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Wheelchair clinic’s closure will be devastating HCA’s CarePartners wheelchair and seating [clinic] is the only clinic of its kind in Western North Carolina. Its closure by HCA is alarming. The devastating impact of the closure is felt across our entire region and beyond. HCA has turned its back on the most physically and emotionally vulnerable people in our community. HCA excluded people with physical disabilities from access to this health care. For those not familiar: The CarePartners wheelchair and seating clinic is not a wheelchair store. It is a highly specialized clinic with extensive expertise in taking a multitude of measurements unique to each patient. It further assesses patients’ needs with intense scrutiny. Such measurements and evaluations are necessary in order for patients to receive a wheelchair that best matches their situation. The clinic serves young children, adolescents and adults with conditions including spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida and cerebral palsy. Many wheelchair-dependent people live 14 hours a day in their wheelchair. Their chair is a lifeline to everyday life. A perfect fit is necessary — not just for comfort — but to prevent potentially life-threatening pressure sores. N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein announced Wednesday, Nov. 13, that
he will look into HCA clinic closures. My hope is that our greater community, the Gibbins Advisors, (the watchdog group selected by Dogwood Health Trust to monitor HCA) and our attorney general all realize that HCA’s closing the wheelchair clinic is not a reduction in service. It eliminates this service. There is no comparable service nearby. The closest comparable clinics are so far away that travel to either would be an exhausting, all-day round trip for many who can’t drive — many who must depend on transportation assistance. In addition, the process of getting a wheelchair from start (a doctor’s prescription) to finish (getting the chair that is a perfect “fit”) often requires multiple trips. We have N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein’s attention, and his office is aware of the petition. The Dogwood Health Trust is aware of the petition, and I have spoken with a member of the Gibbins Advisors. Gibbins Advisors has read the petition and have let me know that comments are being taken seriously. I am not convinced, however, that they are fully aware of how devastating and far-reaching this action is. More signatures and comments are needed. Learn more about the CarePartners wheelchair and seating clinic by reading the petition [at avl.mx/6qc]. If you object to its closure, as I do, please sign and leave a comment detailing why you object.
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OPI N I ON
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Help make HCA — and all of the players in this decision — fully aware of this action! — Jane Sutton Old Fort Editor’s note: Xpress contacted HCA with a summary of the letter writer’s points and received the following response from Nancy Lindell, public and media relations manager at Mission Health/HCA Healthcare: “Mission Health recognizes the importance of the Wheelchair Seating Clinic to our community. In years past, the clinic has relied heavily on grant funding, but due to our taxpaying status, we are no longer able to accept charitable contributions to subsidize these types of services. To benefit our communities, Mission Health expects to pay millions in state and local taxes each year. For some time, we have been actively engaged with community partners to determine how we can work together to identify alternative ways to sustain these vital services. We will have more information to share once those plans are finalized.”
Share prevention info, breakthroughs on HIV and hep C As this decade comes to a close and the 40th anniversary of the HIV/ AIDS epidemic approaches, we cannot be deterred from the work still at hand: to teach next generations our history, the history of a complicated virus whose genetic mutations keep scientists on their toes seeking ways to block further transmission while also making HIV easier to live with. And thanks to newer treatments, people are living longer, healthier lives with HIV— in the United States, half are now 50 years of age and older. Still, younger members of our communities are vulnerable when not provided enough knowledge to avoid getting this easily preventable viral infection and not to become a continuous cycle of new generations with HIV in decades to come. ... North Carolina’s 85 county health departments also make available free testing for HCV, the virus that causes hepatitis C, a liver disease more and more prevalent in our state, which can be spread through sex or contact with blood when needles or other drugusing equipment is shared. ... More great news about hep C: It is now usually curable in eight-12 weeks, using medicines with few side effects, unlike older treatments. These hep C cures are now available in Asheville 6
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and Western North Carolina; your health care provider, health department personnel or hep C bridge counselors can tell you where. Getting tested for HIV and HCV is particularly important if you were born between 1945 and 1965, the age range where HCV is most prevalent; if you ever shared a needle/syringe behind someone; got tattoos in prison; received blood products or had an organ transplant or transfusion years ago; or are currently using needles/ syringes recreationally where exposure within your social group from blood or sex may be a risk. HIV is also treatable, with increasingly life-sustaining medications. A scientific update to know about called U=U, which stands for Undetectable = Untransmittable, is all the talk in POZ or Plus magazines. It means a person taking HIV meds that suppress their viral load to fewer than 200 copies per milliliter for six months or more will not transmit HIV through sex, nor would condoms have to be used — though they’re still recommended to avoid exposures to other bacteria and viruses. Under North Carolina’s updated HIV control measures, a person living with HIV and meeting U=U conditions doesn’t have to disclose their HIV status to a sexual partner anymore. ... Visit www.cdc.gov to read more. ... Ever heard of PrEP — preexposure prophylaxis? It means taking one pill a day during periods of heightened risk of acquiring HIV. No discrimination or stigma. ... There is so much to know, but how do the details ever get to the many people —especially future generations — who need to know them? Are you willing to share this conversation over the holidays as we near the end of this decade? If so, and you need more information, please contact The Rubberman at the WNC AIDS Project. ... Last, remember those who’ve passed from HIV and AIDS on Dec. 1, World AIDS Day. ... WNCAP and Tranzmission are hosting a local event with the theme HIV and the Trans Experience, featuring special guest speaker, activist and author Tori Cooper. See www.wncap.org for more information [and on Page 34 in this week’s Food section]. Say the names of those we remember. Make a quilt panel if you haven’t already. We mustn’t forget them, but we can look forward to a better day when this is all archived in the library and researchers look back for an understanding of something we lived
C A R T O O N B Y B R E NT B R O W N through for decades. It is not over yet, but getting there. Be well. — Michael Harney aka The Rubberman WNC AIDS Project Fairview Editor’s note: A longer version of this letter will appear at mountainx.com.
A big mistake to close wheelchair clinic Closure of the wheelchair clinic at CarePartners is a big mistake. Do HCA’s administrative goals include increasing admissions by eliminating wellness programs preventing or lessening need for hospitalizations? Is Dogwood Health Trust making this issue a priority? Funding a wheelchair clinic seems to fit the foundation’s mission. Community health care would benefit. The Medicaid transformation plans are designed for nonprofits to assign funding for disease-preventive drivers, including housing, transportation, violence prevention and food. Monies are not to be distributed by for-profit entities. HCA will only receive Medicaid reimbursement for disease treatment, not for preventive community wellness. Preventive services at HCA are going away or eliminated. Dedicated caregivers are
unable to share or apply their knowledge due to unpredictable patient overloads and emergencies. Pain is an emergency. The need for treatment results in increasing health care costs at every level of our fragmented health care system, while creating profits for HCA. If a patient or client has a poor-fitting wheelchair and/or poor seating, it contributes to an endless cascade of treatments, suffering and hospitalizations instead of patient progress. We have common sense, but when corporations do not, we all lose out. — Annie Butzner Asheville Editor’s note: Xpress contacted HCA with a summary of the points from this letter and the previous one about the clinic in this section. A response to both letters can found in the editor’s note at the bottom of “Wheelchair Clinic’s Closure Will Be Devastating” in this issue. Potential avenues for funding through the Dogwood Health Trust appear to be months away. The foundation has only recently hired its first CEO, and the chair of its board of directors told Xpress in August that she estimated organizations could apply for grants in spring 2020 and receive funding next fall. MOUNTAINX.COM
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2019
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OPINION
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Grateful to help animals through Brother Wolf As 2019 comes to a close and the seasons of gratitude and giving are upon us, we, the members of Outward Hounds Hiking Club for Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, gratefully acknowledge the opportunities we’ve had to positively impact the lives of many animals in our community. Indeed, there have been many changes at Brother Wolf over the past year. ... In times of change, people often reassess the value that an organization such as Brother Wolf provides to the community it serves. Some people feel that Brother Wolf is transitioning into a different organization than what it has been in the past. In short — it’s not the same organization. Under the new leadership,
there is an increased focus on long-range sustainability, which means operating within an established financial budget, having clear operational policies and procedures, as well as guidance and oversight from a strong board of directors. There was significant debt that was inherited by the new leadership, as well as operational deficiencies that had to be addressed in order for the organization to survive. There is no quick fix for these problems, but the aforementioned initiatives represent a strong start. Outward Hounds Hiking Group consists of many long-term, committed volunteers who have participated in threefour hikes per week, including holidays, for well over five years. We have given our time and our money to support this organization, and many of us have adopted dogs from Brother Wolf and cherish them as members of our families. The
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role of Outward Hounds contributes greatly to the quality of life for the Brother Wolf dogs awaiting adoption. For this year alone, Brother Wolf is on track to accomplish nearly 2,000 adoptions. ... We think it’s extremely important that the general public be aware of these other critical Brother Wolf programs and consider what our community would lose without Brother Wolf. In North Carolina, 55,900 animals in the shelter system were euthanized in 2017, which makes North Carolina the third worst state in the country for the euthanization of shelter animals. Brother Wolf’s mobile spay and neuter clinic offers a low-cost option in our community. In its first year, the clinic will perform about 5,000 surgeries! ... Brother Wolf’s community cat program humanely traps unowned cats that are living outdoors, vaccinates and spays or neuters them, then returns them to their outdoor home. This year to date, the lives of 765 cats have been positively impacted by the program. ... Brother Wolf’s transport program rescues animals from overcrowded shelters in the WNC area and relocates them to partner shelters in the Northeast where there is a high demand for adoptable animals. Over 1,000 animals’ lives will be saved through this program in 2019. Their foster program provides the opportunity to take in animals that could not be saved without foster placements. ... Brother Wolf’s foster care program has cared for over 900 animals this year. Animal rescue is hard and emotional work, regardless of whether you are a volunteer or an employee. Many issues in this realm are not black and white, frequently resulting in distinctly different vantage points among those involved, even when everyone is motivated by the best intentions. ... Brother Wolf Animal Rescue is a vital organization to our community and has the opportunity to thrive under the new leadership. We choose to support Brother Wolf because of the value it brings to our community and the animals’ lives it saves. We hope that others will look at the big picture and join us in continuing to support this important community asset. — Brother Wolf Outward Hounds Hike Leaders Christine Fellrath, Fairview Lucy Cobos, Asheville May Rhea, Fairview Patti Anastasi, Fairview Rob Campbell, Asheville Paul Kersch, Asheville Editor’s note: A longer version of this letter will appear at mountainx.com.
Contact legislators to support ERA It’s time for a win for the women of the United States by supporting House Bill 271 and Senate Bill 184: NC Adopt Equal Rights Amendment bills. The Equal Rights Amendment was passed by the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in 1972. At that time, 38 states were needed to ratify the amendment. The original deadline ended … with only 35 of the 38 states needed for ratification. Efforts to extend the deadline currently include going forward with the three-state ratification needed in order to fuel momentum to reintroduce the amendment to Congress. If legislators vote for HB 271 and SB 184, North Carolina could make history as the final state needed for ERA ratification! I feel adding the ERA will protect all Americans from discrimination and offer equal protection under the law regardless of gender. The 14th Amendment does not specifically mention gender, which is why I feel the ERA is necessary. The United States was different back in 1868 at the time of the passing of the 14th Amendment. It was a time that is remembered for civil rights regarding race and significant progress for the people of the United States, but I feel the ERA more adequately represents our current culture and will offer the judicial system a more consistent basis for determining discrimination. HB 271 and SB 184 bills were filed in March but have yet to be brought up for a vote in the N.C. General Assembly. Please contact your elected officials and let them know you support the ERA and the many women and men who have fought for equality in our nation! — Sarah Yontz Black Mountain
Make Trump go away Calling all babies! Mami, Mommy, Papi, Daddy, Tia, Tio, Auntie, Uncle — that orange man is scary! I don’t want him to be the boss of us! He’s mean. Can you call Mr. [Mark] Meadows (828-693-5660, 202-225-6401); Mr. [Thom] Tillis (704-509-9087, 202-2246342); Mr. [Patrick] McHenry (828669-0600, 202-225-2576)? Ask them to do something. He should be in timeout! Make him go away! On behalf of select babies in North Carolina, — Leslie Gaidi Fairview
NEWS
ON THE INSIDE
Waiting for justice in the Buncombe County jail
BY VIRGINIA DAFFRON
detention center staffers. The safety of both inmates and department employees, says Gould, depends on stopping drugs at the threshold. Inmates who manage to bring in drugs risk overdosing or may trade the substances to other inmates who might overdose, he explains. “If we can just try to get the contraband as far down as we can, just get rid of it — whatever new technology comes out, whatever the officers have to do — it will really alleviate our problems,” says Lt. Bert Alexander, another department veteran. To that end, county taxpayers have just shelled out about $170,000 for a new body scanning device similar to those found in airports. The machine uses “splash radiation” to look for anything out of the ordinary, Gould explains, including “items hidden on your person or in your person.” And while the equipment doesn’t record every detail of the subject’s physique, it does pick up masses and solid objects. “There’s no straight lines inside the human body. There’s no right angles and there’s no perfect circles, so if you see any of those three things, that’s a clue that there’s something there,” he continues.
vdaffron@mountainx.com Steps away from Asheville’s broad, busy front lawn with its grand pair of government buildings lies an entrance to another city. A hidden city. A place where hundreds come and go and eat and sleep and wait and wonder and worry. Pass between City Hall and the Buncombe County Courthouse and descend a pleasant set of concrete steps to Davidson Drive below. Cross the street and step up into the Buncombe County Detention Facility’s harshly echoing lobby. Beyond the reception desk, a set of sliding doors with thick glass panels marks the transition from outside to inside, from the city’s varied colors to a vanilla-hued maze of hard surfaces and fluorescent lights, from the music and clamor of urban life to a constricted world of echoing footsteps, beeping locks and clanging metal doors. Within this complex, over 500 men and women are typically awaiting trial, serving sentences for misdemeanor convictions or just passing the time until they’re transferred to another facility. A staff of 170 officers maintains order 24 hours a day. “Sheriff [Quentin] Miller’s made it clear that we want folks to see what we’re doing and how it works,” says Aaron Sarver, public information officer for the Sheriff’s Office. This push for greater transparency includes media tours and new online dashboards displaying a range of information about the jail’s population. And as a nationwide movement to reduce incarceration rates picks up steam, Buncombe County is pursuing its own ambitious goal of cutting the pretrial jail population by 15% by next September, compared with 2018 figures. The campaign is funded by a $1.75 million Safety and Justice Challenge grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Currently, the jail averages 536 inmates per day, with a total capacity of 604. Other new initiatives not related to the grant include a body scanner to cut down on contraband entering the jail and a pilot effort to provide a handful of inmates with medication-assisted treatment for
FIRST STEPS
HOUSING UNIT: With 51 inmates locked into two levels of cells surrounding the day room, all is quiet in this housing unit, one of 13 at the Buncombe County Detention Facility. Photo by Virginia Daffron opioid addiction, perhaps as a prelude to a broader future program. But while officers tout the facility’s sanitation and orderliness with palpable pride, two local residents who were recently confined there describe feelings of extreme isolation and despair as well as a lack of services to support their reentry into the broader community. NO STRAIGHT LINES Someone who’s been arrested arrives at an entrance a few hundred feet from the public lobby. From Davidson Drive, police vehicles pass through an electronically controlled gate to enter
a courtyard. After parking in a covered area, officers escort their charges inside for booking and intake. Signage here warns those under arrest to ditch any substances they may be carrying, whether legal or otherwise, by placing them in locked receptacles mounted next to doorways. “Get rid of whatever you need, no charge: You throw it away, we’re good,” says Capt. Tony Gould, a 24-year Sheriff’s Office veteran who runs the jail. Once those substances get beyond the initial screening, he explains, even a tiny amount becomes the basis for a felony drug possession charge. Concern about keeping drugs out of the jail is a constant refrain among
After clearing that first hurdle, arrestees see a magistrate to hear what charges they face and the conditions set for their release. Some will be free to go after completing an exit process that could include paying bail or posting bond. All can make free calls from the facility’s telephones. Those who’ll be staying at the jail then proceed to the booking area for a medical screening by a nurse. The process includes checking vital signs as well as questions about medical conditions, prescription medications and illicit drug use. Inmates who disclose substance use receive information about harm reduction strategies and recovery resources. They’re also monitored for detox symptoms. “I’m not going to tell you mistakes haven’t been made over the years, but you learn from those mistakes, and you get better at what you’re doing,” Alexander maintains. A report produced by Disability Rights North Carolina on jail deaths
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NEWS in the state in 2017-18 cites one such incident. A woman identified as M.S., the Raleigh-based nonprofit’s report notes, died from a methamphetamine overdose at the Buncombe County Detention Facility. “M.S. repeatedly told jail staff, including officers and the nurse on duty, that she had ingested a large amount of methamphetamine in an effort to hide the drugs from her parole officer,” the report states. “Her behavior was erratic, and she showed signs of overheating. … Jail staff refused to get her adequate medical care, instead locking her into a cell alone where she eventually fell unconscious. M.S. was declared dead from an overdose at a local hospital a few hours later.” Asked about his top priorities for the jail, Miller said: “Our behavioral health staff ... estimate that 60% or more of our inmates have symptoms of one or more of the following: opioid use disorder, substance abuse disorder, severe and persistent mental illness. The jail facility and our criminal justice system are simply not designed to serve the medical and behavioral health needs of our inmates. I will tell you that my challenge is how does the Sheriff’s
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HOLDING CELLS
CONTRABAND CATCHER: A new $170,000 body-scanning device will help staff at the Buncombe County Detention Facility detect contraband hidden on or inside defendants entering the jail. Officers say eliminating drugs in the facility will make for a safer environment for inmates and staff. Photo by Virginia Daffron Office do more to help these individuals while they are incarcerated. I am excited that our county commissioners have endorsed a new [medication-
MOUNTAINX.COM
assisted treatment] program, and we now have funding in place ... to begin to implement it. That is a big part of the answer to that question.”
From the booking area, inmates proceed to individual or group holding cells before being moved to a longer-term housing assignment. Those placed in solitary confinement, whether for observation or for disciplinary reasons, are kept in padded single cells, with visual safety checks performed four times per hour. Officers walk through the hallways, peering through cell windows and bumping a button on the cell door with a thwack to record the time. On the day of this reporter’s visit, a female inmate occupies one of those single cells. There’s no indication of when she was initially placed there, but a sign on the door says her segregation will continue for another 11 days. “This inmate was in general population, and she assaulted another inmate, so there was a disciplinary process that resulted in her being sanctioned for that length of time,” Gould explains. In compliance with state requirements, she’s allowed to leave the cell three times a week to shower, he says, adding that inmates held separately are typically allowed access to printed religious works
“I’m not going to tell you mistakes haven’t been made over the years, but you learn from those mistakes, and you get better at what you’re doing.” — Lt. Bert Alexander, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office such as the Bible. And in this case, glancing through the window, Gould spots writing materials. RECURRING CYCLES Asheville native Tony Walker has gone through the booking process in both the old and new jails, beginning with his first ride in a police car at age 17. Until 1992, the jail was on the 15th floor of the Buncombe County Courthouse. That year, the current facility was opened; it was expanded in 2006-07, with the newest portion coming on line in 2008. “The old jail was nasty,” he recalls. “But the officers treated you good; they treated you like a person. I guess that was before Asheville grew, and a lot of the officers were from Asheville. So they already kinda had a relationship before you even got in trouble.”
Now 47, Walker has a history of periodic incarceration spanning 30 years and including eight jail and prison stints, mostly related to selling drugs. But his most recent weeklong confinement in the Buncombe County jail, stemming from what he describes as a miscommunication about child support payments a few months back, tested his fortitude in new ways. The chain of events Walker relates shows how detention can deepen a cycle of financial insecurity and lead to job and housing loss. Although his wages had been garnished for child support payments, Walker was arrested for failing to appear at a court date he says he hadn’t received notification of. In an attempt to keep her husband from losing his job, Walker’s wife used the couple’s savings to pay court fees.
CONTINUES ON PAGE 12
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N EWS Due to the number of days he missed awaiting trial, however, Walker lost the job anyway, and the couple were evicted from their apartment when they couldn’t pay the rent. “That’s the first time I ever really cried,” he reveals. “I mean, I cried before, but that’s the first time I ever felt like that, because I know that I’m not trying to commit no crime. I know that I’m trying to do the right thing, and I know I have been doing the right thing. I know I have been complying with the child support, everything.” Nonetheless, Walker seems determined to put a positive spin on his account. “It’s one of those things that just made me a little better,” he says, turning the conversation to his new job counseling youths at Green Opportunities, a local nonprofit, and his service on the Safety and Justice Challenge Community Engagement Workgroup alongside Buncombe County law enforcement and judicial officials. One of the things Walker says he’s learned as a result of his time on the committee — part of the county’s push to reduce its jail population — is that he’s not alone in getting caught in a recurring cycle of incarceration and
ON HOLD: A single holding cell in the male booking area of the Buncombe County Detention Facility includes a sink, toilet and mattress. Photo by Virginia Daffron
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Mountain Xpress is proud to introduce The Field Guide to Asheville – the insider’s guide on what to do and where to find it! Written by Mountain Xpress editors and contributors, its content is well-rounded, inclusive and savvy. We’re providing takes and tips on the well-known attractions, hidden gems and quirky oddities that make Asheville so beloved. Join us and tell tens of thousands of tourists and visitors all about your business in The Field Guide to Asheville!
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release. Statistics examined by the working group, he says, show that “When you keep them in [jail], usually they start losing their jobs and they start getting threats about losing their housing. So when they do get out, they’re in a desperate mood to want to make some money fast. So then they’ll commit a crime.”
In the newest part of the jail, all is calm and tidy in a housing block that can accommodate up to 56 people. On this day, there are 51 male inmates in the unit, according to the only soul in sight: a correctional officer who’s standing in front of a computer terminal. Two tiers of cells, some equipped with two bunks, line the perimeter, with a double-height open space in the center that serves as a common area. Each of these cells has its own toilet as well as hot and cold running water, says Gould. On the upper tier, he notes, there are also cubicles for remote video visits with family and friends as well as rooms for conferring with an attorney or probation officer. Except when special arrangements are made for inmates unable to climb the stairs to the upper level, he explains, all personal visits now happen via video conference, as do some initial appearances before a judge. Each inmate is allowed one free 15-minute video visit per week with
up to two people who are down in the detention center lobby; additional 15-minute visits cost $9.75. Online visits cost $6.50 for 10 minutes, $16.25 for 25 minutes. Inmates in this unit are allotted 5½ hours a day of “free time,” says Gould. During these periods, cell doors unlock and inmates may enter the common area to read, watch television, make phone calls, send email from kiosks, shower and interact with one another. Fresh air from outdoors is pumped into an exercise area at the far end of the space. Diffuse natural light enters from a frosted window on the far wall. Even then, however, prisoners are constrained by a wide variety of rules; read the complete list at avl.mx/6qe. As the men begin emerging from their cells, Gould clarifies some of those procedures, explaining that inmates must ask the officer on duty for permission to cross a red line that divides the main common area from the shower room. “It’s about respecting space and providing some structure,” says Gould. “For example, we also require them to have their beds made every day. We’re just trying to give some structure. It seems like it’s a pretty demanding rule, but making your bed is kind of basic.” NUTS AND BOLTS Down on the first floor, four female inmates fold towels in a cavernous laundry room. The jail boasts two large commercial washing machines and two commercial dryers that do eight to 10 huge loads per day, according to Gould. Farther down the hallway is the kitchen, where a 10-person crew of male inmates is busy making lunch, served on trays that are transported to the housing units on carts. The facility serves 1,700 to 1,800 meals a day, all of them prepared according to state nutrition guidelines, says Gould. Special diets are available to satisfy specific medical or religious requirements. Most jail inhabitants prefer to work as much as possible to make the time pass more quickly, he says. Work assignments depend on the inmate’s risk classification: Those who’ve already been sentenced are eligible for outside assignments, perhaps at the county landfill or with a local nonprofit. Across the hallway is a room where commissary transactions are processed. Inmates place their orders via kiosks in the housing units, using funds from their personal accounts; an outside vendor fills and packages the orders. The main purchase, says Gould, goes in once a week, and
CECILIA JOHNSON there’s no limit on how much inmates can order if they have the money to pay for it. For those who find they’re running low, snack packs are available for purchase daily. “They have different ones you can set up,” he notes. “They all have chips, a couple of drinks, a cookie or whatever in there.” Back up on the third floor, in a dimly lit classroom, a facilitator leads about 10 inmates through a substance abuse session. Farther along the hall, Gould points out a room that until recently housed the library, which has been relocated to the jail annex. Retired librarians who volunteer at the jail, he explains, load and deliver carts containing a rotating selection of the jail’s “at least 10,000 books” to each unit on a weekly basis. Meanwhile, the vacated space will soon become another classroom to ease the crunch for the “exploding” amount of programming he says the jail now offers. At the moment, though, the facility’s general education program is on hold while the county tries to hire a new instructor, Sarah Gayton reports. “There’s a number of programs related to reentry: substance abuse recovery, some harm reduction programming, informing individuals where they can access services,” continues Gayton, the director of community integration and medication-assisted treatment services. “There’s also a number of religious programs going on that speak to folks’ spiritual needs. And some activity-based programs such as yoga and meditation that, ideally, help support coping skills and also help folks manage the environment here and provide them with skills they can use once they’re on the outside.” Many of those programs are run by paid staff from community partners such as Goodwill, Our VOICE and Helpmate, says Gayton. All told, about 150 volunteers, many of them associated with religious groups or other charitable organizations, come in to offer additional opportunities.
sitters that would come over when my mom went out and partied,” he recalls. “We would hang out with them, and they were drinking and smoking weed and stuff like that. That’s when I started using, about 10 or 11.” Greg first overdosed at 16 and first went to jail at 17. In his hometown facility, he says, drugs were relatively easy to come by, and he continued using while
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SUICIDAL THOUGHTS In any given week, however, access to those programs is limited to a handful of jail residents, according to both Tony Walker and “Greg,” a 29-yearold Asheville resident who spent time at the facility in 2014 and 2015. Greg, who asked Xpress to use a pseudonym to protect his privacy, says he was born into a family of drug users in a small community in central North Carolina near the Virginia state line. His dad left when he was still an infant, and Greg and his brother were raised by their mom. “We had babyMOUNTAINX.COM
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N EWS locked up. Released after about 45 days, he soon found himself stuck in a repeating cycle. “I went back and forth. I was sentenced to rehabs — the usual thing when you’re struggling with addiction. I did that for years. I accumulated a little bit of clean time here, then went back, then a little bit of clean time,” he recalls. Eventually, Greg moved to Buncombe County, where he worked temp jobs in manufacturing and landscaping. His first stint in the Buncombe County jail was one night in 2014; he was intoxicated and was released the next morning. In 2015, he went back in on charges he doesn’t want to discuss. Between awaiting trial and serving a misdemeanor sentence, he was locked up for about five months. For Greg, the hardest part of the experience was the isolation. “I was locked back 19 hours a day in a cell by myself. The first month was a struggle: dealing with my thoughts and the shame and guilt of using, the crimes that I did. Just sitting in it. I didn’t have anyone to talk to.” He didn’t have outside support either. “My family still uses till this day,” he reveals, adding, “They did contact me after about three months of me being in there.” Because neither Greg nor his family had money to deposit in a jail account, he wasn’t able to contact anyone outside the facility or make commissary purchases. “I lost about 15 pounds in there,” he remembers with a rueful laugh, going from about 165 to 150 pounds. Still, he
TELL IT TO THE JUDGE: This room at the Buncombe County Detention Facility has a link directly to courtrooms next door in the Buncombe County Courthouse. Some defendants’ initial appearances before a judge are now via video rather than in person. Photo by Virginia Daffron seems unwilling to complain. “The meals didn’t quite fill you up; it was enough to sustain you. I was grateful I had it. It could have been worse,” he says now. Nonetheless, during the first couple of weeks of that stay, Greg says he considered suicide. Statistics in the Disability Rights North Carolina report show that in 2017-18, 80% of jail suicides in the state occurred within the first 12 days of admission. On Nov. 8, 2019, inmate Eric Grogan “injured himself in an apparent suicide attempt,” according to a news
release from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. Transferred to Mission Hospital, Grogan died two days later. He’d been booked into the jail on Oct. 28 after being arrested on an extradition order from Georgia; the underlying charges weren’t immediately available. At the time of his injuries, Grogan had been incarcerated for 11 days. THE HUMAN CONNECTION Walker, too, mentions the scanty portions, pointing out that some inmates
don’t have the resources to supplement those meals with commissary snacks. But his greatest physical discomfort, he says, came from the cold air constantly blowing in his cell. “You have to make up your bed first thing in the morning before you come out for breakfast, and then you just got to lay there and be cold,” he explains. Asked about the policy, Sarver said that while beds must be made when inmates leave their cells, they are free to be under the blanket when they’re in the cell, and they can request an additional blanket if needed. Walker also struggled with the video visitation setup. Human beings, he says, “have a spirit in us, and we have vibes that come off, and you want to feel that vibe. You can’t feel it over a screen. The screen may not be clear: It may be fuzzy, may be dark, may be anything. It’s already bad enough when it’s behind the glass, but at least I can see you.” Video appearances before a judge are even worse, Walker maintains. Though he hasn’t had that experience himself, he’s been in the courtroom when others have, and he believes the technology places the incarcerated person at a severe disadvantage. For one thing, it’s easier for the judge to move on quickly to another case. “This and that, bond set, next,” says Walker, miming hanging up a phone. “You want to look somebody in the eye, you want them to feel your vibe, you want them to have some kind of empathy over you. … On that phone, it’s real cold.”
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“In 2017-18, 80% of jail suicides in the state occurred within the first 12 days of admission.” — report by Disability Rights North Carolina, a Raleigh-based nonprofit That’s just one example of how being in jail limits social contact and makes inmates feel less than human, he says. And although programming can offer welcome relief from being locked away in a cell, says Walker, it was seldom available to him. “Nine times out of 10, I knew that if they were having an AA meeting or an NA meeting that I probably wouldn’t be picked, because the people that had been there before me would probably end up being the ones that [officers] would pick first.” Greg, too, stresses the importance of genuine human connection — and how keenly he felt the lack of it while in jail. “If you have to be separated from the population, there still should be programs and human interaction,” he believes. “You still should be able to be part of something and process thoughts and feelings. Without processing stuff, I
create this box in my head and I store it all in there. That’s my dwelling box: I just dwell on it and dwell on it and dwell on it. And that creates my depression, my anxiety, my anger.” In addition to boosting the amount of available programming, the Sheriff’s Office says it has three social workers who evaluate inmates for behavioral and mental health needs; Greg, however, says he never saw any such person during his incarceration. LIMITED OPTIONS Greg also says he wasn’t given any information about transitional resources for housing, food, employment or recovery prior to his release. He walked to
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N EWS Madison Avenue, where he remembered leaving his car, and was amazed to find that it hadn’t been towed. He retrieved $200 from a bank account that he’d been unable to access during his incarceration, bought a new battery and a tank of gas, and with nowhere else to turn, headed east toward home. “So I go back to people I know are using, but then again, I know I can sleep at their house, they have some food,” he explains, adding, “It’s not a good place for me to be.” After relapsing for about a year — “Things got bad, real bad,” Greg recalls — he woke up one morning and knew that something had to change. Borrowing a few dollars from his mom, he made his way back to Asheville and managed to reconnect with folks he’d met in recovery. That was in 2016, and he’s been clean ever since. Greg now works as a peer support specialist for people fighting addiction, helping others find the kind of connection he lacked for so long. But if his own situation is now significantly better, Greg says he hears from other recovering addicts that things at the Buncombe County jail remain much the same as what he experienced. “There are good corrections
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“The jail facility and our criminal justice system are simply not designed to serve the medical and behavioral health needs of our inmates.” — Sheriff Quentin Miller officers there; there are ones with a kind heart,” he notes. “I just think there needs to be more programming and support.” Sarah Gayton, who recently transitioned from running the jail’s in-house programming to a newly created position overseeing community integration and the planned medication-assisted treatment initiative, says that two addi-
tional new staff positions will enable the facility to provide more of the kinds of services Greg believes are needed. “Referrals will go to our new staff position, a case manager, who will connect them to resources and providers inside and out,” Gayton said at an Oct. 28 community event focused on local government agencies’ response
to the opioid epidemic. “We have also hired a peer support specialist — someone who has lived through that hell and figured out how to step out of it. That person will work in the facility, but their primary focus will be working with those individuals on their release, to help them overcome barriers and the challenges reentry presents.” Greg, meanwhile, sums it up this way: “Overall, jail is not a good place to be. I don’t care what jail you go to. Anytime you get your freedom taken away and you get all the human connection taken away, it’s very detrimental to you.” X
By the numbers Online detention center dashboards unveiled in May are the first of their kind in the state to be made freely available to the public, according to the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. The dashboards include day-by-day data on the jail population, broken down by gender, race, type of confinement and length of stay. Updated weekly, the most recent counts reflect data from Nov. 11-17. During that week, the jail population ranged from 545 to 562 inmates per day; at press time, the year-todate daily average for 2019 was 536 inmates, up about 1.2% from last year’s 529 figure. So far this year, female inmates have accounted for 13% of the jail population. According to census data, the county’s overall population is about 52% female. Roughly one-quarter of the total jail census this year were African Americans, who represent about 6% of county residents. White inmates made up 73%; the balance were of other races or their race wasn’t known. About 69% of those confined at the county jail in 2019 were people awaiting trial; the rest were a mix of federal inmates the county was paid to house (about 16%), people serving sentences for misdemeanors (about 6.5%) and assorted other categories. This year, prisoners have stayed an average of 12.5 days after their initial booking — an increase
MOUNTAINX.COM
Average Daily Population: 536 White: 72.7% Black: 25.2%
Confinement Reason
State Pretrial 68.4%
Other 15.7% Federal 15.9%
Other: 2.1% DETENTION DATA: In 2019 to date, almost 73% of the Buncombe County jail population has been white, while just over 25% has been black. Of the average daily jail population of 536, about 68% were confined awaiting trial; federal inmates made up almost 16%, with the remaining 16% representing a variety of charges or convictions. Information from Buncombe County; graphic by Scott Southwick of nearly two days over the 2018 figure. Black defendants’ average stay was nearly 14 days, while whites stayed just over 12 days on average. The two longest-serving inmates, both of whom are white men, have been incarcerated there since July 2015. The longest-serving female inmate is a white woman who was originally arrested in February 2016. She was subsequently sentenced for driving while impaired and is serving a sentence projected to end in October 2020. In October 2018, Buncombe County received a $1.75 million grant from the John D.
and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, one of 52 sites chosen for the nonprofit’s Safety and Justice Challenge. The national initiative seeks to “reduce overincarceration by changing the way America thinks about and uses jails,” according to a county press release. In Buncombe’s case, a key target is cutting the average pretrial jail population by 15% by September 2020, says Tiffany Iheanacho, who’s served as the county’s justice resource coordinator since 2017. Another objective of the Safety and Justice Challenge, she notes, is reducing racial
disparities among incarcerated people. But while other sites that have been part of the initiative since 2015 have seen their jail populations come down, “The disparities were not reduced,” Iheanacho explains. “I have not met a county that does not have a [racial] disparity issue,” she says. “I’ve seen some … [where] the community of color, where they were 5% of the population and made up 50% of the jail. We probably average 21-26% African Americans in custody. For our African American defendants, they stay in custody longer, and they’re usually charged with higher-level offenses proportionately.” Asked about the disparity, Sheriff Quentin Miller said he supports “reforming our bond schedule so that lowlevel, nonviolent offenders do not sit in the detention facility pretrial solely based on how much someone has in their bank account or how much cash they are able to put together from friends and family on short notice. Our criminal justice system should not operate differently for someone who has $50 in the bank versus someone who has $500,000. Do I control the bond process? No. But if I speak out in my role as sheriff, hopefully that will help contribute to the dialogue we need to move things forward. Criminal justice reform is not going to happen on its own.” X
BUNCOMBE BEAT
Wiseman settles for $150K in Buncombe civil suit Buncombe County and Joseph Wiseman Jr. didn’t exactly meet in the middle on a settlement of the county’s civil lawsuit against the former contractor and his company, Environmental Infrastructure Consulting. But the $150,000 he agreed to pay the county on Nov. 19 as restitution for his role in a kickback scheme involving former top Buncombe officials was still $150,000 more than his lawyers had argued was appropriate. Attorney Ron Payne, whom the county hired to file civil suits against Wiseman and former county employees, argued in a Sept. 26 court document that the contractor could owe Buncombe more than $964,000 by causing “the loss of the honest and faithful services” of Wanda Greene, Mandy Stone and Jon Creighton, all of whom were convicted of various corruption charges on Aug. 28. In an Oct. 10 response, Wiseman’s attorneys called Payne’s argument “factually and legally meritless” and said he owed the county nothing. During a Nov. 19 meeting of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, Payne said the compromise figure would bring the suit to an end, “hopefully in somewhat of an expeditious manner.” Additionally, he said Wiseman would be required to testify in all further investigations of his work with the county and provide receipts from Environmental Infrastructure Consulting currently in his custody. The six board members present unanimously agreed to the settlement; Vice Chair Jasmine Beach-Ferrara was absent from the meeting. After Wiseman transfers funds to the county, which Payne said will likely take place in January, Buncombe’s total
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TIME TO COLLECT: Buncombe County will receive $150,000 from former contractor Joseph Wiseman Jr., the last of five people so far convicted in an ongoing corruption investigation to settle with Buncombe County government. Photo by Arianna Moore recovery of taxpayer money from corrupt activity through legal settlements will exceed $3.4 million. Wiseman was the last of the five people so far convicted in the ongoing investigation of Buncombe corruption to settle with the county. Greene agreed to pay $750,000, while her son, Michael Greene, paid $40,000. Creighton settled for $189,000, and Stone agreed to pay over $171,000. The county also recovered nearly $2.1 million from the Guardian Life Insurance Co., through which Wanda Greene purchased whole-life policies using misappropriated funds. IN OTHER BUSINESS Commissioners were unanimous in their approval of all other items on the agenda, including the acceptance of two grants for opioid harm reduction. Those funds included nearly $162,000 from the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services for a pilot medication-assisted
treatment program at the Buncombe County Detention Facility. That program will end after a year unless further grants are obtained or the board opts to support the work with county money. The board also approved $17 million in capital projects for area schools. Commissioner Joe Belcher, who serves on the School Capital Fund Commission that evaluated the spending, said that the need for many projects was “incredible” and that much deliberation had taken place before the proposals were brought before the board. Chair Brownie Newman, who also serves on that commission, drew particular attention to a roughly $740,000 award for retaining wall repairs at the Montford North Star Academy. He said the current structure represented an immediate safety risk; Commissioner Al Whitesides, a former member of the Asheville City Board of Education, added that the wall had been under discussion for at least five years.
Public comment at the meeting focused primarily (and self-referentially) on public comment. Newman warned speaker Ellie Richard, who addressed the board about the controversial Crossroads development and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce’s ex parte communication with the Board of Adjustment supporting the proposal, that she would be removed from the chamber if she kept talking beyond her allotted time. Following that exchange, regular commenter Jerry Rice told the board they were “cutting the throat of the taxpayers” and expressed regret that members had not taken public comment on individual items during the meeting. And fellow commission regular Don Yelton ran out the clock on his comment time to make a point about the rights of public input — “The only reason I’m doing this just is to aggravate the heck out of you, because I’ve got 14 seconds left and you’re going to have to look at me.”
— Daniel Walton X
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On the defensive: TDA board members react to criticism Himanshu Karvir, the vice chair of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority and CEO of Virtelle Hospitality, has had enough. During a Nov. 20 meeting of the quasi-governmental agency, he said he was tired of news reports, op-eds and social media posts that paint the BCTDA, as well as tourism as a whole, in a bad light. “It’s taken a long, slow beating that has finally made me write this. This constant barrage of negative opinions posted online,” Karvir said, reading from prepared notes. “We have been putting out data and information [about] how much it benefits Buncombe County residents on lowering their property taxes; we highlight $44 million in investments we make in our community.” To doubters in the community, he went on, “Those numbers don’t matter.” Karvir said he was primarily responding to a Nov. 15 op-ed by activist and blogger Ami Worthen published in the Citizen Times. In the piece, Worthen calls
FIGHTING BACK: Himanshu Karvir, center, vice chair of the Buncombe County Tourism Development Authority, shares thoughts on community criticism of his organization at the group’s Nov. 20 meeting. Screen capture courtesy of Sunshine Request for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners to stop collecting the 6% tax on county lodging that funds tourism advertising and tourism-related community projects and urges the abolition of the tourism agency. Worthen cites increased gentrification, environ-
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mental and infrastructure impacts and a lack of accountability for TDA officials as reasons to eliminate the authority. During nearly 20 minutes of remarks, transcribed in full at avl.mx/6qf, Karvir said he took “great offense” to the commentary and disputed each of Worthen’s points. He pointed to the agency’s limited, state-imposed mandate for occupancy tax spending and argued that tourism was not responsible for environmental degradation. He also noted that Buncombe County provides thorough oversight of the agency’s activities. “Our meetings are public; our agenda is public; our budget is public; there’s an attorney sitting here to make sure that we stay in our guidelines, the legislative mandate,” Karvir said. “To me, there are real checks and balances here, and if there is something that even looks like it’s out, we have board members that bring it up. So again, this opinion that is posted here is not based on any reality.” Karvir attributed the challenges outlined in the op-ed, such as gentrifica-
tion and aging infrastructure, to local government policies and neglect. He also claimed that the local media feed a negative narrative about the TDA by using “divisive headlines” and not publishing data and news stories that portray the positive impacts of the agency and tourism in the community. “In my opinion, there are no problems with the TDA. The problems lie elsewhere. The problems lies in the opinions like [Worthen’s]. The problem lies with individuals that have nothing to do with our industry and have no idea how hotels operate, how the TDA operates and what the occupancy tax does for our community,” Karvir said. “[The media are] actively posting negative tourism stories on known Facebook pages that are active on anti-tourism and actively soliciting comments. And I get all that stuff, but I think the problem lies there.” TDA Chair Gary Froeba described Karvir’s comments as “a big wow” but agreed that the board should seek more control of the tourism narrative. News stories, activist efforts and community voices, he said, too often raise concerns about the negative aspects of tourism without highlighting the TDA’s positive contributions. “We’re tired of being beaten up and we’re gonna start pushing back, just like [Karvir] has shown today,” Froeba said. “We have to stand up for our industry. We’re not a bad industry — we’re a good industry and we have to support [Explore Asheville President and CEO] Stephanie [Brown] and her team. … We can’t let them get pummeled like they’re getting pummeled. It’s just not fair to them and it’s not fair to us.”
— Brooke Randle X
FEA T U RE S
ASHEVILLE ARCHIVES by Thomas Calder | tcalder@mountainx.com
‘Turkey and trimmings’
Residents celebrate a postwar Thanksgiving, 1919
HOLIDAYS IN OTEEN: This undated photo shows soldiers at General Hospital No. 19 (today’s Charles George VA Medical Center), seated for a holiday dinner. Photo courtesy of The Massie Collection of Photographs of Oteen Hospital, D.H. Ramsey Library, Special Collections, UNC Asheville “In this good year 1919, how much have we for which to be thankful!” declared North Carolina Gov. Thomas Walter Bickett, on Nov. 15. “Our soldiers, who on last Thanksgiving day, were far away in foreign lands have safely crossed the seas and are at home again in happiness and peace.” The governor’s proclamation, delivered in Raleigh, was featured in the following day’s edition of The Sunday Citizen. His words represented both the state’s and the nation’s collective sigh of relief. A year prior, on Nov. 11, 1918, Germany surrendered, ending the Great War. Though victorious, American soldiers remained overseas during the 1918 holiday season. Meanwhile, U.S. citizens continued to sacrifice personal comforts to support the postwar efforts (see “Asheville Archives: Patriotic residents forgo turkey on Thanksgiving, 1918,” Nov. 22, 2018, Xpress). By 1919, the country was ready to celebrate in traditional fashion. “[G]rocerymen from all over the city yesterday were unanimous in stating that bountiful provisions had been distributed to eager purchasers,” reported The Asheville Citizen on Thanksgiving Day. Residents, the paper continued, “will today spread the annual Thanksgiving dinner, with the piece de resistance — the American Thanksgiving bird — profusely surround-
ed with many luxurious dishes, made famous by their conspicuous entree on the annual a la carte, long anticipated and eagerly devoured[.]” In addition to a hearty meal, the paper predicted many hunting parties that day scouring the local forests for “meat, rabbit and quail[.]” H.L. Finkelstein, anticipating an abundance of outdoor activities, promoted his pawnshop’s selection of guns and rifles in the previous day’s paper, touting: “Game hunting is bigger and more plentiful this year than ever — make your selection of either your shot gun or rifle from the big stock.” Finkelstein’s, which is still operational, offered new and used weapons ranging from $4.45 to $34.95 (or roughly $25 to $519 in today’s dollar). Dances were also scheduled to take place throughout Asheville, “both at private homes and at the city dance hall,” the Thanksgiving Day paper reported. Meanwhile, the article continued, a number of the city’s “benevolent organizations,” announced plans to distribute food baskets to the less fortunate. “Numerous persons yesterday were heard to comment upon the many things for which the American people have to thank the Almighty,” the article concluded. “The safe return of thousands of American youths who participated in the
world war, absence of famine, and plagues were among those primarily pointed out.” Of course, not all soldiers celebrated the holiday at home. In nearby Oteen, many returning servicemen received treatment at General Hospital No. 19 (see “Asheville Archives: Construction begins on U.S.A. General Hospital No. 19,” Oct. 23, 2018, Xpress). “A bountiful Thanksgiving turkey dinner was served yesterday to the sick boys, nurses, detachment men and officers … at the U.S. Army post,” The Asheville Citizen reported on Nov. 28, 1919. Though separated from their families and still battling injuries and illnesses suffered during battle, the soldiers, according to the paper, appeared pleased and eager for their holiday meal: “The tables with white table covers, and a bunch of galax leaves at every plate, big bowls filled high with nuts, fruits and cakes, presented a most beautiful scene, and for half an hour before the doors to the big mess hall were thrown open, big crowds of the boys stood in the halls looking in and making all sorts of jests as to what they could do for a whole plate of turkey and trimmings.” Editor’s note: Peculiarities of spelling and punctuation are preserved from the original documents. X
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NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2019
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR NOV. 27 - DEC. 5, 2019
CALENDAR GUIDELINES For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, ext. 137. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 828-251-1333, ext. 320.
ACTIVISM MOMS DEMAND ACTION ASHEVILLE • 1st MONDAYS, 6-7pm - Non-partisan group educating and advocating for stricter gun safety laws. Free to attend. Held at The BLOCK off biltmore, 39 S. Market St. VETERANS FOR PEACE • TUESDAYS, 5pm - Weekly peace vigil. Free. Held at the Vance Monument in Pack Square, 1 Pack Square
BENEFITS ASHEVILLE TURKEY TROT 5K • TH (11/28), 8:30am - Proceeds from the annual Asheville Turkey Trot 5K and the Gobble Wobble 1 mile fun run benefit MANNA FoodBank. Registration: bit.ly/2OcOVuN. $40/$20 fun run. Held at YMCA - Asheville, 30 Woodfin St. ASTRONOMY CLUB HOLIDAY SOCIAL • TH (12/5), 6:30pm Proceeds from the 8th annual Holiday Social and Auction with refreshments, door prizes and silent and live auctions benefits the Astronomy Club of Asheville. Free to attend. Held in the Manheimer Room at UNC Asheville Reuter Center, 1 University Heights FESTIVAL OF TREES • TH (12/5) through SU (12/8) - Proceeds from this fundraiser featuring 30 elaborately decorated Christmas trees, with raffle and live music benefit the
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Children’s Center of Transylvania County. Thurs.: noon-3pm. Fri. & Sat.: 10am-8pm. Sun.: 10am-2pm. $5. Held at Porter Center for Performing Arts at Brevard College, Brevard KINETOSAUR PREVIEW PARTY BENEFIT • SA (11/30), 6-9pm - Proceeds from this silent auction fundraiser with film preview and live music benefit the making of the documentary, Kinetosaur: The Legacy of John Payne. Held at The Wedge at Foundation, 5 Foundy St. HOLIDAY HEROES • TU (12/3), 6pm Proceeds from Holiday Heroes with live music and refreshments benefit Youth Villages. Information: youthvillages.org. Free to attend. Held at Off the Wagon, 22 N Market St. Some events from this section may be found in the Give!Local calendar on p. 23
BUSINESS & TECHNOLOGY FLETCHER AREA BUSINESS ASSOCIATION • 4th THURSDAYS, 11:30-noon - General meeting. Free. Held at YMCA Mission Pardee Health Campus, 2775 Hendersonville Road, Arden
CLASSES, MEETINGS & EVENTS EMPYREAN ARTS WEEKLY CLASSES (PD.) AERIAL KIDS (5-12) on Wednesdays
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2019
5:00. IRON CORE CONDITIONING on Wednesdays 5:15. INTRO to AERIAL FLEXIBILITY 40+ on Wednesdays 6:15pm. INTRO to HANDSTANDS on Thursdays 7:45pm. PARTNER ACROBATICS on Sundays 6:30pm. AERIAL YOGA YIN on Mondays 6:30pm. EMPYREANARTS. ORG. 828.782.3321 ASHEVILLE ROTARY CLUB • THURSDAYS, noon-1:30pm - General meeting. Free. Held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church St. ASHEVILLE SUBMARINE VETERANS • 1st TUESDAYS, 6-7pm - Social meeting for US Navy submarine veterans. Free to attend. Held at Ryan’s Steakhouse, 1000 Brevard Road BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty. org/governing/depts/ library • WE (12/4), 11am BINGO for all ages. Prizes from the Friends of the Library. Coffee and morning snacks. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. • THURSDAYS, 10:30am-noon Modern money theory study group. Free. Held at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. • THURSDAYS, 5pm Spanish Conversation Group for adults. Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. LAND OF SKY OPEN HOUSE • WE (12/4), 2-4pm Open house with tour of the building and opportunity to learn about services and funding opportunities. Free. Held at Land of Sky Regional Council Offices, 339 New Leicester Highway, Suite 140
MOUNTAINX.COM
TRIVIA NIGHT • TUESDAYS, 7pm Trivia night. Free. Held at VFW Post 9157, 165 Cragmont Road, Black Mountain Some events from this section may be found in the Give!Local calendar on p. 23
ECO ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR EVERYONE • WE (12/4), 1-3:30pm - Energy Efficiency for Everyone, workshop. Registration required: bit.ly/35lEv2S. Free. Held at Lenoir-Rhyne University, 36 Montford Ave.
FARM & GARDEN BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES • WE (12/4), 6pm - Leicester Library Community Garden is starting up. Learn how to get involved. Free. Held at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, Leicester
FOOD & BEER SALUDA HOLIDAY MARKET • SA (11/30), 1-3pm - Holiday market with winter vegetables, jams and jellies, baked goods, honey and locally produced crafts. Free to attend. Held at Saluda Tailgate Market, West Main St., Saluda THANKSGIVING MEAL • TH (11/28), noon - Free Thanksgiving meal for those in need sponsored by the Salvation Army. Free. Held at Center of Hope, 204 Haywood St.
FESTIVALS 31ST ANNUAL DICKENS CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION • SA (11/30), 5-8pm - 31st Annual Dickens Christmas Celebration featuring live music and entertainment, hot
TRIP THE LIGHT FANTASTIC: The Lake Julian Festival of Lights takes place December 2-23, 6-9 nightly. Tickets are $10 at the gate for standard passenger vehicles ($8 in advance), avl.mx/6qi. The tour includes thousands of lights and displays circling Lake Julian Park. A Lights by the Lake Stroll is planned for Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1, 5-8 p.m., avl.mx/6qh. A portion of the proceeds benefits Buncombe County Special Olympics. Photo courtesy of Cataldo Perrone (p. 20) chocolate competition and Christmas tree and street-lighting at sundown. Free to attend. Held at Cecil Park, Biltmore Park Town Square, 30 Town Square Blvd. HENDERSONVILLE STREET LIGHTING • FR (11/29), dusk - Downtown Hendersonville street lighting and Santa’s arrival. Free. Held at Courthouse Square, 1 Historic Courthouse Square, Hendersonville LAKE JULIAN FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Lake Julian Park and Marina, 406 Overlook Extension, Arden, 828684-0376, david.blynt@ buncombecounty.org • SA (11/30) & SU (12/1), 5pm - Walking tour of the 19th annual Festival of Lights features visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday craft-making, familyfriendly activities and
s’mores. Registration suggested: $5/Free for children under 16. • TU (12/3) through MO (12/23), 6-9pm - Drive through holiday light festival. Portion of proceeds benefit Buncombe County Special Olympics. $10 per passenger vehicle/Discount for tickets purchased in advance. LIGHT UP THE LOBBY • FR (11/29), 6-9pm - Holiday light celebration. Free. Held at The Center for Art & Entertainment, 125 S. Main St., Hendersonville WINTER LIGHTS EXHIBITION • FR (11/22) through SA (1/4), 6-10pm Winter Lights, outdoor holiday lights exhibition. $18/$12 children/ Free under 5. Held at NC Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way
GOVERNMENT & POLITICS BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES • TU (12/3), 6pm - Educational seminar about voter photo identification requirements. Free. Held at Skyland/South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road CITIZENS-POLICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE • 1st WEDNESDAYS, 5pm - Citizens-Police Advisory Committee meeting. Free. Meets in the 1st Floor Conference Room, Public Works Building, 161 S. Charlotte St. INDIVISIBLE COMMON GROUND-WNC • 1st WEDNESDAYS, 6:30-8pm - General meeting. Free. Held at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 286 Forest Hills Road, Sylva
PUBLIC INPUT SESSIONS FOR STRATEGIC PLANNING • MO (12/2), 1-3pm - Provide input to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners for the 5-year strategic plan. RSVP: Angelyn.Johnson@ buncombecounty. org. Held at Big Ivy Community Center, 540 Dillingham Road, Barnardsville • WE (12/4), 2:304:30pm - Provide input to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners for the 5-year strategic plan. RSVP: Angelyn.Johnson@ buncombecounty.org. Held at Black Mountain Town Hall, 160 Midland Ave., Black Mountain • WE (12/4), 5:307:30pm - Provide input to the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners for the 5-year strategic plan. RSVP: Angelyn.Johnson@ buncombecounty.
org. Held at Arthur R. Edington Education and Career Center, 133 Livingston St.
KIDS EMPOWERING THE LEADER IN EACH YOUNG MAN (PD.) Journeymen is supporting adolescent boys on their paths to becoming men of integrity. Our cost-free program is now enrolling young men 12-17. Mentees (“J-men”) participate in bi-weekly mentoring groups and a semi-annual Rites of Passage Adventure Weekend, where they develop compassion, self-awareness, accountability, resilience and authenticity. Learn more: journeymenasheville. org Contact: journeymenasheville@ gmail.com (828) 771-6344.
APPLE VALLEY MODEL RAILROAD & MUSEUM • WEDNESDAYS, 1-3pm & SATURDAYS, 10am-2pm - Open house featuring operating model trains and historic memorabilia. Free. Held at Apple Valley Model Railroad & Museum, 650 Maple St., Hendersonville BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • MONDAYS, 10:30am - Mother Goose Time, storytime for 4-18 month olds. Free. Held at Skyland/South Buncombe Library, 260 Overlook Road • TU (12/3), 4pm EcoExplore: Intro to Ornithology. Free. Held at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. • 1st WEDNESDAYS, 11am-noon - Storytime + Art, project for preschool students. Free. Held at North
Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. • 1st WEDNESDAYS, 4-5:30pm - Heroes Unlimited, role playing game for grades 6-12. Registration required. Free. Held at Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Road, Fairview • WE (12/4), 4pm LEGO builders, kids 5 and up. Free. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. • WE (12/4), 4pm - Dungeons and Dragons for ages 6-12. Registration required. Free. Held at Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Road, Fairview KID YOGA AND MOVEMENT STORYTELLING • WEDNESDAYS until (12/4), 9:45am - Kid Yoga and Movement Storytelling with Miranda Watson, weaves in animal, nature and humanity-themed yoga postures with storytelling. Registration: avl.mx/6m8. $10. Held
at Henry LaBrun Studio at Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave. PET PHOTO NIGHT • SU (12/1), 6-8pm Bring your pet to meet Santa. Free. Held at Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Road PLAYDATES • MONDAYS, 9-10am - Playdates, family fun activities. Free to attend. Held at Whole Foods Market, 4 S. Tunnel Road Some events from this section may be found in the Give!Local calendar on p. 23
OUTDOORS CONTEMPLATIVE HIKE AT BEARWALLOW MOUNTAIN • WE (12/4), 9am-noon - Easy-tomoderate 1-mile climb through mountain forest, opening up
Mountain Magnolia Inn Hot Springs, North Carolina
is excited to announce the following upcoming Special Events:
DINING & PIANO MUSIC w/ DR. THOMAS MOORE
Friday, November 29th
TRADITIONAL THAI DINNER Friday, December 6th
VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS DINNER Saturday December 14th
NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER PARTY Saturday, December 31st
Call or visit our website for menus, more details, & reservations at 828-622-3543
www.mountainmagnoliainn.com
Located in Hot Springs, NC – a beautiful 45 minute drive from Asheville MOUNTAINX.COM
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2019
21
CONSCIOUS PARTY Come in & experience
25 years
of Coffee Crafting.
Have you tried Bean Werks Coffee? Black Friday Sale of 15% off everything in the store FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NOVEMBER 29TH & 30TH (use your Go Local card for an additional 10% off); cannot be combined with any other offers
Come "build your own" stocking or gift basket Mention this ad on Black Friday and receive a free 8oz cup of coffee or tea with your purchase
O, TANNENBAUM: The Children’s Center of Transylvania County’s fundraiser, the Festival of Trees, is held at Brevard College’s Porter Center for the Performing Arts from Friday, Nov. 30, through Sunday, Dec. 2. Tickets are $5, and children 12 and younger get in free. The fresh-cut Fraser firs are decorated in different themes and offered at $350 for a 6-foot tree and $500 for an 8-foot tree. A preview gala and buffet dinner with complimentary beer and wine are planned for Thursday, Nov. 29, 6-8:30 p.m., for $75. The Children’s Center hopes to raise $18,000 from the festival to help pay for programs for children who are at risk or are victims of neglect or abuse. Photo courtesy of Ray Tuers (p. 20)
Extended hours Friday and Saturday Nov 29th and 30th
753 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806
828-254-7766 • Beanwerks.com
THE ENNEAGRAM MAP &
RELATIONSHIP DYNAMICS:
a retreat for couples Sandra Smith, certified enneagram consultant & national teacher Pam White, psychotherapist & cofounder of the asheville center for group and family therapy
Friday, Jan 10, 7pm – Sunday, Jan 12, noon MONTREAT CONFERENCE CENTER 401 Assembly Dr • Montreat, NC 28757
Register by Dec 10th
with Sandra Smith (828-808-5820, sandracsmith@charter.net) Bringing our whole selves into relationship while allowing the other to be authentically who they are—no changing or fixing—creates possibilities for love to flourish.Using the Enneagram System, couples will explore their type’s gifts, limiting filters and core fears in relationship. This retreat welcomes same sex and opposite sex couples. Participants must have a working knowledge of the Enneagram system.
» Residential Cost per Couple: $685 (After December 15: $740) » Commuter Cost per Couple: $510 (After December 15: $560)
sponsored by
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NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2019
MOUNTAINX.COM
onto a grassy field at the top for some guided reflection before looping back down. Registration: avl.mx/6q7. Free. Held at Bearwallow Mountain Trail, 4899 Bearwallow Mountain Road, Hendersonville HENDERSONVILLE TURKEY TROT 5K • TH (11/28), 8:30am - Turkey Trot 5K. Registration: hvlnc.gov. $12 includes at t-shirt. Begins at Hendersonville City Hall, 145 5th Ave. E., Hendersonville
PARENTING MOTHERS CONNECTION • THURSDAYS, 11:30am-1:30pm Social gathering for mothers and their babies. Registration required. Free to attend. Held at Haywood Regional Medical Center, 262 Leroy George Drive, Clyde
PUBLIC LECTURES DISCOVER NATURAL TRANSYLVANIA SERIES • TH (12/5), 6:307:30pm - The Story of
the Pisgah Game Preserve, presentation by David Whitmire. Free. Held at Transylvania County Library, 212 S. Gaston St., Brevard WNC CHAPTER OF THE WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL • TU (12/3), 7:30-9pm - India: Modi Begins his Second Term, presentation by Keya Maitra, department chair and professor of philosophy at UNC Asheville. $10/Free for members. Held at UNC-Asheville Reuter Center, 1 Campus View Road
SENIORS ASHEVILLE NEW FRIENDS (PD.) Offers active senior residents of the Asheville area opportunities to make new friends and explore new interests through a program of varied social, cultural and outdoor activities. Visit ashevillenewfriends. org FOCUS ON FLEXIBILITY • TUESDAYS, 2:30pm - Focus on Flexibility, exercise class focused on stiffness, balance and body alignment. Information: 828-299-
4844. Free. Held at Haw Creek Commons, 311 Old Haw Creek Road
SPIRITUALITY ANATASATI MAGGA (PD.) Sujata Yasa (Nancy Spence). Zen Buddhism. Weekly meditations and services; Daily recitations w/ mala. Urban retreats. 32 Mineral Dust Drive, Asheville, NC 28806. 828-367-7718. info@ anattasatimagga.org. ANATTASATIMAGGA. ORG ASTRO-COUNSELING (PD.) Licensed counselor and accredited professional astrologer uses your chart when counseling for additional insight into yourself, your relationships and life directions. Stellar Counseling Services. Christy Gunther, MA, LPC. (828) 258-3229. ECK LIGHT AND SOUND SERVICE: THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ECK—PASSKEYS TO THE HEART OF GOD (PD.) Explore your own direct connection with the Divine within this service, an engaging blend
of insightful stories, uplifting creative arts, and contemplative exercises. Experience the Light and Sound of God and the sacred sound of HU, which can open your heart to divine love, healing, and inner guidance. Fellowship follows. Sponsored by ECKANKAR. Date: Sunday, December 1, 2019, 11am, Eckankar Center of Asheville, 797 Haywood Rd. (“Kings and Queens Salon” building, lower level), Asheville NC 28806, 828-254-6775. (free event). www. eckankar-nc.org ANATTASATI MAGGA MOVIE NIGHT • TH (12/5), 6-9pm - Anattasati Magga movie showing of the movie, Zen. Free to attend. Held at Asheville Friends Meetinghouse, 227 Edgewood Road MOUNTAIN MINDFULNESS SANGHA • TUESDAYS 7-8:30pm - Mountain Mindfulness Sangha. Admission by donation. Held at The Center for Art and Spirit at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 1 School Road
C O MMU N IT Y CA L E N D AR
Giving on the rise in 2019 As the Give!Local fundraising campaign approaches its halfway point, overall giving is up from the previous year and crossed the $50,000 mark on Sunday. The average gift is higher than the project saw last year at this point, at about $255. Once again, however, the shining strength of Give!Local is the small donors who have been inspired to make their money go to work for their community. The median gift is $50, and the 198 donors as of Nov. 24 surpasses the number of donors in past years by the end of November. Let’s hear it for the donors! Donors from as far away as California, Florida and New Jersey have contributed, but 95% of donors are right here in the Mountain Xpress distribution area. Xpress mapped the approximate locations of donors. The map shows that the largest gifts and highest totals are coming from West Asheville and Swannanoa, while the most donors are giving from West Asheville and North Asheville. X
DONOR CONCENTRATION: Approximate locations of Give!Local donors and the total giving by area offer a snapshot of philanthropy so far in 2019’s Give!Local campaign for 45 worthy nonprofits. Graphic by Able Allen and Scott Southwick on Google Maps
GIVE!LOCAL NONPROFITS’ CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS This week the Community Calendar is highlighting events that are sponsored by nonprofits that are participating in the Give!Local campaign. The campaign is raising money for 45 worthy local nonprofits that make a big difference where we live. These events are wonderful examples of some of the great work that these nonprofits do within our communities!
Outside, Black Friday alterna-
NORTH CAROLINA GLASS CENTER
tive event featuring animal
140 Roberts St., Suite B, 828-505-
HOLIDAY POP-UP MARKET • SA (11/30) through FR (12/20), noon-5pm - Shop Local Holiday Pop-Up Market with ceramics, cards and original art, make an ornament, live music and food and drink for sale. Held at Open Hearts Art Center, 217 Coxe Ave.
education programs and two
3552, ncglasscenter.org
family-friendly wildlife walks.
• SU (12/1) through TU (12/31),
NORTH CAROLINA GLASS CENTER 140 Roberts St., Suite B, 828505-3552, ncglasscenter.org • MO (12/2) through SU (12/8), 10am-6pm - Annual seconds sale and tours of the new space. Free to attend.
COUNCIL ON AGING OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY
ART/CRAFT STROLLS & FAIRS
ANIMALS FRIENDS OF THE WNC NATURE CENTER 828-259-8092, wildwnc.org, americorps@wildwnc.org
• FR (11/29), 10am-5pm - Opt
Admission fees apply. Held at WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Road
BENEFITS
828-277-8288, coabc.org
10am-6pm - Proceeds from sales of limited edition blown glass ornaments and sculpted candy canes benefit Open Doors and Pisgah Legal. Free to attend.
CLASSES, MEETINGS & EVENTS
• TH (12/5), 4-6pm - Proceeds from this exhibition of Christmas trees and wreaths with
ASHEVILLE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE
raffle, refreshments and bidding
828-254-7162, colburnmuseum.
benefit the Council on Aging of Buncombe County and The Falls Coalition of Henderson County. Information: coabc.org/
org • SUNDAYS, 2:30-4pm - Tour of the night time sky in an inflatable
festival-of-trees. Held at The
astronomy dome. Admission fees
Lodge at Mills River, 5593 Old
apply. Held at Asheville Museum
Haywood Road, Mills River
of Science, 43 Patton Ave.
KIDS BELOVED ASHEVILLE LIBERATION STATION 10 N. Market St., belovedasheville.com • MONDAYS & THURSDAYS, 3:30-4:30pm - Spanish/ English immersion for kids from Spanish and English speaking backgrounds to come together. Free.
SUPPORT GROUPS MEMORY LOSS CAREGIVERS network@memorycare.org • 1st TUESDAYS, 1-3pm – Held at Fletcher Seventh Day Adventist Church, Howard Gap Road and Naples Road, Fletcher
VOLUNTEERING 12 BASKETS CAFE 610 Haywood Road, 828-2314169, ashevillepovertyinitiative.org
• TUESDAYS 10:30am - Volunteer orientation.
spelling and English language skills. Free.
GIRLS ON THE RUN 828-713-3132, gotrwnc.org • SU (12/8) - Volunteer to assist at this family-friendly 5K run and walk. Held at Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Road
WELLNESS BELOVED ASHEVILLE LIBERATION STATION
HOMEWARD BOUND OF WNC 19 N. Ann St., 828-258-1695, homewardboundwnc.org • THURSDAYS, 11am - See the Hope Tour, find out how Homeward Bound is working to end homelessness and how you can help. Registration required: tours@homewardboundwnc.org or 828-785-9840. Free.
10 N. Market St.,
THE LITERACY COUNCIL OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY 31 College Place, Suite B221, 828-254-3442, litcouncil.com/ • MO (12/2), 5:30pm - Information session for those interested in volunteering two hours per week with adults who want to improve reading, writing,
• SU (12/1), 11am-2pm - HIV
MOUNTAINX.COM
belovedasheville.com • WEDNESDAYS, 2:30-4pm - Street medic outreach clinic. Free. WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA AIDS PROJECT 828-252-7489, wncap.org & The Trans Experience, community luncheon with guest speaker, transgender HIV activist Tori Cooper. Registration required: mpoandl@wncap.org or 828-252-7489 x313. Free.
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2019
23
WELLNESS
COMMUNITY CLASH
West Asheville group proposes changes to state needle exchange legislation
BY BROOKE RANDLE brandle@mountainx.com If members of the West Asheville Neighborhood Alliance have their way, needle exchange programs will face significantly greater restrictions on where they can operate in Buncombe County and throughout the state. At the Nov. 15 meeting of the Council of Independent Business Owners, representatives of the group presented a plan to change state legislation governing programs that provide syringes and other supplies. The move comes as tensions continue to rise between the Steady Collective, a harm-reduction organization that distributes clean needles and overdose prevention supplies from Firestorm Books and Coffee at 610 Haywood Road each Tuesday between 1:30 and 4 p.m., and some West Asheville residents who oppose its location. During the meeting, West Asheville property owner John Miall, along with West Asheville Neighborhood Alliance representatives Sanjit Patel and Conda Painter, described the West Asheville needle exchange program as the cause of increased crime and homelessness in the area and called for tightening the state’s current legislation. “The problem [in West Asheville] is [at] an epidemic level. One of the things you’ll have on your table this morning is a proposed legislative change that we think needs to happen,” Miall said as he introduced the neighborhood group’s presenta-
LOVE THY NEIGHBOR? Tensions continue to rise between some West Asheville residents and the Steady Collective, a harmreduction organization that distributes clean needles once a week from Firestorm Books and Coffee on Haywood Road. Photo from Google Street View tion. “There are so many loopholes in the law for needle exchanges that these groups are walking all over us.” LIMITING ACCESS In July 2016, former Republican Gov. Pat McCrory signed House Bill 972 into law, making syringe access programs legal in North Carolina. Just two months later, the Steady Collective held its first syringe access outreach
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day at Firestorm, according to the organization’s website. Patel claimed during the meeting that the law allows Steady Collective and other needle exchange programs to operate in any location, including residential areas and near schools. He distributed a handout showing proposed changes to the current law. Those alterations would include requiring syringe supplies to be marked with a program’s logo for easy identification and tracking; the approval of a majority of nearby residents for facilities located close to neighborhoods; background checks for exchange operators and property owners; and $1 million in general and liability insurance. The changes would also restrict stationary exchange programs from locating within a 3-mile radius of a school zone and prohibit mobile needle exchange programs from operating out of a fixed dwelling. All three syringe access programs now operating within Buncombe County — Steady Collective, the Needle Exchange Program of Asheville (located at the Western North Carolina AIDS Project on Fairview Road) and a clinic at the Buncombe County Health
Department on Coxe Avenue — are located within 3 miles of a school, the Steady Collective pointed out in a Nov. 19 statement to Xpress. “[The proposed legislation] will help get needle exchanges away from our schools,” Patel said, noting that Rainbow Community School, located at 574 Haywood Road, had previously raised concerns about the proximity of the program to school grounds. Representatives from the school did not return requests for comment by press time. HOLDING THE LINE The proposed legislation comes on the heels of a lengthy battle between the Steady Collective and the city of Asheville, which had previously claimed that the group’s West Asheville location was in violation of zoning requirements and issued notices of violation that threatened to close the program. The city dropped that assertion in March after more than six months of discussions and a drawn-out appeals process. The Steady Collective’s needle exchange program is currently
pressure to alter evidence-based services or close certain locations.” In a Nov. 18 email to Xpress, representatives from Firestorm Books and Coffee acknowledged community concerns about the distance between needle exchanges and schools but disputed the claim that children are endangered by the program’s proximity. “Harm reduction requires us to consider many types of harm, including harm to children. There is no evidence that providing lifesaving services to drug users, in the community where those individuals live, escalates the risk of harm to children,” the statement read. “While we acknowledge anxiety over the potential for harm, our cooperative supports evidence-based approaches to public health and therefore opposes legislative restrictions rooted in fear and hate. We are open to collaboration and good-faith dialogue with those who disagree, but attempts to vilify or further marginalize members of our community should have no platform.” The statement from the Steady Collective said that despite the neigh-
considered to be in compliance with Asheville’s zoning code. According to data presented by Buncombe County Health and Human Services officials at the Let’s Talk Opioids event on Oct. 28, Buncombe County experienced a 30% decrease in opioid-related deaths 2017-18 after years of increases. In its statement, the Steady Collective also noted that while it provides clean needles, it also has distributed nearly 6,200 naloxone overdose reversal kits; 877 successful overdose reversals have been reported to the organization since 2016, Steady Collective said. “We need harm reduction in Appalachia now more than ever and we oppose any attempts to regulate programs out of cities like Asheville, where rates of overdose are particularly high. People using drugs deserve support, and we are honored to meet people where they are and provide needed care,” the statement read. “Steady Collective was the first harm reduction program in Buncombe County to distribute naloxone and has continued to remain deeply committed to the Principles of Harm Reduction [a set of national best practices] despite immense
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WELLNESS borhood group’s efforts, it has no plans of discontinuing its services at the West Asheville location. RISING RHETORIC Language from those both for and against the exchange has continued to escalate in recent months. During the CIBO meeting, Patel and Painter presented a video in which Patel describes Firestorm Books and Coffee as a front to promote “leftist ideology” and sow discord in the community. “Their movement has been brainwashing young children with books designed to teach them white people are bad and to have a responsibility to speak up against other white people,”
Patel says in the video. “I’m providing some background information on the bookstore which shows how unsavory these people are and how they intend to dismantle the community.” In the video, Patel also pointed to an Oct. 17 community meeting hosted by the Asheville Police Department at the Grace Baptist Church, in which he says West Asheville residents were heckled for speaking out against the needle exchange program. He also said that business owners who opposed the exchange had their personal details made public and that their businesses were subjected to dozens of false negative reviews online. Hillary Brown, director of the Steady Collective, who attended the Oct. 17 meeting, also described it as confrontational, writing in a widely circulated Facebook post that some
residents pushed for more police and longer jail stays for offenders while blaming the Steady Collective for the rise in crime, homeless people and drug use in the area. “People asked what they are supposed to tell their children when they have to ‘step around’ homeless people in the morning on their walk to school. A woman sitting next to a Firestorm [representative] said she hoped drug users die,” Brown wrote in the post. “I look forward to continuing to serve folks this system of oppression and its beneficiaries seek to destroy,” Brown continued. “And I have no plans to argue in defense of those folks’ existence and care in [West Asheville] crime prevention/neighborhood meetings anymore. I just can’t. It’s too horrific.” Additional reporting by Daniel Walton X
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BY DANIEL WALTON dwalton@mountainx.com Even during the height of tourist season, accounting remains a relatively straightforward affair for many Asheville-area attractions. Biltmore Estate can count its tickets sold, breweries their cups filled and artists the pieces that fly off gallery walls. Things aren’t so simple for another of the region’s major draws: the French Broad River. No one has set up admission booths along the river’s banks, and pictures of a perfect sunset over its winding waters are free for the taking. Yet hundreds of
area businesses rely on the river for their livelihoods. Although it files no tax returns, the French Broad is foundational to Western North Carolina’s economy. A new study, commissioned by the French Broad River Partnership with $56,000 in grant funding from the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, Ecology Wildlife Foundation and Duke Energy, effectively seeks to fill out the river’s books. Over the next year, a research team led by economist Steve Ha of Western Carolina University will analyze the mon-
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etary value of a healthy river to its eight-county watershed, with work expected to wrap up by fall 2020. The study is the first major initiative for the partnership, which was founded in October 2018 and comprises more than 80 nonprofits, governmental agencies, businesses and individuals with an interest in the river. Partnership co-chair Garrett Artz, who also serves as the executive director of Asheville-based conservation nonprofit RiverLink, explains that quantifying the river’s financial importance makes sense as a starting point for his diverse coalition. “We thought that economic data was something that would benefit the overall initiative but would also be something that everybody could use,” Artz says. “We’re not aware of anybody ever taking a look at the French Broad River in terms of its economic value to the region.”
Ha has previously conducted over 20 studies to explore the financial impacts of WNC institutions ranging from The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad to Folkmoot USA. But the French Broad research is different, he says, because it will look beyond the direct use of the river as a recreational asset. Instead, Ha explains that the work will define two separate sources of worth: both conventional economic benefits such as tourism spending and “nonuse” values that the river generates passively, such as wildlife habitat and flood management. “We call this nonuse value because people get enjoyment or a benefit simply from the existence of the river,” he says. “That’s the most important part of this study.” Although Ha is still developing his approach to the research, one major component will be boots-onthe-ground community surveys, conducted by partnership volunteers, at locations such as access points and riverside campsites. He also plans to conduct an online survey to reach audiences beyond those who directly engage with the river. Andrea Leslie, the mountain habitat conservation coordinator for the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission and secretary for the partnership’s executive committee, notes that previous work on river values has considered very limited portions of the ecosystem’s total worth. She references a 2015 study that concluded trout fishing alone contributed over $334.3 million annually to the state’s
mountain region and supported roughly 3,200 area jobs. “We talk about how biodiversity can benefit people, but we don’t necessarily really quantify it economically,” Leslie says. “Hopefully this study will help the general public and folks who are involved in commercial ventures here see the value.” WORK THE NUMBERS The study comes at a critical time for the French Broad, Artz says. Pressures from ongoing development and population growth, he suggests, have created a need for collaborative river protection similar to the Upper French Broad Defense Association that fought dams proposed for Transylvania, Henderson, Buncombe and Madison counties by the Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1970s. By adopting the values determined through Ha’s study, Artz continues, member organizations in the French Broad River Partnership can tell a consistent story of the river’s importance throughout their grant applications and community outreach. And successfully supporting the study through logistics and volunteers, he says, will serve as a proof of concept for the partnership itself. “Right now, a lot of foundations are looking for partnerships to move things forward because it can be an efficient way of using their money for a project,” Artz says. “We feel like we might enable ourselves to seek some greater funding sources and have some greater impact working together.” Although the partnership’s current work is economically focused, Leslie emphasizes that she and other members haven’t lost sight of the French Broad watershed as an entity with its own inherent value. The awe of a quiet morning on the river, with birds on the wing above and fish wriggling below, can’t be reduced to figures on a balance sheet. “What makes a red-tailed hawk less or more valuable than a bald eagle, or what makes Haw Creek more or less valuable than the Mills River?” she asks. “In the end, I think we have to argue for the value of all.” But doing the numbers, Leslie adds, is a way to “give nature as many chances as we can” in a world often driven by the dollar. “Money and economic value does speak to some people,” she says. “Maybe it’s going to speak to some people in ways that intrinsic value won’t.” X
FOOD
LEFTOVERS MAKEOVERS Chef tips for creatively recycling the remains of your Thanksgiving feast
scratch food, kitchen counter seating & vegan verve all the time 165 merrimon avenue (828) 258-7500 plantisfood.com HASHING IT OUT: Chef Dan Silo says he’ll likely use any turkey left over from his Thanksgiving dinner to make hash, like the one pictured, which he recently whipped up at his restaurant, Sawhorse. “We always have a hash and eggs on the brunch menu here,” he says. “It’s a great way to use odds and ends of proteins, starch and vegetables.” Photo by Cindy Kunst
BY KAY WEST kswest55@comcast.net The downside of hosting Thanksgiving dinner in your home is that it’s labor intensive. First, there’s planning the menu — of course, taking into consideration the dietary restrictions of your guests. Then there’s hunting down the recipes; shopping; cleaning the house/hiding the clutter; pulling out the special occasion linens, china, silver and glassware (for all the lovely wine your guests will be bringing); prepping; cooking; and doing the tricky math so everything is ready to hit the table at the same time. Finally, when you’re stuffed as full as the bird and the last drops of zinfandel and riesling are drained, the postmeal cleanup looms large. The upside of hosting Thanksgiving dinner in your home? You get to keep all the leftovers. But then the challenge becomes: What to do with all the leftovers. There is no shame in simply taking all the elements of your spread out of the fridge, reheating and repeating. Or putting slabs of carved turkey between two slices of white
bread, slathering on some mayo and calling it a day. Or you could turn your leftovers into makeovers, with help from four Asheville chefs who took time from their Thanksgiving prep to share these recipes. (Note: Some are more freestyle than others.) But first, do not discard the pickedclean turkey carcass without using it to make stock. Break it up into smaller pieces, put it in a pot with a gallon of water, add peeled, quartered onions, roughly chopped celery and carrots, peppercorns and fresh thyme sprigs, then bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for several hours to reduce, skimming fat occasionally. Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into containers, cool, then refrigerate or freeze. Easy-peasy. SPINACH POTATO CAKES Cristina and Jesson Gil, owners of Asheville’s three Early Girl Eatery cafes, have six children so, says Cristina, “Thanksgiving has always been big. The menu is pretty balanced between what I grew up with, what Jesson grew up with and each child’s favorite things. We would eat in the afternoon, and then
later in the evening everyone would make their own plates from leftovers, heat it and eat again.” Recently, Cristina has been adopting a vegetarian diet, and Jesson tries to stay gluten-free. So the Thanksgiving meal will not include turkey or bread — or, sadly, all of their children at the table since several are back in Texas (where the family is from) or in college. Jesson fondly recalls mashed potato tacos his mother used to make with leftover potatoes. “Fill corn tortillas with potatoes and fry them in a frying pan with oil. Not healthy but oddly tasty!” he says. Here is a healthier, vegetarian option for leftover spuds he suggests for brunch: • 1 pound mashed potatoes • 3 teaspoons olive oil, divided • ¾ teaspoon minced garlic • 4 ounces baby spinach • 1 cup plain bread crumbs • ½ cup Parmesan cheese • 1 tablespoon lemon juice • ¼ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon black pepper • A dash of hot sauce • One large egg, beaten
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F OOD Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil with garlic and spinach in large sauté pan over medium heat. Cook until spinach is wilted. Remove from heat, drain and cool spinach. Place spinach in food processor and purée. Place mashed potatoes in mixing bowl and add spinach and remaining ingredients (minus olive oil) and mix to incorporate. Form into six 3-inch patties and chill 30 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Place patties on baking sheet, brush with remaining olive oil and bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through. TURKEY HASH
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Chef Dan Silo calls upon his upbringing in upstate New York and the Adirondack Mountains in creating the hearty menu at Sawhorse, the restaurant he opened on New Leicester Highway in the spring. Dishes like meat pie and porridge are culinaryorigin touchstones for him in the same way fried chicken and grits are to Southerners. Thanksgiving dinner was cooked by his mother, who also turned leftover turkey into turkey rice soup. “It was superthick like a porridge, which I grew up eating,” he says. “There was really nothing in it but rice, turkey, salt, pepper and butter. I loved it.” Sawhorse is closed Thanksgiving Day, but Silo says he’ll likely roast some turkeys to take to the potluck he and his wife will attend with friends. If
there is any left over, he’ll turn it into a turkey hash. “We always have a hash and eggs on the brunch menu here,” he says. “It’s a great way to use odds and ends of proteins, starch and vegetables. We’ve used duck confit, roast pork, whatever is on hand. And I like to use duck eggs, but chicken eggs work, too.” The chef’s instructions: Pull the meat from the turkey carcass and set aside. Cook several slices of bacon and reserve fat in a skillet (cast iron, if you have one). Remove bacon and put a handful or two of chopped onion in the skillet with bacon fat and let the onion sweat out. Add chopped fresh cabbage and a splash of turkey stock and cook down a good bit until tender. Fold in your turkey meat, some roasted potatoes or roasted winter squash if you have any left over, and let all that cook in the pan a while, getting to know each other a bit. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar, another hit of stock and finish it with some butter and a little applesauce — not to make it soupy, but just to coat it all a bit. Cook it all together, crack two or three eggs on top depending on your skillet, then put it in a 350-degree oven until the eggs set. Serve it for breakfast, brunch or dinner with whatever bread you have left over. HOT TURKEY SANDWICH Robin Ziegler, who co-owns Ziggy’s Bakery & Deli in South Asheville with Joshua Widner, loves sandwiches. “I
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am a big fan,” she says. “I love them and could eat them all the time.” Not surprisingly for the Philadelphia native (and culinary graduate of Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I.), the signature sandwich at Ziggy’s is the cheesesteak. But the top seller is the roast turkey with pesto mayo, smoked gouda, shaved Granny Smith apples and shredded iceberg lettuce on Widner-baked baguette. Ziegler appreciates a purist turkey sandwich with American cheese, tomato, lettuce and mayo, but she turns the heat up with this interpretation of a hot turkey sandwich and bonus side dish suggestions. The chef’s instructions: Melt some butter in a pan, add shredded turkey and enough gravy to coat everything, and heat until it’s hot and bubbly — almost looking like a poutine you’d pour over fries. Lay some slices of Swiss cheese on top and let that melt. Cook it down some so it’s not soupy. Lightly toast some thick slices of sourdough bread. Pull the turkey mix out of the pan — it will be gooey and stringy — and lay it on your your bread. (You can put some iceberg lettuce down first to keep it from falling through the bread.) Open a can of that good old canned, jellied cranberry sauce, cut thick slices as if you were slicing a tomato and put that on top of the turkey mix. Add the other slice of toast on top and close it up. You can eat it with your hands, or you can do it as an open-faced sandwich to eat with a knife and fork. On the side, use your leftover mashed potatoes to make potato cakes (see Early Girl recipe) or cut a square of stuffing and sear it off in butter in a hot pan. TURKEY AND DUMPLINS Growing up in Florence, S.C., Elliott Moss’ family favored the pig over the poultry when it came to Thanksgiving. “We would always cook whole hog around the holidays. My dad was a welder, and that’s kind of how I got into barbecue, those memories of cooking whole hog,” says the acclaimed pitmaster and partner at Buxton Hall Barbecue. “Over the years, we kind of stopped doing whole hog and started doing turkey. You split it open and kind of treat it like a whole hog. We’d use the leftovers for turkey sandwiches, turkey soup, turkey chili.” Though Buxton Hall had smoked turkeys for pickup during Thanksgiving week in the past, for
the first time the restaurant is open for service that day. With over 300 seats reserved nearly two weeks before the holiday, it’s doubtful there will be much of anything left over. But if he gets to take some home, he likes to make a roast turkey sandwich on a croissant with Lusty Monk honey mustard, Swiss cheese and arugula. Or re-create the Southern supper mainstay chicken and dumplins with turkey: Dumplins: • 2½ cups all-purpose flour • ⅔ cup leaf lard • 1 teaspoon baking powder • ½ teaspoon salt • Chopped fresh herbs, if desired • ¾-1½ cups milk
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Mix dry ingredients and leaf lard with a fork. Slowly add milk to flour mixture until combined — it should be doughy and soft but not sticky. Pinch dough into dime-sized balls or roll out on floured countertop and cut into strips or squares. Set aside. Stock: Dice an onion, two carrots and half a head of celery into medium to large chunks and sauté in a small amount of oil or butter on a stock pot. Add a few chopped cloves of garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper and one bay leaf. Add 1½ cups dry white wine to the pan to deglaze. Add 2 gallons of water, bring to a boil then lower heat and simmer until reduced by at least half. Strain. Dice up more onion, carrots and celery in small pieces to make a mirepoix. Add to 2 quarts of the stock and boil until tender; strain out mirepoix and set aside. Finish: Return stock to the pot and bring back to a simmer. Slowly add dumplings/dough strips until stock starts to thicken and dough cooks. Add 1 cup heavy cream. Slowly add some pulled turkey meat and the mirepoix back into pot along with ½ cup green peas and salt and pepper to taste. Serves eight to 10 people. X
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FOOD
by Kay West
kswest55@comcast.net
HELLO, SWEET POTATOES As the seasons turn, so do the menus and dishes at locally sourced restaurants Atop the “it’s a tough job but somebody has to do it” list must surely be the menu tastings Chestnut executive chef Brian Crow holds for front-ofhouse staff the last Tuesday of every month. In late October, the people who field the questions from diners about dishes had the chance to taste and offer feedback as Crow and his sous chefs introduced medium plates and entrées that debuted Nov. 1, replacing or reinterpreting items from October’s dinner menu. Among the smaller plates, Chestnut bid adieu to oysters Rockefeller and pumpkin gnocchi, which were replaced by braised short rib pappardelle and rabbit pot pie. Cauliflower bites morphed into Cauliflower Three Ways — brown-butter fried, pickled and puréed — and the Cajun mussels fell into fall via a red curry pumpkin
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EASY AS PIE: Chef Brian Crow’s rabbit pot pie joined the menu at Chestnut on Nov. 1 as other dishes were cycled out to accommodate local seasonal harvests. Locally focused restaurants have different approaches to rolling with Western North Carolina’s seasons. Photo courtesy of Chestnut broth with spiced pepitas and toasted naan bread for sopping. On the entrée side, Asian marinated tuna steak’s spot was taken by fennel dusted Verlasso salmon, and smoked turkey roulade with prosciutto-sage-gouda filling, bone marrow bread pudding, walnut green beans and cranberry butter ushers in the holiday feasting season. Along with the cauliflower, vegans will find a plate-sized tempura maitake mushroom with ginger carrot purée. Like other locally sourced restaurants in Asheville, Chestnut takes menu prompts as each season rolls out its particular bounty. Crow’s method makes major changes across all menus — dinner, lunch and brunch — in January, April, July and October. And within those quarters, he turns over about 60% of the dinner menu monthly. “When I came on board three years ago, the menus were being changed daily,” he says. “The challenge in that is the front of house didn’t know what they’d get day to day and didn’t have a chance to offer feedback on dishes that would be gone the next night. The back of house didn’t know what they would prep day to day. I welcome the feedback I get from the monthly tastings and what they share from their customers.” As he looks ahead to the next month or quarter, Crow’s sous chefs send him
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ideas, and then they all collaborate on recipe development and sourcing. “I’m excited about the rabbit from Sospiro Ranch,” he says. “Braising is a technique we love to do now, and pot pies are all about cold weather.” Steve Goff, chef/owner of Aux Bar, is also a fan of chilly weather warmups. “I really like the different techniques common to certain seasons. In colder months, you see soup, stews and braising,” he says. “Menu changes happen when I’m in the mood, depending on what’s available in the season. Spring and summer are my favorite seasons for vegetables, especially spring. But I’m a big meat man, and I love meat for fall and winter — beef shanks, lamb shanks, and I’m putting some veal necks on the menu.” No matter the season, the burger is always the thing at Smoky Park Supper Club, says executive chef and co-owner Michelle Bailey. “Matt Logan, one of our co-owners, was always excited about wood-fired cooking, local produce, but the most important thing to him was to have a killer burger. I spent many weeks researching it, developing the grind recipe. That burger has a cult following.” She doesn’t mess with success. “It’s always the same bun, charred herb mayo, smoked cheddar and house-made pickles. But we got the end of the tomatoes the last week of October, so we’re replac-
ing the tomato with grilled onions. In late fall, winter and spring you won’t find a tomato anywhere on our menu. We love tomatoes, but we don’t love bad tomatoes.” Although Bailey bid a wistful farewell to tomatoes and grilled okra, she is enjoying the autumn harvest and looking forward to winter. “We are hyperseasonal here,” she says. “I work with a lot of local farmers, and they all start texting me Sundays to let me know what they’ll have that week. We get deliveries on Wednesdays from our main farms like Gaining Ground, Ten Mile and Green Toe Ground, and go to the tailgate market Saturday morning.” Chef and restaurateur Jacob Sessoms of Table, Imperial Life, All Day Darling and Cultura says he’s been at it so long (he and Matt Dawes opened Table in 2005) and has been working with the same farmers for so many years, he knows what to expect. “I know what’s coming every microseason,” he explains. “What we do at Table and the way I’ve structured Cultura is the chefs and I will write menus for each month based on what is coming in. If Table has 25 items on its menu, we’ll write maybe 50 items for the month and plan according to what will be in its prime for two weeks, and then something else another two weeks.” His team cooks every item to capitalize on its peak ripeness. “The first butternuts are different than the ones later in the season when it’s gotten colder and they have a little age,” he says. No matter the structure or protocol, chefs agree that the start of each season brings something to look forward to. “I love the first couple weeks of every season the most,” says Sessoms. “One of the things I love about Asheville is it’s so seasonal,” says Crow. “I kind of gravitate to fall because I really enjoy those great root vegetables and cooking in the fall.” For Bailey, every season has ingredients to get excited about, from ramps and radishes in spring to corn and okra in the summer. “Fall and winter is the collard greens, cabbage, winter squash, carrots and sweet potatoes,” she says. “They last through March, so you have to mix up the recipes to avoid sweet potato fatigue.” That’s not an issue for Goff. “Sweet potatoes are pretty much a constant on my menu, all the different kinds. We make our duck wing sauce with them, we roast them, quick-pickle them, make kimchi with them, roast them, purée them. We’ll be doing a purple sweet potato pot de crème that will have a really rosy flavor. If North Carolina had a spirit vegetable, it would be sweet potatoes.” X
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SMALL BITES
FOOD
by Thomas Calder | tcalder@mountainx.com
World AIDS Day Community Luncheon The 2019 World AIDS Day Community Luncheon “is about raising awareness and shining a light on a population of people that are marginalized in so many ways,” says Michael Poandl, development and communications coordinator for the Western North Carlina AIDS Project, a local nonprofit that co-organizes the free annual event. The theme for this year’s luncheon is HIV and the trans experience. “We know that transgender people, particularly trans women of color, are disproportionately affected by HIV,” stresses Poandl. “Especially in the South.” According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2,351 transgender people received an HIV diagnosis in the United States from 2009-14. Of these cases, 84% were transgender women, with nearly half of these individuals living in the South. Meanwhile, a separate study by the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System found that nearly two-thirds of transgender women and men surveyed in 2014 and 2015 reported never testing for HIV. “A lot of trans people are discriminated against in medical settings, which discourages them from getting tested, discourages them from getting treatment and discourages them from staying in treatment,” says Poandl. “It’s that access to medical care that we’re pushing.” The gathering’s keynote speaker is transgender HIV activist Tori Cooper. The luncheon menu includes grilled chicken, cheese tortellini, mashed potatoes and fresh greens, along with dessert options.
SPEAKING OUT: Transgender HIV activist Tori Cooper will offer the keynote address at this year’s Worlds AIDS Day Community Luncheon. Photo courtesy of Cooper “Our transgender brothers and sisters are in trouble,” says Poandl. “It is up to us as allies to protect them, to keep them safe and to make sure that they have the same access to medical care — to lifesaving medical care — as the rest of us have enjoyed.” The 2019 World AIDS Day Community Luncheon runs 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1, at DoubleTree by Hilton AshevilleBiltmore, 115 Hendersonville Road. The event is free, but seating is limited. To RSVP, email Michael Poandl at mpoandl@ wncap.org or call 828-252-7489 ext. 313.
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Miracle on Haywood Road
‘Sugar Rush’
The Golden Pineapple, a neighborhood bar in West Asheville, is hosting this year’s Miracle, a holiday pop-up. The annual gathering, previously held at the now-defunct MG Road, features Christmas-themed cocktails, such as Christmapolitan, Run Run Rudolph and the SanTaRex. The monthlong celebration will kick off with a dance party 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday, Nov. 29, featuring music by DJ Meow Meow. Additional events include the Largest Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, running 10 p.m.-midnight Monday, Dec. 2, and an animal adoption fair with Brother Wolf Animal Rescue 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8. Miracle on Haywood Road will also be selling holiday mugs, with 10% of sales benefiting Action Against Hunger, an organization addressing global hunger issues. Miracle on Haywood Road runs through Tuesday, Dec. 31, at The Golden Pineapple, 503 Haywood Road. For details on events, visit avl.mx/5zg.
Melissa Gray, owner of Cakes by Gray and Rosabees, will be featured on “Sugar Rush,” a Netflix original series. The competitive cooking show features four teams battling each other and the clock. Gray’s episode debuts Friday, Nov. 29. To learn more, visit avl.mx/6px.
Sippin’ Santa The Montford Rooftop Bar is hosting Sippin’ Santa, a tiki-themed Miracle companion pop-up. The new monthlong event features Polynesian décor and signature cocktails such as the Kris Kringle Colada and the Christmas Eve Destruction. According to a press release, the menu will also include the Jingle Bowl, “a festive shareable largeformat rum punch served in a bowl resembling a hot tub, complete with Santa and his reindeer taking a boozy soak.” On Monday, Dec. 2, Sippin’ Santa will host, in tandem with Miracle, the Largest Ugly Christmas Sweater Party. Sippin’ Santa runs through Tuesday, Dec. 31, at The Montford Rooftop Bar, 199 Haywood St. For details on upcoming events, visit avl.mx/6ps.
Friendsgiving potluck Got Thanksgiving Day leftovers? Consider joining Lookout Brewing Co. for its annual Friendsgiving potluck. The gathering takes place Friday, Nov. 29. All are welcome. The potluck runs 6-8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, at Lookout Brewing Co., 103 S. Ridgeway Ave., Black Mountain. For more information, visit avl.mx/6pt.
Meat sale On Saturday, Nov. 30, Hickory Nut Gap Meats’ wholesale division will have delivery trucks stocked with discounted inventory open to the public. According to the event’s Facebook post, all meats will be frozen and individually sealed. The sale runs 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Hickory Nut Gap Farm, 57 Sugar Hollow Road. For more information, visit avl.mx/6pu.
Chill Peel Pop-Up Instant Karma will host the Chill Peel Pop-up Treat Shop on Saturday, Nov. 30. The event features handmade truffles and chocolates along with Grateful Bread products and more. All items are organic and free of processed ingredients, refined sugars, gluten, soy, dairy and eggs. The event is a fundraiser for Bounty & Soul, a local nonprofit that seeks to create healthier communities by providing health and wellness resources, fresh food and nutrition literacy to local residents. The pop-up runs noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30, at Instant Karma Asheville, 36 N. Lexington Ave. For more information, visit avl.mx/6pv.
Hungarian wine dinner Vivian, a restaurant in the River Arts District, will host a Hungarian wine dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 3. The six courses will be paired with wines from Rise Over Run. Menu details were not available at press time. Tickets are $75 per person, not including tax and gratuity. The dinner runs 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, at Vivian, 348 Depot St. For details and tickets, visit avl.mx/6pw. X
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
LET IT SHOW
Holiday-themed productions around Asheville
HOLIDAY JEER: The Bernsteins are back for a final run. Now in its 10th year, the beloved (and naughty) production takes to The Magnetic Theatre stage for one last round of bad behavior. Glenn Reed, Erik Moellering and Tracey Johnston-Crum, pictured, are among the stars. Photo by Rodney Smith/Tempus Fugit
BY ALLI MARSHALL amarshall@mountainx.com Along with the light displays, the carols and the mulled cider, holidaythemed theater adds to the list of reasons for the season. Local offerings range from classic ballets, poignant soul searches and snarky sendups of this month of family drama and heightened emotions. Oh, and there’s a light display to visit, too. Take a break from decking the halls and imbibing the eggnog for one or several of these festive shows. For more holiday theater options, check out Xpress’ Community Calendar. • Turns out the Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular (billed as the 25th annual last year) is actually at its 10-year mark. The beloved play has also reached the end of the line: All good things must end, and this one is sure to go out with a bang. The show — directed by Lucia Del Vecchio, with Tracey Johnston-Crum, Glenn Reed, Erik Moellering, Sarah Felmet and Darren Marshall (who performed as both Santa Claus and Baby Jesus
for the past decade) “is sure to be a rollicking comedy romp that is most certainly not suitable for all audience,” says the website for The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St., where the dysfunctional Bernsteins will take the stage for their final season. Shows sell out in advance. Thursday, Dec. 5, to Saturday, Dec. 21. Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., with late shows Saturdays at 10 p.m. $31. themagnetictheatre.com • In the romantic comedy Handle With Care, “circumstances both hilarious and tragic bring together a young Israeli woman and a young American man,” says a press release. There’s also a stolen truck, a missing body and — surprisingly — love. The New York Times described the show, penned by Jason Odell, as “a Jewish Christmas story.” The N.C. Stage Company production stars Anna Slate, Barbara Bloomberg, Ben Mackel and Aaron Brakesfield, and is directed by Patricia Snoyer Black. 15 Stage Lane. Wednesday, Dec. 4, to Sunday, Dec. 22. Wednesday-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., with additional matinees on Saturdays, Dec.
14 and Dec. 21. $18-$38. ncstage.org • In 1952, Welsh poet Dylan Thomas recorded his prose piece A Child’s Christmas in Wales, a reminiscence of the holiday from the perspective of a young boy. As a gift to the community, local poet James Navé “has been presenting the rich language of Thomas’ evocative holiday classic poem since 1988,” says a press release. The annual presentation takes place at The Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St., Black Mountain, on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m. Free, but registration is requested at avl.mx/6pq • Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King “couldn’t be further from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet,” promises a press release. The innovative performance “is based on the original and much darker story written in 1816 by German author E.T.A. Hoffmann” and includes the polka-dancing King and Queen of Sausages and the mouse king’s many unruly children.
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GET CRACKIN’: While The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition for many families, the local theater scene offers darker and quirkier options, such as Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre’s production of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (pictured, as performed with aerial artist Nicole Silver). Photo courtesy of Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre
In the Spirit Coming in December
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Issue
Dancers are culled from the ACDT adult company, White Dog ProjectX International and the students of New Studio of Dance. Shows run Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 and 7, 2 and 7:30 p.m. at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, $29 general admission/$24 students and seniors/$20 children. dwtheatre.com • Candice Burchill directs Mountain Community Theater’s adaption of Miracle on 34th Street — the warm-and-fuzzy story about an elderly man living in a retirement home who lands a job working as Santa Claus at Macy’s. While he’s considered delusional by some, one young girl’s belief in Father Christmas is at stake. The show runs at Asheville Community Theatre, 35 Walnut St., Thursday, Dec. 5, to Friday, Dec. 20. Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. with additional performances Thursdays, Dec. 5 and 19, and Wednesday, Dec. 18, at 7:30 p.m. $12-$26. ashevilletheatre.org • If It’s A Wonderful Life is the ultimate in Christmas entertainment (it’s at least up there with A Christmas Carol and A Christmas Story), Miracle in Bedford Falls ups the festive ante by turning the James Stewart chestnut into a musical.
Depressed George Bailey and his guardian angel, Clarence, are back in action as Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre stages the theatrical extravaganza it premiered 10 years ago. Amanda Sayles and Bill Gregg direct a cast including Chelsey Lee Mirheli, Timothy Wilds and Michael Mattison, among others. Shows take place in the historic Owen Theatre on the campus of Mars Hill University, 44 College St., Mars Hill, Thursday, Dec. 5, to Sunday, Dec. 22. Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. (no show on Friday, Dec. 13) and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. $30 premium seating/$25 standard seating/$18 students and children. sartplays.com • Setting a different type of stage, the Lake Julian Festival of Lights enters its 19th year as a festive draw. The drive-thru experience is “a magical journey through tunnels of dazzling animated and stationary light displays,” says a press release. “Visitors are invited to watch the lights twinkle over the lake and to turn on their favorite holiday tunes to let the sounds transform the show into a magical holiday journey.” Foot stroll nights take place Saturday, Nov. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 1, 5-8:30 p.m., $5 adults/free for children 16 and younger. Stroll
nights include games, holiday craft making and s’mores (Saturday) and a fire circle, snacks and adult beverages for purchase (Sunday), with visits from Santa each night. The park, at 406 Overlook Extension, Arden, opens to cars Tuesday, Dec. 3, to Monday, Dec. 23, 6-9 nightly. $10 vehicle/$25 large vans/$50 motor coaches. avl.mx/6pl • E verybody’s favorite snarky elf returns in The Santaland Diaries. The one-man play, starring Tom Chalmers, has become an annual hit for 35 below. It was adapted from the dark comedy/ essay by David Sedaris of his time employed as Crumpet the Elf in Macy’s Santaland display. 35 Walnut St. Wednesday-Sunday, Dec. 11-15. Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2:30 p.m. $20. ashevilletheatre.org • The Black Mountain Center for the Arts stages another production of the David Sedaris comedy The Santaland Diaries, starring David Broshar as Crumpet the Elf. The show is directed by Matt Lutz and runs Friday, Dec. 13, to Sunday, Dec. 22, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. $20. avl.mx/6pr • Asheville Ballet presents a nostalgic version of The Nutcracker, in which Clara embarks upon a magical journey into the Lands of Snow and Sweets, set to the traditional Tchaikovsky score. The local dance company takes the stage at the
Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave. Friday, Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 15, 7:30 p.m. $15-$50. dwtheatre.com • T here’s another opportunity to journey to the Land of Sweets when Hendersonville Ballet Company presents Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. Luke Umphlett from Spartanburg Ballet will dance the cavalier with a cast of dancers of all ages from Hendersonville and surrounding counties, some performing in the Christmas classic for the first time. Held at the Bo Thomas Auditorium on the Blue Ridge Community College campus, 180 W. Campus Drive, Flat Rock. Friday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14, 2 and 7 p.m. $30 adults/$15 seniors and children 12 and younger. hendersonvilleballet.org • The Colonial Theater, 53 Park St., Canton, promises a Broadway-style extravaganza in which Western North Carolina-based artists and special guests present “sacred and secular Christmas favorites,” according to the event website. “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town,” “O Holy Night” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” are among the offerings, along with comedy and dance, in The Carolina Christmas Show, onstage Friday, Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 7, at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. $22 adults/$19 active military members, veterans and children ages 3-17. carolinachristmasshow.com X
LIGHT IT UP: This year’s Lake Julian Festival of Lights offers two evenings for those who prefer to take the tour on foot rather than by car. Family-friendly games, snacks and visits with Santa are part of the festivities. Photo courtesy of Buncombe County Recreation Services MOUNTAINX.COM
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A&E
by Kim Ruehl
anymedia@gmail.com
‘ALL YOUR CRAZY JOURNEYS’ Troubadour Nikki Talley’s new record hits closer to home Nikki Talley has a thing for singersongwriter Greg Brown’s records: You can hear him inhale before he starts to sing. His guitar mic captures the sound of his fingers sliding along the strings. There’s something imperfect and unpolished about it, yet arrestingly intimate. Though Talley’s live sets tend to be pumping with energy and charm, if you listen closely to any of her three albums, you can hear something at the heart of it all that might remind you of Greg Brown. However, none of her recordings have yet come as close to that level of intimacy as does her fourth, Blue Eyed Girl, which she will be celebrating at Isis Music Hall on Friday, Nov. 29. The album starts with a fingerstyle walking rhythm, the aural equivalent of pulling on a sweater as you head outside. Talley is singing to a friend she hasn’t seen in a while, beckoning the person to come sit with her and “relive those good old days, nice and slow.” You hear a friend behind her, singing harmony as they repeat together, “nice and slow,” again and again, like a mantra. “We’ve got property out in Transylvania County, about 30 minutes from [downtown Brevard],” she explains. “We had come off the road, and I was out there with my friend, and we were just kind of having a let-it-all-go-by kind of day, drinking some wine. We’ve got this little spring-fed fishpond, and [we were] just watching the clouds go by, realizing how crazy my life is. When I look back over my Instagram feed, if
ROAD TRIP: Years ago, a successful crowdfunding campaign called singer-songwriter Nikki Talley and her collaborator/husband Jason Sharp to live and tour full time in their van, Blue Belle. Now, with a growing family, the musicians plan to keep touring — but they recently held a Kickstarter to purchase a camper. Their new album, Blue Eyed Girl, features a photo of their daughter on its cover. Photo by Derek Olson I get a chance to do it, I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness, we’ve done some traveling.’” Indeed, Talley has long been one of Western North Carolina’s hardestworking singer-songwriters. Though she says she and her husband, Jason Sharp, have paused now and then to
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“play house,” to the outside world it appears they’ve been traveling almost nonstop for decades. “I’ve had so much freedom,” she says. “It’s just been me and Jay. Like, ‘Let’s go out to Joshua Tree for two weeks and just do some shows and hang out.’” The couple spruced up a van and were living out of it, playing shows across the country and steadily building the kind of loyal following that can support a working artist on the road. Then they decided to take a little detour. “Jay and I have been together for 20 years,” Talley explains. “And we thought, ‘We’ll get around to having that baby.’ And then I turned 40, and we were like, ‘Hey! We need to get around to having that baby.’” Their daughter was born in 2017, and the couple toured with her in Florida when she was just 3 months old. The photo on the cover of Blue Eyed Girl features her at White Sands
National Monument in New Mexico during another tour out west. And though Talley has pushed forward with touring determinedly, riding momentum she’s been building for years, she also recognizes that children necessarily require a change in routine. No longer is the couple comfortable in their van — having their daughter on the road feels more manageable when they have room and creature comforts. So, having funded their last album on Kickstarter, they decided to launch another campaign to help them purchase a camper. “I’ve done three Kickstarter [campaigns],” Talley says, “and you just don’t know if you can go back to the well. Something’s got to give.” But once the campaign was launched, Talley discovered there were new folks — from her years of touring — who hadn’t discovered her music in time to support previous records. And, as Talley set up the rewards that donors receive for giving to the campaign, she realized she had a new album, recorded in a loft at her house outside Brevard, that she’d been sitting on, waiting for the right way to release it. Blue Eyed Girl is a departure from the polished, produced, full-band efforts that preceded it. There are no special guests or studio tricks. It’s just Talley and Sharp channeling Greg Brown, playing music the way you might hear if you wandered into their living room on any given afternoon. The title track is a tribute to their daughter, who burst in just as Talley was polishing off a take that felt perfect to her. And the cycle closes with an excellent cover of the Carter Family’s “Keep on the Sunny Side” — a nod at another family famous for making music together. Sometimes, Talley says, “my head’s almost spinning too fast, and for some reason, it seems to move faster with a kiddo. But it’s all about relaxing and being reflective of all your crazy journeys.” X
WHO Nikky Talley & Jason Sharp WHERE Isis Music Hall lounge 743 Haywood Road isisasheville.com WHEN Friday, Nov. 29, 7 p.m. $15
by Grayson Haver Currin
gcurrin@gmail.com
INSTRUMENTAL RELATIONS Mexican guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela return to Asheville One day, someone may be able to sing along to the six new songs of Mettavolution, the first album in five years by heralded Mexican guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela. But it may take a while. From the sashaying rhythms of “Cumbé” and the arcing elegance of “Terracentric” to the album’s immersive, 18-minute closing take on Pink Floyd’s “Echoes,” every piece on Mettavolution is an entirely instrumental sojourn, two guitars interlocked in dazzling displays of mutual dexterity and emotional rapport. The group — Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero — returns to Asheville on Tuesday, Dec. 3, for a show at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium. “It was important to not repeat ourselves with the same structure of two guitars. We tried drums and voice because we really wanted to come up with a new statement of how we’d evolved as a band,” says Quintero, at home in Mexico during a brief break between international tours. “Everything we were coming up with sounded too much like our first albums or way too experimental. It all felt a little forced.” Rodrigo y Gabriela’s Area 52 (2012) included a Cuban orchestra. And 2014’s 9 Dead Alive entangled flamenco elegance with heavy metal acrobatics for nine bracing tracks, all dedicated to rebellious heroes like Harriet Tubman and Fyodor Dostoyevsky. But for Mettavolution, Sánchez and Quintero wanted to reach back to the candor and charisma of their beginnings, to tap into their decades-old synergy. So they tried a new trick — writing lyrics for the melodies that began to take shape on the guitar, words that expressed the sense of compassion that they hoped to embody with their songs. Putting words to the budding instrumentals allowed Rodrigo y Gabriela to find new layers of harmony and new shades of texture, to pull their experiences, inspirations and emotions deeper into these pieces. Suddenly, a song could explicitly express a feeling about a piece of art, a favorite book or the modern political climate, reinforcing the meaning of the melodies. And then, before cutting the record, they took the words away. “It was good for our creativity because adding lyrics brought so much
JUST PLAY GUITAR: What’s often revelatory about Mexican duo Rodrigo y Gabriela’s music, whether it’s an interpretation or an original, is how internalized and personal it all feels, as if they’re sharing a lingua franca made for two. Musicians Gabriela Quintero, left, and Rodrigo Sánchez return to Asheville on Tuesday, Dec. 3. Photo by Tina Korhonen musical momentum,” says Quintero. “And, one day, we will maybe get a couple of singers to sing those lyrics to that same music in a different format.” It may seem like an uncommon approach — writing words just to delete them — but Rodrigo y Gabriela have always been anomalous. The two met in the late ’80s, young art enthusiasts and metal heads in Mexico City, looking for fresh outlets to call their own. They played together in a heavy metal band and then as a new duo that paired the traditional forms of their homeland with rock ’n’ roll élan. They eventually emigrated to Ireland, busking in the streets and steadily rising to prominence within Dublin’s scene. Nodding to their true roots in their earliest days, they wrote odes to Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine and covered Metallica and Led Zeppelin on their self-titled 2006 breakthrough. For Record Store Day Black Friday this year, Rodrigo y Gabriela revisited Metallica and Megadeth on an EP where they also cover Slayer’s lurching “Seasons in the Abyss.” Perhaps this all sounds like a novelty: the acoustic guitar duo from Mexico
ing as “Witness Tree,” the preceding track on Mettavolution. With slapped strings that evoke Leo Kottke and a melody that flickers like a serpent’s tongue, that track scores a mission statement of sorts. While on tour between albums in Japan, the pair went for a run around Tokyo’s Imperial Palace. They discussed the direction of their music after 9 Dead Alive. People had encouraged them to write short songs, perhaps with more vocals, bitesized numbers more fitting for our attention-deficient cultural economy. They could take the next career step, perhaps chart a little higher. But standing in front of a beautiful tree labeled “No. 10” near the palace, Sánchez and Quintero vowed to stay true to their musical roots, to dig into the energy and enthusiasm that had propelled them since the start. Their uncanny intuition — not an algorithm that might have overlooked them in the first place — had made them unlikely stars, anyway, “Everything is so rapid and flashy now, not just in music but even in magazines. Everything is 2 centimeters deep,” Quintero says. “We wanted to stop all the other BS about being catchy and looking for approval. We said we needed to be authentic and go back to what we’d always done: play guitar.” X
City covering psychedelic rock or thrash metal. But what’s often revelatory about Rodrigo y Gabriela’s music, whether it’s an interpretation or an original, is how internalized and personal it all feels, as if they’re sharing a lingua franca made for two. Their take on “Echoes” — which gazes into the middle distance, then pulls the picture in tight and bright, again and again — is every bit as reveal-
WHO Rodrigo y Gabriela with Ida Mae WHERE Thomas Wolfe Auditorium 87 Haywood St. ticketmaster.com WHEN Tuesday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m., $30-$55
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by Edwin Arnaudin | Send your arts news to ae@mountainx.com
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Bannerman Folk Camp
David Wilcox
Throughout the year, celebrations and remembrances have taken place to honor the 50th anniversaries of such cultural touchstones as the Apollo 11 moon landing and Woodstock. Now it’s Bannerman Folk Camp’s turn. The annual Thanksgiving tradition was started by Evelyn and Glenn Bannerman, pictured, and their children Craig, Ren, Beth and Lee Ann in 1969 as a folk dance camp focused on intergenerational programming. Offerings include international dance, contra dance, big circle dance, live music, jam sessions, cooking, folk arts and crafts, shape note singing, hiking, storytelling, games and plenty of food. The latest long holiday weekend takes place Thursday, Nov. 28, to Sunday, Dec. 1, at Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain. Participation options range from day passes to on-site lodging with access to the entire weekend of activities. bannermanfolkcamp.com. Photo courtesy of Bannerman Folk Camp
The story of Asheville’s music scene wouldn’t be complete without a mention of singer-songwriter David Wilcox: The Warren Wilson grad’s early albums The Nightshift Watchman (1987) and How Did You Find Me Here (’89) served as a soundtrack for many a folk music fan. Wilcox’s 30-plus-year career and 20 records (released both independently and via labels) track his growth as a storyteller and observer of life’s twists and turns. Rolling Stone called Wilcox’s musical odyssey “compelling and richly deserving of a listen” — but local fans already knew that. And that’s why the musician, who still calls Asheville home, returns to The Grey Eagle this time each year for his annual Thanksgiving Homecoming Concert, featuring special (and as yet undisclosed) guests. Friday, Nov. 29, 8 p.m. $22 advance/$30 day of show. thegreyeagle.net. Photo by Lynne Harty
Pétunia
Angela Perley
A native of rural Quebec, Pétunia has called Vancouver home since 2007. There, he’s created country music as a solo artist and with his band, The Vipers, which he describes via such hypothetical intersections as if “David Lynch and Nick Cave had a hillbilly baby that yodeled” or “Tom Waits meets Elvis [Presley] at Woody Guthrie’s hobo junction.” For his Friday, Nov. 29, show at Jack of the Wood, Pétunia reports he’ll be backed by The “Georgia” Vipers — aka Atlanta-based “surf-western” duo Andrea & Mud, itself the alleged results of what might happen if “Doc Watson and The Cramps had a love child while watching a [Quentin] Tarantino movie.” The evening of unexpected pop culture intersections and offspring begins at 9 p.m. $5. jackofthewood.com. Photo courtesy of Pétunia
In the tradition of Beyoncé’s 4, Adele’s 19 and 21, and Van Halen’s III and 5150 (and, sure, OU812), Angela Perley went numerical in naming her new album, 4:30. The title of the Columbus, Ohiobased singer-songwriter’s third full-length record is a nod to her natural bedtime following hours of creative time that she says “begins as soon as the sun goes down.” Released in August, the dozen character-driven love songs pair nicely with dreamy alt-country instrumentation that aptly reflects the portion of the night in which they were crafted. Perley returns to town for her debut in the Isis Music Hall lounge on Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. $15 advance/$18 day of show. isisasheville.com. Photo by Chris Connor
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ART BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • MO (12/2), 10am-noon - Itch to Stitch, a casual knitting and needlework group for all skill levels. Free. Held at Weaverville Public Library, 41 N. Main St., Weaverville • SU (12/1) through TU (12/31) - Fairview fiber artists Julie Bagamary, Paula Entin and Laura Gaskin display their work. Held at Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Road, Fairview • TU (12/3) & TH (12/5), 1:15pm - Rafael Guastavino architectural exhibit and tour of Basilica St. Lawrence. Registration required. Free. Meet in NC Room at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. DECORATIVE ORIGAMI PAPER BOX • TH (12/5), 1-4pm Decorative origami paper box class with Margot Dale. Make three different folded paper boxes,
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as well as decorations. Supplies provided.
ART/CRAFT STROLLS & FAIRS
Registration required. $33/$28 for members. Held at Haywood County Arts Council, 86 N. Main St., Waynesville LEICESTER COMMUNITY ART NIGHTS • 1st TUESDAYS, 6:30pm - Community art night for children and adults. Free. Held at Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Highway, Leicester PRESENTATION BY GLORIA SUTTON • TH (12/5), 7pm - Reframing Contemporary Art History: On the Work of Sara and Stan VanDerBeek, presentation by author and art historian, Gloria Sutton. $8/Free for members. Held at Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St.
SHOW & TELL HOLIDAY POP UP SHOP (PD). 11/29-12/21, 10am-8pm @ ASHEVILLE SOCIAL HALL. Find a gift for everyone on your list! Shop local/indie craft, design, and vintage. showandtellpopupshop. com • 81 Broadway St., 28801. HOLIDAY ARTIST MARKET • SA (11/30), 10am-5pm - Holiday Artist Market with eight local artists. Free to attend. Held at The Center for Art & Entertainment, 125 S. Main St., Hendersonville SALUDA HOLIDAY MARKET • SA (11/30), 1-3pm Holiday market with winter vegetables, jams and jellies, baked goods, honey and locally produced crafts. Free to attend. Held at Saluda Tailgate Market, West Main St., Saluda
Some events from this section may be found in the Give!Local calendar on p. 23
DANCE COUNTRY DANCE W/ TWO-STEP DANCE LESSON (PD.) Friday, November 29th, 7 to 10:30pm at Asheville Ballroom. Two-Step lesson 7 to 8pm. Dancing 8 to 10:30pm. No partner necessary. Dance your favorite dances to modern Country music. Free bottled water and desert. Online discount $11 by Nov 28th at: www. DanceForLife.net, $13 at the door. 828-333-0715. HENRY LABRUN STUDIO AT WORTHAM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS 18 Biltmore Ave., 828-2574530, worthamarts.org • TUESDAYS until (12/10), 5:30pm - Hip Hop 101 with Otto Vazquez, popular social dances. Registration: avl.mx/6mb. $10.
A & E CALENDAR
by Deborah Robertson
2pm & 8pm, Sun: 2pm. $17-$64. Held at Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Highway 225, Flat Rock
SECOND CHANCES: The North Carolina Glass Center holds its annual Seconds Sale in its newly renovated space. Glassblowers offer discounted “seconds” as well as overstocked items, including handmade ornaments, jewelry, cups and other glass treasures. Photo of “Cup” courtesy of the artist, Hayden Wilson (p. 23)
• WEDNESDAYS until (12/4), 5:30pm Pantomime course with Otto Vazquez, traditional pantomime done to music. Registration: avl.mx/6m9. $10. INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCE • TUESDAYS, 7:309:30pm - International folk dancing, dances from around the world. No partner needed. Info: 828-645-1543. Free. Held at Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Road MOSCOW BALLET • SU (12/1), 3pm & 7pm - Moscow Ballet presents The Nutcracker. Tickets: uscellularcenterasheville. com. $29 and up. Held at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, 87 Haywood St.
MUSIC AFRICAN DRUM LESSONS AT SKINNY BEATS SOUND SHOP (PD.) Wednesdays 6pm. Billy Zanski teaches a fun approach to connecting with your inner rhythm. Drop-ins welcome. • Drums provided. $15/class. (828) 768-2826. www. skinnybeatsdrums.com ADVENT LESSONS AND CAROLS • SU (12/1), 5pm - Advent lessons, readings, poetry, carols and music by the chancel choir led by Dr. Susan Lyle. Special guests include Natalie and Shannon Longobardo, vocal soloists, Kathleen Foster, cello, and Andrea Walter and Virgil Stucker, recorders. Free to attend. Held at Congregational Church of Tryon, 210 Melrose Ave., Tryon ART OF MUSIC FESTIVAL KICKOFF • TH (12/5), 6-9:30pm Kickoff concert for the Art
of Music Festival with Balsam Range. Event includes barbecue dinner and beer available for purchase. $25/$12 students. Held at Folkmoot Friendship Center, 112 Virginia Ave., Waynesville ASHEVILLE DRUM CIRCLE • FRIDAYS, 6-9:50pm Asheville outdoor drum circle. Free. Held at Pritchard Park, 4 College St. BLUE RIDGE RINGERS HANDBELL ENSEMBLE blueridgeringers.tripod. com, blueridgeringers@ gmail.com • SU (12/1), 4pm Christmas Around the World, Blue Ridge Ringers handbell concert. Free. Held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 22 Fisher Road, Brevard • TU (12/3), noon Christmas Around the World, Blue Ridge Ringers handbell concert. Free. Held at Transylvania County Library, 212 S. Gaston St., Brevard CHRISTMAS WITH AN APPALACHIAN SOPRANO • SU (12/1) 3:00 pm - Christmas concert with soprano, Amanda Horton, with sing-a-long. Free to attend. Held at First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St. FIRST MONDAYS • MO (12/2), 12:30pm - First Monday with faculty member and violinist Benjamin Sung showcasing 14 of the 24 Caprices by Niccolo Paganini. Free. Held at Porter Center for Performing Arts at Brevard College, Brevard RODRIGO Y GABRIELA • TU (12/3), 7:30pm Rodrigo y Gabriela with Ida Mae, concert. $30 and up. Held at Thomas Wolfe
'BERNSTEIN FAMILY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR' • THURSDAYS through SATURDAYS (12/5) until (12/21) - Bernstein Family Christmas Spectacular. Thurs.-Sat.: 7:30pm. Sat.: 10pm. $31. Held at The Auditorium, 87 Haywood St.
SPOKEN & WRITTEN WORD BUNCOMBE COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARIES buncombecounty.org/ governing/depts/library • TU (12/3), 7pm - Book Club: The Stolen Marriage by Diane Chamberlain. Free. Held at Enka-Candler Library, 1404 Sandhill Road, Candler • TU (12/3), 7pm - Book Club: Short Stories. Free. Held at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main Street, Weaverville • WE (12/4), 3pm Afternoon Book Club: A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. Free. Held at Weaverville Library, 41 N. Main Street, Weaverville • TH (12/5), 1pm - Creative Writing Group is open to adults who want to write children’s books. Free. Held at Leicester Library, 1561 Alexander Road, Leicester • TH (12/5), 6pm - Bill Jacobs presents his book, Whence These Special Places?, a look at the geologic origins of WNC’s unique landscape. Free. Held at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. • TH (12/5), 6:30pm - Book Club: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Free. Held at East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Road FIRESTORM BOOKS & COFFEE 610 Haywood Road, 828255-8115, firestorm.coop • FR (11/29), 6pm Wellness coach and group facilitator Gracy Obuchowicz presents her book selfcarefully. Free to attend. • First SUNDAYS, 5pm - Political prisoners letter writing. Free to attend.
• TH (12/5), 6-7:30pm – Hear men read aloud from Eve Ensler's, The Apology. Free to attend. MALAPROP'S BOOKSTORE AND CAFE 55 Haywood St., 828-2546734, malaprops.com • SU (12/1), 3pm - Panel discussion with Wayne Caldwell, Jeremy Jones, George Singleton and David Joy on Tiny Love, the stories of Larry Brown and his artistic journey. Free to attend. • WE (12/4), 6pm - Amy Greene and Trent Thomson present Step Into the Circle: Writers in Modern Appalachia, part photo book, part essay collection and all praise for the mountains and valleys of the region. Free to attend. • TH (12/5), 6pm - Bruce Steele presents One Day at Disney, in conversation with Denise Kiernan. Free to attend. NEW DIMENSIONS TOASTMASTERS • THURSDAYS, noon1pm - General meeting. Information: 828-329-4190. Free to attend. Held at Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, 33 Meadow Road
Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St.
‘GHOSTLY MOUNTAIN
'HANDLE WITH CARE' • WEDNESDAYS through SUNDAYS (12/4) until (12/22) - Handle With Care, bilingual rom-com. Wed.-Sat.: 7:30pm, Sun.: 2 pm, with additional matinees on Sat.: (12/14) & (12/21). $18-$38/$10 students. Held at NC Stage Company, 15 Stage Lane
• SA (11/30), 7pm - Saluda
CHRISTMAS CAROL’ Historic Depot Theater
‘MIRACLE IN BEDFORD FALLS’ • THURSDAYS through SUNDAYS (12/5) until (12/22) - Miracle in Bedford
Troupe presents, Aben-
Falls, musical. Thurs.-Sat.:
ezer Scrooge: A Ghostly
7:30pm, Sat. & Sun.:
Mountain Christmas Carol.
2:30pm. $25-$30/$18 students. Held at Southern
$10/Free for children under 12. Held at Saluda
Appalachian Repertory Theatre, Owen Theatre,
Historic Depot, 32 W. Main
Mars Hill University, Mars
St., Saluda
Hill
EMPYREAN ARTS Thank you for voting us Best of 2019 Asheville! New Student Specials: First Class $15 + 6 Classes for $60
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THEATER 'A CHRISTMAS CAROL' • TU (12/3), 7pm - A Christmas Carol, performed by national touring company. $15 and up. Held at The WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Drive, Cullowhee
Celebrating
'A FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE CHRISTMAS' • WEDNESDAYS through SUNDAYS (11/29) until (12/22) - A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas, musical. Wed. & Thurs.: 2pm & 7:30pm, Fri.: 8pm, Sat.:
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GALLERY DIRECTORY
Putting the Bunk back in Buncombe! presents
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SMALL WONDER: Colby Caldwell: Photographs is the latest exhibit at Mars Hill University’s Weizenblatt Gallery. The exhibition runs through Friday, Dec. 20, with an artist’s reception planned for Wednesday, Dec. 4, 6-8 p.m. Caldwell shows the viewer a different way of seeing the world, from small things that you would normally overlook to the people in his life to the world around us. He lives and works in Asheville and is the founder of the Revolve Artspace. Photo courtesy of the artist, Colby Caldwell AMERICAN FOLK ART AND FRAMING • The annual Wish List show features ornaments and mantel pieces for the holiday season as well as pottery, paintings and sculptures. Nov. 29-Dec. 30 64 Biltmore Ave. ART AT MARS HILL UNIVERSITY 79 Cascade St, Mars Hill • Exhibition of photography by Colby Caldwell. Reception: Wednesday, Dec. 4, 6-8pm. Nov. 20-Dec. 20 • Elements of Hand and Mind, exhibition of historic Southern Highland crafts. Nov. 13-Jan. 25 ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM • AppalachiaNow!: An Interdisciplinary Survey of Contemporary Art in Southern Appalachia, exhibition featuring a collective survey of contemporary Southern Appalachian culture.
Nov. 14-Feb. 3 2 S. Pack Square ASHEVILLE GALLERY OF ART • Reflection and Interpretation, exhibition of paintings by Michael Robinson. Nov. 1-Nov. 30 82 Patton Ave. CENTER FOR CRAFT • Making Meaning, 14 UNC Asheville alumni whose work shifts perceptions of material, method and meaning, creating new vocabularies in clay, digital media, photography, printmaking, assemblage and textiles. Nov. 16-Jan. 7 67 Broadway GALLERY 101 • Exhibition of teapots created by Catharine Healy and Tori Motyl. Nov. 1-Nov. 30 56 S. Lexington Ave. Unit 101
HARVEST RECORDS • Exhibition of works created by Harvest Records staff. Nov. 1-Nov. 30 415-B Haywood Road
POSANA CAFE • Transportation, 12 local artists relate to the notion of transportation. Nov. 13-Feb. 10 1 Biltmore Ave.
HAYWOOD COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL 86 N. Main St., Waynesville • It's a Small, Small Work, features 62 artists and ~240 works that are no larger than 12x 12x 12”. Nov. 1-Jan. 4
PUSH SKATE SHOP & GALLERY • Foggy Notion, group show curated by Maxx Feist. Nov. 15-Dec. 31 25 Patton Ave.
MOMENTUM GALLERY • Small Works, Big Impact, curated group exhibition featuring paintings, original prints and sculptural works. Nov. 14-Dec. 31 24 N. Lexington Ave. PINK DOG CREATIVE • Evoke, a collaborative multi-sensory installation created by Christie Calaycay, metals, and Holly de Saillan, ceramics. Nov. 8-Nov. 30 348 Depot St.
THE ASHEVILLE SCHOOL • TransFormNation, Cleaster Cotton's show on civil rights, human rights and inequities. Nov. 6-Dec. 13 Walker Arts Center, 360 Asheville School Road UPSTAIRS ARTSPACE • Art of Play, group exhibition of paintings from members of Southern Exposure. Nov. 13-Dec. 6 49 S. Trade St., Tryon Contact the galleries for hours and admission fees
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» Live Music Saturdays Check out our other store in Black Mtn SEASON’S BEATINGS: If you’re looking for some alternative entertainment, post-holiday, check out the second installment of the Urban Combat Wrestling Series, hosted by Big Boy Fly and Diamond Thieves. The event features amateur matches with performances by hip-hop artists Kingdom Kome, pictured, and Spaceman Jones and the Motherships, with MCs Philo Reitzel and Saché. Entertainment kicks off at 9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30, at The Mothlight. $8 advance general admission/$10 day of show; $13 advance seated admission/$15 day of show. themothlight.com. Photo courtesy of the artist
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 12 BONES BREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7:00PM 5 WALNUT WINE BAR Les Amis, (African folk music), 8:00PM 185 KING STREET NC Songsmiths, Heather Taylor Trio, 8:00PM ALLEY CAT SOCIAL CLUB Karaoke w/ Kari, 9:00PM ARCHETYPE BREWING Old Time Jam, 5:00PM ASHEVILLE CLUB Live Jazz Trio, 7:00PM ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR AGB Open Mic, 6:30PM BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Open Mic hosted by Mark Bumgarner, 7:00PM
OSKAR BLUES BREWERY Music Bingo, 6:00PM
TOWN PUMP David Bryan's Open Mic, 9:00PM
FUNKATORIUM Grass at the Funk feat. the Saylor Brothers, 6:30PM
PISGAH BREWING COMPANY Acoustic Wednesdays: Kyle Travers, 6:00PM
TWIN LEAF BREWERY Open Mic Night, 7:00PM
HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Woody Wood Wednesdays, 6:00PM
SANCTUARY BREWING CO. Nikki Talley & Jason Sharp, 8:00PM
ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 The Lost Chord: Moody Blues Tribute Band, 7:00PM
SLY GROG LOUNGE Weird Wed Jam, 9:00PM
FLEETWOOD'S Fleetsgiving PreThanksgiving Dance Party, 8:00PM
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Old Time Music Jam Session, 5:00PM LAZY DIAMOND Killer Karaoke w/ KJ TimO, 10:00PM LOBSTER TRAP Cigar Brothers, 6:30PM
CROW & QUILL Resonant Rogues (ballads for wanderers), 9:00PM
ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Disclaimer Lounge Comedy Open Mic, 9:30PM
DOUBLE CROWN Western Wednesday w/ live Honky Tonk, 9:00PM
ONE WORLD BREWING OWB West: Brady Jacquin, 9:00PM
SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY Jazz Night hosted by Jason DeCristofaro, 6:30PM SOVEREIGN KAVA Open Mic w/ Caleb Beissert (sign-up at 7:30PM), 8:00PM THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Classic Guitar Solos w/ Albi, 6:00PM Ruby's Blues Jam, 9:00PM
UPCOUNTRY BREWING COMPANY Wednesday Night Bluegrass Jam, 7:00PM WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Mary Battiata & Little Pink, 7:30PM WILD WING CAFE SOUTH Showers on Mars, 8:30PM
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28 ALOFT HOTEL Thursday Night Flicks: Home Alone, 8:00PM ARCHETYPE BREWING Archetype Annual Thanksgiving Potluck, 12:00PM
THE FOUNDRY HOTEL 3 Cool Cats, 6:00PM
BEN'S TUNE UP Offended! Comedy Open Mic, 9:30PM
THE GOLDEN FLEECE Scots-Baroque ChamberFolk w/ The Tune Shepherds, 7:00PM
BROWN MOUNTAIN BOTTLEWORKS NC Songsmiths, Heather Taylor, 7:30PM
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C LUBLAND CROW & QUILL Company K (swing jazz), 9:00PM Big Dawg Slingshots (western swing & ragtime), 10:00PM DOUBLE CROWN Old Gold w/ DJ Jasper (soul 'n' rock 'n' roll), 10:00PM
COMING SOON WED 11/27 7:00PM–THE LOST CHORD: MOODY BLUES TRIBUTE BAND
THU 11/28 7:00PM–MAYA DE VITRY AND ANNA TIVEL 8:30PM–MICHELLE MALONE BAND
FRI 11/29
7:00PM–NIKKI TALLEY + JASON SHARP
8:30PM–LIVE FROM WVL RADIO THEATER: IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE SAT 11/30 7:00PM–ANGELA PERLEY 8:30PM–ETTA JAMES: MUSIC OF THE BLUES WITH PAULA HANKE & PEGGY RATUSZ
SUN 12/1 6PM–JACO PASTORIUS TRIBUTE W/ SHANNON HOOVER 7:30PM–CAROLINE KELLER BAND WITH HANNAH MILLER
TUE 12/3 7:30PM–TUES. BLUEGRASS SESSIONS HOSTED BY THOMAS CASSELL BAND
WED 12/4 7:00PM–PEPPINO D’AGOSTINO
THU 12/5 7:00PM–RUNAWAY HOME
FLOOD GALLERY FINE ART CENTER True Home Open Mic, 6:30PM LAZY DIAMOND 80's INVASION, 10:00PM
ISISASHEVILLE.COM DINNER MENU TIL 9:30PM LATE NIGHT MENU TIL 12AM BRUNCH 10-2 SUNDAY ONLY
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185 KING STREET 13th Annual Hometown Holiday Jam, 8:00PM ALLEY CAT SOCIAL CLUB Dance Party, 11:00PM AMBROSE WEST Reasonably Priced Babies, 8:00PM ARCHETYPE BREWING Archetype Holiday Beer Release & Hipster Santa Photo Booth, 3:00PM
LOCAL 604 BOTTLE SHOP Vinyl Night (bring your to share!), 8:00PM
ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Ashevegas Playboys followed by LatinX Dance Party w/ DJ JuanBounce, Barrio Candela LatinX Dance Party, 8:00PM
ODDITORIUM Party Foul Drag Circus, 9:00PM
ASHEVILLE CLUB Live Classical Guitar, 7:00PM
ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Mitch's Totally Rad Trivia Night, 7:00PM
ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Mr. Jimmy hosts The Big City Blues Jam, 8:00PM
ONE WORLD BREWING OWB Downtown: Lenny Pettinelli, 9:00PM
ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Mark Farina w/ Ramin Neshan, 10:00PM
LOBSTER TRAP Hank Bones, 6:30PM
ONE WORLD BREWING WEST OWB West: One World Family Band Jam, 8:00PM PACK'S TAVERN Jeff Anders & Justin Burrell (acoustic rock), 8:00PM PILLAR ROOFTOP BAR Mark Bumgarner, 7:00PM SLY GROG LOUNGE A Refugee Thanksgiving w/ Goldie, 8:00PM STRAIGHTAWAY CAFE Acoustic Jam, 6:30PM THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Dance Party w/ Swing Step, 8:30PM Oil-N-Vinegar w/ Datrian Johnson, Terry Letman & Duane Simpson (new dance era every week), 8:30PM THE BARRELHOUSE Ter-rific Trivia, 7:00PM
8:30PM–MARY GAUTHIER W/ JAIMEE HARRIS
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29
THE IMPERIAL LIFE The Roaring Lions (jazz), 9:00PM TWIN LEAF BREWERY Craft Karaoke, 9:00PM WILD WING CAFE SOUTH Craft Karaoke, 10:00PM YMCA, BLUE RIDGE ASSEMBLY Bannerman Folk Camp, 2:00PM
BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE Dinah's Daydream (Gypsy jazz), 7:00PM BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Acoustic Swing, 7:00PM BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER Western Carolina Writers, 6:00PM CAPELLA ON 9 @ THE AC HOTEL DJ Dance Party w/ Phantom Pantone DJ Collective, 9:00PM CROW & QUILL Momma Molasses (dreamy folk & honky tonk), 9:00PM DOUBLE CROWN Rotating Rock 'n' Soul DJs, 10:00PM FOGGY MOUNTAIN BREWPUB Dangerfields (funk, jam), 10:00PM GINGER'S REVENGE Nick Gonnering (blues inspired folk and soul), 7:30PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Porch 40, 7:00PM ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Nikki Talley & Jason Sharp, 7:00PM Live From WVL Radio Theater: It’s A Wonderful Life, 8:30PM JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Irish Session, 3:00PM Petunia and the Vipers, 9:00PM
FRI
29 LAZOOM ROOM LaZoom Comedy: Mary Kennedy, 9:00PM
SALVAGE STATION The Smoky Mountain Sirens, 8:00PM
AMBROSE WEST Honeypot Holiday Party, 8:30PM
LAZY DIAMOND Nu Disco w/ DJ Strongmagnumopus, 10:00PM Slayed & Fade w/ DJ Ethan M (rockers & soul), 10:00PM
SANCTUARY BREWING CO. Fwuit & the Moon & You, 8:00PM
ALLEY CAT SOCIAL CLUB Jazz/Swing Dance w/ Virginia and the Slims, 8:00P.M.
LOBSTER TRAP Mandocyn, 6:30PM
STRAIGHTAWAY CAFE Cat & Canary, 6:00PM
LOCAL 604 BOTTLE SHOP Vinyl Night (bring yours to share!), 8:00PM
THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE DJ Smokifantastic Fridays, 6:00PM Freedom's Friday Hip Hop Open Mic, 9:00PM
LUELLA'S BAR-B-QUE Friday Night Live Music Series, 8:00PM LUELLA'S BAR-B-QUE BILTMORE PARK Friday Night Live Music Series: Riyen Roots, 8:00PM MAD CO BREW HOUSE 5J Barrow, 6:00PM ODDITORIUM Asheville After Dark Presents: Perversions (Kink Night), 9:00PM ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Free Dead Fridays feat. members of Phuncle Sam (acoustic), 5:00PM Box Era, 10:00PM
SLY GROG LOUNGE Bass Science, 8:00PM
THE BARRELHOUSE Alma Russ, 7:00PM THE GREENHOUSE MOTO CAFE Floyd Philharmonic: Pink Floyd Tribute Concert, 7:00PM THE GREY EAGLE David Wilcox's Annual Thanksgiving Homecoming, 8:00PM THE IMPERIAL LIFE DJ Dance Party feat. Phantom Pantone Collective, 10:00PM THE OMNI GROVE PARK INN Andrew J. Fletcher (solo jazz piano), 2:30PM
ONE WORLD BREWING WEST OWB West: 5th Annual Prince vs. Michael Jackson Dance Party w/ DJ Brandon Manitoba, 9:00PM
UPCOUNTRY BREWING COMPANY String Cheese Incident Live Stream, 8:00PM
ORANGE PEEL Team AMG Presents: The Blackout Party III w/ DJ Audio (Black Friday dance party), 9:00PM
WILD WING CAFE SOUTH A Social Function Acoustic, 9:00PM
OSKAR BLUES BREWERY Shane Pruitt & Friends (blues, southern rock), 6:00PM PACK'S TAVERN DJ RexxStep (dance party), 9:30PM
THIS WEEK AT AVL MUSIC HALL & THE ONE STOP!!!
PISGAH BREWING COMPANY Jointkiller Brass Band, 8:00PM
WILD WING CAFE Ashley Heath, 6:00PM
APPALACHIAN COFFEE COMPANY Mr. Jimmy (Chicago style blues), 4:00PM ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY Hot Club of Asheville Duo followed by DJ Lil MeowMeow, 8:00PM ASHEVILLE CLUB Mr. Jimmy, 4:00PM ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Swing Step band followed by the Travelling Pilsburys of Asheville, 5:00PM ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Kursa, Mickman, Houman, 10:00PM BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Matt Sellars, 7:00PM BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER Eric Congdon & Paul McIntire, 6:00PM CORK & KEG Zydeco Ya Ya, 8:30PM CROW & QUILL Vendetta Creme (vintage cabaret music), 9:00PM DOUBLE CROWN Soul Motion Dance Party w/ DJ Dr. Filth, 10:00PM
ZAMBRA Phil Alley, (Gypsy jazz), 8:00PM
FLEETWOOD'S Saturday Night Karaoke Party w/ KJ Terra Ware, 9:00PM
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30
GINGER'S REVENGE Heather Taylor (folk), 2:30PM Andrew Thelston Band (Rock), 7:30PM
5 WALNUT WINE BAR The Roots & Dore Band, (blues, roots), 9:00PM 185 KING STREET Kenny Freeman, 8:00PM
Happy Thanksgiving!
HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Random Animals, 7:00PM
ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Angela Perley, 7:00PM Etta James: Music of the Blues w/ Paula Hanke & Peggy Ratusz, 8:30PM
DAVID WILCOX’S
WED MICHAEL GLABICKI
4
ANNUAL THANKSGIVING HOMECOMING
THU
SON LITTLE W/ CHRISTOPHER
FRI
JEFF COFFIN, KEITH CARLOCK, NIR FELDER, FELIX PASTORIUS
SAT
NEIL HILBORN
5
ANNUAL THANKSGIVING HOMECOMING
SUN
1
THE REVELERS
ACOUSTIC SYNDICATE’S
SAT
30
OF RUSTED ROOT
W/ DIRK MILLER, TOLAN SHAW
6
PAUL STELLING
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Vaden Landers, 9:00PM
MON
LAZOOM ROOM LaZoom Comedy: Paul Hooper, 9:00PM
TUE
LAKE JULIAN PARK AND MARINA Lights by the Lake Stroll Nights at Lake Julian Festival of Lights, 5:00PM
Asheville’s longest running live music venue • 185 Clingman Ave TICKETS AVAILABLE AT HARVEST RECORDS & THEGREYEAGLE.COM
OPEN MIC NIGHT
2
7
7 HIT DOGS
MANY A SHIP
3
W/ CARACARA – 7PM
SAT
W/ BETTER TWIN
W/ SUPER VILLAIN – 10PM
LAZY DIAMOND Slushie Saturdays w/ Los Dos Krektones (instro-surf rock), 2:30PM Raw Funk, Stomp, Rock, Groove, & Skank w/ DJ The Bogart, 10:00PM LOBSTER TRAP Sean Mason Trio, 6:30PM ODDITORIUM Straight For The Throat, Stand Defiant, Written In Gray, Fools Generation, Padadoxium (metal), 9:00PM ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Higher Education, 10:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING WEST OWB West: Free Flow Band, 9:00PM
Daily select $4 drafts and $3 singles WED
FRIENDSGIVING. LIVE MUSIC w/ Johnnie Blackwell
THU
CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING
11/27 11/28
BOURBON COUNTY BRAND STOUT RELEASE FRI 11/29 APP STATE VS TROY WATCH PARTY
Buy one Get one 1/2 off on food all day
COLLEGE FOOTBALL:
SAT
ORANGE PEEL Kid Hop Hooray! Indoor Dance Party, 10:00AM
11/30
PACK'S TAVERN Blaze the City, 8:00PM
SUN
PISGAH BREWING COMPANY Grudatree, 8:00PM
MON
PURPLE ONION CAFE ScOOt Pittman, 8:00PM RUSTIC GRAPE WINE BAR Lindsey Meyers (blues, folk), 7:30PM
FRI, 11/29 - SHOW: 10 pm [ELECTRO/JAM/POP/FUNK] DONATION BASED COVER
Clemson @ South Carolina, Ohio State @ Mich, Bama @ Auburn, Vandy @Tenn, UNC @ NC State, FSU @ Florida
$6 brats, 1/2 off boneless wings
12/1
12/2 TUE
NFL SUNDAY TICKET
$4 NC drafts, BOGO 1/2 off food w/ beverage purchase
TEAM TRIVIA
1/2 off food for service industry workers
OPEN MIC NIGHT hosted by
12/3
Peggy Ratusz & Aileen “Big Al” Pearlman
$2 off 16 oz drafts, wine pours & food specials
35 rotating taps
SALVAGE STATION Runaway Gin, A Tribute to Phish, 10:00PM
Box Era
Food, Beer, & Wine specials
@CasualPintAsheville 1863 Hendersonville Rd
Mark Farina Higher Education w/ Ramin Neshan
FRI, 11/29 - SHOW: 10 pm (DOORS: 9 pm ) - tix : $25
SAT, 11/30 - SHOW: 10 pm [PSYCHEDELIC ROCK/REGGAE] DONATION BASED COVER
Kursa, Mickman, Houman SAT, 11/30 - SHOW: 9: 30 pm (DOORS: 9 pm ) - tix : $20
LOCAL THURSDAY SHUFFLE - 10pm
Free Dead Friday - 5pm
SUN
Mitch’s Totally Rad Trivia - 6:30pm
FRI
disclaimer comedy - 9:30pm Brown Bag Singer-Songwriting Competition - 5:30pm
THU
Tuesday Early Jam - 8PM Tuesday Night Funk Jam - 11PM Electrosoul Session - 11:30PM
WED
TUE
12/5 - The Main Squeeze w/ Travers Brothership • 12/6 - The Heavy Pets + Roosevelt Collier • 12/7 - Holiday Craft Bazaar (11am-6pm) • 12/7 - Very Jerry Xmas • 12/12 - Off the Trees, Integrate, Special Recipe • 12/13 - George Porter + Joe Marcinek w/ JBOT World Famous Bluegrass Brunch - 10:30am-3pm Shakedown Sundays - 4pm-7pm MOUNTAINX.COM
@AVLMusicHall @OneStopAVL NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2019
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CLU B LA N D
Local UPCOMING SHOWS: DOORS 7PM
NOV 29
DOORS 9PM
NOV 30
DOORS 8PM
DEC 5
SHOW 7PM
NOV 29
SHOW 9:30PM
NOV 30
MARADEEN
SHOW 8:30PM
GET RIGHT BAND
SHOW 8:30PM
2ND ANNUAL NOT QUITE KOSHER COMEDY NIGHT
SHOW 6PM
DEC 5
W/ THE SAYLOR BROTHERS
DOORS 8PM
DEC 7
W/ WAXING GIBBOUS
DOORS 5PM
DEC 15
REASONABLY PRICED BABIES HONEYPOT HOLIDAY PARTY
DEC 7
DEC 15
TICKETS SOLD HERE: W W W. A M B R O S E W E S T. C O M BOX OFFICES: T H E H O N E Y P O T & T H E C I RC L E
BOOK YOUR WEDDING OR EVENT NOW: 828.332.3090 312 HAYWOOD ROAD
CHURCH OF FERMENTATION: Local singer-songwriter Samara Jade combines narratives on natural history and the cosmos with Appalachian sounds and orchestral folk and blues in her self-described “philosopholk.” Her homecoming show will feature new songs recorded on her journey to the West Coast and tracks from her 2018 album, Wave of Birdsong (recently released on West Coast label Jumpsuit Records). The show, at The Grey Eagle, includes support from Momma Molasses and Noah Proudfoot. Sunday, Dec. 8, at 8 p.m. $10. thegreyeagle.com. Photo by Violet Visions
EXCITING UPCOMING EVENTS! WEST ASHEVILLE
SANCTUARY BREWING CO. Blue Ridge Pistols, 8:00PM
TWISTED LAUREL DJ Dance Party w/ Phantom Pantone DJ Collective, 11:00PM
SLY GROG LOUNGE Solarist, Aisles Of Jane Doe, Shattered Glass, 72nd And Central, 9:00PM
UPCOUNTRY BREWING COMPANY String Cheese Incident Live Stream, 8:00PM
SOVEREIGN KAVA Music Trivia, 6:00PM Shane Parish, 9:00PM STRAIGHTAWAY CAFE James Hammel, 6:00PM THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Community Salsa/Latin Night w/ DJ Edi Fuentes (lessons at 9:00PM), 9:30PM THE BARRELHOUSE Jackson Grimm, 8:00PM THE GREENHOUSE MOTO CAFE Power Toolz (the last show), 7:00PM
3 SPECIAL BEER RELEASES: • Little Red Grisette • Purple Rain (Kettle Sour) • Off the Wall IPA
THE GREY EAGLE Acoustic Syndicate's Annual Thanksgiving Homecoming, 9:00PM
5TH ANNUAL PRINCE & MICHAEL JACKSON DANCE PARTY- 9PM $5 COVER COSTUMES ENCOURAGED!
WAVL- 520 HAYWOOD RD. DOWNTOWN- 10 PATTON AVE.
www.oneworldbrewing.com 48
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2019
MOUNTAINX.COM
THE MOTHLIGHT Rap & Urban Combat Wrestling, 9:00PM TOWN PUMP The Karma Mechanics, 9:00PM
WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Marcel Anton & Friends, 8:00PM WILD WING CAFE Karaoke at the Wing, 9:30PM WILD WING CAFE SOUTH Post Game Karaoke w/ DJ Razor, 9:30PM ZAMBRA Dinah's Daydream (Gypsy Jazz), 8:00PM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1 ARCHETYPE BREWING Post-Brunch Blues, 4:00PM ASHEVILLE CLUB Vaden Landers (bluegrass, country), 4:00PM ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Pot Luck & Musician's Jam, 3:00PM
BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE Pimps of Pompe Trio (Gypsy jazz hip-hop), 2:00PM BEN'S TUNE UP Good Vibes Sunday w/ The Dub Kartel, 6:00PM BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Matt Sellars, 7:00PM BOLD ROCK HARD CIDER Sunday Brunch w/ live music, 12:00PM Daniel Sage, 3:00PM CROW & QUILL Sunday's are a Drag: Krampus Drag Show, 10:00PM DOUBLE CROWN Western Wednesday w/ Hannah Juanita & The Hardliners & live Honky Tonk, 9:00PM FLEETWOOD'S Comey at Fleetwood's: Dan Perlman, 8:00PM FUNKATORIUM Gary "Macfiddle" Mackey (bluegrass), 1:00PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Reggae Sunday w/ Chalwa, 2:00PM Sidecar Honey, 7:00PM
ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Jaco Pastorius Birthday Tribute feat. Shannon Hoover, 6:00PM Caroline Keller Band w/ Hannah Miller, 7:30PM JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Irish Session, 3:00PM LAKE JULIAN PARK AND MARINA Lights by the Lake Stroll Nights at Lake Julian Festival of Lights, 5:00PM LAZY DIAMOND Noiz Oasis w/ DJ Salty Stax (post-punk), 10:00PM LOBSTER TRAP Phil Alley, 6:30PM LUELLA'S BAR-B-QUE Sunday Brunch w/ Hank Bones & Jon Corbin, 12:00PM LUELLA'S BAR-B-QUE BILTMORE PARK Sunday Live Music w/ Leo Johnson, 1:00PM ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL World Famous Bluegrass Brunch, 10:30AM Smash Out Sundays w/ Mike T & JJ Smash, 9:00PM OSKAR BLUES BREWERY Trivia Night, 5:00PM
PISGAH BREWING COMPANY Pisgah Sunday Jam hosted by Paper Crowns Electric Band, 6:00PM SLY GROG LOUNGE Open Mic w/ Mike Andersen, 6:30PM STRAIGHTAWAY CAFE Peter Fraser, 5:00PM THE BARRELHOUSE Weekly Original Music Open Mic, 6:00PM saxsquach, 9:00PM THE GREY EAGLE The Rock and Roll Playhouse plays the Music of The Beatles for Kids, 12:30PM Son Little w/ Christopher Paul Stelling, 8:00PM THE IMPERIAL LIFE DJ Dance Party feat. Phantom Pantone Collective, 9:00PM THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, 7:00PM TWIN LEAF BREWERY Movie Mondays, 7:00PM
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2 ASHEVILLE CLUB Live Improv, 7:00PM CATAWBA BREWING SOUTH SLOPE Musicians in the round hosted by Jon Edwards, 6:00PM DOUBLE CROWN Country Karaoke w/ KJ Tim-O, 10:00PM HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Trivia Night, 6:00PM JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Quizzo Pub Trivia, 7:30PM Open Mic Night, 9:30PM LOBSTER TRAP Dave Desmelik, 6:30PM ODDITORIUM Risque Monday Burlesque hosted By Deb Au Nare, 9:00PM OLE SHAKEY'S Live Band Honky Tonk Karaoke, 9:00PM OSKAR BLUES BREWERY Mountain Music Mondays (open jam), 6:00PM PORTER CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS AT BREVARD COLLEGE First Mondays: Benjamin Sung (violinist), 12:30PM
SANCTUARY BREWING CO. Open Mic Night w/ It Takes All Kinds, 7:00PM THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Ambigious Roots w/ Jamar Woods, Brennan Dugan & Adam Chase, 9:00PM THE GOLDEN PINEAPPLE Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 8:00PM
TAVERN Downtown on the Park Eclectic Menu • Over 30 Taps • Patio 15 TV’s • Sports Room • 110” Projector Event Space • Shuffleboard Open 7 Days 11am - Late Night THA
WE
NKSGIV
ET!
ING
BUFF COOK, WE CLE AN, YOU ENJOY!
THU. 11/28
THE GREY EAGLE Open Mic Night (6PM sign-up), 7:00PM
Jeff Anders & Justin Burrell
THE IMPERIAL LIFE Leo Johnson Trio, 9:00PM
FRI. 11/29
THE MOTHLIGHT The Styrofoam Turtles w/ Penny & Fortezza, 8:00PM
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3
(acoustic rock)
DJ RexxStep
(dance hits, pop)
SAT. 11/30 Blaze the City
(dance, rock, funk)
ASHEVILLE BEAUTY ACADEMY The Salon w/ Ida Carolina (drag cabaret), 7:00PM ASHEVILLE CLUB BluesDay Tuesday w/ Mr Jimmy, 6:00PM Izzy (singer, songwriter), 7:00PM ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR Evening of Classical Guitar - 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, 8:00PM
20 S. Spruce St. • 225.6944 packStavern.com
ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Tuesday Night Funk Jam, 11:00PM BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Billy Litz, 7:00PM DOUBLE CROWN Sonic Stew w/ DJ Lil Side Salad & Seymour, 10:00PM FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ASHEVILLE Handel’s Messiah Sing Along w/ the Asheville Symphony Chorus, 7:30PM HAYWOOD COUNTRY CLUB Turntable Tuesdays hosted by VTT, 10:00PM
Nightly Supper
ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Tuesday Bluegrass Sessions hosted by Unspoken Tradition, 7:30PM
Sunday Brunch
LAKE JULIAN PARK AND MARINA Lake Julian Festival of Lights, 6:00PM
Closed Mondays
LOBSTER TRAP Jay Brown, 6:30PM MARKET PLACE Rat Alley Cats (instrumental jazz), 6:30PM
starting at 5PM
from 10:30-3:30PM
828-350-0315 SMOKYPARK.COM
ODDITORIUM Odditorium Comedy Night, 9:00PM
MOUNTAINX.COM
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2019
49
CLU B LA N D OFF THE WAGON Giving Tuesday: Holiday Heroes Party benefit for Youth Villages, 6:00PM
E v e nts MONDAY NIGHTS
Watch NFL games on our 18 foot screen. Free Pizza! THURSDAY NIGHTS
College Greek Night FRIDAY NIGHTS
Latin dancing
EVERY SATURDAY
DJ plays the best 90’s & 2000’s music
Booking available for all company holiday parties...
828-458-5072
FREE PARKING Located in the heart of Downtown AVL
38 North French Broad Ave
Paradox Nightclub
The
Spirituality Issue Coming in December
Contact us today! 828-251-1333
advertise @mountainx.com 50
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2019
MOUNTAINX.COM
ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Tuesday Early Jam, 8:00PM ONE WORLD BREWING OWB Downtown: Jack Pearson's Comedy Cosmos (stand-up), 8:00PM SANCTUARY BREWING CO. Team Trivia w/ host Josh Dunkin, 7:00PM
THOMAS WOLFE AUDITORIUM Rodrigo y Gabriela – Mettavolution Tour, 7:30PM TWIN LEAF BREWERY Robert's Twin Leaf Trivia, 8:00PM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4 12 BONES BREWERY Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7:00PM ARCHETYPE BREWING Old Time Jam, 5:00PM
THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE Swing AVL'S First Tuesday Community Jazz Jam led by Annie Erbsen, 9:00PM
ASHEVILLE CLUB Live Jazz Trio, 7:00PM
THE GREY EAGLE Many A Ship Album Release Show, 8:00PM
BLUE MOUNTAIN PIZZA & BREW PUB Open Mic hosted by Billy Owens, 7:00PM
THE IMPERIAL LIFE Andrew J. Fletcher (solo jazz piano), 9:00PM THE MARKET PLACE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE Rat Alley Cats, 6:30PM THE SOCIAL Open Mic w/ Riyen Roots, 8:00PM
ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR AGB Open Mic, 6:30PM
CROW & QUILL Asheville City Horns (hot jazz), 9:00PM DOUBLE CROWN Western Wednesday w/ live Honky Tonk, 9:00PM FUNKATORIUM Grass at the Funk feat. the Saylor Brothers, 6:30PM
HIGHLAND BREWING COMPANY Woody Wood Wednesdays, 6:00PM ISIS MUSIC HALL & KITCHEN 743 Peppino D’Agostino, 7:00PM JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Old Time Music Jam Session, 5:00PM LAKE JULIAN PARK AND MARINA Lake Julian Festival of Lights, 6:00PM LAZY DIAMOND Killer Karaoke w/ KJ TimO, 10:00PM LOBSTER TRAP Cigar Brothers, 6:30PM ODDITORIUM Hot Flakes, Night Beers (metal), 9:00PM ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Disclaimer Lounge Comedy Open Mic, 9:30PM OSKAR BLUES BREWERY Music Bingo, 6:00PM PISGAH BREWING COMPANY Acoustic Wednesdays: Two Fontaines, 6:00PM
SLY GROG LOUNGE Monthly Monster Maker, Exquisite Corpse, 6:00PM SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY Jazz Night hosted by Jason DeCristofaro, 6:30PM SOVEREIGN KAVA Open Mic w/ Caleb Beissert (sign-up at 7:30PM), 8:00PM STRAIGHTAWAY CAFE Circus Mutt, 6:00PM THE BLOCK OFF BILTMORE HempYEAH's Holiday Party (music, vendors, treats, speakers), 6:00PM Ruby's Blues Jam, 9:00PM THE FOUNDRY HOTEL 3 Cool Cats, 6:00PM THE GOLDEN FLEECE Scots-Baroque ChamberFolk w/ The Tune Shepherds, 7:00PM THE GREY EAGLE Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root w/ Dirk Miller, 8:00PM TOWN PUMP David Bryan's Open Mic, 9:00PM TWIN LEAF BREWERY Open Mic Night, 7:00PM
MOVIE REVIEWS
Hosted by the Asheville Movie Guys HHHHH
= MAX RATING
EDWIN ARNAUDIN earnaudin@mountainx.com
H PICK OF THE WEEK H
THIS WEEK’S CONTRIBUTORS
BRUCE STEELE bcsteele@gmail.com
Casey Ellis
21 Bridges HHS DIRECTOR: Brian Kirk PLAYERS: Chadwick Boseman, Sienna Miller, J.K. Simmons ACTION/THRILLER RATED R
Knives Out HHHHH DIRECTOR: Rian Johnson PLAYERS: Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ana de Armas THRILLER/COMEDY RATED PG-13 After the suicide of Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Plummer) — mystery writer, self-made millionaire and benefactor to his wretched and undeserving children and grandchildren — his family is assembled to answer questions from the local police. It seems as though Mr. Thrombey’s death may not have been suicide, but murder! A murder any one of the family members could have committed and from which everyone stands to profit. You see, the night of the supposed murder, all the family gathered for what would be Harlan’s ultimate birthday. There was music and dancing, cake and threats of being written out of “my will.” The characters may not be new to the genre — there’s the mooching daughterin-law, the spurned son who runs the family business, the loving daughter, her freeloading husband and their utterly despicable trust-fund son. There’s also the dunce-ish cop (who’s actually quite well-read), the nurse with a heart of gold and, of course, no mystery would be complete without its sleuth. What makes the latest feature from writer/director Rian Johnson (Star Wars: Episode VIII — The Last Jedi; Looper) sing is these familiar parts’ portrayals by a five-star cast. It’s refreshing to see a film with such star power and not one of them in a
lycra jumpsuit and cape. (Well, Chris “Captain America” Evans is here and loving every minute reciting lines no superhero would ever utter.) The story mostly focuses on Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig), the last of the gentlemen sleuths, who has been summoned by an anonymous party to get to the bottom of this devious deed, and his newly appointed “Watson,” Harlan’s Paraguayan nurse Marta (Ana de Armas, Blade Runner 2049), who was the last person to see him alive. Marta has a special gift: the inability to tell a lie. If an untruth passes her lips, her lunch will surely follow, and with that knowledge, Benny Blanc takes his walking, talking polygraph upstairs, downstairs and all through the yard. He’s onto something, but little does he know the answer has been alongside him the whole time, trying not to ralph. I’m not spoiling anything, as this whodunit twists with the best of them. Johnson’s writing and direction are pitch perfect for his ensemble cast, and even the old dark house plays its role with relish. Quick, smart and funny to the last frame, my only qualm with Knives Out is that there isn’t more screen time for every single character. I’ll be seeing it again. Starts Nov. 27 REVIEWED BY CASEY ELLIS C.DALTON.ELLIS@GMAIL.COM
The crime drama 21 Bridges hides its true agenda behind its name, but not for long. It’s clear early on that the opening robbery and shoot-out, resulting in the deaths of seven police officers, is more about police corruption than about hoodlums who did the killing. So the trailer-worthy premise — quarantine Manhattan by closing every bridge, tunnel, and transit system in and out — soon falls by the wayside. In its place is another good cop vs. bad cops, “the system is broken” narrative that has a dramatic conclusion but no real answers. The good cop is Andre Davis (Chadwick Boseman, aka Black Panther), a detective with a wellearned reputation for shooting crooks dead — always justifiably, of course. So when his fellow cops start hinting he’s the best man to deal with two stickup artists whose drug theft turned especially bloody, their motives are immediately clear: the thieves need to be silenced, permanently. Davis is paired with narcotics detective Frankie Burns (Sienna Miller), and together the duo are soon hot on the trail of Michael (Stephan James, If Beale Street Could Talk) and Ray (Taylor Kitsch, slumming a bit after his complicated portrayal of David Koresh in the “Waco” miniseries). But Davis is soon more interested in cracking the precinct’s corrupt cabal than in gunning down the perps. Directed by prestige TV director Brian Kirk (“Game of Thrones”; “The Tudors”), 21 Bridges is stylishly filmed, the director’s visual mastery, particularly in action scenes, making up for some of the screenplay’s repeated implausibilities. The dialogue is often smarter than the plot twists (save for one late surprise), and the casting of Oscar winner J.K. Simmons as a police captain practically telegraphs the role he’ll play. Boseman, who established his acting chops in the biopics Marshall and 42, is a magnetic protagonist and keeps the confrontation scenes — lots of heated talk with guns drawn — taut and engag-
Josh McCormack
James Rosario
Douglas Davidson
ing. And it’s nice to see Miller in a meaty role where she isn’t someone’s wife or girlfriend. But if anything in 21 Bridges is really supposed to be surprising or edgy, the movie doesn’t quite make the grade. It’s got a much bigger budget, sexier filmmaking and a degree more gravity than the similar Black and Blue, but it falls into the same Never Land where the police are both heroes and villains, and similarly gives up on trying to make dramatic sense of that duality in favor of a bang-up finale. REVIEWED BY BRUCE STEELE BCSTEELE@GMAIL.COM
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood HHHH DIRECTOR: Marielle Heller PLAYERS: Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper, Susan Kelechi Watson BIOPIC/DRAMA RATED PG-13 It’s difficult to follow up last year’s tremendous documentary Won’t You Be My Neighbor? with a dramatized Mr. Rogers story. However, director Marielle Heller (Can You Ever Forgive Me?) and writers Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil) prove they are up for the challenge. Cleverly staying away from a traditional biopic structure about the rise of Fred Rogers’ work with children and his television career, the movie instead focuses on the relationship between Fred and Esquire magazine journalist Lloyd Vogel (a fictionalized version of writer Tom Junod) and the events that led the reporter to pen the 1998 cover piece, “Can You Say ... Hero?” The two characters’ interactions are the heart of the film and serve as a wonderful distillation of the effect Rogers’ words had on the generations of children with whom he shared his message. Matthew Rhys is a terrific foil to Tom Hanks’ Mr. Rogers, instilling Lloyd with a strong balance of cynicism and sheer curiosity for how a man like Fred Rogers can exist in such a cold and unforgiving adult world. This is Lloyd’s story through and through, and while Rogers plays a large part in it, he’s a support-
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M OVIE RE V I EW S ing character acting as a sort of spiritual guide for Lloyd as he struggles with the challenges of his career, fatherhood and forgiveness. While the disdain our lead has for interviewing Rogers in the early parts of the film comes off a little overblown, it actually winds up making the culmination of Lloyd’s character arc all the more satisfying. What’s most surprising about A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood is how creative the direction is from Heller, who presents the movie as a long-form version of a traditional “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” episode, complete with Hanks talking directly to the camera on a stunning re-creation of the show’s set. It even goes so far as to make every landscape shot look as if it’s straight out of Rogers’ Neighborhood of Make-Believe, complete with crude model buildings and airplanes. One dream sequence around the film’s midpoint almost pushes this stylish approach too far, but after this rocky stretch, the filmmaking gets right back on track. Of course, the main draw for audiences seeing A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood will be Hanks as the man in the famous red knit cardigan. They won’t be disappointed. Hanks gives his best dramatic performance since Captain
Phillips (2013), and instead of making his interpretation of Rogers a straight impersonation, he suggests the mannerisms of the man through evocation. While his voice is suitably soft and kind, it’s in the silences where Hanks proves the most convincing. Luxuriating in the spaces between the words, much like Rogers was known to do, he takes a deep, meaningful breath while staring into the camera as if the individual audience member is the most important person in the world to him at that very moment. Right from the film’s start, it’s pitch perfect. Even with the stylish direction and phenomenal performance from Hanks, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood doesn’t break new ground in terms of biopics. Still, it’s a well-made tearjerker, and I like it just the way it is. Now playing at Grail Moviehouse REVIEWED BY JOSH MCCORMACK JMCCORMA@UNCA.EDU
Frozen II HHS DIRECTORS: Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee PLAYERS: The voices of Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad,
MOUNTAIN XPRESS PRESENTS
THE FIELD GUIDE
Asheville
Coming Soon!
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Mountain Xpress is proud to introduce The Field Guide to Asheville – the insider’s guide on what to do and where to find it! Written by Mountain Xpress editors and contributors, its content is well-rounded, inclusive and savvy. We’re providing takes and tips on the well-known attractions, hidden gems and quirky oddities that make Asheville so beloved. Join us and tell tens of thousands of tourists and visitors all about your business in The Field Guide to Asheville!
fiel
Asheville
Museums crafts shopping wellness art tours outdoors music culture
• GLOSSY, 4X9 POCKET-SIZED GUIDE • A COMPANION TO XPRESS’ EATS & DRINKS GUIDE & BEST OF WNC POCKET GUIDE • COLOR-CODED SECTIONS, MAPS, FAQS, SAMPLE ITINERARIES • DISTRIBUTED IN HOTELS, VISITOR CENTERS, THE ASHEVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, NEWSBOXES AND MORE!
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NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2019
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Sterling K. Brown, Evan Rachel Wood ANIMATED/MUSICAL RATED PG I question the artistic value of a film preceded by a commercial for a tie-in Lego set. I know full well that 42-yearold men aren’t exactly the target audience for a film like Frozen II, but as the father of a little one who very much is the target audience, I can say with confidence that there are much, much better films to enjoy with your kids. (There are two from this year alone: Missing Link and Toy Story 4). I didn’t actively hate Frozen II — the whole thing is pretty innocent — but at no point was I excited for what may happen next, either. The story hinges on a retconned mystery forest that lies just down the road from the utopian kingdom of Arendelle. As it turns out, this magical land is shrouded in a dense fog and may hold the origins of Elsa’s ice powers (as revealed in a convenient flashback that no one seemed to find important until just now). With Arendelle in danger, our intrepid heroes set off to discover the forest (that was there the whole time, apparently) and unlock the secrets of the past. The narrative is weak and makes little sense. What’s worse, though, is that it isn’t exciting and it adds nothing meaningful to the original film’s mythology. I freely admit that I didn’t much like the first Frozen movie, either, but it at least cleverly upended a few well-worn Disney tropes and clichés within its self-contained story. Part Two has nowhere near the awareness of its predecessor and comes off as one of those “straight to DVD” releases Disney is so fond of (albeit with much better production value than any of those bargain bin sequels). Frozen II opens up a story that needn’t be opened. It muddies the waters and unnecessarily complicates what should have remained a simple folk tale. In addition, it’s unlikely you or the children who dragged you to the theater will be much affected by the film’s cheap attempts at pulling your heartstrings. Not even a rip-off of the generation-defining death of Artax the horse in 1984’s The NeverEnding Story was enough to rouse an emotion from my 5-year-old. Frozen II’s predictability and disappointing cop-outs prevent any kind of real, compelling sentiment. There’s nothing to grab onto, and you can see every move a mile away. Oddly, though, there are some unexpected positives. First, Disney took special care to not be racially insensitive toward the indigenous Scandinavian cultures introduced in the film. This choice seems as if it would be a nobrainer, but if you’re familiar with
Disney’s history in these matters — well, I’ll leave it at that. Second (and this is especially for you parents out there), none of the songs in the film have staying power. It’s unlikely you’ll be hearing any tunes from Frozen II a month from now, let alone six years. Thank the gods. Parents, you might as well just get it out of the way. It won’t hurt too badly. Frozen II isn’t nearly as cringy as most children’s fare, and there are even a few laughs to be had (mostly from the peculiar existentialism of Olaf the snowman). You could easily do worse (but you could do better, too). My daughter says
STARTING WEDNESDAY Knives Out (PG-13) HHHHH (Pick of the Week) Queen & Slim (R) HHHHS JUST ANNOUNCED The Irishman (R) Martin Scorsese’s latest crime saga involves mob hitman Frank Sheeran (Robert De Niro) reflecting on his life. At Grail Moviehouse
CURRENTLY IN THEATERS 21 Bridges (R) HHS A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (PG-13) HHHH Charlie’s Angels HHHS Doctor Sleep (R) HHHHS Downton Abbey (PG) HHHH Fantastic Fungi (NR) HHHH Ford v Ferrari (PG-13) HHHHS Frozen II (PG) HHS The Good Liar (R) HHHHS Harriet (PG-13) HH Jojo Rabbit (PG-13) HHHHH Judy (PG-13) HHS Last Christmas (PG-13) HHHH Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (PG) HHHS Midway (PG-13) HS Pain and Glory (R) HHHH Parasite (R) HHHHH The Peanut Butter Falcon (PG-13) HHHS Playing with Fire (PG-13) H The Report (R) HHHHS Terminator: Dark Fate (R) HHHH
MARKETPLACE she liked it, but there was an obvious disappointment in her voice. Afterward, I asked her how she’d compare it to her favorite movie of all time. Her reply? “It’s no Isle of Dogs.” REVIEWED BY JAMES ROSARIO JAMESROSARIO1977@GMAIL.COM
Queen & Slim HHHHS
DIRECTOR: Melina Matsoukas PLAYERS: Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bokeem Woodbine, Chloë Sevigny, Sturgill Simpson, Flea DRAMA RATED R Melina Matsoukas’ directorial debut, Queen & Slim, is a devastating drama about a couple thrust into the spotlight after a traffic stop gone wrong. At least, that’s one way to read it. Another way is that the screenplay from Lena Waithe (Showtime’s “The Chi”) — from a story she co-created with author James Fray (A Million Little Pieces) — is a poetic exploration of systemic racism and how, despite terrible losses, life continues and the cycle never breaks.
However you read the film, it’s undeniably a time bomb, one whose explosion you’re never quite prepared for. As the film rarely shows any other perspective than the eponymous, pseudonymous leads, the ever-capable Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out) and newcomer Jodie Turner-Smith carry the bulk of Queen & Slim, crafting performances that form the energetic center around which everything revolves. Their relationship is a forced one, born out of fire and necessity rather than time. As such, there’s a natural anxiety between the two, and, unable to turn to anyone else for support, they experience a terrible isolation. Even when the pair do find some kind of support, it’s minimal and fleeting. Across the six days of the film’s story — from the pair’s meeting to the traffic stop and everything that follows — there’s a relentlessness that slowly seeps out of the screen and into the audience. Over time, it elevates the rising, bittersweet inevitability of Queen & Slim with a power that will shake viewers to their core. Starts Nov. 27 Read the full review at elementsofmadness.com REVIEWED BY DOUGLAS DAVIDSON ELEMENTSOFMADNESS@GMAIL.COM
REAL ESTATE | RENTALS | ROOMMATES | SERVICES JOBS | ANNOUNCEMENTS | MIND, BODY, SPIRIT CLASSES & WORKSHOPS | MUSICIANS’ SERVICES PETS | AUTOMOTIVE | XCHANGE | ADULT Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 landrews@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 ads@mountainx.com REAL ESTATE HOMES FOR SALE PISGAH FOREST HOME FOR SALE BY OWNER 2250 sq ft 3bd/2 1-2ba, office, Master suite, loft nook, triple deck, dbl att garage. 1.62 acres. Surrounded by nature. Mtn view. Close to town. 15 mins to Airport. See Zillow $319,500
RENTALS APARTMENTS FOR RENT 2 BEDROOM DUPLEX APARTMENT 1.5 BA, FULL WALK-IN BASEMENT, OIL HEAT. WEAVERVILLE, $750/ MO, $750 DEPOSIT. NO ANIMALS. CALL 828-8914215.
SHORT-TERM RENTALS SHORT TERM VACATION RENTAL Our guest house is approximately 1,000 sf on two levels, studio floor plan, utilities, and cable included with 2 flat screen tvs. Country setting, 4 miles to Weaverville, 15 minutes to Asheville. Maximum occupancy 4 people. $1,600.00/ month, $700.00/week, $175.00/day, 3 day minimum. No pets please. Phone 828 231 9145 - Email mhcinc58@ yahoo.com
Reporting to the Brewery Support Supervisor, the core responsibility of the role is to perform facility wide housekeeping and sanitation duties to ensure the facility is orderly and hygienic. This is an entry-level position into a production facility with internal growth opportunities. Please Note: This is a 3rd shift position. 9:00pm5:30am Sunday-Thursday (15% shift differential)
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FULL-TIME POLICE OFFICER A-B Tech is currently taking applications for a Full-Time position Police Officer. For more details and to apply: http:// abtcc.peopleadmin.com/ postings/5266
BREWERY SUPPORT & SANITATION WORKER The Brewery Support Worker 1 is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the brewery and restaurants to the highest standard of quality.
TROLLEY TOUR GUIDES If you are a "people person," love Asheville, have a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and clean driving record you could be a great Tour Guide.
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Full-time and seasonal parttime positions available. Training provided. Contact us today! 828 251-8687. Info@GrayLineAsheville. com www.GrayLineAsheville.com
HUMAN SERVICES HELP AT-RISK YOUTH IN HENDERSON COUNTY Project Challenge NC, Inc. is looking for kid-centered applicants to perform community service. Valid NC Driver License. 21 or older. HS diploma with experience. Full benefits. $12.47/hr. Email resume and cover letter including three non-family references to HendersonJobs@ ProjectChallengeNC.org. No Phone Calls Please. RED OAK RECOVERY LLC – VARIOUS FULL TIME ROLES AVAILABLE IN MENTAL HEALTH/SUBSTANCE ABUSE FIELD Red Oak Recovery specializes in dual
SCREEN SCENE by Edwin Arnaudin | earnaudin@mountainx.com
FOR THE KIDS: Asheville-based cinematographer Brad Hoover, seen here working with local filmmaker Kira Bursky, will be one of the judges for the inaugural WNC Teen Film Festival. Submissions are being accepted through Feb. 1. Photo courtesy of Hoover Submissions are currently being accepted for the inaugural WNC Teen Film Festival. All applicants must be at least 13 years old and currently enrolled in a high school or middle school program, including homeschool programs, at the time of completion of the submitted project. Asheville filmmakers Paul Bonesteel (America’s First Forest) and Katie Damien (My Toxic Backyard) and Asheville School
of Film executive director and noted cinematographer Brad Hoover will judge the competition. Cash prizes will be given to the winning filmmakers at an awards ceremony in April. The submission categories are Animation, Comedy, Documentary, Drama, Horror/Sci Fi/Fantasy and Music Video. Middle school students will compete in their own all-genre category. Film length should be no longer than 3, 5 or 7 minutes, depending on the category. The submission fee is $10, and the deadline is Feb. 1. Full guidelines are available online. wncteenfilmfest.com X
FILM ANATTASATI MAGGA MOVIE NIGHT • TH (12/5), 6-9pm - Anattasati Magga movie showing of the movie, Zen. Free to attend. Held at Asheville Friends
Meetinghouse, 227 Edgewood Road TFAC FILM SERIES: ‘SWEET CHARITY’ • TU (12/3), 7pm - TFAC Film Series: Sweet Charity, musical. $6. Held at Tryon Fine Arts Center, 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon
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NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2019
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FREEWILL ASTROLOGY ARIES (March 21-April 19): Humans invented the plow in 4,500 BC, the wheel in 4,000 BC, and writing in 3,400 BC. But long before that, by 6,000 BC, they had learned how to brew beer and make psychoactive drugs from plants. Psychopharmacologist Ronald Siegel points to this evidence to support his hypothesis that the yearning to transform our normal waking consciousness is a basic drive akin to our need to eat and drink. Of course, there are many ways to accomplish this shift besides alcohol and drugs. They include dancing, singing, praying, drumming, meditating and having sex. What are your favorite modes? According to my astrological analysis, it’ll be extra important for you to alter your habitual perceptions and thinking patterns during the coming weeks. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): What’s something you’re afraid of, but pretty confident you could become unafraid of? The coming weeks will be a favorable time to dismantle or dissolve that fear. Your levels of courage will be higher than usual, and your imagination will be unusually ingenious in devising methods and actions to free you of the unnecessary burden. Step one: Formulate an image or scene that symbolizes the dread and visualize yourself blowing it up with a “bomb” made of 100 roses. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The word “enantiodromia” refers to a phenomenon that occurs when a vivid form of expression turns into its opposite, often in dramatic fashion. Yang becomes yin; resistance transforms into welcome; loss morphs into gain. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you Geminis are the sign of the zodiac that’s most likely to experience enantiodromia in the coming weeks. Will it be a good thing or a bad thing? You can have a lot of influence over how that question resolves. For best results, don’t fear or demonize contradictions and paradoxes. Love and embrace them. CANCER (June 21-July 22): There are Americans who speak only one language, English, and yet imagine they are smarter than bilingual immigrants. That fact amazes me and inspires me to advise me and all my fellow Cancerians to engage in humble reflection about how we judge our fellow humans. Now is a favorable time for us to take inventory of any inclinations we might have to regard ourselves as superior to others; to question why we might imagine others aren’t as worthy of love and respect as we are; or to be skeptical of any tendency we might have dismiss and devalue those who don’t act and think as we do. I’m not saying we Cancerians are more guilty of these sins than everyone else; I’m merely letting you know that the coming weeks are our special time to make corrections. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Erotic love is one of the highest forms of contemplation,” wrote the sensually wise poet Kenneth Rexroth. That’s a provocative and profitable inspiration for you to tap into. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you’re in the Season of Lucky Plucky Delight, when brave love can save you from wrong turns and irrelevant ideas; when the grandeur of amour can be your teacher and catalyst. If you have a partner with whom you can conduct these educational experiments, wonderful. If you don’t, be extra sweet and intimate with yourself. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In the follow-up story to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, our heroine uses a magic mirror as a portal into a fantastical land. There she encounters the Red Queen, and soon the two of them are holding hands as they run as fast as they can. Alice notices that despite their great effort, they don’t seem to be moving forward. What’s happening? The Queen clears up the mystery: In her realm, you must run as hard as possible just to remain in the same spot. Sound familiar, Virgo? I’m wondering whether you’ve had a similar experience lately. If so, here’s my advice: Stop running. Sit back, relax and allow the world to zoom by you. Yes, you might temporarily fall behind. But in the meantime, you’ll get fully recharged. No more than three weeks from now, you’ll be so energized that you’ll make up for all the lost time — and more.
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NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2019
BY ROB BREZSNY
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Most sane people wish there could be less animosity between groups that have different beliefs and interests. How much better the world would be if everyone felt a generous acceptance toward those who are unlike them. But the problem goes even deeper: Most of us are at odds with ourselves. Here’s how author Rebecca West described it: Even the different parts of the same person do not often converse among themselves, do not succeed in learning from each other. That’s the bad news, Libra. The good news is that the coming weeks will be a favorable time for you to promote unity and harmony among all the various parts of yourself. I urge you to entice them to enter into earnest conversations with each other! SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Poet Cecilia Woloch asks, “How to un-want what the body has wanted, explain how the flesh in its wisdom was wrong?” Did the apparent error occur because of some “some ghost in the mind?” she adds. Was it due to “some blue chemical rushing the blood” or “some demon or god”? I’m sure that you, like most of us, have experienced this mystery. But the good news is that in the coming weeks you will have the power to un-want inappropriate or unhealthy experiences that your body has wanted. Step one: Have a talk with yourself about why the thing your body has wanted isn’t in alignment with your highest good. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian composer Ludwig van Beethoven was inclined to get deeply absorbed in his work. Even when he took time to attend to the details of daily necessity, he allowed himself to be spontaneously responsive to compelling musical inspirations that suddenly welled up in him. On more than a few occasions, he lathered his face with the 19th century equivalent of shaving cream, then got waylaid by a burst of brilliance and forgot to actually shave. His servants found that amusing. I suspect that the coming weeks may be Beethoven-like for you, Sagittarius. I bet you’ll be surprised by worthy fascinations and subject to impromptu illuminations. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): During the next 11 months, you could initiate fundamental improvements in the way you live from day to day. It’s conceivable you’ll discover or generate innovations that permanently raise your life’s possibilities to a higher octave. At the risk of sounding grandiose, I’m tempted to predict that you’ll celebrate at least one improvement that is your personal equivalent of the invention of the wheel or the compass or the calendar. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): The only thing we learn from history is that we never learn anything from history. Philosopher Georg Hegel said that. But I think you will have an excellent chance to disprove this theory in the coming months. I suspect you will be inclined and motivated to study your own past in detail; you’ll be skilled at drawing useful lessons from it; and you will apply those lessons with wise panache as you reroute your destiny. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In his own time, poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-82) was acclaimed and beloved. At the height of his fame, he earned $3,000 per poem. But modern literary critics think that most of what he created is derivative, sentimental and unworthy of serious appreciation. In dramatic contrast is poet Emily Dickinson (1830-86). Her writing was virtually unknown in her lifetime but is now regarded as among the best ever. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to sort through your own past so as to determine which of your work, like Longfellow’s, should be archived as unimportant or irrelevant, and which, like Dickinson’s, deserves to be a continuing inspiration as you glide into the future.
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LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, POLK COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Abigail S. McCool a/k/a
Abigail McCool and Kevin McCool, dated January 25, 2010, recorded on January 29, 2010 in Book 378, Page 1543 of the Polk County Public Registry conveying certain real property in Polk County to MTNBK, LTD, Trustee, for the benefit of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc., as nominee for Carolina First Bank. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on December 2, 2019 at 3:00 PM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Polk County, North Carolina, to wit: Being all of that certain tract or parcel of land, containing 12.20 acres, more or less, and being shown and delineated on that certain plat entitled, “Survey For: Kevin & Abigail McCool, Location: Columbus Township, Polk County, North Carolina”, dated November 13, 2006 and prepared by James D. Langford, Jr., Professional Land Surveyor, said plat being duly recorded in Map Card File E, Page 1522, in Office of the Register of Deeds for Polk County, North Carolina; reference being made to said recorded plat for a full and complete metes and bounds description of said property pursuant to North Carolina General Statutes 47-30(g). The above described property is the identical property conveyed to Kevin McCool and wife, Abigail McCool, by deed from Hugh B. Tessener and wife, Carolyn Clarke Tessener, dated November 16, 2006 and recorded in Book 347, Page 2068, Polk County Registry. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 317 Fox Mountain Road, Columbus, NC 28722; tax parcel P73-143 A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, payable to Bell Carrington Price & Gregg, PLLC, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to any and all superior liens, including taxes and special assessments. To the best of the
knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/ are Abigail S. McCool a/k/a Abigail McCool and Kevin McCool. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 45-21.29, in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. The notice shall also state that upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination [N.C. Gen. Stat. § 45-21.16(b)(2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Cape Fear Trustee Services, LLC, Substitute Trustee ___ _________________________ ______, Attorney Aaron Seagroves, NCSB No. 50979 W. Harris, NCSB No. 48633 5550 77 Center Drive, Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28217 PHONE: 980-201-3840 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE NORTH CAROLINA, HENDERSON COUNTY Under and by virtue of a Power of Sale contained in that certain Deed of Trust executed by Thomas M. Stewart and Rebecca M. Stewart, dated October 2, 2014, recorded on October 9, 2014 in Book 2692, Page 124 of the Henderson County Public Registry conveying certain real property in Henderson County to WFG Lenders Services, LLC – TX, Trustee, for the benefit of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems Inc., as nominee for Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc., dba Security 1 Lending. Default having been made of the note thereby secured by the said Deed of Trust and the undersigned, having been substituted as Trustee in said Deed of Trust, and the holder of the note evidencing said default having directed that the Deed of Trust be foreclosed, the undersigned Substitute Trustee will offer for sale at
the courthouse door of the county courthouse where the property is located, or the usual and customary location at the county courthouse for conducting the sale on December 2, 2019 at 10:00 AM, and will sell to the highest bidder for cash the following described property situated in Henderson County, North Carolina, to wit: BEING ALL OF LOTS 1 AND 12, OF TIMBERCREEK SUBDIVISION, AS SHOWN ON PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT CABINET A, AT SLIDE 45, HENDERSON COUNTY REGISTRY, REFERENCE TO WHICH IS HEREBY MADE FOR A MORE SPECIFIC METES AND BOUNDS DESCRIPTION, AND AS SHOWN ON A JANUARY 27, 1989, SURVEY BY FREELAND CLINKSCALES & ASSOCIATES, DRAWING NO. HNC 8307. AND BEING A PORTION OF LOT 11, TIMBERCREEK SUBDIVISION, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT AN IRON PIN, SAID IRON PIN BEING THE NORTHEASTERN CORNER OF LOT 1 OF TIMBERCREEK SUBDIVISION, AS SHOWN ON ABOVEMENTIONED PLAT; THENCE FROM SAID POINT DUE NORTH, 35.8 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE WITH THE MARGIN OF ARROWROOT PLACE, SOUTH 26 DEGREES 10' EAST 3.6 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE IN A CURVE TO THE LEFT HAVING A RADIUS OF 38.56 FEET, A LENGTH OF 45.6 FEET, AND A CHORD BEARING AND DISTANCE OF SOUTH 60 DEGREES 4' EAST 40 FEET TO AN IRON PIN; THENCE LEAVING THE MARGIN OF SAID RIGHT OF WAY, SOUTH 65 DEGREES 25' WEST 38.1 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. CONTAINING 0.011 ACRES, ACCORDING TO A JANUARY 27, 1989, SURVEY BY FREELANDCLINKSCALES & ASSOCIATES, DRAWING NO. HNC 8307. Save and except any releases, deeds of release or prior conveyances of record. Said property is commonly known as 105 Arrowroot Place, Hendersonville, NC 28739; Parcel ID: 9949249 A cash deposit (no personal checks) of five percent (5%) of the purchase price, or Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars ($750.00), whichever is greater, payable to Bell Carrington Price & Gregg, PLLC, will be required at the time of the sale. Following the expiration of the statutory upset bid period, all the remaining amounts are immediately due and owing. THIRD PARTY PURCHASERS MUST PAY THE EXCISE TAX AND THE RECORDING COSTS FOR THEIR DEED. Said property to be offered pursuant to this Notice of Sale is being offered for sale, transfer and conveyance “AS IS WHERE IS.” There are no representations of warranty relating to the title or any physical, environmental, health or safety conditions existing in, on, at, or relating to the property being offered for sale. This sale is made subject to any and all superior liens, including taxes and special assessments. To the best of the knowledge and belief of the undersigned, the current owner(s) of the property is/are Thomas M. Stewart,
T H E NEW Y O R K T IM E S C R O S S W O R D P UZ Z L E
ACROSS 1 Jitter juice 5 Postlarval surviving spouse of Rebecca M. Stewart. An Order for possession of the property may be issued pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 45-21.29, in favor of the purchaser and against the party or parties by the clerk of superior court of the county in which the property is sold. Any person who occupies the property pursuant to a rental agreement entered into or renewed on or after October 1, 2007, may, after receiving the notice of sale, terminate the rental agreement by providing written notice of termination to the landlord, to be effective on a date stated in the notice that is at least 10 days, but no more than 90 days, after the sale date contained in the notice of sale, provided that the mortgagor has not cured the default at the time the tenant provides the notice of termination. The notice shall also state that upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination [N.C. Gen. Stat. § 45-21.16(b) (2)]. Upon termination of a rental agreement, the tenant is liable for rent due under the rental agreement prorated to the effective date of the termination. If the trustee is unable to convey title to this property for any reason, the sole remedy of the purchaser is the return of the deposit. Reasons of such inability to convey include, but are not limited to, the filing of a bankruptcy petition prior to the confirmation of the sale and reinstatement of the loan without the knowledge
10 Many a phone call from one’s own area code, nowadays of the trustee. If the validity of the sale is challenged by any party, the trustee, in their sole discretion, if they believe the challenge to have merit, may request the court to declare the sale to be void and return the deposit. The purchaser will have no further remedy. Cape Fear Trustee Services, LLC, Substitute Trustee ___ _________________________ ______, Attorney Aaron Seagroves, NCSB No. 50979 5550 77 Center Drive, Suite 100 Charlotte, NC 28217 PHONE: 980-201-3840 NOTICE OF SERVICE OF PROCESS BY PUBLICATION STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF JACKSON IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION FILE NO. 19-CVD-681 ELENA LILLARD, Plaintiff, v. BRANDON M. LILLARD, Defendant. TO: BRANDON M. LILLARD Take notice that a pleading seeking relief against you has been filed in the above entitled action. The nature of the relief being sought is as follows: Complaint for Absolute Divorce You are required to make defense to such pleading no later than January 6th, 2020 and upon your failure to do so the party seeking service against you will apply to the court for the relief sought. This 12th day of November, 2019. NIELSEN LAW, PLLC Joshua D. Nielsen Attorney for Plaintiff PO Box 304 Waynesville, NC 28786 (828) 246-9360 (828) 229-7255 facsimile Publication Dates: November 20th 2019, November 27th, 2019, and December 4th, 2019
14 Start, as an investigation 15 Speed skater Ohno RECENTLY DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER AND 60+ YEARS OLD? Call now! You and your family may be entitled to a SIGNIFICANT CASH AWARD. Call 844269-1881 today. Free Consultation. No Risk. (AAN CAN)
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS CLASSES & WORKSHOPS WWW.TERRYNEWBEGIN. COM I am a channeler and author of Books on "New Energy Consciousness" and I will be hosting "the Channeling of the Masters" at 497 Southern Way, Lenoir City, Tennessee on January 18, 2020, Saturday from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Since 2004 I have been channeling a group of nine well-known Ascended Masters from beyond the physical realm. Since I will be doing the presentation of the Masters in my home, then space is limited. The cost is $40 and can be paid at the event. Contact Terry at email terry@ nei.net or Nancy Salminen at email toddypond333@ gmail.com or phone her at 207-266-4400 to reserve your spot. Also, and only for those that will attend the event, Nancy and I are willing to do some private channelings for the following week of January 19th through 22, 2020. The time, day, and cost for the private channelings will be established at the event. Please note: these type of events fill up fast so don't hesitate. terry@nei.net - website www.terrynewbegin.com
edited by Will Shortz 16 Lineup at the polls 17 Legendary source of large footprints 18 Targets of some facial cleansers 19 Prey of Arctic wolves 20 Famous erupter of A.D. 79 23 Petite Grande 26 Broadcaster of the X Games 27 One with a handler 28 With 41- and 48-Across, what 56-Across declared while approaching the eruption of 20-Across 30 Short shot 32 Cricket segments 33 Like a superfan 36 What WD-40 has a lot of 40 City SE of Plumas National Forest 41 See 28-Across 42 ___ Cassady, traveling companion of Jack Kerouac 43 Paradise
puzzle by jennifer nutt 44 Judas’s question 45 1 to 10, say 46 Markdown 48 See 28-Across 50 Cabinet title: Abbr. 53 Speaker of a language that has both Cyrillic and Latin alphabets 55 Habituates 56 Roman writer who came to a bad end by 20-Across 60 Knot again 61 Dog-___ 62 Largest city of Palestine 66 Ham-handed 67 Maxim 68 Grinds (out) 69 Wanders aimlessly 70 Vacuum inventor James 71 Horizontal line on a chessboard
DOWN 1 Good cheer 2 Certain early “astronaut”
BODYWORK
HEALTH & FITNESS HEALTH AND WELLNESS WEBSITE Alternative Health and Wellness Website. www.pharmacistdrugsandyou.com
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3 Do background checks on 4 The T. rex in “Jurassic Park” and others 5 From New Guinea 6 “___ reflection …” 7 Wine specialty of the Douro Valley 8 Naproxen brand 9 Flag 10 Many a person once trapped behind the Iron Curtain 11 Home of Chanel and Cartier 12 Fell for 13 Complicated, as a breakup 16 Move to the side 21 Burden 22 ___ MacKenzie, beer mascot of the 1980s 23 Erenow 24 Wandered aimlessly 25 Adler who outwitted Sherlock Holmes
29 David Lynch’s first feature film 31 Fishy sandwich 34 Prefix with fauna 35 Nonhuman Twitter account 37 Title with a tilde 38 Top scout 39 Luges, e.g. 41 Serving of sole 45 ___ Caovilla (brand of high-end women’s shoes) 47 So far
49 Like Easter eggs 50 Shoot 51 Author Ferrante 52 Gave credit to 54 Small, round and shiny 57 Barely defeats 58 Chapters in history 59 Locking block 63 Letters in front of an alias 64 State of Japan 65 “Fire away!”
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS NY TIMES PUZZLE
We transform donated cars into working wheels for working families!
MIND, BODY, SPIRIT TRANSFORMATIONAL MASSAGE THERAPY For $60.00 I provide, at your home, a 1.5-2 hour massage [deep Swedish with Deep Tissue work and Reiki]. • Relieve psychological and physiological stress and tension. • Inspires deep Peace and Well-Being. • Experience a deeply innerconnected, trance like state • Sleep deeper. • Increase calmness and mental focus. I Love Sharing my Art of Transformational Massage Therapy! Book an appointment and feel empowered now! Frank Solomon Connelly, LMBT#10886. • Since 2003. • (828) 707-2983. Creator_of_Joy@hotmail. com
No. 1023
Working Wheels
These organizations choose the program participants: • • • • • • • •
ABCCM’s Steadfast House AHA’s Self-Sufficiency Program Community Action Opportunities El Centro of Henderson County Green Opportunities Habitat for Humanity Helpmate Homeward Bound
• • • • • •
HUD VA Supportive Housing Mary Benson House Nurse Family Partnership OnTrack Our Voice Re-Entry Council of Buncombe County • YWCA
DONATE TODAY!
WorkingWheelsWNC.org • (828) 633-6888 MOUNTAINX.COM
NOV. 27 - DEC. 3, 2019
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