Destroyed athletic facilities leave local sports leagues searching for
COMFORT AND JOY
Asheville busineses pick up the pieces post-Helene
Across Asheville, retailers and artists are collaborating to create innovative pop-up events to support local shops displaced by Tropical Storm Helene. On this week’s cover, Abigail Riley, left, co-owner of the Biltmore Village business Finch Grocery, is pictured with Wall Street retailer Hannah Schauer, general manager of L’Optique. Finch, demolished by flooding, is operating inside Schauer’s business as part of Miracle on Wall Street.
Carmen Atwater discusses the impact Helene has had on
Mission Health permanently shutters Asheville Specialty Hospital
The
Marquee commits
news tips & story ideas to NEWS@MOUNTAINX.COM
PUBLISHER & EDITOR: Jeff Fobes
ASSISTANT PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson
MANAGING EDITOR: Thomas Calder
EDITORS: Lisa Allen, Gina Smith
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR: Thomas Calder
OPINION EDITOR: Tracy Rose
STAFF REPORTERS: Lisa Allen, Thomas Calder, Brionna Dallara, Justin McGuire, Greg Parlier, Brooke Randle, Gina Smith
COMMUNITY CALENDAR & CLUBLAND: Braulio Pescador-Martinez
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Jon Elliston, Mindi Friedwald, Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak
REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS:
Oby Arnold, Mark Barrett, Eric Brown, Carmela Caruso, Cayla Clark, Carol Kaufman, Storms Reback, Kay West
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Cindy Kunst
ADVERTISING,
ART & DESIGN MANAGER: Susan Hutchinson
LEAD DESIGNER: Scott Southwick
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Tina Gaafary, Caleb Johnson, Olivia Urban
MARKETING ASSOCIATE: Sara Brecht
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES: Hinton Edgerton, Jeff Fobes, Mark Murphy, Scott Southwick WEB: Brandon Tilley
BOOKKEEPER: Amie Fowler
OFFICE MANAGER: Mark Murphy
ADMINISTRATION & BILLING: Hinton Edgerton, Lisa Watters
DISTRIBUTION: Susan Hutchinson, Cindy Kunst
DISTRIBUTION
Ashley Alms, Cass Kunst, Henry Mitchell, Courtney Israel Nash, Joey Nash, Carl & Debbie Schweiger, Gary Selnick, Noah Tanner, Mark Woodyard
Three cheers for Chandler at water department
I am 73 years old and have been through a few things in my life. The last two months stand alone, however. And although there are many, many heroes deserving of recognition and acclaim during these weeks, none stand out quite like Clay Chandler and his people at the Water Resources Department. So, to wit: Chandler’s handling of this crisis has been magnificent throughout. Those sound like words more suited to an ad for the Ice Capades than a civil servant, but I mean every word.
Clay has been so good at his job that it’s difficult to convey such competence to friends. He has delivered on everything he promised. He never pulled his punches as he described our situation. There were hard truths, and he shared them with us. I expect that he has rewritten the book on how civil authorities should handle disaster information release. He told us that it was going to be a long, hard road to recovery. They were working as hard as they could, but there were no guarantees. He made none.
As nothing has ever happened quite like this anywhere, he was in uncharted territory from the get-go. Promises were a fool’s game, and he knew it. He told us each step of the way how and where the restoration of water services was taking place. He told us what the problems they faced were as they arose. He told us what the new innovations were that they were having to try while telling us not only when they worked, but when
they didn’t. With a voice that sounded like a dead-on imitation of Al Gore (sorry, Clay, I hope that’s a compliment), Clay brought us through the worst of it to safety. It was a worldclass performance by any standard.
Question: How can this city show its appreciation for such a man? I’m not given to hero worship, but Chandler and his people have earned the gratitude and respect of this city a thousand times over. It seems that there ought to be some way to thank him and them appropriately. It would be a crime to not let them enjoy a moment of joy and praise for their incredible work.
— Jim Lynch Asheville
Focusing on things that matter
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
— George Bernard Shaw
Growing old is a privilege. But I don’t want to kid you: Old age is tough and has its challenges. Start preparing yourself now. Not just financially, but mentally, physically and spiritually.
What you and I do in Asheville or any local community affects the nation. No, it’s not easy to face the world, and yet there is something beautiful and awesome to be experienced as we stumble through life. Adult mental development does not stop after high school or college. We are always becoming, so who are you going to be? We are all an
CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON
unfinished symphony participating in a democracy that demands your educated participation. Today’s decision can affect hundreds of years into the future.
In our first half of life, we lay spiritual foundations that prepare us for our later years. I call this “lifelong learning” that helps create a zest for living where we can be more free, more aware and more courageous as we react to our uncertain times and move into our more mature years.
I suggest that you do not let your life just float by. As parents, teachers, employers, employees and citizens, what we do at the local level has consequences for our community, state, nation and the world. The choices we make today will influence our grandchildren’s children’s lives in the search for truth, goodness and beauty. The truth forces us to consider unpleasant hard facts.
And, for those with the privilege of advanced years, I suggest that you turn your thoughts to the younger generations, whose future is jeopardized by our violence and neglect of the world. Today, we need to plant seeds of possibility for a supportive and caring society.
Perhaps we focus too much on politics rather than going into our inner selves.
Recently, I had two positive experiences of connecting with our com-
munity. One was Helene: People came to my front door to give us water and offer help, and I heard stories of people helping each other.
The second was a small gathering in Pack Square Park. I’m inspired to share this because of an Armistice Day celebration on what our government calls “Veterans Day,” which has a tendency to celebrate military power rather than the call for peace on Earth and good will to each other. The music, poetry and readings focused on things that matter with a call to a better future. The Rev. Sara Wilcox of Land of the Sky United Church of Christ expressed a vision of today’s world that includes hope, trust and solidarity: a society that builds a world where we can put aside our weapons and live together in peace. Isn’t that worth something to fight for?
I see the need for change that involves all of us. Read, reflect and participate with others in a lifelong journey to expand your life into new insights into a larger notion of truth, goodness and beauty that brings people together. Inspiration can come through the written or spoken word, a book, a sentence or a story that will inspire you with a zest for living on into your senior years.
“Let me keep my distance, always, from those who think they have the answers. Let me keep company always
with those who say ‘Look!’ and laugh in astonishment.” — Mary Oliver Readers can reach me at esacco189@gmail.com.
— Ed Sacco Asheville
Nuclear war would dwarf Helene
We in Western North Carolina have just experienced being without cellphone coverage, without water, without power, without gasoline and without internet and TV, some of these for a long time. Remember how awful it was!
We received a massive inflow of help from throughout North Carolina and the rest of the nation — from government, from charities, from churches, from international groups and many others.
In the case of nuclear war, in addition to being without cellphone coverage, without water, without power, without gasoline and without internet and TV forever, survivors will be without law and order, without medical care, without food, and suffering from radiation sickness. There will be no help.
A good first step toward making the world safer from this specter would be to eliminate our land-
based intercontinental ballistic missiles, saving the $141 billion we plan to spend replacing them. These sitting-duck weapons are destabilizing because they must be fired quickly in uncertain situations. Our 14 nuclear submarines each carrying seven times the firepower of World War II are sufficient deterrence. Thanks for your consideration of this serious issue. Wondering what you can do to help? So are we! Join us: WNC Physicians for Social Responsibility, aka WNCPSR. — Dot Sulock Asheville X
Word of the week
mutualism (n.)
1. the doctrine or practice of mutual dependence as the condition of individual and social welfare
2. mutually beneficial association between different kinds of organisms
In this week’s cover story, on page 12, we look at mutualism in action as local businesses open their doors to other shops displaced by Tropical Storm Helene. X
CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN
Parks and wreck
BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE
One word keeps coming up as people describe damage at the City of Asheville’s riverfront sports venues: catastrophic.
When Tropical Storm Helene hit Sept. 27, massive flooding wreaked havoc on city parks, including Carrier, Azalea, French Broad and Recreation. The floodwaters destroyed playgrounds, restrooms, concession stands and more.
The storm also decimated many of the city’s most-used outdoor athletic facilities. That includes Azalea Park’s John B. Lewis Soccer Complex (JBL) as well as Carrier Park’s in-line hockey rink, lawn bowling green and fields used for softball, rugby, grass volleyball and more.
“There’s not much left that is going to be usable or reopenable in the near future,” says Pete Wall, the city’s assistant director of parks and recreation.
The venues were home to cityrun recreation programs as well as sports events organized by groups like the Asheville Buncombe Youth Soccer Association (ABYSA) and the Asheville Hockey League (AHL). Dozens of games and matches have been canceled or rescheduled, and organizers have scrambled to find
alternate sites at schools and churches and in nearby communities. Additionally, tens of thousands of dollars worth of athletic equipment, uniforms and gear was lost, causing some of the sports organizations to set up GoFundMe fundraisers and
seek help from outside groups to try to ease the financial burden.
The city’s recreation centers have reopened, but the riverside parks remain closed, and officials don’t know when — or if — the athletic facilities will be repaired and restored. Some of the groups that use the venues aren’t sure it even makes sense to rebuild expensive playing surfaces in a floodplain.
“There’s going to be some finite amount of money for repairing things,” says Michael Rottjakob, ABYSA’s executive director. “And we don’t know exactly where parks are going to fall in terms of priorities. I think it’s going to still be a little while before we have some answers about whether rebuilding soccer fields at that location [Azalea Park] makes sense.”
’GROUND ZERO’
The Lewis soccer complex, which opened in 2005, featured four artificial turf fields managed by the ABYSA. Along with the Buncombe County Sports Park, it served as home to youth and adult recreation leagues, travel teams, summer camps, showcase events, travel tournaments and more. It also hosted events in other sports like lacrosse and ultimate Frisbee.
The Lewis complex “was pretty much ground zero” for Helenerelated destruction, Rottjakob says. Floodwaters rose to the ceiling of the concession stand, which was built outside the 500-year floodplain, he says. The fields were covered with silt, garbage and even old cars.
“We lost 48 soccer goals,” he adds. “We’ve been able to recover some parts from some of the goals, but they were mangled and look like tumbleweed.”
At the time the flooding hit, 4,738 players were registered for ABYSA’s fall programs, which range from beginner rec leagues to competitive travel teams. Additionally, the Asheville Buncombe Adult Soccer Association had more than 1,400 people participating in its fall leagues.
While many youth matches were canceled in October and the adult league scrapped its remaining fall schedule, ABYSA was able to get back to its full slate of rec league games starting the weekend of Nov. 2, Rottjakob says.
Games were played at 12 different locations, rather than the four or five normally required. That included the Buncombe County Sports Park, which remains open, as well as sites provided by Buncombe County Schools, private schools and nearby communities like Mills River.
“We’ve not been able to provide programming in exactly the ways that we have in the past, but we are doing everything we can to serve the soccer community,” Rottjakob says.
The city likely won’t make any decisions about repairing and rebuilding until next year, Wall says. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has to inspect and document the damage before officials can even estimate the price tag or know how much federal reimbursement money will be coming.
That process may last into January, he says.
The Lewis complex and the Buncombe County Sports Park draw several travel tournaments to town each year. Most of the 2024 events had occurred before Sept. 27, but ABYSA had to cancel the Riverside Senior Girls Showcase, which was scheduled for Nov. 16-17. And officials are looking for alternative sites for two upcoming events, the boys Riverside Spring Kickoff, which takes place in January, and
the girls Riverside Spring Kickoff, set for February.
Rottjakob says much of the JBL infrastructure, including the light poles and the curbing that goes around the artificial turf on the fields, is intact. Even so, getting the fields back to playable will be a big undertaking.
Given that the complex had to close for an extended period following flooding in 2018, Rottjakob says the idea of relocating has to be on the table.
“There’s a lot of parties interested in rebuilding the John B. Lewis Soccer Complex, either where it is or finding another location because we have a very large and vibrant soccer community that needs to play,” he says.
LOOKING FOR ROUTINES
News of damage to Carrier Park’s in-line hockey rink reached all the way to the National Hockey League.
In October, the Raleigh-based Carolina Hurricanes Foundation donated $50,000 to the AHL to help rebuild the rink, which first opened about two decades ago inside the park’s velodrome track. The team
gave another $25,000 after the AHL’s GoFundMe hit $25,000 in public donations, getting the group to $100,000 in total.
“What the Hurricanes did, we never could have expected that,” says Dan Dean, AHL vice president and adult commissioner. “For them to come through like that is just amazing.”
In-line hockey, also called roller hockey, is a variant of hockey played on a hard, smooth surface, with players using in-line skates and ice hockey sticks. The AHL runs youth leagues in the fall and spring and adult leagues in the fall, summer and spring. The youth leagues typically have 110-135 participants while the adult league is capped at 166 with a waiting list.
“We are actively on that rink seven days a week,” Dean says. “It is filled pretty much from 6 p.m. until 10:15 at night.”
Damage at the rink was extensive. Several inches of mud covered the playing surface, while the aluminum support piping on half the rink snapped. A trailer crashed into
CONTINUES ON PAGE 8
At Shining Rock Goods, we have the largest collection of vintage belt buckles in the country! We also hand-make solid leather belts to fit while you wait- you choose the color, width, and buckle. Our belts are guaranteed for 10 years, making them a wise investment in something that will stand the test of time.
We make quality leather handbags, wallets and belts in our downtown Asheville shop that will become forever favorites worthy of passing down to future generations. We have curated an extensive collection of vintage and estate sterling silver jewelry that offers something for every taste and budget.
the scoreboard, which will have to be replaced, and a tree fell onto the fencing surrounding the facility. One of the bleachers floated to the nearby lawn bowling green.
In addition, the building the league used for storage flooded.
“We lost a bunch of youth gear, we lost devices to run the scoreboard,” Dean says. “The building’s a total loss. They don’t really know when we will have access to the rink again or when it will be repaired because they’re waiting on FEMA.”
The Pavilion Recreation Complex, more than an hour away in Greenville, S.C., allowed the league to rent its indoor roller hockey rink at a significant discount, Dean says. The AHL was able to salvage some of its fall season by scheduling youth games on Saturdays and adult games on Sundays.
Some of the money donated by the Hurricanes was used to pay for rink time at the Greenville facility.
The league is planning its first winter season for adults in Greenville and may set up a few dates for youth participants as well. But for the spring schedule, which starts in March, it is hoping to secure a location in Asheville. The league owns a rink and hopes it can find an indoor spot, perhaps a metal warehouse or something similar, to set it up.
“As much as we’d like the timeline of the city to be faster, we don’t really want to wait around,” Dean says. “If we don’t find a place we can afford by the end of January, maybe February, we’re going to have to make a decision on what our next steps are. Is it to have another season in Greenville? From here on out, there are no easy decisions.”
AHL President Anthony Cerrato says the league has long desired an indoor facility that it has more control over and that isn’t affected by the weather. The Carrier Park rink is also used for lacrosse, soccer and
HELL AND HIGH WATER: A drone photo shows flooding at Carrier Park’s sports venues, including the lawn bowling green (at bottom), velodrome and in-line hockey rink. Photo courtesy of the Asheville Hockey League
roller derby practices as well as cityrun roller-skating events and more.
An indoor rink also could allow the league to host travel tournaments, bringing in teams from Tennessee, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia, Cerrato says.
“We’ve had a great partnership with the city, and we want to continue that, but I just don’t know if they’re going to open up that park again,” he says. “The long and short of it is we need an indoor rink that’s more stable for the league.”
FIELDS AWASH
Among the other Carrier Park playing surfaces damaged by Helene were the court used by the Asheville Lawn Bowling Club and Richard Curenton Field, home of the Asheville Rugby Football Club’s men’s and women’s teams.
The lawn bowling green has been at Carrier Park since it opened in 1998, but it was significantly upgraded as part of park improvements in 2018. The artificial surface that was installed then was designed by an Australian company to world-class standards, says Terry Reincke, president of Asheville Lawn Bowling Club.
“We hosted a couple of tournaments in the last couple of years, and countless numbers of people say to us, ‘You have the best lawn bowling green in America,’” he says.
While lawn bowling is not particularly well-known in the United States, Asheville has had an active community, mostly among retirees, since the 1990s. In the game, players try to roll their ball (called a bowl) closest to a smaller ball to score points. The Asheville club has 105 members, a number that soared during the COVID-19 pandemic as people were looking for outdoor activities, Reincke says.
city is willing to make that kind of investment or not.”
The Asheville Rugby Football Club (ARFC) uses Curenton Field, in the westernmost part of Carrier Park, for practices on Tuesdays and Thursdays and games on Saturdays. The field is also used for lacrosse, grass volleyball and other sports. The women’s rugby team splits its home matches between Asheville and Greenville.
The field was covered with sediment as well as debris from a nearby RV park and rendered unplayable. And the club suffered major losses when an equipment shed it leases from the RV park was destroyed.
“That had all of our practice gear, all of our game day supplies, all of our jerseys, roping shields, etc.,” says club President Kyle Peterson. “That got washed somewhere downstream. It was probably $15,000 or $20,000 worth of stuff.”
But like the other playing fields, the future of the lawn bowling green is in doubt.
“I don’t think the carpet could be salvaged,” Reincke says. “My guesstimate is it’s probably a $175,000 project to bring it back to where it was. So it’ll be a question of whether the
Asheville Parks & Rec officials are hoping to secure practice time for the club at city-owned Roger Farmer Park, which has lights and a decent amount of room. But the club still will need to find a spot to host matches.
The Asheville club is a member of USA Rugby, and the men’s and women’s teams compete in the Carolinas Rugby Geographical Union against
teams in Charlotte, Gastonia, Raleigh and other cities. The men’s team had to cancel four fall matches after Helene hit. It may be able to make up some of those in the spring, but some will likely have to be forfeited, Peterson says.
The Charlotte, Gastonia and Greenville, S.C., clubs have offered the use of their pitches for spring makeup games, he says. Using the field at Cane Creek Middle School in Fletcher is another possibility, he adds.
“The goal is to be back up and running in some form or fashion for the spring portion of our season,” he says.
FLOOD PREP
When the time comes, the city will consider ways to make fields and structures at the parks more resilient to flooding, says Wall, the assistant parks and recreation director. As an example, he points to the restroom facility and picnic pavilion at French Broad River Park.
“While they have tons of debris and mud, they were designed to
withstand a flood of this magnitude,” he explains. “So we’re hopeful that when we can get in there and get the debris cleared off, those buildings will have sustained only minor to moderate damage.”
The restroom structure at Carrier Park, by contrast, wasn’t designed to withstand a flood and sustained heavy damage, he says.
“If we go back in there with an additional restroom building or any of these other park facilities, hopefully, the goal would be to design them in such a way that they could withstand the flooding,” he says.
Like many other cities, Asheville has traditionally considered greenways, parks and open space in floodplains as preferable to having occupied buildings like houses and offices in those spots.
“Those things are opportunities to build in the floodplain and not have a negative or adverse impact, hopefully,” he explains. “For the last hundred years, it’s proved to be a pretty viable opportunity to create open space. But certainly in a flood of this magnitude, that’s not always the case. [Flood mitigation] will go into our planning for the future.” X
Go Local
BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE
Asheville business owners dealing with the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene have a simple message for local customers: We’re still here, and we need your support.
That’s true of establishments that were able to open right after the storm, those that opened weeks later and those that suffered major storm damage and have yet to reopen. And it’s even true of businesses that lost everything and have to start over in new spaces.
“Our physical location is gone, but we want to let people know that we still exist,” says Billy Britt, owner and CEO of Britt & Tilson Glass, which had operated on Swannanoa River Road since 1960. The building that housed the glass and mirror shop was destroyed by floodwaters, but Britt is determined to keep the family business alive.
“My grandfather started our company,” he explains. “My father’s been in our company his whole life. I’ve been in our company my whole life. It’s kind of ingrained in us.”
After a brief stay in a temporary space, Britt & Tilson Glass is now operating out of a leased space at 44 Buck Shoals Road, Unit 201, in South Asheville. Starting over in a new building after more than six decades will be challenging for the company, which offers custom cuts, shower enclosures, window frames and more. But Britt says he owes it to his employees and customers to keep going.
“We’re still Asheville and Western North Carolina’s home for all your glass needs, and that’s not going to change. People just have got to give
NEWS
Asheville businesses pick up the pieces post-Helene
DOWN BUT NOT OUT: Billy Britt, owner and CEO of Britt & Tilson Glass, is determined to keep the business going after Tropical Storm Helene destroyed its building. Britt’s grandfather founded Britt & Tilson Glass in 1960. Photo courtesy of Britt
us a little grace and bear with us as we try to rebuild as best as we can.”
With the 2025 Go Local card available this week (see sidebar), here is a look at three other Asheville businesses that are in the process of picking up the pieces post-Helene.
REBUILDING IN THE RAD
When flooding from Helene devastated the River Arts District, Local
upfitted again. I’m hoping we can have classes during January and then have our retail shop back open in February.”
When the space reopens, Local Cloth will be counting on the support of Western North Carolina residents. All of the organization’s fiber artists work within 100 miles of Asheville.
“If you want a sweater because it’s going to be cold, think about supporting a local artist instead of buying mail order,” Jetson says. “That way you support your community and the creative community. That’s what drew us all here in the first place and keeps us here. It’s like no place else in the country, probably no place else in the world.”
GOING DOWNTOWN
Like so many other Asheville restaurants, Twisted Laurel’s downtown location closed for several weeks due to a lack of potable water and other issues. The eatery reopened in early November using water trucked in from its Weaverville location.
But with a lack of tourists downtown, the restaurant is facing economic uncertainty, says Vince Charbonneau, managing partner.
“It’s a little scary when you start to factor in all of our overhead, to think about what we need to make and what we are going to be able to make,” he says. “Those two things don’t quite line up. But we can’t make any money if our doors are closed.”
Cloth was among the organizations that lost nearly everything. The fiber arts nonprofit operates a studio, along with artist spaces and a retail shop, at 408 Depot St.
“We had 11 feet of muddy water crashing in through the front door and knocking down the front window of our studio,” says Judi Jetson, the organization’s chair. “Everything swirled around in that muddy water, and then as it came out, it made a big jumble of everything in a pile of mud that was about 6 inches deep. All the artists’ work and all the stuff that was in the studio was destroyed.”
In all, Local Cloth suffered about $500,000 in losses, she estimates.
The good news is that the building itself, which has six retail units on its ground floor, did not suffer structural damage and is being repaired. Local Cloth is determined to reopen in the same spot because it has found the RAD to be an ideal location since moving there in 2021.
“So it’s just a question of how quickly we can get our studio rebuilt,” she says. “Optimistically, I’m saying we could probably be back in there by the first of January, and it’ll probably take us a month to get everything
Charbonneau encourages locals, including those who haven’t spent
POSITIVE SIGN: Recovery workers were able to rescue a Local Cloth banner that was hanging high enough to avoid floodwaters that invaded the River Arts District gallery. “There was just a tiny bit of mud on the bottom of it,” says Judi Jetson, pictured, Local Cloth chair. Photo courtesy of Jetson
much time downtown in recent years, to patronize businesses like his that ordinarily rely on a steady drumbeat of tourist traffic. Parking, usually such a headache, is not a problem right now, he points out.
“I just want people to know that we’re here, we’re fighting and we’re going to do whatever we can do to earn their business. We need all the locals to help, to spend money at those businesses. Without the help, Asheville is not going to be what we know Asheville as. We’re in for a long, hard road.”
STAYING PUT
French Broad Chocolate Factory & Cafe on Riverside Drive took in almost 7 inches of water as a result of flooding from Helene. But Daniel Rattigan, co-creator and chief of innovation for the company, knows things could have been worse.
“We did sustain damage to the retail area of our factory,” he explains. “But fortunately, the production floor, which is elevated 36 inches above that, was entirely spared a drop.”
2025 Go Local cards are here
The 2025 Go Local card went on sale this week at the Go Local website and at retail stores throughout Asheville. The card, available in digital and print forms, offers discounts and freebies at participating businesses from now until the end of 2025.
For every $25 card purchased, 20% of the money goes to either the Asheville City Schools Foundation, all Asheville city schools or the Buncombe County Schools Foundation. The person buying the card determines where the money goes.
The Go Local program is entering its 14th year.
Mountain Xpress and Go Local, which ordinarily team up to produce a print guide of participating businesses, were not able to do so this year due to Tropical Storm Helene and its associated difficulties. Instead, Go Local’s online directory and smartphone app will be the primary means to find Go Local business members and their offers for cardholders.
The business profiles in the directory can be updated at
As a result, French Broad was able to resume factory operations on Oct. 22, less than a month after Helene tore through. The company plans to reopen the Riverside Drive retail shop before the holiday rush in December.
French Broad Chocolate Lounge on Pack Square began operating on a limited basis in October.
Even with the factory operating, French Broad Chocolate is facing a big financial hit. While the company can rely on some online sales and wholesale distribution, it typically makes almost 70% of its revenue from the two Asheville retail spots.
“But we’re doing the best that we can to restore production and find ways to sell chocolate,” he says.
Rattigan says he is optimistic by nature and believes French Broad Chocolate will survive. But he also believes the effects of Helene will be long-lasting for his company and the whole region,
“I know things aren’t gonna look like they used to look,” he says. “We’re just gonna try and flow with the changes, and we’ll be here to be part of the rebuilding of Asheville. We’re not going anywhere.” X
We have launched two initiatives to help our community recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene.
First, in addition to seeking donated cars, we are also raising funds to purchase dependable used cars to replace vehicles that community members lost in the flood.
Second, we are providing free repairs for vehicles being used by local organizations for relief and recovery efforts. Keeping these vehicles on the road will ensure that vital support reaches those in need.
any time by members to assure their information is current, says Sherree Lucas, Go Local executive director.
“Before Helene, we had 650 businesses listed,” Lucas says.
“For 2025, we’ll be starting with close to 500. The shortfall is mainly due to inability to make contact with business owners after Helene. We expect the numbers of members to go up over the course of the year as we continue to reach out to previous members and as new businesses come on board.”
This year’s card mascot is a black bear, the same as 2019.
“It was my decision to bring him back this year as so symbolic of our region, and a familiar site in Asheville,” Lucas explains.
For more information about the 2025 Go Local card, including where to buy one, go to avl.mx/eb5. X
Park it
BY GREG PARLIER
Editor’s Note: This story was reported and written before Tropical Storm Helene. Xpress has routinely checked the court case online, and no additional progress has been made on the case since the storm. The City of Asheville is not ticketing for parking in city-owned garages through Jan. 2, 2025, but is monitoring on-street parking meters as of Dec. 2. Private lots have resumed normal operations.
One Sunday afternoon in April 2022, Rick Henry was just back in town for the summer and wanted to take a walk downtown. Initially, he was happy to find a parking spot for a reasonable price in a lot on Banks Avenue.
But when he returned from his walk, his car was gone. It had been towed by Auto Safe Towing, even though he says he had paid for his spot via the ParkMobile parking app. To retrieve his car from Auto Safe’s lot on North Louisiana Avenue in West Asheville, Henry had to fork over $250 in cash and deal with what he said was a very rude representative of Auto Safe.
“I was so angry. I’ve never been that angry,” Henry told Xpress recently, more than two years after the incident. “This is why I don’t believe people should be allowed to carry firearms. Because if I had one with me that day …” he trailed off. “That was the worst experience I’ve ever had,” he added.
Henry’s experience on Banks Avenue isn’t uncommon, according to multiple accounts detailed in a lawsuit filed May 3 by the City of Asheville against ParkMobile, the parking management company that handles payments for lot owners but not enforcement.
Auto Safe representatives say they work for property owners, not car owners, and insist that before any car is towed, truck drivers take “multiple steps to verify if the parking space has been paid for, then only tows when the verification continually shows nonpayment,” according to an unsigned statement to Xpress from the towing company.
While Auto Safe receives mostly one-star reviews on Yelp and earned a D-plus grade with the Better Business Bureau because of complaints, the city’s lawsuit is focused on ParkMobile for spreading misinformation.
According to the city, ParkMobile has been erroneously referring people who call to complain about getting towed or ticketed to the City of Asheville’s Parking Services Division.
City brings slander lawsuit against ParkMobile
That, according to the lawsuit, forces staff to spend time informing often angry people that the city has nothing to do with those lots, payment or enforcement.
“ParkMobile knows that it is spreading misinformation. ParkMobile knows that it is in the wrong. And ParkMobile has had every opportunity to stop. Yet ParkMobile refuses,” the lawsuit says.
ParkMobile does not manage any lots owned by the city. The city uses a different company, Passport Parking, to manage parking payments, and city employees police the lots and streetside spaces, issuing tickets as necessary. ParkMobile does, however, manage more than 50 privately owned lots in the central business district, according to its website, more than any other company.
When reached for comment, ParkMobile spokesperson Haley Haas provided a written statement.
“While we cannot comment on pending litigation, we are dedicated to continuously improving our services and working to provide a positive experience to drivers in the area,” she wrote.
City spokesperson Kim Miller confirmed that “the city intends to continue prosecuting this case until the issue is fully resolved.”
“ParkMobile may be continuing because it has decided that unfairly
and falsely diverting its parking issues to the city is the best way to get ahead in business. Whatever the reason, the city now asks this court to help put a stop to these falsehoods and help the city recover from ParkMobile’s deception, restore its reputation and focus more on legitimate transportation and parking matters,” the lawsuit says.
“The problem is that, on information and belief, ParkMobile has been consistently and knowingly misrepresenting what parking facilities the city owns or operates,” it adds.
PARKING NIGHTMARE
There is no shortage of horror stories about parking woes, many of which were directed to the city in 2023, as outlined in the lawsuit, which is being heard by Superior Court Judge Alan Thornburg. ParkMobile filed a motion to dismiss the case, and Thornburg set a Sept. 18 deadline to receive updated briefs from both parties at a hearing Sept. 16. (Court proceedings were paused after Tropical Storm Helene and no additional hearings have been set in this case as of Nov. 26.)
Barrett Peitz allegedly paid for far too many hours of parking at a lot on Broadway, which the city does not own, but when he reached out to ParkMobile for a refund, he was incorrectly told that because he paid through the kiosk, not the app, he should take his request to the city, according to the lawsuit.
Croom Beatty allegedly had his car towed from a lot on Banks Avenue after incorrectly entering his license plate number into the app. When he was explaining this to the tow truck driver who was towing his car, the driver allegedly “cursed at him, treated him poorly and insisted that he pay $250 in cash to get his car back,” according to the lawsuit.
Beatty said ParkMobile told him to take his complaint to the city as the owner and operator of the lot, which is not true.
“As a result of ParkMobile’s misinformation, Beatty, like Rick Henry, had gained a false, misleading and reputationally damaging impression of the way that the city operates its parking facilities,” the lawsuit states.
That led the city to reach out to ParkMobile directly via a letter on Jan. 23, 2023, asking it to “stop spreading falsehoods.”
David Hoyt, who was ParkMobile’s managing director for North America and CEO of Parkmobile USA at the time, said he’d “get this problem cor-
rected internally and with the private operator,” in an email to the city on Jan. 23.
But according to the lawsuit, that did not happen. Six months after Hoyt’s response, Maria Shwabland mistakenly paid for parking for a spot on a city street downtown using the ParkMobile app, which is not associated with street spots. ParkMobile told her to contact the city with her issue, even though she was seeking a refund from a payment she made through the app.
Another two months later, Jonathan Biskner was towed from a Banks Avenue lot because ParkMobile had used incorrect license plate information for his vehicle. Once again, a customer service representative at the company referred Biskner to the city to deal with his problem, the lawsuit alleges.
These types of misplaced complaints continued, according to the lawsuit.
“After the city sent its demand letter … ParkMobile appears to have continued to falsely tell numerous other third parties that the city owns or operates certain private parking facilities that the city does not own or operate, that people with parking issues at these facilities should contact the city and/or that the city has some affiliation with ParkMobile,” it says.
Hoyt has since left the company after a restructuring, Michael Tadych, an attorney representing ParkMobile, told the court at the Sept. 16 hearing.
PARKING SNIPERS
Going back to Henry’s ordeal, it started because he had recently changed his personalized plates from the Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation to Friends of the Smokies and neglected to update the tag in the ParkMobile app.
Both his old and new license plates say “Ricksy,” but the suffix switched from “BM” to “SM.” What would have clearly registered as a simple and honest mistake did not matter to the tow truck driver that day, Henry says.
“I feel like it’s stealing. I feel like they stole my car and held it ransom,” he says. “They’re taking advantage of people.”
Haas says ParkMobile shares parking information with providers in real time, and once payment is placed or a car is left, enforcement is out of its hands.
“It’s important to note, ParkMobile is not responsible for ticketing, towing or enforcement of any vehicles. We do not manage or own parking lots, garages or parking spaces. As the digital parking payment provider, we work closely with cities/municipalities and parking operators to provide a reliable and efficient digital parking payment option,” she writes.
PARKERS BEWARE: Several parkers complained about getting towed from lots like this one on Banks Avenue, managed by ParkMobile. Photo by Greg Parlier
“Once a customer completes a transaction on our app, the parking session information is available for the parking operators in real time. ParkMobile does not determine how these locations are enforced.”
Auto Safe maintains in a written statement that it provides a necessary
service for property owners that have no other recourse to protecting their private-property rights.
“Nonconsensual or trespass towing is a difficult decision for a property owner; all would prefer for vehicle owners to do the right thing. For the vehicle owner, it is an inconvenient and costly experience. While property owners are relieved of the unwanted vehicle, it is a thankless task dealing with disgruntled and angry vehicle owners. Yet, it is the only process to protect private-property rights regarding unwanted vehicles,” the statement says.
“Auto Safe Towing complies with each individual property owner’s rules. Some property owners prefer to call in to have vehicles removed from their property. Other property owners prefer to have us patrol their parking lot. The chosen method is solely the decision of the property owner for whom we work.”
The property owner of the lots on Banks Avenue — listed as R&M Future Holding LLC and Run Riot Ventures, LLC — have chosen the latter option, having Auto Safe patrol.
Zachary Noble, listed as the owner of Run Riot Ventures, did not respond to Instagram messages requesting comment.
DJ Kilby, who was a bartender and brewer at Catawba Brewing Co. on Banks Avenue, said he’s heard hundreds of complaints about quick tows by Auto Safe Towing from those lots.
“Every day someone has an issue,” he says. “We tell everyone: ‘Do not
park in that lot unless you have paid immediately,’” he says.
When the Auto Safe Towing truck shows up — it often posts up at the end of the block, facing lots across Banks Avenue from Catawba — the bar staff warns patrons to check their payment status, just in case.
“The tow truck guys are ruthless. They wait for people to make a mistake and then pounce,” Kilby adds.
To Henry, the city should go beyond the suit with ParkMobile and ban Auto Safe Towing from doing business downtown. He took Auto Safe to court after his ordeal but lost because of the discrepancy in the license plate he entered.
Still, he says the way he was treated reflects poorly on the city and might convince a resident or tourist not to come back downtown.
“People will leave and say, ‘I had this really disgusting thing happen to me in the City of Asheville,’” he argues. “It’s just not right. It’s not kind. It’s not what decent people do,” he adds.
He tells everyone he knows not to park in lots operated by Auto Safe. The tow company’s number is marked on signs in any lot the company is in charge of towing from.
“If [the phone number] ends in 1131, run,” Henry says. X
TOWING DISPUTE: Rick Henry says he paid for parking at a lot on Banks Avenue in 2022 but was towed anyway. Photo courtesy of Henry
IN COURT: Judge Alan Thornburg is overseeing the City of Asheville’s case against ParkMobile in Buncombe County Superior Court. Photo by Frances O’Connor
Comfort and joy
Pop-ups revive holiday spirit for local retailers
BY BRIONNA DALLARA
bdallara@mountainx.com
Downtown Asheville businesses are rallying to share space with fellow merchants on the mend from Tropical Storm Helene. This holiday season, tourists and locals can step onto streets filled with vendors, take in the sounds of carolers and the scent of hot cocoa, follow a trail of gingerbread houses or grab a Santa photo op on special weekends — a homegrown Hallmark movie.
This month, Wall Street is dressed up in colorful yarn creations and enveloped in the giving spirit with the pop-up initiative Miracle on Wall Street. Businesses on the street have welcomed merchants and artists from Biltmore Village and the River Arts District whose storefronts and creative spaces washed away in the storm.
The project, which kicked off Nov. 22 and runs through Saturday, Jan. 4, invites displaced retailers and artists to show and sell their inventory through special displays set up within Wall Street shops. On Sundays throughout the month, Wall Street will be open for foot traffic only, with vendors both inside businesses and on the street. Throughout the event, The Market Place restaurant is hosting oyster roasts on Sundays, while a DJ spins or a live band jams. A hot chocolate cart and cookies are part of the fun. Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance on the porch of Laughing Seed Café at the Miracle during Wall Street’s debut celebration and will return again later this month.
The project was dreamed up by Hannah Schauer, general manager of L’Optique, an eyewear boutique that’s been on Wall Street for 23 years. The business’s Biltmore Village location, which opened seven years ago, was among the storefronts destroyed in floodwaters from Helene.
“Since we lost our store in Biltmore Village, we felt so fortunate to have another one to work out of,” says Schauer. “Most of our neighbors, most businesses, don’t have a second location.”
Schauer maintains close relationships with Wall Street business owners. “My mom opened the store when I was 13, so I was even painting pottery at Fired Up when I was a kid and climbing the climbing wall,” she says. “I’ve known this street very well, and I think that’s why it’s so special to me.”
“That’s the only way that our town will be able to [recover], and that’s the only way that these small shops will be able to make it,” Schauer says.
OVERWHELMING LOSS
“We’re so fortunate to have this opportunity to set up a small shop just to get back into more of a normal routine,” Sarah Marshall, manager of New Morning Gallery, told Xpress during Miracle on Wall Street’s Nov. 22 kickoff event. “This is the first day that we’re really open, and we’ve had a great response so far.”
Now set up in the foyer of Della Terra Beauty salon, New Morning Gallery, which carries handmade crafts from over 500 national, local and regional artisans, was a fixture in Biltmore Village for more than 50 years. On Sept. 27, floodwaters inundated the first floor of the building, swallowing 4,000 square feet of art pieces, designer clothing and jewelry.
Olde World Christmas Shoppe manager Laura Rathbone was also enthusiastic about the robust turnout of shoppers at Miracle on Wall Street’s kickoff event. But her joy was tempered by worry. Since the year-round Christmas shop’s first floor disappeared under 9 feet of water on Sept. 27, it’s among the many Asheville retail businesses now drowning in post-Helene debt.
The shop relies on autumn and holiday-season tourists for the bulk of its revenue, Rathbone explains. “You don’t think about Christmas, if you’re local, until Christmastime. So you have to have that tourist population that wants to come in and buy a souvenir that they can take — an ornament to put out for Christmas later in the year.”
A lightbulb went off, she says, when she started talking with neighbors, who were drumming up ideas to help Asheville’s flooded and displaced businesses. From there it became a matching game of who had space and who needed it.
Schauer reached out first to Meherwan Irani, owner of Botiwalla, who agreed to lend the restaurant’s vacant downstairs space to flooded Biltmore Village business the Olde World Christmas Shoppe. Other merchants quickly extended more helping hands, and the project snowballed.
Now, nearly all businesses on the street have committed to hosting a displaced retailer, artist or are participating in some other way. Momentum continues to grow.
“Element Tree, the candle shop, she’s taken on nine artists that lost their space,” says Schauer. “All the restau-
rants have art on their walls that they’re selling of people who lost their spaces.”
Schauer also contacted Purl’s Yarn Emporium, a former Wall Street staple that moved its shop to Hendersonville Road in 2021. Her request was for a “yarn bombing’” — decking out the Flat Iron statue and Wall Street lamp posts in rainbow-colored yarn creations. Formerly a regular occurrence, a Purl’s yarn bombing hasn’t brightened up the street since 2019, according to bombers Emily Taylor and Rita Neiman who were busy crocheting “AVL Always Value Love” in big letters on the iron in late November.
Schauer says that although Miracle on Wall Street won’t fully compensate for the expense of the flooded spaces and the missed revenue from fall sales, she’s hoping it brings in locals and folks from outside the area to do their holiday shopping in Asheville.
Due to overwhelming debt since the storm, Rathbone, who has been with the Christmas Shoppe for 11 years, has become the sole employee of the business, which was started by Bruce and Brenda Tompkins in 1989.
After the devastating losses, a tearyeyed Rathbone says, it’s hard to wish a gleeful “Merry Christmas” to visitors entering the shop’s Wall Street pop-up space. “It’s kind of hard to keep joy, you know, and say, ‘Merry Christmas,’ every day when you think, ‘OK, this is it.’”
When Helene ripped through Biltmore Village, the waters swept away a huge chunk of the shop’s inventory — nearly half a million dollars worth. Tacking on lost fourth-quarter sales, a $100,000 debris removal fee, money owed on new inventory and a half-million dollar quote for the cost of preparing the shop to reopen, the business is faced with nearly $2 million dollars in net losses.
“When you add all of those numbers up, it gets scary,” Rathbone says.
MIRACLE WORKER: Olde World Christmas Shoppe manager Laura Rathbone is pictured in her store’s Miracle on Wall Street pop-up space beneath Botiwalla restaurant. The Christmas Shoppe’s historic Biltmore Village building was demolished by flooding during Tropical Storm Helene. Photo by Cindy Kunst
HOME SWEET HOME: This candy-covered gingerbread house, on display at Rocket Fizz candy shop on Battery Park Avenue, is one of 28 stationed at downtown retail locations through the holidays as part of The Omni Grove Park Inn’s Gingerbread Trail of Giving. Photo courtesy of The Omni Grove Park Inn
The majority of the shop’s holiday inventory had been ordered much earlier in the year and was stored on the historic building’s first floor, which flooded to the ceiling. There were boxes of German nutcrackers and wooden Christmas pyramids that Rathbone hadn’t even opened.
She salvaged some decorations, holiday plushies and pastel-colored items from the store’s upstairs Candylandthemed displays to set up the Wall Street pop-up. Some boxes of Byers Choice collectible dolls and Inge glass ornaments that Rathbone had taken home for pricing before the storm also survived.
“September is the worst month in the world for a Christmas shop to flood. That’s when you have your most inventory,” Rathbone says.
GINGERBREAD AND LATE NIGHTS
It’s not just retailers and artists resorting to innovative pop-up models in the aftermath of Helene. After the cancellation of the 32nd annual National Gingerbread House Competition due to the storm, The Omni Grove Park Inn reimagined the event as a self-guided Gingerbread Trail of Giving.
Though the judging of this year’s competition is still canceled, shoppers can follow a downloadable map to find gingerbread creations from 28 competitors displayed in participating business locations downtown. (There are also 13 on exhibit at The Omni Grove Park Inn.)
At each stop on the Gingerbread Trail of Giving is a QR code for donating to the Always Asheville Fund, which supports local rebuilding efforts. The initiative continues through Sunday,
Jan. 5. The resort is also showcasing gingerbread houses virtually through Thursday, Dec. 12, on its Facebook and Instagram pages.
“While Hurricane Helene impacted our traditional format for the competition, it has not hindered the participation of bakers. In fact, we’ve seen a great deal of enthusiasm from both local and national participants who were eager to be a part of this new initiative,”says Isabel Miller, The Omni Grove Park Inn’s director of marketing and communications. “While many of our participants are local to the Asheville area, we’ve also had entries from all across the country.”
In another effort to support local businesses, Denise Foy, owner and founder of web design business Zhoosh Creative, has transformed the Wine Walk Asheville initiative she launched last year into Late Night Asheville. On Thursday, Dec. 12, participating downtown shops will extend their hours to 9 p.m. to encourage night owls to buy local goods.
MORE INFO
For more information and ongoing updates on the downtown holiday fun, visit the following sites:
• Miracle on Wall Street: avl.mx/ec8
• Gingerbread Trail of Giving: avl.mx/dzk
• Late Night Asheville: avl.mx/ec9
• Asheville Holiday Gift Guide: avl.mx/ec3
The Asheville Choral Society and the Asheville Beer Choir will sing carols during the event, and participating merchants will offer refreshments for shoppers. Those who’d prefer to ride from place to place rather than brave a cold walk can hop aboard the Gray Line Trolley starting at 6 p.m. for a free lift around downtown, taking guests from the LaZoom Room to Grove Arcade with five stops in between.
Foy dreamed up the event pre-Helene, basing it on a holiday campaign she was part of in her former stomping ground, Chicago. “I thought this would be a really good opportunity to help promote the small businesses in the area,” she says. “All of the small businesses are invited to participate.”
Foy went door to door to 60 Asheville shops to garner interest and get information for an online Holiday Gift Guide featuring inventory from participating businesses.
Updates and video previews of shop offerings, along with introductions to the entrepreneurs behind them, are being posted on Wine Walk Asheville’s Facebook page. “It’s surprising when you walk into these shops [to see] what they truly do offer,” Foy says. “You never know what kind of interesting finds that you can get.”
63 Haywood Street Asheville, NC 28801
check out what we have to offer! This is YOUR downtown.
Hivemind
BY CLARK WILSON
clarkjenkwilson@gmail.com
An autumn breeze, slightly chilly and laden with the scent of crisp, colorful leaves, carries tendrils of white smoke, a calming measure for the bees, which moments ago were buzzing in purposeful agitation and are now already beginning to drift in slow contentment. I feel my own mindset carried in the same direction.
I am at Carmen Atwater’s apiary where she has created a space, Healing at the Hives, for the community to partake in her personal form of meditative practice and the foundation of her business, Feral Farms: tending to tens of thousands of bees.
Atwater frames her workshop around the five senses, encouraging over a dozen hurricane-weary Ashevilleans to breathe in the aroma of waxy hives; to sample the sweet, flowery taste of fresh honey; to see the focused and diligent workings of a superorganism — thousands of bees simply carrying on, no matter what. It was an inspiring and restorative way to spend the afternoon.
Afterward, we sat down to discuss bees, her business and, of course, how Tropical Storm Helene has affected the bee world.
Xpress: Driving around Asheville, I often see “Save the Bees” bumper stickers or license plates, usually adorned with the stereotypical honeybee. Could you elaborate on what the motto really means, particularly for the native bee species of Western North Carolina?
Atwater: Yes, so the term “Save the Bees” really has been popularized over the past five or 10 years and has been thrown around in a lot of different contexts but is most often used when talking about European honeybees, now an agriculturally managed species. At one point they were really struggling from colony collapse and huge die-offs, particularly due to the use of pesticides. However, the European honeybee is now doing fine as a species, so the continuing efforts and hopefully the larger public consciousness should be geared toward native bee species, of which there are three to four hundred in North Carolina alone.
Honeybees are important for the crops we need them to pollinate, but the native bees often have a specialist relationship with plants that they help to pollinate or reproduce, which no other bee can necessarily
Carmen Atwater discusses the impact Helene has had on local bees
TRIPLE THREAT: “Fall is already a nectar-scarce time of year, and the storm was immediately followed by our first frost, so it really was a triple whammy,” says Carmen Atwater, founder of Feral Farms. Photo by Clark Wilson
achieve. And it’s the native bee species that are most at risk from habitat destruction and development, and the use of pesticides affects every insect and pollinator, period. So the “Save the Bees” ideology is helpful for all bees, and honeybees are often the “in” where people get interested and you can start to elaborate more on the issue.
How does your business attract environmentally conscious residents and encourage them to take it a step further and keep bees on their own property?
I really think of honeybees as a vehicle for getting people interested in the hands-on aspect of relating to the natural world and caring for the environment. So it’s not that someone keeping honeybees on their property is necessarily helping the environment in a big way — what’s helping is the education that comes from the process of getting to know the bees.
To be a good beekeeper you have to become more attuned to the natural world as you learn about the native plants: when they bloom, when the weather patterns are changing and how so many things within the ecosystem come together to affect these
little creatures. So my primary goal with Feral Farms is for people to appreciate that when you feel that you are part of the ecosystem rather than just an observer, you are much more inclined to protect and honor that.
What is the story of your personal fascination with bees to then envisioning and creating your own business?
My background is in wildlife conservation. In the years after I was out of school, I was involved in big handson conservation projects all over the world, but I eventually found myself really craving more connection to the land itself. Beekeeping was my way of resituating myself within the ecosystem.
For a time, I was working for an international company as an urban beekeeper in Southern California, helping to install and manage beehives on rooftops of schools and businesses. But being from Greensboro, N.C., I was still wanting to move back home and connect to the land that raised me, where I originally fell in love with nature. The business grew organically from people I met in the community.
My first sort of “client” was a woman I met at the beekeeping supply store who had just been given five beehives right before winter and was desperately needing guidance but hadn’t been able to connect with the right kind of support for her. A lot of people are interested in beekeeping but feel too intimidated because there is so much that can go wrong and there is often not enough of a safe space for people to show up as they are and to be nurtured along the journey.
It seems like starting your own business presents so much opportunity to infuse identity with a personal brand. As a young, queer-identifying woman, how is your business infused with your identity and values?
I think identity shapes everything that I do and how I connect to other people. I don’t think I would have felt the courage or empowerment to do something like start my own business prior to coming fully into my identity as a queer woman. There is a femininity and a queerness in the way I relate to the bees, and it’s important to me to introduce and attract different voices to this sort of niche space in the larger agricultural world.
What have you already learned from your experiences that you would pass on to a similarly interested young woman contemplating turning her passion into a business? It’s easy to doubt yourself to a point where you prohibit yourself from going for it. If I hadn’t had a few external pushes, I don’t know that I would have been able to pursue my business. As a solo entrepreneur, it’s a huge risk you take, and the sooner you can lean on others for support the better.
On the practical side of things, I would say hire a financial adviser early. It was hard for me because I feel part of my identity is pretty anticapitalist, and so I was hesitant to take those steps to make it easier for myself. There has been a sort of imposter syndrome that prevented me from feeling legitimate enough to put out a job posting or even succumbing to the socialization of not believing in myself as a woman. But now I say take the risks and f*ck around and find out! [Laughs.]
What effect does a historic natural disaster like Helene have on native bee populations? How do the bees weather the storm, and is there anything we can learn from them?
The biggest thing I’m seeing in the environment is the loss of food sources for all of the pollinators, including bees. It’s the downed trees, the ruined fields and the wind damage.
Like this whole field out here was full of goldenrods and asters and other beautiful fall wildflowers, and it’s all just been blown away. Fall is already a nectar-scarce time of year, and the storm was immediately followed by our first frost, so it really was a triple whammy.
But nature is resilient. The bees would have hunkered down inside the hives to stay dry and warm during the storm. Their social structure is altruistic to its core, and every bee in the hive exists to serve the greater good of the hive. I think we have everything to learn from that because our community, like theirs, cannot exist in an individualistic way. The way we are surviving now largely comes down to our interconnectedness, the way we are meeting our neighbors and caring for the people around us.
What has been your experience in the small-business community with folks picking up the pieces and finding their direction in the aftermath of the storm?
Everyone is at a different stage of processing what has happened and yet everyone I have spoken to who has a business here has in some way shifted their focus to be “What can
I be doing, how can I be using the resources that I have or what my business has to offer to be helpful to others right now?” Seeing these shifts in everyone’s framework or business model has been really cool. And lastly, what most brings you joy about running your business and working with both bees and people?
Hands down, the thing that brings me the most joy is being in the sunshine, opening a hive and connecting with the bees on a very intimate level to where it genuinely feels like a conversation between myself and the bees. In so many ways, they tell me what they need, and I’m able to respond and adapt. It’s a feeling of deep connection to the natural world that is hard to explain. And as an extrovert who needs a lot of connection for my overall well-being, working with people in an educational context and with something that brings them joy and makes them feel inspired just makes my cup overflow. I love the way people’s faces light up and this sort of inner child comes out when they’re getting excited and curious and starting to learn. X
Shop now for a wide variety of bird foods, feeders and other unique gifts sure to bring a little joy this holiday!
Buttons the Snowman
Golden Agers
BY CAROL KAUFMAN
ckaufman828@gmail.com
In 1974, 23-year-old Billy Bober — a guitar-playing, free-spirited college dropout — was working in a factory and yearning for a fresh start. When he came across a flyer for a weekend fiddling competition in Harmony, N.C., he hitched a ride from his home in Connecticut — and found his paradise.
“There I was,” Bober recalls, “in the woods, surrounded by fellow music lovers, soaking in old-time fiddling music. It changed my life. Not just because of the music, but because it’s where I met my future wife, Tricia.”
Now celebrating 48 years of marriage, the couple began their journey together in Boone before settling in Hendersonville.
“We homeschooled all four of our kids,” says Bober. “And music has always been the heartbeat of our home.”
Music as a constant companion
MUSIC MAN: From jamming with an old-time band to performing at open mics and occasionally playing at fundraisers, Billy Bober thrives on the energy of performing. “It’s what keeps the power and flow of music alive for me,” he says. Photo by Carol Kaufman
“I have a deep desire to share songs that reach out and grab the audience, transporting them to another time,” he continues. “I play the kind of songs you can’t help but sing along to — anything by Paul Simon or George Harrison.”
In his early days of playing guitar, Bober admits he was so nervous performing that his hands would tremble. “But that’s all changed now,” he adds with a smile.
“Nowadays,” he says, “playing music in front of a microphone feels as natural as rolling paint on a wall” — the latter being a skill he honed over 48 years as a painting and decorating contractor.
When Bober retired six years ago, at age 67, he returned to college, 50 years after having dropped out.
“I’ve always lacked confidence in my singing abilities,” he reveals. “So, I enrolled in a vocal techniques class at a community college. Being newly retired gave me the time and freedom to challenge myself, and that class made a big difference. It really boosted my confidence and improved my singing.”
Bober’s love for music took root at 14, when he watched The Beatles perform on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1965 — a moment that left him mesmerized.
“I knew right then and there that I wanted to play guitar,” Bober recalls. “Not long after, for my eighth-grade graduation, I got my first guitar. Music has been my constant companion ever since.”
From jamming with an old-time band to performing at open mics and occasionally playing at fundraisers, Bober thrives on the energy of performing. “It’s what keeps the power and flow of music alive for me,” he says.
Since completing that class series, Bober has performed solo shows for Hope Coalition, a nonprofit recovery community center in Hendersonville, as well as a springtime event for the Blue Ridge Humane Society. When he’s not performing, he’s tackling challenging songs or fine-tuning his set list until it’s performance-ready.
“I stopped watching TV years ago and used those hours to sharpen my music skills,” he explains. “Since I never know when the next fundraiser opportunity will pop up, I want to be ready. Building a two-hour set takes a lot of work, but it’s all for a good cause.”
Editor’s note: Golden Agers is a monthly feature that explores local residents who are retired or semiretired but remain active in the community.
For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 828-251-1333, opt. 1.
Online-only events
Feature, page 26-27
More info, page 32-33
WELLNESS
Tai Chi for Balance
A gentle Tai Chi exercise class to help improve balance, mobility, and quality of life. All ages are welcome.
WE (12/4, 11), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Tai Chi Fan
This class helps build balance and whole body awareness. All ages and ability levels welcome. Fans will be provided.
WE (12/4, 11), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Gentle Yoga for Seniors
A yoga class geared to seniors offering gentle stretching and strengthening through accessible yoga poses and modifications.
WE (12/4, 11), 2:30pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Chen Style Tai Chi
The original style of Tai Chi known for its continual spiraling movements and great health benefits.
TH (12/5, 12), MO (12/9), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Nia Dance Fitness
A sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts and healing arts.
TH (12/5, 12), 9:30am, TU (12/10), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Qigong for Health
A part of traditional Chinese medicine that involves using exercises to optimize energy within the body, mind and spirit.
FR (12/6), 9am, TU (12/10), 2:30pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Qi Gong for Overall Health & Wellness
A gentle practice to synchronize movement with breath. Learn how to relax your mind and body through slow intentional movements.
This class focuses on strengthening, stretching, and aerobics every Friday.
FR (12/6), 10am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Tai Chi for Adults
Improve your movement and flexibility with relaxation techniques each week. Intended for participants ages 40 and over.
FR (12/6), 1:30pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Free Community
Acupuncture
It will feature 20 minute treatments for healing, feeling less stress and
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
FOLK ART CENTER HOLIDAY MARKET: The Southern Highland Craft Guild hosts its annual Holiday Sale Markets, starting Saturday, Dec. 7, at the Folk Art Center, beginning at 10 a.m. This market will feature a different selection of artists over two Saturdays with handcrafted gifts and home decor. Handmade options include ceramic tableware, fine jewelry, handwoven and dyed apparel, bound journals, blown vases and more. Photo courtesy of the Southern Highland Craft Guild
pain, better sleep and more.
SA (12/7), 12:30pm, First Christian Church of Black Mountain, 201 Blue Ridge Rd, Black Mountain
Wild Souls Authentic Movement Class w/ Renee Trudeau Get unstuck, enjoy community and connection with like-hearted women. Bring your yoga mat, water bottle and journal.
SU (12/8), 9:30am, Dunn's Rock Community Center, 461 Connestee Rd, Brevard
Sunday Morning Meditation Group
Gathering for a combination of silent sitting and walking meditation, facilitated by Worth Bodie.
SU (12/8), 10am, Quietude Micro-retreat Center, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
WE (12/4, 11), 6pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Latin Night Wednesday w/DJ Mtn Vibez
A Latin dance social featuring salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia, and reggaeton with dance lessons for all skill levels.
WE (12/4, 11), 8pm, One World Brewing W, 520 Haywood Rd
Zumba Gold
A weekly Latin-inspired Zumba exercise party. All levels welcome.
TH (12/5, 12), 11am, Grove St Community Center, 36 Grove St
Tap Dance: Beginner
Learn the basics through a combination of exercise, music, and incredible fun. Students provide their own tap shoes.
Line Dancing Groove in for this fun weekly drop-in class. Free, but donations for the instructor are appreciated.
Zumba Gold & Silverobics
Calorie-burning, fun, low-impact class that incorporates dance and fitness for older adults each week.
MO (12/9), 10:30am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Contact Improv Dance Explore mindful, unscripted movement in deep connection with others. Experiment with weight sharing, shifting centers of gravity, and chasing a point of contact in spiraling movement.
MO (12/9), 6pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
The Asheville Monday Night Contra Dance The welcoming atmosphere makes it a perfect evening for beginners and seasoned contra dancers. Lessons at 7:45pm to 8:15pm. MO (12/9), 7:30pm, Odyssey Community School, 90 Zillicoa St
ART
Strength & Exercise
Workout at your own pace in a fun atmosphere in this weekly class for active adults working on overall fitness and strength.
MO (12/9), 9:30am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Power Hour Chair
Exercise
Build power through fun, upbeat, and gentle chair exercises each Tuesday.
TU (12/10), 10am, Grove St Community Center, 36 Grove St
QiGong Downtown
A series of movements that stimulates and circulates your life force energy. It is suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
TU (12/10), 10am, Asia House Asheville, 119 Coxe Ave
Lunch & Learn
KNOWLEDGE IS ON THE MENU THURSDAY, DEC. 19TH FROM 11-1 PM
Rethinking retirement has never been easier. Come to a presentation about Givens Gerber Park: a more affordable rental retirement option (55+) and enjoy lunch on us. Monthly fees are all-inclusive based on income. RSVP required.
Yoga w/Michele
A safe space that gathers every Tuesday and Thursday to feel and heal together in community.
TU (12/10), TH (12/12), 11am, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Balance, Agility, Strength, Stretch
This weekly class for adults focuses on flexibility, balance, stretching, and strength. Bring your own exercise mat.
TU (12/10), 12pm, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Qigong
A gentle form of exercise composed of movement, posture, breathing, and meditation used to promote health and spirituality.
TU (12/10), 1:15pm, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Tai Chi Chih
Move towards better health and more happiness with mindful, moving meditation.
WE (12/11), noon, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
SUPPORT GROUPS
Nicotine Anonymous
People share their experience, strength and hope to stop using nicotine. You don’t need to be stopped, just have a desire to attend.
Innerdance: Altered States of Consciousness w/Soundscapes & Energy Work
A healing journey into altered states of consciousness as we flow through brain wave states with soundscapes and energy work.
WE (12/11), 5pm, The Horse Shoe Farm, 155 Horse Shoe Farm Rd, Hendersonville
DANCE
Intro to Line Dance
A true beginners course for those who are new to line dance taught by Liz Atkinson.
WE (12/4), 10am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Zumba Gold
A weekly interval-style dance fitness party that combines low- and high-intensity moves. Burn calories as you move to the rhythm.
WE (12/4, 11), noon, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Zumba Gold
A fun dance exercise that concentrates on cardio, flexibility, strength, and balance for older adults.
WE (12/4, 11), FR (12/6), 11am, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd
Ballroom Dance
Learn the basics of ballroom dancing in this drop-in class that works on two different dances each week including waltz, tango, cha cha, swing, and salsa. No partner necessary.
TH (12/5), noon, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Line Dancing
Designed to teach the latest line dances step by step, this weekly class inspires community members to put on their dancing shoes and boogie.
TH (12/5), 1:30pm, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd
We Line Dance
Instructor Brenda Mills leads an inclusive exercise class that uses line dancing to get your body moving.
TH (12/5), 6:15pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Bachata Dance Lesson & Social Live DJ Bachata nights with some Cha Cha, Cumbia, Merengue and Salsa added to the mix.
A family-friendly night of dance, music, laughs and fun. In addition to old-time square dances, there will be waltzes, flatfooting, a cakewalk, and community old-time jam.
SA (12/7), 7pm, Haw Creek Commons, 315 Old Haw Creek Rd
Rueda de Casino
Beginners and advanced dancers welcomed at Rueda de Casino, a circle of couples dancing Cuban salsa figures.
SU (12/8), 2pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
At the Table
This exhibition features numerous contemporary works of art from the 1980s to the present that explore ideas of community, power, and representation through their depiction or use of a table. Gallery open Tuesday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition through Dec. 6, 2024. WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee Vessels of Merriment
This annual exhibition will feature handcrafted drinking vessels by 17 potters from across the country. Visitors will be able to browse anything from wine and whiskey cups to flasks, goblets and more. Gallery open Monday through Sunday, 10am. Exhibition through Dec. 31. Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Rd
Anti Form: Robert Morris’s Earth Projects
The suite of lithographic drawings by Robert Morris presents a series of ideas for ten works of art shaped out of earth, atmospheric conditions, and built environments. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through May 2025.
Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
The Last Chair of the Forest & the Plastic Bottle Immerse yourself in a poignant virtual reality (VR) short film that delves into environmental consciousness and the delicate balance of nature. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through Jan. 20, 2025. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Bachelor of Fine Art
Portfolio Exhibition
This exhibition highlights the comprehensive course of study at WCU’s School of Art & Design and serves as a preface to their forthcoming careers as professional artists. Gallery open Tuesday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition through Dec. 6, 2024.
WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee
Asheville Nativity
Exhibition
Browse over 250 Nativity sets from more than seventy countries.
A crèche, often called a Nativity scene, is an artistic representation of the birth of Jesus Christ.
FR (12/6), 5pm, First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St
Zoe Schumaker: Wild at Heart
An exhibition of wildlife paintings by nationally recognized pastelist
Zoe F. Schumaker. The exhibit will benefit the WNC Nature Center, which was significantly impacted by Helene
FR (12/6), 5pm, Asheville Gallery of Art, 82 Patton Ave
Carly Owens Weiss: The Boys Will Get Hungry if They See Fruit In this body of work, Owens Weiss wrestles with selfhood and interiority through indirect means. Gallery open Wednesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through Dec. 24.
Tracey Morgan Gallery, 22 London Rde
Moving Stillness:
Mount Rainier
An immersive experience that explores the ideas of death and regeneration in nature. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through Jan. 20, 2025.
Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Ginny Ruffner:
Reforestation of the Imagination
This exhibition explores an imaginative landscape of plant forms that come to life when activated with augmented reality. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through Jan. 20, 2025.
Asheville Art Museum, 2
S Pack Square
Celebrate the Blues
This exhibit will feature juried works that evoke one of three themes: Color, Mood, or Music
Genre. There will be plenty of delicious nibbles and an open bar with wine, beer, and soft drinks.
SU (12/8), 1pm, Re.Imagine Gallery & Studios, 15 Spivey Lake Dr, Fairview
Amanda N. Simons: Forest Feels
Forest Feels invites its viewers to participate in two distinct realities of an art museum experience: to observe the work as it is in this moment, and also to change the work by contributing to its evolution. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through Jan. 20, 2025.
Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Daily Craft Demonstrations
Two artists of different media will explain and demonstrate their craft with informative materials displayed at their booths. These free and educational opportunities are open to the public. Open daily, 10am. Demonstrations run through Dec. 31. Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Pkwy
Forces of Nature: Ceramics from the Hayes Collection Forces of Nature is drawn from the collection of Andrew and Hathia Hayes, demonstrating the different approaches to ceramics in Western North Carolina.Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through March, 2025.
Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
The Farm Built on more than a decade’s worth of deep, original archival research, this exhibition will constitute a comprehensive new history of Black Mountain College. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through Jan. 11, 2005.
Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St
COMMUNITY MUSIC
Dark City Songwriter Round Presents: Wes Collins & Chris Rosser
The Dark City Song Swap takes place once a month and focuses on the art and craft of singer-songwriters. WE (12/4), 7pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Blue Ridge Ringers: A Winter Journey
A Winter Journey showcases the ensemble's versatility and artistry, featuring a mix of holiday favorites, expertly arranged for handbells. Free and open to the public TH (12/5), 7pm, Carolina Village, 600 Carolina Village Rd, Hendersonville Handel's Messiah
Experience powerful choruses and moving solos in this timeless holiday tradition at Parker Concert Hall.
TH (12/5), 7:30pm, Parker Concert Hall at Brevard Music Center, 349 Andante Ln, Brevard
Yala Cultural Tour
An in-house cultural exchange with Adama Dembele. Yala
Cultural Tour includes drumming, dancing, and stories from Ivory Coast.
SA (12/7), noon, LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St
Blue Ridge Orchestra Presents: Finding Home
This concert will include Quinn Mason’s Inner City Rhapsody, Copland’s Letter from Home, Gershwin’s American in Paris, and Carlos Simon’s The Block SA (12/7), 3pm, Haywood Community College, 185 Freedlander Dr, Clyde Blue Ridge Orchestra Presents: Finding Home
This concert will include Quinn Mason’s Inner City Rhapsody, Copland’s Letter from Home, Gershwin’s American in Paris, and Carlos Simon’s The Block SU (12/8), 3pm, Lipinsky Auditorium at UNC Asheville, 300 Library Ln
The Alien Music Club Presents: And Now For Something Completely Different!
An eclectic, fun blend of alternative music in diverse musical genres ranging from rock to jazz to funk with intelligent lyrics and a playful sense of humor.
SU (12/8), 7:30pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Blue Ridge Ringers: A Winter Journey
A Winter Journey showcases the ensemble's versatility and artistry, featuring a mix of holiday favorites, expertly arranged for handbells. Free and open to the public.
MO (12/9), 4pm, Deerfield Episcopal Retirement Home, 1617 Hendersonville Rd
Carolina Celtic Presents: The Robin & Sue Christmas Show
Carolina Celtic showcases Irish and Scottish musical traditions and explores their commonality with the Appalachian ballads and stories of the Carolina mountains.
MO (12/9), 7:30pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Smoky Mountain Brass Band Christmas Concert
An hour long concert of Christmas music by a British style brass band. No admission, donations encouraged.
TU (12/10), 7pm, Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Rd
Blue Ridge Ringers: A Winter Journey
A Winter Journey showcases the ensemble's versatility and artistry, featuring a mix of holiday favorites, expertly arranged for handbells. Free and open to the public.
TH (12/12), 4pm, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St
Bill Mattocks Blues
Performing real deal Blues from the likes of Robert Johnson, Wille Dixon, Son House, BB King, Howlin’ Wolf, Johnny Winter, and Buddy Guy to name a few.
TH (12/12), 7:30pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
Beyond Brushes
Step into a world where creativity knows no bounds, where the canvas is your playground, and imagination your guide.
WE (12/4), 5:30pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Ugly Christmas Sweater Crafting Class
A fun-filled event where you can design the most festive (and fabulously tacky) Christmas sweater ever. We’ll provide all the materials you’ll need.
WE (12/4), 6pm, Peri Social House, 406 W State St, Black Mountain
Change Your Palate Cooking Demo
This free lunchtime food demonstration is open to all but tailored towards those with type 2 diabetes or hypertension and/or their caretakers.
Make a bracelet, necklace, or earrings for yourself or a gift. Participants may also bring their own materials or jewelry they would like to repair.
WE (12/11), noon, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Make Your Own Ornament
Enjoy a drink and craft your own holiday ornament, perfect for your own tree or as a gift. All the materials you need to craft your own unique holiday ornament will be provided.
WE (12/11), 5pm, Peri Social House, 406 W State St, Black Mountain
Xpress seeks student writing and art for 2025 Kids Issues
INSPIRING ACTIONS: Local K-12 students are invited to create art and writing for possible publication in the 2025 Mountain Xpress Kids Issues. Deadline is Friday, Jan. 31. Photo by iStock
Attention, local kids and teens: Who or what inspires you? What is the most inspirational thing you experienced in the last year? Who is your hero?
Once you have an idea, it’s time to get creative, then share your work for possible publication in Xpress’ Kids Issues! The theme for 2025 is “Who or what inspires you?”
Each March, Mountain Xpress publishes the colorful, engaging work of Western North Carolina’s K-12 students. There is no fee to enter for possible publication, and the deadline for submissions is Friday, Jan. 31.
THEME: ‘WHO OR WHAT INSPIRES YOU?’
Students, here are some questions to think about to get started. Did you witness anyone helping out after Tropical Storm Helene whose actions inspired you? Is there is a historical figure or someone in your community who inspires you? Is there an idea that inspires you? Be as creative as you like!
Create art or writing to share your vision!
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Educators, parents and students, please send us the best work in the following categories: Essays Essays should be no more than 300 words. Typed entries are encouraged.
Short fiction Fiction should be no more than 300 words. Typed entries are encouraged.
Poems
Short-form poetry is preferred, with poems limited to a maximum of 30 lines. Typed submissions are encouraged.
Art
Art should be digitally photographed in high resolution or be able to be photographed by Mountain Xpress. High-res photos of sculptures are also permissible. Artists’ statements are welcome.
Photos
Photos should be high resolution, digital photos between 200 KB and 6 MB (cellphone setting of “medium” size). Artists’ statements are welcome.
Deadline
The deadline is 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, to be considered for publication in Xpress’ Kids Issues, publishing March 12 and 19. Sorry, we cannot accept late entries.
Submit your work
Upload student work at avl.mx/ecj.
Returns
Mailed or hand-delivered pieces may be picked up after the issue is published, though Xpress cannot be responsible for their return.
AI
Submissions created through artificial intelligence (for example ChatGPT) will not be accepted.
Questions?
Email kids@mountainx.com, and one of our staffers will get back in touch. We can’t wait to see what local kids and teens have to share!
— Justin McGuire X
LITERARY
Pen to Paper Writing
Group
Share stories of your life with others on the first and third Wednesday of each month.
WE (12/4), 10am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Wild Reads Book Club
Featuring exciting narratives of outdoor adventures to insightful discussions on environmental issues.
TH (12/5), 6pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
History as Truth-telling w/Neesha Powell-Ingabire
Debut memoirist
Neesha Powell-Ingabire
shares undertold Black history alongside personal and family stories.
SA (12/7), 4pm, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd
THEATER & FILM
Show Her The Money Documentary
Featuringa documentary that has been touring 100+ cities for over a year and highlights the fact that women only receive 2% of venture capital funding.
WE (12/4), 6pm, AB Tech, Ferguson Auditorium, 340 Victoria Rd
It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play
Frank Capra’s beloved American holiday classic film is reimagined as a live 1940s radio broadcast.
TH (12/5), FR (12/6), 7:30pm, SA (12/7),
SU (12/8), 3pm, Hendersonville Theatre, 229 South Washington St, Hendersonville
Cirque de la Symphonie
The Asheville Symphony combines forces with the incredible Cirque de la Symphonie for a family-friendly holiday-themed performance.
TH (12/5), 7pm, Harrah's Cherokee Center, 87 Haywood St Traditional Tales w/A Twist
Celebrate the oral tradition with four local storytellers who will delight you with classic folk and fairy tales, some with a few new twists and turns.
TH (12/5), 7pm, Weaverville Community Center, 60 Lakeshore Dr, Weaverville
All is Calm: the Christmas Truce of 1914
An extraordinary tale of camaraderie, music, and peace. The remarkable true story of a spontaneous truce during World War I, told in the words and songs of the men who lived it.
TH (12/5), 7:30pm, North Carolina Stage Co., 15 Stage Ln Holiday Lights & Cozy Movie Night
Enjoy a stroll under twinkling lights and a cozy holiday movie night. Holiday refreshments provided. FR (12/6), 6pm, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St
The Comedy Zone: Andy Beningo
The Comedy Zone returns, bringing top-notch comedians for four weekends of
laughter and features some of the hottest stand-up comedians of today.
FR (12/6), SA (12/7), 8pm, Wortham Center For The Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave
BMC Dance: Yoggs
Family Newsletter
A trio dance created and performed by Taryn Griggs and Chris Yon, with their daughter Bea Yon.
TH (12/12), 7pm, Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St
MEETINGS & PROGRAMS
Life Planning for Solo Agers
This presentation can benefit those who are experiencing a lack of traditional support while aging in the WNC area, or those who are assisting loved ones. WE (12/4), noon, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Celebrate Cozy Season w/Ashley English
A series of workshops with Ashley English, author of books on topics ranging from raising chickens to canning and preserving, and from hosting potlucks to homemade health and wellness products.
WE (12/4), 6pm, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain
Town Hall on the Future of End-of-Life Psychedelic Care
The event will be led by Diana McCall, founder of Artemesis Facilitation.
WE (12/4), 7pm, Citizen Vinyl, 14 O Henry Ave
NSA-WNC Meeting
Professional keynote speakers, coaches, trainers, facilitators, and consultants who cover a broad range of topics, skills and knowledge.
Sarah Brice, financial advisor with Edward Jone will lead an Incredible business networking event, along with other business people and entrepreneurs like yourself.
TH (12/5), 11:30am, Thai Spice, 220 South King St, Hendersonville Dimensions of Wellness
This program will empower you to explore the positives and negatives of stress and the effects ongoing stress has on your overall well-being.
This 1-hour workshop will be held in the cat lounge, and will include a brief history of the tarot, and how to incorporate a one- and three-card pull for daily guidance.
FR (12/6), 5:30pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
SVM Traditional Appalachian Christmas Celebration
Learn the myths and practices of a traditional Appalachian Christmas while making Appalachian ornaments.
FR (12/6), 6pm, Swan-
nanoa Valley Museum & History Center, 223 West State St, Black Mountain
Youth Glow Climbing Wear white or neon colors. No climbing experience is needed, but advance registration is required.
FR (12/6), 6pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave
Asheville Ecogathering
Guided conversations explore how to make sense of the modern world by regrounding connections to nature and one other.
FR (12/6), 6:30pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Our Magnificent Trees w/Luke Cannon
Enjoy a nature walk led by instructor Luke Cannon where you'll learn about the magnificent trees of our region and their incredible uses and folklore.
SA (12/7), 10am, RSVP for location details.
Chinese Tea & Tai Chi Foundations
Settle your Qi with Chinese tea while learning the fundementals of Tai Chi to imorive your health. Beginner friendly so all levels are wecome.
SA (12/7), 10:30am, MO (12/9), 9:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Kirtan w/Mantra Mandala
Sing your way to joy and peace. Kirtan is a sweet meditative practice of chanting mantras and divine names. No experience is necessary.
SA (12/7), 7:30pm, W Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd
Adult Community Basketball
Shoot some hoops or play a pick up game with friends. No pre-registration required.
SU (12/8), 1pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Coloring w/Cats: Teens & Adults
Release your inner child by coloring with us in the cat lounge while you relieve stress and anxiety.
SU (12/8), 2pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
Family Open Gym
Weekly time in the gym reserved for all ages to shoot hoops and play other active games as a family.
SU (12/8), 4pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Random Acts of Flowers: Floral Arrangements for Those Needing a Smile Random Acts of Flowers improves the emotional health and well-being of
individuals in healthcare facilities by delivering recycled flowers, encouragement, and personal moments of kindness.
MO (12/9), noon, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Black Men Monday
A local group that has stepped up in the community to advocate for and mentor students through academic intervention. Kids, ages 7 and up, are welcome to join.
MO (12/9), 5:30pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Bad Art Night
Bad Art Night celebrates the beauty of imperfections. Regardless of experience or skill level, join to paint a masterpiece.
MO (12/9), 6:30pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave
IBN Biz Lunch: Candler
Bring a stack of business cards, and if you like, a door prize to add to our drawing at the end of the meeting.
It is the martial arts style that Airbending from the show Avatar: The Last Airbender was based on.
TU (12/10), 1pm and 5:30pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Youth Mental Health First Aid For Adults Program designed to teach adults how to help an adolescent who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis.
WE (12/11), noon, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Chloe Moore of Southside Community Farm
Chloe will discuss the history of Southside Community Farm, the organization’s current work, and the importance of contemporary initiatives towards food justice. Visit avl.mx/eck to register.
WE (12/11), 1pm, Online
Treks Hiking Club for Active Adults
A low-impact hiking club offering leisurely-paced hikes for active adults 50 or better. Bring lunch, water, good walking shoes, and dress for the weather.
TH (12/12), 9:30am, Asheville Recreation Park, 65 Gashes Creek Rd
IBN Biz Lunch: Brevard & Pisgah Forest Network and have lunch with new and old friends while you promote your business products and services.
Enjoy a hemlock hike through DuPont State Recreational Forest. We will pass through hemlock research plots and discuss how we can best protect hemlocks for years to come.
TH (12/12), 1pm, DuPont State Recreational Forest, Entrance: 1400 Staton Rd, Cedar Mountain
GAMES & CLUBS
Grove Street Card
Sharks
Play a variety of card games including bid whist, spades, tunk, and more
WE (12/4, 11), 2pm, Grove St Community Center, 36 Grove St
EcoPlay Game Club
Roll the dice, draw cards, and embark on thrilling journeys through forests, oceans, and beyond as we explore the wonders of the natural world through nature themed tabletop games.
TH (12/5), 1pm, Well Played Board Game Café, 162 Coxe Ave
Music Bingo w/DJ Spence
Test your music knowledge and your luck with Music Bingo by DJ Spence.
TH (12/5, 12), 6:30pm, Lookout Brewing Co., 103 S Ridgeway Ave, Black Mountain Firestorm Game Night Cooperative and competitive table-top gameplay for new and experienced player. You’re welcome to bring your own games.
FR (12/6), 6pm, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd
Bid Whist
Each Saturday, make your bids, call your trump and win the tricks in this friendly competition.
SA (12/7), 1pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Puzzle Palooza
Partner with a friend as teams of two compete to complete a 300 piece puzzle. Winners receive prizes and all participants take home their puzzles.
SA (12/7), 1pm, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St
Weekly Sunday Scrabble!
Weekly scrabble play where you’ll be paired with players of your skill level. All scrabble gear provided.
SU (12/8), 1:30pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Bid Whist Group meets weekly with light refreshments and teams formed based on drop-in attendance.
MO (12/9), 5:30pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
A Night of Dungeons & Dragons
Get matched up for a fiery, heroic evening filled of enthralling stories led by the best. Come solo, bring your friends or bring your gaming foes.
MO (12/9), 6pm, Urban Orchard Cider Co. S Slope, 24 Buxton Ave
Ultimate Bid Whist & Spades Bring a partner or come solo for a fun evening of competitive bid whist and spades every Tuesday.
TU (12/10), 6pm, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd
KID-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS
Parks & REC-cess
A recreation experience for kids and teens who are homeschooled with a variety of activities. Advance registration required.
WE (12/4), 1pm, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd
Black Cat Tales: Story Time w/Cats
A special after-school workshop where families with children age 7 and under can relax and foster a love of reading while also socialzing with the cats in the lounge.
WE (12/4), 4pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
Kids & Teens Kung Fu Learn fighting skills as well as conflict resolution and mindfulness. First class is free to see if it’s a good fit for you.
TH (12/5, 12), MO (12/9), TU (12/10), 4pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Toddler & Me Time Out
This open gym time allows toddlers and caregivers to make memories and new friends through structures and unstructured activities.
FR (12/6), 10am, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Kids Night In
Let your child work off extra energy with a fun-filled night of themed games, crafts, special activities, and a light dinner.
FR (12/6), 6pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Coloring w/Cats: Kiddie Edition
Release your inner child by coloring with us in the cat lounge while you relieve stress and anxiety.
SA (12/7), 1:30pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
Youth Beginner
Climbing
A three-week instructional climbing class for beginners. A parent or guardian must attend and be prepared to participate and belay their child.
MO (12/9), 6pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave
LOCAL MARKETS
Holiday Bulbs & Plants
This self-serve farmstand is stocked with lots of amaryllis and paper white bulbs for the holidays. We also have some beautiful 4 inch house plants. Open daily, 9am.
Bloom WNC Flower Farm, 806 North Fork Rd, Black Mountain
RAD Farmers Market
A vibrant mid-week market with dozens of high-quality artisan food businesses. Fresh vegetables, baked goods, pastured meats, raw honey, ferments, hot sauces, and more.
WE (12/4, 11), 3pm, AB Tech, 24 Fernihurst Dr
BMCA Handmade
Holidays Market
Browse incredible locally-made items or stop by Holly Jolly celebration for some extra sweet treats. Support local artists and get your holiday shopping done at the same time.
WE (12/4), TH (12/5), FR (12/6), MO (12/9) 10am, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain
Holiday Markets
Re-Opening
Flooded to 6 feet, 60 artists in Trackside Studios were displaced by the hurricane. Join the artists as they celebrate their re-opening with a market for your holiday gift giving.
FR (12/6), SA (12/7), SU (12/8), 11am, Trackside Studios, 375 Depot St
Holiday Sip & Shop
Visitors can browse unique gallery items, watch live demonstrations by local artists, and indulge in delightful beverages. It will also feature finely crafted jewelry, wooden bowls and utensils, ceramic tableware, blown glass and more.
FR (12/6), SA (12/7), 11am, Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Rd
Holiday Market Series
A holiday market series that features live music, farm fresh offerings,
unique gifts, good eats, festive libations and holiday cheer.
FR (12/6), 4pm, SA (12/7), 10am, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Asheville City Market
Featuring local food products, including fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, pastries, and other artisan products.
FR (12/6), 4pm, SA (12/7), 9am, 52 N Market St
Holiday Market
Come shop and support local WNC craftsman and artisans, you might just check off your holiday gift list. For questions email, sam@ flatrockplayhouse.org.
SA (12/7), SU (12/8), 10am, Flat Rock Playhouse, 2661 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock
Holiday Sale Market
Find beautiful heirloom pieces, holiday gifts, and home decor during this annual sale event. A variety of gift items will be available including ceramics, jewelry, fiber, apparel, paper, glass and wood.
SA (12/7), 10am, Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Pkwy
Owen Middle Holiday Craft Fair
Support local Swannanoa Valley Artists and Owen Middle School through this craft fair. All sales go directly to the artists.
SA (12/7), 10am, Owen Middle School, 730 Old US Hwy 70, Swannanoa
Rebuild RAD: Local Market
A local RAD Market every Saturday where visitors can peruse local arts, crafts and other handmade goods. Enjoy a beer or taco from the in-house taqueria while you browse.
SA (12/7), 10am, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave
WNC Farmers Market
High quality fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, jams, jellies, preserves, sourwood honey, and other farm fresh items. Open daily 8am, year-round. 570 Brevard Rd
Junk-O-Rama
Browse vintage clothing vendors, local crafters, antiques and more.
SU (12/8), 11am, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd
Handcrafted Holiday Market
Guests can enjoy holiday food, drinks, and music while shopping the market. Santa will also be joining us for those wanting a picture.
WE (12/4, 11), TH (12/5, 12), FR (12/6), MO (12/9), TU (12/10), 9am, Tryon Arts and Crafts School, 373 Harmon Field Rd, Tryon
Weaverville Tailgate Market
A selection of fresh, locally grown produce, grass fed beef, pork, chicken, rabbit, eggs, cheese, sweet and savory baked goods, artisan bread, body care, eclectic handmade goodies, garden and landscaping plants. Open year round. WE (12/11), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr Weaverville
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Candy Cane Flashlight Hunt
Search the park for candy canes and enjoy hot chocolate as the sun sets. Please bring your own flashlight or headlamp.
WE (12/4), 5:15pm, Murphy-Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd
Stronger Together: Community Resources Fair
This free event is designed to help students, employees and the community connect with essential resources for Helene disaster relief and recovery in a single location.
WE (12/4), 10am, A-B Tech Conference Center, 340 Victoria Rd
Historic Johnson Farm
Christmas Tours Tour the decorated historic house, visit the Heritage Weavers and Fiber Artists, and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. While drop-ins are allowed, those with reservations take priority.
WE (12/4, 11), TH (12/5, 12), FR (12/6), MO (12/9), TU (12/10), 10:30am, Historic Johnson Farm, 3346 Haywood Rd, Hendersonville
Bullington Gardens: Holiday Greenery & Craft Sale
This annual holiday sale will feature decorated wreaths and swags, locally grown plants such as cyclamen, amaryllis, and poinsettia, and handcrafted naturethemed items.
FR (12/6), SA (12/7) 9am, Bullington Gardens, 95 Upper Red Oak Trail, Hendersonville
Countdown to Christmas
Countdown to Christmas with different holiday activities each day including: Holiday cookie exchange, gingerbread house decorating, ornament making, Christmas movies and more.
FR (12/6), MO (12/9), TU (12/10), WE (12/11), TH (12/12), 2pm, Grove St Community Center, 36 Grove St
SA (12/7), 9am, J & D Produce, 221 South Church St, Hendersonville
M.A.G.M.A. Land of Sky: Holiday Gem Show Visit over 35 locally and nationally known vendors and browse anything from affordable treasures to the finest gems, minerals, and jewelry in the Southeast.
FR (12/6), SA (12/7), 9am, SU (12/8), 10am, Land of Sky Shrine Club, 39 Spring Cove Rd, Swannanoa
Autism Santa & Shop
Families with autistic members of all ages are invited to attend this free event in a safe and quiet environment.
SA (12/7), 10am, First Christian Church of Candler, 470 Enka Lake Rd, Candler
Krampus & Santa: Cat Lounge Takeover Krampus and Santa are back and they're taking over the cat lounge. Bring the kiddos (or your friends) and get photos with Santa, Krampus, or both.
SA (12/7), 11am, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
4th Annual Historic 7th Avenue District Pup Crawl
Participants purchase Pawsports and tour dog-friendly 7th Avenue District food and beverage businesses, earning stamps at each stop for a chance to win a grand prize.
9th Annual Asheville Music Hall Holiday Craft Bazaar
Support local crafts for the holidays and browse over 26 local vendors during this one day only event. There will be live music by Suns of Stars as well as food and drinks.
SA (12/7), non, Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave
The Big Crafty
A hand-to-heart celebration of creative exuberance where you can shop for ceramics, prints, jewelry, woodwork and more, while also celebrating the vibrant and resurgent creative community of WNC. See p26-27
SA (12/7), SU (12/8), noon, Harrah's Cherokee Center - Asheville, 87 Haywood St
Santa in the Square & Holiday Market
Biltmore Park Town Square will transform into a winter wonderland, including a visit from Santa. This family-friendly event will include music, entertainers, games, crafts, and more.
SA (12/7), 3pm, Biltmore Park Town Square, Town Square Blvd
The Nutcracker w/The Ballet Conservatory of Asheville
A magically festive, full-length version of The Nutcracker featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville.
FR (12/6), 7:30pm, SA (12/7), 3pm, WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee
Santacon
Meet up with other spirited participants for a full-holiday themed, head-to-toe costume bar crawl. It's free and open to everyone. Bring cash to tip the hard-working bartenders.
SA (12/7), 4:30pm, Vance Monument, 1 Pack Square
2024 Recognition Luncheon
This special event will recognize outstanding program participants, employers, workforce leaders, workforce development professionals and more.
SA (12/7), 11:30am, WNC AG Center (Boone Building), 761 Boylston Hwy, Fletcher
Cocoa w/Santa Hop on over to Peri Social House after the parade for a delicious cup of hot cocoa with Santa before heading to the Circle of Lights.
SA (12/7), 5pm, Peri Social House, 406 W State St, Black Mountain Krampus Parade & Night Market
The Krampus parade starts at House of Black Cat Magic, followed by a walk down Haywood Road to spread holiday cheer and fear before ending at The Well. There, the Krampus Night Market will be going full-blast.
SA (12/7), 5pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Ave
French Broad River Garden Club Foundation's 97th Annual Holiday Greens Market
This market features regional artists offering the following handcrafted, locally grown items:
Hand-forged iron works, handmade cuffs, baskets and horn jewelry, handmade nutcrackers and more.
SA (12/7), 9am, SU (12/8), 11am, 1000 Hendersonville Rd, 1000 Hendersonville Rd
Calls from Santa
Imagine the look of delight on children’s faces when they receive a personal call from Santa this season directly from the North Pole.
MO (12/9), 10am, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Black Mountain Mama's for Kids & Crafts
Together, we'll make Christmas crafts and celebrate the season with creativity and fun. Kids of all ages are welcome to join in.
MO (12/9), 3pm, Peri Social House, 406 W State St, Black Mountain
Santa Visits & Gingerbread Houses
This year The Monte Vista has donated 40 premade gingerbread houses for decorating and our very own Chloe Greene has made salt dough ornaments to decorate.
MO (12/9), 5pm, Monte Vista Hotel, 308 W State St, Black Mountain
Holiday Cookie Contest
Create cookies that capture the magic of the season in a friendly competition with prizes. Advance registration required.
WE (12/11), 1pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING
Karen Cragnolin Park
Volunteer Day
RiverLink will provide all necessary tools and equipment. Closed-toed shoes are required and pants are recommended. Everyone is encouraged to bring a water bottle and gardening gloves if
you have them.
WE (12/4), 10am, Karen Cragnolin Park, 190 Amboy Rd
Santa Paws w/Asheville Humane Society
Santa and the Grinch will be available for pictures with pets, kids, families, friends, and anyone interested in raising money for needy pets in Buncombe County.
WE (12/4), 5pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200
Low-Cost Community Cat Neuter Clinic
Binx's Home for Black Cats, House of Black Cat Magic, and Paws Mobile Vet now offer male cat neuters every other Thursday. You must schedule and pay for your appointment prior to showing up.
TH (12/5), 8am, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
Under the Stars 2024 This year’s Under the Stars fundraiser will benefit both AMOS programs and critical community needs. This night aims to bring people together with music, games, and delicious food.
FR (12/6), 6:30pm, Asheville Museum of Science, 43 Patton Ave
13th Annual Ingles Magical Christmas Toy Drive
A three-day event accepting new, unwrapped toys, books, clothing, and gift cards, as well as monetary donations.
TH (12/5), FR (12/6), 6am, SA (12/7), 8am, Ingles Smoky Park Hwy, 151 Smokey Park Hwy
Come Together: Benefit for IAMAVL & Asheville Music Hall This benefit show will feature local heroes Jeff Sipe, Rebekah Todd, Marcus White and more. Proceeds will benefit IAMAVL and the Asheville Music Hall.
FR (12/6), 9pm, Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave
Cornhole Tournament
Play cornhole for a good cause. All entry fees and donations benefit Owen Babe Ruth League to aid in rebuilding the fields at Veteran’s Park.
SU (12/8), noon, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Holiday Spectacular Drag Brunch Enjoy high-energy lip-syncs, familiar holiday tunes, and glamour. Brunch is provided by Celine & Company. Proceeds will benefit Loving Food Resources, a local food pantry. See p32 SU (12/8), 11am, Ella Events at The Hideaway, 49 Broadway St Hemlock Treatment Volunteer Workday Help treat hemlocks in this beautiful and historic cemetery. This volunteer day will involve re-treating healthy hemlocks around the cemetery area on mostly flat terrain. TU (12/10), 11am, Violet Hill Cemetery, Hazel Mill Rd, Asheville
Jolly Boat Bash Benefit Show for RADA w/Boat Command & Friends The line up features Rebekah Todd, Melissa and McKinney, Reggie Headen, Juan Holladay. All of the net ticket proceeds will benefit River Arts District Artists.
WE (12/11), 8pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave Southside Volunteer Day Volunteer with RiverLink to maintain the native ecosystem and rain gardens in the Erskine Community.
TH (12/12), 10am, Herb Watts Park, 64 Erskine St
‘Difficult decision’
Mission Health permanently shutters Asheville Specialty Hospital
BY ANDREW R. JONES
AN ASHEVILLE WATCHDOG REPORT
Mission Health has permanently closed Asheville Specialty Hospital, the only long-term acute care hospital in Western North Carolina, less than two months after suspending its services following Tropical Storm Helene.
“We have made the difficult decision to not reopen Asheville Specialty Hospital, a small, long-term acute care facility located inside the St. Joseph’s campus,” Mission Health spokesperson Nancy Lindell said Nov. 25. “We have had to focus on prioritizing our resources during and after Hurricane Helene to care for the most urgent medical needs of our community. Since Hurricane Helene, ASH employees have been caring for patients at Mission Hospital, and that continues to be where they are most needed.”
The 34-bed Asheville Specialty included a comprehensive stroke center, dialysis services, physical and speech therapy, and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, among other services, according to Mission’s website. The next-closest long-term acute facility, or LTACH, is in Greenville, S.C., a little more than 60 miles away.
The facility was one of three services that Mission Health temporarily shut down after Helene crippled Western North Carolina and left Asheville, and Mission Hospital, without water. CarePartners and Solace hospice care also closed, and more than 250 employees had to take temporary positions as patients
SHUTTING DOWN: Asheville Specialty Hospital had 34 beds and included a comprehensive stroke center, dialysis services, physical and speech therapy, and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation, among other services.
were ported out to facilities in the region and out of state.
Asheville Watchdog reached out to Asheville Specialty’s current medical director, Ronnie Jacobs, but did not hear back before publication.
Dr. Scott Joslin , once director of Mission’s hospitalist program, currently works at the Asheville VA Medical Center but served as medical director of Asheville Specialty from January through September 2022.
“It is a big deal,” Joslin said of the closure. “Having a long-term
acute care hospital provides the Western North Carolina area with a site where patients who have been ill for a very long period of time and still have some acute care needs can get that long-term acute care.”
Patients who would have been admitted to Asheville Specialty will now go to inpatient rehabilitation, skilled nursing care or another long-term acute care facility, Lindell said, but she did not provide specifics. Lindell also did not respond to questions about how many patients and employees the closure affected.
Mission has permanent roles available for every caregiver who wants to stay with the company, Lindell said.
The closure does not violate agreements HCA made when it bought the Mission Health system, according to Gerald Coyne of Affiliated Monitors, the independent monitor responsible for holding HCA accountable for honoring agreements it made to the North Carolina Attorney General’s Office before the sale.
“I don’t believe it’s a required service,” Coyne said. He said he looked at the Asset Purchase Agreement (APA) when he heard the news of the closure but didn’t see anything that required Asheville Specialty to stay open for 10 years after the purchase.
“If it’s not part of the APA, there’s a limit to what we as the monitor can critique,” Coyne said. “We can’t say they’re violating it for sure. We are, of course, concerned, with the overall delivery of health care services. But … I’m not surprised that in the wake of some really horrific events, that there’s going to be some changes, and we’ll just kind of try to look at them as a whole, rather than individually.”
Joslin, the former hospitalist, worked on and off with Asheville Specialty for more than 20 years and said the shuttering is likely related to operational efficiency. He said the age of the building could have contributed to the decision as well.
He said the building of the North Tower, at least in part, was influenced by the quality of the St. Joseph’s building, where Asheville Specialty resides.
Watchdog photo by Starr Sariego
“One of the drivers behind the decision to build the North Tower was that, over time, the old St. Joseph Hospital was becoming more expensive to maintain,” Joslin said. “It was nearing the end of its useful life at about age 50, and I was aware that we were having water leaks and electrical failures and infrastructure failures that they were trying to keep up with.”
There were conversations about potentially relocating, he noted. Lindell did not answer The Watchdog’s question when asked if Mission would try to reestablish another LTACH in the region.
“As more and more resources have moved out of the St. Joseph building … the utility of keeping that open has become more and more questionable, both as a strategic decision as well as a financial decision, at least by my understanding,” she said.
Although Asheville Specialty won’t reopen, Mission Health is starting to resume CarePartner services, Lindell said.
“With the return of municipal water, we began reopening CarePartners Inpatient
Rehabilitation Hospital on Nov. 21,” Lindell said. “Teams are starting to return to roles there, and we have begun admitting patients. We hope to have a date set soon for when we can begin to reopen CarePartners Solace.”
Since HCA Healthcare purchased Mission Hospital in 2019 for $1.5 billion, the once-nonprofit hospital has faced an exodus of staff, including in medical oncology, urology, cancer pharmacy services and neurology.
In December 2023, N.C. Attorney General Josh Stein sued HCA and Mission Health, alleging that they violated commitments made in the asset purchase agreement regarding cancer care and emergency services at Mission Hospital.
Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and Buncombe County. Andrew R. Jones is a Watchdog investigative reporter. Email arjones@avlwatchdog.org.
The Watchdog’s local reporting during this crisis is made possible by donations from the community. To show your support for this vital public service go to avlwatchdog.org/ support-our-publication/. X
Crafting community
BY CARMELA CARUSO
For Justin Rabuck, like many in Western North Carolina, the weeks after Tropical Storm Helene were filled with uncertainty. Rabuck, co-founder of The Big Crafty, Asheville’s biannual craft show, didn’t know if the December event would even be possible.
Logistics were an issue — without electricity, internet or running water The Crafty couldn’t happen. When nonpotable water, power and Wi-Fi were finally restored nearly three weeks after the storm, the question of whether or not to hold the event shifted to a moral dilemma.
“Talking with other business owners and other artists and musicians, there was the crippling fear of — is this the right time to do this? Is this even considerate of the pain and suffering that so many are feeling?” Rabuck recalls.
He sent out a short survey to the artists who had already signed up — registration was due the last weekend in September — to gauge the feasibility of the event. Were their homes, studios or artworks damaged? Should the show even go on?
Rabuck says he received an outpouring of messages urging him to host The Big Crafty in December as planned. While many depend on the show for sales to get them through the slow winter months, he says the artists weren’t focused on monetary gains.
“It was like, ‘I need this to happen for my well-being, to connect and to be in a space with so many beautiful people,’” he explains.
With the go-ahead given, he decided the show must go on. The Big Crafty is
scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, Dec 7-8, at the ExploreAsheville. com Arena ar Harrah’s Cherokee Center downtown.
FINDING A WAY FORWARD
Once it was announced the show would happen as usual, a wave of support poured in from artists — some offering to pay booth fees for those who were most affected by the storm, including an anonymous donor who stepped forward to foot the bill for 30 artists. Rabuck quickly sent
out an email encouraging vendors experiencing financial hardship to reach out if they needed their booth fee refunded.
Established in 2008, The Big Crafty has featured hundreds of artists selling everything from ceramics to woodwork. The show got its start at The Grey Eagle before relocating to the Asheville Art Museum and finally to the ExploreAsheville.com Arena.
From the beginning, the focus has been on spotlighting local makers, building a sense of community and respecting, honoring and celebrating the tradition of craft, says Rabuck.
“Whatever I can do to lift artists and the creative community, that’s at the core of all of it.”
While WNC is still recovering from the storm with many creatives especially hard hit, Rabuck expects a full roster of artists in December — each of the biannual events usually hosts around 185 vendors — even if some have to be more inventive about their offerings.
Rabuck has encouraged artists whose work was diminished or destroyed by the storm to show up anyway and find innovative ways to engage with the community — wheth-
GETTING CRAFTY: Pictured is Asheville artist Cynthia Thornton’s vendor booth at a past Big Crafty show. Hundreds of artists and crafters have participated since the show was founded in 2008. Photo courtesy of The Big Crafty
er by selling something that can be delivered at a later date or leading a workshop and sharing skills with attendees. “[To] some of the artists who don’t have as much as they normally would, I’m like, show up and just be there and allow people to support you, however it may be,” he says.
ARTISTS SUPPORTING ARTISTS
Laura Ray, owner of Fair Isle Co. and a Big Crafty vendor for the past 10 years, was one of the artists who was eager for the show to go on. Ray creates small collectible animals and baby items like hoods and booties out of repurposed cashmere sweaters — gift items that typically sell well at the preholiday Big Crafty.
Ray, who lives and works in Clark County, S.C. —“in the middle of nowhere between Columbia and Charleston,” she explains — did not experience the storm firsthand. But she was dialed into the impact it had on the region.
Ray’s daughter, Danna Ray, lives in the Celo community in Yancey County, where a mudslide buried her garden and shed and tore up her driveway. Ray says she understands how everyone in the area was affected by the storm, regardless of whether their homes were damaged or loved ones lost.
“I think [The Big Crafty is] going to be just a whole lot of love for the artists who need it right now, who got wiped out,” she says. “I think we’ll see some of them there and just celebrate that they’re rising up again.”
For Ray, it’s The Crafty’s supportive and friendly vibe that keeps her coming back. She finds it gratifying to interact directly with customers, many of whom stop by her booth year after year to share stories of how they’ve gifted or used her products.
As an artist who also sells at shows in Atlanta and Greenville, S.C., she says The Big Crafty stands out from other, similar events because of its sense of community and Asheville’s support for all things handmade. “To be a great show you’ve got to have this triangle of quality work, quality organizers and a great customer base,” says Ray, adding that she sees all of this at The Big Crafty.
Of co-founders Rabuck and Brandy Bourne, she adds, “They definitely have a heart for it.”
HEART AND SOUL
Asheville artist Cynthia Thornton of Green Girl Studios works alongside her daughter Azalea Ogden and husband Greg Ogden making beads, pendants, figurines and cloth dolls.
Thornton agrees with Ray that it’s the organizers’ warmth and care that help make The Big Crafty one of the most successful and best-loved shows in the Southeast.
“Justin has such a kind and generous heart, I think that his approach kind of rubs off on people,” says Thornton. Like Ray, she has been showing in The Big Crafty for 10 years and has also participated in a number of other craft shows across the region. She says it’s common in other shows to be a vendor without ever meeting the promoter, but this isn’t true of The Big Crafty.
“[Rabuck] is one of those types of people who gets in there and is like, ‘How is everything going?’ And he genuinely, genuinely cares,” says Thornton. She believes it’s this warmheartedness that encourages artists not only to bring their best work but to be more friendly and patient with each other. She’s found camaraderie at The Big Crafty that she hasn’t experienced elsewhere.
“There’s a lot of excitement and potential and a sense of community,” she explains. “I find myself collaborating with other artists and saying, ‘Hey, let’s get together and let’s craft together. Let’s share ideas and techniques.’”
That sense of community has come into play even more strongly in the aftermath of the storm. Rabuck says many artists he’s talked to have been reluctant to accept support, such as grant money and funding from initiatives designed to help creatives in the area because they don’t want to take away from others who have lost more.
Thornton had similar feelings of guilt and initially wondered if she should give her booth at The Big Crafty to someone in greater need, but she ultimately decided to go forward with the show. Even though the storm didn’t damage her home or studio, she says, she’s still been affected.
Without running water to cast her beads and pendants or internet access to fulfill online orders, her work was on hold for weeks. In mid-November, she was still trying to catch up and fulfill orders.
She stresses the importance of art, even in times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she says, “Everybody was talking about what’s essential. What did everybody end up doing? They started learning to paint and draw; people started to focus on music. Those are all art. I mean, you might not be able to eat it or drink it, but it nourishes the soul.”
The Big Crafty will be held noon-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8, at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena, 87 Haywood St. Admission is $10 on Saturday and free on Sunday. X
Bringing it all back home
Marquee commits to rebuilding in the RAD
BY EDWIN ARNAUDIN
If your river-adjacent arts space was recently destroyed by flood waters, would you rebuild in the exact same spot?
Initially, Marquee co-founder/ owner Robert Nicholas’ answer was “no.” Home to over 300 artists, makers, antique dealers and small-business owners for the past three years, his enterprise within the River Arts District’s Foundation Studios community was one of numerous structures along the French Broad River ravaged by Tropical Storm Helene.
In addition to being overrun by 15 feet of water, flood debris crashed into the building, tore down the back walls and blasted through the entrance. Nicholas estimates that 75% of what was inside washed out of the building and that over 100,000 items in Marquee’s inventory were compromised.
Visiting the property in the storm’s aftermath, he contemplated the logic of reinvesting in such a fragile spot and wondered how he could expect vendors to locate their businesses in a former — and potentially future — disaster zone.
“But I’ve changed my thinking,” he says. “I’ve heard from so many of the artists and vendors who’ve said, ‘I’ll be the first to sign up [if you reopen]. You say when.’ It’s been very encouraging.”
munity, and that’s where I want to continue to invest — and take a risk.” Nicholas adds that he’s “lived risky [his] whole life” and, despite the gut-punch of Helene, he’s willing to take another chance on Marquee. For the business’s second iteration, much of the interior will be rebuilt in the same fashion as its original version, complete with gallery walls and enclosures, sales counters, an office and a shipping room. But certain details will be tweaked to improve the space for customers, clients and staff alike.
“When people walk in, I want it to feel like there’s a familiarity, but it feels different and it feels better,” Nicholas says. “We’re hoping by next fall — late summer, early fall — we would be ready to open the doors again.”
’THIS IS MY COMMUNITY’
The Marquee team also runs the Uncommon Market, a monthly popup where 100-plus artists sell their wares over the course of a weekend. Usually held in the Foundation parking lot, the event’s September and October editions were canceled as cleanup continued in the River Arts District. However, the annual Holiday Market will take place Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 7-8, in the Haywood Park Hotel’s event space.
THE WAY BACK
Further raising Nicholas’ spirits is a commitment by the Marquee building’s owners to prioritize repairing the structural damage. However, that still leaves the costly undertaking of rebuilding the infrastructure of the 50,000-square-foot former warehouse.
Like many local businesses facing financial uncertainty post-Helene,
Nicholas launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with expenses. But he says Marquee was “late to the game on purpose” in timing its call for donations.
“I didn’t feel right doing one because I knew that there were lives still missing. There were people trying to figure out ‘What am I going to do?’ or their homes were messed up,” Nicholas says. “I felt like those were greater needs than ours, even though we had 300 jobs, plus our employees.”
Marquee’s GoFundMe set a $500,000 goal. As of press time, nearly $40,000 has been raised, and Nicholas is optimistic that the intended amount will eventually be met. With most of the local arts and antique industry wiped out by post-Helene flooding, he feels that there’s “a real need” for Marquee to reopen and that the original spot remains the best option.
“We looked at some other opportunities that were not in River Arts, and none of them felt right. It felt like it was going to be forced,” he says. “I probably bleed River Arts District if you cut me because that’s my home. That’s my family. That’s my com-
While Nicholas and his crew look forward to the Market and reconnecting with participating artists — some of whom they haven’t seen since Helene hit — their larger goal remains bringing back Marquee in full. That commitment dates to 2013 when he opened antique furniture and custom lighting store Splurge in the Wedge Studios building.
“I looked everywhere — I looked downtown, I looked on [Swannanoa] River Road, where Antique Row was,” he says. “I just kept being drawn to the River Arts District. I was like, ‘This is my community. This is where I want to be.’”
Though Splurge’s location was terrific, Nicholas gradually yearned for more regular interactions with fellow artists, which led to the launch of Marquee. It’s those connections that he wants to restore and is hopeful will fill his business’s walls once the space reopens.
“I really feel like Marquee created an environment to bring people together,” Nicholas says. “It was the relationships spawned from the staff to the artists and the antique dealers to even our customers. It was almost like our fans became our friends.”
To learn more, visit avl.mx/ebc. X
THE WAY IT WAS: Marquee co-founder/owner Robert Nicholas plans to rebuild his business in its original location, which suffered severe damage from Tropical Storm Helene. Photos by Grace Shroder
What’s new in food
Mattie Lou’s opens in former Gerladine’s Bakery space
Mattie Lou’s Café & Bakery sold out of all its baked goods by noon on its very first day of business. That was a tremendous relief for Mattie Grey, the sole proprietor, baker, coffee maker and counter person for the business that opened Nov. 13 in the former Merrimon Avenue home of Geraldine’s Bakery.
“I was afraid I’d be standing there twiddling my thumbs all day,” she recalls a week later. “But people had seen my sign and posted on NextDoor and Facebook, so there were actually people waiting at the door when I opened at 8 a.m.”
There was natural curiosity about the highly visible address that for 11 years had been Geraldine’s, an Asheville institution. That closure was announced on social media and a sign taped to the door, citing financial losses from Tropical Storm Helene. The gracious farewell also urged Gerladine’s customers to welcome and support the new tenant.
Not everyone got the message. “Some people have been a little grumpy about it,” Grey says. “I’ve had people walk in, ask about doughnuts and when I say we don’t do doughnuts anymore, they walk right back out. I want to say, ‘Wait, do you want to try this instead?’”
She might suggest, for instance, a selection of laminated pastries like chocolate or twice-baked almond croissants, sweet or savory Danish, iced cinnamon rolls, gooey pecan sticky buns or cookies the size of a platter. She adds cardamom to her morning buns and fills her cruffins with miso caramel pastry cream.
The menu reflects her influences and traces the progression of her somewhat unlikely path to pastry chef and bakery owner. She grew up in a small town in East Tennessee and loved baking with her grandma. After high school, she moved to Seattle and got a job in a small specialty food kiosk at the famous Pike’s Place Market; an acquaintance encouraged her to pursue her interest in cooking and baking.
With no means for formal education, she instead found unpaid evening internships in restaurants, where she learned basic skills. Eventually, she got a job as a prep cook and moved on to pastry positions. “I’m much better suited to get up at 3 in the morning than still be up at 3 in the morning,” she explains.
She took a pastry chef job with Indigo Road Hospitality Group in Charleston, S.C., then spent two years in Austin, Texas. When her mother unexpectedly passed away in July 2023 and she returned to Jonesborough, Tenn., for the funeral, she realized it was time to come home. Or close enough.
“I had always loved Asheville; it was just so comfortable to me,” she says. She accepted the position of executive pastry chef for the then-soon-to-open Flat Iron Hotel, and in September 2023, she moved to Asheville in advance of the hotel’s May 2024 opening. After several months overseeing pastry for the hotel’s four dining concepts, and still grieving her mother, she decided to fly solo. An Instagram post she made seeking a commercial kitchen led her to Geraldine’s.
Two days before she was set to meet with the Geraldine’s owners, Helene
LOVIN’ FROM THE OVEN: Mattie Grey is the proprietor, baker, barista and counter person at her newly opened Mattie Lou’s Café & Bakery in the former Geraldine’s Bakery space on Merrimon Avenue building. Photo courtesy of Grey
hit, closing the bakery temporarily, then permanently. She decided to forge ahead anyway. After reaching an agreement with the owners, she started cleaning, organizing and ordering product the first week of November.
“It was a whirlwind!” she says. “It feels almost too good to be true. But people have been so kind and welcoming. They’re glad I’m here, and I am so happy to be baking for them.”
Mattie Lou’s Bakery & Café is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday at 840 Merrimon Ave. avl.mx/ec1
Guajiro keeps on truckin’
Since parking his bright red Guajiro Cuban Comfort Food truck at The
Cotton Mill Studios in October 2022, Chris Barroso has built a devoted following for his hearty breakfast foods, lechon asado and Nana’s sopa de frijoles negros — black bean soup from his grandmother’s recipe. In May, he expanded with the opening of El Patio de Guajiro, a 45-seat indoor restaurant, bar and outdoor seating space at the Cotton Mill building. The restaurant and food truck were destroyed when floodwaters rampaged through the River Arts District on Sept. 27. Barroso recently bought fellow Asheville restaurateur Eric Scheffer’s sky-blue Cielo catering truck. After slapping the bright yellow Guajiro sign on its side, Barroso arranged a permanent parking space at Hi-Wire Brewing’s Biltmore Village taproom and, on Nov. 16, popped open the
window to find long lines of fans eager for their Cuban sandwich fix.
Barroso is also offering a holiday catering menu with favorites like vaca frita, ropa vieja, arroz con pollo and desserts.
The Guajiro food truck is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily at 2A Huntsman Place. To learn more, visit avl.mx/prwu.
Nolo’s new home
When Marquee artisan market was demolished by floodwaters from Helene, so was the Nolo nonalcoholic bottle shop kiosk inside the building. In November, just in time for sober folks to navigate the boozy holiday party season, Nolo replenished its online inventory of alcohol-free beers, canned cocktails, wines, spirits and mixers for sales and local pickups.
Additionally, on Dec. 1, owners Jennifer and Jason Phillips — who bought the two-year-old business from founder Jason Pedrick in July — set up shop inside Atomic Furnishings’ new downtown home. The mid-century modern and hand-made furnishings showroom lost its Swannanoa River Road building to flooding and recently relocated to the former Moog warehouse at 178 Broadway Street.
Nolo will mix up mocktails and offer other zero-proof samples at Atomic’s grand reopening and 10th anniversary party on Saturday, Dec. 7, 4-8 p.m.
For more information, visit avl.mx/ebs.
Plant Bar sprouts in West Asheville
Another casualty of Helene’s destruction of Marquee was the second location of Asheville Dispensary and AD Elixir, Coffee & Tea Bar, which launched inside the River Arts District building the last week of August.
The original Asheville Dispensary Elixir Bar, opened by Jimmy Gallagher on Haywood Road in 2018, became a community gathering place and go-to retail outlet for CBD and delta-9 edibles and THCA flowers and concentrates. With the recent rebranding of that location’s AD Elixir Bar to Plant Bar, Gallagher and general manager Nikki Eldred have implemented an artisanal coffee program, enhanced the lounge spaces with more seating and foliage for a cozy experience.
Plant Bar offers zero-proof drinks, herbal elixirs, specialty espresso drinks, traditional Chinese teas and healthy bubble teas developed in collaboration with The NOHM Collective.
Plant Bar’s lounge and outdoor deck are open 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily at
909 Haywood Road. Learn more at avl.mx/ebt.
Slovenia by the glass
East of Italy is Slovenia, and on Wednesday, Dec. 11, the border dissolves when that country’s food and wines are presented through a fivecourse wine dinner at Gemelli Italian restaurant. Each course and wine pairing will be introduced with a discussion of the country’s grape varietals and the Hungarian, Italian and Mediterranean influences in the dishes.
The event begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person.
Gemelli is at 70 Westgate Parkway. Make reservations at avl.mx/ebv.
National honors for Hendersonville winery
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards in Hendersonville recently summitted at the American Wine Society 2024 National Commercial Competition. Saint Paul, which opened in 2011 as Hendersonville’s first vineyard, was honored with the Best of North Carolina award for its viognier, which also was named a Best Varietal. Additionally, five of Saint Paul winemaker Tim Crowe’s estate wines — chambourcin, Chestnut Gap, petit verdot and V and V Reserve — received silver medals, achieving an average score of 93 out of 100.
Saint Paul Mountain Vineyards is on farmland that has been in owner Alan Ward’s family for centuries. In addition to the vineyard and tasting room at 588 Chestnut Gap Road, the family owns the Appalachian Ridge Cidery at 749 Chestnut Gap Road.
For more information, visit avl.mx/ebu.
Bienvenue Bouchon
After being closed in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, Michel Baudouin reopened his downtown French restaurant, Bouchon, on Nov. 22 with weekend service. Open at 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday, there is a limited menu to begin but count on the classics, including the Xpress Best of WNC Hall of Fame pommes frites plus mussels, gratinée a l’oignon and steak au poivre.
As for Baudouin’s East Asheville restaurant, RendezVous, the chef says with a laugh that he was relieved the location’s popular pétanque court did not turn into a duck pond in the flood. Other than losing product due to the power outage, the building was rela-
tively unscathed, and after investing in daily potable water deliveries, he reopened it on Oct. 19 with service 4-9 p.m. daily.
Bouchon is at 62 N. Lexington Ave. RendezVous is 184 New Haw Creek Road.
Mikasa Criolla leaves S&W Market
After two years of serving hot empanadas and other Peruvian dishes in downtown’s S&W Market, chef Santiago Vargas and partner Ana Austin have closed their Mikasa Criolla kiosk. The pair announced on social media that they plan to focus on operating their catering company, Mikasa AVL, from their new kitchen at 1636 Hendersonville Road. They will also continue to offer a menu of empanadas available for online ordering, delivery and pickup, as well as at a few local retail locations.
For information on Mikasa AVL, visit avl.mx/ebw. To order empanadas or for a list of retail locations, visit avl.mx/c6p.
— Kay West X
SMART BETS
by Gina Smith | gsmith@mountainx.com
The Art of Recovery
Western North Carolina community responses to the disaster of Tropical Storm Helene have ranged from powering up chain saws to water brigades and hot meals. Pink Dog Creative’s upcoming exhibit, The Art of Recovery, is a multigenerational creative response to Helene from the perspective of Asheville’s Black community. The project highlights the work of youth artists from local organizations Hood Huggers International and Umoja Health and Justice and Wellness Collective as well as adult artists, including exhibit curator Destro, DeWayne Barton, Millad Nooraei, Michael Hayes, Jenny Pickens, Ant Grey of All A Dream Darkroom, Elizabeth Lashay of Slay the Mic Multimedia
and UNC Asheville STEAM Studio instructors Sara Sanders and Leslie Rosenberg. Featured in the exhibit, which is subtitled “Hammers and Bags: Rising through the Layers of Tragedy Over Old Wounds,” is a mural created by the Burton Street community under the guidance and vision of Pickens. Also included are interviews with Burton Street neighborhood youths, photographs of storm damage and recovery captured by youth artists, sculpture made from reclaimed materials, fiber arts, animation, painting and sound installations. The opening reception is 5-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Pink Dog Creative. Gallery hours are 1-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Jan. 4. avl.mx/ec7. X
Holiday Spectacular Drag Brunch
Tinsel up, Asheville, for the sixth annual Holiday Spectacular Drag Brunch, happening Sunday, Dec. 8, at The Hideaway on Broadway. Expect nothing less than the fa-la-la-fabulous when the dashing queens and a king don their gay apparel to jingle, jiggle, sashay and sparkle through a festive, lip-synced repertoire of seasonal tunes. The halls of The Hideaway will be decked, and Celine and Co. will serve brunch. Asheville Drag Brunch divas Natasha Noir Nightly
and Divinity Holeburn will emcee the extravaganza with performances by Atlas SynClaire and Jasmine Summers . Because once is not enough, there will be two shows —at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Naughty? Nice? Everyone is welcome to the all-ages show that will benefit Loving Food Resources, a food pantry serving people in 18 Western North Carolina counties who are living with HIV/ AIDS or are in home hospice care. Tickets start at $25. avl.mx/ec2. X
Photo courtesy of Asheville Drag Brunch
Photo courtesy of Asheville Creative Arts
PERSPECTIVES with Chloe Moore
Southside Community Farm is small — just half an acre tucked behind the Arthur R. Edington Career & Education Center. But under the leadership of farm manager Chloe Moore, it’s mighty. On Wednesday Dec. 11, at 1 p.m., Moore will take part in the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center (BMCM+AC) discussion series PERSPECTIVES. In a virtual conversation with BMCM+AC outreach coordinator Kira Houston, Moore will share the history of Southside Community Farm (SCF), the organization’s current work and the importance of contemporary food justice initiatives. SCF was founded in 2014 as Southside Community Garden by
residents of the historically Black neighborhood as a source of fresh, healthy food. The original growing space was exclusively row crops but has evolved to include a hoop house, raised beds, fruit trees, berry bushes and a pavilion. In addition to the farm plot at 133 Livingston St., SCF also cares for a small community apple orchard and food forest across the street. The event is related to BMCM+AC’s current exhibition, The Farm at Black Mountain College, which runs through Saturday, March 15, at 120 College St. avl.mx/e59. The Dec. 11 conversation will be streamed and archived on the BMCM+AC website at avl.mx/ec4. X
Photo of Chloe Moore courtesy of Southside Community Farm
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
ASHEVILLE MUSIC
HALL
Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm
EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY
Bless Your Heart Trivia w/Harmon, 7pm
EULOGY
Sam Grisman Project, 8pm
FLEETWOOD'S PSK Karaoke, 9pm
HOUSE OF BLACK CAT MAGIC, CO.
Kitten Yoga, 6pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Old Time Jam, 5pm
OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.
Bluegrass Jam w/Derek McCoy & Friends, 6pm
ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC
HALL
Sons of Stars (bluegrass), 10pm
ONE WORLD BREWING WEST
Noise Farm & Dr. Funky Squirrel (rock), 5pm
SHILOH & GAINES
Trivia Wednesdays, 7pm
SLY GROG LOUNGE
Weird Wednesday Open Jam, 6pm
SOVEREIGN KAVA
Poetry Open Mic, 8pm
STATIC AGE RECORDS
Sounding Arrow, Garden Apartments & Gary Jules (indie-folk, rock), 8pm
A MULTI-GENRE MUSICAL GUMBO: On Saturday, Dec. 7, Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. hosts the Jamie McLean Band, starting at 6:30 p.m. The group incorporates New Orleans soul, middle Americana roots, Delta blues and New York City swagger. Photo courtesy of Danish Gosalia
THE GREY EAGLE
The Doors Unhinged (The Doors tribute), 8pm
THE ORANGE PEEL
Sold Out: Sam Barber w/Waylon Wyatt (country), 8pm
• The Art of House Presents: Saturday Sessions w/Jericho, Matthew Francis, 8pm
SHILOH & GAINES
Lazybirds (blues, jazz), 8pm
SIERRA NEVADA
BREWING CO.
• Jiant J (multi-genre), 2pm
• Jamie McLean Band (Americana, soul, blues), 6:30pm
STATIC AGE LOFT
Sanctum (goth, darkwave), 8pm
THE GREY EAGLE
Southern Culture on the Skids w/ Laid Back Country Picker (rock'n'roll, folk, country), 8pm
THE ORANGE PEEL
The Wood Brothers w/ Jobi Riccio (folk, blues, gospel), 8pm
WHITE HORSE BLACK
MOUNTAIN
Above Ground (rock, Americana), 7:30pm
Your neighborhood bar… no matter where you live.
WED: Trivia • THUR: Karaoke
LAZYBIRDS
Early American String Band Music 12/7 SAT
DARK CITY KINGS
Black Mountain Flirting Music 12/14 SAT
FRI
LYRIC Ft. Leeda Lyric Jones
Pop / Rock / Funk 12/27
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8
ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL
Isaack Hadden's Senior Recital (multi-genre), 7pm
EULOGY
• Mourning Mass, 11am
• Deceased, Desolus & All Hell (death-metal), 8pm
FRENCH BROAD
RIVER BREWERY
Reggae Sunday w/ Chalwa, 3pm
HIGHLAND BREWING CO.
The Lazy Birds (blues, jazz, Americana), 2pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Traditional Irish Music Session, 3:30pm
ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL
Brightsome Color (multi-genre), 9pm
ONE WORLD
BREWING WEST
• Suns of Stars Sunday Residency (bluegrass), 2pm
• One Love Sundays (reggae), 7pm
S & W MARKET
Mr Jimmy (blues), 1pm
SIERRA NEVADA
BREWING CO.
Jenn & Owen (oldtime), 2pm
SLY GROG LOUNGE
Open Mic w/Mike AndersEn, 6:30pm
STATIC AGE RECORDS
Stephen Steinbrink, Little Champion & Minorcan (pop, bedroom-punk), 8pm
THE GREY EAGLE
• Country Brunch w/ Kate Leigh Bryant, 11am
• Queen Bee & The Honeylovers (swing, blues, Latin), 8pm
THE ORANGE PEEL
Babytron & BLP Kosher (hip-hop, rap), 8pm
THIRD ROOM
Julianna Barwick (multigenre), 5pm
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9
27 CLUB
Monday Night Karaoke w/Ganymede, 9pm
CATAWBA BREWING
CO. SOUTH SLOPE ASHEVILLE
Musicians in the Round: Open Mic, 5:45pm
FLEETWOOD'S Best Ever Karaoke w/KJ Chelsea, 9pm
HIGHLAND BREWING
CO.
Trivia Night w/Two Bald Guys & A Mic, 6pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Quizzo! Pub Trivia w/ Jason Mencer, 7:30pm
OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.
Takes All Kinds Open Mic Nights, 7pm
ONE WORLD
BREWING WEST
Mashup Mondays w/ JLloyd, 8pm
THE GREY EAGLE
The Keith Allen Circus (dark-rock, psych, electro-pop), 8pm
THE JOINT NEXT DOOR
Mr Jimmy & Friends (blues), 7pm
THE ORANGE PEEL
Sold Out: Underoath w/ Static Dress & To Speak of Wolves (rock, punk), 8pm
THE RIVER ARTS
DISTRICT BREWING CO. Trivia w/Billy, 7pm
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10
ARCHETYPE BREWING
Trivia Tuesday, 6:30pm
EULOGY
Mars Red Sky, Howling Giant & Shadowcloak (psych, rock, dark-folk), 8pm
FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY
Robert's Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm
LOOKOUT BREWING CO.
Team Trivia Tuesday's, 6:30pm
OKLAWAHA
BREWING CO.
Team Trivia, 7pm
FLEETWOOD'S PSK Karaoke, 9pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Old Time Jam, 5pm
OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Bluegrass Jam w/Derek McCoy & Friends, 6pm
ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL
The Bassment w/ Dayowulf (house, bass), 10pm
SHILOH & GAINES Trivia Wednesdays, 7pm
SLY GROG LOUNGE Weird Wednesday Open Jam, 6pm
SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic, 8pm STATIC AGE RECORDS Advance Base, Colin Miller & Corey Parlamento (soft-rock, lo-fi), 9pm THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.
Well-Crafted Music w/ Matt Smith, 6pm
WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Irish Session, 7pm
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
CROW & QUILL
Black Sea Beat Society (Balkan, Turkish, folk), 8pm
DSSOLVR
Hot To Go! Karaoke Night, 8pm
FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY Jerry's Dead (Grateful Dead & JGB Tribute), 6pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7pm
ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL
Turntable Tuesdays, 10pm
ONE WORLD BREWING WEST
The Grateful Family Band Tuesdays (Grateful Dead tribute), 6pm
THE GREY EAGLE
The Dancing Fleas (multi-genre), 7pm
THIRD ROOM
You Deserve It w/DJ Lil Meow Meow, 9pm
VOODOO BREWING CO.
Trivia Tuesday w/ Principal Mike, 7pm
WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Open Mic at White Horse Black Mountain, 7pm
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm
EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY Bless Your Heart Trivia w/Harmon, 7pm
LOOKOUT BREWING CO.
Music Bingo w/DJ Spence, 6:30pm
ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL
Isaac Hadden's Thursday Throwdown, 9pm
ONE WORLD
BREWING WEST
Fee Fi Phaux Fish (Phish tribute), 8pm
SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/DJ Franco Nino, 9pm
SHILOH & GAINES Karaoke Night, 8pm
SOVEREIGN KAVA
Django & Jenga Jazz Jam, 7pm
STATIC AGE RECORDS His His, Claire Whall, Lyle de Vitry & Lavender Blue (lofi, folk, ambient), 8pm
THE ORANGE PEEL
Sold Out: Tommy Emmanuel (jazz, newage, rock), 8pm
VOODOO BREWING CO.
Music Bingo Thursdays, 7pm
ox Set Music
New, used and consigned “Your neighborhood music store”
Musical Instruments and Supplies
Guitars • Bass Guitars • Amplifiers
Recording Gear • Drums • Mandolins
Banjos • Live Sound Gear
Ukeleles • Musician Supplies & much more!
Also visit our recording and video production studio
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Blaming others for our problems is rarely helpful. If we expend emotional energy focusing on how people have offended and hurt us, we diminish our motivation to heal ourselves. We may also get distracted from changing the behavior that ushered us into the mess. So yes, it’s wise to accept responsibility for the part we have played in propagating predicaments. However, I believe it’s also counterproductive to be relentlessly serious about this or any other psychological principle. We all benefit from having mischievous fun as we rebel against tendencies we have to be dogmatic and fanatical. That’s why I am authorizing you to celebrate a good-humored Complaint Fest. For a limited time only, feel free to unleash fantasies in which you uninhibitedly and hilariously castigate everyone who has done you wrong.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): What you are experiencing may not be a major, earth-shaking rite of passage. But it’s sufficiently challenging and potentially rewarding to qualify as a pivotal breakthrough and turning point. And I’m pleased to say that any suffering you’re enduring will be constructive and educational. You may look back at this transition as a liberating initiation. You will feel deep gratification that you have clambered up to a higher level of mastery through the power of your intelligent love and feisty integrity.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You are now about halfway between your last birthday and next birthday. In the prophecy industry, we call this your Unbirthday Season. It is usually a time when you receive an abundance of feedback — whether you want it or not. I encourage you to want it! Solicit it. Even pay for it. Not all of it will be true or useful, of course, but the part that is true and useful will be very much so. You could gather a wealth of information that will help you fine-tune your drive for success and joy in the months to come.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Legend tells us that the Buddha achieved enlightenment while meditating beneath the Bodhi Tree in Bihar, India. He was there for many weeks. At one point, a huge storm came and pelted the sacred spot with heavy rain. Just in time, the King of Serpents arrived, a giant cobra with a massive hood. He shielded the Buddha from the onslaught for the duration. Now I am predicting that you, too, will receive an unexpected form of protection and nurturing in the coming weeks. Be ready to open your mind about what help looks and feels like. It may not be entirely familiar.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In written form, the Japanese term “oubaitori” is comprised of four kanji, or characters. They denote four fruit trees that bloom in the spring: cherry, plum, peach, and apricot. Each tree’s flowers blossom in their own sweet time, exactly when they are ready, neither early nor late. The poetic meaning of “oubaitori” is that we humans do the same: We grow and ripen at our own unique pace. That’s why it’s senseless to compare our rate of unfoldment to anyone else’s. We each have our own timing, our own rhythm. These ideas are especially apropos for you right now, Leo.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): I hope you will hunker down in your bunker. I hope you will junk all defunct versions of your spunky funkiness and seek out fresh forms of spunky funkiness. In other words, Virgo, I believe it’s crucial for you to get as relaxed and grounded as possible. You have a mandate to explore ultimate versions of stability and solidity. Shore up your foundations, please. Grow deeper roots. Dig down as deep as you can to strengthen and tone your relationship with the core of your being.
ROB
BREZSNY
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Every one of us is a hypocrite at least some of the time. Now and then, we all ignore or outrightly violate our own high standards. We may even engage in behavior that we criticize in others. But here’s the good news for you, Libra. In the coming weeks and months, you may be as unhypocritical as you have ever been. According to my analysis of the astrological, omens, you are likely to be consistently faithful to your ideals. Your actual effects on people will closely match your intended effects. The American idiom is, “Do you practice what you preach?” I expect the answer to that question will be *yes* as it pertains to you.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Author George Orwell advised us that if we don’t analyze and understand the past, we are likely to repeat the mistakes of the past. Alas, few people take heed. Their knowledge of our collective history is meager, as is their grasp of recurring trends in their personal lives. But now here’s the good news, dear Scorpio: In the coming months, you will have exceptional power to avoid replicating past ignorance and errors — IF you meditate regularly on the lessons available through a close study of your life story.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In his song “Voodoo Child,” Sagittarian musician Jimi Hendrix brags, “Well, I stand up next to a mountain / And I chop it down with the edge of my hand.” I encourage you to unleash fantasies like that in the coming days, Sagittarius. Can you shoot lightning bolts from your eyes? Sure you can. Can you change water into wine? Fly to the moon and back in a magic boat? Win the Nobel Prize for Being Yourself? In your imagination, yes you can. And these exercises will prime you for an array of more realistic escapades, like smashing a mental block, torching an outmoded fear, and demolishing an unnecessary inhibition or taboo. To supercharge your practical power, intensify your imagination’s audacity.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The name of my column is “Free Will Astrology” because I aspire to nurture, inspire, and liberate your free will. A key component in that effort is to help you build your skills as a critical thinker. That’s why I encourage you to question everything I tell you. Don’t just assume that my counsel is always right and true for you. Likewise, I hope you are discerning in your dealings with all teachers, experts, and leaders — especially in the coming weeks and months. You are in a phase of your cycle when it’s even more crucial than usual to be a good-natured skeptic who poses exuberant, penetrating questions. To serve your soul’s health, refine your practice of the art of creative rebellion.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Be like a beautifully made fountain that people love to visit, Aquarius. Not like a metaphorical geyser or stream or waterfall out in the natural world, but a three-tiered marble fountain. What does that entail? Here are hints. The water of the fountain cascades upward, but not too high or hard, and then it showers down gently into a pool. Its flow is steady and unflagging. Its sound is mellifluous and relaxing. The endless dance of the bubbles and currents is invigorating and calming, exuberant and rejuvenating. Be like a fountain.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Around this time of year, persimmon trees in my neighborhood have shed their leaves but are teeming with dazzling orange fruits. Pomegranate trees are similar. Their leaves have fallen off but their red fruits are ready to eat. I love how these rebels offer their sweet, ripe gifts as our winter season approaches. They remind me of the current state of your destiny, Pisces. Your gorgeous fertility is waxing. The blessings you have to offer are at a peak. I invite you to be extra generous as you share your gifts with those who are worthy of them—and maybe even a few who aren’t entirely worthy.
MARKETPLACE
Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 advertise@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember the Russian proverb: “Doveryai, no proveryai,” trust but verify. When answering classified ads, always err on the side of caution. Especially beware of any party asking you to give them financial or identification information. The Mountain Xpress cannot be responsible for ensuring that each advertising client is legitimate. Please report scams to advertise@mountainx.com
EMPLOYMENT SALES/ MARKETING
SALES PROFESSIONAL WORK FOR A LOCAL COMPANY THAT HAS COVERED THE ASHEVILLE SCENE FOR OVER 30 YEARS! This is a full-time, salaried position with benefits, in a community-service, locally-owned media outlet. Ideal candidates are personable, organized, motivated, can follow guidelines as well as think independently. Necessary skills include clear and professional communications (via phone, email, and in-person meetings), detailed record-keeping, and a drive to close sales. Outside sales experience is preferred, experience dealing with varied and challenging situations is helpful. The position largely entails account development and lead generation (including cold-calling), account management, assisting clients with marketing and branding strategies. If you are a high energy, positive, cooperative person looking to join an independent media organization, please send a resume and cover letter (no walk-ins, please) explaining why you are a good fit for Mountain Xpress to: xpressjob@mountainx. com.
SKILLED LABOR/ TRADES
ENGINEER III, REFRIGERATION Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. seeks a(n) Engineer III, Refrigeration,
in Asheville, NC to develop refrigeration systems to achieve the highest quality and long term reliability while at the same time providing environmental-friendly product designs and meeting regulatory and certification requirements. Travel: Up to 10% domestic and international travel required. See full req’s & apply online: https://jobs. thermofisher.com/global/ en. Req # R-01289461
HOME IMPROVEMENT
HANDY MAN
HANDY MAN 40 years experience in the trades, with every skill/tool imaginable for all trades with the exception of HVAC. No job too small. $35 an hour. Carl (828) 551-6000 electricblustudio@gmail. com
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-844588-6579. (AAN CAN)
AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-292-8225 (AAN CAN)
BEAUTIFUL BATH
UPDATES in as little as one day. Superior quality bath and shower systems at affordable prices. Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855402-6997. (AAN CAN)
GOT AN UNWANTED CAR? Donate it to Patriotic Hearts. Fast free pick up. All 50 States. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans find work or start their own business. Call 24/7: 1-855402-7631. (AAN CAN)
NEED NEW WINDOWS? Drafty rooms? Chipped or damaged frames? Need outside noise reduction? New, energy efficient windows may be the answer! Call for a consultation & FREE quote today. 1-877-248-9944. (AAN CAN)
PAYING TOP CA$H FOR MEN'S SPORT WATCHES Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. Call 1-855-402-7109 (AAN CAN)
PEST CONTROL Protect your home from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-237-1199. (AAN CAN)
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES In as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 1-877-510-9918 (AAN CAN)
TOP CASH PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 1-855402-7208. (AAN CAN)
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. We do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! For a free estimate, call 24/7: 1-888290-2264. (AAN CAN)
YOU MAY QUALIFY For disability benefits if you have are between 52-63 years old and under a doctor’s care for a health condition that prevents you from working for a year or more. Call now! 1-877-2476750. (AAN CAN)
FOR MUSICIANS
MUSICIANS’ BULLETIN
WANTED: BANDMATES FOR ROCK/METAL Possible limited practice space. Bass, drums, other. Equipment necessary. Chevelle, Tool, Måneskin, Clutch, Paramore, Pantera, not Ghost. Text Lee W. (828) 335-0930
STOP OVERPAYING FOR AUTO INSURANCE A recent survey says that most Americans are overpaying for their car insurance. Let us show you how much you can save. Call now for a no obligation quote: 1-866472-8309. (AAN CAN)
Joel Fagliano
1 Wrap on a roll
6 Like flushed cheeks
10 Actor Stonestreet of “Modern Family”
14 “Throw me ___!”
15 Foxtrot preceder
16 Prefix with space
17 With 59-Across, instructions for the sets of circled letters
20 Head liner?
21 The “lava” in a lava lamp
22 Member of Tarzan’s tribe
23 Kristen of “Palm Royale”
25 Calculator symbol on a MacBook, e.g.
28 Li’l ___
30 Popular music genre from Nigeria
32 Symbols of electrical resistance
33 “The People’s Princess”
34 Connect
36 Contractor’s assessment: Abbr.
37 Overly lenient
40 ___ in Charlie
42 Carbon compound
43 Certain Disney princess-inspired Halloween costumes
47 Oft-repeated saying
49 Naught, nil, nada
51 Belittle
52 City at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône
53 Crack jokes
54 “Any given Sunday” org.
55 Start of some art movement names
57 Bud
59 See 17-Across
Thereabouts
66 What lives in a hole in the wall?
67 Hurdles for some bio majors 68 Takes home 69 Common connections 70 Gave false romantic hope DOWN 1 Sentimental sort
2 Father of, in Arabic 3 401(k) alternative 4 29-Down and others 5 Classic soda brand 6 Dream stage 7 Spooky mo. 8 Presented 9 Mat class? 10 Dig in 11 Puts back on a wall 12 Words that might follow “This is not a drill” 13 Tubes used in sediment sample collecting 18 Lake with a spooky-sounding name 19 Checkup 23 Hunk of gum
