Mountain Xpress 10.18.23

OUR 30TH YEAR OF WEEKLY INDEPENDENT NEWS, ARTS & EVENTS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA VOL. 30 NO. 12 OCT. 18-24, 2023

MOUNTAINX.COM

OCT. 18-24, 2023

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C ONTENT S

NEWS

NEWS

FEATURES 8

EXPRESS VOTING Buncombe expands use of new election machines

10 WAVES OF WOODFIN Candidates talk development, tourism as early voting begins

PAGE 30 AFTER MIDNIGHT Folks within the Asheville restaurant industry say there is a popular misconception about the city’s late-night food scene: mainly, that options do not exist beyond fastfood drive-thrus and a few national 24-hour diners. But local late-night menus do exist, if you know where to look.

COVER PHOTO iStock

WELLNESS

NEWS

COVER DESIGN Scott Southwick 20 CIBO BEAT Manheimer updates CIBO members on the state of the city

28 A MOTHER’S LOVE Memoir explores parenting a child struggling with mental health issues

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LETTERS

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CARTOON: MOLTON

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CARTOON: BRENT BROWN

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MY STORY

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COMMENTARY

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NEWS

14 GREEN ROUNDUP

A&C

19 EDUCATION BEAT 22 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 28 WELLNESS 30 ARTS & CULTURE

A&C

40 CLUBLAND 34 SOPHISTICATED SIMPLICITY Salt Face Mule grows North Buncombe’s craft beverage scene

45 FREEWILL ASTROLOGY 46 CLASSIFIEDS 47 NY TIMES CROSSWORD

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OCT. 18-24, 2023

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OPINION

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

Deal won’t help those who need affordable housing [Regarding “Small Apartments, Big Questions: Community Members Debate New Microhousing Developments,” Oct. 4, Xpress:] I work with vulnerable developmentally challenged and mental health clients, some of whom are higher functioning and would like an opportunity at a potential for independence.

Members of Asheville City Council are not subsisting in reality.

Three hundred square feet average for $1,200 per month. At average market value for rentals in the area.

Someone’s making money off of this deal, and it does nothing for our vulnerable populations needing affordable housing. Nothing.

— Joel Brickner Fletcher

Making affordable microhousing work [Regarding “Small Apartments, Big Questions: Community Members Debate New Microhousing Developments,” Oct. 4, Xpress:] If the rates were lower than $1,000 per unit and there was more than a 20% allotment for the number of eligible units, I would encourage supporting the proposals.

But I live in the Lofts at Reynolds Village in an 800-plus-square-foot apartment. My rent is $1,380 (this includes a pet fee, water bill and garbage pickup), so it seems unfair for folks making under $2,000 to $2,500 per month to struggle to pay more than half their monthly income, especially considering the size of the unit.

Why not support the BeLoved nonprofit? As an example, in building microhomes (400-600 square feet), they, like any other organization doing this work, no doubt need land. Help them find affordable land that also may be supplemented by offering proximity or transportation to employment (not in the boondocks).

— Carol Anders Woodfin

Now it’s up to us to reduce plastic bags in landfills According to the Sept. 27 Mountain Xpress edition, local jurisdictions banning single-use plastic bags are now prohibited from doing so due to a recent N.C. General Assembly act on Sept. 22.

This is a surprising turn of events in that the Asheville City Council has been bound and determined to ban plastic 4

OCT. 18-24, 2023

C A RT O O N B Y R AN DY M O L T O N bags used in local grocery stores and other places of business.

What we as citizens can do now to minimize the number of plastic bags that end up in the landfill is to deposit our plastic bags at various stores that provide bins for this purpose. Such stores include Ingles, Walmart, Lowe’s, etc. There are a number of other stores that accept plastic bags that I am not familiar with.

Perhaps someone could help out here.

— Meiling Dai Asheville

Urban trees need proper care to survive With all of the money that is slated to go to planting trees and increasing Asheville’s tree canopy, it is critically important that the trees are planted and maintained with basic care.

Walking around downtown Asheville recently, I was reminded of the haphazard treatment of many of the urban trees around town. “Mulch volcanoes” piled up around the trunks of trees create anaerobic conditions and prevent necessary gas exchange between the plant’s roots and the atmosphere. Recently poorly planted “ball in burlap” trees, which come at a high cost, can be seen around town rapidly declining in health and fated to die without serious intervention.

Planting trees is important, as is maintaining them, but it takes training to do it properly. The extra effort to plant a tree well and mulch it properly is very marginal compared to the cost of losing the trees we plant.

I hope that the new urban forester and city arborist can work together to ensure that existing trees are maintained with quality of work in mind and that future

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trees are planted in a way that does not guarantee their demise.

— Noah Poulos Marion

Where are the involved local churches?

Have you noticed the number of thoughtful people addressing these troubled times in inspirational, prophetic and mature spirituality? Those struggling to point toward a more compassionate, truthful and peaceful way of life?

I thought about this when attending a local August Veterans for Peace get-together designed to generate conversations about world conditions. Only eight participants showed up. Even the Only One Earth local coalition group that I previously praised in Mountain Xpress did not participate. Democracy and religion are not spectator sports, but why are there so few active supporters for a better way of life in our Disunited States? And where are the involved local churches?

In December 2017, Mountain Xpress published “The Changing Faces of Faith,” pointing out that religious devotion is not at the top of the list. Another article by John Boyle in our local newspaper in October 2021 stated that there are over 700 mainline Protestant and Catholic churches in Buncombe.

Recently my smartphone told me there are more than 300 Christian churches, plus faith-based conference centers and religiously affiliated schools, in the Asheville area.

It seems that people, including some activists, do not see religion as a vitally needed social process with a crucial potential to create a more peaceful and

just world — not perfect, but more equal and caring for each other. What would it be like if each church would have small group meetings regularly addressing social issues that determine our way of life? Issues like economic security, health care, the environment, and war and peace.

Political decision-makers and military leaders know that war demands discipline, determination and dedication. The war mentality demands daily, weekly and yearly practice of a life devoted to power, dominance and control of our way of life. Everything goes, including secrecy and lying.

What would happen if those who adhere to Christian values of peace on Earth and good will would devote that same discipline, practice, determination and dedication as nonviolent “warriors for peace and justice?”

I know personally that there are many dedicated and active local Christians who are invisible microheroes as they volunteer to help the homeless and people in need. They deserve respect and are models of kindness and generosity that bring people together. But churches are mostly silent or invisible in resisting our destructive way of life.

And there are many religious people lecturing and publishing. For example, Rabbi Michael Lerner, Franciscan Richard Rohr, Protestant Brian McLaren, Buddhist Ken Wilber and local Baptist peacemaker Ken Sehested are speaking out on social issues and spiritual values. Check them out — there are too many others to name here.

I suggest small groups gather at churches focusing on social issues. My main focus has been on our military-industrial complex, which President Eisenhower warned us about years ago.

Environmental and health issues are also affected by our war-making and manufacturing of weapons of destruction.

This and other issues can be addressed in small church groups. Then groups can come together to create a unified peace and justice community of love and caring. Parishes can hold public conversations to determine the actual public steps that can be taken locally.

Imagine if the primary teaching of religion was union, not individual perfection.

That would change the whole world.

I’m hopeful because of the inspiration and the resilience of local people and global peacemakers. They model the always-needed longing and compassion for truth, goodness and beauty, affirming what is good in our country and in our religions. They call us to a higher level of democratic participation expressed in spiritual and religious values.

Contact me for resources or to challenge me, but please do your homework first: esacco189@gmail.com.

— Ed Sacco Asheville

CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN

MY STORY

I learned far more than I taught Retiring to Asheville, my life quickly filled up with activities that made it fun and rewarding. It seemed every weekday there was something to look forward to doing. Reading that a local nonprofit, Literacy Together, was looking for volunteer tutors to teach English to newly arriving Afghan refugees, I wondered, “Why Asheville?”

I was pleased and a little proud that “my” city was doing such a worthwhile project. I had always felt helpless when I read of catastrophes in the news, knowing there was nothing I could do to contribute. This was an invitation and opportunity to make a difference in something I thought was very worthwhile. Was wanting to make a difference just an idle thought or a choice to take action?

How does one become a tutor? I had many doubts about my capabilities for tutoring. But Literacy Together proclaimed that you needed no experience, and they promised to train you and provide the teaching materials. I also wondered if I could find the time.

They ask volunteers to commit to two to three hours per week of tutoring.

Between golf, gardening, hiking, dance,

yoga, Pilates and social life, could I find three hours a week to fit in and not give anything up? I signed up for the online training, where I met Erin Sebelius, the director of the English for Speakers of Other Languages program.

As part of the volunteer training, Erin showed us a reading passage in one of the textbooks they use, which she had translated into German in order to give us a teaching demonstration in a language we didn’t know — putting us in the students’ shoes, so to speak.

She promised that by the end of our training session, we would all be able to read these five paragraphs in German.

Certain this would not be true for me, I stayed with it to see if she could teach the others! To my amazement, within an hour and a half, the promise was kept, and even I could read the page! I also saw that the teaching materials and curriculum designed by consummate professionals would make the tutor’s job very easy. I was hooked!

It is laughable to me now to look back on what a limited and shallow view I had as I began tutoring. All of my considerations now seem petty and minuscule, and they certainly were,

LEARNING TOGETHER: Literacy Together tutor Martha Fugate, left, with her student Elaha Fariady. Photo courtesy of Fugate compared to the rewards of becoming a tutor. After working with my student, Elaha Fariady, for six months, she started college at A-B Tech, and in her first year, made the dean’s list. Her success was rewarding, but it was just the beginning of the rewards that came my way.

I have learned much more than I have taught. My life is richer not only for the many things she has taught me but also for the many ways I was challenged to look at my own culture and values.

I have become a lot more knowledgeable about Asheville and proud of the warm, generous and helpful welcome the Afghan refugees found in my city. So many new experiences for me: attending an Afghan wedding; Afghan family feasts in three different states; traveling to Washington, D.C., with my student and her siblings and finding out what it is like to navigate the asylum process; talking to her parents in Afghanistan and being monumentally moved by their gratitude. I have taken several trips with these Afghan women, and it always amazes me how resilient they are and how effortless it is for them to take care of me.

I would encourage anyone who’s interested in language and cultural exchange to put aside any fears or doubts they may have about becoming an ESOL tutor and give Literacy Together a try! You may well find that your life is enriched more than you can even imagine.

— Martha Fugate Asheville Martha Fugate is a former director of YES Institute, a not-for-profit in Miami, who retired to Asheville and is now volunteering with Literacy Together. X

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OCT. 18-24, 2023

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OPINION

Connecting the dots

Smart housing lies at the core of local crises

BY BEN BROWN Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer said something at the Aug. 23 Leadership Asheville Forum that seemed, to me at least, to stake out a position on growth that has heretofore been tough for community leaders to articulate.

Responding to a question from the audience about the prospects for restricting development to protect mountain region aesthetics, the mayor first offered the usual reminders: We live in a state that severely limits municipalities’ regulatory options. And if the question is about safety and stormwater management, there are steep-slope ordinances already on the books. Then, however, came this: “If you’re saying, ‘Can we put a stop to development?’ no, I don’t think we can do that. Nor would we want to,” said Manheimer. “I think some people would love to just freeze us in a moment in time, maybe 20 years ago. ... But cities are either vibrant and growing, or they’re atrophying.”

BEYOND FACTIONALISM These are tough times for elected officials. Too many residents have splintered into competing factions, believing we’re being betrayed by those we’ve elected to honor our personal priorities. For some of us, that includes protecting an individual’s stake in the status quo. Under such

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conditions, it often seems that the best shot at finding common ground is a shared conviction that everything is broken — particularly government.

Little wonder, then, if people whose positions depend upon the consent of the governed are leery of saying aloud that if we want vital, opportunity-filled communities, we have to figure out where and how to accommodate growth and then implement policies and programs at sufficient speed and scale to meet the crises that have provoked this sense of brokenness.

The slow roll of advancing from ideas to action often feels like a no roll. But here’s the good news: It’s getting too late to do nothing.

Any one of the threats currently branded as “existential” — climate change, recurrent pandemics, growing gaps between rich and poor — should be enough to inspire us to come together in aligning purpose and performance. But what’s needed to spur us to meaningful action is not only recognizing looming emergencies but also feeling their impacts in our daily lives. And that hadn’t happened in Asheville until enough people finally got fed up with stepping over sprawled bodies on downtown sidewalks and worrying about how anyone making less than $90,000 a year can afford decent housing here.

One of the key takeaways from the Asheville Watchdog’s recent 12-parter on downtown issues was how housing intersects with public safety, mental and physical health, the tourism economy and a ton of other concerns that we tend to treat as entirely separate matters. Turns out everything’s connected. And housing may well be the nexus that compels us to leverage both this recognition and the opportunities it offers.

One of those critical intersections is with economic development. “We’re for housing, and housing of all types,” Zach Wallace, vice president of public policy for the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, was quoted as saying in John Boyle’s Aug. 22 piece in the Watchdog series. When the Economic Development Coalition is wooing potential employers, noted Wallace, “One of the things those folks look at

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BEN BROWN

“So, despite the considerable challenges, maybe the energy is there to move beyond brokenness.” is ‘Do I have a workforce there?’ And that workforce needs housing.”

Wallace’s statement resonates like Manheimer’s point about community vitality, but with one critical addition: an implied responsibility to do something about it.

HOUSING FOR ALL Cutting even deeper is a plan from MountainTrue, one of Western North Carolina’s largest and longest-running environmental advocacy organizations, to add a housing initiative to its to-do list. Better yet, the organization is proposing an answer not only to the “what” question of housing but also to the “where.”

“For starters, we are going to push for policy change that makes it easier to build homes close to our town and city center,” Susan Bean, the nonprofit’s housing and transportation director, explained at the initiative’s Aug. 10 coming-out party.

The logic behind her statement is a case study in “everything’s connected” thinking.

It’s going to take a historic effort to close the gaps in housing supply that are close to the places where people work, shop and entertain themselves and where there may also be options for walking, biking or taking mass transit. But without a keen awareness of both the broader context and the potential for such connections, the current unfulfilled demand will continue to drive sprawl into the car-dependent burbs and beyond,

threatening the viability of the very farms, rivers, forests and other areas that MountainTrue works so hard to protect. Redirecting housing demand from urban centers to outlying areas will inevitably mean more and wider roads to accommodate ever more commuter vehicles producing more greenhouse gases; importing more cars into those urban centers will create more congestion and increased demand for daytime parking at higher cost to city taxpayers.

“If we’re willing to share our spaces and invite people to live where roads and schools and stores already exist,” argued Bean, “we’re going to minimize our collective carbon footprint at the same time as we increase demand for things like street trees, sidewalks, bike lanes and public transit.”

Hence, the initiative’s name: Neighbors for More Neighbors WNC, patterned after a Minnesota group with a similar name and mission.

YES, NOW OK, so that’s the Chamber of Commerce and perhaps the most influential environmental organization in the region aligning their goals with a sense of urgency to connect the dots. But there’s a host of other local entities sounding similar notes.

Asheville for All proposes YIMBY (yes, in my backyard) advocacy to counteract NIMBY resistance to new development; Thrive Asheville prominently features housing issues on its website. And in addition to these relative newbies, more established groups like Pisgah Legal Services and the Dogwood Health Trust also recognize ways that housing intersects with their respective equity and health care concerns.

So, despite the considerable challenges, maybe the energy is there to move beyond brokenness and toward ways of thinking and acting that acknowledge the mayor’s realism and justify the optimism of folks like Susan Bean.

As Bean explained at the Neighbors for More Neighbors debut, “We want people to understand the impacts of choosing not to welcome new neighbors — the impacts of sprawl and increased carbon emissions and more forests lost. So that maybe the next time a project is proposed in someone’s neighborhood, they’ll be able to think about the benefits that could come from that project instead of fearing a loss.”

Ben Brown is a former newspaper and magazine journalist who recently retired after 14 years as a partner with the urban planning and design firm PlaceMakers LLC. X

MOUNTAINX.COM

OCT. 18-24, 2023

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NEWS

Express voting Buncombe expands use of new election machines

BY GREG PARLIER gparlier@mountainx.com Voters in Weaverville and Woodfin will be the first in Buncombe County to use an electronic method to mark ballots that could save them time at the polls.

The ExpressVote machines have been in use in Buncombe since 2020, primarily for those with vision and other disabilities. As part of the fiscal year 2023-24 budget, the county Board of Commissioners approved spending more than $600,000 to purchase 140 ExpressVote machines for use at all early-voting locations.

During the 2024 election, 10 machines will be located at each of the county’s 14 early-voting sites. On Election Day, the machines are only available for those with disabilities.

The majority of voters are provided with a traditional preprinted ballot to be marked with a pen.

The new system replaces the old, ballot-on-demand printing system.

That system relied on printers at each voting site to print on demand a ballot with the proper races for any voter in the county. Those printers were aging out of service, and were time-consuming to maintain, says Corinne Duncan, Buncombe’s director of elections.

Duncan says the devices will save voters time at the polls, save staff time processing results and save significant amounts of paper, among other benefits.

“There are a lot of very, very attractive features for different stakeholders. And the voters, I think that they will find the voting transaction to be faster and easier to accomplish during early voting with the ExpressVote machine,” says Jake Quinn, chair of the Buncombe County Board of Elections.

“We were getting frustrated with the amount of maintenance that the ballot-on-demand system needed and the cost of the consumables. And then the vendor just decided not to support the type of printer that we currently have,” Duncan says.

Options included reinvesting in a new fleet of ballot-on-demand printers, going all paper by preprinting ballots for each jurisdiction at every early-voting location or switching to the ExpressVote system, she says.

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ExpressVote, which is used by 11 other North Carolina counties, won out.

NEW PROCEDURES AT EARLY VOTING As always, Buncombe County voters will be able to go to any early-voting location in the county to cast their ballot. Instead of waiting for a unique ballot to print as in previous years, they will be given an ExpressVote cardstock, a narrow piece of thermal paper with their precinct and ballot style printed on the top. Otherwise, the cardstock is blank.

Instead of proceeding to a voting booth with a pen, voters will approach an ExpressVote machine, where they will insert the cardstock, and be prompted to vote in the relevant races on a screen. Voters can toggle back and forth between races to make selections until they are satisfied with their choices, at which point the “ballot” will print out with their selections printed on it.

Just as in previous elections, voters will then proceed to a vote tabulator machine and insert the ballot themselves. The ExpressVote machines do not retain any data from vote selections but instead are simply a glorified ballot-marking device, Duncan says.

As a result, there are no implications for data security with the new machines, Duncan says.

Meanwhile, officials anticipate the new machines will provide a streamlined process for voters and help limit or eliminate overvotes — when voters choose more than the required number of candidates for a race — and undervotes — when voters select fewer than the required number of candidates for a race.

“The other great thing about it is, let’s say you’re going through, you’re making selections, and you realize, ‘Oh, no, that’s not the candidate that I wanted to vote for.’ You just go back and change it. You don’t have to go to a poll worker and spoil your ballot and go through that whole process, you can take care of it yourself,” Duncan says.

Additionally, for races with writeins, voters will type in their preferred candidates rather than physically writing them in, which will greatly reduce the amount of staff time required to

FASTER VOTING: Buncombe County Board of Elections member Steven Aceto receives his voted ballot back from one of the county’s new ExpressVote machines during a machine testing demonstration Oct. 10. Voters will insert a blank ballot, vote the appropriate races on the machine’s screen and receive the ballot back with their selections printed on it. Photo by Greg Parlier determine whom people voted for, Quinn says.

Previously, Elections Board members and staff spent hours determining voter intent on races, especially those with write-in candidate options, where a surprisingly large number of voters write in Mickey Mouse every year, Quinn says.

Plus, ExpressVote will save staff time on data reporting. Previously, early voting vote totals were organized by early voting location, not precinct, because anyone can vote at any location during early voting. Now, because of the coding on the ExpressVote ballots, the tabulators will be able to hold votes by precinct at each voting site, meaning officials can report early-voting results by precinct on election night, rather than up to 30 days later, Duncan says.

“From an election administration standpoint, it’s going to make it easier for us,” Quinn adds. “From a data management and data reporting standpoint, ExpressVote is a boon to us.”

In addition, Duncan says the new system will save at least half the amount of paper as the ballot-on-demand system.

EXPRESSVOTE ELSEWHERE Voters in Haywood, Henderson and Transylvania counties have been using ExpressVote machines during the early-voting period since at least 2020 with great success, their election directors say.

Robert Inman, director of elections in Haywood County, says once voters got used to switching to the ExpressVote system, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

“I think it’s an enormous advance in line management, the space it takes to do this and the speed in which you can actually process a voter. From the time they present themselves to vote to the time it takes them to use the ExpressVote and go to the tabulator is much faster than what [it takes them] to mark little ovals on a piece of paper.

By far,” he says.

Aaron Troutman, an elections specialist in Henderson County, says the system really helps in a county like

Henderson, where there are many different ballots because several district lines split the county.

ExpressVote allows him to code each machine with ballots for all 35 precincts, with every possibility of overlapping jurisdiction, instead of keeping so many extra ballots on hand at each voting site, he says.

In Transylvania County, Director of Elections Jeff Storey says the ExpressVote system saves the county both time and materials.

Feedback from voters has been so positive that they’ve asked why the county doesn’t also use the machines exclusively on Election Day, an investment it hasn’t yet been willing to make, Storey says.

In Mecklenburg County, home to Charlotte, the state’s largest city, Director of Elections Michael Dickerson says officials adopted ExpressVotes for both early voting and Election Day in 2020 and haven’t had any significant issues.

Dickerson says the best benefit of the system is how much paper he saves, making the purchase of the machines “easily” worth the investment.

“I would recommend [ExpressVotes] to any county,” he says.

In Buncombe County, it’s unclear if there is appetite to expand the new system to Election Day. Because of the large expense it would take to equip all 80 precincts with enough machines, Duncan says the county hasn’t considered it extensively. First, she wants to get through the 2023 municipal and 2024 presidential elections.

Duncan says the current lot of machines will pay for themselves in saved time and materials within the 10- to 15-year life span of the machines.

Whether an expansion happens, Quinn says he sees no downsides to the new machines.

“We’ll be using these machines far, far after I’m on the Board of Elections,” he says. X

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OCT. 18-24, 2023

9

NEWS

Waves of Woodfin

Candidates talk development, tourism as early voting begins

BY GREG PARLIER gparlier@mountainx.com Town Council and mayoral candidates in Asheville’s closest neighbor to the north, Woodfin, know that growth is inevitable, and the crowds are coming. The threat of uncontrolled growth led to a dramatic turnover on Council two years ago, and more fresh faces have emerged to run as the old guard steps down.

Mayoral candidate and Vice Mayor Jim McAllister won the most votes ever cast for a Town Council candidate in 2021 as part of the wave of three new Council members, inspired by opposition to The Bluffs, a massive development near the Woodfin-Asheville line. This year, he’s running to replace longtime Mayor Jerry VeHaun, who is retiring after 20 years in the position.

“I intend to do the job of mayor very differently. The current Council members and all of the candidates running for Council have told me they’re absolutely in favor of me taking a different role. It’s going to be one of cheerleader, working to recruit businesses, developers, retailers and new neighbors,” says McAllister, who moved to Woodfin in 2019.

For most of his tenure, VeHaun operated as a mayor administrator until the Town Council opted to change from a strong to weak mayor form of governance in 2021, taking away the mayor’s vote on Council and relegating the position to essentially be the public face of the town.

McAllister says that if elected, he intends to use the opportunity to aggressively recruit private businesses to town and convince young people to get involved with civic matters.

He wants to form volunteer working groups of residents to do research on how technology such as artificial intelligence can more efficiently run the town’s Police Department and figure out how to entice more developers to build affordable housing in Woodfin.

“A lot of the old-time Woodfiners don’t want anything to change. And I feel sorry for them because you can’t stop change. We’re not going to ruin the town or let it be paved in condos, but change is coming, and it’s important that we manage it. To do that, it’s going to take young people,” he says.

McAllister’s opponent in the mayoral race, Jason Moore, is not one of those old-time Woodfiners, either. He moved to the west side of Woodfin after retiring from the Marine Corps in May. 10

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UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT: Five of Woodfin’s six candidates for Town Council and mayor haven’t run for office before this year, and four would be new to Town Hall if elected. Regardless of who is elected, Woodfin’s mayor and full council will have served no more than two years come November. Pictured, clockwise, from top left: Josh Blade, Elisabeth Ervin, Kenneth Kahn, Jim McAllister, Jason Moore and Johanna Young. Photos courtesy of the candidates He touts his varied experience as a “problem solver” over 20 years working in the federal government as the greatest strength he could take to the mayor’s office.

On most issues, Moore says VeHaun did a good job, and if elected, he plans to keep the status quo. Moore does agree, however, with development rules the new guard on Council passed, including a steep-slope ordinance, conditional zoning rules and guardrails for short-term rentals, a sentiment echoed by all of Woodfin’s Council candidates.

TOWN COUNCIL AND MANAGING GROWTH The only incumbent running in the Council race has yet to be elected.

Elisabeth Ervin was appointed to replace longtime Council member Jim Angel in February 2022 after Angel resigned for health reasons.

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Ervin has lived on the north side of town since 1994 and retired as a federal deputy chief probation officer for the Western District of North Carolina in 2014.

Like others running for Council, Ervin sees Woodfin’s greatest challenge as managing the coming waves of growth and wants to help ensure the town doesn’t get stuck in the past as new residents move in.

“There is much in the past to cherish, but we need to make certain the town is ready for an influx of residents with both housing and employment opportunities,” she says.

To that end, she is most excited about the potential to establish a Woodfin Business Association focused on recruiting new businesses to town, showcasing Woodin’s amenities and real estate.

Kenneth Kahn, who has been in Woodfin for five years, says his experience serving on the Buncombe

County Planning Board and Woodfin’s Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee gives him a perspective into development in Woodfin that is invaluable.

Kahn has a vision for mixed-use pocket neighborhoods of affordable workforce housing that include services and retail in the neighborhood.

He thinks that would help recruit a younger working population — including families — to town, increasing the tax base without raising taxes.

Kahn acknowledges that any development projects need community buyin, and he is aware of the potential gentrification that can result from bringing large mixed-use developments to town.

“The real challenge is to manage the growth so that we’re not dispossessing anybody, we’re not evicting people, we’re not forcing them to live in [communities that are] different [from what] they want,” he says.

Still, he remains confident that space can be found in town for inventive mixed-use developments.

WOODFIN WAVE Johanna Young, who first moved to the area in 1990 to attend UNC Asheville, wants to use her master’s degree in public health education and background in biology to ensure Woodfin can marry its economic development desires with sound stewardship of its environmental resources, namely the French Broad River.

The river runs south to north through the western part of Woodfin, and its banks are dotted with a mix of industry and river parks.

Recently, the town secured nearly all of the $33.1 million needed for a greenway and blueway project that includes a man-made whitewater wave in the French Broad River at Riverside Park, greenways along the river and Beaverdam Creek and renovations to recently acquired Silver-Line Park. Construction at Riverside Park is expected to begin next spring, with the wave completed next summer, says Shannon Tuch, Woodfin town manager.

Residents are bracing for a wave of tourists from the developments, and some candidates wonder if the town’s infrastructure can handle the inevitable influx.

Council candidate Josh Blade says while the whitewater wave is an exciting investment, he questions whether it was wise to spend so much of the town’s resources to bring it to fruition. According to Tuch, the town spent more than $5 million of its own money on the project.

Similarly, Moore, the candidate for mayor, wonders if there will be unintended consequences of bringing so many people into Woodfin, such as more traffic on Riverside Drive and increased pollution in the already impaired French Broad River.

“Where are they going to park?

How are they going to get there?

Where are they going to stay?” asks McAllister. “I don’t want everybody coming to use the wave staying in Asheville and spending all their money in Asheville. That’s why I want to lead the charge in finding restaurants and other merchants and hoteliers to come to Woodfin to get us ready for these tens of thousands of people who may be coming to town.”

STORMWATER FEE RANKLES RESIDENTS While much of the town’s focus is on the future, changes in the present

have left some residents dreaming of the past.

This summer, Woodfin enacted a stormwater fee for the first time.

Its implementation did not get off to a good start. Tuch says the bills mistakenly went out to hundreds of residents without a letter explaining the new fee, creating an uproar.

The town was issued a violation by N.C. Department of Environmental Quality in 2019 for not meeting its responsibilities under a stormwater permit issued in 2017. The town, under previous management, ignored the notice, leading to penalties in early 2022, which the town has appealed.

Tuch took the town manager position in March of that year and immediately submitted a draft stormwater plan to correct its previous mistakes.

Part of that plan was to impose stormwater fees to help pay for the program, issued to property owners based on the amount of impervious surface on a property.

Some residents consider the fee unfair and unjust.

Chip Parton, who lives in a neighborhood west of the river that was annexed in 2010 despite neighborhood opposition, says that part of town doesn’t get enough town services to justify its taxes.

On Olivette Road, which runs along the town limits in one section, Parton says the only difference between properties on each side of the street is the color of their trash cans — green and blue WastePro cans in the county, black cans inside Woodfin town limits. Otherwise, there is no difference in services for the Woodfin residents who pay extra taxes in a town they never wanted to be a part of in the first place, Parton says.

Incensed over the new stormwater fee, Parton circulated a petition among neighbors — now more than 200 signatures strong — asking the

N.C. General Assembly to deannex their neighborhood.

Blade, one of two Council candidates who live west of the river (Kahn is the other, Moore also lives west of the river) issued the strongest rebuke of the stormwater fees of all the candidates running, saying he would repeal the fee and look for alternate ways to maintain the stormwater system.

“It is not the residents’ fault that the town spent all their money elsewhere, ignored the fact that these systems needed fixing, then waited until the [state] forced them to do something before passing that burden onto the residents themselves,” Blade says.

Tuch and McAllister argue that the fee is necessary to adhere to the town’s permits, and maintenance of the town’s drains will improve with the fee in place.

Regardless, Parton says, candidates’ response to the stormwater fee could make a difference in the ballot box. X

When and where to vote In-person early-voting runs Thursday, Oct. 19, through Friday, Nov. 3, at Buncombe County Election Services offices at 59 Woodfin Place in Asheville.

Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Voting also will be possible Saturday, Nov. 4, at both the Election Services offices and at the Weaverville Community Center, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Following recent changes from the N.C. General Assembly, voters will be required to show a photo ID, such as a driver’s license. A free voter ID can be obtained from the Election Services offices Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. X

Woodfin Sanitary Water and Sewer District What it is: The district covers parts of North Asheville, Woodfin, Weaverville and unincorporated Buncombe County. It oversees 100 miles of water distribution lines, a 2-million-gallon treatment plant, 3.5 million gallons of water storage facilities, pumping stations and fire hydrants, according to its website.

Who’s running: Five people, including three incumbents, for three seats.

Terms last two years.

The newcomers: Lauren Edgerton and Larry Hopkins. Edgerton is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and addictions specialist. She wants to increase transparency of board actions and implement a capital improvement program. Hopkins, a 40-year veteran of the chemical industry, also sees transparency as the board’s top issue.

The incumbents: Sarah Gassaway, Ivo Ballentine and Gordon Maybury.

Gassaway, on the board since 2009, says the district is transparent. Ballentine, on the board since 2015, didn’t respond to questions from Xpress. Maybury, just appointed by the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners in February, says the district should do a better job of keeping data on outages and water pressure leaks, as well as increasing the district’s visibility and communication with its customers. X

Weaverville Town Council Four candidates, including one incumbent, are vying for three seats on Weaverville Town Council. Only three responded to questions related to growth and development, social districts, and other community issues from Xpress.

Incumbent John Chase, a Weaverville resident for more than 18 years, has been a senior project manager and co-owner of Medlock & Associates Engineering in Asheville since 2007.

Chase sees the Weaverville Community Center on Lake Louise, open since 2021, as one of the town’s greatest recent achievements. He says he would like to see infrastructure improvements and multimodal transportation options in town.

Dee Lawrence, a Weaverville resident for 16 years, is a retired data sales analyst with Sprint. He brings a focus on communication, collaboration and commitment when faced with complex problems, he says.

Lawrence sees the town’s greatest challenge is how its existing public service infrastructure will handle a growing population. He is excited about the Weaverville Police Department’s plans to use electric vehicles.

Peter McGuire moved back to Weaverville in 2002. He is an attorney focused on real estate planning, business succession and fiduciary litigation.

McGuire says Weaverville should continue to manage its growth through zoning regulation and developer incentives, and find a balance when regulating short-term rentals. He is excited about the potential for a Reems Creek Greenway and wants to expand recreation opportunities from the French Broad River throughout the Reems Creek Valley.

Jennifer Young did not respond to numerous requests for comment from Xpress. X

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OCT. 18-24, 2023

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NEWS

Part of the family

New kennel will help families affected by domestic violence

BY JESSICA WAKEMAN jwakeman@mountainx.com The survivor of a violent relationship has difficult decisions to make. She has to figure out when it is safest to leave, where she can go, what she can bring and what she can’t. Sometimes she’s stopped cold when she realizes she might have to leave the dog behind.

Safelight and Helpmate — the domestic violence nonprofits in Hendersonville and Asheville, respectively — can help survivors arrange temporary boarding for their pets.

However, space concerns made it impossible for either emergency shelter to safely keep pets with their families.

But starting next month, local survivors will have one fewer hard choice to make when leaving. A renovation has allowed Safelight to open kennel space for dogs and cats and pet-friendly dens at its emergency shelter.

Blue Ridge Humane Society, also in Hendersonville, will provide food, toys and other support for animals who are kenneled at the shelter. The partnership is funded for three years through a $100,000 Department of Justice grant.

Safelight Executive Director Lauren Wilkie says kenneling animals will keep more survivors safe. The organization fields one or more phone calls each month from people with pets who decide not to come to the emergency shelter because it lacked on-site care for animals, she says.

“They want to make sure their pet will be all right before they leave,” explains Blue Ridge Humane Society Executive Director Angela Podrick.

She says her nonprofit also receives about one or two calls a month from people asking what can be done with their pets if they leave an abusive environment.

CAT’S OUT OF THE BAG: Safelight, a domestic violence shelter in Hendersonville, is now able to kennel up to four cats for clients staying with them. A separate area also has kennels for up to two dogs. Photo courtesy of Lauren Wilkie VULNERABLE ONES An often-cited statistic about domestic violence and pets is that 71% of women who own pets and

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entered into a shelter reported that their abuser killed, harmed or threatened a family pet.

“The perpetrator is capable of harming anyone less powerful than him in the home,” including children and pets, says Lydia Kickliter, an Asheville-based therapist who has worked with survivors of domestic violence. Survivors trying to leave their abusers know this and don’t want their pets to be hurt or killed, she explains.

“Oftentimes, there will be threats made to the animal” that work to “terrify the woman into staying because that image will get planted in their head,” Kickliter continues.

The abusive dynamic with the perpetrator can lead the survivor to feel responsible for any abuse that is suffered by the pet that is left behind.

But survivors also simply don’t want to give up their beloved pets,

who provide levity, comfort and love.

“We are bonded to animals much like we are bonded to human family members,” Kickliter explains. “If a survivor is faced with the option of ‘stay here and be abused by this person, but I’m here with my loving pet who provides an incredible amount of support and unconditional love’ or ‘I have to go to shelter [alone]’ … faced with those choices, I think I’ll take what I know. I’ll stay here with this abusive person.”

NEW DIGS Domestic violence shelters appeared around the country in the late 1960s, and two-thirds of states, including North Carolina, have legislation that includes pets in domestic violence orders of protection. Only recently, however, have emergency shelters incorporated kennels or

pet-friendly co-living. (The Americans with Disabilities Act requires emergency shelters to allow service dogs to accompany their owners.) While Safelight recognized the need for a kennel at its emergency shelter for years, Wilkie says space restrictions made that impossible at its downtown Hendersonville location.

Building the kennel became possible once Safelight received state American Rescue Plan Act funding to build a new kitchen for clients and a computer training room. The new pet space was built in the shelter’s former kitchen, Wilkie explains. A $60,000 grant from Red Rover, an animal welfare nonprofit dedicated to helping animals in crisis, equipped the new space with cat trees, kennel doors and other items.

The kennels are not crates, Podrick says, underscoring that Blue Ridge Humane Society is following standards set forth by the Association for Shelter Veterinarians. The space includes an area for dogs with three 10-by-12foot kennels, and another area has separate kennels for up to four cats. A pet-friendly den with a couch, coffee table and TV will enable Safelight’s clients and their pets to enjoy each other in a homey atmosphere.

Cats and dogs are the only animals the kennels can accommodate.

The animals are not required to be spayed or neutered, but all animals that come to stay at the Safelight shelter will get a medical evaluation from Blue Ridge Humane Society, Podrick says. The nonprofit can connect clients with resources, such as a low-cost spay or neuter program, training or food, if needed. “Our job is to make sure that the individual staying at Safelight is not worrying as much about their pet — we have their back, and we’ll take care of their pet while they’re focusing on themselves,” Podrick says.

ASHEVILLE’S NEEDS Asheville Humane Society has a temporary boarding program to help abuse survivors, according to Adam Cotton, Asheville Humane Society director of community solutions. It allows someone experiencing domestic violence to board a pet at local partnering kennels for up to 30 days.

Asheville Humane Society doesn’t board pets involved in domestic violence at its location out of concerns that the perpetrator might find either the survivor or the pet at the facility, thus posing a threat to them as well as to staff, Cotton explains. From 2020 to the present, 36 clients of Asheville Humane Society disclosed domestic abuse and received temporary boarding support.

MANIPULATION: Asheville-based therapist Lydia Kickliter says domestic violence perpetrators can threaten to hurt or kill pets as a way to terrify victims into not leaving.

Photo courtesy of Kickliter There is a time limit on boarding, however, and it may not be long enough for a survivor to secure housing that allows pets. Therefore, some surrender their pets to the Buncombe County Animal Shelter,

which is owned by Asheville Humane Society and operated by the county’s Animal Services Division staff.

Since 2020, Asheville Humane Society has received 146 calls to its helpline concerning domestic violence and requests for how to keep pets safe, Cotton says. When someone calls about temporary boarding regarding domestic violence, the organization asks that the client have, or be in the process of getting, a caseworker to help navigate services for domestic violence survivors. The program also asks that pets be up to date on core vaccines and be spayed or neutered, he says.

Safelight, the Hendersonville domestic violence nonprofit, and Blue Ridge Humane Society have a similar temporary boarding program for the pets of domestic violence survivors.

But for someone leaving intimate-partner violence, which may have led to physical injuries or depleted financial resources, “two weeks is just not enough time for anyone in that situation” to find new housing, Podrick explains. In some cases, the nonprofit could extend its funding for longer boarding.

Safelight anticipates one or two pets at a time will stay at the kennels,

Wilkie says. There’s no limit on how long clients can stay at the emergency shelter; the length of stay can range from a couple of days to six months.

Wilkie continues that Safelight will not limit the amount of time pets can stay at the kennel, either.

AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP An additional resource for the animal-loving community is a program within Asheville Humane Society called Home to Home Animal Adoption.

“Anyone in WNC, including survivors, can post their pet for temporary emergency fostering or for rehoming,” explains Cotton. “This website allows owners to have complete control over the fostering and rehoming process so that survivors of domestic violence can find the right home for their pet, whether it’s a temporary foster home or a pet’s new permanent home.”

Cotton, who has previously worked with survivors of domestic violence and assault, adds, “The likelihood of a survivor escaping a dangerous home increases dramatically if they can find a safe home for their pet while they work through other barriers to their own safety.” X

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Community leader releases book about developing sustainable cultures

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Hood Huggers International founder and CEO DeWayne Barton released his new book, The CAP Playbook: Phase One, on Aug. 14. The book’s Community Accountability Plan lays out a vision for creating a sustainable, inclusive and economically empowered culture in historically marginalized communities.

Barton notes that the book is set up similarly to a football playbook, but instead of scoring touchdowns, the “plays” help achieve community goals.

“I want to create the same culture and passion that we have around sports around helping people, communities and the environment,” says Barton. “People will rally behind their favorite sports team, and I want to see that same drive behind organizing the community, improving the environment and supporting social justice.”

Barton says the book targets three main elements: the arts, the environment and social enterprise. In conjunction, these elements improve communities, particularly those that have been historically neglected.

“With CAP, businesses, nonprofits, community volunteers and government agencies can operate in collaborative response to the plans of neighborhood leaders, working to help manifest their vision and build momentum, rather than just prescribing solutions or programs that don’t work,” says Barton. “At the end of the day, it’s all about creating a culture that is sustainable and economically just, all at the grassroots level.”

Barton emphasized the importance of the environment as a part of his plan. “A major part of the book and CAP as a whole is about making the restoration of the planet a universal sport,” Barton says. “Because if we, together, don’t change the way we treat each other and the planet, nobody’s going to have a real cool place to stay.”

The CAP Playbook: Phase One can be purchased on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble.

Tips for preventing wildfires As North Carolina transitions to the fall, the N.C. Forest Service is reminding the public to be careful, ready and responsible when burning outdoors.

Typically, wildfires occur more frequently from October through early December. Outdoor fires left unattended can get out of hand quickly, becoming wildfires that threaten lives and property. According to the NCFS, there were nearly 6,400 wildfires that burned more than 24,000 acres in North Carolina in 2022, 99% of which were caused by humans.

“As more of our state’s acreage is developed and our population continues to grow, we’ll have more people actively living and recreating in areas where homes and forest and woodlands meet,” said N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler in a media release.

“Increased human activity traditionally leads to more wildfires.

“Backyard debris burning, escaped campfires and machine and vehicle use are common forms of humancaused wildfires,” Troxler said.

“Steps to reduce wildfire risks begin at home by creating a defensible space and making fire-resistant landscape choices. Remember, we are our best defense against wildfires.”

For those who choose to burn, the N.C. Forest Service offers the following tips: • Make sure you have a valid permit. You can obtain a burn permit at any N.C. Forest Service office or at an authorized permitting agent.

• Check the weather. Never burn on dry, windy days.

• Keep fires small, not tall.

• Be sure you are fully prepared before burning. To control the fire, you will need a water hose, bucket, steel rake and a shovel for tossing dirt on the fire. Keep a phone nearby as well.

• Never use kerosene, gasoline, diesel fuel or other flammable liquids to speed up burning.

• Never leave a fire. Stay with it until it is completely out.

across the state. The full report can be found at avl.mx/d33.

Save the date

NEW PLAN: Hood Huggers International founder and CEO DeWayne Barton says that his new book is set up similarly to a football playbook, but instead of scoring touchdowns, the “plays” help achieve community goals. Photo courtesy of Hood Huggers International For helpful information and tips to safely burn outdoors, visit the N.C. Forest Service Fire Safety Outdoors webpage at avl.mx/d34.

Good to know • Henderson County residents Michael Keen and Alexander Mihalas have been named the 2023 recipients of The Pisgah Chapter of Trout Unlimited William L. Arbuckle Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 each. The scholarship’s focus is to cultivate future biologists and conservationists who will continue to protect and restore coldwater fisheries and their watersheds across the Appalachian region.

• The N.C. Land and Water Fund awarded the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy $4.37 million for its Deaverview Mountain project, getting the project nearly halfway to its $8.8 million funding goal. The funds will be used to conserve Deaverview Mountain by turning the 343-acre mountaintop into a public park.

• Local environmental group MountainTrue is partnering with the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services to provide septic repair grants to qualifying home-

owners in Buncombe, Henderson, Mitchell, Transylvania, Yancey and Madison counties. To learn more about the septic repair program and MountainTrue, visit avl.mx/cgm.

• On Sept. 29, The Conservation Fund and the Maggie Valley Sanitary District announced the protection of an additional 1,250 acres within the Maggie Valley watershed priority conservation area west of Asheville. The acquisition will nearly triple the amount of land protected by The Conservation Fund and the sanitary district in the valley, bringing the total to roughly 2,000 acres made up of dozens of properties.

• The N.C. General Assembly’s 202325 budget invests $54.9 million in trail and greenway infrastructure in North Carolina. Fund allocations include $12 million to Conserving Carolina for ongoing development of the Saluda Grade Corridor Trail in Henderson and Polk counties, as well as $2.5 million to Camp Grier G5 Trail Collective for trail construction and related improvements at the Grandfather Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest.

• On Oct. 3, the YMCA of Western North Carolina flipped the switch on its new solar panel installations at the Reuter Family YMCA facil-

ity. According to a media release, the Y says the installation allows it to take a significant step toward sustainability and demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship.

• Emissions of harmful air pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter have reached historic lows across North Carolina, according to the latest update of the “Air Quality Trends in North Carolina” report published by the N.C. Division of Air Quality. According to the report, a major reason for these declines is cleaner electricity production from solar development

• Local nonprofit EcoForesters is holding a free Forestry Workshop 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, in partnership with Madison County Extension Office and the N.C. Forest Service to help landowners learn how to identify and control nonnative invasive species.

Attendees will learn how invasive species have affected forest health and what can be done to mitigate their impact. More information can be found at avl.mx/d2k.

• The Safe Passage Fund Coalition is hosting a short-film screening on wildlife crossings in Southern Appalachia 5-9 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 26. The event will feature multiple guest speakers, live music, food trucks and a short tour of the plēb Urban Winery. More information can be found at avl.mx/d2y.

• GreenWorks’ 2023 Fall Tree Adoption registration is now open.

Buncombe County residents can adopt a tree and pick it up on Sunday, Oct. 29. GreenWorks is requesting that participants make a minimum $10 donation with all funds going to support urban forestry efforts throughout the county. More information can be found at avl.mx/d31.

• The WNC Nature Center will host a behind-the-scenes tour 1:30-3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12. The event will give visitors the opportunity to meet the zookeepers, experience an animal enrichment session and learn about the feeding and care of the center’s animals. More information and the registration link can be found at avl.mx/d32.

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Downtown car-bike lane project divides Council

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Tension was high at the Oct. 10 Asheville City Council meeting as Council members decided the fate of the College Patton Bike Lane Project, a plan that converts a traffic lane to a buffered bike lane on two major downtown roads. After nearly two hours of public comments and somewhat fervent discussions between Council members, the Council approved the project, 4-3, with Council members Antanette Mosley, Sheneika Smith and Vice Mayor Sandra Kilgore opposed.

The bike lanes are set to be installed along sections of College Street and Patton Avenue. One lane will run between Spruce Street and Pritchard Park on College, and the other will connect Pritchard Park and Biltmore Avenue. Since the project’s proposal in March 2022, business owners and other members of the community have expressed concern regarding loading

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zones and loss of parking, as well as traffic and access to downtown businesses along the central corridor.

During her presentation of the project, Assistant Director of Transportation Jessica Morriss acknowledged these concerns and attempted to provide details. The project will entail removing 17 metered parking spaces, nine of which will be converted to 130 feet of new loading zone areas. No parking spaces that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act are being removed, though one would be relocated.

“We began community engagement for this project over a year ago, and we did receive a lot of community feedback that has been very important to where we are now in terms of our final design,” Morriss said. “We have made multiple revisions to the initial proposal in order to accommodate public requests.”

The $100,000 project, already budgeted in the city’s capital projects fund, is what the city considers a “low-cost, high-value” bicycle facility, promoting increased safety for all users, including the addition of high-visibility crosswalks and creating a key connection in the city’s growing bicycle network.

According to Morriss, both the Asheville Police Department and Asheville Fire Department were consulted on the project design, including lane widths and configurations to ensure that emergency vehicle access is not negatively impacted. However, citing a recent email from the police chief, Mosley expressed concerns about higher emergency response times on Merrimon Avenue, which she claimed was related to the recent lane reduction that Council approved in May 2022.

“In the email, [the police chief] attached response times from Merrimon Avenue. He said that their crime analyst examined North Asheville response times, and the data is alarming,” Mosley said. “Downtown is something that we say we want to prioritize as far as crime prevention, but the final paragraph of the email says, ‘At this time, it remains the position of the APD that research on Merrimon Avenue must be done before any additional bike lanes are considered.’”

APD Chief David Zack, who was at the meeting, responded to the comment noting that he was still waiting to

HARD DECISIONS: Council member Sage Turner said that while the decision was difficult, she would support the bike lane project due to its expansion of multimodal transportation. Screenshot courtesy of the City of Asheville see “internal data” regarding response times and public safety impacts from the Merrimon Avenue road diet and that his department had indicated neither a “thumbs-up or thumbs-down” on the downtown project.

“I’ve repeatedly said we don’t do that. We just provide Council with information, and they make a decision based on it,” he said. He also noted that there is no one reason for higher response times, noting that it could be several factors, including staff shortages or traffic.

Public reaction There were 39 speakers in all, and like Council, the room was fairly split.

Supporters of the project cited bicyclist and pedestrian safety, as well as the environment, as reasons for their support.

“We believe in investments to multimodal transportation,” said Susan Bean, housing and transportation director for MountainTrue. “Making communities less car-centric and more people-centric activates our streets in positive ways.”

Priya Ray, founder and president of DIYabled, supported the project and told Council members that as a wheel-

chair user, she often uses bike lanes when sidewalks aren’t accessible.

“I am frightened for my life on a daily basis because I have to use bike lanes when the sidewalk is not accessible,” Ray said. “I believe when you create something like the Complete Streets Project, you can help to change the mindset of how people choose to travel.”

Opposing the project were business owners along the corridor, who argued none among their ranks supported the project, citing public safety concerns, traffic congestion, parking and loading zones.

“Small businesses are going to be run out of downtown,” said Hadley Cropp, owner of Asheville Realty Group.

“Downtowns are fragile,” said Russ Martin, former Asheville mayor and the first speaker of the night. “I have worked in downtown for nearly 50 years, and ridden bikes for nearly 40 of those years. I am not opposed to bicycles in the downtown area, but I am concerned about closing one of the lanes of traffic.”

In her closing comments, Kilgore echoed these concerns. “We cannot afford to clog up main arteries that run through our city,” said Kilgore. “We’ve got to think about what it does to the entire community.”

Despite the concerns, Mayor Esther Manheimer noted her support for the project, saying that the bike lanes were in line with the goals of the city’s comprehensive plan, which included increasing downtown connectivity and expanding multimodal transportation.

“I very much believe in the direction that we are trying to move in here,” Manheimer said. “You go to a lot of other cities and see all modes of transportation being used and infrastructure being changed to accommodate all modes of transportation. Putting in bike lanes has become standard procedure for cities when they are building new roads.”

A longtime opponent of the project, Council member Mosley argued that bike lanes should not be the focus of Council when there are more pressing issues being faced by businesses and minorities in Asheville.

“I have been trying to figure out the underlying argument around this topic, and I have been able to recognize some commonalities. At first, I thought people would think, ‘Maybe the three Black women won’t vote on it,’ but then it wasn’t lost on me that we happen to all three be natives of Asheville,” Mosley said. “But the common thread I have been hearing is that people believe that the house is on fire, but instead of dealing with the fire, we are focusing on measuring nice silk draperies. Businesses downtown and marginalized communities are

not saying no to bike lanes, they are saying, ‘What about us?’”

Council member Sage Turner, who came to the meeting undecided, said that while the decision was difficult, she would support the project due to its expansion of multimodal transportation.

“As someone who learned in planning school the importance of multimodes, the importance of future cities, the importance of safe ways of access, I feel compelled to at least try this,” Turner said. “If we see any of these issues with emergency personnel, if we see businesses fall to the wayside and leave downtown because they can’t handle the bike lane, then I will be the first to call the three women up here who are not supportive of it and say, ‘We have got a problem, and I need the four us to rally and fix it.’”

City staff will now prepare and issue a request for proposals from contractors. Council will then be asked to approve the contract, likely in early 2024.

In other news Council also heard an update on public safety, presented by Assistant City Manager Ben Woody and APD Deputy Chief Jackie Stepp. Stepp said that violent crime in 2023 is 18% lower than 2022, but 1% higher compared with the five-year average.

Additionally, property crime in 2023 is 4% lower than the previous year and down 2.5% compared with the five-year average. She also noted that crime downtown has continued to decline since the 60-day initiative. “We are also continuing to offer overtime shifts for officers to patrol downtown before and after their shifts. However, we do have to keep in mind officer burnout, as these officers already work 12-hour shifts,” Stepp said.

Woody discussed public safety initiatives not directly related to law enforcement. He discussed the success of the Community Responder Pilot Program, calling it “a proactive program to address public needs and reduce the number of instances where law enforcement is needed.”

He also noted that the city is working to address homelessness as a part of public safety, with 198 new units of permanent supportive housing in the works. “[Addressing homelessness] is a top priority for Council and for the entire city,” said Woody. “Not only will our efforts provide support for those who need it most in our community, it will also help to increase public safety as a whole.”

— Chase Davis X MOUNTAINX.COM

OCT. 18-24, 2023

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OCT. 18-24, 2023

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NEWS

EDUCATION BEAT

Asheville school board considers policy changes to comply with state Parents’ Bill of Rights The Asheville City Board of Education is grappling with how to follow a new state law that dictates how districts can approach LGBTQ+ issues.

Representatives from the Asheville-based Campaign for Southern Equality, an LGBTQ+ advocacy group, asked board members at their Oct. 9 meeting to hold off on changing policies related to the recently passed Parents’ Bill of Rights while legal experts analyze how districts should implement the law. According to CSE, adhering to Senate Bill 49 could conflict with Title IX, a federal law that prohibits discrimination in schools on the basis of gender.

“This law was rushed to passage without thorough analysis,” said Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, executive director of CSE, Buncombe County commissioner and ACS parent.

“Now, before it is allowed to harm youth in our community any further, we want the state to show its work and address the pressing legal question of how SB 49 intersects with Title IX and whether it violates federal law. We ask you, our local board, which has been put in an incredibly difficult position by these political circumstances, to allow this process to unfold.”

Proponents say SB 49 safeguards parents’ role in their children’s education, while opponents argue that it creates an unsafe atmosphere for some students — especially those who identify as LGBTQ+ — because it bans material related to gender expression, identity and sexuality.

After the CSE issued a memo arguing that the bill contradicts Title IX, the N.C. Department of Public Instruction indicated it will issue findings and analysis on that question, Beach-Ferrara said. No timeline was provided, she added.

Meanwhile, school districts have until at least Dec. 15 to have policies in place, meaning the board has two more scheduled meetings ahead of the deadline, said Chris Campbell, attorney for the Asheville City school board.

The board reviewed proposed changes to seven policies at its work session Oct. 2 and heard public comment on the policies Oct. 9, on first reading of the changes.

LIMIT HARM: Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, executive director of the Campaign for Southern Equality and Buncombe County commissioner, asks the Asheville City Board of Education to hold off on passing policies to comply with Senate Bill 49 because she said those policies could cause undue harm to LGBTQ+ students. Beach-Ferrara argued the new state law contradicts federal Title IX law. Photo by Greg Parlier One addition in policy No. 3540 regarding comprehensive health education programs reads: “Instruction on gender identity, sexual activity or sexuality will not be included in the health education program in kindergarten through fourth grade.”

Policy 7300 regarding staff responsibilities would require all school employees, including teachers, bus drivers and custodial staff, to “support parents in effectively participating in their child’s education and never encourage or coerce a child to withhold information from a parent.”

Other changes were proposed for policies related to surveys of students, criminal behavior, parental inspection of and objection to instructional materials, student health services and parental involvement in order to comply with the new law, which passed the General Assembly in August.

The law also requires that parents be notified before a student’s name or pronouns are changed in school records by teachers or staff.

Policy amendments created to comply with the law are creating hostile learning environments for LGBTQ+ students, a violation of Title IX, said Craig White, supportive schools director for CSE. “When there’s government surveillance of every book that a child checks out of the library, that’s a hostile environment. When every adult in the school is required to police every student to make sure that they’re using the name and the pronouns on their birth certificate, that’s a hostile environment. When only stories about straight and cisgender families can be read aloud in a kindergarten class, and the little girl with two moms or two dads is told the stories about her family are banned by the state, that’s a hostile environment. When teachers all the way through high school are already stripping any mention of LGBTQ people or issues from the curriculum because they’re afraid of being targeted by hate groups, that’s a hostile environment,” White argued.

After public comment, Campbell said a “large portion” of what is

in SB 49 was already in existing law, and the proposed policy changes come from the N.C. School Boards Association.

“There would not be a reason to reject this law wholesale,” Campbell argued. He instead recommended the board study exactly what the law requires teachers and administrators to do and take on specific requirements with which the board disagrees.

School board Vice Chair Amy Ray asked Campbell what the board should do if state law contradicts a federal law like Title IX, and if the board might need outside counsel if it chooses not to follow the state law.

“Our first job is not to cause harm to this district. And the challenge becomes when a state law requires us to harm our children. What does that mean? What is that duty?” she asked.

Campbell said he needs to take a closer look at CSE’s memo and exactly what SB 49 requires teachers and administrators to do. If there are requirements that the board objects to, he said it could take the stand that a federal law like Title IX preempts state law as justification for not complying with the contradictory state law.

The board decided to take a deeper dive into the proposed policy changes at the Monday, Nov. 6 work session, including potentially receiving further legal advice from Campbell during a closed session after he studies the matter further.

Consolidation study Asheville City’s board joined the Buncombe County Board of Education in unanimously approving a consolidation study as required by language added to the state budget last month. Buncombe County government will solicit and pay for proposals from third-party contractors to study the feasibility of a merger of the county’s two school districts and report findings back to the districts.

The state gave the districts until February 2025 to report their findings.

MOUNTAINX.COM

— Greg Parlier X OCT. 18-24, 2023

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N EWS

CIBO BEAT

Manheimer updates CIBO members on the state of the city At the Oct. 6 Council of Independent Business Owners meeting, Mayor Esther Manheimer presented updates on a number of issues, including the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, homelessness initiatives and the proposed vision for Pack Square Plaza. Despite the wide range of topics, CIBO members appeared most interested in discussing public safety.

Manheimer said that City Council’s primary focus over the past three years has been restoring core services and the sense of stability that was lost during the pandemic.

“COVID was the most disruptive thing that cities in America have ever experienced. It had a devastating effect on cities, and to right that shift has really been a tremendous struggle,” Manheimer said. “The main issue that Council has been discussing is the restoration of services and making sure that safety, cleanliness and other basic services are being provided to the city.”

Manheimer highlighted the construction of a new public safety station on Broadway, set to include a fire station, a police substation, the relocated Emergency Operations Center and a small community conference room. Additionally, she noted, the City of Asheville is collaborating with the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office to implement a realtime criminal intelligence camera system across the city.

Despite these initiatives, several members of CIBO suggested that not enough was being done to address rising crime and safety concerns, particularly in the downtown area.

Members also called for higher wages for officers.

burner until safety issues downtown are addressed.

Manheimer responded, noting her belief that the project would indirectly help public safety, as it would further activate the downtown area.

“Bike lanes and a robust downtown are not independent from public safety,” Manheimer said. “If you activate your city, if you get people out of their cars, walking around and hanging out, you create a safer environment. More eyes on the street is a more safe city.”

The Asheville City Council approved the project at its Oct. 10 meeting in a 4-3 vote, with Council members Antanette Mosley, Sheneika Smith and Vice Mayor Sandra Kilgore opposed.

In other news CORE SERVICES: Mayor Esther Manheimer told CIBO members that City Council’s primary focus over the past three years has been restoring core services and the sense of stability that was lost during the pandemic. Photo

by Chase Davis Manheimer acknowledged that APD salaries are not competitive compared with the rest of the state.

But in her earlier presentation to the group, the mayor noted officers did receive a 6% pay rate increase as part of the 2022-23 budget. Additional raises, Manheimer said in response to the group’s feedback, would put a strain on the city’s current budget.

“I agree, we do need to do more,” Manheimer said. “Per my last conversation with Chief David Zack, we are currently looking at increasing the pay for lateral hires. However,

it is a challenging issue, and we already had to bend the fund balance to make the budget work this year.

That’s not a great situation.”

Manheimer also provided an update on the Interstate 26 Connector project, as well as the bike lanes on College Street and Patton Avenue.

Manheimer noted these two projects provide a unique opportunity to create a new gateway into downtown that is both “pedestrian friendly and climate conscious.” However, several members of CIBO stated that the projects should be put on the back

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In addition to Manheimer’s State of the City report, CIBO members also heard an update from Tristan Winkler, director of the French Broad River Metropolitan Planning Organization. The federally mandated organization was created in 1962 in response to the region’s growth.

The MPO currently serves over 414,000 people across 21 municipalities, including the City of Asheville as well as Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson and Madison counties.

During his presentation, Winkler noted a significant decrease in traffic delays throughout the region compared with previous years. He contributed this to a surge in telecommuting throughout the region, as well as an overall shift away from traveling during rush hours.

Additionally, Winkler noted that the MPO is assessing what transportation projects are needed in the future, based on trends and public input.

“Several capacity projects are being considered along I-26, as well as several safety projects along our fivelane roads such as Hendersonville Road and Tunnel Road,” Winkler said. “We are also looking into the possibility of developing a passenger rail throughout the region.”

Winkler noted that the MPO is seeking public comment on the proposed projects. Residents can share their opinion at avl.mx/d2q.

Additionally, the organization plans to host community input sessions over the coming months.

— Chase Davis X

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OCT. 18-24, 2023

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR OCT. 18 - OCT. 26, 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  Feature, page 32  More info, page 36  More info, page 38-39 WELLNESS Therapeutic Recreation Adult Morning Movement Active games, physical activities, and sports for individuals with disabilities ages 17 and over. Advanced registration at avlrec. com required.

WE (10/18, 25), 10am, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave Tai Chi for Balance A gentle Tai Chi exercise class to help improve balance, mobility, and quality of life. All ages are welcome.

WE (10/18, 25), 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 (10/18, 25), 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 (10/18, 25), 1pm, 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 (10/19, 26), 9:30am, TU (10/24), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Tai Chi for Beginners A class for anyone interested in Tai Chi and building balance, whole body awareness and other health benefits.

TH (10/19, 26), MO (10/23), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

22

Dharma & Discuss People coming together in friendship to meditate, learn and discuss the Dharma.

Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome.

TH (10/19, 26), 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.

FR (10/20), TU (10/24), 7:30am, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain Qigong for Health A part of traditional Chinese medicine that involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind and spirit.

FR (10/20), TU (10/23), 9am, SA (10/21), 11am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Yoga for Everyone A free-in person yoga class for all ages and abilities. Bring your own mat, water bottle and mask.

SA (10/21), 9:30am, Black Mountain Presbyterian, 117 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain Free Meditation All are welcome to this one-hour silent meditation practice.

SA (10/21), 10am, Ganesh Place, 594 Ray Hill Rd, Mills River Pure Barre Asheville Pop Up A free pure barre pop.

Bring a mat, water bottle and socializing with beer.

SA (10/21), 11am, New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St Yoga in the Park All-levels welcomed, but bring your own props and mat. Pre-register at avl.mx/9n6.

SA (10/21), SU (10/22), 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

OCT. 18-24, 2023

VETERANS SHARE STORIES: On Saturday, Oct. 21, the Veterans History Museum will host a special production of Brothers and Sisters Like These, a program featuring veterans sharing their stories of combat and healing. The free event takes place at Brevard College at 2 p.m. Photo courtesy of NC Veterans Writing Alliance Foundation. depressionbipolarasheville@gmail.com or call or text (828) 367-7660 for more info.

SA (10/21), 2pm, 1316 Ste C Parkwood Rd Walking Meditation Reduce stress, anxiety and increase health and wellbeing. Meditation instructions provided.

SU (10/22), 10am, Walk Jones Wildlife Sanctuary, Montreat Fall Flow w/Jamie Knox Levels 1+ heat increasing flow with restorative bonds designed to warm the body, calm anxiety, and release excess heat built over the summer.

SU (10/22), 10:30am, One World Brewing W, 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 (10/22), 1:30pm, W Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd R.I.P. Yoga This workshop is a gentle flow of yoga that helps to restore your strength, improve your flexibility, and preserve your balance.

SU (10/22), 4pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain

tones the body like a dancer. No experience necessary, open to all levels.

MO (10/23), 9:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Metta Meditation In-person guided meditation focused on benevolence & loving-kindness. This event is free to attend.

Beginners and experienced practitioners are welcome.

MO (10/23), 7pm, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain Zumba Free zumba class; Registration not needed.

TU (10/24), 6:30pm, St. James Episcopal Church, 424 W State St, Black Mountain

ART Surrender: Embrace Ginger Huebner’s new 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

Wild Souls Authentic Movement Class w/ Renee Trudeau Enjoy release, movement and connection with like-minded women.

SU (10/22), 9:30pm, Dunn's Rock Community Center, 461 Connestee Rd, Brevard

Orly Cogan: Holding On & Letting Go An exhibition of textile-based work by New York artist Orly Cogan that explores ideas of feminism, beauty, art history, fantasy, and desire. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through Oct. 28.

Tracey Morgan Gallery, 188 Coxe Ave

Barre Fusion A high energy low impact practice that shapes, sculpts, and

Romare Bearden: Ways of Working This exhibition highlights works on paper

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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 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 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

his life. Gallery open Monday through Friday, 8:30am. Exhibition through Oct. 27.

John M. Crawford Jr. Gallery, 360 Asheville School Rd 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 Color & Light: A Multimedia Experience Jaime Byrd's latest artwork seamlessly integrates vibrant paintings with her own video clips and sounds.

Attendees will witness paintings transform into dynamic visual narratives, accompanied by a symphony of sound and movement. Gallery open daily, 11am.

Exhibition through Oct.31.

Trackside Studios, 375 Depot St

Public Tour: Intersections in American Art Docent led tours of the museum's collection and special exhibitions.

No reservations are required.

TH (10/19), 6pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Dark Arts: Making Collographs Participants will use mixed media to create a surface that can be used for both printing and an independent work of art. Create an esoteric printing plate with textures, and imagery.

SA (10/21), 10am, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain

Skip Rhode: Reflections This exhibition features the artwork of local artist Skip Rhode from different periods of

Laine Bachman: Eden Revisited 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 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.

SU (10/22), 2pm, 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 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.

Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Pkwy 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 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 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 Cole Caswell: The Source, From the Blue Ridge A solo exhibition of 60 unique tintype landscape photographs all taken in the mountains of Western North Carolina by Photographer Cole Caswell. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through Oct. 28.

Tracey Morgan Gallery, 188 Coxe Ave

COMMUNITY MUSIC Dark City Song Swap: Beth Lee, Jackson Grimm & Paul Edelman A new series focusing on talented local, regional, and national songwriters who both write and sing their original compositions.

WE (10/18), 7:30pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain Asheville Symphony Presents Masterworks 2: The Great Gate Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major with Drew Petersen, and Evening Serenade by Silvestrov, Ukraine’s foremost composer.

SA (10/21), 2pm and 8pm, First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St Gordon Lightfoot Tribute w/Robin Bullock Indie guitarist Robin Bullock pay tribute to Lightfoot and his incomparable body of work with a one-nightonly tribute concert.

SA (10/21), 8pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain Rocky Horror Music Show A live cast presents the songs of Rocky Horror in a rock club setting.

SA (10/21), 8pm, Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton 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 (10/22), 3pm, Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside Dr A Tribute to Nina Simone Featuring Jason DeCrisfaro, Reggie Headen and Kelle Jolly, this concert spotlights the music of songwriter, vocalist and activist Nina Simone, one of the most significant musical artists of the 20th century.

SU (10/22), 4pm, Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave, Tryon The Bs Jazz Trio A toe-tapping concert with standard classics of American popular music.

SU (10/22), 4pm, Parish Hall of St John in the Wilderness, 1905 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock Reuter Center Singers Seasoned seniors that study and perform classical, popular, show tunes and other favorites.

MO (10/23), 6:15pm, UNC Asheville Reuter Center, 1 University Heights

Open Folk A songwriters showcase where the audience is required to stay silent while six songwriters play three original songs each. Donations are accepted.

TU (10/24), 7pm, Funkatorium, 147 Coxe Ave Joyce Yang A Grammy-nominated pianist that captivates audiences with her virtuosity, lyricism and interpretive sensitivity.

TH (10/26), 7pm, Lipinsky Auditorium, 300 Library Ln Setting w/Nathan Bowles, Jaime Fennelly, Joe Westerlund & Sally Anne Morgan An evening concert featuring Setting (Nathan Bowles, Jaime Fennelly and Joe Westerlund) and Sally Anne Morgan.

TH (10/26), 7pm, Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St Native Bonds Tribal Band Contemporary Indigenous sounds, Latin rhythms and Persian tones.

TH (10/26), 8pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd

LITERARY Visiting Writers Series: Affrilachian Author Crystal Wilkinson Crystal Wilkinson will discuss the role food plays in her writing.

Drawing from material from her forthcoming food memoir with recipes, Praisesong for the Kitchen Ghosts, Wilkinson will be in conversation with UNC Asheville English Professor, Erica Abrams Locklear.

WE (10/18), 6pm, Highsmith Student Union, 1 University Heights Joke Writing Workshop Hosted by Disclaimer Stand Up Lounge and moderated by Cody Hughes, weekly. Bring 90 seconds of material that isn't working.

WE (10/18, 25), 6:30pm, Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave An Evening w/Donald Davis An evening of storytelling with Donald Davis, the author of 18 books and 40 original recordings.

WE (10/18), 7pm, Haywood Community College, 185 Freedlander Dr, Clyde Open Mic Night for Writers Writers of all ages are invited to share their work in any genre, including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, slam and more.

TH (10/19), 6:30pm, Transylvania Community Arts Council, 349 S Caldwell St, Brevard

Wilma Dykeman Book Discussions: Janet Hurley Janet Hurley, owner of True Ink and cofounder of Arteria Collective discusses her memoir Glove Shy: A Sister’s Reckonin.

TH (10/19), 7pm, West Asheville Public Library, 942 Haywood Rd Asheville Storyslam: Adulting Prepare a five-minute story about the highs and lows of coming of age and the trials and tribulations of getting there.

TH (10/19), 7:30pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave Poetry Open Mic Hendo A poetry-centered open mic that welcomes all kinds of performers every Thursday night.

18+ TH (10/19, 26), 7:30pm, Shakedown Lounge, 706 Seventh Ave E, Hendersonville The Act of Contrition Award-winning North Carolina writer Joseph Bathanti will present the Act of Contrition, a series of linked stories and one novella.

SA (10/21), 3pm, City Lights Bookstore, 3 E Jackson St, Sylva Lauren Camp & Jennifer A. Sutherland Poetry Reading Lauren Camp, Poet Laureate of New Mexico, and Jennifer A Sutherland read from their new books, just published this summer.

SA (10/21), 6pm, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd Spooky Tales from Appalachia & Beyond An evening of Storytelling with Dr Delanna Reed, who will share spooky stories in honor of the season. Visitors can bring a blanket or a chair and, as the sun sets, take a seat around a campfire. See p38 SA (10/21), 7pm, Vance Birthplace, 911 Reems Creek Rd, Weaverville Queer Girls Literary Reading Series Celebrating its fourteenth anniversary with local and regional writers of varying ages, identities, races and abilities. See p38 SU (10/22), 5pm, Tyger Tyger Gallery, 191 Lyman St, Ste 144 Wilma Dykeman Book Discussions: Glove Shy: A Sister's Reckoning A book discussion of Glove Shy, A Sister's Reckoning.

WE (10/25), 7pm, W Asheville Public Library, 942 Haywood Rd

THEATER & FILM A Case for the Existence of God Two men struggle to make a place for their families in the American dream, while balancing

parenthood, financial security, desire, and empathy.

WE (10/18, 25), TH (10/19, 26), FR (10/20), SA (10/21), 7:30pm, SU (10/22), 2pm, North Carolina Stage Co., 15 Stage Ln Lecture & Film Screening: Oskar Schlemmer’s Bauhaus Dances w/Debra McCall A lecture by Debra McCall and a film screening of her reconstructions of Oskar Schlemmer’s 1920s Bauhaus Dances.

TH (10/19), 7pm, Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St 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.

TH (10/19), FR (10/20), SA (10/21), 7:30pm, BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce St The Splatter Play Tina and her optimistic realtor parade a cast of unsavory potential buyers through a home, tormented all the while by the resident creepies and crawlies who aren't quite as ready to move on as Tina would hope.

See p32 TH (10/19), FR (10/20), SA (10/21), 7:30pm, The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde A dramatic reconstruction of the three trials that took place in 1895, during which renowned Irish playwright Oscar Wilde was prosecuted for his homosexual relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas. See p38-39 TH (10/19), FR (10/20), SA (10/21), SU (10/22), 7:30pm, Belk Theatre, One University Heights True Crime A live immersive theatrical experience exploring the unsolved murder of a young woman in Madison County, NC during 1970.

TH (10/19), FR (10/20), SA (10/21), SU (10/26), 7:30pm and 8:30pm, Dr W.F Robinson Memorial Infirmary, 144 Cascade St, Mars Hill Odyssey: Student Series Embark on an epic journey of adventure, heroism and drama in this stunning theatrical work based on Homer’s timeless epic poem.

FR (10/20), 10am, Wortham Center For The Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave Dancing with Death: The Last Great Adventure A mix of moving dramas, a lively animated

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C OMMU N IT Y CA L E N D AR film, and thought-provoking documentaries.

Following each film, an expert will lead a discussion on legacy, the spiritual side of death, alternative ways to die, preparedness, facing fear and finding courage.

FR (10/20), 2pm, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St Death of a Salesman Hart Theatre presents a visually unique conceptualization of Arthur Miller’s iconic drama about the American Dream that has been relevant to our history, and truly, our own interpretation of life and our ideas about success and failure.

FR (10/20), SA (10/21), TH (10/26), 7:30pm, SU (10/22), 2pm, Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville Young Frankenstein Frederick Frankenstein inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania.

With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor, and a leggy lab assistant, Inga, Dr Frankenstein aims to fulfill his grandfather’s legacy by bringing a corpse back to life.

FR (10/20), SA (10/21), SU (10/22), 7:30pm, Hendersonville Theatre, 229 S Washington St, Hendersonville Romeo & Juliet: In Memoriam A celebration of youth, talent, and the enduring power of Shakespeare's work through a moving, mesmerizing performance paired with an original score that blends classic and contemporary elements.

FR (10/20), SA (10/21) 7pm, Attic Salt Theatre, The Mills at Riverside, 2002 Riverside Dr, Ste 42-O Alice's Adventures in Murderland The play follows Alice Liddle, who returns to Wonderland after many years and finds it changed into a violent, unrecognizable wasteland. In order to save the world she used to know from what it has become, Alice must confront the truth about this world and the truth about herself.

FR (10/20), SA (10/21), SU (10/22), 7:30pm, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St A Slice of Life: An Evening of Stories Connie Regan-blake hosts an evening of unique storytellers.

Featuring Juanita Brown, Pepper Ellis-Hagebak, Cheri Miller, Andy Russell, Liza Newell, Naomi Faw, and Steve Tate.

SA (10/21), 7pm,

Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain Willy Wonka Jr. Embark on a journey filled with sweets, surprises, and unlimited wonders through Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

SA (10/21),10am and 2pm, SU (10/22), 1pm, Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville The Smell of Money Discuss the environmental impacts of factory farming in North Carolina communities through film. Residents will also share their experiences and how they have been impacted.

WE (10/25), 5:30pm, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, 36 Montford Ave The Crossing An exciting free event and screening of films that highlight road ecology in Southern Appalachia and beyond.

TH (10/26), 5pm, plēb urban winery, 289 Lyman St

MEETINGS & PROGRAMS Treks Hiking Club for Adults 50 & Over A low-impact hiking club offering leisurely-paced hikes for active adults. No hiking experience is required, but the hike covers over three miles on uneven terrain.

WE (10/18), 9:30am, Asheville Recreation Park, 65 Gashes Creek Rd 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 (10/18, 25), 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 (10/18, 25), 10am, Asheville Recreation Park, 65 Gashes Creek Rd Dogwood Health Trust: 2023 Annual Meeting An annual open meeting with the public each year. All members of the community are invited to attend but must register at avl.mx/d2r in advance.

WE (10/18), 11:45am, Online Small Business Financial Workshop Learn how to use a retirement plan for leveraging a tax write off for the business.

Learn the differences between SEP, Simple,

401K, and 403B plans.

Learn what kind of business benefits from each, depending on the structure. Free with registration.

WE (10/18), noon, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler 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 (10/18, 25), 3pm, Black Mountain, Honeycutt St, Black Mountain Community Choice Enjoy family activities including puzzles, board games, arts and crafts, and more. Ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

WE (10/18, 25), 6:30pm, Dr Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St 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 (10/18, 25), 4pm, 5;30pm, Amethyst Realm, 244 Short Coxe Ave Peace Education Program An innovative series of video-based workshops that help people discover their own inner strength and personal peace.

WE (10/18, 25), 5pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave Group Ride Everyone is welcome on this group ride. Every Wednesday.

WE (10/18, 25), 5:30pm, WNC Outdoor Collective, 110 Black Mountain Ave, Black Mountain Intro to Ballroom Dance Explore the world of Latin and ballroom dancing with such styles as swing, salsa, foxtrot, rumba, merengue, and more.

WE (10/18), 6pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain 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 (10/18, 25), 7pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St, Black Mountain 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 (10/18, 25), 6pm, Black Mountain Brewing, 131 NC-9, Black Mountain 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 (10/18), 7pm,vStephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave WNC GEMS: Generating Empowerment through Mindful Solutions A community-based, public health initiative in Buncombe County that provides direct services, promotes health education, and advocates for policy changes to address the root causes of violence.

WE (10/18), 7pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave SCORE: Marketing Your Business Gain insights to understand and reach your customer, analyze your industry and business environment and differentiate between branding, advertising, and grassroots marketing techniques TH (10/19), 2pm, A-B Tech Madison and NCWorks Career Center, 4646 US Hwy 25/70, Marshall

skates will available to borrow, but bringing your own is recommended. For more information call (828) 274-7739.

FR (10/20), 6pm, Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Rd Teen Cuisine A class for teenagers, ages 13 to 18, looking to widen their culinary skills. Advance registration at avlrec.com is required.

FR (10/20), 6pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave Teen Gaming Night A night for people that enjoy Madden, 2k and more. Advance registration at avlrec. com is required.

FR (10/20), 6:30pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave APR Outdoor Social Sampler Designed for young adults ages 18-30.

Advance registration at avlrec.com required.

This week features a hike.

SA (10/21), 9am, New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St Basics of Bookkeeping Managing finances is a primary element in running your small business. This free

seminar provides basic information on accounting, book keeping, taxation and entity types.

SA (10/21), 9am, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler Hemlock Hike Learn about the importance of hemlocks in the NC forests and what you can do to preserve them. The hike will take 3-4 hours and traverse mostly flat paths, totaling around 2.5 miles. Free for Arboretum members.

SA (10/21), 10am, NC Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way Non-Native Invasive Plant Workshop Attendees will learn how invasive species have impacted forest health and what can be done to mitigate their impact.

SA (10/21), 10am, Laurel Community Center, 4100 NC Hwy 212, Marshall Bingo Small prizes awarded to winners of each game.

SA (10/21), 1pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Mayflower Descendants in NC Learn about descendants of the Mayflower in NC. Presenter, The Revd.

Dr W. Becket Soule, O.P., is descended from original Mayflower passengers. Register at avl.mx/9ey.

SA (10/21), 1pm, Online Therapeutic Recreation Bowling League A five-week non-competitive bowling league.

Open to individuals with disabilities ages 6 and over. For more information, please call (828) 232-4529.

SA (10/21), 1pm, Sky Lanes, 1477 Patton Ave Combat Veterans to Share Their Stories This program features veterans sharing their stories of combat and healing. This event is offered free of charge to the public.

SA (10/21), 2pm, Brevard College, 1 Brevard College Dr, Brevard 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.

SA (10/21), 2pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain ACLU of WNC Presents: Racial Justice Coalition A broad-based alliance of individuals and organizations, committed to addressing systemic racism and state-sanctioned violence against Black people and those most impacted by poverty, criminalization, and mass incarceration.

SA (10/21), 3pm, Dr Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St From Introspection to Celebration Exploration of conditioning connection with and creation of more coherent identity.

SU (10/22), 10am, Center for Conscious Living and Dying, 83 Sanctuary Rd, Swannanoa Weekly Sunday Scrabble Club Tournament-style scrabble. All levels of play.

SU (10/22), 12:15pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Kids & Teens Kung Fu Learn fighting skills as well as conflict resolution and mindfulness.

First class is free to see if it’s a good fit for you.

TH (10/19, 26), MO (10/23), TU (10/24), 4pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 The Future Starts Now: Empowering Growth & Connection In this free one-hour workshop, you will work on viewing your future self in the first person rather than third. Kids 7+ are welcome to join.

TH (10/19), 5pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave Swing Dance Lesson & Dance Swing dancing lesson and dance, every Thursday.

TH (10/19), 7pm, Alley Cat Social Club, 797 Haywood Rd Kooky Spooky Toddler Halloween Party The historic gym turns into an orange and black fun fest with inflatables, toys, arts and crafts, and snacks.

Dress up and join the costume parade. For more info, call (828) 350-2058.

FR (10/20), 10am, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Skate Night Free outdoor skate night. Bring cash for old school candy and refreshments. Some

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C OMMU N IT Y CA L E N D AR Birding by Ear A four week course introducing the wonderful world of birding.

Participants have two instructional sessions with an emphasis on birding by ear followed by two birding nature walks.

MO (10/23), 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 (10/23), 11am, Rite of Passage Clothing & Sew Co, 240 Clingman Ave Ext 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 (10/23), 4pm, Black Mountain Brewing, 131 NC-9, Black Mountain Black Men Monday A local group that has stepped up in the community to advocate for and mentor students through academic intervention.

MO (10/23), 7pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave World Tavern Poker Night A free to play poker night every Monday.

MO (10/23), 7pm, The Getaway River Bar, 790 Riverside Dr 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 (10/24), 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 each week.

This week will focus on crafting Halloween masks.

TU (10/24), 10am, Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd 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.

TU (10/24), 11am, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain AAUW Asheville Speakes Program w/ Dr. Hal Herzog An award-winning teacher and researcher, he has been studying

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the psychology of human-animal relationships for over 30 years and is the author of Some We Love, Some We Hate, Some We Eat: Why It's So Hard to Think Straight About Animals.

TU (10/24), noon, First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St Personal Response to Homelessness: How to Partner with Local Agencies & Take Action A 3-part learning series, presented by Homeless Strategy Specialist Debbie Alford, that offers community members the opportunity to learn more about the causes, responses, and actions that surround the homelessness issue in Asheville and the region.

TU (10/24), noon, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St 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 (10/24), 2pm, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain Matt Kahn: Healed by Love Matt is renowned for providing heart-centered solutions that are designed to ignite the soul, delight the spirit, and you.

TU (10/24), 7:30pm, AyurPrana Listening Room, 312 Haywood Rd APR Outdoor Social Sampler Designed for young adults ages 18-30.

Advance registration at avlrec.com required.

This week features a fly fishing class.

WE (10/25), 10am, New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St Every Black Voice: Racial Justice Coalition Discussing reparations and the history of black Asheville. Housing, health and wellness along with community building and education will be a few of the hot topics at this event. Free lunch with registration.

WE (10/25), 12:30pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave Wolfbat Mask Making All materials will be provided. This workshop can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels.

WE (10/25), 3pm, New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St

OCT. 18-24, 2023

Access to Capital This workshop will guide you through the process to secure a business loan.

Learn why businesses borrow money, what lenders are looking for when reviewing your application, and the importance of having cash flow projections.

Free with registration.

Register at avl.mx/d3l.

TH (10/26), noon, Online Oh My Gourd A pumpkin carving party with Lau Magie.

Bring your own pumpkin or carve one from the Kava bar to help decorate their bar.

TH (10/26), 3pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave Cultivating Grace, Power & Intuition: A Women’s Self-Renewal Program Circle up with a wise, kind and deeply authentic group of 20 women and journey into winter together.

TH (10/26), 6:30pm, Register for location Swing or Scream A spooktacular evening of dancing and lessons.

TH (10/26), 7pm, Alley Cat Social Club, 797 Haywood Rd Muses & Mocktails: Panel Discussion on Death The panel topics include Rites of Passage, Shadow work, Grief practices, Green Burial, Ketamine Assisted Therapy and dying with dignity and support.

TH (10/26), 8pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

LOCAL MARKETS Etowah Lions Club Farmers Market Fresh produce, honey, sweets, flowers, plant starts and locally crafted wares. Every Wednesday through Oct. 25.

WE (10/18, 25), 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 Oct. 25.

WE (10/18, 25), 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

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public parking available along Riverside Drive.

Also accessible by foot, bike, or rollerblade via the Wilma Dykeman Greenway.

WE (10/18, 25), 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 (10/18, 25), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr, Weaverville 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 (10/19, 26), 3pm, Pinecrest ARP Church, 1790 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock Garden for Wildlife M R Gardens’ sustainable nursery is showcasing its plants to wrap up the fall planting season. Browse native wildflowers as well as complementary plants such as herbs and groundcovers.

TH (10/19), FR (10/20,1pm, SA (10/21), 11am, M R Gardens, 441 Onteora Blvd Pack Square Artisan Market This market will showcase local handcrafted goods in the heart of downtown Asheville.

Every Friday through Oct. 27.

FR (10/20), 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 (10/20), 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 (10/21), 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 (10/21), 8am, 650 Maple St, Hendersonville

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 (10/21), 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 (10/21), 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 (10/21), 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 (10/21), 10am, College St, Mars Hill Plant Club Pop-Up Market Browse local growers and makers of all things plantie: from rare tropicals to native medicinals, handmade pots and trellises to botanical watercolor paintings, cut flower bouquets to herbal salves and teas, and more.

SA (10/21), 11am, Art Garden, 191 Lyman St, Ste 316 The White Squirrel Artisans Market Brevard’s largest artisan market featuring over 70 WNC-based vendors and four live bands. This event is family-friendly and free to the public.

SA (10/21), noon, Deerwoode Reserve, 395 Riversedge Rd, Brevard 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 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 (10/22), 1pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS Craft Fair of the Southern Highlands Over 200 juried artisans featuring a variety of American craft ranging from contemporary to traditional works of clay, wood, metal, glass, fiber, natural materials, paper, leather, mixed media and jewelry.

TH (10/19), FR (10/20), SA (10/21), SU (10/22), 10am, Harrah’s Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St 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 (10/20), 3pm, SA (10/21), 9am, SU (10/22), 10am, Eliada Corn Maze, 49 Compton Dr LEAF Global Arts Festival Experience live music, dance, performance arts, healing arts workshops and practitioners, the longest continually running poetry slam in the world, kids adventures and workshops, mountain drum circle and more.

TH (10,19), FR (10/20), SA (10/21), SU (10/22), Lake Eden Retreat, 377 Lake Eden Rd, Black Mountain Apple Harvest Festival 2023 This premier arts and crafts event celebrates apples and the traditions of the mountains on historic Main Street.

With vendors plus shops and restaurants.

SA (10/21), 10am Historic Downtown Waynesville, 9 S Main St, Waynesville Maggie Valley Arts & Crafts Festival Maggie Valley’s largest gathering of artisans and crafters from all over the Southeast.

Seasonal items, yard art, paintings, photography, pottery, wooden bowls, furniture, jewelry, goat milk soaps and more.

SA (10/21), SU (10/22), 9am, Maggie Valley Festival Grounds, 3374 Soco Rd, Maggie Valley

Carolina CiderFest Celebrate the art of cider-making and the vibrant spirit of Asheville by immersing yourself in a cider wonderland, where you can sample a wide selection of craft ciders, enjoy live music, and savor delicious local eats. See p36 SA (10/21), 10:30am, McCormick Field, 30 Buchanan Place Green River Discovery Day An annual community event designed to celebrate and promote the history, culture, art and agriculture of the Green River area. It will host music, displays, local artists, games, non-profit booths, food, petting zoo, raffles of all sorts and more.

SA (10/21), 11am, Tuxedo Park, 1299 Old US Hwy 25, Zirconia Oktoberfest Featuring some favorite German biers, a stein holding competition, pretzel toss and costume contest. There will also be a Post-Oktoberfest zombie crawl.

See p36 TH (10/21), 1pm, The Whale: A Craft Beer Collective, 507 Haywood Rd Buncome County Parks & Recreation Fall-OWeen This family-friendly spooktacular celebration will be filled with fall jubilance as the community gathers to celebrate the changing leaves with a pumpkin painting, a cake walk, a costume contest, a craft vendor market and more.

SA (10/21), 1pm, Lake Julian Park, 37 Lake Julian Rd, Arden Day of Rock Festival An entire day of some of the region’s best and most notable rock bands. Food, ice cream trucks and a vendor fair will accompany live music.

SA (10/21), 1pm, Blue Ghost Brewing Company, 125 Underwood Road. Fletcher Farm Fun Day This family-friendly event features wagon rides, kid’s crafts, house tours, a scavenger hunt, farm animals and more.

SA (10/21), 1pm, Historic Johnson Farm, 3346 Haywood Rd, Hendersonville Leftover Salmon’s Brew Ridge Jam Featuring music from Kitchen Dwellers, Fireside Collective and Arkansauce and free beer festival samplings from local breweries.

SA (10/21), 6pm, Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr Riddlefest 2023 Celebrating the legacy of Lesley Riddle, an African American musician who greatly influenced early country

music through his collaboration with A.P. Carter. This year, bluesman Jontavious Willis, will be headling the festival with timeless music and dynamic vocals.

SA (10/21), 7pm, Burnsville Town Center, 6 S Main St, Burnsville Out of the Darkness Walk This walk to fight suicide raises money and awareness to support suicide prevention and support those who have been directly impacted by suicide.

SU (10/22), 2pm, Warren Wilson College, 701 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa 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 (10/20), SA (10/21), SU (10/22), 6pm, Adventure Center of Asheville, 85 Expo Dr Southside Halloween Festival Put on your costume and make memories with pumpkin carving, face painting, classic horror movies, spooky music, supernatural snacks, costume contests, and more.

For more info, call (828) 259-5483.

MO (10/23), 5pm, Dr Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St Black Mountain Tailgate Market: Golden Hour Market Series A monthly market series bringing high-quality produce and artisan-made goods to Black Mountain, Swannanoa, East Asheville and more.

TH (10/26), 4pm, Oak and Grist Distilling Co., 1556 Grovestone Rd, Black Mountain Domestic Violence Awareness Vigil A free public vigil will be held to honor victims and survivors of domestic violence.

The Alex Krug Combo will offer a musical performance and refreshments will be served.

TH (10/26), 5pm, Dr Wesley Grant, Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St Palimpsest: Season Five Launch Party An intimate live performance featuring a pre-launch sneak peek at the new podcast season followed by haunted refreshments.

TH (10/26), 7pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain

BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING World Trails Film Festival A joint fundraiser for two trail non-profit organizations, the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards and the World Trails Ambassadors of the World Trails Network, to support trails locally and across the world.

It will also feature the film, Why We Walk.

TH (10/19), 3pm, Lipinsky Auditorium, 300 Library Lane/ UNCA Campus River Cane Work Days Focusing on removing Kudzu from river cane stands along the Wilma Dykeman Greenway in the River Arts District. No experience needed.

Please sign up at avl.mx/d26.

TH (10/19, 26), 10am, River Cane, 8 River Arts Pl

Your Dog Here A photoshoot opportunity for dogs with a chance to be front and center on a limited-edition Dssolvr beer label. All proceeds raised goes directly to Asheville Humane Society.

TH (10/19), 5pm, The Whale: A Craft Beer Collective, 507 Haywood Rd

Carolina, a non-profit that provides security through handmade knitted, crocheted, quilted, or fleece blankets to children in need. Donations will be accepted on Oct. 20th.

SA (10/21), 9am, First Congregational UCC of Hendersonville, 1735 5th Ave W, Hendersonville

Project Linus Rummage Market This market helps benefit Project Linus of Western North

Katarina’s Saturday Cabaret Drag Brunch & Fundraiser A brunch extravaganza

by Biscuit Head and

a professional drag show. All profits go to support the non-profit organization Youth OUTright, WNC. Ages 18 and up.

SA (10/21), 2pm, Banks Ave., 32 Banks Ave Hallowolfbat 2023 A fundraising event for Foundation Skatepark with music from Municipal Waste, Ghoul and Vicious Blade. Visual conjuring

from Dennis McNett.

SA (10/21), 8pm, The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave Survivor Strong: Wishing You Well A silent disco fundraiser benefitting Helpmate with DJ duo Celestial Dreamers.

SA (10/21), 8pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy Benefit Concert: Hendersonville Swing Band Playing Big Band sounds of the ‘30s,

‘40s, and ‘50s to celebrate Autumn. A voluntary love offering will be collected for the ministry of Trinity Presbyterian Church.

SU (10/22), 3pm, Trinity Presybterian Church, 900 Blythe St, Hendersonville Your Dog Here A photoshoot opportunity for dogs with a chance to be front and center on a limited-edition Dssolvr beer label. All proceeds raised goes directly to Asheville

Humane Society.

SU (10/22), 3pm, Dssolvr, 63 N Lexington Ave The Blood Connection Blood Drive The Blood Connection and Highland Brewing Co. are partnering to host this blood drive.

Visit avl.mx/d35 to schedule a donation appointment with sponsor code 1189.

TU (10/24), 1pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200

What Would You Do Without Neuropathy Pain Several years ago, I was diagnosed with cancer and underwent chemotherapy treatments. I'm now in remission and have felt blessed to be here except for so much pain. My feet and hands were constantly burning – a tingling sensation, almost like when your leg is falling asleep," shares Barbara of Biltmore Forest.

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

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

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

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

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

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OCT. 18-24, 2023

27

WELLNESS

A mother’s love

Memoir explores parenting a child struggling with mental health issues

BY KAY WEST kswest55@comcast.net

Fall 2023

Nonprofit Issue

Xpress’ special issue will focus on the trends, triumphs and challenges of local nonprofits, making it an ideal platform to promote your mission and share your contributions with the community!

Publishes November 15th To advertise, contact us today!

828.251.1333 ext. 1 advertise@mountainx.com

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OCT. 18-24, 2023

During the summer of 2009, Ann Batchelder took a breather between curating an exhibit for the Asheville Art Museum and launching a consulting business. Her son was in college and her daughter, Olivia, was entering her junior year in high school. All seemed well. Then, her vision of her life suddenly skewed as if she’d been peering into a kaleidoscope: Olivia revealed in a raw and tearful confession to her mother that she was suffering from an eating disorder, depression and suicidal thoughts.

Batchelder knew adolescence is challenging for most young adults.

She also knew the specific difficulties her daughter had experienced finding her path and people in high school. Still, Batchelder’s first reaction to Olivia’s mental health struggles may be familiar to many mothers: She blamed herself.

“There is so much pressure in our society for mothers to be perfect, and I thought I was doing everything I needed to do to be a good mom,” Batchelder explains. “So, when she got depressed in high school, I wondered if it was my fault, what did I do wrong, what should I have done differently. Was I too much or not enough?”

In her memoir, Craving Spring: A Mother’s Quest, a Daughter’s Depression and the Greek Myth That Brought Them Together, which Legacy Book Press published in August, Batchelder weaves together journal entries, hard-earned insights from her life and a Greek myth for

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INSPIRATION: After learning of her daughter’s mental health struggles, the Greek myth of Demeter and Persephone guided Ann Batchelder in her transition from feeling paralyzed with terror and anxiety to acceptance that her child was on her own recovery path. Photos courtesy of Batchelder an insightful story of resilience and hope when a child is in crisis.

“Craving Spring is one woman’s journey through her daughter’s depression, but really, it’s a book about self-discovery, trying to understand what happened in my family, what my role in it was and what I needed to change in order to move forward and return to myself,” she says.

PERSEPHONE AND DEMETER After Olivia’s confession, Batchelder sought professional help from an adolescent psychiatrist and eating disorder specialist for her daughter and a therapist for herself. During one session in which they discussed Batchelder’s ceaseless worry about her daughter, her therapist spoke of a Greek goddess who became a guiding light for Batchelder’s own way forward. “She said, ‘You sound like Demeter,’” she recalls. “I said, ’Who?’” A brief refresher of Greek mythology: Demeter, the goddess of the harvest and agriculture, was the mother of Persephone, the goddess of spring. One day, despite being forbidden by her mother to play in the verdant meadows unaccompanied,

Persephone wandered away from her friends in search of more wildflowers.

The god Hades snatched Persephone and pulled her down to the underworld to be his bride. Demeter went insane with grief and fear, desperate to save her daughter, and neglected her duties as the goddess of the harvest. To quell her mother’s fears, Persephone would return to Demeter but only for half the year. According to the myth, this arrangement is why Earth has seasons.

“At first, I didn’t dive any deeper into it than that,” Batchelder explains. “All I cared about was I had a role model who went crazy when her kid was in trouble, and that kind of validated me. But when I read more, I started thinking about the parallels in my life. It helped me accept myself and have compassion for myself as a mother.” The story of Demeter and Persephone guided Batchelder in her transition from feeling paralyzed with terror and anxiety to accepting that Olivia was on her own recovery path. That adjustment proved invaluable when her daughter subsequently grappled with substance abuse and addiction.

Batchelder learned to accept that while it is natural for a mother to worry, it wasn’t productive or helpful for Olivia. “When I recognized I was

not powerful enough to control my daughter’s recovery, that’s when I had to compromise to allow her to have her own recovery,” she explains.

“That is extremely hard. I had to transition from thinking I could somehow protect her from pain to supporting her in her own process.”

In addition to therapy and Greek myths, Batchelder also sought support from Al-Anon and Buddhist philosophy. In this vein, she learned to stop expending so much energy second-guessing and regretting the past because doing so meant she wasn’t being present in the moment.

She explains, “The practice for me became trying to stay present and be the calm in the eye of the storm.”

SUPPORT SYSTEM Batchelder says she has always kept a journal, an exercise that she believes helps her process her life experiences. Journaling became increasingly important as she sought to understand what had happened in her family and why. She started taking writing classes at the Great Smokies Writing Program after her daughter left for college around 2012 and wrote some essays about her journey.

From 2020 onward, Batchelder concentrated on how a book based on these essays might take shape, and she developed a manuscript.

She believes that examining the arc of her life, including how her own mother mothered her, and sharing that frank journey of self-discovery is most helpful to readers. “The point

of the book is to have compassion for parents going through something similar and encourage them to not give up hope,” she says.

The isolation that a parent can feel when a child is struggling and the stigma attached to mental health and substance abuse issues can prevent people from sharing their experiences. Batchelder encourages mothers to find support from friends, family, therapy or faith. “Don’t allow yourself to become isolated, and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable,” she advises.

She also asked her daughter how she could have parented differently during the most difficult times. “She said what she wanted most for me was not to blame myself because that wasn’t at all helpful,” Batchelder says.

“That’s what this book is about — how to transition out of that and into something healthier for me and for us.”

Olivia gave her mother permission to write the memoir and contributed the epilogue. “What strengthened our relationship most was when she dropped the facade of trying to be the perfect mother and could be open and vulnerable with me,” Olivia wrote.

Batchelder hopes other mothers who read her memoir will reject the learned expectations of perfection, no matter what they face in their own and their children’s lives. “We have to allow for things not to work out and be able to pivot when that happens,” she says. “We have to trust in the fact that everything changes, and when things are good, they’ll get difficult again, and when they’re difficult, they’ll be good again. Like winter and spring, they come and go.” X

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OCT. 18-24, 2023

29

ARTS & CULTURE

After midnight

A look at late-night dining options in Asheville

BY ANDY HALL ahall@mountainx.com

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It’s almost midnight on a Monday at Storm Rhum Bar. In one corner, a woman is belting out Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5,” with a small crowd cheering her on. Meanwhile, across the way, another group quietly convenes around a table. Despite the differences in their demeanor and volume, both parties are loaded with several plates of food.

Folks within the Asheville restaurant industry say there is a popular misconception about the city’s late-night food scene: mainly, that options do not exist beyond fast-food drive-thrus and a few national 24-hour diners.

For many local residents who spoke with Xpress, this perception is their reality. For example, India Otter recalls a time she picked up visiting family from the airport. “They were starving and wanted some food,” she says. “They came from a big city, and I was like, ‘Ummm, everything is closed here.’ Pretty sure the look on their faces is now a core memory.”

Community radio host Habanero echoes Otter’s sentiment. “Lord, why can’t you just zip in some place and grab a slice? Same with a BEC [bacon, egg and cheese],” she laments.

In recent years, several restaurant owners have answered the call, with many local spots extending their hours to serve the late-night crowd.

And while some have found recipes for success, others say challenges tied to the city’s homeless population as well as concerns over crime present obstacles to their new hours.

BACK IN THE DAY Jay Medford, owner of Storm Rhum Bar, is an Asheville native. He says many locals reminisce about the city’s former late-night dining scene.

“There’s certain places everyone talks about, like the 51 Grill way back in the day,” he says.

But in Medford’s recollection, the city’s past options were never robust.

“Has there ever been a giant latenight scene? No, not really. Because Asheville has always been surrounded by the Bible Belt.”

Still, other locals who spoke with Xpress were quick to note some of their former go-to menus. “I miss when Tupelo [Honey] was open until 4 a.m.,”

says longtime resident Cat Smith. “It was so amazing to go get eggs Betty after a late night dancing at a club.”

Meanwhile, there are also written accounts of the city’s more distant past and the late-night food options that once existed. In a Jan. 1, 2016, commentary, longtime Xpress contributor Jerry Sternberg recalls restaurants such as Margaret’s Steakhouse, which operated from the 1940s until the ’70s and offered “an unbelievable little restaurant/club complete with a jukebox.”

And in her 2019 book, Lost Restaurants of Asheville, historian Nan Chase writes about a former favorite: Hot Shot Cafe. Located in Biltmore Village, the cafe opened in 1925, serving around-the-clock coffee and diner fare. But as fast-food drive-thrus moved in, the cafe’s hours eventually cut back before closing in 2007.

Chase also spotlights Chez Paul, a restaurant previously located where the Ingles at 915 Merrimon Ave. now stands. Chez Paul, which opened in the late 1940s, was known for its live music and dance floor — as well as its latenight dining and raucous parties. But with the growth of the city’s northern suburbs, the venue closed in the 1970s.

FILLING THE VOID If the past is prologue, Zella’s Deli, a traditional New York-style eatery in the heart of the downtown, strives to continue Asheville’s former late-night legacy with its takeout window.

Ivey Lamos and her two business partners, Michael Reppert and John Tressler, all grew up in bigger cities where Jewish delis were on nearly every corner. They decided to try the late-night hours after repeatedly hearing from locals who wanted options besides pizza or fast food.

The deli is open Friday and Saturday, 10:30 p.m.-3 a.m., offering the full menu of hot and cold subs, breakfast sandwiches, sides and house-made pie slices.

Across the street, music venue The One Stop serves food until 2 a.m.

Fridays and Saturdays, and until 1 a.m. the rest of the week. Co-owner Brian Good says that business is steady, with both locals and tourists.

During the pandemic, Good, who graduated from The Culinary Institute of America, added a pizza window to the venue. He says sales have been up “big time” since then. “People just want late-night munchie food — wings,

cleaning up human feces in the morning. It’s absolutely out of control.”

Medford has a different perspective. “I’m from here,” he says. “All of these people that say downtown is dangerous, they need to calm down.

When I was a little kid, South Slope was boarded up [and lined] with prostitutes. Eagle Street was the biggest meth and crack street on the planet.”

While Medford acknowledges there are dangerous elements, he states, “There’s danger in every downtown.”

CLOSING TIME

LATE-NIGHT BITES: Kevin Skuthan of South Asheville enjoys a grilled cheese on the patio of The One Stop. Photo by Andy Hall burgers, chicken sandwiches, slices — quick and fast,” he observes. “And just because we’re serving bar food doesn’t mean that we can’t have high quality.”

Locals bands, Good continues, are the majority of the venue’s acts. Their customer base, he adds, is likewise largely from the area. Because of this, he says, The One Stop tries to keep prices affordable.

Meanwhile, back down at Storm Rhum Bar, Medford says he sees a mixed crowd of tourists and locals.

The ratio varies on any given night, depending on who’s performing nearby at The Orange Peel or up the street at Rabbit Rabbit. Regardless, late nights are the restaurant’s prime time.

“There’s certain nights during the week where we won’t have tables till between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m.,” he says.

“We get [service] industry people almost every night.”

As far as the menu goes, Medford says he changes it often. “But we primarily sell burgers at night, no matter what we put on the menu.

That’s what people want, or that’s what I want when it’s late night. But we have fun with [it].”

INTIMIDATING SITUATIONS On the South Slope, Pie.Zaa, which won Xpress’ Best of WNC Late-Night Eats for the second year in a row, is open until midnight during the week and until 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Owner Tyler Kotch says he sees a steady line of patrons most nights, sometimes extending up the block on the weekends.

However, Kotch says that, in general, business downtown has declined this year. “Tourism’s gone down, the homeless population’s gone up,” he notes. “So, less and less people are willing to be downtown right now.”

Kotch says he and his staff have removed individuals from their restaurant for attempting to use drugs in the bathroom. Staff members have also had to deal with intimidating situations.

“The most recent incident was about a week ago, when two homeless men were hanging outside. One was tapping a knife on the table while my employees were leaving.”

Later, one of the men defecated on the sidewalk. “And then [he] goes around the other side of the half wall and sleeps there all night long. In the morning, he wakes up and leaves like it never happened. And then I’m

Back at the Storm Rhum Bar, the woman wraps up the final lines of “9 to 5” and rejoins her group of friends. Eventually, the Mondayevening-turned-Tuesday-morning crowd gradually heads home.

Outside, the downtown is quiet.

With the weekend still days away, The One Stop’s “Late-Night Eats” neon sign is unlit. Across the way, Zella’s Deli window is closed.

But once Thursday rolls into Friday and late-night residents and visitors alike get a hankering for a midnight meal, they’ll know where to go. Or, at the very least, that options do exist. X

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Other spots for midnight snacks On Oct. 13, Tastee Diner joined the late-night scene, kicking off its news hours: 8 a.m. - 3 a.m., Friday-Tuesday. Drinks will be available until 2 a.m. with food service available until close.

“We have a lot of bars on Haywood Road, and it’s more neighborhood-y than downtown,” says Steven Goff, chef and owner. “It’ll definitely be different in West Asheville.”

Additional late-night options in West Asheville stretch the length of Haywood Road: Taco Boy serves until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays; Standard Pizza slings slices and pies until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays (and until midnight the rest of the week); Westville Pub’s food service goes until 1 a.m. every night; and The Odd has food options until 2 a.m.

Little Louie’s on Patton Avenue is open until midnight, and until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

In North Asheville, the barrelhouse AVL serves food until midnight.

Back downtown, The Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge, which won second place for Best of WNC Late-Night Eats, is open until 2 a.m on the weekends. The Barksdale serves its eclectic hot dog menu until 2 a.m. daily. And Shakey’s hosts The Original Papa Nick’s food truck, which serves pizza until 2 a.m. daily. X

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OCT. 18-24, 2023

31

ARTS & C U L T U R E

THEATER REVIEW

Bloodbath

‘The Splatter Play’ brings laughter and blood, but little horror

BY KAI ELIJAH HAMILTON kaielijahhamilton@gmail.com Halloween is just around the corner. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate early, consider a literal bloodbath at Magnetic Theatre. The Splatter Play is a horror-comedy written by first-time playwright Abby Auman, directed by Jessica Johnson and with original music

by Zach Knox. The interactive premiere — which, as its title suggests, involves dousing the audience with fake blood — runs through Saturday, Oct. 21.

Upon arrival, audience members who purchased the $5 “splash zone bundle” receive a poncho, shoe covers and safety glasses. There are “safe-zone” seating options away from the blood and gore, but all attendees should beware: The launch range is somewhat unpredictable.

Therefore, regardless of where you sit, don’t wear your favorite outfit to this production.

The Splatter Play is hellbent on being intentionally bizarre. Viewers are immediately immersed in a wacky world where humor and absurdity seem to be the main objec-

32

OCT. 18-24, 2023

tive. The story follows Tina (played

by Morgan Miller), who grew up in a mysterious laboratory run by her genius mother (Dwight Chiles) and live-in assistant, Mr. Levinsky (Erin McCarson). The space is filled with advanced technology, curious inventions and evil lurking within every corridor. After her mother’s death, Tina puts the property on the market, hiring a Realtor (Melon Wedick) to find the perfect match for the unusual space. Unbeknownst to Tina, one of the many interested buyers is her mother’s nemesis, intent on demolishing the laboratory.

While the play’s antics and absurdity are convivial features, the storyline is threadbare and sometimes incoherent. Most unfortunately, the element of mystery is short-lived, as the story’s villain is quickly revealed.

With a little more patience, The Splatter Play could have been transformed into a whodunit, generating greater tension and anticipation throughout the production. Without it, the story’s ending falls flat.

However, the sooner audiences submit to the play’s wackiness, the more enjoyable it becomes.

Auman’s tone and vibe feel like a

MOUNTAINX.COM

THERE WILL BE BLOOD: Actor Morgan Miller stars as Tina in the horror-comedy The Splatter Play. Photo by Jennifer Bennett of JenBenMedia cross between the works of Mel Brooks and John Waters. This will not be everyone’s taste. The humor is crude, the gore comes in bucketsful and the dialogue is often outlandish. Keep in mind, these are actual selling points to us beautiful weirdos in the audience who are looking for a Rocky Horror Picture Show-inspired evening. The play also pays homage to the films Young Frankenstein (1974) and The Addams Family (1991). The latter, fans may recall, includes a memorable scene wherein Wednesday Addams concocts a similar stunt for a school play, soaking the audience in blood.

Aside from these similarities, the play has its own unique features.

Fanfare should go to the committed cast. If it were not for Miller’s viable and realistic performance as Tina, the play would not have worked.

She is the only connection to reality.

Miller’s choice to play her character this way is sagacious and rewarding.

Additionally, Ashleigh Goff is particularly hilarious as Mother Ironwood the nun. She nearly walks away with the entire show. Other perfectly peculiar performances include Chiles as Ghost Mom and Jason Phillips as Uncle Ivill.

However, the eye-catching Daniel Moore as Hames Blonde is totally titillating. He knows how to work the audience with his charisma

while still pushing the limits without going overboard. This takes unique talent.

At Halloween, we crave both fun and horror as much as candy. This show unfortunately lacks the scare factor because the humor smothers it. However, The Splatter Play is outrageously fun and deserves to be a sleeper hit. Get your friends together and go belly laugh at the complete randomness onstage.

Magnetic Theatre should also be praised for its commitment to original productions. Even though The Splatter Play is mostly a comedy, it’s fresh and full of risk. This is key to keeping theater evolving and alive in a world becoming scary enough on its own. X

WHAT The Splatter Play WHERE Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St., avl.mx/983 WHEN Through Saturday, Oct. 21, with performances Thursday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $25 with an optional $5 splash zone bundle.

MOUNTAINX.COM

OCT. 18-24, 2023

33

AR T S & C UL TU R E

BEER

Sophisticated simplicity Salt Face Mule grows North Buncombe’s craft beverage scene

1st NC Restaurant to have Brewers & Distillers permits CURRENTLY FEATURING 14 DIFFERENT BEERS & 8 DIFFERENT SPIRITS

Dry aged boneless ribeyes, tomahawk ribeyes & fillet mignon available on the menu or for retail sale.

FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE: Ray Dobens, Salt Face Mule Brewing Co. head brewer, works the business’s 10-barrel system as a team of one. Photo by Edwin Arnaudin

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OCT. 18-24, 2023

earnaudin@mountainx.com Where is Salt Face Mule Brewing Co.?

It’s an excellent question and one with an answer that only perpetuates the riddle.

“We are actually in Woodfin, with an Asheville address, on Weaverville Highway,” says principal owner Anthony Randolph with a laugh. “I think that’s why people get confused.

But we’re just glad we’re here.”

Randolph is a managing member of the Twisted Laurel Restaurant Group, which has establishments in downtown Asheville and Weaverville.

But while that business’s name is fairly straightforward, what exactly is a salt face mule?

Randolph says it’s a tribute to his longtime Yancey County friend, Sam Jones. Among Jones’ numerous mountain colloquialisms was, “I’m thirstier than a salt-faced mule,”

MOUNTAINX.COM

which he’d utter on particularly hot days. Randolph loved the phrase and promised Jones he’d somehow put it to use.

A little over 30 years later, Salt Face Mule Brewing Co. opened Sept.

13 in the former Play Station amusement center, further growing the suddenly bustling northern Buncombe County craft beverage scene. Its addition comes roughly a year after Weaverville’s Leveller Brewing Co. and Woodfin’s Outsider Brewing Co. joined the ranks of Zebulon Artisan Ales and Zillicoah Beer Co., giving residents just outside Asheville a range of sudsy options.

MOUNTAIN PATH Salt Face Mule lead brewer Ray Dobens got his start in the brewing industry in the early 2000s at Harpoon Brewery in Boston. There, he worked under a production man-

ager who created an environment where employees were encouraged to experiment, and failure wasn’t punished.

“I learned a lot and had a lot of opportunities to make mistakes and learn from them,” Dobens says. “As long as you didn’t repeat the same mistakes over and over again, you’re pretty safe. So, it was a great place to learn to be a brewer.”

After seven years at Harpoon, Dobens moved to Eastern North Carolina to work for Duck-Rabbit Brewery. While he loved the brewery and his colleagues, Dobens wasn’t as fond of the climate in Farmville.

“I’m just not made for that kind of heat, man. It’s like 100 degrees from April to November. I don’t remember any comfortable time there,” he says.

“I like to ride motorcycles, and the roads are all flat and straight. I was just like, ‘Well, this is pointless.’”

During that time, Dobens attended the Brewgrass Festival at McCormick

Field and became enchanted with the western part of the state. The area reminded him of the rural Appalachia of his native Pennsylvania, and the cooler temperatures and bike-friendly mountain roads further appealed to him and his family.

“Right when we started looking at ways to move out here, Oskar Blues [Brewery] announced that they were moving here and then they posted a job that directly fit my skill set. So, I applied there and got that job right away,” he says. “It was basically a filter operator job. There’s not many people that know how to use this particular filter that they were using, so it kind of narrows down the candidates pretty well.”

ONE-MAN BAND Most of Dobens’ background in brewing is technical brewing management, which involves overseeing the process of moving from fermentation into a brite tank or packaging.

While he’s long known how to brew and enjoys the process, he says his skill set has historically fit better in a management role at larger corporate breweries like Oskar Blues.

“I’ve always applied for brewing jobs but every time I did, they’re like, ‘Honestly, you’re going to do better if you just continue on the path you’re on. You’re not going to have fun in the brew house,” Dobens says. “And I’m like, ‘All right. Whatever. I know I will.’”

Dobens stayed at the Brevard brewery from 2012-17, then became an independent consultant, which is how he met Randolph and the Twisted Laurel team. While visiting Play Station after the go-kart, bumper car, mini golf and arcade venue closed in spring 2021, Randolph and his team asked Dobens if he thought the space would be suitable for making beer.

“I said, ‘Absolutely! This would be a great brewery,’” he recalls. “From the word ‘go,’ we kind of agreed on the concept, and that’s when I decided that I’d try to become a partner with them. And luckily, they accepted my pitch.”

Dobens says that it’s rare to come across an opportunity like Salt Face Mule, where investors are willing to build a fully automated 10-barrel brewery. Housed where the bumper cars used to collide, the brewing system allows him to work alone and brew a beer while he cleans tanks and kegs and performs other tasks.

“I tend to do really simple, understated beers. I don’t do anything real fancy,” he says. “I think there’s a lot of room to be creative within a pretty broad range of styles.”

QUALITY CONTROL: Ray Dobens pours a sample from one of Salt Face Mule Brewing Co.’s brite tanks. The fully automated 10-barrel brewery allows him to perform all work-related tasks on his own. Photo by Edwin Arnaudin Among the recent offerings are a pre-Prohibition corn lager, a 4% ABV session IPA and a German-style festbier. The accessible brews pair well with food from the operation’s kitchen, which features an entirely different menu from that of Twisted Laurel. The sophisticated Southern cuisine ranges from braised beef

dishes and shrimp and grits to plentiful vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options — including the rare sight of collard greens without pork.

FUN AND GAMES Though the space has transformed significantly since its Play Station

days, vestiges remain intact. The ownership team kept the property’s 36 holes of miniature golf, which Randolph sees as an outlet for family-friendly entertainment as well as fundraising events for charitable causes.

“We really try to be a part of the community and make a difference,” he says.

Plans are also underway to transform the adjacent former go-kart storage building into a spot where people can race remote control cars.

The space will be a family-friendly area during the day, then turn into what Randolph calls “a hip space” that he intends to be for patrons ages 21 and older after 6 p.m.

Randolph aims to have the go-kart area complete sometime this winter.

The space will bring 60-70 additional seats to the property, which currently includes roughly 120 seats.

Once the indoor addition is complete, Salt Face Mule’s attention will shift to turning the former outdoor batting cages into a beer garden.

Randolph envisions adding new picnic tables, shade sources and possibly some boccie courts.

To learn more, visit avl.mx/d25. X

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35

ARTS & CU L T U R E

FOOD ROUNDUP

What’s new in food Carolina CiderFest debuts at McCormick Field Shay & Co., in partnership with the N.C. Cider Association, hosts its inaugural Carolina CiderFest on Saturday, Oct. 21, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at McCormick Field.

This is the first Asheville cider event owned and produced by the cider makers, according to Shay Brown, founder and owner of Shay & Co. Carolina CiderFest will feature a variety of local, regional and national makers of cider and mead, artisanal food, arts, crafts and live music. Over 24 unique cider, mead and apple wine makers will be pouring samples of their products for an expected crowd of over 3,000 guests. The entire event will take place on McCormick Field where the hometown Asheville Tourists play.

“Our hope is that everyone discovers a new cidery that they did not know about before the festival,” says Brown. “We want participants to be excited to visit these cideries in the future and educate and elevate cider to build the audience of cider enthusiasts.”

General admission ($45 per person) includes entry, a commemorative glass and unlimited samples. VIP tickets ($75 per person) include early entry at 10:30 a.m., additional snacks and exclusive access to the Wicked Weed Brewing Party Pavilion, and VIP Plus tickets ($95 per person) provide VIP parking and access to the Grandstand Suite. A portion of all proceeds from the festival will benefit the N.C. Cider Association.

An array of food options, including local cheeses, baked goods, caramels, ice cream and McCormick Field’s classic ballpark concessions, will be offered throughout the event, and live music will be provided by both DJs and local bands. Bottles and cans of cider for takeaway will also be available for sale.

“Shay & Co. is excited to produce and grow this festival alongside the N.C. Cider Association,” says Brown.

“Our focus is to highlight the cider makers, work with the community and build out this festival to accommodate a growing number of tourists interested in visiting cideries and orchards for tours and learning more about the art of cider making.”

McCormick Field is at 30 Buchanan Place. Visit avl.mx/d2p to purchase tickets and for additional information, including a full list of participating beverage vendors.

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CIDER CELEBRATION: Carolina CiderFest hosts over 24 beverage makers at McCormick Field for its inaugural event.

Photo courtesy of Honeygirl Meadery

Rural cider collaboration Twisty Maple Events and Barn Door Ciderworks come together for a cider and cheese pairing event on Thursday, Oct. 19, 6-7:30 p.m., at the Twisty Maple event venue in Fletcher.

“We love to partner with and highlight fellow small businesses in their endeavors and thought a pairing event would be a fun way for both of our small businesses to work together,” says Twisty Maple co-owner Jessie Dement in a news release.

“We believe the aspect of entrepreneurship and focus on local is critical to our region; we need to support one another in keeping this alive.”

Four barrel-aged, varietal ciders, including the Rusty Coat and Vintage Winesap ciders made from American Golden Russet and Old Fashioned Winesap apples, respectively, will be paired with four unique cheeses made from varying milk types by WNC Cheese Trail cheesemakers.

“We’re always excited to partner with our fellow small businesses, especially those located outside of

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the Asheville city limits,” says Barn Door Ciderworks co-owner Dan Fowler in the same news release.

“Twisty Maple is a beautiful venue with great energy.” It features sprawling views of the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains, old-growth trees and rolling pastures.

Twisty Maple is at 226 Gravely Branch Road, Fletcher. Visit avl.mx/d2n for tickets ($40 per person) and additional information.

Brews and brains The Whale’s annual Oktoberfest celebration takes place Saturday, Oct. 21, 1-5 p.m., at the craft beer bar’s West Asheville location at 507 Haywood Road.

“Oktoberfest has become an annual tradition that we look forward to for months,” says co-owner Andrew Ross in a news release. “It’s a great chance for us to bring in beers from overseas and showcase them in a fun environment. Expect the best seasonal beers in the world.”

The event will showcase classic German fest beers spanning sever-

al styles (festbier, dunkel, wheat, kölsch) from some of the most acclaimed German breweries, such as Ettaler, Bierstadt Lagerhaus, Erdinger, Andechs and Ordinem Ecentrici Coctores Brewing. “We have wooden-clad kegs that we will be tapping, and we are very excited about that,” adds event manager Kaitlyn Berkenstock.

Various traditional games like pretzel toss and stein holding will begin at 2 p.m. Underground Baking Co.’s Brezel Bus will be on-site serving classic fest dishes, and Haywood Common will feature a brat and sauerkraut sandwich and a schnitzel as daily specials on its menu.

“Ultimately, we want patrons to experience and celebrate German culture, partake in togetherness and appreciate some of the traditional beer that has brought craft beer culture to where it is today,” says Berkenstock.

Beginning at 4 p.m., the Oktoberfest will take a Halloween-themed turn as a face painter arrives to transition willing guests into zombies for the bar’s inaugural Zombie Beer Crawl.

The zombie horde will shuffle down

Come Feast In Our Enchanted Zen Gardens Haywood Road to Cellarest Beer Project, then to Archetype Brewing and Bottle Riot before concluding the crawl at The Wedge.

Visit avl.mx/d2m for additional information

Halloween bar crawl Halloween gets started early on Saturday, Oct. 21, with the Asheville Happy Hour Halloween Bar Crawl from PubCrawls.com.

Beginning at 5 p.m. at The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall, costumed crawlers will enjoy drink specials themed for the holiday, up to 25% off select foods and up to 50% off drinks at several stops, including Asheville Bier Garden and Green Man Brewery.

An after-party will be held at both The One Stop and The Funkatorium after the crawl concludes.

Door charges will be waived for all venues, and live DJs will score the horror-themed evening at select locations.

A photographer and videographer will snap pictures and capture footage of the best costumes. The winner will take home a prize package valued at over $2,000 for the evening’s best costume.

The One Stop at Asheville Music Hall is at 55 College St. Visit avl.mx/d2o for tickets ($19.99 per person) and additional information.

Dos eventos de Tequio Foods Tequio Foods, the company founded by chef Luis Martinez that brings authentic Zapotec products from Mexico to the U.S. East Coast, has two events planned this weekend.

First up is an OaxaCarolina Fiesta pop-up event held at Leveller Brewing Co. on Saturday, Oct. 21, noon-4 p.m.

Martinez will prepare tacos, tostadas and pozole, using spices and flavors designed to both complement and contrast with Leveller’s craft beer.

On Sunday, Oct. 22, 1-6 p.m., Martinez will join Greenhouse’s Hallow-Tiki-Art-Fest, a celebration of local artists with a tiki-inspired Halloween twist. He will serve traditional Oaxacan dishes such as mole tamales and adobada tacos, while local mixologist Joe Nicol concocts Halloween-themed tiki drinks. Shea McKibben of Bloodroot Holistics will provide Thai massages, and Greenhouse will offer flash tattoos, tooth gems and a costume contest awarding a $100 gift card to the winner.

Both events are free to attend.

Leveller Brewing is at 25 N. Main St., Weaverville. Greenhouse is at 15 Zillicoa St.

Pumpkin patch pizza party

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White Labs Brewing Co. hosts an autumnal event featuring pumpkins, pizza and Halloween fun on Sunday, Oct. 22, 1-3 p.m.

General admission tickets cost $35 and grant entry for one adult and one child. Additional children’s tickets will be available the day of the event at $15 per child.

Included in the ticket price is a pumpkin to decorate with a number of provided tools, one cheese pizza, an adult drink ticket redeemable for an alcoholic beverage and a nonalcoholic beverage ticket for children.

Spooky music will be played during the event, and a family-friendly Halloween film will also be screened.

White Labs Brewing Co. is at 172 S. Charlotte St. Visit avl.mx/d2t for tickets and additional information.

Fall menus at Chestnut Chestnut has launched new brunch and dinner menus highlighting the tastes of fall.

Chef Matt Dorough designed these new menus as an ode to autumnal foods and a showcase of seasonal produce and provisions. “It’s personally my favorite time of year because it’s when the comfort food starts to show up,” he says in a news release. “Most everyone, aside from those of us in hospitality, just kind of starts to wind down with the crisp change in the weather.”

Two salads lead the new brunch menu: one composed of fall fruits, baby arugula, spiced quinoa, candied almonds and a lemon honey yogurt dressing, and another playing on the classic Caesar salad with shrimp. A fall vegan hash, huevos rancheros, pork belly benedict and the return of the Chestnut Reuben round out the new brunch offerings.

A pumpkin quinoa salad, General Tso’s oysters, savory apple strudel and pretzel-crusted pork schnitzel can now be found on Chestnut’s dinner menu. A new fall vindaloo dish meets the needs of vegetarian and vegan diners: a medley of local fall squashes, cardamom basmati rice, spicy vindaloo sauce, chickpeas, serrano peppers, pistachio sumac raita, micro cilantro and papadum cracker.

Dorough is particularly excited to debut what he’s dubbed “the black-tie affair,” composed of puff pastry-wrapped scallops, fresh burgundy truffles, port wine beurre rouge, smoked trout caviar, pickled plums and micros.

Chestnut is at 48 Biltmore Ave. Visit avl.mx/c1a for additional information.

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A R TS & CU LTU R E

ROUNDUP

Around Town An evening of scary stories from Appalachia Do you wonder what otherwordly beings roam Asheville’s surrounding hills after dark? If so, you’ll have a chance to learn more at the annual Storytelling at Vance Birthplace on Saturday, Oct. 21, 7-9 p.m., at the Vance Birthplace State Historic Site in Weaverville.

The free program, held outdoors around a campfire, will feature Delanna Reed, a member of the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild and faculty member of the East Tennessee State University Storytelling Program.

Reed will tell seasonally appropriate folk tales highlighting ghosts, witches and other supernatural entities.

“Our purpose at the Vance Birthplace is to preserve and interpret Appalachian history and culture, so this event fits into that mission,” says Lauren May, site manager.

“Place is significant in a lot of the stories Dr. Reed shares, and many of the stories are traditional tales from Western North Carolina. Being outside on the land while enjoying these stories builds a more tangible link with the past — and with the people who shared these stories across the generations.”

Although Reed tells tales with connections to people or historical themes associated with the site, none are directly related to the property, adds May. The stories are suitable for ages 12 and older. Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket or chair.

The Vance Birthplace State Historic Site is at 911 Reems Creek Road, Weaverville. For more information and to register, visit avl.mx/d2v.

Queer Girls Literary Reading in the RAD The 14th annual Queer Girls Literary Reading, co-hosted by author and UNC Asheville English professor Lori Horvitz, will be held Sunday, Oct. 22, 5 p.m., at Tyger Tyger Gallery in the River Arts District.

Six to eight local and regional authors will speak on a range of work relating to the queer experience. Previous stories have explored crushes, dating mishaps and coming to terms with being queer.

While the event’s title refers to “queer girls,” Horvitz adds that anyone who identifies as feminine is invited. “We go out of our way to find all representations of queer female-identified folks. We want to celebrate identities in a supportive environment.”

Horvitz began the readings in 2009, inspired by a similar event held at Phil Mechanic Studios. “[The reading is] important for the community, important for others who are still questioning their own identity,” she says.

The event is free, with a suggested donation of $5-$10.

Tyger Tyger Gallery is at 191 Lyman St., Suite 144. For more information, visit avl.mx/d2w.

Wilde in the round UNC Asheville’s theater department opens its season with Moisés Kaufman’s Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde, on Thursday, Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m., at the Carol Belk Theater.

GATHER ’ROUND: Delanna Reed shares scary stories outdoors at dusk at the annual Evening of Storytelling event. Photo courtesy of Vance Birthplace State Historic Site The play, which interweaves actual courtroom testimony with excerpts of Wilde’s writing, tells the true story of the author and playwright’s prosecution for his relationships with Alfred Douglas and other men.

Set in the round, the show removes the “fourth wall” between actors and audience, inviting viewers to be voyeuristic while participating as jurors.

Characters will walk among and address attendees directly.

“This production is intended to engage audiences in challenging existing biases, [while] promoting empathy and support for marginalized communities,” says Stephanie Hickling Beckman, director.

The production runs through Sunday, Oct. 22.

The Carol Belk Theatre is at 1 University Heights. For more information, visit avl.mx/d2x.

New name for Cherokee museum The Museum of the Cherokee Indian has a new name and visual rebrand, as was publicly announced on Oct. 9, Indigenous Peoples Day. The 75-year-old institution, located on the Qualla Boundary — the sovereign land of the federally recognized Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians — is now ᏣᎳᎩ ᎢᏗᏴᏫᏯᎯ ᎢᎦᏤᎵ ᎤᏪᏘᎠᏍᏆᏂᎪᏙᏗ or “Museum of the Cherokee People.” Pronounced

“idiyvwiyahi igatseli uweti asquanigododi” in Tsalagi, or Cherokee, it translates to “All of us are Cherokee people. It is all of ours, where the old things are stored.”

The contemporary rebrand logo was created by museum in-house designer Tyra Maney (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Diné).

“I feel [the new name] is inclusive,” she says in a press release. “With the word ‘Indian,’ some Cherokee people like it, some are indifferent, and others don’t identify with it — I felt like it wasn’t representative of our community if the museum had a name that excluded part of our community. A lot of times Cherokees are depicted as historical figures, and we even have visitors who don’t always know we’re still here. I hope this gives a new meaning and new interpretation of who we are as people and shows that we’re constantly changing and adapting.”

The Museum of the Cherokee People is at 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee. For more information, visit avl.mx/afa.

Inspired by the Hendersonville community Local poet Tony Robles will launch his new collection, Thrift Store Metamorphosis, on Saturday, Oct. 14, 1 p.m., at The Buzz in Hendersonville.

Robles is the Carl Sandburg Writer in Residence. He says his poems were inspired by the Hendersonville community as seen in a local thrift store, where he worked while pursuing his master’s degree in creative writing.

“I saw profound and poignant things ... things that, for me, defined a community,” Robles says in a press release.

The Buzz is at 225 S. Grove St., Hendersonville. For more information on the book, visit avl.mx/d2z.

RAD ceramists win ‘Crammy’ award Brian and Gail McCarthy, founders of Highwater Clays and Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, will receive the 2023 “Crammy,” the John Cram Arts Leadership Award. ArtsAVL will present the award at its annual State of the Arts Brunch on Monday, Oct. 30, 10:30 a.m., at The Orange Peel.

The couple began their business blending clays in a cooperative studio along the Swannanoa River shortly after arriving in Asheville in 1979.

Now, Highwater Clays is nationally known for its high-quality wet clays, which are processed on-site, as well as for its glazes, underglazes, tools and equipment. “We continue to support clay and clay artists to the best of our ability,” says Gail in a press release.

Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts, which focuses on making ceramic arts accessible for all, offers professional

development for K-12 teachers, a free therapeutic program for veterans, a residency for early-career ceramic artists, mentorships for high school students and children’s programming.

The McCarthys also started the River Arts District’s Studio Stroll.

The McCarthys were “instrumental in the creation of the River Arts District Artists,” says Julie Ann Bell, president of River Arts District Artists Inc. in the same press release.

For more information, visit avl.mx/d30.

— Andy Hall with additional reporting by Murryn Payne X

MOVIE REVIEWS THE EXORCIST: BELIEVER: After his third horror dud in five years, it’s writer/director David Gordon Green’s career that’s in need of an exorcism. Grade: D-plus — Edwin Arnaudin

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

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

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18

10th Anniversary Halloween Celebration Night of the Living Disco:

A Zombie Disco

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING Jay Brown (roots, blues, jazz), 6pm DIFFERENT WRLD Qu33r Prom w/Otnes, Sunshine Scott, Lurky Skun, & Mary Kate & Ash, 8pm FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Bluegrass Jam w/The Saylor Brothers, 6:30pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Well Crafted Music w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

THE RAILYARD BLACK MOUNTAIN Dan's Jam (bluegrass), 7pm

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19 ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Rush (dance party), 9pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR The MGB's (acoustic), 7:30pm BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE Dinah's Daydream (jazz), 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Old Time Jam, 5pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING Ryan Furstenberg (indie, folk), 6pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. FBVMA: Mountain Music Jam, 6pm

FLEETWOOD'S Search & Destroy Karaoke, 9pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Latin Night w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 8:30pm RABBIT RABBIT Willie Nelson & Family (country, folk), 7pm SALVAGE STATION Cradle of Filth & DevilDriver (metal), 6pm SHILOH & GAINES Trivia Night, 7pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic, 8pm STATIC AGE RECORDS Sunk Heaven, Alex C, Natural Blk Invention, Sleep Number & Nostalgianoid (experimental, noise), 9pm

Sat, Oct 28th

THE ORANGE PEEL Clozee w/Daily Bread & Dreamers Delight (electronic, experimental, bass), 8pm

THE DFR LOUNGE GA-20 (blues), 7:30pm THE GREY EAGLE MSSV w/Red Zephyr & ¿Watches? (rock, punk, jazz), 8pm THE ODD Sick Ride, Fifty Year Flood & Porcelain Parrot (deathrock, rock'n'roll), 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 MAD CO. BREW HOUSE Laura Thurston (folk, bluegrass), 6pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Billy Litz (Americana, blues, ragtime), 7pm ONE WORLD BREWING Dan Signor (multiple genres), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Melodi Royale (neo-soul), 8pm OUTSIDER BREWING Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

VIRGINIA FOLK TRIO: Palmyra, a folk-driven trio, performs at Citizen Vinyl Thursday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. Palmyra explores the fusion of traditional folk string instruments, three-part harmonies and foot percussion. Asheville-based neo-folk songwriter Vandiver opens the show. Photo by Jillian Clark PISGAH BREWING CO. The JLloyd MashUp (funk, jazz, reggae), 6:30pm

WNC OUTDOOR COLLECTIVE Trivia, 6:30pm

DIFFERENT WRLD Haus of Liqueur Halloween Show, 9pm

SALVAGE STATION Noah Thompson (country), 8pm

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20

FLEETWOOD'S Stagbriar, The Silver Doors & Slow Funeral (indie, rock, psych), 9pm

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 ODD Paper Pills, Roamck & Hi Helens (emo, rock), 8pm THE ORANGE PEEL Clozee w/Daily Bread & Dreamers Delight (electronic, experimental, bass), 8pm THE OUTPOST Karma Dogs (rock), 7pm THE RAILYARD BLACK MOUNTAIN Stetson's Stink Bug Bourbon Band (country, Americana), 7pm THE STATION BLACK MOUNTAIN Mr Jimmy (blues), 5pm URBAN ORCHARD Trivia Thursday, 7pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Venus House Party, 10pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Mr Jimmy's Friday Night Blues, 8pm BEN'S TUNE UP EK Balam (reggaeton, hip-hop), 8pm BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING Stephen Evans (folk, rock), 6pm BOTANIST & BARREL TASTING BAR + BOTTLE SHOP Andy Ferrell (folk, bluegrass, Appalachian), 6:30pm CATAWBA BREWING CO. SOUTH SLOPE ASHEVILLE ATLiens Comedy Showcase, 7pm CORK & KEG Forty Drop Few & Carolina Cud Chewers (country, jazz, blues), 8pm

HIGHLAND BREWING DOWNTOWN TAPROOM Peggy Ratusz (blues), 7pm HOMEPLACE BEER CO. Colin Cutler (country, blues, rock'n'roll), 6:30pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB • Honky-Tonk Fridays w/ Jackson Grimm, 4pm • Francesca Brown w/ Vaden Landers (country, folk, blues), 9pm LA TAPA LOUNGE Open Mic Night w/ Hamza, 8pm MAD CO. BREW HOUSE JC Tokes Family Band (Americana, folk, rock'n'roll), 6:30pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Chris Jamison (Americana, folk), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Electro Lust (funk, electronic, Latin), 9pm RABBIT RABBIT Band of Horses (alt-indie, rock), 7pm

DJ Erik Mattox 5-9pm DJ Mtn Vibez 9-2am 6 ciders infused with hot peppers from Smokin’ J’s 21+ Costume Dance Party 9pm

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SHILOH & GAINES Dirty Dead (Grateful Dead & JGB tribute), 9pm SILVERADOS Moccasin Creek w/Durte, Breadwin & Kori Spires (country, Southern-rock, hip-hop), 7pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Municipal Surf Group (surf-rock), 9pm

Free Admission

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SALVAGE STATION The Wood Brothers w/ Maya De Vitri (roots, blues, folk), 6:30pm

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STATIC AGE RECORDS John Kiran Fernandes, Freeman Leverett, Aperture & Khandroma (experimental, avant), 9pm

THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR VVitch Party: Horror Drag & Burlesque, 7pm THE GREY EAGLE Gone Gone Beyond (electronica, folk, soul), 8pm THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Threesound (multiple genres), 7pm THE ODD Tied & Tasseled Fetish Cabaret Presents: Kinky Casual w/Sissy Fists, 9pm THE ORANGE PEEL The Steel Woods w/Zach Top (country, rock), 8pm THE RAD BREW CO. The Paper Crowns (indie, folk, Americana), 7pm THE RAILYARD BLACK MOUNTAIN Ashley Heath (blues, Americana), 7pm URBAN ORCHARD Cider Celts (Celtic, folk, old-time), 6pm WXYZ BAR AT ALOFT Blaze the City (country, blues, rock), 7pm WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN David Starr (Americana, blues), 8pm

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21 ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY 80's MAXimum Overdrive, 10pm ASHEVILLE CLUB Mr Jimmy (blues), 7pm ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR 40.20.10s (Americana, country), 7:30pm ASHEVILLE MASONIC TEMPLE Tyler Ramsey (Americana, indie, folk), 7:30pm BEARS SMOKEHOUSE BBQ Backyard BBQ w/DJ Audio, 7pm

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CLU B LA N D BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE Dinah's Daydream (jazz), 6pm BEN'S TUNE UP Jaze Uries (house, electronic), 8pm BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING Honeycutt & Co. (Appalachian, country), 6pm CROW & QUILL Hearts Gone South (honky-tonk), 8pm

PISGAH BREWING CO. Phuncle Sam (Grateful Dead tribute), 1pm SHILOH & GAINES Jones Cove (multiple genres), 9pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Nige Hood & Friends (hip-hop, alternative, folk-rap), 9pm STATIC AGE RECORDS Hardcore Halloween Rave (electronic, hyper-dub, experimental), 9pm

DIFFERENT WRLD • Served by Sev Drag Brunch: Blood Bath, 11am • Dissimilar South, Night Walks & Frances Eliza (folk, indie-rock, pop), 8pm

SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Mr Jimmy (blues), 5pm

FLEETWOOD'S Cam Girl, Yall'Re & Blistering Dissonance (alt-rock, punk), 9pm

THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR Drag King Mortal Kombat, 8pm

FOUR POINTS BY SHERATON Comedy Hypnosis w/Jon Dee, 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE Tall Tall Trees & Griffin William Sherry w/Ben Ben (folk, rock, psychedelic), 8pm

HIGHLAND BREWING DOWNTOWN TAPROOM Roots & Dore (blues), 7pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB • Nobody's Darling String Band, 4pm • The Trusty Hucksters (swing, jazz, rock'n'roll), 9pm LA TAPA LOUNGE Karaoke Night, 9pm LAZOOM ROOM Scary-okie, 9pm MAD CO. BREW HOUSE Big Ivy Project (rock, folk), 6pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. • Collin Cheek (Americana, rock), 2pm • Abbey Elmore Band (indie-rock, pop), 8pm ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL The Shady Recruits (funk, jazz), 10pm ONE WORLD BREWING The Knotty G's (Americana, funk), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Soohan, James Nasty, Doppelgänger & Purrriestess (experimental, electronic), 9pm

THE BURGER BAR Best Worst Karaoke, 9pm

THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Darby Wilcox (country, soul), 6pm THE ODD Party Foul Drag: Saturday Night Tease, 8pm WXYZ BAR AT ALOFT Asheville AV Club, 7pm

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22 27 CLUB Yesterday's Clothes, Zillicoah & Blankstate (alt-rock, indie, post-punk), 8:30pm CATAWBA BREWING CO. SOUTH SLOPE ASHEVILLE Comedy at Catawba: Brandie Posey, 6:30pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB • Bluegrass Brunch, 1pm • Traditional Irish Jam, 3:30pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Finkelstein 3 (bluegrass, jazz), 4pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Sunday Jazz Jam, 1:30pm PISGAH BREWING CO. Pisgah Sunday Jam, 6:30pm S & W MARKET Mr Jimmy (blues), 1pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Aaron Woody Wood (Appalachia, soul, Americana), 7pm THE GREY EAGLE Jeremie Albino w/ Benjamin Dakota Rogers (Americana, blues, folk), 8pm THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO. • The Scatterlings (Americana), 12pm • The Blushin’ Roulettes (folk), 2pm THE ODD 13 Nights of K!ng Sh!t: Chilling Tales & Horror, 8:30pm THE ORANGE PEEL The Chats w/Cosmic Psychos, The Schizophonics & Gymshorts (punk, rock), 7pm THE OUTPOST The Grateful Family (Grateful Dead tribute), 4pm THE RAILYARD BLACK MOUNTAIN Miami Gold (rock'n'roll), 4pm WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN A Tale of Two (Americana, blues, folk), 7:30pm

DIFFERENT WRLD Kid Fears, Bex & Lavender Blue (Americana, alt-indie), 7pm

PLĒB URBAN WINERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 4pm

FLEETWOOD'S Love Seat, Floral Hygienists & Claire Whall (indie), 9pm

MONDAY, OCTOBER 23

FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Reggae Sunday w/ Chalwa, 3pm

FLEETWOOD'S Best Ever Karaoke w/KJ Cheryl, 9pm HAYWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Open Mic w/Taylor Martin & Special Guests, 7:15pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Totally Rad Trivia w/ Mitch Fortune, 6pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Quizzo! Pub Trivia w/ Jason Mencer, 7:30pm NOBLE CIDER DOWNTOWN Freshen Up Comedy Open Mic, 6:30pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. It Takes All Kinds Open Mic Nights, 7pm ONE WORLD BREWING Open Mic Downtown, 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Mashup Mondays w/The JLloyd Mashup Band, 8pm STATIC AGE RECORDS Slow Death, Busy Weather & Codapen (punk, rock, pop-funk), 9pm THE GREY EAGLE Blind Date Live, 7pm THE JOINT NEXT DOOR Mr Jimmy & Friends (blues), 7pm

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24 27 CLUB Night Beers, Telethon, Time Thieves & Small Doses (rock), 9pm ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY • Trivia: Are You Smarter Than a Drag Queen?, 8pm • Karaoke w/Ganymede, 9pm

27 CLUB Karaoke Monday, 10pm

DIFFERENT WRLD Step Mom, Modeling & Impending Joy (dreampunk, rock, psych), 8pm

DSSOLVR Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm

FLEETWOOD'S Spooky Tuesday: All Vinyls DJs, 7pm

Trivia Wednesdays & Karaoke Thursdays NFL SUNDAY TICKET FRI DIRTY DEAD 10/20 Grateful Dead / JGB Tribute Band SAT JONES COVE’S ANNUAL HALLOWEEN BASH! 10/21 Your neighborhood bar… no matter where you live.

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FRI EAST COAST DIRT 10/27 Psychedelia to Full Force Rock 21+ ID REQUIRED • NO COVER CHARGE 700 Hendersonville Rd • shilohandgaines.com

Adult Superstore

CELEBRATE THIS HALLOWEEN LONG AFTER DARK

20 off one item %

Expires October 31, 2023

Largest inventory selection in Western North Carolina for over 25 years Thousands of items to choose from 2334 Hendersonville Rd, Arden, NC 828-684-8250 | Open 9-11pm Every Day Visit us at our sister location in Blacksburg, SC 864-839-0007 MOUNTAINX.COM

OCT. 18-24, 2023

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F R E E W I L L A S T R O L O G Y BY ROB BREZSNY

C LU BL A N D FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm MAD CO. BREW HOUSE Team Trivia, 6pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Team Trivia, 7pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST The Grateful Family Band Tuesdays (Grateful Dead tribute), 6pm SHILOH & GAINES Songwriters Night, 7pm SILVERADOS Dark City Comedy Night, 8pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Weekly Open Jam hosted by Chris Cooper & Friends, 6:30pm THE GREY EAGLE Nicotine Dolls w/Abbie Roper (pop, rock), 8pm THE ORANGE PEEL Cat Empire w/High Fade (jazz, funk), 8pm WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN White Horse Open Mic, 7pm

FLEETWOOD'S Fall Shock, Dead Cool, Mordaga & Cold Choir (dark-wave, electronic, post-punk), 8pm FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Bluegrass Jam w/The Saylor Brothers, 6:30pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Well Crafted Music w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING Hunter Begley (alt-country, folk), 6pm CITIZEN VINYL Palmyra w/Vandiver (neo-folk, Americana), 6pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. FBVMA: Mountain Music Jam, 6pm

CROW & QUILL Naomie April & The Moments (jazz, blues, pop), 8pm

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

DIFFERENT WRLD Gag Reflex Drag Show & Party, 9pm

SALVAGE STATION Ghost-Note (funk, hiphop, jazz), 8pm SHILOH & GAINES Trivia Night, 7pm SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic, 8pm THE GREY EAGLE Bob Log III w/YAWNi (experimental, rock), 8pm THE RAILYARD BLACK MOUNTAIN Dan's Jam (bluegrass), 7pm WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Irish Music Circle, 7pm

27 CLUB The Witch Trails, 10pm

WICKED WEED BREWING Kipper's Totally Rad Trivia, 6pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING Jay Brown (roots, blues, jazz), 6pm

BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE Dinah's Daydream (jazz), 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Old Time Jam, 5pm

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR The Tallboys (rock, reggae), 7:30pm

FLEETWOOD'S Colossal Human Failure, John Kirby & The New Seniors & Bellizia (punk), 9pm 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 MAD CO. BREW HOUSE Karaoke w/Banjo Mitch, 6pm

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Gathering Dark (Americana, country, folk), 7pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Rush (dance party), 9pm

ONE WORLD BREWING Julain Bonnet (jazz), 8pm

OUTSIDER BREWING Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm PISGAH BREWING CO. Pocket Strange (psychrock, indie), 6:30pm SHILOH & GAINES Karaoke Night, 8pm STATIC AGE RECORDS Convalescent, Good Trauma, Tombstone Poetry & Austin Lucas (emo, indie-rock, shoegaze), 8:30pm THE DFR LOUNGE Steve Simon & The Kings of Jazz (Latin, jazz), 7pm THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR Karaoke w/Terraoke, 9pm THE GREY EAGLE Margo Cilker w/Humbird (country), 8pm THE ODD Boycott, Nova ONe & Bex (indie), 8pm THE ORANGE PEEL GWAR w/Negative Approach, X-Cops & Cancer Christ (heavy-metal), 7pm THE RAILYARD BLACK MOUNTAIN Moonshine State (multiple genres), 7pm THE STATION BLACK MOUNTAIN Mr Jimmy (blues), 5pm URBAN ORCHARD Trivia Thursday, 7pm WNC OUTDOOR COLLECTIVE Trivia, 6:30pm WRONG WAY RIVER LODGE & CABINS Ashevillians Comedy Showcase, 7pm

WORLD’S LARGEST KAVA BAR SUN: Aaron “Woody” Wood & Friends 7pm MON: Ping-Pong Tournament 7pm TUE: Open Jam w/ house band the Lactones 8pm WED: Poetry Open Mic AVL 8:30pm/8pm signup

10/20 MUNICIPAL SURF GROUP, 9pm FRI Surf Rock

NIGE HOOD & FRIENDS, 9pm Hip Hop 10/26 PUMPKIN CARVING, 3-6pm THU COMEDY NIGHT, 8pm 10/21 SAT

OPEN DAILY • 828.505.8118 • 268 Biltmore Ave • Asheville, NC

ASHEVILLEK AVA.COM

ARIES (March 21-April 19): JooHee Yoon is an illustrator and designer. She says, “So much of artmaking is getting to know yourself through the creative process, of making mistakes and going down rabbit holes of research and experimentation that sometimes work out—and sometimes don’t.” She adds, “The failures are just as important as the successes.” I would extend this wisdom, applying it to how we create our personalities and lives. I hope you will keep it in mind as you improvise, experiment with, and transform yourself in the coming weeks.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Sometimes, we droop and shrivel in the face of a challenge that dares us to grow stronger and smarter. Sometimes, we try our best to handle a pivotal riddle with aplomb but fall short. Neither of these two scenarios will be in play for you during the coming months. I believe you will tap into reserves of hidden power you didn’t realize you had access to. You will summon bold, innovative responses to tantalizing mysteries.

I predict you will accomplish creative triumphs that may have once seemed beyond your capacities.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini novelist Meg Wolitzer suggests that “one of the goals of life is to be comfortable in your own skin and in your own bed and on your own land.” I suspect you won’t achieve that goal in the coming weeks, but you will lay the foundation for achieving that goal. You will figure out precisely what you need in order to feel at home in the world, and you will formulate plans to make that happen. Be patient with yourself, dear Gemini. Be extra tender, kind and accommodating. Your golden hour will come.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Some astrologers say you Crabs are averse to adventure, preferring to loll in your comfort zones and entertain dreamy fantasies. As evidence that this is not always true, I direct your attention to a great Cancerian adventurer, the traveling chef Anthony Bourdain. In the coming weeks, I hope you will be inspired by these Bourdain quotes: 1. “If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Open your mind, get up off the couch, move.” 2. “What a great way to live, if you could always do things that interest you, and do them with people who interest you.” 3. “The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know, how much more there is to learn. Maybe that’s enlightenment enough — to know there is no final resting place of the mind.” 4. “Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.”

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Author Iain S. Thomas writes, “The universe is desperately trying to move you into the only spot that truly belongs to you — a space that only you can stand in. It is up to you to decide every day whether you are moving towards or away from that spot.” His ideas overlap with principles I expound in my book Pronoia Is the Antidote for Paranoia: How the Whole World Is Conspiring to Shower You with Blessings. There I propose that life often works to help dissolve your ignorance and liberate you from your suffering. I hypothesize that you are continually being given opportunities to grow smarter and wilder and kinder. In the coming weeks, everything I’ve described here will be especially apropos to you. All of creation will be maneuvering you in the direction of feeling intensely at home with your best self. Cooperate, please!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “Never do anything that others can do for you,” said Virgo novelist Agatha Christie. That’s not a very Virgo-like attitude, is it? Many astrologers would say that of all the zodiac’s signs, your tribe is the most eager to serve others but not aggressively seek the service of others on your behalf. But I suspect this dynamic could change in the coming weeks. Amazingly, cosmic rhythms will conspire to bring you more help and support than you’re accustomed to. My advice: Welcome it. Gather it in with gusto.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I’m not enamored of Shakespeare’s work. Though I enjoy his creative use of language, his worldview isn’t appealing or interesting. The people in his stories don’t resonate with me, and their problems don’t feel realistic. If I want to commune with multi-faceted characters dealing with fascinating dilemmas, I turn to French novelist Honoré de Balzac (1799–1850). I feel a kinship with his complex, nuanced understanding of human nature. Please note I am not asserting that Shakespeare is bad and Balzac is good. I’m merely stating the nature of my subjective personal tastes. Now I invite you to do what I have done here: In the coming weeks, stand up unflinchingly for your subjective personal tastes.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): As much as I love logic and champion rational thinking, I’m granting you an exemption from their iron-grip supremacy in the coming weeks. To understand what’s transpiring and to respond with intelligence, you must partly transcend logic and reason. They will not be sufficient guides as you wrestle with the Great Riddles that will be visiting. In a few weeks, you will be justified in quoting ancient Roman author Tertullian, who said the following about his religion, Christianity: “It is true because it is impossible.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): As a Sun-conjunct-Uranus person, I am fond of hyperbole and outrageousness. “Outlandish” is one of my middle names. My Burning Man moniker is “Friendly Shocker,” and in my pagan community, I’m known as Irreverend Robbie. So take that into consideration when I suggest you meditate on Oscar Wilde’s assertions that “all great ideas are dangerous” and “an idea that is not dangerous is unworthy of being called an idea.” Oscar and I don’t mean that interesting possibilities must be a risk to one’s health or safety. Rather, we’re suggesting they are probably inconvenient for one’s dogmas, habits and comfort zones. I hope you will favor such disruptors in the coming days.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Some people might feel they have achieved the peak of luxury if they find themselves sipping Moët & Chandon Imperial Vintage Champagne while lounging on a leather and diamond-encrusted PlumeBlanche sofa on a hand-knotted Agra wool rug aboard a 130-foot-long Sunseeker yacht. But I suspect you will be thoroughly pleased with the subtler forms of luxury that are possible for you these days. Like what? Like surges of appreciation and acknowledgment for your good work. Like growing connections with influences that will interest you and help you in the future. Like the emotional riches that come from acting with integrity and excellence.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): There are over 20 solutions to the riddle your higher mind is now contemplating. Several of them are smart intellectually but not emotionally intelligent. Others make sense from a selfish perspective but would be less than a blessing for some people in your life. Then there are a few solutions that might technically be effective but wouldn’t be much fun. I estimate there may only be two or three answers that would be intellectually and emotionally intelligent, would be of service not only to you but also to others, and would generate productive fun.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Naturalist John Muir didn’t like the word “hiking.” He believed people ought to saunter through the wilderness, not hike. “Hiking” implies straight-ahead, no-nonsense, purposeful movement, whereas “sauntering” is about wandering around, being reverent towards one’s surroundings, and getting willingly distracted by where one’s curiosity leads.

I suggest you favor the sauntering approach in the coming weeks — not just in nature but in every area of your life. You’re best suited for exploring, gallivanting and meandering.

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OCT. 18-24, 2023

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MARKETPLACE REAL ESTATE & RENTALS | ROOMMATES | JOBS | SERVICES ANNOUNCEMENTS | CLASSES & WORKSHOPS | MIND, BODY, SPIRIT MUSICIANS’ SERVICES | PETS | AUTOMOTIVE | XCHANGE | ADULT Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 advertise@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember the Russian proverb: “Doveryai, no proveryai,” trust but verify. When answering classified ads, always err on the side of caution. Especially beware of any party asking you to give them financial or identification information. The Mountain Xpress cannot be responsible for ensuring that each advertising client is legitimate. Please report scams to advertise@mountainx.com EMPLOYMENT

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HIRING: ADVENTURE FACILITATOR Hiring: Adventure Facilitator to lead climbing, mountain biking, and canoeing activities at Trails Momentum. People of all colors, shapes, genders, ages, and backgrounds are welcome!

Jobs@trailsmomentum. com for inquiries. https:// trailsmomentum.com/.

$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.

LOVE TO SEW AND WORK FROM HOME? Local medical scrub manufacturer is now hiring experienced sewers to work from home on your serger/regular machine to sew our scrubs. Part-time/flexible.

Must live within 30 minutes of Asheville. Call 828-628-3562 or email job history to info@ largesizescrubs.com.

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS Discover oxygen therapy that moves with you with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 866-8590894. (AAN CAN)

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CHILDREN FIRST/CIS SEEKS BUSINESS OPERATIONS COORDINATOR Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County is hiring a Business Operations Coordinator. For more information, please visit childrenfirstcisbc. org/employment/. To apply, email a resume and cover letter to employment@ childrenfirstbc.org.

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. 1-866-5661815. (AAN CAN)

A-1 DONATE YOUR CAR, RUNNING OR NOT! Fast free pickup. Maximum tax deduction. Support Patriotic Hearts. Your car donation helps Vets! 1-866-559-9123.

BCI WALK-IN TUBS ARE ON SALE Be one of the first 50 callers and save $1,500!

Call 844-514-0123 for a free in-home consultation. (AAN CAN) BEAUTIFY YOUR HOME WITH ENERGY EFFICIENT NEW WINDOWS They will increase your home’s value & decrease your energy bills.

Replace all or a few! Call now to get your free, no-obligation quote. 866-366-0252.

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) DIRECTV SATELLITE TV SERVICE STARTING AT $64.99/MO For 24 mos, Free Installation! 165+ Channels Available. Call Now For The Most Sports & Entertainment On TV! 855-401-8842. (AAN CAN) DON'T PAY FOR COVERED HOME REPAIRS AGAIN! American Residential Warranty covers ALL MAJOR SYSTEMS

AND APPLIANCES. 30 DAY RISK FREE/ $100OFF POPULAR PLANS Call 877-707-5518 Monday-Friday 8:30am to 8:00pm EST. (AAN CAN) FREE AUTO INSURANCE QUOTES for uninsured and insured drivers. Let us show you how much you can save!

Call 833-976-0743. (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: 844-875-6782. (AAN CAN) LIFE AFTER DEATH? French Broad Mensa presents a discussion on Near Death Experiences Oct 26 at East Asheville Library. Free to the public. Seating limit is 50.

Arrive by 5:45pm. Contact: 828-712-5570 for info.

NAME CHANGE I Manpreet Singh son of Baldev Singh resident of Fresno, California declare that I changed my name from Manpreet Singh Thind to Manpreet Singh for all future purposes.

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(AAN CAN) SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your mortgage?

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Call the Homeowner's Relief Line now for help! 855-7213269. (AAN CAN) SECURE YOUR HOME WITH VIVINT SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY Call 855-621-5855 to learn how you can get a professionally installed security system with $0 activation. (AAN CAN)

SHOP WITH A VIASAT EXPERT FOR HIGH SPEED SATELLITE INTERNET New customer deals in your area.

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(AAN CAN) 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.

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CLASSES & WORKSHOPS CLASSES & WORKSHOPS BUNCOMBE COUNTY BEEKEEPERS 2023 BEES SCHOOL Buncombe County Beekeepers Bee School to be held Nov. 7th & 9th evenings; Saturday Nov.11th all day.

Find information and sign up at wncbees.org. Get all the information to start your journey. wncbees.org.

LOVE TO SING! LEARN A CAPPELLA SINGING FOR FEMALE VOICES WITH A LOCAL CHORUS Song O’ Sky Chorus rehearses Tuesday Nights - 7:00 p.m. St. John's Episcopal Church. Come share a love for singing A Cappella barbershop-style harmony and in a culture of belonging.

PETS PET SERVICES WHISKERS PET SITTING SERVICE Dependable, compassionate, affordable. Serving the Asheville and surrounding area. Former vet assistant and vet tech alum. Let me come love on your pets. Call Jackie 828-280-7063.

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27 Paradoxical answer to “Can you say what ‘nyet’ is Russian for?”

33 Overhead light?

60 Surf sound

11 “___ gotta run”

34 Architect who lived to be 102

61 London transport, with “the”

35 Boast

62 Some plus-ones

12 Homer calls him “stupid Flanders”

36 Seems lit from within

63 Boom times

40 Suffix with cyclo-

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1 Stuff in a party bag 5 Shade of black 8 More than once 13 Use a cleaning cloth on

15 Sense of purpose 16 Fails to be 17 Nuisance 18 Gave (out)

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47 What cheating might get you, informally

22 Give (out)

50 Paradoxical answer to “What isle is located between Ireland and Great Britain?”

23 Emcees’ deliveries

54 View from a periscope

19 Paradoxical answer to “What is ‘Golf’ in the NATO alphabet?”

9 Business executive’s hope

59 “La Campanella” composer

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58 Little wonder?

puzzle by Guilherme Gilioli

30 Shadow, e.g.

42 Paradoxical answer to “Where does oil come from?”

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DOWN 1 Big drink 2 None the ___ 3 Breath control practice in competitive freediving 4 “See?” 5 Woman in a Lady Gaga song and album title (2016) 6 Change the narrative?

14 Part of a tape cassette 20 Singer known as the “Queen of Power Ballads” 21 Physics Nobelist Bohr 24 Change from green to red, maybe 25 Continually 26 “S.N.L.” routines 28 Bikini style 29 Gaping mouth 30 Start or end for Alexa?

7 Scuba need

31 Clean one’s feathers

8 Supplement

32 Distress calls?

36 Where two barrel vaults intersect, in architecture

45 Idaho product, slangily

37 Baseball’s Gehrig

49 NASA project

38 Wearable party gear with built-in straws 40 Oppressors 41 Modern warfare concern, in brief 43 Delivery class?

44 Malia and Michelle, for two

48 Really dig 51 “No ___ Traffic” 52 Kind of earring 53 Contacted privately on social media, informally 54 No longer in use 55 The World Factbook org.

56 Is, to Ovid

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS NY TIMES PUZZLE

Z O R B A E B A Y T H I S L A C E R I M E A S I A N O T O E G H O S T R I G H T A C E C U T U P S A T E C I V I L W R I G H T S K O S H E R S I T O N I T A R O A R A R M W A D W R I T E S O F P A S S A G E O P T K A L E L S A L D E W L A P S H O U L D I R I T E B R O T H E R S E A R L S R A E A C H E S O U N D S G O O D U T I L A X E D K E N Y A S E E N P O S Y A S S A M E S S O

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