind-altering substances? Coffee, tea, chocolate, sugar or tobacco? Alcohol, pot, cocaine or opioids? Psilocybin, ayahuasca, LSD or MDMA? Others? All the above? Whatever they are, the coming weeks will be a favorable time to re-evaluate your relationship with them. Consider whether they are sometimes more hurtful than helpful, or vice versa; and whether the original reasons that led you to them are still true; and how your connection with them affects your close relationships. Ask other questions, too! P.S.: I don’t know what the answers are. My goal is simply to inspire you to take an inventory.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In his book Meditations for Miserable People Who Want to Stay That Way, Dan Goodman says, “It’s not that I have nothing to give, but rather that no one wants what I have.” If you have ever been tempted to entertain dour fantasies like that, I predict you will be purged of them in the coming weeks and months. Maybe more than ever before, your influence will be sought by others. Your viewpoints will be asked for. Your gifts will be desired, and your input will be invited. I trust you won’t feel overwhelmed!

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): William James (1842–1910) was a paragon of reason and logic. So influential were his books about philosophy and psychology that he is regarded as a leading thinker of the 19th and 20th centuries. On the other hand, he was eager to explore the possibilities of supernatural phenomena like telepathy. He even consulted a trance medium named Leonora Piper. James said, “If you wish to upset the law that all crows are black, it is enough if you prove that one crow is white. My white crow is Mrs. Piper.” I bring this to your attention, Aquarius, because I suspect you will soon discover a white crow of your own. As a result, long-standing beliefs may come into question; a certainty could become ambiguous; an incontrovertible truth may be shaken. This is a good thing!

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): If we hope to cure our wounds, we must cultivate a focused desire to be healed. A second essential is to be ingenious in gathering the resources we need to get healed. Here’s the third requirement: We must be bold and brave enough to scramble up out of our sense of defeat as we claim our right to be vigorous and whole again. I wish all these powers for you in the coming weeks.

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY BY ROB BREZSNY

People of all colors, shapes, genders, ages, and backgrounds are welcome to apply.

Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 advertise@mountainx.com •

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember the Russian proverb: “Doveryai, no proveryai,” trust but verify. When answering classified ads, always err on the side of caution. Especially beware of any party asking you to give them financial or identification information. The Mountain Xpress cannot be responsible for ensuring that each advertising client is legitimate. Please report scams to advertise@mountainx.com

EMPLOYMENT

PROFESSIONAL/ MANAGEMENT

ASHEVILLE POVERTY INITIATIVE/12 BASKETS

SEEKS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Asheville Poverty Initiative/12

Baskets seeks an experienced Executive Director to lead the organization and build on its mission of building community and promoting economic justice. API works to dismantle stereotypes, reduce fear, and empower hope through telling stories across socio-economic differences. www.ashevillepovertyinitiative.org/employment ashevillepovertyinitiative.org/ employment

ARTS/MEDIA

CHURCH ACCOMPANIST

WANTED First Baptist Church of Burnsville is seeking to fill the part-time position of "Pianist". Send resume to fbcburnsville@ gmail.com. Call 828-682-2288 for more info. Website - fbcburnsville.com

SERVICES

AUDIO/VIDEO

DISH TV SPECIAL $64.99 for 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23.

1-866-566-1815. (AAN CAN)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS

$10K+ IN DEBT? BE DEBT FREE IN 24-48 MONTHS! Be debt free in 24-48 months. Pay nothing to enroll. Call National Debt Relief at 844-977-3935

ATTENTION OXYGEN

THERAPY USERS Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 866-8590894. (AAN CAN)

DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? Appeal! If you're 50+, filed SSD and denied, our attorneys can help get you approved! No money out of pocket! Call 1-877-707-5707 (AAN CAN)

GOT AN UNWANTED CAR?

Donate it to Patriotic Hearts. Fast free pick up. All 50 States. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans find work or start their own business. Call 24/7: 844875-6782. (AAN CAN)

SENIOR LIVING My Caring Plan’s local advisors have helped thousands of families with unique needs find senior living. Can you afford 2k a month in rent? We can help for free! Call 866-386-9005. (AAN CAN)

SPEEDY SATELLITE INTERNET

Shop w/ A Viasat Expert for Speedy Satellite Internet. New Customer Deals In Your Area. Nationwide Service. New Service For 2023. 855-822-5911

TOP CA$H PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 877-589-0747. (AAN CAN)

UNCLAIMED / RECEIVED

FIREARMS The following is a list of Unclaimed / Received firearms currently in possession of the Asheville Police Department: BLK/SIL JIMENEZ JA NINE-CA 9MM, BLK/SIL S&W 37-1 38, BLK XDM 45 GRN/ PNK, SIG SAUER MOSQUITO 22, BLK FEDARM FRX 12GA, BLK SAVAGE ARMS STEVENS 12GA, BLK/BRN TAURUS G3 9MM, BLK/BRN SPRINGFIELD MIL-SPEC 45, BLK/BRN

TAURUS PT22 22, BLK MILSPEC 1911 45, BLK RUGER LCP 38, BLK BERETTA 9MM, BLK RUGER LCP II 22, BLK/ WHT SPRINGFIELD XD 40, BLK BERETTA 22, BLK GLOCK 17 9MM, BLK S&W BODYGUARD 38, CHR JENNINGS J-22 22, BLK/BRN ULTRA-HI 2200 22, BLK GLOCK 23 40, GRY 1911 A1 45, BLK/SIL RUGER P89DC 9MM, BLK GLOCK 23 40, BLK/BRN SIG SAUER P365 9MM. 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 & Evidence Section at 828-232-4576.

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

LOVE TO SING! LEARN A CAPPELLA SINGING FOR FEMALE VOICES WITH A LOCAL CHORUS Song O’

ACROSS

1 Once ___ a time, 5 not so ___ ago, 9 ___ was a girl named Ava.

14 Ava’s ___ joy was

15 her prized ___.

16 She had ___ her skill in band, 17 despite sitting next to the noisy ____, 19 which were an ___ distraction.

20 One day, after school, Ava called a ___.

21 It hadn’t come ___ as she muttered, 22 “___, I guess. At least the week’s over.”

23 She was ___ with her music, 25 and school was hardly an ___.

26 Just then, Dana, a bandmate Ava was crushing on, walked up lugging a ___.

29 As Ava ___ nearby, gathering her courage,

31 Dana bent down to ___ the heavy instrument.

34 Ava ___ at Dana.

36 “Would it be a stretch to say I dig your ___ T-shirt?,” Ava asked.

38 Dana’s reaction was the start of an ___ for Ava.

39 Wheezing laughter like an ___ in an old tire and deep blushing

41 were ___ that Dana was smitten, too.

43 “That was a ___ joke!,” Dana sputtered.

44 “I got the shirt from ___; glad you like it.”

46 Ava mustered every ___ in her brain

47 and felt her heart ___ as she blurted, 49 “I’d love to hang out some time, no ___!”

51 Dana grinned. “Then meditating together in corpse pose ___ an option!”

52 Ava wrinkled her ___ and laughed.

54 After that spark, the pair bonded in large ___.

56 Dana learned that Ava loved chocolate ___ cookies,

57 and Ava learned Dana loved “Much ___ About Nothing.”

58 Though Dana wanted to visit Timbuktu in ___

61 and Ava preferred Accra in ___,

62 the pair still felt the ____ of their connection.

65 One night, after watching “___ Python,”

66 bingeing subtitled dramas from ___, and

67 listening to Nat King ___,

68 Ava and Dana shared their first kiss over cream ___.

69 And, of course, ___ lived 70 happily ___ after.

DOWN

1 Trojans’ sch.

2 Straw vote, e.g.

3 Skin cream brand

4 Round, squishy toy

5 Actor Chaney

6 Followed

7 With distinction

8 Daring deed

9 Contraction before “be great”

10 Obergefell v. ___, Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage

11 Conclude miserably

12 Shipwreck site

13 Reds great Roush

18 Figure skater

Midori

24 Like buses and bicycles

25 Curtain trims, e.g.

26 Bygone Russian rulers

27 Inuit skin boat

28 It’s a sure thing

30 Dawn goddess

32 Synthetic fabric

33 Never existed

35 Wide shoe spec

37 Just a number, it’s said

40 Alabama governor Ivey

42 Bother

45 Language from which we get bupkis and shtick

48 Starting place

50 Knuckle-headed gesture?

53 Neuters

55 911 responder

56 When repeated, a toy train

57 Hamlet’s interrogative after “How now!”

59 Pope after Benedict IV

60 Bali, for one 61 M.L.B. execs 63 Stuff in a loft 64 Title for “Game of Thrones” knights