Mountain Xpress, January 06 2010 by Mountain Xpress

JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010

thisweek

West Asheville Massage and Healing Arts

on the cover

Start Your New Year Happy! Schedule a Massage!

p. 44 Bright colored visions You may have seen self-taught artist Gabriel Shaffer’s work around town: From murals and drawings on the walls of local restaurants, to live painting at the Xpress Best of WNC party, to selling colorful T-shirts at the Big Crafty. Now he’s hanging his work at Blue Spiral for the New Year. Writer Alli Marshall talks to him about the meaning behind his vivid images.

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Cover design by Carrie Lare

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news

s le urse Availab o C CE rkers ywo d Bo

10 home for the holidays Truce called in custody battle 13 what’s ahead in 2010 Reading the tea leaves for the upcoming year in Asheville

16 a christmas sewage spill MSD details overflow incident

www.ashevillemassageschool.org In addition to a Certificate of Achievement 675-hour Massage Therapy Certification Program, each graduate receives a Certificate of Completion to document their 100 hours of yoga asana, pranayama, and meditation practices for use in their massage practice.

JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

arts&entertainment 46 mountain songs The Steep Canyon Rangers had a big year, and more to come in 2010

47 wild ones Those Darlins head for the Grey Eagle; countrypolitan mayhem may ensue

48 crossing over Author and psychic MariJo Moore’s new book 50 Junker’s Blues Two-part Junker’s blowout: The next two installments of Never Leave Junk on the Table

features 5 7 9 16 20 22 29 32 33 34 35 36 38 42 43 49 50 52 54 55 61 66 70 71

Letters Cartoon: Molton Commentary The Buzz WNC news briefs Outdoors Out and about in WNC Community Calendar FreeWill Astrology Asheville Disclaimer Conscious party Benefits edgy mama Parenting from the edge News of the Weird GREEN SCENE WNC eco-news Food The straight dish on local eats Small Bites Local food news bar beat Local booze news Artillery junker’s blues smart bets What to do, who to see Soundtrack The Honeycutters ClubLand cranky hanke Movie reviews Classifieds Cartoon: brent brown NY Times crossword

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COPYRIGHT 2010 by Mountain Xpress. Advertising copyright 2010 by Mountain Xpress. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Mountain Xpress is available free throughout Western North Carolina. Limit one copy per person. Additional copies may be purchased for $1.00 payable at the Xpress office in advance. No person may, without prior written permission of Xpress, take more than one copy of each issue. To subscribe to Mountain Xpress, send check or money order to: Subscription Department, P.O. Box 144, Asheville, NC 28802. FIRST CLASS DELIVERY: One year (52 issues) - $115 Six months (26 issues) - $60. We accept Mastercard &Visa.

letters Waking up to racial profiling Regarding your Dec. 23 cover story, “The Right Profile”: As a woman, I have long been frustrated at what ultimately amounts to a lack of freedom for women in our “free” country. It is difficult for me to move about alone and feel completely safe. I am amazed at those women who brave a hike in the woods alone, or who are fearless enough to walk alone at night. I cringe when my teenage daughter takes the dog out for a walk, trying to mask my worries that she will be harassed or attacked. … Fairly recently it became clear to me that not only women, but also African-American men experience a similar lack of freedom in our society. Which is not to say that I was unaware of racism or racial profiling. It just had never clicked in my brain before that it is virtually impossible for an African-American male to experience the same freedom of movement that other men in our society enjoy. My “aha moment” arrived a couple of years ago while I participated in a local Building Bridges session. Building Bridges of Asheville is a racial-dialogue group that offers nine-week sessions in the spring and fall to help people confront racism. One of our group’s whitemale participants was reminiscing about an experience he had as a young man hitchhiking around the country, to which one of the African-American male participants responded that he would never even consider trying to hitchhike, because surely he’d be arrested

within minutes. How obvious, yet how hidden from our dominant white culture’s daily consciousness. The hard truth is that, just as I fear for my daughter taking a walk with the dog, each of my African-American friends and neighbors fears harassment and false accusation whenever they venture out — to the store, for a drive, to hike in a national park, and even in our liberal, “anything goes,” downtown Asheville. — Lael Gray Asheville

A safe cyclist follows vehicle rules As someone who has spent 37 years commuting on a bicycle (ever since I rode 15 miles round-trip [each day of] my senior year of high school), I have to respond to Christopher Craig’s recent uninformed, condescending and self-indulgent comments about cars sharing the road with bicyclists [Commentary, “Finding Equlibrium,” Dec. 9]. Folks like Mr. Craig are the reason that drivers throw bottles at me when I’m commuting on my bicycle — they assume that all of us [cyclists] have his arrogant attitude about our absolute liberty to ride as we see fit on the highways. Many drivers are uninformed about bicyclists’ legal right to share the road, and it is certainly true that too many drivers exhibit gratuitous hostility toward bicyclists on the road. But it is equally true that some ignorant,

Send letters to: Letters to the Editor, Mountain Xpress, P.O. Box 144, Asheville, NC 28802 or by e-mail to letters@mountainx.com. (Include name, address and phone number.)

xpress staff publisher & Editor: Jeff Fobes GENERAL MANAGER: Andy Sutcliffe senior editor: Peter Gregutt MANAGING editor: Jon Elliston A&E editor: Rebecca Sulock ASSOCIATE editor: Margaret Williams MULTimEDIA EDITOR: Jason Sandford Staff writers: David Forbes, Brian Postelle A&E REPORTER & Fashion editor: Alli Marshall editorial assistants: Hanna Rachel Raskin, Tracy Rose Staff photographer: Jonathan Welch Clubland editor & Writer: Aiyanna Sezak-Blatt contributing writers: Jonathan Barnard, Melanie McGee Bianchi, Ursula Gullow, Anne Fitten Glenn, Whitney Shroyer EDIToRIAL INTERN: Gabe Chess PHOTO INTERN: Joshua Cole Production & Design ManaGeR: Andrew Findley Advertising Production manager: Kathy Wadham Production & Design: Carrie Lare, Nathanael Roney calendar editor & supplements coordinator: Mannie Dalton

Movie reviewer & Coordinator: Ken Hanke Food editor: Hanna Rachel Raskin Advertising director: James Fisher advertising manager: John Varner retail Representatives: Russ Keith, Rick Goldstein, Leigh Reynolds, Scott Sessoms WEB MARKETING MANAGER: Marissa Williams Classified Representatives: Arenda Manning, Tim Navaille Information Technologies Manager: Stefan Colosimo webmaster: Jason Shope web DEVELOPER: Patrick Conant Office manager & bookkeeper: Patty Levesque special projects: Sammy Cox ASSISTANT OFFICE MANAGER: Lisa Watters ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT: Arenda Manning, distribution manager: Sammy Cox Assistant distribution manager: Jeff Tallman DIStribution: Mike Crawford, Ronnie Edwards, Ronald Harayda, Adrian Hipps, Joan Jordan, Russ Keith, Marsha McKay, Beth Molaro, Ryan Seymour, Dane Smith, Ed Wharton, Thomas Young

Soak in the New Year! Corrections

Spa & Lodge

• Last week’s Small Bites food-news column passed on erroneous information from Amazing Savings Web site (which is now being corrected on that site) about the days and hours of operation at the store’s new location in Asheville’s Downtown Market. The location is open during the following times: Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. • In last week’s Year in Quotes feature, we misspelled the name of one commenter, Chall Gray, as “Chall Gay.” We regret the error (not that there’s anything wrong with being named “Gay”). oblivious bicyclists earn the scorn that drivers occasionally heap on all of us bikers. … Sometimes it is necessary for bicyclists to ride farther into the traffic lane than cars would like, either because of the danger of parked car doors or because of debris on the shoulder of the road. But bicyclists are required to ride as far to the right in the lane of traffic as is possible. The number-one safety factor for bicyclists is visibility; number two is predictability. It amazes me that so many cyclists ride at night with no lights or reflectors, and in dark-colored clothing. … Like Mr. Craig, for many years I also would pass cars on the right in order to get to the front of a line of traffic. But then I was reminded by Claudia Nix (co-owner of Liberty Bicycles and one of the best bicycle advocates in town) that just as with cars, it is illegal for bicycles to pass a stopped line of traffic on the right. If we cyclists want to be taken seriously as vehicles, and if we intend to assert our rights as vehicles, then we have to act like we are vehicles. That means that we have to obey the traffic laws, just like cars do. More than that: We have to be more visible and more predictable. — Howard Shepherd Asheville

Thanks to an anonymous snow angel During the recent snowstorm, my friend and I finally ventured out of the apartment to get some air, see the snow, and find out how everyone around town was fairing. Snowball fights, snow sculptures, warm food and slushy puddles abounded. After a nightcap with some newfound friends, I walked back to my place. Somewhere along the way, my white wallet fell out of my pocket into the white snow. The next day, I walked frantically along the sidewalks looking for the wallet, but to no avail.

Letters continue

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mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010

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JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

For other Molton cartoons, check out our Web page at www.mountainx.com/cartoons But good news: Just today I came home from an out-of-town holiday trip to find the wallet in my mailbox! I wanted to use this letter to let whoever found it and left it for me know that I’m psyched about their thoughtful deed. Thank you, thank you! You make Asheville awesome. — Amy Sawyer Asheville

YWCA: Take a stand against racism with us in April The Dec. 23 Xpress cover story, “The Right Profile,” drew attention to important racialjustice issues in our community. Because the YWCA stands for the right of individuals to be treated with dignity and respect, we believe that the key to effecting real change is to engage individuals and whole communities in a conversation about these issues. Only then can we open our hearts and minds to new perspectives and the richness of diversity. So, on behalf of the YWCA of Asheville, I would like to cordially invite people throughout our community to join us as we take a Stand Against Racism on Friday, April 30. We are calling on organizations, corporations, schools, hospitals, houses of worship and government agencies in Buncombe County to become participating sites of this exciting event. By becoming a participating site, you will join your voices to ours and together we can take a bold Stand Against Racism. The goal of the event is to raise awareness that racism still exists in our community and that it can no longer be ignored or tolerated. Our strength is in numbers! On April 30, the YWCA of Asheville, along with more than 60 YWCAs throughout the country, will be working closely with approximately 1,500 organizations that will cumulatively attract about 200,000 individuals. We hope you will be one of them. Participating sites will host a “stand” — either open to the public or just for your group.

We will provide you with all the materials you will need, and there is no cost to participate. You can sign up online on at www.standagainstracism.org. The deadline to sign up is April 16. For questions about the YWCA of Asheville’s event, which will be at Aston Park, please contact our office at 254-7206, ext. 203. — Holly Jones executive director, YWCA of Asheville Asheville

Christians: Open your ears to the wailing wall I sometimes wonder where all the Christians have gone in this country. … They seem to have all but disappeared until some election roles around the corner and then they creep out from behind the rocks and ledges of their counter-counter barracks. I am not talking about all Christians, mind you. Some are not hiding at all. Some are out there in plain sight, building homes for the less fortunate, gathering clothes for charities, running children’s homes and the like. What I am saying is not directed to them at all. I am addressing those of us who are in hiding. I call it hiding because with all this talk of a “culture war” going on in the media, Christians seem to be retreating into their little privatized communities. Why are we so scared? I think, as a Christian, that we are afraid of being held accountable for all of the injustice done in the name of our God — a savior who championed the poor, reached out to the marginalized, and broke the ranks of social stratification and treated people like, well, people. We have been too busy trying to elect officials to pass legislation against things like abortion and gay marriage without even taking the time to get to know and be a community to such people. … We need to be a group of people less interested in politics, and more interested in getting to know our neighbors and how we can love

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them the way Christ says that we ought to. We need to have conversations with the sole purpose of getting to know people and their stories, without any agenda of conversion or coercion, in order have a legitimate exchange in our city. … I think we need a wailing wall too, in downtown Asheville. We should have places where people can come with their hurts and anger and be listened to and treated like people, with no strings attached. … We should be able to empathize with and console those who the church has wounded, not downplay our role in their suffering. … [We] should remember how Jesus dealt with people who were oppressed and marginalized by the church of his day. … Our God is one of great humility, we should should lead in humility if we are to confess belief in the God of the gospels. — Ryan Russell Asheville

Remember King’s lesson when weighing our national character Thanks for printing the letter from Rachel Bliss, “Counting the Cost of the Afghan War in Asheville Terms.” We need more community dialogue on this issue. While Rachel described the costs in dollars and lives, there are other costs that are not as quantifiable, but just as real. One of these costs is the degradation of our national character. Martin Luther King Jr., whose work and life is celebrated this month, had much to say about

character and about war. This hero of the 20th century would be appalled at what America has become in the 21st: a nation that passively submits as its leadership initiates and perpetuates wars of aggression; that condones torture and illegal detention; that has grown callous to the suffering of millions of people, even its own service members. This deterioration of national character has repercussions (or perhaps origins) at the local level. It manifests in how we regard and interact with other folks in the community and in our toleration of violence toward one another. A nation that relies on violence as a first resort can expect a culture of violence to develop in its own communities. We see this not just in the troops returning with PTSD; it is evident in the increase in domestic violence and violent incidents in schools and workplaces. Dr. King knew that when national policies become harmful to the social fabric of the nation, it is the duty of the people to take corrective action, and that the actions are most effective at the community level. But before we can take action, we need — at the community level — an increased awareness and more dialogue about not only the costs of perpetual war but the ineffectiveness of such policies and an understanding of the real and untold reasons for our destructive (and self-destructive) foreign policy. Thanks again for helping to enable this discussion. — Kim Carlyle Barnardsville

Upcoming Member Events

January 19, 2010 • 8 - 9am

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JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

commentary

Don’t scapegoat the homeless

Asheville’s street people are not the “bad guys” by Jerry Nelson I was dismayed by some statements published in the Asheville Citizen-Times recently and attributed to Asheville City Council member Jan Davis. An article in the Dec. 15 Citizen-Times titled “Police Hope to Boost Presence Downtown With Substation” said that “Residents and business owners have voiced concerns over nuisance crimes such as public drunkenness and panhandling, often committed by the city’s homeless population.” It was a paraphrase, not a direct quote, but this statement was attributed to Davis. And in the next paragraph, the Council member is quoted as saying that a downtown police substation is “a way to have better exposure and keep control of the bad guys” — the implication being that homeless folks are the bad guys. Mr. Davis, the homeless are NOT the bad guys, and I resent this implication! I realize that not all of Asheville’s homeless

inch, flat-screen TV with the remote control. Forget the fridge that’s stocked with food that will be thrown out before it’s eaten, and get out of the nice auto you probably drive. Take one change of clothes, a bedroll and a backpack, and spend five nights in the city of your choice. But pick a city where you don’t know anyone: You have to learn for yourself what resources (if any) are available. You have to find (probably on your own) somewhere warm to sleep (remember, you can’t use American Express). And on top of this, you need to find something to eat. I’ll wager it won’t be long before you, too, are asking people for a dollar. Being homeless and hungry doesn’t make someone bad: It just makes them homeless and hungry. Last night there were an estimated 150,000 homeless veterans in this country. There are beds enough for only 100,000 of them. That means that 50,000 spent the night on the streets, with a friend or neighbor, or in the

Being homeless and hungry doesn’t make someone bad: It just makes them homeless and hungry. are veterans, but many are. And as a veteran myself, I strongly resent your calling some of my fellow veterans “bad guys.” I’ve only been in town about six months, but I have witnessed more “public drunkenness” among the people stumbling out of bars on Lexington Avenue than anywhere else in town. As for panhandling, sure, there’s people around asking for a dollar. But what would YOU do if you were in their shoes? Let me give you a challenge: Strip yourself of all your creature comforts. Leave the suit and wingtips at home. Leave behind your 42-

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woods, according to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. It’s been estimated that, on average, each of us is only three paychecks away from being homeless. I would think that a public servant with your intellect and insight would understand this. Frankly, I’m amazed at two things here in Asheville. First, the general population’s widespread acceptance of the homeless, and the lengths to which many local groups and individuals go to help and serve the homeless among us. I’ve traveled all over the world,

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and the care and help and love that Asheville demonstrates for the homeless places it easily among the top three cities I’ve seen. Second, I’m amazed that you have the cojones to publicly equate the homeless with “bad people.” Maybe you’re living proof of the old joke about the guy who looked up the word “politics.” He found out that “poli” means “many” ... and “tics” means “bloodsucking creatures.” I’d like to remind you of an old saying: “There but for the grace of God go I.” So the next time you’re out and about and you see someone picking through an ashtray to fish out a half-smoked cigarette or digging through the trash to find something to eat, don’t let the idea that they’re a bad person enter your mind. Instead, focus on the thought that “There but for the grace of God ...” X Asheville resident Jerry Nelson, a photographer and Navy veteran, has traveled the U.S. and the world chronicling “the joys and the sorrows of life.” You can view his online gallery at www. JourneyAmerica.org.

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news Home for the holidays

Truce called in ongoing custody battle by Nelda Holder Editor’s note: Juvenile court is a hard place: hard benches, hard stories, hard decisions that must be made. Children may be torn from families — or saved from them — by judges, social workers and lawyers who must navigate complex social vectors to arrive at solutions that are often less than ideal. Over the past nine months, Mountain Xpress has attended a dozen court sessions on the eighth floor of the Buncombe County Courthouse, following a complex child-custody case brought by the Buncombe County Department of Social Services against a local family. The following account outlines their experience. A subsequent article will explore the court case and its background in greater detail. Ryan Baldwin made it home for the holidays. The 17-year-old returned to his family’s modest ranch house in Black Mountain — reuniting with his parents, his dog and his room, with its 35gallon aquarium, computer and video games, and shelves full of manga volumes— just before Thanksgiving. But he’s home only on a trial basis granted by the court; at this writing, the DSS retains official custody. As he left the courtroom following the November decision that allowed him to go home, the young man in the wheelchair reached out and grabbed his grandfather’s arm. Dino and Trini Frattaroli — or Poppy and Nanny, as Ryan calls them — had been present at every court session since last April, waiting in the hallway alongside Ryan’s parents and then maintaining a silent vigil inside throughout the hours and days of testimony. “As long as we’re at [Poppy’s] house, it will be a real Thanksgiving,” Ryan said as his parents, grandparents and several well-wishers clustered around him outside the courtroom door. During the past year, Ryan lived in four different temporary placements while his life was being examined and cross-examined before a juvenile-court judge. His parents, Lisa and Rodney Baldwin, had been charged with medical neglect, based on a complaint to DSS from

Poppy and Nanny had been present at every court session, maintaining a silent vigil throughout the hours and days of testimony.

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a source whose identity could not be revealed to the family. And for nearly five months following their son’s removal from their home, they were not allowed to visit or speak with him. Ryan’s only contact with his family was the two phone calls Poppy was allowed each week, with the foster parent listening in on a speakerphone. Ryan had been diagnosed with CFIDS (chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome) in 2004 and again at a different clinic in 2005 (see box, “Puzzling Ailments”), and the Social Security Administration declared him legally disabled in 2006. As court testimony repeatedly indicated, the key evidence cited in support of the medical-neglect charge was the boy’s lack of a primarycare physician. It was also alleged that the family had failed to follow through on their only child’s health issues. In January 2009, DSS had asked that both mother and child receive mental health evaluations, specifically recommending that the mother be evaluated by someone with experience in diagnosing Münchausen syndrome by proxy, a little-known, controversial condition that’s also called factitious disorder by proxy (see box). Although there is con-

10 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

Ryan and Blue: Ryan’s parents in their teenage son’s room, holding a favorite picture of a younger Ryan with his dog Blue. photo by Jonathan welch

siderable disagreement among medical professionals concerning this disorder, some sources maintain that in such cases, it may be necessary to separate the victim — typically a young child — from the caregiver for the victim’s protection.

Unexplained symptoms Born in July 1992 with no apparent complications, Ryan had grown into an adorable blond toddler and, later, a young soccer star, as chronicled by the photos adorning the walls of his parents’ and grandparents’ homes. His mother, who holds a degree in social work from Mars Hill College, started a dog-sitting business so she could stay home with her son. Ryan’s father has worked for years as a technician in the auto industry. Their son progressed more or less normally until age 9, when he developed a movement disorder that produced various tics and other symptoms that became chronic. The parents believe a reaction to a drug prescribed for a stomach ailment may have precipitated the problems, but whatever the cause, the symptoms persisted.

academically, a visiting teacher now came to his home for a few hours a week. And over time, even those visits became shorter and less frequent. At that point, the parents opted for home schooling, and Nanny and Poppy helped out with the $1,500-a-year bill for the Keystone series of workbooks and online courses. The grandparents also helped pay for visits to specialists at such faraway facilities as the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. — trips made more expensive because car travel exacerbated Ryan’s fatigue, necessitating frequent stops and overnight stays.

A family affair

Field of dreams: Ryan Baldwin loved soccer and other physical activity before becoming disabled. courtesy lisa and rodney baldwin

Over the next few years, other chronic symptoms emerged — more stomach pains, a worsening of allergies, severe sinus infections, fierce headaches, temporary memory loss, slurring of words and general fatigue. The child’s medical record swelled as the parents ferried him to various specialists and clinics, seeking answers and effective treatment for the latest symptoms. But by 2003, the 11-year-old’s physical stamina had deteriorated so much that all-day schooling was becoming impossible, and his pediatrician recommended home-based instruction for the boy. Before Ryan’s health seriously declined, his parents and grandparents remember him as a kid who would “do everything” — an avid chess player and an active roller skater, basketball player, skateboarder. But after that, Poppy recalls, things went steadily downhill until “Half the time ... he couldn’t get out of bed.” In place of school, which Ryan had loved and where he’d excelled

Over time, this difficult situation has taken its toll on the whole family. Asked about the effect on the boy’s mother, Poppy says: “I think it’s mostly the stress of [the custody case]. It’s finally starting to affect her in a way that she’s getting in bad shape, where all her joints ache. “It’s had stress on me,” he adds, describing his emergency trip to the hospital on Easter morning with strokelike symptoms that turned out to be signs of a complex migraine. “That’s how it’s affected me. She’s getting all kinds of pains, too, now,” he says about Nanny. “It hasn’t been easy, I can tell you. And it’s been a year now.” Ironically, Poppy and Nanny were the first people to provide a home for Ryan when he was taken from his parents. After less than two weeks, however, the boy was moved to the first in a series of licensed foster homes. Poppy remembers when he first observed the onset of his grandson’s serious deterioration. “Ryan was playing soccer, and for some reason he looked really tired — couldn’t run as fast, he was breathing really hard — and every once in a while he’d stop and look up at the sun. And I said to Lisa, ‘What’s wrong with Ryan? How come he’s acting like that?’ And she said, ‘I don’t know.’ ... And that was the start of it.” According to Lisa’s extensive records, Ryan eventually began experiencing intense chest and neck pain, blood pressure variations and a periodic inability to sit or walk. And in 2004, the boy’s pediatrician had suggested chronic fatigue syndrome as a possible explanation for this puzzling cluster of physical distresses. A specialist in Chapel Hill produced a diagnosis of pain disorder and CFIDS — chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome, confirmed a year later at another clinic. Meanwhile, merely controlling the symptoms remained a seemingly insurmountable hurdle. A wheelchair helped the boy get around, but by 2006, the Social Security Administration had declared him disabled.

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lasting more than 24 hours.” For more information, go to http://www.cdc.gov/cfs/

Events to be held at:

Chronic fatigue immune dysfunction syndrome, also Münchausen syndrome by proxy, a popularized term for known as chronic fatigue syndrome factitious disorder by proxy The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes chronic fatigue syndrome on its Web site as a “debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that is not improved by bed rest and that may be worsened by physical or mental activity. Persons with CFS most often function at a substantially lower level of activity than they were capable of before the onset of illness. In addition to these key defining characteristics, patients report various nonspecific symptoms, including weakness, muscle pain, impaired memory and/or mental concentration, insomnia, and post-exertional fatigue

THE 0ROMISE IN /UR (OLY ,ONGING

Ryan’s parents now found themselves plunged into a new world of awareness and advocacy on behalf of both the boy and his diagnosis. His mother, in particular, was not afraid to challenge medical professionals concerning her son’s problems and the appropriate treatment. “There is such ignorance in North Carolina regarding this illness,” she

Puzzling ailments Documents in the Baldwin case cite two little-known disorders. Here are brief explanations of them.

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laments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But what I found out is, it is everywhere.â&#x20AC;? In the midst of these struggles, the woman whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d been Ryanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pediatrician for the past five years abruptly terminated her services. The parents say they tried without success to find a new doctor for their son, asking numerous offices and medical associations â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including the DSS itself â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for help. Then, on Dec. 7, 2007, a DSS social worker visited the Baldwinsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; house and informed Lisa that a medical-neglect complaint had been lodged against them and that a â&#x20AC;&#x153;family safety assessmentâ&#x20AC;? was being initiated. Over most of the next year, a social worker visited the family nearly every week. And in early January of 2009, in a recorded voice message, their social worker told the family that the case was being closed and asked them to come to the DSS office to sign the paperwork. Instead, however, when the parents arrived, they were served with subpoenas to appear in court.

Thus began a protracted legal battle that has yet to end. The family is due to return to court in January, and after that hearing, Xpress will report in more detail on the medical, legal and governmental aspects of the case. In the meantime, Ryan remains at home with his parents and his dog, Snickers (who is deaf and responds to sign language), enjoying video-game time with his best friend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know how good it is having that kid home,â&#x20AC;? his mom says, ticking off Ryanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christmas presents this year: a Sony PSP (from his grandparents), dartboard, foosball table and video games. Then there were the two books Mom ordered for him. Ryanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s response, she recalls with a laugh, was â&#x20AC;&#x153;Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not allowed to talk to me about world literature until the fourth of January.â&#x20AC;? X Freelance reporter Nelda Holder can be reached at nfholder@gmail.com.

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news

the year ahead

What’s ahead in 2010

A reading of the tea leaves for the upcoming year in Asheville

chosen recently to serve as majority leader, will put his key leadership position on the line as he seeks another term. The other countywide race that may attract attention is Buncombe County Sheriff Van Duncan’s re-election campaign. To date, no challengers have publicly announced. In the U.S. Senate race, political science professor Bill Sabo of UNCA sees North Carolina “leaning Republican.” Sabo says Shuler has done a good job of underscoring his “moderate, centrist qualities, so I don’t think he’s in trouble.” But at the state level, incumbent Democrats may have a difficult time. “They’re going to have to be very careful about how they frame the discussion of the decisions they made in dealing with the state’s budget crises.”

New leadership

Futurescape: What’s in store for 2010? Nobody can really predict all that will transpire in the coming year, but there’s plenty we can be prepared for — such as more action in the localdevelopment arena, the city’s lively political stage and Asheville’s thriving beer scene, just to name a few. photo by scott lessing

by Jason Sandford With 2009 now behind us, it’s time to turn our attention to what may lie in store for Asheville this year. Of course, no one knows for sure what will bubble up to grab the spotlight, but here’s a quick look at some likely developments that may claim our attention.

The local economy

Arden resident James F. Smith sees a mostly sunny forecast for 2010. That’s because Western North Carolina didn’t go overboard in terms of the real-estate boom that led to so many devastating problems nationally, he says, and because the region’s core economic drivers are less cyclical in nature. Smith is chief economist for Parsec Financial, and both are nationally known for their forecasts. “It’s going to be a much better year” than 2009, Smith predicts. Why? “Because despite all the traumas and turmoils, disposable income has been growing most of the year and, since people spend most of their income, that’s what makes the world go round.” In the U.S., he notes, consumer spending accounts for about $7 of every $10 spent in the U.S. That’s not to say that 2010 will be gangbusters. Smith predicts the national economy will grow by 3.4 percent, and Western North Carolina will see growth slightly higher than that, though still below 4 percent. But that’s not a problem, says Smith, because “Steady growth is the way to go.” Big booms, he maintains, always lead to big busts. Meanwhile, the other key legs of the mountain region’s economy — health care, education,

hospitality and business services — all appear to be fairly solid, Smith reports. In terms of the local to urism trade, for example, he points to the opening of five new hotels in Asheville over the past year, “which is a big number for a relatively small place, and everybody seems to be doing fairly well.” The other local bright spot is the region’s small but growing technology sector. “That should keep growing as well,” Smith believes. “That attracts a lot of distance workers, and we’re fortunate to live in a place that’s popular with people who have a choice about where they work.”

Elections

2010 will be a big year for elections at both the national and state level, with plenty of local action as well. In North Carolina, Republican Sen. Richard Burr will be up for re-election; at this writing, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall is the best-known figure to have announced a challenge. In the mountains, two-term Rep. Heath Shuler, a Democrat, plans to seek another term. At least a half-dozen mountain Republicans have already lined up to try to unseat Shuler, including Hendersonville Mayor Greg Newman and Asheville attorney Ed Krause. Buncombe County’s three state House members and one N.C. Senate member will also stand for re-election. So far, the most notable race is the Democratic primary, with Patsy Keever, a former Buncombe County commissioner, making a bid against incumbent Rep. Bruce Goforth. State Sen. Martin Nesbitt,

A-B Tech’s board of trustees has narrowed its list of finalists for the job of college president. Betty Young, who became the school’s fourth president in May 2008, resigned last March to take a position as president of Coleman College for Health Sciences in Houston. In announcing her plans to move on, Young cited “division” and “discontent” on campus but didn’t elaborate. After interviewing five candidates, the trustees will further narrow the field to three finalists, who will be reviewed by the State Board of Community Colleges. A-B Tech’s board plans to announce a final decision at its Feb.

1 meeting. With a $54 million budget, the school serves a mostly part-time student body — nearly 18,000 continuing-education students and about 9,400 curriculum students. Meanwhile, over at Mission Health System, President/Chief Executive Joe Damore announced his resignation last fall amid ongoing tension between hospital administrators and some local doctors. In a letter to administrators, doctors from a number of Asheville-based practices expressed concern about Mission’s direction and leadership. The hospital’s board appointed a special committee to investigate but has yet to make all of its findings public. With more than 6,000 employees and $1 billion in annual revenues, the hospital is one of Western North Carolina’s primary economic engines. In December, Mission’s board announced the appointment of Carleton T. Rider as interim president and CEO, beginning Jan. 1. Rider will serve until the board completes its national search for a new chief executive.

Downtown developments

Asheville’s vibrant downtown promises to continue buzzing. There are always a certain number of openings and closings among downtown restaurants and retailers, but 2010 will see a couple of significant additions. Urban Outfitters plans to open a store at the corner of Haywood and College streets sometime in the coming months. The new

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arrival is highly anticipated by those who love the national retail chainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funky offerings â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and dreaded by others who fear it will erode downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s quirky character. Building renovations are under way, but store officials have not announced an opening date. Work on the new Pack Square Park will also continue into 2010. The Pack Square Conservancy is busy raising money to pay for a planned $2.4 million pavilion in the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s midsection, the last part to be completed, and construction wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t begin until the funds are in hand. But Packâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tavern, a new bar and restaurant facing the south side of Roger McGuire Green, is slated to be finished this spring. Developer Stewart Coleman dropped his controversial plan to build condos on the site, instead opting to renovate the existing Hayes & Hopson Building to accommodate the tavern. Other planned openings: Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a new wine bar going in at 5 Walnut St., and a new cafĂŠ is planned for Broadway. Several large hotel

small. The special-event permit costs $200; a separate beer-tasting permit costs $100. The stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission expects the permits to generate at least $100,000 in the first year, and the craft-beer industry hopes the tastings will generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in sales. One last note on the beer scene: The Asheville Brewers Alliance plans to launch an inaugural spring beer festival this year. Modeled on the wildly popular Brewgrass Festival in September, the new event will feature local bands and comedy acts plus beer-education booths, while highlighting dozens of craft brewers. The target date for the festival is Saturday, May 29; the location hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet been announced.

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and condominium projects remain on hold, including The Ellington, planned for Biltmore Avenue.

Glen Rock rises

The biggest change in the River Arts District this year looks to be the completion of the Glen Rock Depot project, which is now going full steam ahead after years of planning. Mountain Housing Opportunities is renovating the Glen Rock Hotel building, built in 1930, and erecting a new structure that will house 60 apartments and 9,000 square feet of commercial and retail space as well as 3,000 square feet of community space. The ambitious project promises to transform the sleepy Depot Street neighborhood. MHO says the new construction will be one of the first LEED-certified, multifamily, affordable-housing developments in North Carolina. Green features include solar hot water and water catchment systems. There are also plans for a rooftop deck and indoor atrium. The Asheville nonprofit plans to issue a call to local artists to design some of the new buildingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s architectural elements.

Beer in the new year

2010 will see ever more action on the craftbeer scene in Asheville and Western North Carolina. After two years of construction, the Lexington Avenue Brewery is set to open this month. Occupying the former site of the T.S. Morrison store on Lexington, the brewery is the latest addition to a vibrant microbrewing community that gained national recognition last year when Asheville tied with Portland, Ore., for the title of Beer City USA in an online poll. Farther west, Nantahala Brewing hopes to open its Bryson City brewery this spring. A new North Carolina law enacted in October is also expected to give the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s craft-brewing industry a boost this year. The law allows retailers, beer representatives and craft brewers to apply for a permit enabling them to set up tastings at events big and

14 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ mountainx.com

ing date, according to Tracie Perkins, vice president of capital campaign and marketing. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking forward to a great year at The Health Adventure ... and look forward to opening Momentum in early 2011. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really excited about this project,â&#x20AC;? she reports. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a big move for the museum, which will vacate its space at Pack Place in downtown Asheville in favor of the new 39,000-squarefoot building. In addition to interactive science and health exhibits, plans call for a tree house classroom, a pedal-powered monorail and green features including a storm-water filtration system. Several other large projects unlikely to be completed in 2010 are also worth watching: the Asheville Art Museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s renovation of the former Health Adventure space, which will double the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s size (work is not expected to start until 2011); and fundraising for a planned multimillion-dollar performing-arts center just south of Ashevilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s City Hall. Work is also continuing on three new buildings that are part of a collaboration between Western Carolina University and UNCA. The new 122,000-square-foot N.C. Center for Health and Wellness on the UNCA campus, with an estimated cost of $40 million, is scheduled to open in 2011. The $46 million WCU College of Health and Human Services, a 160,000-square-foot facility, will include classrooms, laboratory space and a clinic. Finally, Matthews Construction Co. of Charlotte was recently awarded a $6.1 million contract to build a new campus for the Mountain Area Health Education Center. The 50,000-squarefoot building at the corner of Vanderbilt and Hendersonville roads in Asheville is the first of two structures planned for the 13-acre site. The buildings will also house classrooms, conference rooms and a medical library. X Jason Sandford can be reached at jsandford@ mountainx.com, or at 251-1333, ext. 115.

mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 15

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Find work, get things done at Jobbitz Anna Warren knew she’d hit on a valuable service when, about two weeks after launching her Web site, Jobbitz, this past May, she ran into a man in a parking lot who wanted a word with her. “I had my T-shirt on with my logo, and the little sign on my van, and this man stopped me and asked if Jobbitz was my Web site,” Warren recalls. “He said, ‘I just want you to know that I’m an unemployed civil engineer, and I’m on my way to a job I found on your site.’ I just choked up.” Warren, a south Georgia native and former occupational therapist who also once did clinical research for pharmaceutical companies, hit on the idea for Jobbitz after several conversations with friends about all the little projects they never seemed to have time to finish. Warren, now a stay-at-home-mom in Asheville, said those conversations and the tough economic conditions prompted her to create a site she thought could serve both those who needed help with odd jobs and those in need of a job. “It has been eye-opening to see how many people are in dire straights with the economy and having no income, or decreased income,” she says. “I needed a cable outlet put in my kitchen. I posted the job and got several responses. The guy who did it left my house to go pay his power bill. He was a qualified carpenter just trying to take care of his family,” Warren recalls. “There are so many things that we can get done, even if it’s $20,” and it’s work that can help people hit hard by the economy, she notes. Warren got the site together quickly, and she and Jill Gottenstrater, a friend with a background in marketing, began spreading the word about the site. Anyone who needs work done can post a job for free, and it’s free for people to respond. More than 500 jobs have been posted since June, Warren reports. “We want people to know they can post any job,” she says, adding that people looking for help have posted jobs paying from $30 to $3,000.

16 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

Job well done: The Web site Jobbitz, started by Anna Warren of Asheville, helps connect people who need work with people looking to get a variety of odd jobs finished. Warren says she may expand the site to include Charlotte-area jobs. The jobs Warren has seen posted are an amazing patchwork ranging from the workaday to the wacky. People have asked for help with everything from embroidering a family member’s name on a Christmas stocking to college-level statistics homework. There are plenty of jobs for able bodies willing to do lots of heavy lifting. There have even been people wanting someone to help them learn to ride a unicycle. “I don’t think people realize how many little things they could post — the odd job, the honeydo list,” says Warren. Not every job pays cash. Warren says there

have been plenty of creative barter offers, such as the person who traded a piece of fine Italian porcelain for help repairing a mailbox. Warren says her goal for the coming year is to get more jobs posted at Jobbitz and then look toward possible expansion into other communities. She’s currently testing a page offering jobs in Charlotte. “You never know, but if it does well in other cities, that’s fine,” says Warren. “Let your neighbors help you, and know that they get to earn a little money.” — Jason Sandford

Police substation coming to Haywood Street

Savvy scooter: She Who Scoots is Amanda Levesque’s new downtown errand service. photo by Jonathan welch

Until about a month ago, the storefront space at 29 Haywood St. in downtown Asheville housed the city’s Office of Economic Development, but it will soon have new tenants — including an Asheville Police Department substation. The move results from a shuffle of city offices that began last September, when all support services for developers were shifted to the Public Works Building on South Charlotte Street. That opened up space on the fifth floor of City Hall, which proved to be a good location for the OED. “We knew there would be some nice synergies,” said Assistant City Manager Jeff Richardson. The city Planning and Development Department is on the same floor, he noted, making it easier for the two agencies to communicate about incoming projects. Meanwhile, back in August, the APD created a new Downtown Unit to cover the central business district, reflecting both an increase in calls for service there and the desire to provide a reassuring presence for downtown visitors and residents. The Haywood Street offices are a good fit for the unit, said Richardson, because they’re more accessible and visible than the police headquarters on Pack Square.

“The department is excited about the opportunity to house downtown police services in the heart of the city,” he said. Business owners along that stretch of Haywood Street have maintained that the area is often populated by vagrants and has been on the APD’s radar for illegal activity. In 2008, the city removed the benches outside Pack Memorial Library, a block north on Haywood Street, after business owners complained about suspected drug dealing and public intoxication there. At press time, the APD had not returned calls seeking comment on the shift, but Richardson believes the substation will have a positive effect on the corridor. “It gives the appearance of a higher presence,” he said. “I think it’s going to be very well received.” The U.S. Small Business Administration and the Asheville Downtown Association (which was already in the building) will occupy the storefront offices, with the APD setting up shop in the rear, accessed through a door in the hallway that leads to the Rankin parking deck. Richardson said two new walls need to be installed before the police can move in; the work is expected to be completed this month. — Brian Postelle

She scoots when you can’t

Power failure triggers Christmas morning sewage spill

Downtown Asheville regulars may already be familiar with Amanda Levesque. The 26-yearold makes regular rounds of the downtown business district via an electric wheelchair adorned with bumper stickers bearing snappy messages or left over from political campaigns. Now, however, Levesque (who is the daughter of Xpress Office Manager Patty Levesque) is offering to deliver messages for others — as well as running other errands — with a new business venture called She Who Scoots. Levesque kicked off the idea about a month ago with advertising and fliers promoting her errand service for folks who may be too busy to make it across town. “Things like running to the post office for the elderly, or the pharmacy or even to the grocery store,” Levesque tells Xpress. According to her flier, Levesque charges a $10 minimum for errands taking up to 30 minutes, but she says she’s open to negotiation. “If an errand is only going to be five minutes, I wouldn’t charge $10. Maybe just $2 or $3,” she explains. She’s also hoping to get some traffic from lawyers who need files transported from their office to the Buncombe County Courthouse, and from people unable to leave work to purchase tickets at the Asheville Civic Center box office. And given Levesque’s knowledge of the turf (she relocated downtown a few months back), she’s not likely to waste any time on wrong turns. “I know this town like the back of my hand,” she declares. Amanda Levesque of She Who Scoots can be reached at (828) 301-0091 or at amandaj.levesque@gmail.com. — Brian Postelle

The Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County announced Dec. 28 that 374,000 gallons of sewage had spilled into the French Broad River over the course of 21 hours on Dec. 25. Maintenance Division Director Ken Stines said the spill was caused by a power outage after high winds knocked out a transformer at 2 a.m. on Christmas Day. Excessive storm water due to snow melt increased the volume of the spill, he noted. MSD officially classified the cause as a “severe natural condition.” At 2:45 a.m., workers at MSD’s Woodfin plant on Riverside Drive spotted sewage flowing from a manhole at the river’s edge. Although power was restored to the plant by 3 a.m., it took until 11:30 p.m. to stem the flow because so much wastewater had backed up during the previous hour, said Stines. At the root of the spill was an inability to power the pumps that draw sewage from the lines into the treatment plant. A generator at the plant was fired up in the wake of the power outage but did not supply current. Although the generator had been tested Dec. 6, the test showed only that the generator would start, not that it would produce electricity. “Unless we put a load on it, we don’t know it isn’t working,” Stines explained. “So we were pretty shocked when we saw it wasn’t working.” MSD is required to report all spills that flow into bodies of water to the state Division of Environmental Health within 48 hours and to follow up with a longer report within

five days. That report was submitted Dec. 28, Stiner said. Roger Edwards, the state agency’s surfacewater-protection supervisor, said his department would evaluate the report, including the environmental factors at play and the response of the crew on the scene, but he declined to speculate on whether a fine would be imposed. For spills involving more than 15,000 gallons, MSD is also required to publish an ad in a local newspaper within 10 days informing the public of the incident. The large amount of storm runoff and the river’s high water level should have diluted the sewage enough that it would not pose a serious health or environmental threat, said Stines. “In wet weather conditions, I would be surprised if it has any effect at all. It’s such a small percentage of the volume of the overall river that it really won’t affect it a lot,” he said. “A spill that size at the head of a little stream would be significant.” But Hope Taylor at Clean Water for North Carolina noted that the incident highlights some weaknesses in the way sewage is handled — such as the fact that the generator isn’t tested for current. “We need a much more stringent testing procedure there,” she said. After MSD files its report, the DEH has 30 days to determine whether it will impose a fine. — Brian Postelle

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How it’s done at 2-1-1: United Way’s new community-services directory When there’s an immediate emergency, most of us are primed to call 911. When there’s a looming problem with emergency potential, a growing number of WNC residents call 211, the United Way’s community-services help line. They call for food assistance, home-heating help and advice on where to find cheap medicine, and sometimes for services like child and elder care or protection against domestic violence. And they’re calling like never before: In 2009, 211’s 10 staff members (with three usually staffing the help line at any given time) fielded more than 48,000 calls, up from about 36,000 in 2008. When they get a call, the 211 staff consult the United Way’s database of more than 1,000 local communityservice programs and try to match the caller’s need to the appropriate program(s). That database appears online, at www.211wnc.org, but sometimes folks prefer a good oldfashioned paper guidebook. “For years, we were always trying to get to the concept of a paperless office,” notes Rachael Nygaard, the 211 project director. “It turns out that some people really like getting their information this way,” she says, patting a copy of the United Way’s newly minted 500-page paperback directory of available services. The guide is the first one the United Way has published in 10 years, and Nygaard says the rising demand for services makes it necessary. “We’re seeing an increase in needs, and while some people are using the Web, it made sense to have one more way for people to access this information.” The guidebook will be useful to any person or group who is trying to share its services with those in need, Nygaard stresses. “We’re targeting it toward people who are in a position to help others: social workers, cases workers, human-relations personnel, clergy members and schools,” she says. Her colleague, United Way Marketing and Communications Associate Elisabeth F. Bocklet, stresses that the guide is “only as

The help line: Above, Keith Young works the phones at the United Way’s 211 line, which fielded almost 50,000 calls last year. The new directory offers a print reference to hundreds of local community services. photo by Jon Elliston

good as the people who feed into it and are included in the database,” so she asks that local communityservices providers make sure their information is included and up-to-date. Copies of the guidebook are available for $30 from the United Way’s offices at 50 S. French Broad Ave. in Asheville. Visit the offices from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays to purchase a copy, and call 255-0696 for more information. — Jon Elliston

)BOET PO 4QB nails • facials • waxing Scooted to safety: Buzzed Home founder David Clegg with one of the foldable scooters he uses to help intoxicated Ashevilleans get home, with their cars. photo by Jonathan Welch

When you’re too buzzed, he’ll buzz you home Carousing at a bar, if one is not quite careful, frequently carries with it the risk of a blearyeyed walk back to one’s car the next morning. Of course, more foolish types might even choose to do something stupid like get behind the wheel of their vehicle in an intoxicated state. No more, if David Clegg has anything to say about it. The Asheville resident has founded Buzzed Home: For a fee, his business will drive your car back to your home for you. “I got the idea after a Widespread Panic show in Charlotte,” Clegg tells Xpress. “I saw this guy pull up on a scooter, take someone’s keys and drive their car home. I thought, ‘There really needs to be something like this in Asheville.’” Now there is. Clegg started the new business in November, and “except for the snow storm, our business has been doubling every week-

end.” So far, it’s limited to about a four-mile radius around downtown Asheville (“We can’t go on the interstate with the scooters,” Clegg notes), and it costs, on average, $25. Right now, Buzzed Home only accepts cash. The scooters fold up, go into a bag and are placed in the customer’s trunk while the Buzzed Home employee drives them back. “We’ve even had people ask us to stop at a drive-through when they had the munchies,” Clegg recalls with a laugh. “Really, I’m not in this for the money. That’s not a huge part of what we’re doing. This is a community service.” Buzzed Home can be reached at 242-2219. For more information, go to getbuzzedhome.com — David Forbes

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www.porterandprince.com mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 19

outdoors

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by Danny Bernstein I heard about Catawba Falls as soon as I started hiking in Western North Carolina — how it was so beautiful, but it was such a shame you couldn’t hike there anymore. It didn’t take me long, though, to realize that the access trail was privately owned, and people shouldn’t have been going there in the first place. The falls themselves have been part of Pisgah National Forest since the 1980s, but the first quarter-mile of the way in was private, leaving the falls effectively landlocked. Longtime hikers said three Doberman pinschers would confront you if you tried to cross that property: “There must have been

The trail to the falls was first a pathway for the Cherokee and then a stagecoach route to Asheville. a change in ownership about 25 years ago. After that, you could no longer go up to the falls easily.” A land conservancy can act much more quickly than a government can, so when the property became available in June 2007, the Foothills Conservancy — based in Morganton — bought the 23 acres to secure access to the falls. I joined the conservancy immediately and made my first trip to Catawba Falls soon after. But we were in the midst of the drought, and the water came down in pitiful little drips. Frankly, I wasn’t impressed. Last month, however, I returned to scope it out for this article. Wow! Thanks to all the rain we’ve had, Catawba Falls was very impressive; I now understand what the fuss was all about.

Electrifying North Carolina Ashev i l l e’s

The 225-mile-long Catawba River winds through the heart of the Carolinas, providing water and power to more than 1.3 million residents. Along the way, it’s been dammed to form several lakes, including Lake James and Lake Norman. The Catawba becomes the Wateree River in South Carolina. The trail to the falls was first a pathway for the Cherokee and then, in the 1800s, a stagecoach route to Asheville. It followed the Catawba River, then Chestnut Branch (a tributary) to Swannanoa Gap. Rufus Morgan, a portrait and stereograph photographer, took pictures of Catawba Falls in the 1870s to encourage people to hike along the river and view this scenic attraction. In the early 1900s, Col. Daniel

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20 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

W. Adams, a pioneer in the development of hydroelectric power, bought thousands of acres of land in the Old Fort area, including the falls. He built dams to create electricity for the town of Old Fort. The remains of that era can be seen on the way to the falls. In 1928, Adams sold the power plant to a small power company. Eventually, Duke Power Co. acquired the property and closed the Catawba facility.

Walking to the falls

The trail crosses the stream on a bridge and passes a barn. After a quarter-mile, the high water level forces me to rock-hop across the stream, and I reach U.S. Forest Service land. A concrete structure that looks half-built stands on the right, and the shell of an old power plant can be seen across the river. The trail follows the river, passing several wading spots, as evidenced by a pink towel that someone left behind. After passing a beautiful cascade, I arrive at a dam and spillway that fed the first power plant — this is not the lower falls. On the right, a concrete wall is all that remains of a second power plant. After 1.5 miles, I reach a flat area by a pool at the Lower Catawba Falls. The water cascades in multiple stages, gathering more force from side branches as it comes down. This is the end of the maintained trail. Most folks enjoy a snack here and return. The way to the Upper Falls is steep, rocky, eroded and slippery — and hikers are advised not to venture there for now. As Weaverville resident Ray Sanow said of climbing to Upper Catawba Falls, “It didn’t get this technical up to the base camp on

photo by danny bernstein

Mount Everest.” The headwaters of the Catawba lie behind the upper falls.

Recent developments

The Foothills Conservancy now owns 88 acres near the falls. This past October, President Obama signed an Interior Department appropriations bill into law that includes funding to buy the land near Catawba Falls from the conservancy for $713,000. Tom Kenney, the conservancy’s land-protection director, anticipates transferring the property to Pisgah National Forest this year. Kenney says he hopes “the Forest Service will reroute the trail ... so that people can access both the lower and upper falls. Now the markers leading to the upper falls are unofficial.” The Foothills Conservancy will apply for a grant to make improvements to the trailhead and build a bridge. At the current water level, the crossing is challenging. “The Foothills Conservancy,” says Kenney, “thanks Congressman Heath Shuler and Congressman David Price of the Raleigh/Chapel Hill area who were instrumental in requesting the funds to allow the access to the falls.” X Hike leader and outdoors writer Danny Bernstein is the author of Hiking North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Heritage. She can be reached at danny@hikertohiker.com.

Jungian Conversations

outdoorscalendar Calendar for January 6 - 14, 2010 Winter Sports Movie Night (pd.) Thursday, January 14th, 7 pm: Winter Sports Movie Night featuring Warren Miller’s Off the Grid. If you like winter sports like skiing and snow boarding, you’ll love this action-packed movie night at Diamond Brand’s Arden Store. Free to the public, and we’ll have free hot chocolate and 20% off all ski/snow board clothing and gear. For more info, contact smerrell@ diamondbrand.com. Asheville Track Club The club provides information, education, training, social and sporting events for runners and walkers of any age. Please see the group Web site for weekly events and news. Info: www.ashevilletrackclub.org or 253-8781. • TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 5:30pm - Carrier Park Runners. Meet at the Carrier Park Pavilion. Leader: Dick Duccini, 645-8887. Pace: slow-moderate —6pm - Beginning Runner’s Program. Meet at the Carrier Park Pavilion. Leader: Tom Kilsbury, burytom@charter. net —- 6pm - ATC Walkers Club. Meet at the Carrier Park Pavilion. Leader: Larry Fincher, HawCreekLarry@ aol.com. • SATURDAYS, 8am - Carrier Park Runners. Meet at Beaver Lake Bird Sanctuary. Leader: Dick Duccini, 645-8887 —- 8am - Beginning Runner’s Program. Meet at Carrier Park Pavilion. Leader: Tom Kilsbury, burytom@charter.net —- 8am - ATC Walkers Club. Meet at Fletcher Park. Leader: Sherry Best-Kai, 5954148 or bestmsrd@mchsi.com. Call ahead to confirm. • SUNDAYS, 8am - Carrier Park Runners. Park at NC Arboretum Greenhouse. Leader: Dick Duccini, 6458887. Long, slow distance on trails —- 8:30am - ATC Trail Run. Park at NC Arboretum Greenhouse. Leaders: Bryan Trantham, 648-9336, and Rick Taylor, 7763853. Pace: 8:30-9:30mpm. Blue Ridge Bicycle Club Encourages safe and responsible recreational bicycling in the WNC area. To find out more about the club and its ongoing advocacy efforts, or to see a complete club calendar, visit www.blueridgebicycleclub.org. • THURSDAYS - Fletcher Blue Sky Road Ride. Departs promptly at 9:15am. Route and meeting place vary. No one will be left behind. E-mail: JohnL9@ MorrisBB.net.

• SATURDAYS - Gary Arthur Ledges Park Road Ride. Departs in the a.m. from Ledges Park, located 6.5 miles off UNCA exit on I-26. Ride north along the French Broad River to Marshall for coffee, then return via Ivy Hill. E-mail: jbyrdlaw@charter.net. • SUNDAYS - Folk Art Center Road Ride. Departs in the p.m. from the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. This is a show-n-go ride, meaning there may not be a ride leader. Info: 713-8504 or billcrownover@ bellsouth.net. Carolina Mountain Club CMC fosters the enjoyment of the mountains of WNC and adjoining regions and encourages the conservation of our natural resources, through an extensive schedule of hikes and a program of trail building and maintenance. $20 per year, family memberships $30 per year. Newcomers must call the leader before the hike. Info: www.carolinamtnclub.org. • WE (1/6), 8:30am - Rich Mountain, Round Top Trail and Lovers Leap. Info: 252-6327. • SU (1/10), 8:30am - Little Pisgah Mountain. Info: 654-9904 —- 12:30pm - Laurel Mountain Trail. Info: 684-9703. • WE (1/13), 8:30am - Swannanoa River/Warren Wilson College. Info: 254-2042. Land of Sky Trout Unlimited To conserve, protect and restore coldwater fisheries and their watersheds on a local and national level by fostering a passion for fishing, community service, fellowship and education. Everyone is welcome. Membership not required. Info: 274-3471 or www. landoskytu.com. • 2nd TUESDAYS, 6:30-8pm - Meeting at Flat Rock Grill on Hendersonville Road.

A Beginner ’s Guide To Jungian Psychology

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Check out the Outdoors Calendar online at www. mountainx.com/events for info on events happening after January 14.

CALENDAR DEADLINE

The deadline for free and paid listings is 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY, one week prior to publication. Questions? Call (828)251-1333, ext. 365

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mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 21

calendar

your guide to community events, classes, concerts & galleries

Community Events & Workshops • Social & Shared-Interest Groups • Government & Politics • Seniors & Retirees • Animals • Technology • Business & Careers • Volunteering • Health Programs & Support Groups Calendar C a t e g o r i e s : Helplines • Sports Groups & Activities • Kids • Spirituality • Arts • Spoken & Written Word • Food • Festivals & Gatherings • Music • Theater • Comedy • Film • Dance • Auditions & Call to Artists Calendar for January 6 - 14, 2010 Unless otherwise stated, events take place in Asheville, and phone numbers are in the 828 area code. Day-by-day calendar is online Want to find out everything that’s happening today — or tomorrow, or any day of the week? Go to www.mountainx. com/events. Weekday Abbreviations: SU = Sunday, MO = Monday, TU = Tuesday, WE = Wednesday, TH = Thursday, FR = Friday, SA = Saturday

Community Events & Workshops Ask a CPA Day • SA (1/9), 9am-3pm - Don’t miss out on the opportunity to receive

free financial advice from experienced CPAs. Call the offices of OnTrack at 255-5166 to make an appointment. Colburn Earth Science Museum The museum has a permanent collection of gem and mineral samples from around the world. Located in Pack Place at 2 South Pack Square. Info: 254-7162 or www. colburnmuseum.org. • TH (1/14), 2-4pm - Guided geology walk with curator Phil Potter. Learn about the history of the building stones that compose downtown Asheville’s unique art deco architecture. Martin Luther King Association of Asheville Each year the MLK Jr. Association sponsors a full range of activities honoring the memory of Dr. King and bringing his

Calendar deadlines:

*FREE and PAID listings - Wednesday, 5 p.m. (7 days prior to publication) Can’t find your group’s listing?

Due to the abundance of great things to do in our area, we only have the space in print to focus on timely events. Our print calendar now covers an eight-day range. For a complete directory of all Community Calendar groups and upcoming events, please visit www.mountainx.com/events..

Calendar Information In order to qualify for a free listing, an event must cost no more than $40 to attend and be sponsored by and/or benefit a nonprofit. If an event benefits a business, it’s a paid listing. If you wish to submit an event for Clubland (our free live music listings), please e-mail clubland@mountainx.com. Free Listings To submit a free listing: * Online submission form (best): http://www.mountainx.com/ events/submission * E-mail (second best): calendar@mountainx.com * Fax (next best): (828) 251-1311, Attn: Free Calendar * Mail: Free Calendar, Mountain Xpress, P.O. Box 144, Asheville, NC 28802 * In person: Mountain Xpress, 2 Wall St. (the Miles Building), second floor, downtown Asheville. Please limit your submission to 40 words or less. Questions? Call (828) 251-1333, ext. 365. Paid Listings Paid listings lead the calendar sections in which they are placed, and are marked (pd.). To submit a paid listing, send it to our Classified Department by any of the following methods. Be sure to include your phone number, for billing purposes. * E-mail: marketplace@mountainx.com. * Fax: (828) 251-1311, Attn: Commercial Calendar * Mail: Commercial Calendar, Mountain Xpress, P.O. Box 144, Asheville, NC 28802 * In person: Classified Dept., Mountain Xpress, 2 Wall St. (the Miles Building), Ste. 214, downtown Asheville. Questions? Call our Classified Department at (828) 251-1333, ext. 335.

dream closer to reality. Info: 335-6896. • TH (1/14), 4pm Youth celebration at the Highsmith Center on the campus of UNCA. Free. Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute Info: 862-5554 or www. pari.edu. • FR (1/8), 7pm - The public is invited to a presentation on Mars. The evening’s activities will include a tour of the campus and celestial observations. Reservations required by 3pm on Jan. 8. $20/$15 seniors/$10 children. WNC Agricultural Center Hosts agricultural events, horse shows and farmrelated competitions. Located at 1301 Fanning Bridge Road. in Fletcher. Info: 687-1414. • FR & SA (1/8 & 9) Indoor Motocross. • SA (1/9), 9am-5:30pm & SU (1/10), 10am-7pm - Land of the Sky Knife and Gun Show. $7/Free for children 12 and under.

Social & SharedInterest Groups Amateur Pool League (pd.) All skill levels welcome. HAVE FUN. MEET PEOPLE. PLAY POOL. Sign-up for 8-ball or 9-ball 828-329-8197 www.BlueRidgeAPA. com ONGOING — weekly league play. www. BlueRidgeAPA.com Asheville Homeless Network Meetings take place at Firestorm Cafe & Books in downtown Asheville. Info: 552-0505. • THURSDAYS, 2pm All homeless people and interested citizens are welcome. Asheville Newcomers Club Women new to the city or recently retired make new friends while learning about opportunities Asheville offers. Info: avlnewcomers@aol.com or 274-6662. • 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 9:30am - Meeting with speakers from local organizations.

22 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

Blue Ridge Toastmasters Club Meets once a week to enhance speaking skills both formal and impromptu. Part of an international proven program that takes you through the steps with fun along the way. Network with interesting people of all ages and professions. Info: www. blueridgetm.org or 3332500. • MONDAYS, 12:201:30pm - Meeting. Friends of Asheville Transit Club Discuss transit-related issues over pints of beer. Info: 279-8349. • 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 7:30-9pm - The club meets on the lower level of The Thirsty Monk, 92 Patton Ave. in Asheville. Find the group by looking for the toy buses and maps on the table. Mills River Presbyterian Church Located at 10 Presbyterian Church Road. Info: 891-7101. • FR (1/8), 7pm through MO (1/11) - A 24-hour marathon to assemble the World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle will be held at the church. All are welcome. Info: www. worldslargestpuzzle.com. Planned Parenthood of Asheville Young Advocates • 1st WEDNESDAYS, 6:30-8pm - Monthly meeting. Get to know like-minded young Ashevilleans who advocate for choice and reproductive health. Explore volunteer opportunities and plan upcoming events. Info: 2527928, ext. 6241 or sue. simpson@pphsinc.org. Scrabble Club Come play America’s favorite word game SCRABBLE. Info: 2528154. • SUNDAYS, 1-5pm Meets at Books-A-Million in Asheville. We have all the gear; just bring your vocabulary. No dues the first six months. Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War The group meets monthly at St. George’s Episcopal

weeklypicks Events are FREE unless otherwise noted.

wed Volunteer at the WNC Nature Center Wednesday, Jan. 6, and help with exhibition improvements, outdoor landscaping projects and more. Info: 298-5600, ext. 305.

Eleven Warren Wilson College MFA faculty members will read from their works Thursday,

thur Jan. 7, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Malaprop's Bookstore/Cafe, 55 Haywood St. The event will

feature Dean Bakopoulos, Marianne Boruch, Liam Callanan, Gabrielle Calvocoressi, Stephen Dobyns, C.J. Hribal, Maurice Manning, Debra Spark, Megan Staffel, Sarah Stone and Eleanor Wilner. Info: 254-6734

fri

Participate in a 24-hour marathon to assemble the world's largest jigsaw puzzle. The challenge kicks off Friday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. at Mills River Presbyterian Church. With 24,000 pieces, this puzzle is for diehard puzzle fans. To sign up to participate: 891-7101. Info: www. worldslargestpuzzle.com.

sat

The Open Doors Juried Art Show, featuring art by local artists, will be on display Saturday, Jan. 9, through Sunday, Jan. 17, at Pack Place's Front Gallery. Art will be auctioned on Jan. 30 at the YMI Cultural Center, with proceeds supporting Open Doors, a nonprofit that connects local children in need with support networks and opportunities for higher education. Info: 777-1135.

sun

Attend the Art League of Henderson County's opening reception of Miniature Paintings, featuring works that are 5 by 7 inches or smaller, Sunday, Jan. 10, at 1:30 p.m. at the Opportunity House, 1411 Asheville Hwy., in downtown Hendersonville. Info: 692-0575.

other WNC craft artists for a HandMade Creative Lab Monday, Jan. 11, starting at 5:15 mon Join p.m. at 125 S. Lexington Ave., Suite 102, Asheville. $10/$5 for members. A social mixer will follow at Asheville Brewing Company, 77 Coxe Ave. Info: www.handmadeinamerica.org.

tue

Mountain BizWorks' Green Business Alliance will hold a planning session Tuesday, Jan. 12, from 6 to 9 p.m. to discuss how the group can help gain networking opportunities and meet the needs of green-oriented small business. The meeting is open to anyone interested in green business development. Info: 253-2834, ext. 11.

Parish in the Malvern Hills area of Asheville. Info: 670-7125. • 2nd SATURDAYS, 10am - Meeting. The New Friends Meetup Interested in meeting new people for friendship, fun, romance, activities, and learning new things? Info: www. meetup.com/NewFriends-Meetup. • WEEKLY - Meets at a bar/restaurant.

Government & Politics Be A Local Leader • Through WE (1/6), 5pm - Application deadline for citizens interested in becoming a local leader by serving on an Asheville City board or commission. Info: 2595601 or mburleson@ ashevillenc.gov. Buncombe County Republican Women A group dedicated to electing and supporting conservative Republicans.

• 2nd THURSDAYS, 11:30am-1pm - Meeting. Open to women (and men) who believe and support the core principals of the Republican Party. The group is dedicated to electing conservative officials and protecting the Constitution. Buncombe Green Party You are invited to attend the party’s regular business meeting, free and open to the public, on the first Saturday of each month. Info: 582-5180 or 225-4347. • SA (1/9), 11am-1pm Start the New Year off in the Green. Meeting held upstairs in the Fortune Building, 727 Haywood Road, W. Asheville. LibertyOnTheRocks.org A national nonpartisan social group connecting liberty advocates. • MONDAYS, 7pm - Meets at El Chapala Restaurant off of Merrimon Ave. Stand for Peace • TUESDAYS, 5-6pm - Stand for peace with

Veterans for Peace, Iraq Veterans Against the War, War Resisters League, Military Families Speak Out, Buncombe Green Party and other peace mongers at Pack Place, intersection of Patton and Biltmore Avenues. Info: 582-5180.

Seniors & Retirees Henderson County Senior Softball League The league is always looking for new players, ages 55 and older. Weather permitting, they play year-round. Info: 698-3448 or www. LJRsoftball.com. • TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS - Daytime games at Jackson Park in Hendersonville (AprilOct.) and Leila Patterson Center in Fletcher (Nov.March). Start times may vary with season. Lakeview Senior Center 401 S. Laurel Circle, Black Mountain. Info: 669-8610.

• FR (1/8), 11am Lakeview Center Planning Meeting. Share thoughts and ideas for program planning. Refreshments will be served. • TUESDAYS (1/5 through 2/9), 1011:30am - Gentle Flow Yoga classes with Deb Vingle. $12. Please bring a mat or blanket. • TH (1/14), 10:30am - “Learn the Basics: Walking/Jogging,” at the Grey Eagle Arena off of White Pine Drive. Free. Come dressed to exercise. Waynesville Parks and Recreation Info: 456-2030 or recyouth@townofwaynesville.org. • FR (1/8), 7-9pm - Senior Citizen Dance. Bring your favorite nonalcoholic refreshments and CDs for a night of dancing. Free for members/$3 for nonmembers.

Animals ChainFree Asheville

A nonprofit, all-volunteer effort dedicated to improving the welfare of dogs living outdoors on chains and in pens in Asheville and Buncombe County. Info: www. chainfreeasheville.org or 450-7736. â&#x20AC;˘ SUNDAYS, 11am-3pm - Come help a chained dog experience freedom. No experience necessary. Meets 4 times a month within Asheville or Buncombe County to build a fence for a chained dog.

Technology Macintosh Asheville Computer Society â&#x20AC;˘ 2nd THURSDAYS, 7pm - MACS user group meets. Visitors welcome. Info: 665-0638 or http://web.me.com/ macsnc. WNC .NET Developers Guild A developer group dedicated to promoting Microsoft .NET technology and education to the software developer community in the Asheville area. Info: www.wncdotnet.com or 398-0694. â&#x20AC;˘ 2nd TUESDAYS, 6-8:30pm - Meet at ImageSmith Communications, 19 Walden Dr., Arden. The meetings feature food, networking and a technical presentation. See website for directions and presentation details.

Business & Careers Asheville Strategic Alliance An Asheville-area based group of communityminded professionals who conduct free public seminars on financial and legal issues. ASA is located at 149 S. Lexington Ave. Info: www.AshevilleStrategicA lliance.com. â&#x20AC;˘ WE (1/6), 6-7pm - â&#x20AC;&#x153;Five Financial New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resolutions for Taking Control of Your Money and Gaining Control of Your Life,â&#x20AC;? presented by Reeta Wolfsohnm CMSW, founder of the Financial Social Work discipline. RSVP: lmgothberg@ yahoo.com. Green Business Alliance Meets at Mountain BizWorks, 153 S. Lexington Ave., Asheville. Info: jamie@

mountainbizworks.org or 253-2834, ext. 11. â&#x20AC;˘ TU (1/12), 6-9pm - Mountain BizWorksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Green Business Alliance will hold a planning session to discuss how the group can help gain networking opportunities and meet the needs of green-oriented small business. The meeting is open to anyone interested in green business development. OnTrack Financial Education & Counseling Formerly Consumer Credit Counseling Service of WNC. OnTrack offers services to improve personal finances. Unless otherwise noted, all classes are free and held at 50 S. French Broad Ave., Ste. 222. Info: 255-5166 or www.ontrackwnc.org. â&#x20AC;˘ TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS (1/12 through 1/21), 5:308:30pm - Homebuyer Education Classes. Learn about real estate agents, mortgages and more. $35 includes materials. WNC Insurance Professionals â&#x20AC;˘ 2nd TUESDAYS, 6-8pm - Meeting at Adams & Brown Insurance Agency, 2144 Hendersonville Rd., Arden. WNCIP is the local association of NAIW. The focus is education and professional development for anyone working in or around the insurance industry. Info: www.naiw.org.

Volunteering Asheville City Schools Foundation Seeking Academic Coaches (tutors/mentors) to support students by assisting them with a variety of tasks that support educational success. One hr/wk min., for one school year, in your choice of school or after-school program. Training provided. Info: 350-6135, terri.wells@ asheville.k12.nc.us or www.acsf.org. â&#x20AC;˘ MONDAYS through FRIDAYS, 8:30am-5pm - Academic coaching in the schools or at afterschool programs, once a week. Graffiti Removal Action Teams Join Asheville GreenWorks in combating graffiti vandalism in our community.

Removing quickly and keeping covered is the best way to reduce graffiti. Info: 254-1776. â&#x20AC;˘ THURSDAYS - Graffiti removal. Guardian ad Litem Program Seeks Volunteers Volunteers are needed to advocate for children involved in the juvenile court process due to abuse and neglect. No experience necessary. Free training prepares volunteers to make a difference in a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life. Info: 251-6130. â&#x20AC;˘ MO (1/11) - Training begins. Call to register. Habitat for Humanity Seeks Volunteers for the Home Store & Construction Site Help build houses in Buncombe County by volunteering at the Habitat for Humanity Home Store and at the building site in Enka Hills. Volunteers are needed who can make an ongoing commitment to a shift in the Home Store. Info: 251-5702 or brusso@ashevillehabitat.org. â&#x20AC;˘ 2nd FRIDAYS, 10am - Volunteer orientation at 30 Meadow Road. Hands On AshevilleBuncombe Choose the volunteer opportunity that works for you. Youth are welcome to volunteer on many projects with adult supervision. Info: www. handsonasheville.org or call 2-1-1. Visit the Web site to sign up for a project. â&#x20AC;˘ Download â&#x20AC;&#x153;Twelve Days of Caring,â&#x20AC;? a list of 12 simple projects that make our community a better place to live while refocusing on the true meaning of the holidays. Info: www.handsonasheville.org. â&#x20AC;˘ SA (1/9), 1-4pm - Assist with unpacking and pricing merchandise for Ten Thousand Villages, a nonprofit, fair-trade retail store that sells handcrafted items made by artisans in more than 30 developing countries. â&#x20AC;˘ MO (1/11) 7:308:30pm - Help bake cookies for families staying at the Lewis Rathbun Center. The center provides free lodging for families from out of town who have a loved one in an area hospital. Supplies will be provided.

â&#x20AC;˘ TH (1/12), 6-8pm Help sort and pack food at MANNA FoodBank to be given to agencies serving hungry people in 17 WNC counties. â&#x20AC;˘ TH (1/14), 5:307:30pm - Meals for Hope. Cook and serve a meal for 15-25 women and children who are part of New Choices, an empowerment program for displaced homemakers in need of counseling and assistance. Volunteer at Asheville Community Theatre â&#x20AC;˘ TU (1/12), 5:306:30pm - Volunteer orientation. Info: 254-1320 or www.ashevilletheatre. org. WNC Nature Center Located at 75 Gashes Creek Rd. Hours: 10am5pm daily. Admission: $8/$6 Asheville City residents/$4 kids. Info: 298-5600 or www.wildwnc.org. â&#x20AC;˘ WEDNESDAYS (1/6) through (2/24) - Winter Work Days. Volunteers are needed to help with exhibition improvements and outdoor landscaping projects. Info: 2985600, ext. 305.

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• THURSDAYS, 7pm - Discussion meeting for parents of children with addictions: West Asheville Presbyterian Church, 690 Haywood Road, across from Ingles. Info: 242-6197. • FRIDAYS, 8pm - The Lambda (GLBT) group of Al-Anon is a gayfriendly support group for families and friends of alcoholics, and holds their weekly candlelight meeting at All Souls Cathedral, 3 Angle St. Info: 670-6277 (until 9pm).

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• FRIDAYS, 12:301:30pm - Discussion meeting: First Baptist Church, 5 Oak St. Park in the back of lot between Church and Y. Info: 686-8131. • FRIDAYS, 6:30pm Discussion meeting for couples only: All Souls Cathedral, 3 Angle St. Info: 676-0485. • SATURDAYS, 10am Al-Anon North: Meeting at Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave. • SATURDAYS, 10am - Saturday Serenity at St Mary’s Episcopal

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of lot between Church and Y. Info: 686-8131. • TUESDAYS, 7pm - Discussion meeting: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St. ALS Group Resource and support group for people with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease), their family and friends. Meetings are held at 68 Sweeten Creek Rd. Info: 2521097. • 2nd SUNDAYS, 3-5pm - Meeting, with refreshments.

Art of Intimacy Practice Group Learn life-changing communication and relationship skills, drawing from the work of Brad Blanton (Radical Honesty), Marshal Rosenberg (Nonviolent Communication), Susan Campbell (Getting Real), John Bradshaw (Homecoming) and others. By donation. Info: 254-5613 or www. centerforsacredsexuality.org. • WEDNESDAYS, 7:309:30pm - Meeting.

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Group, Child-Loss Support Group, Suicide Loss Group (monthly). Debtors Anonymous • THURSDAYS, 7-8pm - Meets at Mount Pisgah Lutheran Church, 2606 Chimney Rock Road, Hendersonville. Info: DAHendersonville@ gmail.com. Depression & Bipolar Support • THURSDAYS, 67:30pm - DBSA support group meets at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church. Open support for family and friends. Info: peacehead@gmail.

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Essential Tremor Support Group Info: 687-2356 or bchhenze@bellsouth.net. • 1st THURSDAYS, 6-7pm - Meeting at Seymour Auditorium, CarePartners, Sweeten Creek Rd. Events at Pardee Hospital All programs held at the Pardee Health Education Center in the Blue Ridge Mall in Hendersonville. Free, but registration and appointments required unless otherwise noted. To register or for info:

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GriefShare is a special support group for people grieving the death of someone close. The video seminar features recognized experts on grief recovery topics. Info: 694-3621 or www. hvlfumc.org. • 2nd & 4th TUESDAYS, 2-3:30pm - Meeting. Grief Support Group • SU (1/10), 2-3:30pm - “Grief 101” will be held at the Four Seasons office, 571 South Allen Road in Flat Rock. Open to anyone dealing with grief related to the death of a family member,

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partner, friend or loved one. Register: 2330307. NAMI Class for Parents/ Primary Caregivers • Do behavior and/or emotional issues challenge your child or teen? NAMI Western Carolina is offering a free sixsession family education class in March. Sign up now; slots are limited. Info: 505-7353. Narcotics Anonymous A fellowship of recovering addicts that can help those afflicted get clean and stay clean through a 12-step program. The group focuses on recovering from the disease of addiction rather than any particular drug. For WNC NA meeting schedules and info: www. wncana.net. Helpline: (866) 925-2148. • DAILY - Please call for location details. National Alliance on Mental Illness - Western Carolina Dedicated to improving the lives of persons with severe mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, clinical depression, OCD, PTSD and anxiety disorders. Free Connection Recovery Support Groups. Info: 505-7353. • THURSDAYS, 7:30-9pm - Veterans Connection Recovery Support Group meets at the Charles George VA Medical Center, 1100 Tunnel Road. Multipurpose room. Contact Ray at raycarter2001@ yahoo.com or 337-0515. • 2nd & 4th MONDAYS, 11am - Group meets at 356 Biltmore Ave., Suite 298. Overcomers Recovery Support Group • TUESDAYS, 7-8pm - A Christian-based 12step recovery program. Provides a spiritual plan of recovery for people struggling with lifecontrolling problems such as alcohol, drugs, overeating, pornography, codependency, enabling. All are welcome. Info: rchovey@sos.spc-asheville.org. Overeaters Anonymous A fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength and hope, are recovering from compulsive overeating. This 12-step program welcomes everyone who wants to stop eating compul-

sively. Meetings are one hour unless noted. • THURSDAYS, Noon - Asheville: Biltmore United Methodist Church, 376 Hendersonville Rd. (S. 25 at Yorkshire). Info: 298-1899. • SATURDAYS, 9:30am - Black Mountain: Carver Parks & Recreation Center, 101 Carver Ave. off Blue Ridge Road. Open relapse and recovery mtg. Info: 686-8131. • MONDAYS, 6:30pm Hendersonville: Balfour United Meth. Church, 2567 Asheville Hwy. (Hwy. 25). Open mtg. Info: 1-800-580-4761. • MONDAYS, 6pm - Asheville: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 20 Oak St. Open mtg. Info: 277-8185. • TUESDAYS, 10:30amNoon - Asheville: Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave. at Ottari. Open BBSS mtg. Info: 280-2213. Pet Loss Support Group For anyone who has lost a pet or is anticipating the death of a companion animal. Free. Info: 258-3229. • 1st WEDNESDAYS, 6pm - The group meets at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville in Jefferson House, 21 Edwin Pl. Red Cross Events & Classes Red Cross holds classes in CPR/First Aid for infants, children, and adults; Babysitter Training; Pet First Aid; Bloodborne Pathogens; Swimming & Water Safety; and Lifeguarding. All classes held at chapter headquarters, 100 Edgewood Rd. To register, call 258-3888, ext. 221. Info: www. redcrosswnc.org. : Bloodmobile Drive dates and locations are listed below. Appointment and ID required. • FR (1/8), 10am-2pm - Haywood Park Hotel, 1 Battery Park Ave. Info: 231-6894 —- 1:30-6pm - Ingles in Swannanoa, 2299 Highway 70. Info: 686-5410. • SU (1/10), 9:30am2pm - C3 Church, 168 Merrimon Ave. Info: 582-3133. • MO (1/11), 7:30-11am - Evergreen Charter School, 50 Bell Road. Info: 298-2173.

• TU (1/12), 1:30-6pm Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Road. Info: 298-7808. • WE (1/13), 3-7pm Hominey Baptist Church, 135 Candler School Road, Candler. Info: 667-1786. S-Anon For those affected by someone else’s sexual behavior. Info: 545-4287 or 606-6803. • WEEKLY - Three meetings are available per week. S-Anon Meetings S-Anon is a 12-step recovery program for partners, family and friends of sexaholics. We share our experience, strength and hope to help solve our common problems. Meetings held weekly in Asheville, Fletcher and Waynesville. Call confidential voice mail for information: 258-5117. • WEEKLY - Meetings. Sex Addicts Anonymous A fellowship of men and women recovering from addictive sexual behavior (physical and/ or emotional). Meetings are held in downtown Asheville. Info: 800477-8191 (live person Mon.-Fri. 11am-7pm) or 348-0284 to leave a local message for a return call. • SUNDAYS, 7pm Meeting. Sexaholics Anonymous SA is a 12-step fellowship of men and women recovering from compulsive patterns of lust, romance, destructive relationships, sexual thoughts or sexual behavior. Call confidential voice mail 681-9250 or e-mail saasheville@ gmail.com. Info: www. orgsites.com/nc/saasheville/. • DAILY - Asheville meetings. Step/Weights Class Free ongoing aerobics class with step, weights, resistance bands and stretches. Offered by Asheville Parks & Recreation to promote Asheville’s cardiovascular health. At StephensLee Center (from S. Charlotte, turn on Max St. and go up the hill). Info: 350-2058. • TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 5:306:30pm - Step/Weights Class ending with mat work (stretches, yoga & pilates). All levels.

Support Groups Sessions are led by Charlene Galvin, a board certified Chaplain. Love offering. Info: 329-3187 or chargalvin@hotmail. com. • THURSDAYS, 1011:30am - Living with Life Limiting Illness —1:30-3pm - Caregivers Support Group. Tai Chi Class • TUESDAYS, 1:30pm - At CarePartners Seymour Auditorium, 68 Sweeten Creek Rd., Asheville. Taught by Shellye Godfrey, Occupational Therapist and Certified Instructor of Tai Chi for Arthritis & Health. $7/session. Info: 274-6179. The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity • MONDAYS, 5:156:30pm - A support group of persons who want to discover and recover their creative selves meets. Based on course developed by Julia Cameron. Info: rachael_bliss@yahoo. com.

Helplines For Xpress’ list of helplines, visit www. mountainx.com/events/ category/helplines.

Garden Asheville Mushroom Club Learn about all aspects of mushrooms (collecting, identifying, growing or cooking). Info: 2989988 or www.ashevillemushroomclub.com. • 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 7pm - Monthly meeting at the WNC Nature Center. Membership is $18/year, and includes informative meetings and scheduled forays. Regional Tailgate Markets • For tailgate listings, visit www.mountainx. com/events and click on “Garden.” For more information, including the exact start and end dates of markets, contact the Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project: 236-1282 or www.buyappalachian. org.

Sports Groups & Activities Asheville Masters Swimming Competitive, fitness and triathlon swimmers

welcome. Info: www. ashevillemasters.com • MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS, 5:45-7:15am - Practice at Asheville School. • TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 5:457:15am & SATURDAYS, 7-9am - Coached practices at Warren Wilson College. Buncombe Co. Parks, Greenways & Rec. Events Events are free and are held at 59 Woodfin Pl., unless otherwise noted. To register or for more info: 250-4265. • SA (1/23), 3pm Adventure Van: Travel to Charlotte to see the Bobcats play the Cleveland Cavaliers. Meet at the Rec. Center. $35. Register by Jan. 11. Info: jay.nelson@ buncombecounty.org or 250-4260. Pickleball It’s like playing ping pong on a tennis court. For all ages. $1 per session. Paddles and balls are provided. Info: 350-2058. • MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & FRIDAYS, 9-11am Meets at Stephens-Lee Rec Center, 30 George Washington Carver St. (take S. Charlotte to Max St.). Sports at UNCA Unless otherwise noted, all events are free and open to the public. Info: 251-6459. • TH (1/7), 7pm - UNCA Men’s Basketball vs. Coastal Carolina in the Justice Center. $15/$10/$7 children. • SA (1/9), 4:30pm UNCA Men’s Basketball vs. Charleston Southern in the Justice Center. $15/$10/$7 children. Women’s Indoor Trainer Sessions • MONDAYS, 6:15pm - Youngblood’s Trainer Sessions. Bring your own trainer; no roller, please. A few indoor trainers will be available for loan/rent ($10). Begin your winter conditioning program. Info: amy@golightlydesigns. com or tdrews@trainright.com.

Kids At The Health Adventure Free first Wed. of every month from 3-5pm. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10am-5pm & Sun., 1-

5pm. $8.50 adults/$7.50 students & seniors/$6 kids 2-11. Program info or to RSVP: 254-6373, ext. 324. Info: www.thehealthadventure.org. • THURSDAYS, 10:3011:30am - Preschool Play Date. Interactive fun just for preschoolers led by museum facilitators. Free with admission. • SATURDAYS, 1-2pm Experiment with science during Super Science Saturdays. Featuring hands-on activities led by museum facilitators, the programs are fun for all ages. Free with admission. • 2nd & 4th MONDAYS, 4-5pm - “My Mom Is Having a Baby.” Help your child prepare to be an older brother or sister with this class. Learn what to expect, how to hold the new baby, and make a special present to hang over the crib. Free with admission. • 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 4-5pm - Origami Folding Frenzy. From simple designs to complex creations, join us to learn about the Japanese art of paper-folding. Included with museum admission. • TH (1/14), 3:304:45pm - Brownies Healthy Habits Try It: Meet Mr. Gross Mouth. Use a special glow lotion to illuminate the secret hiding places of germs, and take a closer look at plaque with our video microscope. $4/ Brownie. Celebration Singers of Asheville Community children’s chorus for ages 7-14. For audition/performance info: 230-5778 or www. singasheville.org. • THURSDAYS, 6:307:45pm - Children’s chorus rehearsal at First Congregational Church, 20 Oak St., downtown Asheville. Free Music Together Demonstration Class • SA (1/9), 10-10:45am - Help your child grow musically. Come to a free class at the Children & Family Resource Center in Hendersonville. Families can register their birth-5 children for the winter semester. To RSVP: 698-0674. Info: www.childrenandfamily.org. Hands On! Gallery This children’s gallery is located at 318 North Main St. in

Hendersonville. Hours: Tues.-Fri., 10am-5pm. Admission is $5, with discounts available on certain days. Info: 6978333 or www.handsonwnc.org. • TH (1/7) & FR (1/8), 3-5pm - “Up and Away,” a workshop where children explore the basics of flight. $15/$12 members. Haywood County Public Library System The main branch is located at 678 S. Haywood St., Waynesville. The county system includes branches in Canton, Maggie Valley, Fines Creek and Cruso. Info: 452-5169 or www.haywoodlibrary. org. • WEDNESDAYS, 11am - Family story time for children of all ages. Read books, sing songs, learn finger plays and more. Home School Happenings • 2nd WEDNESDAYS, 1:30-2:30pm Experience educational programming The Health Adventure way with monthly Home School Happenings. Programs are available for various grade levels. $7/child. Pawndemonium XXI • SA (1/9), 8:30am - Registration/check-in followed by the tournament at the Montford Rec. Center. Sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Asheville and the City of Asheville. Four divisions, ranging from K-12. Trophies will be awarded. $10 in advance/$15 on-site. Info: www.main. nc.us/bcsc. Smith-McDowell House Museum Period rooms grace this antebellum house on the campus of A-B Tech Community College, 283 Victoria Rd., Asheville. Info: 253-9231 or education@wnchistory.org. • SA (1/16), 2-4pm - Colonial Contra Dance Party for youths ages 12 to 18. $5/youth. There will be chaperones provided as well as refreshments. Participants are encouraged to wear period costumes. Reservations required by Jan. 9.

Spirituality Tuesday Afternoons • Study • Meditation • Great Tree Zen Temple (pd.) Study: 3:30pm • Meditation: 5:30pm. 679

Lower Flat Creek Road, Alexander. Love offering. More information: 6452085 or www.greattreetemple.org Attention Alternative Practitioners • Convenient Office Space (pd.) Samasati Healing Center, Montford Avenue. $450/month, includes all utilities. Call Tim: 279-6393 for information. Asheville Center for Transcendental Meditation/An Evening of Knowledge Transcend the busy, active mind—effortlessly—for peace, bliss and full awakening of creative intelligence. The most effective, extensively researched meditation. Revitalizes mind/body, relieves worry and anxiety, improves brain functioning. Free Introduction. Info: 254-4350 or www. meditationasheville.org. • WEDNESDAYS, 7:158:15pm - Introductory Talk: Access your deepest intelligence; compare meditation techniques; explore higher states of consciousness and total brain functioning; and learn about Scientific findings on TM’s health benefits. Held at 165 E. Chestnut St. Asheville Meditation Center Classes are held at the Greenlife Community Center, 90 Merrimon Ave., unless otherwise noted. Info: 505-2300 or www.meditateasheville. org. • THURSDAYS, 6:307:30pm - Meditation Circle. Donations accepted. Awakening Practices Study the works of Eckhart Tolle and put words into action through meditation and discussion. Info: Trey@ QueDox.com. • 2nd & 4th THURSDAYS, 7-9pm - Meets at the EnkaCandler Library meeting room. Coalition of Earth Religions Events Info: 230-5069 or www. ceres-wnc.org. • 1st WEDNESDAYS, 6:30-9pm - Pagans Night Out. Meet at the Bier Garden in downtown Asheville. Compassionate Communication Practice Group Learn ways to create understanding and clarity in your relationships,

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mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 27

work, and community by practicing compassionate communication. Group uses a model developed by Marshall Rosenberg in his book Nonviolent Communication, A Language of Life. Free. Info: 252-0538 or www. ashevilleccc.com. • 2nd & 4th THURSDAYS, 5-6:15pm - Practice group for newcomers and experienced practitioners. Hare Krsna Sunday Feast Meets above the French Broad Food Co-op, 90 Biltmore Ave. Info: www.highthinkingsimpleliving.org or 5062987. • Select SUNDAYS, 6-8pm - An evening of bhajans, class on the Bhagavad-Gita and a vegetarian feast. Everyone welcome.

Refer to the Web site or call for dates.

Land of the Sky United Church of Christ Located at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 15 Overbrook Place, in East Asheville. • SUNDAYS, 5-6pm - Women-led, justicefocused, family-friendly, and open to all. Worship with Land of the Sky UCC. An unconditional church. Living in the Kingdom • TH (1/14), 6:308:30pm - Program of OSL ecumenical group dedicated to the Christian healing ministry. At Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave., Asheville. All are welcome. Info: 2423260 or mtn_osl@ yahoo.com. Mantras Cafe

• 1st THURSDAYS, 6:30-8:30pm - Bring your favorite kirtan mantras, multi-cultural chants and soul-centered music. Open mike. Sign-up 6-6:30pm. At BoBo Gallery. Free or $3 donation. Mindfulness Meditation Class Explore the miracle of healing into life through deepened stillness and presence. With consciousness teacher and columnist Bill Walz. Info: 258-3241 or www.billwalz.com. • MONDAYS, 7-8pm - Meditation class with lesson and discussions in contemporary Zen living. At the Asheville Friends Meeting House at 227 Edgewood Ave. (off Merrimon Ave.). Donation. Mother Grove Events

28 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

Info: 230-5069, info@ mothergroveavl.org or www.mothergroveavl. org. • MONDAYS - Book discussion group, facilitated by Antiga, on the book The Creation of Patriarchy by Gerda Lemer. Info: 285-9927. Mountain Zen Practice Center Exploring the ‘how’ of moment by moment peace, joy, and freedom through the practice of Conscious Compassionate Awareness. Info and Orientation times: www. mountainzen.org or 4503621. • TUESDAYS, 7-8:30pm - Meditation and discussion. Mystic Gatherings Share in the community of those who are governed both by logic and

observing signs around them: gut, spirit, intuition or whatever That is. Bring your stories and experiences. Gatherings are dynamic and diverse and range from topics such as changes in our society to defining moments in life and much more. Info: 2062009. • WEDNESDAYS, 7pm - Meeting. Psychic Development Class • 2nd & 4th WEDNESDAYS, 78:30pm - Develop your intuition in a stress-free environment. Everyone will have an opportunity to read and to be read. Love donation accepted. Info: 255-8304. Sojourner Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) A congregation in formation. The goal is provide

a caring, non-threatening environment for the exploration of Christian spirituality. Info: www. sojournerchurch.org. • SUNDAYS, 9:30am Worship —- 10:30am Fellowship. Lower floor of Morningside Baptist Church, 14 Mineral Springs Road, Asheville. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church Located at 10 N. Liberty St., Asheville. Info: http://stmarkslutheran. net/thisMonth.pdf. • WE (1/6), 6pm Epiphany 2010. Join in a healing service based on the power of light. The Eucharistic service will include laying on of hands, anointing and prayers for healing. Toning for Peace Lift your voice in freeform [removed]to generate well-being and peace

for the greater benefit of our ever-evolving planet). $5-$10. Info: 667-2967 or www.toningforpeace. org. • 2nd SUNDAYS, 1pm - Warm-up. • 2nd & 4th SUNDAYS, 1:30-2:45pm - At the Light Center in Black Mountain. Transmission Meditation Group Join in this group meditation for your own personal spiritual growth, as well as the healing and transformation of the planet. Info: 318-8547. • TUESDAYS, 6:30pm - Meditation for personal and spiritual growth. Unitarian Universalist Church of Asheville Located at the corner of Charlotte St. & Edwin Pl. Info: 254-6001 or www. uuasheville.org. • SUNDAYS, 9:15am & 11:15am - Services and Children’s Programs. Unity Center Events Celebrate joyful, mindful living in a church with heart. Contemporary music by Lytingale and The Unitic Band. Located at 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd. Info: 6843798, 891-8700 or www. unitync.net. • WE (1/6), 7pm - Film screening: Kilowatt Ours, a documentary about coal and energy consumption in American. Love offering. • TU (1/12), 7pm - “Truth On Tap.” Join Chad O’Shea at the Lexington Avenue Brewery for spiritual conversation. • WE (1/13), 7pm - “The Edge Effect,” a discussion focusing on brain function in relation to diet, medication and environmental toxins, with Pam Hurst. Love offering. Waynesville Creative Thought Center Located at 741 S. Haywood St., Waynesville. Info: 4569697, waynesvilleCTC@ aol.com or www.mountainshops.com/ctc. • FR (1/8), 6:30pm People Wisdom Series: “An Introduction to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” presented by Steven Craig Dean, a Kriya Yoga Meditation Practitioner. $10 love offering. Call for reservations. Windhorse Zen Community Meditation, Dharma talks, private instruction available Tuesday

and Thursday evenings, residential training. Teachers: Lawson Sachter and Sunya Kjolhede. Main center: 580 Panther Branch, Alexander. City center: 12 Von Ruck Court. Call for orientation. Info: 6458001 or www.windhorsezen.org. • SUNDAYS, 9:30-11am - Meditation, chanting and a Dharma talk. • TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 7-9pm Meditation and chanting. • FRIDAYS, 5:30-7:15pm - Meditation and chanting at the City Center.

Art Gallery Exhibits & Openings Aesthetic Gallery Located at 6 College St., across the street from Pritchard Park, in downtown Asheville. Hours: Tues.-Sat., Noon-6pm. Info: 398-0219 or www. aestheticgallery.com. • Through SU (1/31) Environ/Mental Disorder, abstract artist Cliff Yudell’s take on mountain development. New oil paintings on view. Art on Depot 250 Depot St., Waynesville. Info: 2460218 or www.artondepot. com. • FR (1/8) through FR (2/26) - Chemo Today, an installation by Susan Livengood. Art League of Henderson County The ALHC meets and shows exhibits at the Opportunity House, 1411 Asheville Hwy. (25N) in downtown Hendersonville. Info: 692-0575 or www. artleague.net. • SU (1/10), 1:302:30pm - Opening reception for Miniature Paintings, featuring works that are 5 by 7 inches or smaller. Following the reception, artist Concha Wilkinson will give a demonstration of her work. Asheville Art Museum Located on Pack Square in downtown Asheville. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10am5pm and Sun., 1-5pm. Admission: $6/$5 students and seniors/Free for kids under 4. Free first Wednesdays from 35pm. Info: 253-3227 or www.ashevilleart.org. • Through SU (5/9) - Lorna Blaine Halper: The Space Between will

freewillastrology ARIES (March 21-April 19)

According to my reading of the astrological omens, it’ll be a hair-on-fire kind of week for you — and yet also a heart-in-repose kind of week. In other words, you have the potential to be fierce and relaxed, vigorously ambitious and sublimely poised. In fact, this might be one of those rare times when you can be both a justice-dispensing warrior and an enlightenment-seeking magician. Want to turn water into wine when the pressure’s on? Find the pearl of great price in the heat of the battle? Feats like these are quite possible.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

Can you pull off a mid-course correction while hurtling through the air across a chasm during a leap of faith? If anyone is capable of such a feat, you are. However, I’d prefer it if that wasn’t necessary. I’d rather see you prepare a little better, like by procuring the help you’d need to create a safety net or sturdy bridge that will stretch across the chasm. Or by getting one of those jet packs to strap across your back and allow you to fly. Or by taking as much guesswork as possible out of the details about how you’re going to get from the edge of one cliff to the edge on the other side.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

My ninth grade history teacher filled my head up with radical revelations, like how the CIA has often assisted foreign tyrants in suppressing their countries’ democratic movements. Her name was Marjorie Margolies. I adored her, and made sure I became teacher’s pet. Some years later she was elected to the U.S. Congress and married Congressman Edward Mezvinsky. They had a son, Mark, who is now engaged to Chelsea Clinton, the daughter of ex-President Bill and current Secretary of State Hillary. Talk about six degrees of separation — that’s only three! Will I be invited to the wedding? Alas, probably not. Your destiny in 2010 will have elements resembling those I just described, only your experiences will have more practical value. In your version of the three degrees of separation, you will be invited to the wedding.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

Which metropolitan areas in America have the most brainpower? Not the best sports teams or the richest businessmen or the most powerful politicians, but the smartest people? “The Daily Beast” did a study and declared that the top two were the Raleigh-Durham area in North Carolina and the San Francisco Bay Area. Now it so happens that those are the two places where I’ve spent much of my adult life. It doesn’t mean I’m brilliant, but it does suggest I have an instinct for knowing where the brilliant people congregate. And I’m quite sure that they have been a very good influence on me. My recommendation to you in 2010, Cancerian, is to cultivate this knack.

Gravitate toward genius. Surround yourself with deep thinkers and innovative dreamers. Hang out in the vicinity of brainstorms.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

“The more you complain,” says an old adage, “the longer God lets you live.” If that’s true, I hope you will be adding many years to your lifespan in the coming week. Would you like to live to the age of 100? There are many rich and colorful opportunities for you to lodge protests right now. You have cosmic permission to rouse a ruckus in the name of improving the way everything works. But try to concentrate on constructive criticism that really helps transform what’s stuck. The Divine Wow is more likely to give credit for that approach than for mere narcissistic grousing.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

A reader calling herself Rebellioness collaborated with me to come up with five revolutionized approaches to the art of rebellion. I present them here for your use, as they identify the kinds of behavior that will be most nurturing for you to cultivate in the coming weeks. 1. Experimenting with uppity, mischievous optimism. 2. Invoking insurrectionary levels of wildly interesting generosity. 3. Indulging in an insolent refusal to be chronically fearful. 4. Pursuing a cheeky ambition to be as wide-awake as a dissident young messiah. 5. Bringing reckless levels of creative intelligence to all expressions of love.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

I want to tell you about Harj, a character in Douglas Coupland’s novel Generation A. He’s an enterprising young Sri Lankan man who sells “celebrity room tones” over the Internet. Each hour-long recording purports to convey the sound of the silence that pervades the homes of luminaries like Mick Jagger and Cameron Diaz when they’re not there. I think that you Libras are now primed to learn from Harj’s example. Like him, you have the power to capitalize on nothingness and absence and emptiness.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

A guy I know broke up with his girlfriend recently. He used a time-honored strategy: making it sound as if he wasn’t worthy of her. “It’s like you’re a grandmaster at a chess tournament,” he told her, “while I just got my first checkerboard and am still figuring out how to play checkers.” He was implying that she was much more skillful than he was in the arts of relationship. I have a feeling that there’s a situation like this in your world, Scorpio — an alliance in which the two parties are at different levels of maturity. I’m not necessarily saying you should sever the connection. But you should at least acknowledge the gap and decide what to do about it.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)

you to unleash your naked greed and give it unconditional license to careen through the world gobbling and acquiring and appropriating. However, due to an odd blip in the astrological configurations, I am at liberty to give you permission to unleash your discerning, elegant greed and grant it a temporary dispensation to sample more than usual of anything that captivates your ravenous imagination.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

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“You are what you love, not what loves you,” says the character Charlie Kaufman in the film, Adaptation. (Kaufman is played by Nicolas Cage, who has three planets in Capricorn.) I urge you to work hard to make that perspective your own, Capricorn. Ideally, it will become a permanent addition to your philosophy of life. But please at least try to install it as your primary words to live by for the next three weeks. To do so will smooth out a distortion in your energy field, making it easier for people to love you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)

I suspect you have to go down into the underworld for a while. But you have a choice about how it will play out. You shouldn’t wait for some random goblin to come along and pull you down into the miserable abyss. Instead, be proactive. Shop around for a more useful abyss — a womb-like pit with halfdecent accommodations and a good learning environment — and go there under your own power. That way you won’t have to slog your way through musty fogs and creepy pests and slimy muck. You’ll keep your suffering to a minimum and attract adventures that are more intriguing than demoralizing.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)

When my acupuncturist pushes a needle into my chest, my feet sometimes twitch involuntarily. A jab in my earlobe can cause my hand to leap off the table; when she pokes the bridge of my nose, my liver may throb. The lesson for me is that parts of the body are linked in ways that aren’t obvious. I invite you to expand this principle as you use it to evaluate the interconnections between different areas of your life. How do your attitudes about love affect your ability to attract money? (And vice versa.) Are there any ways in which your capacity for happiness is affected by your political views? How do your judgments about other people impact your physical health? More than even you farseeing Pisceans imagine, everything’s linked to everything. Homework: Thousands of amazing, inexplicable, even miraculous events occur every day. Report yours: http://bit.ly/ Amazement © Copyright 2009, 2010 Rob Brezsny

Foundation Year in Anthroposophy: January 2010- December 2011 The Foundation Studies Program in Anthroposophy and the Arts allows individuals to gain new perspectives on life and renewed impulses in their own personal and professional work. These courses provide an opportunity for persons interested in deepening their understanding of the sources of Waldorf Education and learning more about Rudolf Steiner’s Science of the Spirit. Courses combining seminar discussion and artistic activity take place in eight weekend sessions, once a month throughout the school year.

Introductory workshop will be held Saturday, December 5th, 2009 For more details, please contact: Marie Davis at 828-273-5647, or md79397@yahoo.com Please visit: www.centerforanthroposophy.org/ programs/foundation_studies/when_where

In a million years, I would never authorize

mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 29

be on display in Holden Community Gallery. Asheville Gallery of Art A co-op gallery representing 28 regional artists located at 16 College St. Hours: Mon.Sat., 10am-5pm. Info: 251-5796 or www.ashevillegallery-of-art.com. • Through TH (1/31) - Beneath the Surface, featuring work by a number of emerging UNCA artists in a variety of media. Bella Vista Art Gallery Located in Biltmore Village, next to the parking lot of Rezaz’s restaurant. Open Mon.Thurs., 10am-5pm, and Fri. & Sat., 10am-6pm. Info: 768-0246 or www. bellavistaart.com. • Through SU (1/31) - Feature wall artist: Galen Frost Bernard. New waterscapes by Bethanne Cople. Black Mountain Center for the Arts Located in the renovated Old City Hall at 225 West State St. in Black Mountain. Info: 6690930 or www.blackmountainarts.org. • Through FR (1/29) - 2nd Annual Pottery Show in the Upper Gallery. Works by teachers, students and community members from the Black Mountain Center for the Arts Clay Studio. Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center The center is located at 56 Broadway, and pre-

serves the legacy of the Black Mountain College through permanent collections, educational activities and public programs. Info: 350-8484, bmcmac@bellsouth.net or www.blackmountaincollege.org. • Through SA (2/6) - Past Presence, an exhibition exploring five important aspects of the Black Mountain College story. Castell Photography A photo-based art gallery located at 2C Wilson Alley, off of Eagle St. in downtown Asheville. Info: 2551188 or www.castellphotography.com. • Through SA (1/23) - The first annual juried exhibition of UNCA Student Photography will be on display. The group show features the work of emerging artists in the UNCA photography department. Exhibits at the Turchin Center Appalachian State University’s Turchin Center for the Visual Arts is at 423 West King St. in Boone. Info: 2623017 or www.tcva.org. • Through SA (1/16) - Plastic Flame Press, the exhibit presents a progression of designer Chris Williams’ work —- African Vailet: Olivia “Holly” Pendergast —- SAQA: 12 Voices, a traveling exhibit of the Studio Art Quilt Association.

• Through SA (2/6) - 225 F: Encaustic Encounters, featuring encaustic paintings —Collective Dialogues: New work from The Collective on Depot —Brush & Palette: Artists Unmasked, a representation of the Brush and Palette Art Club members’ works. Forever Gallery 98 N. Lexington Ave., Asheville. Info: 2361681. • Through FR (1/15) - Progressive original paintings will be on display. Haen Gallery Located at 52 Biltmore Ave., downtown Asheville. Hours: Mon.Fri., 10am-6pm, Sat., 11am-6pm and Sun., Noon-5pm. Info: 2548577 or www.thehaengallery.com. • Through SU (1/31) - The group exhibition A Wintry Mix will be on display. Haywood County Arts Council The HCAC sponsors a variety of art-related events in Waynesville and Haywood County. Unless otherwise noted, showings take place at HCAC’s Gallery 86 (86 North Main St.) in Waynesville. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 10am-5pm. Info: 452-0593 or www. haywoodarts.org. • MO (1/11) through SA (2/6) - CURVEilinear, selected works from CURVE Studios in the

30 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

River Arts District, will be on display. Transylvania Community Arts Council Located at 349 South Caldwell St. in Brevard. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10am4pm. Info: 884-2787 or www.artsofbrevard.org. • MO (1/11) through FR (2/5) - Where I Live, an open show. Window Gallery 58 Broadway, Asheville. Info: 505-8000. • Through SA (1/30) Noah Park exhibition of works on paper.

More Art Exhibits & Openings Art at the N.C. Arboretum Works by members of the Asheville Quilt Guild and regional artists are on display daily in The Visitor Education Center. Info: 665-2492 or www. ncarboretum.org. • Through MO (2/22) - Celebrating Rivers and Streams, paintings by Sue Sweterlitsch will be on display in the Education Center, 2nd floor. Asheville Community Theatre • Through TU (2/2) Miscellaneous Nothing, an art exhibit by Gayle Paul, will be on display in the Asheville Community Theatre lobby, 35 E. Walnut St. Info: 254-1320. f/32 Photography Group Info: www.f32nc.com. • Through MO (1/4) - An exhibit by the

members of this fine photography group will be held at Deerpark on the Biltmore Estate.

Classes, Meetings & Arts-Related Events Appalachian Pastel Society Workshop (pd.) Sunday & Monday, January 10 & 11, 2010. APS Two-Day Workshop: Finding Your Artistic Voice Workshop Instructor: Luana Luconi Winner 9:00 am - 4:00 pm, WNC Ag Center $100.00 one day, $185.00 for both Sunday and Monday (plus $25 for non-members). For registration, email karen@soapshed. com, or go to APS website under ‘workshops’; http://www.appalachian-pastel-society. org/January10APS.pdf Attention Artists and Photographers! (pd.) Need your work Captured, Reproduced, or Printed? Digital Resolutions Group specializes in high-quality large format digital photography, outstanding fine art reproduction and printing. (828) 670-5257 or visit www. ashevilledigital.com Exploring Collage Art Workshop (pd.) Presented by Roots + Wings School of Art. January 16, 9am1pm - $80, ages 18+. Registration and more information at www. rootsandwingsarts.com or call 828.545.4827.

Courtyard Gallery An eclectic art and performance space located at 9 Walnut St. in downtown Asheville. Info: 273-3332 or www. ashevillecourtyard.com. • SUNDAYS, 7-10pm Free Open Studio Night. Bring sketchbooks, canvas, easel, drawing board and art supplies. Work in the medium of your choice in a relaxed setting. Still life and occasional portrait modeling. Free coffee and tea. Info: 707-1859. Elevate Life & Art School • WEEKLY - Classes for varied ages in drama, guitar, graphic design, web design, life drawing, acrylic painting, sign language, video editing, sewing and fashion design, choir, dance, keyboard, photography. $5/class. Info: www.elevatelifeandart. com or 277-1637. HandMade Creative Lab & Social Mixer WNC craft artists support and challenge each other to create a sustainable, dynamic, forward-thinking arts community. Creative Labs are held at 125 S. Lexington Ave., Suite 102. $10/$5 for members. Mixers follow and are held at Asheville Brewing Company, 77 Coxe Ave. Info: www. handmadeinamerica.org. • MO (1/11), 5:156:45pm - Lab topic: “New Year’s Creative

Re-Orientation for Artists.” Laurel Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America Holds monthly meetings and smaller groups dedicated to teaching different types of needlework. The chapter is also involved in numerous outreach projects. Guests are always welcome at meetings. Info: 654-9788 or www. egacarolinas.org. • TH (1/7), 9:30am - Registration followed by a short business meeting and a program. The program will be the first part of a twopart series on making a petite canvas project titled “A Winter Scene.” A kit fee will be charged. At Cummings United Methodist Church in Horse Shoe. Swannanoa Valley Fine Arts League Classes are held at the studio, 999 W. Old Rt. 70, Black Mountain. Info: svfal.info@gmail. com or www.svfal.org. • THURSDAYS, Noon3pm - Experimental Art Group. Experimental learning and sharing water-media techniques and collage. $20 for four sessions or $6/session. • FRIDAYS, 10am-1pm - Open studio for figure drawing. Small fee for model. • MONDAYS, Noon-3pm - Open studio for portrait painting. Small fee for model.

Art/craft fairs

One.Bazaar.Ribbon Cutting: Downtown Market Grand Opening • FR (1/8), 10am5pm - Ribbon-cutting ceremony. The huge scissors arrive at noon, then it’s free food, artist and crafter demos, live music and shopping. Celebration lasts all weekend at 45 S. French Broad, just off Patton at Federal Bldg. Ample free parking.

Spoken & Written Word Attention WNC Mystery Writers WNC Mysterians critique and discussion group. For serious mystery/ suspense/thriller writers. Info: 712-5570 or wncmysterians.org. • TH (1/7), 5:45pm - Meeting at the West Asheville Library on Haywood Road. Blue Ridge Community College Info: www.blueridge. edu. • 2nd & 4th MONDAYS (1/11 through 4/12), 2-4pm - “Great Books Discussion Group” held in the president’s dining room in the Killian Building. Info: 694-1743 or marthah@blueridge. edu. Buncombe County Public Libraries LIBRARY ABBRVIATIONS - Each Library event is marked

by the following location abbreviations: n BM = Black Mountain Library (105 N. Dougherty St., 250-4756) n FV = Fairview Library (1 Taylor Road, 2506484) n LE = Leicester Library (1561 Alexander Road, 250-6480) n WV = Weaverville Library (41 N. Main Street, 250-6482) • TH (1/14) - Deadline to apply to win a hair makeover. To apply: Write down your name, address, phone number and include three words (along with their definitions) of how you would like to feel after the makeover. Contact the library for details. BM. • WE (1/6), 11:30am - Book Club: The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner. WV. • TU (1/12), 1pm - Book Club: Loving Frank by Nancy Horan. LE. • Th (1/14), 1pm - Book Club: The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. FV. Events at Fireside Books Located at 2270 Hwy. 74A Byp., Suite. 509 in Forest City. Info: 2455188. • FR (1/8), 5:30-7:30pm - Nicole Seitz will sign copies of her novel Saving Cicadas. Events at Malaprop’s The bookstore and cafe at 55 Haywood St. hosts visiting authors for talks and book signings. Info: 254-6734 or www.malaprops.com. • TH (1/7), 5:30pm - Warren Wilson MFA Program reading featuring Dean Bakopoulos, Marianne Boruch, Liam Callanan, Gabrielle Calvocoressi, Stephen Dobyns, C.J. Hribal, Maurice Manning, Debra Spark Megan Staffel, Sarah Stone and Eleanor Wilner. • FR (1/8), 7pm - Reading by MariJo Moore. • SA (1/9), 7pm - Nicole Seitz will discuss and read from her book Saving Cicadas. • SU (1/10), 3pm Leanna Sain will read from and discuss her book Return to Nowhere. For Accomplished Asheville Writers Seeking other serious writers for critique group. Mostly fiction and nonfiction. Info: 658-8217. • Alternate THURSDAYS, 6:30pm - Group meets.

Haywood County Public Library System The main branch is located at 678 S. Haywood St., Waynesville. The county system includes branches in Canton, Maggie Valley, Fines Creek and Cruso. Info: 452-5169 or www.haywoodlibrary.org. • WEDNESDAYS, 1:30pm - Ready 4 Learning. A story time designed for 4 and 5-year-olds with a focus on kindergarten readiness. This story time runs Sept.-May. • THURSDAYS, 11am - Movers & Shakers. This story time for active 2-3 year olds incorporates dance, physical activity, songs and age-appropriate books. • TUESDAYS, 11am - Family story time at the Fines Creek Branch Library. We will read books, tell stories, learn songs and finger plays, and do a simple craft. Info: 627-0146. • TUESDAYS, 11:15am - Family story time for children of all ages at the Canton Branch Library. We will read books, listen to songs, and learn finger plays. Info: 6482924. Henderson County Public Library System Unless otherwise stated, all events take place in Kaplan Auditorium of the main branch library, located at 301 N. Washington St. in Hendersonville. The county system includes branches in Edneyville, Etowah, Fletcher and Green River. Info: 6974725 or www.henderson. lib.nc.us. • TH (1/14), 2pm - Local photographer Mike Locicero Jr. will give a slide-show presentation titled “A Kaleidoscope of Photographs.” Photos were taken in 18 states and in the Canadian Rockies. MFA Program Events at Warren Wilson College The public is welcome to attend the lectures and readings in fiction and poetry offered during the Master of Fine Arts Program for Writers’ winter residency. All events are held in the Fellowship Hall behind the WWC Chapel, unless otherwise noted. Free. Info: 7713715. • WE (1/6), 9:30am - “Defiance and Pleasure in Visual Writing,” a lecture with Mary Leader —- 10:45am - “The

Waiting is the Hardest Part: Dead Air, Denial, & Duende,” a lecture with Dean Bakopoulos —8:15pm - Readings by Karen Brennan, Jennifer Grotz, Liam Callanan, James Longenbach and Kevin McIlvoy. • FR (1/8), 8:15pm - Readings by Debra Allbery, Stacey D’Erasmo, Gabrielle Calvocoressi, Sarah Stone and Brooks Haxton. • SA (1/9), 8:15pm - Student readings by Rebecca Foust, Reine Marie Melvin, Hilary Varner and Robert Rorke. • SU (1/10), 9:30am - “The Little Death of Self,” a lecture by Marianne Boruch —10:45am - “Suspense: Shower-Murders, the Sword of Damocles & Shooting People on the Beach,” a lecture with Anthony Doerr in Jensen Lecture Hall —- 8:15pm - Student readings by Aaron de Long, Chi Elliott, Hadley Moore and Rose McLarney in Gladfelter, Canon Lounge. • MO (1/11), 9:30am - “Please Release Me: Revelatory Information and the Art of Mystery,” a lecture with C.J. Hribal —- 11am - “Lyricism, Landscape, and the Inner Voice,” a lecture with Maurice Manning —4:30pm - Student readings by Elisabeth Lewis Corley, Aneesha Capur, Nora Hutton Shepard and Paul Rankin. The MFA graduation ceremony will follow. Osondu Booksellers All events are held at Osondu, 184 North Main St., Waynesville, unless otherwise noted. Info: 456-8062 or www.osondubooksellers.com. • TU (1/12), 6pm Mountain Writers Alive meets. Tuesday Morning Poems • TUESDAYS, 8:308:50am - Meditation —8:50-9:20am - Poetry reading. Introduce meditation and poetry into your week. Plus, Laura Hope-Gill will read selections from The Soul Tree. Held at 84 N. Lexington Ave. $5 suggested donation for Wordfest. Info: www.writemindinstitute. com.

Music African Drumming

With Billy Zanski at Skinny Beats Drum Shop, 4 Eagle St., downtown Asheville. Drums provided. No experience necessary. Suggested donation $10 per class. Drop-ins welcome. Info: 768-2826. • WEDNESDAYS, 6-7pm - Beginners. • SUNDAYS, 1-2pm Intermediates —- 2-3pm - Beginners. Asheville Culture Project A cultural arts community center offering ongoing classes in Capoeira Angola and Samba percussion. Other instructors, groups and organizations are invited to share the space. Info: www.ashevillecultureproject.org. • TUESDAYS (through 2/9), 5:30-6:30pm - Samba Percussion. Learn to play Samba and Samba Reggae drums. Instructor is Allen Frost, Zabumba Director, with assistance from members. $12. Koinonia • MONDAYS, 6-8 pm - Drum circle for the imaginative and those looking for a creative outlet in a free, fun and informal setting. All ages and levels welcome. Info: 333-2000. Land-of-the-Sky Barbershop Chorus For men age 12 and older. Info: www.ashevillebarbershop.com or 768-9303. • TUESDAYS, 7:30pm - Open Rehearsals at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 51 Wilburn Pl. Music at UNCA Concerts are held in Lipinsky Auditorium, unless otherwise noted. Tickets & info: 2325000. • TH (1/7), 4:15pm - The Asheville Chamber Music Series lecture presents “La Catrina Quartet” in the Reuter Center. Free. Osondu Booksellers Musical Events All events are held at Osondu, 184 North Main St., Waynesville, unless otherwise noted. Info: 456-8062 or www.osondubooksellers.com. • SU (1/10), 2-5pm - Party with Lorraine Conard and enjoy live music performed with special guests. Song O’ Sky Chorus (Sweet Adelines International) The chorus is always looking for women 18+

who want to learn how to sing barbershop harmony. Please visit a rehearsal. Info: 1-866824-9547 or www.songosky.org. • MONDAYS, 6:45pm - Rehearsal at Reed Memorial Baptist Church on Fairview Rd. (enter parking lot on Cedar St.). Guests welcome.

Theater Events at 35below This black box theater is located underneath Asheville Community Theatre at 35 Walnut St. Info: 254-1320 or www. ashevilletheatre.org. • FR & SA (1/8 & 9), 2:30pm - The Rivals, a Readers Theatre Showcase production presented by The Autumn Players of ACT, will be performed. There will also be a performance at UNCA’s Reuter Center Jan. 10 at 2:30pm. $5 at the door. NC Stage Company Performances are at 33 Haywood St. (entrance on Walnut St., across from Zambra’s, in downtown Asheville). Info: 239-0263 or www. ncstage.org. • FR & SA (1/8 & 9), 7pm - “SciFi-a-GoGo” will be performed by Atlanta’s Blast-Off Burlesque, a collective of neo-burlesque performers who revel in the traditional vaudeville splendor of the show, spiced with just enough modern edge. $12-$15. Theater at UNCA Performances take place in Lipinsky Auditorium, unless otherwise noted. • SU (1/10), 2:30pm - Asheville Community Theatre’s senior theatre group The Autumn Players present a dramatic reading of The Rivals in the Reuter Center. $5 at the door.

Film Asheville Art Museum Located on Pack Square in downtown Asheville. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10am5pm and Sun., 1-5pm. Admission: $6/$5 students and seniors/Free for kids under 4. Free first Wednesdays from 35pm. Info: 253-3227 or www.ashevilleart.org. • SA (1/9) & SU (1/10), 2pm, 3pm & 4pm - Screenings of Ruth Asawa: Of Forms and Growth. Held in conjunc-

tion with Ruth Asawa: Drawing in Space. Free with admission. Firestorm Cafe & Books Located at 48 Commerce St., Asheville. Events are free, unless otherwise noted. Info: 255-8115 or www.firestormcafe.com. • WE (1/6), 5pm - Kids Film Night: Kiki’s Delivery Service. • FR (1/8), 7pm - Rob Speer will play electric blues guitar and host a film screening of Fall of the Republic by Alex Jones. Seven Sisters Cinema A documentary film series presenting films by regional filmmakers and/or subjects of regional interest. Screens are held at the White Horse in Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Road. Info: dontalley@gmail. com or jerry@serpentchild.org. • FR (1/8), 8pm Nothing to Prove: The Story of Mac Arnold’s Return to the Blues will be screened. $3.

Dance Asheville Ballroom & Dance Centre • Learn to Dance! (pd.) Groups and Privates available. For more information call (828) 274-8320. www. ashevilleballroom.com Argentine Tango Dancers of all levels welcome. Info: www. tangoasheville.com. • SUNDAYS (except 1st), 7-10pm - Argentine Tango Practica at North Asheville Recreation Center, 37 E. Larchmont Rd. $5 for members/$6 for non-members. Asheville Culture Project A cultural arts community center offering ongoing classes in Capoeira Angola and Samba percussion. Other instructors, groups and organizations are invited to share the space. Info: www.ashevillecultureproject.org. • WEEKLY - Capoeira Angola, an Afro-Brazilian martial art taught and practiced through a game involving dance, music, acrobatics, theater and the Portuguese language. Mondays, 7-9pm, beginners class; Wednesdays, 7-9pm, intermediate class; Fridays, 7-9pm, intermediate class; Saturdays, 10am-Noon, beginners class. $12 (free for first timers on

2nd and 4th Sat.). Info: www.capoeiraasheville. org. Asheville Jewish Community Center Events The JCC is located at 236 Charlotte St., Asheville. Info: 2530701. • WEDNESDAYS, 7-8pm - Beginning folk dance lessons. Families especially welcome —- 89:30pm - Not-so-beginning folk dance lessons. Led by instructor Erik Bendix and other guest teachers. $4 members/$6 public. Info: erikbendix@ hotmail.com or 4501670. Beginner Clogging Classes • WEDNESDAYS, 7:158pm - Classes offered by the Mountain Thunder Cloggers at the Oakley Community Center. No experience or partner necessary. Family-oriented; ages 7 and up welcome. $40/8-week session. Info: 490-1226 or www.mtnthundercloggers.org. Classes at Asheville Contemporary Dance Theatre Classes are by donation and on a drop-in basis. Classes are held at the New Studio of Dance, 20 Commerce St. in downtown Asheville. Info: www.acdt.org or 2542621. • TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS, 6-7:30pm - Modern classes. By donation. • MONDAYS, 6:307:30pm - Beginning adult tap dancing with Joe Mohar —- 7:30-8:30pm - Intermediate adult tap dancing. $20. Donation Classes at Asheville Dance Revolution Sponsored by The Cultural Development Group. At 63 Brook St. Info: 277-6777 or ashevilledancerevolution@ gmail.com. • TUESDAYS, 8-9:15pm - Beginning/Intermediate Adult Jazz. • FRIDAYS, 4-5pm - Boys Dance Combo Class. This is for boys interested in dance. The class touches on all styles of dance for the male dancer —- 67:30pm - African dance with Sarah Yancey featuring live drumming. Open to all. $14. Hunab Kru Dance Studio The studio is devoted to the art commonly known as break dancing. Located at 4 Business

Park Circle, Arden. Info: 215-3159 or bboyeducator@gmail.com. • MONDAYS through SUNDAYS - B-boy and b-girl classes will be offered throughout the week for children ages 5-9, ages 10 and up, and for adults. $15 for drop-in classes/$5 open floor sessions. Info: 6547890. InterPlay Held at 227 Edgewood Ave. $5-$15 per class. Info: www.interplaync. org. • WEDNESDAYS (1/13 through 1/27), 7-8:30pm - InterPlay Basic: “Share your songs, stories and dances in an easy-going community.” Morris Dancing Learn English traditional Morris dances and become a member of one of three local teams as a dancer or musician. Music instruction provided to experienced musicians. Free. Info: 994-2094 or www.ashevillemorris.us. • MONDAYS, 5:30pm - Women’s Garland practice held at Reid Center for Creative Art. Skyland Twirlers Western square dancing at the Senior Opportunity Center (not just for seniors), 36 Grove St., near the Federal Building in downtown Asheville. Info: 650-6405. • FR (1/8), 7:30pm - Birthday Bash Square Dance at the Senior Opportunity Center, 36 Grove St. Mainstream and Plus tips, with some Rounds and Line Dances. $5 for non-members. Studio Zahiya Classes Classes are held at Studio Zahiya, 41 Carolina Lane. All classes are drop-in anytime. $12 per class. $40 for four classes, with other discounts available. Info: 242-7595. • THURSDAYS, 6:307:30pm - Bhangra! A high-energy dance from Punjab, India influence by dancehall, hip-hop and Bollywood films. • TUESDAYS, 6-7pm - Beginner belly dance. Learn the basics of belly dance. This class will cover posture and basic movements —- 7:108:10pm - Drills & Skills. Get ready to sweat, workout and practice your intermediate/ advanced belly dance. Swing Asheville

mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 31

For 2010 The Asheville DisclAimer resoluTes To use our FlAmingo-coloreD swATches oF someTimes biTing AnD oFTen Drunken sATire less liberAlly buT wiTh more gusTo AnD FlAre To beTTer use The verb “resoluTes.”

Always FREE

Briefs

-ly distributed to school-age children

Weeks later, Warren Haynes & friends still not totally Febreezed out of Civic Center green room

Guy from Asheville was totally going to start a brewery before all these people started moving here to start breweries, according to guy Local survivalist sure glad he stocked up on gold before blizzard

Sort of wished he also had milk, aluminum foil

Feds re-introduce woolly adeldig to WNC forests to save struggling hemlock-saving industry Singing hot-dog in commercial refutes many of Stewart David’s talking points about going vegan Local woman flattered to be ‘person of interest’

The Asheville Disclaimer is parody/satire. editor@ashevilledisclaimer.com. Contributing this week: Michele Scheve, Joe Shelton, Tom Scheve

City of Asheville introducing $1.8 million system of helpful street signs NEW SIGN/(OLD SIGN) (Long, somber nature trail, this way) (Merrimon Avenue N.) (Affordable lodging at next exit) Things smokers in bars can do while adjusting to NC’s new indoor-smoking laws: - Bring a bag full of lemons and chew on one in lieu of a cigarette. - Suck the filter of an unlit cigarette like it’s a thumb. - Grind teeth to yourself. - Think hateful thoughts and feed upon hate to gain strength and conquer your enemies.

(I-40 W to Canton next right)

(Mutually disruptive, interminable irregular dodecagon of death)

PUBLIC NOTICE: NEw Laws fOr 2010: 4 aLL

shady sTaTE gOvErNmENT dEaLs mUsT BE TraNsaCTEd IN smOkE-frEE BaCkrOOms. 4 gOvErNmENT OffICIaLs mUsT TakE CLassEs ON EThICs, aNd mUsT rEPEaT ThEsE CLassEs whEN ThEy INEvITaBLy faIL ThEm. 4 N. CarOLINa has ChaNgEd ITs Tax Laws TO ENCOUrag INfOmErCIaL-makINg 2Nd-UNIT dIrECTOrs shOOTINg B-rOLL TO fOrNICaTE wITh sTarryEyEd sLaCk-jawEd LOCaLs.

(Merge two antithetical notions or ideas into a synergistic amalgam and actualize its existance on the earth plane) Internal-combustionengine-era matchy-matchy overtakes steampunk

LARGE-HEADED CELEBRITY TV NEWS

It’s time once again to play Find the Premise! Former proWhat statement directly preceded the following otherwise-senseless quote? fessional wrestler and “sTEvEN sEgaL Is a LOUIsIaNNa dEPUTy IN NEw rEaLITy sErIEs.” ex-governor • “I locked myself out of my car with of Minnesota • “I acknowledge that what you just now said was very senthe car still running and my baby Jesse Ventustill in it. But dumber things have ra is back on TV as host of a show sible. Now, tell me something ridiculous.” happened, right?” about conspiracies. • “Tom Cruise thinks he is the Among the first conspiracies he’ll • “Honey, turn on the TV, Jean Claude Van Damme has been alien.” tackle: • “You couldn’t possibly learn any* Why don’t prostitutes tell Jesse arrested after a high-speed face-kicking battle with some thing useful by reading that garbage.” Ventura their real names? • “Steven Segal, we can make this * How did (guest TBA) get elected kind of super-cop.” • “There’s a 99-percent chance you’re going marriage work if you stop embarrassing that one time? to prison for life, unless somehow this DA me and the kids with your career choices * Does a cabal of muscle-men can’t make his case because some asshole and by referring to yourself in the third entertainers run large swaths of rookie cop corrupted the DNA found on the person. Because the Steven Segal I know America? dead cajun’s hand-held vanity mirror.” and love and married puts his family fir—” * Why are Jesse Ventura’s • “That’s a lot of cons, now let’s list the pros • “One of those brownies was stronger handlers putting Jesse to robbing a Lafayette bank in broad daylight than the other but I don’t know Ventura’s words in Jesse during peak business hours?” who got what.” Ventura’s mouth? 32 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

Local unassuming serial killer close to filing formal complaint about noisy, troublesome neighbors

W. Asheville, MondAy — Peter T. Perkins likes to keep to himself. He mows his yard on the weekends, waves to his neighbors in passing, and once hosted a poorly-attended neighborhood barbeque party in his own back yard that stood out in nobody’s minds. But one thing this self-described simmering cauldran of violence, rage and something he calls “kill-hunting” will not stand for is disrespectful behavior in the same neighborhood in which he was proven himself a model citizen to those few who would even notice in the first place such an unassuming polite homeowner in their midst. “You’d think my neighbors were dangerous psychopaths, if they weren’t so noisy and extroverted,” Perkins said as he stood in the driveway of his cookie-cutter house attempting to fully close his car trunk. Perkins, who likes to tinker on private projects in the depths of his garage, couldn’t help but take notice of all his neighbors’ comings and goings, guests, and other minor details that would aid a massive FBI investigation should one ever focus on the yard of his neighbors and not his own. “Say what you will about voices in your head, at least they’re in your head,” Perkins later said while tilling his expansive backyard garden, a nervous habit that he says calms him down when he can’t sleep due to loud music blaring late into the night up and down his block. “My realtor told me this was a perfectly normal neighborhood, and I should’ve listened to him,” Perkins continued. “You want a good night’s sleep? Buy property next to an inbred fourth-generation pig farmer who does some long-haul trucking on the side, fears his mother and can’t relate to people -- you sleep like a baby and never suspect a thing,” Perkins advised. “Best neighbor in the world, and you’ll get on TV someday.”

Info: www.swingasheville.com, 301-7629 or dance@swingasheville. com. • TUESDAYS, 6-7pm - Beginner swing dance lessons. Lindy Hop style. $10/person per week for a 4-week series. No partner necessary. Let your inner dancer out. 11 Grove St, downtown Asheville. Class series starts the first Tuesday of every month. VFW Upstairs. Open to the public. At 5 Points, 860 N. Main St., Hendersonville. Info: 693-5930. • SATURDAYS, 6pm - Free dancing lessons —- 7pm - Live band music and dancing. $7. All singles welcome. No partners necessary. Finger food and sweets provided. No alcohol or smoking in dancing area.

Auditions & Call to Artists Appalachian Mountain Photography Competition • Through FR (1/29) - Deadline for submissions. Cash prizes will be awarded and selected works will hang in exhibition at the Turchin Center for the Visual Arts in Boone. Info: 262-4954 or www.appvoices.org. To enter: www.appmtnphotocomp.org. Arts Council of Henderson County D. Samuel Neill Gallery hours: Tues.-Fri., 1-5pm and Sat., 1-4pm. Located at 538 N. Main St., 2nd Floor, Hendersonville. Info: 693-8504 or www. acofhc.org. • FR (1/29) & MO (2/1), 1-5:30pm - Entries may be dropped off for the “Art Teachers Create” exhibit. All media accepted. Contact the council to receive an artist prospectus. Brevard Little Theatre Located in the American Legion Hall, 55 E. Jordan St., Brevard. Info: www. brevardlittletheatre.com. Reservations: 884-2587. • SA & SU (1/9 & 10), 2-4pm - Cast call for I Ought to Be in Pictures by Neil Simon. Auditions will be held at the American Legion Hall. Auditionees should plan on cold readings from the script. Info: 8901495. Call for “Art on Transit” Bus Graphics Program

• Through WE (1/20) Application deadline. The City of Asheville Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Department invites all area artists to submit artwork. The juried competition offers artists the chance to have their work displayed on the exterior of a City of Asheville bus. To apply: www.callforentry.org.

Call for Dancers • Dancers of any technique or style needed for the 2nd annual 48 Hour Dance Project Feb. 2628. E-mail office@acdt. org, jamielscott@yahoo. com or call 254-2621 for more info or if you would like to participate. Call to Artists for Flat Rock Playhouse Craft Show • Through SA (1/30) - Artist application deadline for the first Flat Rock Playhouse Craft Show to be held in May. A juried show of fine, contemporary craft. $20 jury fee. Applications can be downloaded at www. flatrockplayhouse.org. Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra Info: 697-5884 or www. hendersonvillesymphony. org. • TH (1/14), 6pm - Auditions for the Hendersonville Youth Symphony Orchestras (The Youth Symphony and The Sinfonietta) will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church, 900 Blythe St. There are openings for brass, woodwinds, percussion and strings for those ages 13-21. Info: 6963953. Transylvania Community Arts Council Located at 349 South Caldwell St. in Brevard. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10am4pm. Info: 884-2787 or www.artsofbrevard.org. • Through MO (1/11) - Local and regional artists are invited to submit artwork for an open show with the theme “Where I Live.” Call to get an application mailed to you.

consciousparty

fun fundraisers

who:

Opening reception followed later in the month by art auction featuring work by such regional artists as Randy Shull, Benjamin Betsalel, Mike Smith, Rebecca D’Angleo, Moni Hill, Kenn Kotara, Jeff Kinzel and Matt Jones. The auction will be a ticketed event but reception attendees can place absentee bids. Art will be on display until Jan. 17 at Pack Place’s Front Gallery.

benefits:

Open Doors, an Asheville not-for-profit that aims to break the cycle of poverty by connecting local children with an individualized support network and opportunities for higher education.

where:

Opening reception in Pack Place’s Front Gallery. Auction at the YMI Cultural Center.

when:

Reception: Saturday, Jan. 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. Auction: Saturday, Jan. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Benefits Calendar for January 6 - 14, 2010 American Cancer Society • SA (1/9) - Tree Lighting Ceremony. Pardee Hospital will have four decorated trees on Main Street in Hendersonville honoring those who have been lost to cancer and to support cancer survivors and their caregivers. Personalized ornaments may be ordered for a $5 donation to the American Cancer Society: 458-4945. ECO Events The Environmental and Conservation Organization is dedicated to preserving the natural heritage of Henderson County and the mountain region as an effective voice of the environment. Located at 121 Third Ave. West, Hendersonville. Info: 692-0385 or www.eco-wnc.org. • Through SA (2/6) - Heritage apple trees will be available for order. Maintain biodiversity while raising money

for ECO’s environmental programs. Trees must be picked up at the Hendersonville Visitor’s Center Parking Lot on Feb. 6th by noon. Land-of-Sky Regional Council’s MLK Everyday Essentials Drive • Through TH (1/14) - Toiletries drive for ABCCM and Swanannoa Valley Christian Ministry. Donated items should be new and in their original packaging. Drop off sites: Harvest House, Lakeview Senior Center, Shiloh Center, Weaverville Library, Land-of-Sky Regional Council. Info: patti@landofsky.org. Open Doors A not-for-profit that breaks the cycle of poverty by connecting local children with an individualized support network and opportunities for higher education. Info: 777-1135.

• SA (1/9) through SU (1/17) - Open Doors Juried Art Show, featuring art by local artists, will be on display at Pack Place Front Gallery. Opening reception Jan. 9.

MORE BENEFITS EVENTS ONLINE

Check out the Benefits Calendar online at www.mountainx.com/events for info on events happening after January 14.

CALENDAR DEADLINE

The deadline for free and paid listings is 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY, one week prior to publication. Questions? Call (828)251-1333, ext. 365

CALENDAR DEADLINE

The deadline for free and paid listings is 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY, one week prior to publication. Questions? Call (828)251-1333, ext. 365

mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 33

edgymama

parenting from the edge by Anne Fitten Glenn

Memorable moms of 2009 It’s time again to look back on some of the memorable moms of the past year. These women aren’t necessarily listed here because I agree with who they are or what they stand for, but they’re moms who struck me as memorable in some way this year. Here they are, in no particular order: Most insane mom: Nadya Suleman, aka Octomom. Her litter of octuplets will turn 1 in January. She’s a single mom to 14 kids under the age of seven. Need I say more? Most unpredictable mom: Sarah Palin (her second year in a row on this list). Sarah, Sarah, your politics and inability to think before opening your mouth drive me nuts. But I like your spirit. Screw Alaska’s governor’s office, baby. Borrrring. Write (or have someone write) a book about your life and sell it to homespun-loving crowds around the nation, carting your kids along with you. Blow off the father of your out-ofwedlock grandbaby because he’s scuzzy. Sarah, you’re that train bombing down the track toward the end of the line that always manages to put on the brakes just in time. So far. Most graceful when surrounded by sleaze mom: Elin Woods. Will she be a Silda Spitzer or a Jenny Sanford? My bet’s on the latter, which her home country of Sweden seems to support. There, she’s seen as a heroic epitome of female strength. The editor-in-chief of that country’s largest news-

paper even wrote, “Swing it again, Elin,” referring to her supposedly going after her cheating spouse with one of his beloved golf clubs. Forget her hubby, Elin’s a mama tiger. Most over-exposed mom: Kate Gosselin. I hearby proclaim Kate Gosselin the mom on whom the most media glare was wasted. I’ve never seen the reality show that featured the Gosselin family, but because of the extensive coverage of Kate and husband Jon’s break-up and the ongoing saga of his love life, I know more than I want to about the family. Lesson: Don’t do reality TV unless you’re willing to have all your laundry, including dirty undies and small children, picked over by a Schadenfreude-happy world. Most sacrificial moms: All moms whose children have or currently are serving in the U.S. military and stationed abroad. You are the moms I think about daily — when I read the news from Iraq and Afghanistan; when I look at my two young kids and hope that their future will be free from war. Most go-for-it CEO mom: Carol Bartz. Bartz was named CEO of Yahoo Inc. this year, making her one of the few female Fortune 500 company heads. That’s cool, but what I really respect about Bartz is that this mom of a now college-aged daughter talks extensively and publicly about the challenges of kid wrangling while pursuing CEO-dom. In an article in More magazine, she noted that achieving bal-

ance between work and the rest of one’s life is a myth that can only lead to counterproductive guilt for working moms. Guilt, guilt, go away, we moms have work to do and kids to raise. Speaking of powerful moms who juggle: How about Asheville mayor Terry Bellamy? Bellamy easily won a second term as mayor of our mountain town in ‘09. When first elected in 2005, Bellamy was the youngest Asheville mayor ever and the first African-American (she was 33). All the while, she’s been raising two young kids. Other local moms juggling politics, young ‘uns and full-time jobs are Holly Jones, Buncombe County commissioner, and new Asheville City Council member, Esther Manheimer. Local activist mom: Crystal Everitt. Asheville mom Everitt briefly became the face of the national lactivism movement after organizing a nurse-in at the Denny’s Restaurant on Patton Avenue. While nursing her baby there, she was asked to cover her breast or leave. This sparked national nurse-ins and lots of coverage for moms’ right to breastfeed in public. Denny’s management apologized for the incident, and there’s been no further action, as far as I know. That’s it for my memorable moms of 2009. Not that this is anywhere near a complete list. Who are your memorable moms? Tell me in the comments at www.mountainx.com. X

Anne Fitten “Edgy Mama” Glenn writes about a number of subjects, including parenting, at www.edgymama.com.

Parenting Calendar for January 6 - 14, 2010

Preschool Available Ages 3-5 Call for a Private Interview 259-3653 www.odysseycommunity.org 90 Zillicoa Street, Asheville, NC

Involve Your Partner In Your Child’s Birth • Empowered Birthing Classes (pd.) Increase confidence, learn hands-on tools, enjoy your birth! 828-231-9227. Classes monthly: Wednesdays, 6p.m. $175. Next begins Jan. 13. www.AshevilleWomensWellness.com La Leche League of Asheville • 2nd MONDAYS, 10am - Monday Mornings: Meeting at First Congregational Church, Oak St. Pregnant moms, babies and toddlers welcome. Info: 628-4438, 242-6531, 683-1999 or 505-1379. Odyssey School’s Open House • TU (1/12), 5:30-7:30pm - Meet teachers, administrators and parents and tour the campus. Info: 259-3653 or www.odysseycommunity.org

MORE PARENTING EVENTS ONLINE

Check out the Parenting Calendar online at www.mountainx.com/events for info on events happening after January 14.

CALENDAR DEADLINE

The deadline for free and paid listings is 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY, one week prior to publication. Questions? Call (828)251-1333, ext. 365

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34 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

newsoftheweird Lead story

Somalia essentially has no central government, and very little functions beyond an Islamic resistance and individual warlords’ fiefdoms. But a robust “stock market” has emerged in the city of Haradheere for “investors” in the pirate “industry,” to raise money and supplies for kidnappers in exchange for a share of the bounty once a ransom is paid. According to a December Reuters dispatch, 72 “companies” are listed on the exchange, enabling “venture capital” to fund greater piracy traffic and more sophisticated looting. There even seems to be a financial “bubble” at work: Since the “exchange” opened, pirates’ ransoms have doubled (to about $4 million per ship).

Cultural diversity

Afghanistan’s national game, buzkashi, which is often little more than violent anarchy, is attempting a marketing makeover, according to a November USA Today report. A team of 12 men on horseback tries to carry a goat carcass the length of a field, around a goal and back, through a “defense” that includes almost any tactic short of murder. Spectators are often trampled by riders disregarding boundaries, and horses have dropped dead on the field from abuse or fatigue. The head of the Buzkashi Federation said he aims to present the game to the International Olympic Committee for consideration.

Latest religious messages

• Carried Away: (1) Since March 2008, Phoenix’s Cathedral of Christ the King has been ringing its bells every half-hour, 24 hours a day, enraging neighbors. At press time a showdown with city officials was looming, according to ABC News. (2) Martina Rabess, 52, was sanctioned by Britain’s Sevenoaks Magistrates Court in October after neighbors complained about her loud, continuous recitation of the Lord’s Prayer during early morning hours. (3) Atlanta bus driver Leroy Matthews was suspended in November after he suddenly stopped the bus and refused to open the doors until the alighting passenger joined hands with him in prayer. • That Lively Scranton (Pa.) Diocese: Father Edward Lyman of the diocese was removed as a parish administrator in November after he inad-

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vertently (while using his personal computer during early Mass) clicked on photos of four bare-chested young men in provocative poses. That same month, the diocese disavowed Father Virgil Tetherow’s behavior in offering Mass at a breakaway church in York, Pa., and protesting too aggressively at a Planned Parenthood clinic. (Tetherow faced charges of child-porn possession in 2005 but was convicted of a lesser charge thanks to a plea agreement.) Also in November, yet another diocese priest, Father Robert Timchak, waived a preliminary hearing on charges of having child porn on his computer. • Aggressive Christianity: (1) The Rev. Marc Grizzard, pastor of the Amazing Grace Baptist Church in Canton, N.C., staged an October bookburning of “Satan’s” literature, including works by Mother Teresa and the Rev. Billy Graham and any Bible besides the original King James Version. (2) In October, Mikey Weinstein, a former military lawyer who served in the Reagan White House, filed suit against Gordon Klingenschmitt, head of a Dallas chaplains’ association, to stop him from publicly reciting Bible verses implying a smiting of Weinstein, his family and descendants for 10 generations. Said Klingenschmitt: “I never prayed for anyone’s death. All I did was quote the Scriptures.”

Karma

(1) Shannon Broome, 15, of Jacksonville, Fla., her leg still in a cast from a June rollover accident in an SUV, was hit again in December when another out-of-control SUV came through her bedroom wall and re-broke her leg while inflicting other injuries. (2) At the Abergele Hospital in North Wales, Geraint Woolford, 52, was moved into a room to await a partial knee replacement and discovered that his roommate was Geraint Woolford, 77, who was awaiting a hip replacement. According to a December report in the Daily Mail, they are not related, but both are retired

Read News of the Weird daily with Chuck Shepherd at www.weirduniverse.net. Send items to weirdnews@earthlink.net or PO Box 18737, Tampa FL 33679

police officers.

The simplest musical instrument

Rajeev Kumar of Calcutta, India, is well-known locally for playing the harmonica using only his right nostril, and for playing two harmonicas simultaneously (using nostril and mouth). In December, a BBC News reporter wrote, “The veins running through his nose and neck bulge, his eyes pop out, and his face looks red and stretched.” And at Britain’s West Midland Safari Park, the African elephant “Five” spends portions of almost every day puffing away at a harmonica she found in her enclosure. Said a park spokesperson, “Five was making tunes within a few weeks.” (The talented pachyderm also paints on canvas.)

People with issues

Sara Foss of Derby, England, scheduled to deliver her 14th child in March, told the Daily Mail in November that she plans to continue getting pregnant until she has twins. The 39-year-old’s longtime live-in boyfriend works as a boat-builder, but their main income is government benefits worth about $80,000 annually. (Foss, apparently also a fan of literature and movies, has kids named Artemus, Morpheus, Voorhees, Baudelaire, Blackbird, Echo, Malachai and Frodo.)

Least-competent criminals

Not Ready for Prime Time: Bandanna-clad Jason Zacchi, 27, was arrested in Dearborn Heights, Mich., in November after allegedly pointing a shotgun at a Wendy’s employee at the drive-in window and demanding money. Moments later, the shift manager angrily approached the window and yelled at Zacchi, “What the hell are you doing?” (The manager had recognized Zacchi through his bandanna: He’s her son.) CLARIFICATION: News of the Weird reported recently that HoneyBaked Ham had fired Richard Huether, manager of its Cary, N.C., store, who was recuperating from being shot during a store robbery. The report noted that, due to Huether’s being unemployed, his health-insurance premium would increase steeply. But after WRAL-TV reported the story, HoneyBaked decided to prepay Huether’s COBRA expenses for the next 18 months. X

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42 BilTmorE avE. doWnToWn ashEvillE - 255-0504 - BarlEysTaproom.com - mon-saT 11:30am-?/sun 12-12 mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 35

greenscene Happy New (Green) Year Local groups launch initiatives for 2010 Here in Western North Carolina, we’re not waiting around for the fruits of the 2009 Copenhagen climate-change agreement to trickle down to us. Across our region, organizations big and small, colleges, businesses and activists have already jumped on the green bandwagon. In the Asheville area alone, there are sustainability initiatives under way at UNCA, Warren Wilson College and A-B Tech. And at Mars Hill College, the cycling team combined fast pedaling with fundraising partnerships to promote sustainability. Meanwhile, RiverLink, Asheville GreenWorks and other local environmental groups are doing what they’ve done for decades — cleaning up streams, planting trees and spreading awareness about environmental issues. Officials in cities such as Hendersonville (recently named a Level 1 Green Challenge town by the N.C. League of Municipalities) and Asheville (which ramped up to advanced level last year) have recognized that energy efficiency saves taxpayer dollars while conserving natural resources. Small businesses have seen the green light too: Blue Moon Water, for

instance, has switched to 100-percent biodegradable plastic bottles. And with $8 million in federal stimulus moneys available from the state through the 2010 N.C. Green Business Fund, expect more environmental initiatives to come. Last year, First Light Solar, an Asheville-based company, won $95,000 to develop its do-it-yourself Easy Solar Kits for homeowners, and both Duke Energy and Progress Energy were awarded much bigger chunks of change for projects related to developing smart-grid technologies. Not all the news is good, however: In July, word came that the Environmental Quality Institute, based at UNCA, would close its doors due to budget cuts. For years, the institute has provided expertise and gathered data for such projects as the Volunteer Water Information Network. We also shared residents’ dismay that yet another private drinking well near the longdefunct CTS manufacturing plant on Mills Gap Road has been found to be contaminated by trichloroethylene and other toxins. In response, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

2 Green 0 Building 1 0 Directory Publishing in March • 25,000 Copies! Contact Your Ad Rep Now for Rates 828.251.1333 • advertise@mountainx.com Presented by:

36 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

environmental news by Margaret Williams

added almost 50 private wells to the network of those it monitors in tracking the contamination, and a new round of tests will be done this month. Still, a quick perusal of upcoming events suggests that WNC residents are taking steps to build greater awareness of the challenges we all face.

Water-quality education

The Henderson County Cooperative Extension Service, in collaboration with the Environmental and Conservation Organization, will offer a six-week general-education course on water quality. Modeled after the popular Master Gardener classes, the series is aimed at the aquatically inclined, organizers say. It will cover the problems facing local streams and the solutions needed to slow and reverse stream degradation. The course is open to the public, but space is limited. And to cover costs, there’s a $20 registration fee. Starting Jan. 12, the six-week course will be held Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the ECO office on West Third Avenue in downtown Hendersonville. (Due to scheduling constraints, the final session will be held on Monday, Feb. 15, rather than Tuesday.) Topics include what makes a healthy stream, pollutants impacting streams, storm-water issues and water-quality monitoring. This course is aimed at volunteers involved in citizen water monitoring, stream cleanups, adopt-a-stream programs or other similar efforts, as well as landowners interested in protecting their property from stream degradation. To register, call the Cooperative Extension office at 697-4891.

Sustainable energy

The Blue Ridge Sustainability Institute continues its Green Monday series Jan. 11 from 3 to Eco Calendar for January 6 - 14, 2010 Christmas Tree Recycling Day • SA (1/9), 9am-2pm - Henderson County’s annual Christmas tree recycling event at Jackson Park. Christmas trees will be chipped into mulch, which will be available for free gathering (bring bag/box). Hot apple cider will be served. Info: 692-0385 or www.eco-wnc. org. ECO Events The Environmental and Conservation Organization is dedicated to preserving the natural heritage of Henderson County and the mountain region as an effective voice of the environment. Located at 121 Third Ave. West, Hendersonville. Info: 692-0385 or www.eco-wnc. org. • TH (1/7) - Walk Wise, Drive Smart. Enjoy an urban walk in Hendersonville. Info: (864) 457-6166 or www. walk-wise.org. • SA (1/9), 9am - Guided bird walk in Jackson Park. • 2nd TUESDAYS, 4:30pm - Recycling Committee meeting. Water Quality Master Class The Henderson County Cooperative Extension Service, in collaboration with ECO, the Environmental and Conservation Organization, presents a 6-week general

5 p.m. The series schedules brief presentations by local experts to encourage dialogue on sustainability issues. Last month’s Green Monday, for example, dealt with health concerns related to air quality. The opening panel discussion of 2010 will focus on energy, including local opportunities for sustainable bioenergy and how to integrate environmental, economic and social sustainability into the biofuels supply chain. Background information will help those in attendance get up to speed on such topics as feedstock production, harvesting, storage and transportation, as well as biofuels production, distribution and uses in transportation and power generation. Speakers will also address research on cane crops, forest products and biomass boilers. Green Mondays are free and open to the public, supported by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and a grant from Progress Energy. This month’s co-sponsors include Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Center for BioEnergy Sustainability and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Peak oil and climate change

The folks at Sustainable WNC, a local grassroots organization, are starting the year with a presentation by John Brock, professor of chemistry and environmental studies at Warren Wilson College. An expert on global warming, Brock will discuss that topic and the issue of peak oil Wednesday, Jan. 13, at 1 p.m. — and again on Sunday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. Both meetings will be held at Jubilee! in downtown Asheville, but organizers ask that you use the back entrance at 101 Patton Ave., next to Jack of the Wood. X Send your environmental news to mvwilliams@ mountainx.com, or call 251-1333, ext. 152. education course on water quality, focusing on different topics each week. $20. To register: 697-4891. Info: henderson.ces.ncsu.edu or www.eco-wnc.org. • TUESDAYS (1/12 through 2/15), 6:30-9:30pm - The water education course will be held at the ECO office on W. 3rd Ave, in downtown Hendersonville. WNC Alliance Members of the WNC Alliance and the public are invited to be agents of change for the environment. Info: 2588737 or www.wnca.org. • 2nd TUESDAYS, 6:30 pm - Meeting for Buncombe County members and the public at the WNC Alliance office, 29 N. Market St., Ste. 610, Asheville. Info: 2588737.

MORE ECO EVENTS ONLINE

Check out the Eco Calendar online at www.mountainx. com/events for info on events happening after January 14.

CALENDAR DEADLINE

The deadline for free and paid listings is 5 p.m. WEDNESDAY, one week prior to publication. Questions? Call (828)251-1333, ext. 365

mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 37

food

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Visit Our Family Restaurant Kuboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Downtown Asheville 38 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ mountainx.com

photos by Jonathan Welch

by Hanna Rachel Raskin Good, affordable organic food can be hard to find in Asheville. A case in point: Roots CafĂŠ, the extension of a highly successful sauce and dressing wholesaler, is tucked into a back corner of the River Arts District at an off-the-beaten-path address. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Honestly, people finding us has been the hardest part of getting the word out,â&#x20AC;? owner Matt Paris laments. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People will be right here and they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know it.â&#x20AC;? Compounding the confusion, Paris hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet put up a street-side sign that might function as a finish line for vagabond foodies. Like permanent tables and chairs, signage is still in the planning stages. â&#x20AC;&#x153;As the name implies, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re building from the ground up,â&#x20AC;? Paris says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Right now, with the way the economy is, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been impossible to get loans.â&#x20AC;? Paris is obviously self-conscious about the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s provisional feel. Heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d much prefer his patrons didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to perch on a weathered green-leather sofa, or balance their plates on folding TV trays. Offering a proactive apology, he adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m ready to accommodate people the way you would at any restaurant.â&#x20AC;? Go anyhow. Roots CafĂŠâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s supremely good fare makes the navigational trouble and funky seating arrangements more than bearable. Tolerant diners will probably even be charmed by the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s jerry-rigged dĂŠcor. Paris reports that Rootsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; customers have been â&#x20AC;&#x153;pretty flexible,â&#x20AC;? and after sampling most of the menu, I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wonder why. Paris jumped into the prepared-food busi-

ness about three years ago and now produces more than 2,000 pounds of pesto, hummus and salad dressing every week. The hummus is sold under the Roots label at grocery stores around town, but the remainder of the kitchenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all-natural, organic output is â&#x20AC;&#x153;anonymous,â&#x20AC;? meaning itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house-branded for markets such as EarthFare. Rootsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; thriving wholesale business creates two distinct advantages for cafĂŠ customers: First, it provides reliable verification of the restaurantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organic claims. As Paris explains, â&#x20AC;&#x153;As a wholesaler, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re USDA-inspected, so we have to show ingredients are what we say they are.â&#x20AC;? The wholesaling also helps keep costs down at the cafĂŠ. Since Paris is making tabouli and hummus for thousands of people, not the few dozen a weekday-only lunch counter might reasonably expect to serve, he can charge $7 for a generously portioned plate of lemonherb chicken, tabouli, hummus, olives and pita chips. The signature black-bean hummus, which is the best-selling appetizer for the Mellow Mushroom chain, is lovely: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fresh-tasting and well-balanced, with a welcome garlicky tang. Hummus really shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be hard, but an astounding number of restaurants somehow screw it up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re consistently told our hummus is the best people have ever had,â&#x20AC;? Paris says. Hummus is probably the most obviously organic item at Roots, which steers clear of stereotypically earth-friendly ingredients like tempeh, seitan and nutritional yeast. While the cafĂŠ offers a vegetarian version of every

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NOW OPEN! From The Top of the World To Our Table

Kathmandu Cafe TRADITIONAL HIMALAYAN CUISINE Nepalese and Tibetan food HIGHEST MOUNTAIN’S HERBS AND SPICES WITH OLDEST MOUNTAIN’S NATURAL STYLE PRODUCE. THE ONE AND ONLY IN THE CAROLINAS.

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lunch item, the menu reflects the traditional Southern sensibilities of chef Joshua Talley, who was previously the morning sous chef at Corner Kitchen. Talley’s influence shows up in Roots’ tender pulled pork, dressed with a vinegary-sweet house-made sauce (“It’s hard to get notoriety for that kind of thing when you’re not a barbecue joint,” Paris sighs) and pillowy breakfast biscuits. One naked Roots biscuit, soft as a cotton boll, could make a passable breakfast for many. But it’s better still when sandwiched around a patty of peppery local sausage and a delicate sheet of egg. Talley knows how to cook eggs. “Some people just can’t make eggs,” he says. “I’ve met them. You’ve got to pay attention to it. I’m yet to find an egg I can’t beat.” Talley’s skill and high-quality organic eggs conspire to make every egg a showstopper: The rich flavor of the egg in the Roots Bowl was more satisfying than the well-made sweetpotato hash, salsa and guacamole sharing the dish. I’m thrilled that Paris is considering adding huevos rancheros and eggs benedict to the menu, and even more pleased that Roots Café serves breakfast all day. But there is a lunch menu. Like breakfast, it consists of just six items, including the aforementioned hummus and barbecue plates. There’s also a very respectable burger made with beef from Everett Farms in Pisgah Forest, a gyro and a quesadilla, which was the least successful thing I ate at Roots: Smeared with lime-cilantro pesto, black bean hummus, chipotle aioli, guacamole and sour cream, the sandwich is an off-puttingly creamy mess. When I mentioned my reservations with Talley, he clear-

ly shared them: “Thank you very much,” he said. “When we started out, it was very simple. I’m yet to see a quesadilla with that much stuff in it.” “The quesadilla probably will get revamped,” Paris told me. “It is a bit much.” Perhaps my favorite lunch dish was the Thai Cobb, a salad of breathtakingly fresh baby spinach bathed in a zippy peanut dressing and garnished with one-quarter of an avocado, carrot, cashews and sesame seeds. I had a set of chicken skewers with my greens, although tofu’s an option too. What made the plate especially memorable were the quinoa hushpuppies, which Paris restrainedly describes as “little crack rocks.” The crunch-studded puppies were brilliant. And the crack analogy’s apt: Beyond the treat’s addictive properties, there can’t be too many other equally cheap, fun ways to get your superfood fix. “I don’t feel like good, wholesome food needs to be out of reach for people’s everyday budget,” Paris explains. “This is one of the main missions of this company: To make local and organic food affordable.” X Food writer Hanna Rachel Raskin can be reached at food@mountainx.com.

Roots Café 166 W. Haywood St. 232-2828 Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-3 p.m. $5-$7

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156 South Tunnel Rd., Asheville, NC 28805 (Overlook Village, across from Best Buy) 828-298-5001 • IndiaGardenOnline.com

mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 41

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ARTISAN CATERING AND DELI: The deli end of the Artisan operation has expanded its menu, hours and seating capacity with a recent move across Merrimon Avenue. According to a press release, the relocation to The Shoppes at Beaver Lake will allow the four-year-old north Asheville deli to “provide customers more of what they’ve come to expect.” “I take great pride in our ability to provide our customers with the best service possible,” the release quotes owner Mauricio Villa as saying. In addition to its deli lunches, Artisan now offers Saturday breakfast, fair-trade coffee, beer and wine. Artisan is open Mon.-Fri., 7 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sat., 8 a.m.-8 p.m. For more information, call 225-2777. THE BLACKBIRD: Early blackbirds get the free food at Black Mountain’s newest highstyle eatery, which is rolling out a pair of early winter specials. From 2:30-5:30 p.m., the restaurant is now serving a selection of complimentary bar snacks, including shoestring fries and chicken wings. And before the happy hour ends, the blue-plate special begins: From 4:30-6 p.m., $8 buys a protein, starch and vegetable. Two protein options are offered each day. The Blackbird is located at 10 E. Market St. in Cheshire Village. To learn more, call 6695556. IANNUCCI’S PIZZERIA & ITALIAN RESTAURANT: A south Asheville Italian restaurant is opening a second location in Hendersonville, a decision the owner attributed to having “more mouths to feed.” “My wife and I have been living in Hendersonville for the last three years,” John

Iannucci told the Hendersonville Times-News last month. “We just liked the community and we said we wanted to be here.” Iannucci’s father opened the first incarnation of the family restaurant at Innsbruck Mall in 1978; the restaurant’s been on Hendersonville Road since 1988. According to the Times-News report, the new restaurant, at 1508 Asheville Highway, will have the same menu and décor as the Asheville location. The Hendersonville Iannucci’s is scheduled to open later this month. To learn more, call 684-5050. MARCO’S TRATTORIA: The Italian-leaning Marco’s Trattoria in Brevard, which plans to celebrate its first anniversary next month, is hosting a Mediterranean wine dinner on Sunday, Jan. 18, in collaboration with Asheville’s Weinhaus. According to a press release, the five-course meal will feature chef/owner Mark Dambax’s “delicious and innovative cuisine,” which, on a typical night, includes wood-fired pizzas, venison osso bucco and roasted duck confit risotto. Tickets to the dinner are $60; for reservations, call 254-6453. TERRA SUMMER COOKING CLASS: Young gourmands who’d presumably snub any items identified as “kids’ food” are apparently more accepting of ooey-gooey dishes labeled “comfort food,” the theme for Terra Summer’s second parent-child cooking class. The environmentalist summer camp has tapped Mark Rosenstein and Barbara Swell to lead the Friday, Jan. 16, class, which runs from 2-5 p.m. The fee is $35 for each parent-child pair. Children must be aged 1014, and the class is limited to 20 children. To register, call 782-7842.

Send your food news to food@mountainx.com

42 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

barbeat Lexington Avenue Brewery The LAB is almost ready turn on the taps

One of the most-anticipated new venues in downtown Asheville is on the cusp of opening. At press time, the Lexington Avenue Brewery, complete with a brewing operation, a full-fledged pub and restaurant and a live-music space, planned a soft opening on Wednesday, Jan. 6. (That move follows an informal ribbon-cutting last week, pictured here.) Wednesday’s event won’t be open to the public, but if all goes well, the LAB will open its doors with full service on Thursday, Jan. 7, General Manager Joe Culpepper tells Xpress. If everything isn’t quite in order by then, he says, expect an opening imminently. The LAB is located at 39 N. Lexington Ave. For more information, call 252-0212, and look for grand-opening updates on the venue’s Facebook page: http:// bit.ly/8tBcpq. X

photos by alli marshall

mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 43

arts&entertainment Foresight and farsight

The self-taught art of Gabriel Shaffer by Alli Marshall It’s possible that visionary artist Gabriel Shaffer’s paintings are enchanted: Images of birds reportedly fly off the wall and “I had a painting returned to me because one lady claimed it was haunted,” the artist reveals. Then there’s a piece called “Plantation Escape Plan,” a 40 by 40-inch canvas featuring a a large and floating head, its hair and beard blue (like many of Shaffer’s characters), its troubled features also a map of collaged papers and labyrinthian twists. The painting is complex and vaguely disturbing; according to Shaffer, “It keeps coming back to me because it hasn’t found its owner yet.” Most of Shaffer’s paintings do find homes. Fittingly, so has Shaffer, who relocated to Asheville from Chicago half a decade ago. “I was coming out of a dark depression when I first came here,” he says. “I was nihilistic.” Despite the bright colors, pop-culture references and comic book leanings,” Shaffer’s paintings of a few years ago were decidedly angsty. Tiny eyes or extra eyes or horns perch on unwieldy and misshapen heads, skulls are tucked into corners, and works are christened with titles like “Her Faceless Empire” and “Black Holes and Sunflowers for Breakfast.” For those who’ve only known the artist for the past year (an exceptional year: he was selected by WNC Magazine for its On The Verge: 10 of the Best Emerging Artists in WNC issue and gallery show; named best artist in Xpress’ 2009 Best of WNC reader poll and, now, is hanging his first show at Asheville’s Blue Spiral 1 gallery) it’s probably difficult to correlate today’s upbeat and vivacious Shaffer with his anguished former self. But it was Shaffer who told ArtQuotes.net in 2006, “I have had various extreme experiences and visions throughout my life, that have shaped and motivated quite a bit of the reasoning behind my work. I suppose one of the major motivators for me comes from the opinion that mankind is on the verge of a conspired apocalyptic reckoning.” That’s an intense statement, but Shaffer, today, seems less focused on potential apocalypse; more focused on the future. “At that point, what I was purging was more personal in terms of what I had to get

who:

Gabriel Shaffer

what:

Exhibiting Fiat Lux collection of paintings in the New x Three show

where:

Blue Spiral 1

when:

Thursday, Jan. 7 (opening reception 5-8 p.m., show on exhibit through Sunday, March 21. bluespiral1.com or gabrielshaffer.com.)

through, he explains. “Art is a way of facing things are dealing with them. Now the external forces have changed: It’s more about the people around me than me.” Shaffer’s immediate surroundings have become integral to his work. Asheville, which he says “has given me a life,” is a muse in the newest series, such as the brilliantly Autumnal “Unto this World,” in which a Cherokee dressed in full regalia pauses just outside the Biltmore Estate gatehouse. Figures are tighter, more realistic in proportion. Human hands, trees, feathers and the textures of buildings are sharply rendered, showcasing Shaffer’s immense (if unschooled) skill. But even these new works, some of them consciously constructed to appeal to a wider audience — an audience that visits and purchases from the Blue Spiral — there are also layers of Shaffer’s unique vision and raw creativity. Shaffer calls the collection (which includes an image of the Thomas Wolfe stone angel) “A fantasy Asheville where time lays on top of itself. It’s Asheville Oz.” He continues, “It’s like a Pied Piper thing. My world, if I was to completely throw someone into it, would be too much. That’s why you have the cityscapes and the Thomas Wolfe thing. It’s not just pure weirdness,” he says. “Well, it might be weird for somebody who’s not accustomed to my stuff, but it’s not too far out there. There are a few pieces that are out there, but there are some with direct narratives that relate regionally. ... I’m trying to present a range in terms of approaches with the collage styles and subject matter,” he says. Backgrounds in the paintings — from a sultry winged and mermaid tailed siren in “A Forgotten Ode” to the tentacle-limbed, horned creature in “The Marble Feeder” (inspired by a childhood nightmare) — are constructed from layers and layers of found paper. This is Shaffer’s signature: Sometimes the collage (like in the mermaid’s tail) is a front-andcenter element of the work. Other times, the scraps almost disappear into the milieu — until a perceptive viewer notices an image or a word that leaps from the drone. Some paper work stands out, demanding to be included: In the Cherokee painting, Shaffer salvaged a fragment from a notebook dealing with Native American policy in relation to colonialism. Shaffer says, “With my background, I try to have a healthy dose of conscious thought, but the real unconscious activity goes on within the background process.” The scraps often come from religious books, found at Goodwill. But Shaffer’s salvaging has taken him into — perhaps appropriately, considering the mythological metaphors prominent in his work — some Cimmerian caverns. There are papers collected from alleyways and culled from a deserted mica mine (Shaffer’s first date with his now wife), there are medical ledgers from an abandoned building once part of the V.A. Hospital. Of the latter, Shaffer admits to feeling afraid, and — perhaps like the gloom that

44 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

Above, Shaffer at work on “The Healing Wheel Remains.” Below, “Of the Bright Masquerade.” top photo by jonathan welch

Accordion to illustration

“Lost Inside the Monster” haunted him when he first arrived in Asheville — happy not to go back. “I had a connection to that place and I don’t have to return,” he says of the spooky building. Still, the end justifies the means. “It opens up the ability for random things to come in that show me they belong when the piece is finished. Collectors will interact with a piece” and realize a specific message, meant for them alone — a piece of a ledger from the town they were born; a special date. According to the artist, “I feel like the pieces are working for me after they’re done.” Even with that supernatural assistance from his work, Shaffer’s task is a daunting one. His first “show” followed the Asheville flood of 2004. Jobless, the painter went with his mother (outsider artist Cher Shaffer) to a festival and set up an improptu parking-lot sale of his portfolio work. By January 2005, he’d sold all of his paper pieces and — even that early in the game — was

being sought out by collectors. Today, Shaffer’s work is owned by members of Aerosmith, Foo Fighters, Cat Power, Kid Rock and (this one came as a surprise to the artist himself) Texas Senator Wendy Davis. Not only does he aspire to rise in regional and national prominence and support is family through his work, but the artist wants to put his adopted hometown on the map. “It’s important for those of us here now, making work, that if we’re going to continue to make this place viable as an arts destination, we’ve got to really go balls to the wall. It’s the best small arts city in the [eastern U.S.] right now; it’s the Santa Fe of the East.” He adds, “I feel indebted to the place. Everyone supports [my art] so that gives me a feeling of okay, I’ve got to carry through.” X Alli Marshall can be reached at amarshall@ mountainx.com.

Carrboro-based artist Phil Blank is a man of many talents. He plays accordion and tenor banjo in the Klezmer quartet Gmish, his journal reads like a graphic novel and his excellent caricature-like artwork graced past issues of Xpress. (He’s also designed cover art for the band Regina Hexaphone and worked in collaboration with poet/ singer Ben Hartlage on the “Frozen Songs” series — as a painter, not a fellow musician.) Blank and his wife are fans of Asheville and actually winter here. Yes, that’s counter-intuitive: Head toward the snowy, chilly mountains during the coldest months, but such is Blank’s enthusiasm for WNC. This year, the January sojourn makes sense, though, as Blank’s work will hang in Blue Spiral’s New x Three exhibit. View his work in the gallery’s street level-showroom. Info: philblank.net. X

mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 45

arts

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;You could feel the chemistryâ&#x20AC;?

Brevard-based Steep Canyon Rangers hit it big in 2009 with a new record and a Steve Martin collaboration by Jason Sandford www.amerifolk.com 64 Biltmore Avenue â&#x20AC;˘ Downtown Asheville 828.281.2134 Open 7 Days a Week

For the Steep Canyon Rangers, 2009 was a remarkable year. The Brevard-based band â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Woody Platt (guitar and lead vocals), Graham Sharp (banjo, harmony vocals), Mike Guggino (mandolin and harmony vocals), Charles R. Humphrey III (bass and harmony vocals) and Nicky Sanders (fiddle and harmony vocals) â&#x20AC;&#x201D; released its fourth studio album, Deep in the Shade, for Rebel Records. It hit the top 10 on the Billboard bluegrass albums chart in October and rose to No. 3, the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highest Billboard chart spot to date. Mid-year, the band hooked up with comedian and banjo player Steve Martin for a tour that took them everywhere from Carnegie Hall to the Ryman Auditorium. The collaboration unleashed a tidal wave of publicity. Martin and the band scored appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman and The View, as well as NPRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s World Cafe. In September, the band hosted its own Mountain Song Festival in Brevard. Martin, who was a surprise guest in 2008, was on the bill in â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;09. The four-year-old event sold out. And by yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s end, the Steep Canyon Rangers wrapped up a 16-show tour in Germany with two other bands. Platt recently took time to talk with Xpress about the past year and whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next for the Steep Canyon Rangers.

who:

The Steep Canyon Rangers (with The Freight Hoppers)

what:

Brevard-based band keeps building on breakout year in 2009

where:

The Orange Peel

when:

Friday, Jan. 8 (8 p.m. $14 in advance, $16 at the door. theorangepeel.net)

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46 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ mountainx.com

Mountain songs: The Rangers jam with Steve Martin earlier this year. photo by daniel coston

On the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s past year: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We had a special year. We thought we started really strong in January. We were on the verge of releasing a new record, and we were excited about where the Steep Canyon Rangers were. Then the Steve Martin thing kind of just happened, and that changed things a lot because it was so unexpected. It made for an exciting twist to a year that was going so well.â&#x20AC;? On connecting with Steve Martin: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My older brother has been friends with Steveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife for a long time, dating way back. Her family vacations in Brevard, and Steve came along and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how we met. We got invited to an informal jam session a couple of years ago, and that led to Steve wanting to come to [the Mountain Song Festival]. Steve did a few tunes and I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where it really clicked. We gave him a good base to play his music on, and you could feel the chemistry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;About six months later, he just called and said his record was coming out and he asked us to play with him in L.A., then in New York, and it went straight from there.â&#x20AC;? On the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s goals: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aside from trying to make music that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud of, I think we want to help take bluegrass to new audiences, and this year, we did that. On the Steve Martin tour, I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell you how many people came up to us and said, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;This is my first bluegrass concert.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; But weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always tried to do that. We would play anywhere. We would jump into the darkest, smokiest bar and play at 11 at night, then drive and play an after-church gig. We havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let any sort of genre restrictions keep

a boundary on us. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been fun and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud of that.â&#x20AC;? On the state of bluegrass: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think of it in two ways. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s everywhere and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thriving at one point. But then you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really know if the audience is there. The fact that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a small, niche market I think is really wonderful. But as someone who makes a living at it, I wish it could be more mainstream. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s American music. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roots music. And itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun to play and fun to watch.â&#x20AC;? On songwriting: â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have really good songwriters. Graham and Charles treat songwriting like a job. They love it , but they do it all the time, so we have a lot to pick from. Also, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a band, so everybodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice is heard all the time, so I feel thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot of collective effort to what we do.â&#x20AC;? On whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s next: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll probably get back in the studio. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to balance our schedule in a new way and try to raise the level of gigs we play as a whole and see if we can take it to the next level as a business. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve managed to keep everybody heading for the same goals, for the most part, and focused and excited. And weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve managed to make a living at it. The bottom line is weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re really good friends. I think thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s our hidden secret â&#x20AC;&#x201D; our friendship is deep. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m proud of what we have and I think all of us understand that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky.â&#x20AC;? X Contact Jason Sandford at 251-1333, ext. 115 or jsandford@mountainx.com

arts

music

Wild Ones

Those Darlins head for the Grey Eagle by Brian McGee Those Darlins play kick-ass rock and roll. Period. With Link Wray-style guitar riffs, three-piece harmonies delivered with a Loretta Lynn “Fist City” swagger, and songs full of booze, family, sex and food, Those Darlins are plowing their own row through rock ‘n’ roll history. If there is an unofficial list of things one should do in life, having unrestrained good times should probably be at the top. Those Darlins seem to have mastered the concept and made it part of the band’s mission. “A lot of our music has to do with energy, and since we’ve been a band and until we take ourselves too seriously, our goal is to get people to have fun. Music is fun, and you should just relax, let loose and have fun ... If you’re going to go to any show and act like an idiot, ours is definitely the one. Because no one is going to be bigger idiots than we are.” Those Darlins hit the stage stomping, swinging instruments, pulsing and pogoing and don’t stop until they crash into a dancing audience or end up in a pile of feedback and drums on the floor. The genesis of the band reads a bit like an updated all-girl version of 1979’s Rock n’ Roll High School: Nikki, Jessi and Kelley Darlin

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who:

Those Darlins

where:

Girls just wanna have fun: Those Darlins share a common last name, raucous live stage moves and killer songwriting chops. photo by david mcclister

The Grey Eagle

when:

Thursday, Jan. 7 (8:30 p.m., $7. thegreyeagle.com) met through the Southern Girls Rock & Roll Camp in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Jessi and Kelley first met there (the camp is part of a national music and education organization that seeks to build girls’ self-esteem), and the two returned year after year. One summer Nikki showed up, and the three young Southern women with a common love for the Carter Family and the Beatles started a band. By 2006, Those Darlins (not to be confused with The Darlings from The Andy Griffith Show) had taken on a common name (think the Ramones, the White Stripes), were writing their own songs and released a self-titled record on their own record label, Oh Wow Dang Records. The album features country-

politan string arrangements, saxophone and that same wild abandon from the band’s live shows, along with drummer Sheriff Lin rounding out the sound. Those Darlins (each Darlin contributes to the songwriting) understand how to put together a great two- to three- minute song. Songs like “Wild One,” “Snaggle Tooth Mama” and “The Whole Damn Thing” could easily have been written 80-plus years ago, yet remain free of clichés. Their lyrics relate to where these three musicians grew up. “I think the reason that I connected to it (country music) so much, was realizing how much I had in common with these people,” says Jessi. “It was like ‘Oh, this makes so much more sense than all this complicated, over-educated white indie rock crap that I’ve been listening to.’ All of a sudden I found myself wanting to listen to completely simple, stripped down, bare-bones music about everyday people and everyday life.”

Not that Those Darlins have been spending much time at home experiencing everyday life. The band toured for most of last year, playing 140 shows, including many supporting acts like Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys and the King Khan & BBQ Show. The band began as a three-piece: just acoustic guitar, baritone ukulele and electric bass. The more shows the musicians played, the more they wanted to drive their songs louder and faster. The progression of Those Darlins is like a quick roundup of rock, from early ‘50s rockabilly to The Beatles to Creedence Clearwater Revival to (as already established) The Ramones. And the evolution is still in progress: Of the group’s next album Jessi surmises, “It’ll definitely be a little more raunchy and loud, but it will probably not be a lo-fi garage rock record. We’re still gonna add some weird stuff to it and try and be creative with it.”

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Hair & Clothes by Wink Model: Haven

mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 47

arts

books

Crossing over

MariJo Moore’s The Boy with a Tree Growing from His Ear and Other Stories by Tommy Kerr “This is more of a mainstream type of book,” explains author MariJo Moore, referring to her newest publication, The Boy with a Tree Growing from His Ear and Other Stories (rENEGADE pLANETS Publishing, 2009). Those who have not yet encountered her stories naturally assume that she means it is more traditional and conventional — and from Moore’s perspective it probably is. But readers familiar with the award-winning writer’s work will first consider the source. They know that when Moore’s complex characters and plots start down a middle-of-the-road path, the literary journey soon straddles the mundane mortal world and the phantasmagoric realm of spirits, phantoms and paranormal activity. So when Moore says “It’s my crossover book,” many readers wonder whether she is talking about a simple shift in genre, or the phenomenon of crossing over from the land of the living into the domain of the dead. After all, Moore is not just a gifted wordsmith, but she was also born with what she describes as “the gift.” While she is renowned as a writer, she is also a clairvoyant. Many of Moore’s poems are, in fact, inspired by lucid dreams or mystic visions. But The Boy with a Tree Growing from His Ear and Other Stories is considered her crossover,

Moore says, “because it’s not just about American Indians.” Moore has been celebrated for her Native American novels and stories, earning a variety of accolades. With this new book, Moore says she did not focus exclusively on stories of indigenous people. “Although most of the stories are set in the mountains of North Carolina — and one even takes place inside downtown Asheville’s own Malaprop’s Bookstore — they don’t stick to any particular concept other than my own eccentricity,” says Moore. Doris Seale, author of Blood Salt and Ghost Dance, and co-editor of Through Indian Eyes and A Broken Flute, reviewed the stories and described them as a “unique and beautiful collection” that calls upon the reader “to see the world, and existence, as something much more mysterious, and strange, than we are accustomed to, or are willing to believe in.” The imagery-rich book — which Moore says she regards as a kind of theatrical production set to words on paper — is also illustrated with vivid pictures that were chosen because, as she explains, “I see so many images when I am writing; I thought it would be a refreshing idea to add artwork. Some of the stories are even built around a particular piece of art, such as ‘Darkness,’ which is about a serial killer of Italian descent who is obsessed with Caravaggio’s ‘David with the Head of Goliath.’” So even as she ventures into “mainstream” territory, Moore’s artistic inspiration continues to be mysterious, her characters retain their colorful quirkiness and her creative appetite remains strong. “Right now I am working with Sharon Oxendine on a new book titled Red Earth Rites,” Moore says. The book is about Oxendine’s spiritual healing and Moore’s own spiritual journey, and will include information on rites of passage and rituals for healers. “If I am not creating, I am stagnating,” says Moore, “and a stagnating soul is a starving soul.” X Tommy Kerr is a freelance writer based in Alexander, N.C.

Portrait by Pete Sanfaçon

who:

MariJo Moore

what:

Author and storyteller reads from and sign copies of The Boy with a Tree Growing from His Ear and Other Stories

where:

Malaprop’s

when:

Friday, Jan. 8 (7 p.m., free. malaprops.com)

w i s h i n g y o u p e a c e, l o v e a n d j o y in the new year aUggU[Y ZUW]U`g bU]`g []Zh WYfh]Z]WUhYg 8ckbhckb. Gcih\. )- <UmkccX Gh" 6]`hacfY DUf_ Hkc Hckb GeiUfY 6`jX" ,&,"&)'"'&&& ,&,"*,+",+*$ gYbg]V]`]h]Yg!gdU"Wca

48 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

artillery

GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SALE

Wooing at the wheel, and more: Odyssey Center offers new classes for the new year

Saturday, January 16th - 9am - 5pm Sunday, January 17th - 12 - 5pm

by Ursula Gullow

by Ursula Gullow For those of you who just can’t shake that scene from Ghost — the one where Patrick Swayze’s apparition cozies up to Demi Moore while she works at her potter’s wheel — Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts (in Asheville’s River Arts District) is your kind of place. The studio is offering clay “date nights” every Friday evening, where couples (and singles) are invited to experience the sensual aspects of clay. Says Brian McCarthy, director of Odyssey, “It just seems like a good fit to the unique lifestyle of Asheville.” Initially the building was home to Highwater Clays, established by Brian and Gail McCarthy in 1979. When Highwater relocated in 1994, the McCarthys, who own the building and have played a large role in cultivating the neighborhood, decided to turn the space into a mecca for ceramic artists. “The potter in me wanted to show what clay was all about to as many different people as possible,” Brian says. “I thought there was an opportunity here to create a creative community. That’s really what’s behind it.” The center is a visual feast for ceramic lovers and offers much for the novice to learn from. Hundreds of unglazed bisque-ware forms sit on wooden shelves that hang high on the walls, while the completed works of resident and studio artists are on display throughout the center. A small gallery, a library, and a supply store complete this vast resource for anyone interested in clay. Wooing at the wheel is just one of Odyssey’s programs. In fact, this month the center starts a new session of classes and it’s not too late to register. The classes offer instruction in techniques such as tile design, surface decoration and making faces in clay. Or try kids classes and a Martin Luther King Clay Day program all day on Monday, Jan. 18. Not just for beginners, Odyssey offers a twoyear artist residency program. Six ceramic artists are selected from all over the country for their talent and willingness to be engaged in a community setting. Brian chooses the resident artists. “We try to keep a balance between sculpture and utilitarian work, as well as a gender balance,” he says. In exchange for facilities and private studios, resident artists are expected to help with cleanup and monitoring the center. (Perhaps

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Asheville’s Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts in the River District draws nationallyrecognized artists for its workshops — here, work from Janis Mars Wunderlich. that’s why the most surprising thing to discover upon entering the expansive space of Odyssey Center for Ceramic Arts is how clean it is. The dust and slop that one generally associates with clay studios is hard to find in this industrious and inviting establishment located on Clingman Ave.) “What’s good about this place is that you have a variety of ways to be involved,” says Patty Bilbro, a resident artist who will also be teaching a class this semester called “Lips, Bellies, and Feet.” “They get a lot of interesting and well-known artists in to give critiques and instruction,” says Bilbro. Inspired by visiting artists such as Kathy King and Paul Wandless, Bilbro began incorporating line drawings onto her high-fired stoneware pots during her residency. “I’ve been here over a year and my work has changed dramatically,” she says. You don’t have to be a resident artist or a student, however, to reap the benefits of Odyssey. The center rents out private studios, shelf space, potters wheels, and space in its 8 electric kilns (and an outdoor kiln yard which houses a raku kiln, a soda/salt kiln and one gas reduction kiln) to artists in the community. Learn more at www.highwaterclays.com. X

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mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 49

junker’sblues

by Whitney Shroyer

Never Leave Junk on the Table, Part 2: The mystery phone call Find affordable style at Adorn

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When we last left the junker, he’d just visited the condominium of a recently widowed woman. She was divesting the trappings of her culturally active life with her husband, including hundreds of vinyl records. Most were no longer in vogue, but the junker set aside a number of still indemand LPs to determine a fair price. A deal was struck — the entire collection would be taken, in return for the price on the “good” records. The junker, short on funds, time and car space, agreed to return the following day to complete the deal. We join the story the following morning. The next day I started figuring out logistics. Three-thousand albums don’t just pack themselves. It was doubtful that I was going to be able to score an adequate number of whiskey boxes from the ABC stores to make my haul. The number of records in question seemed to call for a trip to U-Haul, for some marvelously LP shaped “small boxes.” Was it going to take two trips? It was going to take two trips. After getting out of the shower, I had a message on my cell phone. I doubted it was my client — she had a doctor’s appointment that morning; we weren’t scheduled to connect until early afternoon. The number was different than hers, anyway. And the voice on the message was male. “This call regards the records you looked at yesterday. There’s been a misunderstanding. They’re not for sale. Thank you. Goodbye.” I quickly called my client’s number. No answer. I left a hasty message, asking for a call back. Who knows what I said? Probably “Blahbity wah wah whine whine why?” Then I was left alone with my thoughts. The anonymous message made no sense. There’d been no misunderstanding — the ownership of the collection was not in question, and she was ready to be rid of the records. We’d parted on fabulous, friendly

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illustration by NATHanael Roney

terms — we had the definition of an understanding. There was no way the deal could have gone south. But I kept thinking back to that stack of records sitting next to the stairwell, away from the shelves of lesser stuff. I might as well have written “THESE ARE THE ONES WITH RESALE VALUE” in glitter glue on a piece of poster board, stuck it on top, and strung flashing Christmas lights on them. Knowing the difference between a good record and a bad one is one of the few marketable skills I have, and if someone had pulled a fast one on me, I’d given away hours of that skill for free. But that level of rip-off just didn’t make sense — I’ve had people try to get free appraisals before and the previous day was just not one of those occasions. I hope you’ll give me credit for waiting another hour before calling her again. I still got no answer. But about an hour later, I got a phone call — a new number, this time from a friend of my client, the antique dealer who’d put me in touch with her in the first place. He told me how sorry my client was, but that she was too embarrassed to talk to me. Then he explained the situation. Her son-in-law, also an Asheville resident, had stopped by to visit her that evening. He was returning home from a business trip. When he’d found out she was selling the records, he grew covetous. Claimed he’d

always wanted them, that they were valuable family heirlooms, and that he couldn’t believe she was selling them from under him. She retorted that he’d put off looking at them for years now, only cared about them because now somebody else did, and that she was tired of them being there. So she’d taken her own matters into her own hands. The deal was done and that was that. He disagreed, played the family card, and doubtlessly impugned my kind’s business integrity. So she gave in — had no choice really — this was a family thing, and she had to live with him, not me. But she insisted he get the records out of the house the same day I would have (that must have been one cheery load out), and that he would be the one to tell me that the deal was off. I got the sense that no one but the sonin-law was satisfied the situation, but that was that. The records were out of pocket. My head was full of self-scolds. How could I just leave a stack of goodies at her house? I should have at least put some money down and taken the ones I wanted! I could have come back and gotten the duffers the next day. Surely I could have silver-tongued that! Was I too trusting, or just stupid? This is why you leave no junk behind. Two days later I got another call from the anonymous number. X

junker’sblues

by Whitney Shroyer 20 Years of Serving the Greater Asheville Area

Never Leave Junk on the Table, Part 3: Enter the Fop I tried for about ten minutes more to find something to go with it, but I’d done too good a job at my client’s condo – the cupboard was bare, and I wasn’t giving this fellow any money for the dregs. When he came out to see how I was doing, he seemed genuinely surprised that I was finished. It was, after all, a lot of records. I held up the Zappa and said I’d take it. “That’s all you want?” The fop said, giggling to himself. He actually seemed very pleased. His scarf shimmied and his hat brimmed. “I guess it’s a dollar.” “No. I’m taking it. For services rendered,” I said, walked out of the garage, got in my car, and drove home. That’s why you never leave junk on the table — you never know when some other guy will come along and eat the meal you cooked. Still, this wasn’t the last I’d see of those particular records. Tune in next time for one final twist in the tale of the Records That Wouldn’t Die. X

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A few days after the original deal went south, I got another phone call from the son-in-law. He was looking to sell a sizable portion of the collection, and he’d gone through the records and found the ones he was interested in keeping, he said. He hoped that I’d come over and make an offer on the rest. I should have given up at this point. I knew that everything I’d dug for, set aside, and organized into priority piles was a lost cause. I’d scoped, but now I was scooped. All he would be offering were the rejects. But knowing when to give up chasing records is a lesson I still haven’t learned, maybe never will, and who knew, maybe he was a big Rodgers & Hammerstein fan. But the records had moved. They were now in at his place, in North Asheville, in a house near the grounds of the Grove Park Inn. I arrived on the Groveskirts of town in the early afternoon. I was greeted at the front door by a short man dressed early 21st Century fop. He wore a long leather coat, a fancy pilot’s scarf and a brown, wide-brimmed fedora. Although I could have been seeing him through junkolded eyes, his expression looked like someone who’d recently made a serious meal of canaries. “I’m glad you’re coming to take some of these off my hands,” he said. “They’re a bit more than I can handle.”

He stepped out onto the large porch and said that the records were around back. We rather pointedly did not walk through the house to get there and instead had to trudge through the muddy driveway. Inside a stand-alone garage, stacked in rows, were about 25 U-Haul small boxes. He explained that these were the ones he was hoping to part with, and then offered me a milk crate to sit on. When I’d looked through these records at his mother-inlaw’s home, she’d offered ginger ale, good light, warmth and pleasant conversation. Context really is everything – I really didn’t want to look at these records again. But I started to open up the boxes. He went back into the house — my barely suppressed hostility was probably no fun to be around. This was just as well. It only took about 20 minutes to verify my suspicions. These were the records I’d left on the shelves. I couldn’t find any I had set aside. He’d kept the cherries I’d picked. Now he was trying to sell me my own rejects. But I kept digging, because, you never, know, maybe I missed something the first time around. And, oddly, I came across a copy of Frank Zappa’s Hot Rats. I’d missed it digging through the first round. Didn’t fit the rest of the collection’s profile, which is possibly why I missed it. Not a great record, but I was in the market for a copy — mine was a Reprise label repress, this was a Bizarre label original. I set it aside.

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mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 51

smartbets Newsworthy Drawing Club book launch

The Newsworthy Drawing Club was started by artist Julie Armbruster and designer R. Brooke Priddy. It’s grown to be a collective of local artists who meet weekly; the group is set to debut its second annual handbound and illustrated book, Newsworthy (drawings based on factual news reports). To celebrate, area musicians have composed songs inspired by the artwork. Folk singer Angi West, indie-folk trio Now You See Them and Just Die! frontman Matt Evans will all perform at the Newsworthy opening reception at Harvest Records Friday, Jan. 8, 7 p.m. (the show remains on display through January). Info: 242-1378 or newsworthydrawingclub@gmail.com.

Asheville Vaudeville

Think of it as a monthly comedy injection: highly recommended during the dark, wintry months ahead. Asheville Vaudeville returns to the BeBe Theatre (20 Commerce St.) with a dozen or so performances by the likes of “irritainer” Cookie LaRue, Tom the Magician, Sophie the Wonder Dog, Bretian the Hungarian accordionist, comedian Thomas Butler, master of ceremonies Baron Von Sneeden and more. (Read a review at Xpress’ theatre blog, mountainx. com/theatre.) Shows are the first Thursday of each month. Check it out Jan. 7, 7:30 and 10 p.m. $12 advance (tickets at Malaprop’s), $15 at the door. ThomasButler77@yahoo. com or 910-540-1770.

Nothing to Prove

Bluesman Mac Arnold’s first band included James Brown on piano. The S.C.-based musician recorded with Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker, played bass for Otis Redding and B.B. King. Then he left it all behind to become a farmer. Documentary filmmaker Stan Woodward captures Arnold’s comeback in Nothing to Prove: The Story of Mac Arnold’s Return to the Blues. The premier screening takes place at White Horse Black Mountain on Friday, Jan. 8, 8 p.m. $3. whitehorseblackmountain.com or 669-8216.

Club phone numbers are listed in Clubland in the (828) area code unless otherwise stated; more details at www. mountainx.com/clubland. Send your Smart Bet requests in to ae@mountainx.com for consideration by the Monday the week prior to publication.

52 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

TRUE

BLUE

Bowerbirds and Julie Doiron

Chapel Hill-based Bowerbirds live a charmed dual life. When onstage/life partners Beth Tacular and Phil Moore aren’t touring, they’re living off the grid and hand-building a cabin. And, though the band’s sophomore effort, Upper Air, maintains Bowerbirds’ sacred nature themes, the new album is also a departure. Ethereal name aside, these are earthy and emotional songs with fleshed-out presence and immediacy — yet that sweetness Bowerbirds are known for? Yes, it’s still there. Canadian indie musician Julie Doiron opens the Tuesday, Jan. 12 show at The Grey Eagle. 8 p.m. $10. thegreyeagle.com.

TOOLS FOR ART 251.0028

30 HAYWOOD ST. • ASHEVILLE

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Baby Cowboy

Local roots trio Baby Cowboy’s sound — haunting slide, thumbing standup bass and spooky-hoarse lyrics — conjures images of a lawless and dusty frontier of sorts. The band names “vintage tape echo” and “old typewriters” among its influences (also Bob Dylan, Gillian Welch, Gram Parsons), but odd inspiration seems to pay off in a style that’s at once rough-edged and tightlyrehearsed. Fronted by Julian Sikes, the talented and prolific finalist in the recent Brown Bag songwriter competition, the band plays Jack of the Wood on Saturday, Jan. 9. 9:30 p.m. $5. jackofthewood.com.

Telic

Every other musical genre, when run through the Asheville amalgam of hybrids and hyphens, comes out with a distinctively edgy stamp. So why not metal? Telic may not have added a sitar or a Theramin to its repertoire, but the band does boast “unconventional song writing,” textured and layered sounds and all the energy and drive of serious hardcore. Telic celebrates the release of its new EP, Arctic Wasteland, at The Boiler Room on Friday, Jan. 8. Merzah, Convalescence, and Your Chance to Die also perform. 9 p.m. $7. thegrovehouse.com/ashevilleunderground.

mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 53

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soundtrack

local music reviews

The Honeycutters: Sweet, sharp country

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The Honeycutters skip twang and cliché, but still might leave you crying in your beer.

by Alli Marshall Bands must love Jack of the Wood: The downtown bar comes with a built-in crowd that often fills the venue to capacity on Friday and Saturday nights. But guaranteed crowd doesn’t mean guaranteed supporters, so, at a recent Honeycutters show, the relatively new country act made quick work of turning a room full of strangers into fast fans. (Guitarist Peter James went so far to point out that the show was the band’s second as a full outfit and that Jack of the Wood is the venue they want to play.) The band, fronted by singer/songwriter Amanda Anne Platt, started its set with the churn and minor key of “Mr. Cody,” a dark and foreboding number (“I hear you waiting outside in your red Chevrolet, just the sound of the engine makes me feel so afraid”) with a Johnny Cash-like bass line. The song — that one and others, like spooky “Boneyard” and driving, twangy “Marie” — says country in the sincerest sense, but the Honeycutters aren’t afraid to push the boundaries. Theirs is not a sound of wild experimentation, but instead of wrench-tight arrangements and tasteful embellishments. Spencer Taylor’s mandolin plays closer to jazz than bluegrass, his solos flirt with psychedelia. Bassist Ian Harrod lends harmonies here and there and can turn on a dime from structured bottom-end notes to downright flashy solos. James provides a solid foundation and his backup vocals flesh out each song. The guitarist’s high harmonies are a nice complement to Platt’s low and dusky singing voice and, it’s worth noting, that as good as the Honeycutter’s recently released album, Irene,

54 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

sounds through headphones, the band sounds even better live. One thing about the Honeycutters is that they’re genuine. Aside from excellent musicianship there’s no unnecessary glitter to this band. For all the shuffling two-step beats, there’s nary a pearly button shirt nor a Stetson to be found. Platt is the one performer on stage in Western boots, and hers are hidden under jeans. The other thing is the song writing: These are universal songs that breathe new life into mundane ideas. “The tattooed angel on my chest is faded and I’m still waiting with these ribbons in my hair. Well baby, that don’t hardly seem fair,” Platt sings on the slow waltz “On My Mind.” Many of the Honeycutters songs are wistful if not nostalgic, but Platt and the band aren’t afraid to pick up the tempo (”In the Money,” “Waiting in the Morning”) or to test drive new material. When introducing new piece “Ain’t it the Truth,” Platt revealed that the song was inspired by Jack of the Wood’s also-new Truth beer. “They say I’d have to be a fool to love you like I do,” the frontwoman sings on the honky tonk-inspired tune. There’s a worn and comfortable feel to each number, instantly familiar like a chestnut from the the heyday of Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline. And while the Honeycutters are no throwback act, their songs are ones that, if people still packed quarters into jukeboxes, would wear grooves in the records. The Honeycutters play The Highland Brewery tasting room on Jan. 15 and the Old Fairview Southern Kitchen on Jan. 22. Full schedule at myspace.com/thehoneycutters. X

clubland

where to find the clubs â&#x20AC;˘ what is playing â&#x20AC;˘ listings for venues throughout Western North Carolina C lubland rules â&#x20AC;˘To qualify for a free listing, a venue must be predominately dedicated to the performing arts. Bookstores and cafĂŠs with regular open mics and musical events are also allowed. â&#x20AC;˘To limit confusion, events must be submitted by the venue owner or a representative of that venue. â&#x20AC;˘Events must be submitted in written form by e-mail (clubland@mountainx.com), fax, snail mail or hand-delivered to the Clubland Editor Aiyanna Sezak-Blatt at 2 Wall St., Room 209, Asheville, NC 28801. Events submitted to other staff members are not assured of inclusion in Clubland. â&#x20AC;˘Clubs must hold at least TWO events per week to qualify for listing space. Any venue that is inactive in Clubland for one month will be removed. â&#x20AC;˘The Clubland Editor reserves the right to edit or exclude events or venues. â&#x20AC;˘Deadline is by noon on Monday for that Wednesdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s publication. This is a firm deadline.

Wed., January 6 Back Room

Open mic Beacon Pub

Open jam Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Open mic Boscoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports Zone

Shag dance Broadwayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s Night, 10pm Club 828

Jack Of The Wood Pub

Vincenzoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bistro

Old Time Jam, 6pm

Marc Keller (variety)

Non-stop rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am

Mo-Daddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar & Grill

Waynesville Waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n Hole

Firestorm Cafe and Books

Mardi Gras party w/ Mystic Mountain Krewe (costumes encouraged) & Ralph Roddenbery (folk, rock)

Bluegrass jam

Firestorm poetry slam

Westville Pub

Five Fifty Three

Jamminâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; with Funky Max

Steve Wolrab & guests (jazz, guitar)

Crystal Kind (cosmic reggae)

Thu., January 7

Frankie Bones

Old Fairview Southern Kitchen

Athenaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club

French Broad Brewery Tasting

Nine Mile

Hip-hop open mic Elaineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dueling Piano Bar

Non-stop rockâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am Eleven on Grove

Zydeco dance & lessons Firestorm Cafe and Books

Red Collar (rock, indie) w/ Last Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Men & Amo Joy (psychedelic, indie) Frankie Bones

Chris Rhodes (singer/songwriter) Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Chris Rhodes (singer/songwriter)

Bluegrass jam night, 7pm

DJ night

Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge

Back Room

Ten Cent Poetry (classical folk)

Hits & Shits w/ Jamie Hepler

Dave Desmelik Trio (Americana)

Garage at Biltmore

Red Stag Grill

Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Sequoyah Prep School (Southern rock)

Bobby Sullivan (blues, rock, standards)

Paul Cataldo (Americana, country)

Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Rocket Club

BoBo Gallery

Those Darlins (pop) w/ Kovacs and the Polar Bear & If You Wannas

Room

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Super dance partyâ&#x20AC;? feat: Adam Strange & Crick Nice DJ

Dylan Sneed (folk, rock, acoustic) & Nikki Talley (indie, singer/songwriter)

The Hookah Bar

Boscoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sports Zone

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm

Open Mic w/ Sven Hooson

Open mic & jam

Tolliverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Crossing Irish Pub

Club 828

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;80s night

Hip-hop & DJ night

Handlebar

Town Pump

Courtyard Gallery

Fred Eaglesmith (country) w/ Baker Maultsby

Open Mic w/ David Bryan

Open mic w/ Jarrett Leone

Tressaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Downtown Jazz and

Decades Restaurant & Bar

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm

Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Blues

Jazz piano w/ Garnell Stuart

Infusions Lounge

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm

Live music

Elaineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dueling Piano Bar

Live music

7HITE (ORSE IS -OUNTAIN 8Â´S "EST -USIC 6ENUE OF

"LACK -OUNTAIN 3WANNANOA 6ALLEY ~ Friday 1/8 ~

Film- NothiNg to prove mac Arnoldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Story w/ live Blues â&#x20AC;˘ 8 pm â&#x20AC;˘ $3 Featuring live music by mac Arnold himself!

~ Saturday 1/9 ~

AkirA SAtAke BANd 8 pm â&#x20AC;˘ $12

~ Sunday 1/10 ~

SportS SuNdAy on the megA Screen

Bar opens at 12:30 â&#x20AC;˘ $10 Six packs â&#x20AC;˘ No Cover

~ tuesday 1/12 ~ 6:30 pm - CeltiC SeSSioNS 8:30 pm - opeN mike Night with parker Brooks â&#x20AC;˘ No Cover

~ Friday 1/15 ~

kAt williAmS 8 pm â&#x20AC;˘ $10

~ Saturday 1/16 ~

holy ghoSt teNt revivAl Supercharged Americana â&#x20AC;˘ 8 pm â&#x20AC;˘ $10

828-669-0816

whitehorseblackmountain.com

thurSday, january 7

SuperStar runner environMentally ConSCiouS indie pop

Handlebar

Selah Dubb (roots, rock, reggae) w/ The Carolina Trio Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Thur. 1/7

FreegraSS revival BluegraSS aMeriCana Saturday, january 9

Silver dagger BluegraSS MOnday january 11 & tueSday jan. 12

Those Darlins and Kovacs & The Polar Bear 8:30pm

Fri. 1/8

Suttree w/ Pilgrim and Angela Faye Martin 9pm

SaT. 1/9

Robinella & Rob Ickes 9pm

friday, january 8

Sun. 1/10 TueS. 1/12

Brittney reilly Band

Wed. 1/13

SundayS: $1.50 Beerâ&#x20AC;˘ MondayS: $1 Beer wed: open MiC night, 8:30pM w/ david Bryan

Thur. 1/14

Fifth House

Midlake

with Sarah Jaffe 8:30pm

Bowerbirds

with Julie Doiron 8pm

Ryan Montbleau Band with Yarn 8:30pm

Catie Curtis

with Lindsay Mac 8pm

Open SundayS nOOn- Midnight MOn. - wed. 3pM - Midnight thurS. - Sat. 3pM - 2aM

828-669-4808

135 Cherry St. BlaCk Mountain, nC

MySpaCe.CoM/townpuMptavernllC

232-5800 www.thegreyeagle.com 185 Clingman Ave.

mountainx.com â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 55

Jack Of The Wood Pub

Listen to Bad Ash &

Bluegrass Jam, 9:30pm

Belly dancing

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm

Backrow Baptists (alternative, country, bluegrass) Old Fairview Southern Kitchen

Mark Keller (singer/songwriter) Red Stag Grill

Anne Coombs (jazz, swing) Rock Bottom Sports Bar & Grill

Kemistry (Southern rock, covers) Stockade Brew House

The Big Ivy Project (bluegrass, folk) Temptations Martini Bar

Mary Porter

Dance party w/ DJ Steele

Life Coach

The 170 La Cantinetta

Dave Lagadi (smooth jazz)

• Increase Self Esteem • Fear Reduction • Learn to Meet Your Needs • Learn to Have Committed, Satisfying Relationships • Feel Secure Without Depression or Anxiety • Learn to Experience a Real and Exciting Life

Town Pump

Superstar Runner (indie, power-pop) Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

“Chick Singer Showcase” hosted by Peggy Ratusz feat: Jesse of Skinny Legs and All & more Vincenzo’s Bistro

Aaron LaFalce (acoustic guitar, singer/songwriter) Westville Pub

Valorie Miller (singer/songwriter) Zuma Coffee

828-713-2077

Thursday night bluegrass jam

Fri., January 8

Dusty Reels pResents… Open Mic night hOsteD by scOtt stewaRt 7:30 sign up thurSDay, January 7 - Free!

valORie MilleR

puRe caROlina FROM whispeR tO wail SaturDay, January 9

wOODy pines

RagtiMe, cOuntRy-blues & swing thurSDay, January 14 Free!

butch ROss

ROck ‘n ROll DulciMeR SaturDay, January 16

aaROn beRg & the heavy lOve expeRiMental FOlk-ROck

- tueS. -

- WeD. -

Featuring the

with Funky Max

blues JaM Westville All Stars hosted by Mars

JaMMin’

- Fri. -

Trivia Night with Prizes 9pm

Smoke-Free Pub • Pool & DartS 777 Haywood Road • 225-wPUB (9782)

Russ Wilson & His Mighty Mighty Men January 7th

Backrow Baptists January 8th Rafe Hollister and Taylor Martin Americana

January 9th

Lewis

Indie-Rock

January 11th

Pass the Hat at Open Jam January 12th

Ralph Roddenbery Solo Residency

All shows at 9:30 pm unless noted 77b Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC 828-258-1550 • mo.daddys@gmail.com Check out our music online! myspace.com/modaddysbar

56 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

Handlebar

Trend Kill Omega (hard rock) w/ Ghost In The Machine, From Tomorrow, 2nd To None & Waiting for Air Harvest Records

Now You See Them (indie, folk, acoustic) w/ Angi West (folk) & Just Die! Holland’s Grille

Live Bands Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm Infusions Lounge

Southern Silk Duo (jazz, blues), 7:30-10:30pm Iron Horse Station

Sherri Lynn and Mountain Friends (contemporary bluegrass, country) Jack Of The Wood Pub

Elvis Presley’s 75th Birthday Tribute w/ Peggy Ratusz Jerusalem Garden

Belly dancing w/ live music Lobster Trap

Live music by local artists Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Rafe Hollsiter & Taylor Martin (Americana) New French Bar Courtyard Cafe

Athena’s Club

Forty Furies (rock) w/ The Death of Analog (industrial, Gothic)

DJ night

Orange Peel

Back Room

Steep Canyon Rangers (bluegrass) w/ The Freight Hoppers

Perry Fowler (folk, roots) w/ Jeremy Davis & Elonzo (indie, Southern rock)

January 6th

Athena’s Club

Mela

Hank Bones

every Sunday on

Sat., January 9

Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Suttree (visual, religious, melodramatic popular) w/ Angela Faye Martin (singer/songwriter) & Pilgrim

Lobster Trap

entertainment writers

Divide the Sea (metal)

Purple Onion Cafe

Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Fred Whisken (jazz pianist)

Acoustic Swing

Red Stag Grill

Blue Ridge Dining Room & Wine Bar

Robert Thomas (jazz standards, blues)

Chris Rhodes (r&b, blues, pop), 5:30-10pm

Rocket Club

Decades Restaurant & Bar

Rotating jazz bands Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am

Anniversary party & free show feat: Brindle (indie), Mr. Scientific Terms, Rocktari Fukbots, The Doghead Fun Parade & more Stella Blue

DJ night Back Room

Taylor Moore Band (blues, roots) Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Mark Bumgarner (Americana, country) Blue Ridge Dining Room & Wine Bar

Chris Rhodes (r&b, blues, pop), 5:30-10pm Club 828

Conscious Alliance Benefit feat: RBTS Win (electro, folk), Panther God (hip-hop) & Marley Carroll Craggie Brewing Company

The Wellhouse Band (roots, rock) Decades Restaurant & Bar

42nd Street Jazz Band Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am Emerald Lounge

Sound Summit X (reggae DJ) Feed and Seed

Live music w/ Zypher Lightening Bolt Firestorm Cafe and Books

Over Under Yonder w/ Sweet Water Revolver (ambient, indie, folk) & Tina Collins Fred’s Parkside Pub & Grill

The Albatross Party (indie, rock, other) & It’s Elephant’s (soul) French Broad Brewery Tasting Room

Payin’ the Rent (bluegrass, acoustic) Funny Business Comedy Club

Mike Green (comedy), 8pm & 10:30pm Garage at Biltmore

Woody Wood & Hollywood Red (soul, alternative country) w/ Rafe Hollister Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Robinella (Americana, bluegrass) & Rob Ickes (acoustic, country) Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm Infusions Lounge

Live music

The Summer Time Whiskey Band (funk, rock) w/ The Jon Douglas Company (alternative, crunk)

Jack Of The Wood Pub

Straightaway Café

Belly dancing w/ live music

Screech Owl Serenade (country duo)

Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Tallgary’s College Street Pub

Lewis (indie, rock) w/ Laura Meyer (folk)

Live music

New French Bar Courtyard Cafe

Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub

Candy Hearts (indie, lyrical)

Live music w/ singer-songwriters

Nine Mile

Town Pump

Crystal Kind (cosmic reggae)

Free Grass Revival (bluegrass)

Orange Peel

Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

ZOSO (“ultimate Led Zeppelin experience”)

Live music

Purple Onion Cafe

Fred’s Parkside Pub & Grill

Vincenzo’s Bistro

Phil & Gaye Johnson (folk, bluegrass, country)

Karl Knight (acoustic)

Bobby Sullivan (piano)

Red Stag Grill

French Broad Brewery Tasting Room

Well-Bred Bakery and Cafe

Robert Thomas (jazz standards, blues)

Lyndsay Wojcik (soul, folk)

Rock Bottom Sports Bar & Grill

Funny Business Comedy Club

Carol Rifkin & Pauls Creek Band (old-time, vintage bluegrass)

Mike Green (comedy), 8pm & 10:30pm

White Horse

Film Screening: “Mac Arnold’s Return to the Blues”

Rocket Club

Garage at Biltmore

Eleven on Grove

Salsa & Mambo Dancing, 10pm-2am Dance Lessons, 10:30pm Emerald Lounge

Brushfire Stankgrass (electro-acoustic bluegrass) Feed and Seed

Red June Trio feat: John Miller (Americana, acoustic) Firestorm Cafe and Books

Screening of the film “Fall of the Republic: The Presidency of Barack H. Obama” & music w/ Rob Speer (blues, rock guitar)

Baby Cowboy (acoustic, rock) Jerusalem Garden

Live music

clubdirectory Complete clubland directory: www.mountainx.com/clubland. Questions or errors? E-mail (clubland@mountainx.com). The 170 La Cantinetta 687-8170 Asheville Civic Center & Thomas Wolfe Auditorium 259-5544 Athena’s Club 252-2456 The Back Room (OSO) 697-6828 Barley’s Tap Room (SH) 255-0504 Beacon Pub 686-5943 The Blackbird 669-5556 Blue Mountain Pizza (OSO) 658-8777 Blue Ridge Performing Arts Center 693-0087 BoBo Gallery (OSO) 254-3426 Bosco’s Sports Zone 684-1024 Broadway’s (SA) 285-0400 Cancun Mexican Grill 505-3951 Club 828 252-2001 Club Hairspray (SA) 258-2027 Courtyard Gallery 273-3332 Craggie Brewing Company 254-0360 Curras Dom 253-2111

Decades Restaurant & Bar 254-0555 Desoto Lounge 986-4828 Diana Wortham Theater 257-4530 Dock’s Restaurant 883-4447 The Dripolator 398-0209 Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar 252-2711 Eleven on Grove 505-1612 Emerald Lounge (OSO) 232- 4372 Feed & Seed + Jamas Acoustic 216-3492 Firestorm Cafe (OSO) 255-8115 Five Fifty Three 631-3810 Frankie Bones 274-7111 Fred’s Parkside Pub & Grill 281-0920 French Broad Brewery Tasting Room 277-0222 Funny Business Comedy Club 318-8909 The Garage 505-2663 Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern (OSO) 232-5800 Grove House Eleven on Grove 505-1612

The Grove Park Inn 252-2711 Guadalupe Cafe 586-9877 The Handlebar (864) 233-6173 The Hangar (SA) 684-1213 Havana Restaurant 252-1611 Highland Brewing Company 299-3370 Holland’s Grille 298-8780 The Hookah Bar 252-1522 Infusions 665-2161 Iron Horse Station 622-0022 The Lobster Trap 350-0505 Mack Kell’s Pub & Grill 253-8805 Magnolia’s Raw Bar (ISS) 251-5211 Mela 225-8880 Mike’s Tavern 281-3096 Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill (SH) 258-1550 New French Bar Courtyard Cafe 225-6445 Never Blue 693-4646

Old Fairview Southern Kitchen 277-7117 O’Malley’s On Main 246-0898 The Orange Peel (OSO) 225-5851 Panther’s Paw 696-0810 Pisgah Brewing Co. 669-0190 Purple Onion Cafe 749-1179 Rankin Vault 254-4993 Red Stag Grill at the Grand Bohemian Hotel 505-2949 Rock Bottom Sports Bar & Grill 622-0001 Rocket Club 505-2494 Root Bar No.1 299-7597 Ruby’s BBQ Shack (ISS) 299-3511 Scandals Nightclub 252-2838 Shovelhead Saloon (SA) 669-9541 Steak & Wine / Satchel’s Martini Bar 505-3362 Stella Blue 236-2424 The Still 683-5913 Stockade Brew House 645-1300

Straightaway Cafe (OSO) 669-8856 Switzerland Cafe 765-5289 The Red Room at Temptations (SA) 252-0775 Tallgary’s College Street Pub 232-0809 Temptations Martini Bar (SA) 252-0775 Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub 505-2129 Town Pump (SA) 669-4808 Tressa’s Downtown Jazz & Blues (SA) 254-7072 Vaso de Vino Wine Bar & Market 687-3838 Vincenzo’s Bistro 254-4698 The Watershed 669-0777 Waynesville Water’n Hole 456-4750 Wedge Brewery 505 2792 Westville Pub (OSO) 225-9782 White Horse 669-0816 Wild Wing Cafe (SA) 253-3066 Xcapades 258-9652

7J>;D7ÉI

featuring matinee shows

DJ’s Thurs. - Sun.

$1 Beers Everyday NFL Ticket Free Pool on Wednesdays

Mon. - Sat. 6 pm - 2 am • Sun. Noon - 2 am

252-2456 • 14 College St. • Asheville, NC (Next to Tupelo Honey)

kitchen open til’ we close 3pm-2am everyday pinball, foosball & a kickass jukebox “It’s bigger than it looks!”

504 Haywood Rd. West Asheville 828-255-1109

SMOKE O R N OT TO SMOKE

OSO: outdoor/patio smoking only • SH: smoking hours, call clubs for specfics • ISS: indoor smoking section • SA: smoking allowed Anniversary party & free show feat: Brindle (indie), Mr. Scientific Terms, Rocktari Fukbots, The Doghead Fun Parade & more Scandals Nightclub

Dance party w/ DJ Stratos & drag show Stella Blue

Dissent (thrash, punk, metal) w/ Subversion & Suffer Content Stockade Brew House

Open mic Tallgary’s College Street Pub

Live music The Hookah Bar

Conscious Alliance Benefit feat: RBTS Win (electro, folk), Panther God (hip-hop) & Marley Carroll Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub

Live music w/ singer-songwriters Town Pump

Silver Dagger Bluegrass Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

The Nightcrawlers (dance, blues) Vincenzo’s Bistro

Live music w/ Tom Coppola (early) & Marc Keller (late) Well-Bred Bakery and Cafe

Mary Jo (piano, vocal) Westville Pub

Woody Pines (old-time acoustic, folk) White Horse

Akira Satake Band (southern Appalachia rhythms, banjo) w/ River Guergerian (percussion), Duncan Wickel & Julia Weatherford

Sun., January 10

Johnny Blackwell (variety, covers)

Athena’s Club

Mon., January 11

DJ night Barley’s Taproom

Broadway’s

One Leg Up (Gypsy jazz)

Roz Raskin and the Rice Cakes (indie, alternative, grime)

Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Luke Wood (acoustic) Bosco’s Sports Zone

Shag dance & lessons Club 828

Country music roundup & dancing Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Midlake (indie) w/ Sarah Jaffe (folk, thrash) Grove Park Inn Great Hall

The Two Guitars of Yasmin & Lou, 10am12:30pm Bob Zullo (guitar), 630-10:30pm Jack Of The Wood Pub

Irish session, 5pm Tom Waits time, late Lobster Trap

Chris Rhodes Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge

Vinyl at the Vault w/ Chris Ballard Rocket Club

Sunday jazz jam Scandals Nightclub

Dance party w/ DJ Stratos & drag show The Hookah Bar

Belly dance showcase w/ live bands Town Pump

Pickin’ at the Pump, open acoustic jam Vincenzo’s Bistro

Contra dance Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Bob Zullo (guitar), 630-10:30pm Hangar

Open mic night w/ Aaron LaFalce Old Fairview Southern Kitchen

The Oxymorons (improv comedy) Rocket Club

Asheville Jazz Orchestra (swing, jazz) Temptations Martini Bar

Open mic w/ Pierce Edens Town Pump

The Brittany Reilly Band (bluegrass, country) Vincenzo’s Bistro

Marc Keller & Company (variety)

Tue., January 12 Back Room

Tony Campbell (bluegrass) Barley’s Taproom

Sherrie Lynne and Mountain Friends (bluegrass) Beacon Pub

Open mic Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Makia Groove (funk, reggae, fusion) Eleven on Grove

Swing & Tango lessons and dance

mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 57

Tuesday Night Funk Jam

Irish session, 6:30pm Open mike w/ Parker Brooks, 8:30pm

Feed and Seed

Wild Wing Cafe

Will Ray’s Mountain Jam

Bluegrass & clogging

Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Wed., January 13

Emerald Lounge

Bowerbirds (Americana, acoustic) w/ Julie Doiron Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm Guadalupe Cafe

Ian Moore’s Mountain Music Miscellany Iron Horse Station

Open mic w/ Yorky Lobster Trap

Geoff Weeks New French Bar Courtyard Cafe

Comedy night Christopher Bell (acoustic, folk) w/ Nikki Tally (singer/songwriter), 11pm Old Fairview Southern Kitchen

Southern Silk Duo (jazz, blues) Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge

Rock Records w/ Matty Temptations Martini Bar

Aaron LaFalce (pop, rock, acoustic) Town Pump

The Brittany Reilly Band (bluegrass, country) Vincenzo’s Bistro

Marc Keller & Company (variety) Watershed

Open mic Beacon Pub

Open jam Open mic BoBo Gallery

Open Windows (folk, rock) Bosco’s Sports Zone Broadway’s

‘80s Night, 10pm Club 828

Hip-hop open mic Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am

GORGEOUS WNC Ladies!

Zydeco dance & lessons Frankie Bones

Chris Rhodes (singer/songwriter) Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm Jack Of The Wood Pub

Old Time Jam, 6pm Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Ralph Roddenbery (folk, rock) Nine Mile

Crystal Kind (cosmic reggae) Old Fairview Southern Kitchen

Bluegrass jam night, 7pm Orange Peel

Waltz Night, lessons, 6pm/ dance, 7pm Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge

Hits & Shits w/ Jamie Hepler Red Stag Grill

Bobby Sullivan (blues, rock, standards)

& “Exotic Cage Stage”

“Super dance party” feat: Adam Strange & Crick Nice DJ

Rocket Club The Hookah Bar

Open Mic w/ Sven Hooson

Just Relax in Our Upscale Lounge Area & Take in the Scenery Great Nightly Drink Specials, Pool Tables, & Interactive Games. Mon. - Sat. 7pm - 2am • 21 to Enter

828-258-9652 99 New Leicester Hwy.

(3miles west of Downtown -off Patton Ave.)

58 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

Getaway’s (Eleven on Grove) Hookah Bar Mike’s Side Pocket W EDNESDAY Fred’s Parkside Pub & Grill The Hangar • Infusions Temptations Martini Bar O’Malleys on Main • Holland’s Grille T H URSDAY Beacon Pub • Cancun Mexican Grill Chasers • Club Hairspray Shovelhead Saloon FRIDAY

Ryan Montbleau Band (acoustic, soul) w/ Yarn (Americana)

3 New Satellite Stages

8db[n! 8VhjVa4

TUESDAY

Eleven on Grove

Horizons at Grove Park Inn

:gdi^X! :mdi^X4

Mack Kell’s Tressa’s Downtown Jazz and Blues

Shag dance

Westville Pub

club xcapades

MONDAY

Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Live music w/ Robert Greer

White Horse

I N THE CL U B S

Back Room

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm

Blues Jam w/ Mars Fariss

K ARAO K E

Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub

‘80s night Town Pump

Open Mic w/ David Bryan Vincenzo’s Bistro

Marc Keller (variety) Waynesville Water’n Hole

Bluegrass jam Westville Pub

Infusions • Mack Kell’s • Shovelhead Saloon • Stockade Brew House The 170 La Cantinetta SATURDAY Club Hairspray • Holland’s Grille Infusions • Shovelhead Saloon The Still SUNDAY Bosco’s Sports Zone • College St. Pub Getaway’s (Eleven on Grove) The Hangar • Mack Kell’s Wing Cafe • Cancun Mexican Grill Patrick Fitzsimons (blues, folk) Bosco’s Sports Zone

Open mic & jam Club 828

Hip-hop & DJ night Courtyard Gallery

Open mic w/ Jarrett Leone Decades Restaurant & Bar

Jazz piano w/ Garnell Stuart Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am Emerald Lounge

Brother Joscephus and the Love Revival Revolution Orchestra (soul, jam band, roots) Five Fifty Three

Steve Wolrab & guests (jazz, guitar)

Jammin’ with Funky Max

Frankie Bones

Thu., January 14

French Broad Brewery Tasting Room

Chris Rhodes (singer/songwriter)

Athena’s Club

One Leg Up (Gypsy jazz)

DJ night

Garage at Biltmore

Back Room

En Serenade (indie, pop) w/ Supervision

Heath Patrick Band (singer/songwriter)

Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Catie Curtis (folk, rock, acoustic) w/ Lindsay Mac

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm Infusions Lounge

Live music Jack Of The Wood Pub

“Special show w/ Izzy & Chris” (acoustic, blues) Lobster Trap

Hank Bones Mela

Belly dancing Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Jim Seem (folk, rock) w/ Melissa Hyman & The Lonetones (acoustic, folk) Old Fairview Southern Kitchen

Mark Keller (singer/songwriter) Orange Peel

The Machine (a tribute to Pink Floyd) Purple Onion Cafe

Aaron Burdett (folk, acoustic) Red Stag Grill

Anne Coombs (jazz, swing) Rock Bottom Sports Bar & Grill

Kemistry (Southern rock, covers) Stockade Brew House

The Big Ivy Project (bluegrass, folk) Temptations Martini Bar

Dance party w/ DJ Steele The 170 La Cantinetta

Dave Lagadi (smooth jazz) Vincenzo’s Bistro

Aaron LaFalce (acoustic guitar, singer/songwriter)

Asylum Street Spankers (Americana, folk) Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Soulgrass Rebellion (reggae, bluegrass) w/ The New Familiars (acoustic, folk)

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm

Feed and Seed

Handlebar

French Broad Brewery Tasting Room

Noxious (rock) w/ Kelen Heller & Dogfight

Bob Burnette (folk, singer/songwriter)

Holland’s Grille

Funny Business Comedy Club

Live Bands

Comedian Debra DiGiovanni, 8pm & 10:30pm

Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Grove Park Inn Great Hall

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm Infusions Lounge

Bill Covington (classics), 6-7pm Maddy & Masterpiece (dance band), 7-11pm

Southern Silk Duo (jazz, blues), 7:30-10:30pm

Handlebar

Iron Horse Station

Mother’s Finest (rock, soul) w/ The Crunch

Slight Departure (old time, bluegrass)

Horizons at Grove Park Inn

Jack Of The Wood Pub

Lajos Pagony (piano), 6-10pm

Jen and the Juice (folk, jazz)

Infusions Lounge

Jerusalem Garden

Live music

Belly dancing w/ live music

Jack Of The Wood Pub

Lobster Trap

Jon Stickley Trio (newgrass, roots)

Live music by local artists

Jerusalem Garden

New French Bar Courtyard Cafe

Belly dancing w/ live music

Bent Grass (bluegrass)

Black Tooth (Southern rock) w/ John Wilkes Booth & Now You See Them (indie)

Mo-Daddy’s Bar & Grill

Orange Peel

New French Bar Courtyard Cafe

Alejandro Escovedo (rock) w/ Roman Candle

“Rama and Olaf’s B-Day/DJ elctro party”

Purple Onion Cafe

Nine Mile

Fred Whisken (jazz pianist)

Crystal Kind (cosmic reggae)

Red Room at Temptations

Orange Peel

DJ Drea Red Stag Grill

Local Metal Showcase feat: Burnstitch, Temptation’s Wings & Broken Mercy

Robert Thomas (jazz standards, blues)

Purple Onion Cafe

Rocket Club

Deep River (Americana, country)

The Archrivals (rock) w/ Paper Tigers

Red Room at Temptations

Stella Blue

DJ SPY-V

Sara Mac Band (soul, gospel) w/ Sarah Blacker

Red Stag Grill

Butch Ross (“rock & roll dulcimer”)

Johnny Cash Tribute & Benefit for Save the Music Foundation w/ Now You See Them & local bands

Zuma Coffee

Straightaway Café

Live music

Duke Freeman

Scandals Nightclub

Tallgary’s College Street Pub

Dance party w/ DJ Stratos & drag show

Peggy Ratusz (blues)

Stella Blue

Westville Pub

Thursday night bluegrass jam

Fri., January 15 Athena’s Club

Bobby Sullivan (piano)

Stockade Brew House

Well-Bred Bakery and Cafe

Open mic

Ryan Furstenberg (vocals, acoustic)

Straightaway Café

White Horse

Live music w/ Tim Marsh

Kat Williams (jazz, blues, soul)

Tallgary’s College Street Pub

The Hellsayers (shoegaze, soul, folk)

Sat., January 16

Southern Fried Blues Society Fundraise feat: local bands, 6pm-1:30am

Decades Restaurant & Bar

Athena’s Club

Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub

Antibodies (alternative, rock) Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

Acoustic Swing Blue Ridge Dining Room & Wine Bar

Chris Rhodes (r&b, blues, pop), 5:30-10pm Broadway’s

Rotating jazz bands Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am Eleven on Grove

Salsa & Mambo Dancing, 10pm-2am Dance Lessons, 10:30pm Emerald Lounge

Now You See Them (indie, folk, acoustic) Feed and Seed

Anon Dixon Day French Broad Brewery Tasting Room

The If You Wannas (rock, indie)

DJ night Back Room

Lance Mills Band (Americana, roots) Blue Mountain Pizza Cafe

The Wellhouse Band (roots, rock)

Vincenzo’s Bistro

Well-Bred Bakery and Cafe

Broadway’s

Dave Wedelin (blues, acoustic)

Ventricles (psychedelic, experimental) & Deutschmarks

Westville Pub

Decades Restaurant & Bar

Aaron Berg & the Heavy Love (experimental, folk)

42nd Street Jazz Band

White Horse

Elaine’s Dueling Piano Bar

Holy Ghost Tent Revival (Americana)

Emerald Lounge

Mon - Sat 4:30pm - 2am • 828.281.0920 122 College St., Downtown (below Fiore’s Restaurant)

Jones For Revival (progressive, jam band)

Chris Rhodes (r&b, blues, pop), 5:30-10pm

Grey Eagle Music Hall & Tavern

• Distinctive Pub Fare served thru 1:30am! • Catch the Game on 3 Flat Screens • Tuesday: Dart Tournament • Wednesday: Not Your Average Karaoke (Voted #1 in WNC... Xpress Reader’s Poll) • Thursday: Open Mic - Come Strum with us & Your Host Jimbo

Town Pump

Live music w/ Tom Coppola (early) & Marc Keller (late)

Comedian Debra DiGiovanni, 8pm & 10:30pm

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

THE ALBATROSS PARTY & IT’S ELEPHANT’S

Live music w/ singer-songwriters

Blue Ridge Dining Room & Wine Bar

Non-stop rock’n roll sing-a-long party show, 8pm-1am

Funny Business Comedy Club

KARL KNIGHT

Rock Bottom Sports Bar & Grill

Vincenzo’s Bistro

Back Room

Live music w/ singer-songwriters

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8

Spend an Acoustic Evening with

Robert Thomas (jazz standards, blues)

Johnny Cash Tribute & Benefit for Save the Music Foundation feat: Now You See Them (indie) & other local bands

DJ night

Tolliver’s Crossing Irish Pub

Still the old charm of Fred’s Speakeasy... Just a whole new look!

mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 59

T h e

Pocket

389 Merrimo n Av e n u e 828.258. 9 8 2 8 M o n d ay

675 Merrimon Ave • Asheville, NC

League Night Come join the action

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Customer Appreciation Night $1 PBRs

T u e s d ay

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JE I;; J>?I M;;A½I CEL?;I J?C;I $3 Admission • Movie Line 254-1281

W e d n e s d ay

Free PooL Awsome specials!

T h u r s d ay

$1 Vodka Night

F r i d ay

Fabulous Drink Specials s aT u r d ay

Delivery or Carry Out until 11pm • 254-5339

oPeN MIC • LIVe MUSIC

Join us at both locations for our

s u n d ay

LUNCH BUFFET M-F 11-3pm • Now open Sundays! Pizza, salad, baked potatoes and more! Asheville Brewing Company 77 Coxe Ave. Downtown Asheville

255-4077

Free PooL!! DJ Chubby Knuckles Great Place to Watch Football!

BeST DrINK PrICeS IN ToWN Free PING PoNG eVerY NIGHT! We support All Local Breweries on Draft! Asheville’s Cheers – Where everybody meets! Private Club - Immediate Memberships Available

WNC’s Most Complete Music Store guitars • amps • keyboards • drums percussion •pa • lighting woodwinds • brass • print music

299-3000 • M-F 10-7 • SAT 10-6 800 Fairview Rd. (River Ridge Marketplace behind CVS) ... and we’re still smoking

Warm up your January & join us at Asheville’s upscale adult club & sports lounge LADIES & COUPLES WELCOME GREAT DRINK SPECIALS EVERY NIGHT

520 Swannanoa River Rd. Mon. - Sat. 6:30pm - 2am • 828-298-1400

60 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

FOOTBALL ON THE BIG SCREEN POOL TABLES & GAMES

crankyhanke

theaterlistings Friday, January 8 - Thursday, January 14

Due to possible last-minute scheduling changes, moviegoers may want to confirm showtimes with theaters.

movie reviews and listings by ken hanke

JJJJJ is the maximum rating

additional reviews by justin souther • contact xpressmovies@aol.com

The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus JJJJJ

Director: Terry Gilliam Players: Heath Ledger, Christopher Plummer, Lily Cole, Andrew Garfield, Tom Waits, Verne Troyer

Please call the info line for updated showtimes. Where the Wild Things Are? (PG) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00 Pirate Radio (R) 10:00

Carmike Cinema 10 (298-4452) n

Mystery/Fantasy/Allegory Rated PG-13

The Story: Dr. Parnassus and his traveling imaginarium roam about London in quest of an audience and as part of a contest between Paranassus and the devil. The Lowdown: A wildly imaginative and fantastic film from Terry Gilliam that ranks up there with his best work. Terry Gilliam’s much beleaguered The Imaginarium of Dr. Paranassus (you don’t get much more beleaguered than having your star die during production) is quite simply a wonderful film and a major achievement — assuming you’re on the film’s wavelength, and I very much am. I can, however, imagine quite a few people who will dislike the film intensely. For that matter, I won’t deny that the film has its flaws — none of which are related to its troubled production — but the flaws have their own brilliance and seem to me to be part and parcel of Gilliam’s vision. How sympathetic you are to that vision probably determines how you’ll feel about Dr. Parnassus. I’m not uncritical of Gilliam’s work — he probably has more misses with me than hits — but I admire it and his adherence to making his films his way. Apart from Tim Burton, Gilliam may be the only complete fantasist we have working in film today. The difference with Gilliam is that his work tends to be less accessible. Gilliam’s films have the sense of being made with no thought of pleasing anyone other than himself. We’re permitted to come along on his fantasy journeys, but he’s not about to coax us. It’s as though Gilliam assumes that if a film interests and pleases him, there’s at least a chance it will do the same with an audience. With Dr. Parnassus, Gilliam might be said to be at his Gilliam-est. At bottom it’s a good vs. evil story — something that describes most of Gilliam’s work. Its most obvious predecessors are Time Bandits (1981) and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988), but that might be somewhat misleading. If you replace the Supreme Being from Time Bandits with the fantastic fraud of Baron Munchausen you get something of the feel of

n Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. (254-1281)

Heath Ledger in Terry Gilliam’s fantastic fantasy The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus. Dr. Parnassus, but that’s not enough. Here Gilliam offers a good and evil story, complete with numerous allegorical hints, presented in terms of a game being played by the representatives of each — Dr. Parnassus (Christopher Plummer) and Mr. Nick (Tom Waits). It’s part Satan tempting Jesus and part the story of Job — with its own spin on it all and no solid answers. Dr. Paranassus is an alcohol-soaked wise man, who’s also a showman, touring with his rundown traveling “Imaginarium” — with the assistance of his daughter, Valentina (Lily Cole); a hapless young man, Anton (Andrew Garfield, Lions for Lambs); and a surly dwarf, Percy (Verne Troyer). They play to small crowds of largely uninterested — and often abusive — patrons. Paranassus is frequently too drunk to do much of anything, but then there’s his mirror, which is the actual imaginarium that leads to the inner workings of his mind and the landscape of his ongoing battle with Mr. Nick. (It’s not a stretch to assume that the imaginarium is a peek into Gilliam’s own imagination.) Actually, describing it as a battle isn’t quite accurate. It’s more of a game or a contest — one not unlike the soul-collecting one between God and the devil in Stanley Donen’s Bedazzled (1967), but with what is ultimately an intriguing twist. Into this mix comes Tony (Heath Ledger), a mysterious figure found having been

hanged from a bridge and rescued by Anton, Valentina and Percy. Tony’s past is unclear (though he’s clearly hiding something) and his motives even more so. He’s both more and other than he seems, which happens to fit nicely with Gilliam having his imaginarium scenes played (out of necessity due to Ledger’s death) by Johnny Depp, Jude Law and Colin Farrell — and played in ways that fit their screen images. (I’ve no doubt that the scenes were rewritten to achieve this end, but it’s still a bit of brilliance born of necessity.) What happens is best left to be seen rather than described, but I have no reservations in saying it’s a journey into the mind of Gilliam that’s well worth making. However, since it is Gilliam, don’t expect a journey without its share of leaps, bumps and digressions. Those go with the territory, but if you like that territory, it doesn’t get much better — and it helps that all the performers seem miraculously in tune with Gilliam’s vision. As a farewell to Heath Ledger, the film probably couldn’t be better, even if the fact that it is a farewell marks it all with an undercurrent of sadness — made all the more so by the first of the movie’s closing credits, but that too is a touch that seems just right. Rated PG-13 for violent images, some sensuality, language and smoking. reviewed by Ken Hanke Starts Friday at Carolina Asheville Cinema 14.

Avatar (PG-13) 12:00, 1:00, 3:30, 4:30, 7:00, 800 Daybreakers (R) 1:45, 4:30, 7:15, 9:40 Leap Year (PG) 1:30, 4:15, 7:05, 9:30 Old Dogs (PG) 1:00, 3:10, 5:20, 7:30, 9:40 Winter Daydreams (G) Sat-Sun only 1:00 The Road (R) 1:00 (no 1:00 show Sat-Sun), 4:00, 7:00, 9:50 Sherlock Holmes (PG-13) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 10:00 The Twilight Saga: New Moon (PG-13) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, 9:50 Up in the Air (R) 1:30, 4:30, 7:00, 9:30 Youth in Revolt (R) 1:05, 3:15, 5:25, 7:35, 9:45 n Carolina Asheville Cinema 14 (274-9500)

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (PG) 11:45, 2:00, 4:15, 7:10, 9:25 (Sofa Cinema showing) Avatar 3D (PG-13) 11:35, 3:00, 7:00, 10:25 The Blind Side (PG-13) 3:20, 7:25 Daybreakers (R) 12:05, 2:25, 4:50, 7:35, 9:55 Fantastic Mr. Fox (PG) 12:05, 2:30, 4:50, 7:20, 9:35 (Sofa Cinema showing) The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus (PG-13) 12:35, 3:40, 7:10, 10:05 Invictus (PG-13) 12:20, 10:15 It’s Complicated (PG-13) 12:30, 3:15, 7:20, 10:10 Leap Year (PG) 11:25. 1:50, 4:30, 7:05. 9:35 Nine (PG-13) 11:50, 5:00, 10:30 (Sofa Cinema showing) Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (R) 9:30 (Sofa Cinema showing) The Princess and the Frog (G) 11:30, 1:45, 4:05, 7:05 (Sofa Cinema showing)

The Road (R) 2:20, 7:45 (Sofa Cinema showing) Sherlock Holmes (PG-13) 12:25, 4:00, 7:15, 10:30 Up in the Air (R) 12:00, 2:30, 5:05, 7:40, 10:15 The Young Victoria (PG) 11:55, 2:15, 4:35, 7:25, 9:45 Youth in Revolt (R) 12:10, 2:40, 4:55, 7:30, 10:05

Cinebarre (665-7776) n

Avatar 2D (PG-13) 11:50, 3:30, 7:10, 10:35 Daybreakers (R) 11:15, 1:45, 4:40, 7:30, 10:00 It’s Complicated (R) 10:45, 1:50, 4:45, 7:40, 10:30 Sherlock Holmes (PG-13) 10:20, 1:20, 4:20, 7:25, 10:25 Up in the Air (R) 11:00, 1:40, 4:25, 7:20, 10:15 n Co-ed Cinema Brevard (883-2200)

Sherlock Holmes (PG-13) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00 n Epic of Hendersonville (693-1146)

Fine Arts Theatre (232-1536) n

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire (R) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, Late show Fri-Sat 9:30 The Young Victoria (PG) 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, Late show Fri-Sat 9:40

Flatrock Cinema (697-2463) n

It’s Complicated (R) 1:00 (Fri, Sat, Sun), 4:00, 7:00 n Regal Biltmore Grande Stadium 15 (684-1298) n United Artists Beaucatcher (298-1234)

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel (PG) 12:45, 1:15, 3:05, 5:25, 7:20, 7:50. 9:40, 10:10 The Blind Side (PG-13) 1:00, 4:15, 7:10, 10:05 Invictus (PG-13) 12:50, 4:00, 7:00, 10:00 It’s Complicated (R) 1:30, 4:30, 7:40, 10:25 Nine (PG-13) 1:10, 4:45, 7:30, 10:15 The Princess and the Frog (G) 12:55, 3:15, 5:35, 8:00, 10:20

For some theaters movie listings were not available at press time. Please contact the theater or check mountainx.com for updated information.

mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 61

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Zachary Levi, David Cross, Jason Lee, Justin Long (voice) Animated Rodent Musical/Adventure Everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite singing chipmunks are backâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;whether you like it or not. This time, starting off at high school. Manages to be both bottom-of-the-barrel and incredibly grating. This might be the first time Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve watched a movie thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s completely made up of filler. Rated PG

Avatar JJJJ

Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez Science Fiction In the future, an ex-Marine inflitrates the indigenous race on the planet Pandora, only to find their simple ways superior to those of civilization as he knows it. An undeniable effects and design extravaganza, Avatar is nonetheless a fairly basic story with a new paint job. Rated PG-13

The Blind Side JJJJ

Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron, Tim McGraw, Ray McKinnon, Kathy Bates, Jae Head Fact-Based Uplifting Sports Drama Fact-based story of Michael Oher, a poor black kid adopted by an upscale white family. A manipulative, but effective, uplifting sports drama that benefits from a strong cast, but never escapes a sense of condescension and questionable messages. Rated PG-13

A Christmas Carol JJJ

Jim Carrey, Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Bob Hoskins, Robin Wright Penn, Fionnula Flanagan Re-Animated Christmas Story Charles Dickensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; classic Christmas ghost story gets the Disney treatment. An overblown, but occasionally interesting, version of the story that often seems more like a theme-park ride than a serious attempt at telling the tale. Rated PG

Fantastic Mr. Fox JJJJJ

(Voices) George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Michael Gambon Animated Comedy Bored with life as a respectable fox citizen, Mr. Fox reverts to a life of poultry thievery and outwitting local farmers. Witty, sophisticated comedy, splendid voice acting, brilliant animation and personal filmmaking combine to create perhaps the most pure fun to be had at the movies all year. Rated PG

The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus JJJJJ

Heath Ledger, Christopher Plummer, Lily Cole, Andrew Garfield, Tom Waits, Verne Troyer Mystery/Fantasy/Allegory Dr. Parnassus and his traveling imaginarium roam about London in quest of an audience and as part of a contest between Paranassus and the devil. A wildly imaginative and fantastic film

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62 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ mountainx.com

from Terry Gilliam that ranks up there with his best work. Rated PG-13

Invictus JJJJ

Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon, Tony Kgoroge, Patrick Mofokeng, Matt Stern, Adjoa Andoh Fact-Based Drama The story of Nelson Mandela helping to unite South Africa through a rugby team and a sense of national pride. A very good, interestingly made film that gets close to greatness without quite making it. There are, however, sufficient compensations to make it worthwhile. Rated PG-13

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Complicated JJJ

Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Steve Martin, John Krasinski, Lake Bell Romantic Comedy A divorcĂŠe begins having an affair with her ex-husband, a man she hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been married to for a decade. A professionally made film with a good central performance by Meryl Streep thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still never good enough to overcome its inability to create likable, believable characters. Rated R

Nine JJJJ

Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Judi Dench, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren Musical Italian filmmaker Guido Contini tries to bluff his way through making a film he canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to write, while sorting out his personal life. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big, lively and has a distinctive driving force, but this film of the Broadway show never quite scales the heights it might have. Still, it gets near enough that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s certainly worth your while. Rated PG-13

Old Dogs J

Robin Williams, John Travolta, Seth Green, Kelly Preston, Conner Rayburn, Ella Bleu Travolta â&#x20AC;&#x153;Familyâ&#x20AC;? Comedy A 50-odd-year-old man finds himself saddled with a pair of children he didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know he had and has to learn how to be a dad. A pitiful, pathetic, lazy attempt at bilking money out of the market for family-friendly fare during the holiday season. Rated PG

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire JJJJJ

Gabourey â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gabbyâ&#x20AC;? Sidibe, Moâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Nique, Paula Patton, Mariah Carey, Sherri Shepherd, Lenny Kravitz Drama A grimly realistic look at the life of a largely illiterate Harlem teen, the circumstances that created her, and the people who try to help her. Maybe not quite the brilliant film itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been touted to be; nevertheless, this often brutalâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and always brutally frankâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; movie is a strong, must-see work. Rated R

The Princess and the Frog JJJJ

Animated Musical/Fantasy A prince gets turned into a frog, and in turn, accidentally turns a serving girl into one when he mistakes her for a princess. Beautiful to look at, but so determinedly old-fashioned that it feels slightly processed and formula-driven. Rated G

The Road JJJJ

Viggo Mortensen, Kodi Smit-McPhee, Charlize Theron, Robert Duvall, Guy Pearce Post-Apocalyptic Drama A man and his son attempt to survive in a hopeless, post-apocalyptic world beset with myriad dangers. A stark, unrelentingly grim film that works due to strong performances and an underlying sense of humanity that occasionally peaks through. Rated R

Sherlock Holmes JJJJJ

Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan Action/Mystery Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson pit their skills against a criminal mastermind who has apparently risen from the grave. One of the most enjoyable and beautifully crafted films of the yearâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and built around an interpretation of Holmes and Watson thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more than a worthy addition to their cinematic predecessors. Rated PG-13

The Twilight Saga: New Moon JJ

Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Billy Burke, Michael Sheen Teen Romance/Horror/Fantasy More teencentric romantic entanglements among the supernatural set and one whiny girl. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better made than the first one, but it may be even dumber in its attempt to go for the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record in moping teens. Rated PG-13

Up in the Air JJJJJ

George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman, J.K. Simmons, Melanie Lynskey Dramatic Comedy A man whose job is to fly around the country and fire people finds his way of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and his perceptions of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;changing. Bitterly funny on the one hand and heartbreaking on the other, Up in the Air is a film of surprising depth and humanity. Rated R

The Young Victoria JJJJJ

Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson, Jim Broadbent, Thomas Kretschmann Romance/Biopic The story of Queen Victoriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s early years and her romance with Prince Albert. Much more entertaining, lively and human than the subject matter probably suggests, this lovely film benefits from literate writing, stylish direction and strong performances. Rated PG

(Voices) Anika Noni Rose, Bruno Campos, Keith David, Michael-Leon Wooley, Jennifer Cody

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startingfriday DAYBREAKERS

Whaddya know? Vampires that don’t sparkle in the sunlight or mope for two hours are upon us in this Australian horror picture that Lionsgate picked up. The premise has it that the world has become largely populated by vampires, which in turn means that the food supply is running low. A better-than-average cast for this sort of movie — Willem Dafoe, Sam Neill, Ethan Hawke — and a full-blown R-rating bode well, or at least are promising. The trailer suggests it could go either way. The early word from horror film sites is very strong, but that’s not a wholly reliable barometer. (R)

THE IMAGINARIUM OF DR. PARNASSUS See review in “Cranky Hanke.”

LEAP YEAR

The fact that this romantic comedy hasn’t been screened for critics is not a good sign. Neither is the lame premise that finds Amy Adams flying to Ireland to propose (apparently, this is acceptable there in a leap year) to her boyfriend (Adam Scott, Step Brothers), only to suffer complications. She meets Welsh charmer Matthew Goode (Brideshead Revisited) along the way. The film does have Amy Adams in its favor — and Matthew Goode is a plus, too. And there’s director Anand Tucker, who made Shop Girl

and When Did You Last See Your Father?. If anybody can turn a screenplay by Deborah Kapan and Harry Elfont (Surviving Christmas, Made of Honor) into a pleasant confection, this cast and this director can. But it could be an uphill battle. (PG)

YOUTH IN REVOLT

The trades — Variety and Hollywood Reporter — are enthusiastic about this comedy that stars Michael Cera as an awkward teen who creates a worldly alter ego to win the girl of his dreams (Portia Doubleday) — and lose his virginity. However, that enthusiasm came from a time when the film hadn’t been consigned to a January release date. Cera’s post-Juno movies have done him no favors either, but a supporting cast that includes Steve Buscemi, Ray Liotta, Jean Smart, Fred Willard and Zach Galifianakis will help. On the other hand, the R rating will be a double-edged sword increasing its appeal, but cutting into the age group. (R) Early review samples: • “Cera and his gifted comic co-stars elevate the mediocre source material into a semi-iconic coming-of-age story.” (Peter Debruge, Variety) • “The collision of adolescent hormones and parental folly, hardly new cinematic territory, gets a bracing absurdist slant in Youth in Revolt.” (Sherri Linden, Hollywood Reporter)

one-timeshowing Under the Roofs of Paris (Sous les toits de Paris) JJJJJ

Director: René Clair Players: Albert Préjean, Pola Illéry, Edmond R. Gréville, Bill Bocket, Gaston Modot Comedy/Drama with Music Rated NR René Clair’s Under the Roofs of Paris (1930) is usually cited as the first French talkie or as evidence of Clair’s immediate mastery of sound. But by rights it ought to be thought of as a kind of utterly charming trip through time to a pre-WWII Paris — a place you normally only see in still photographs (think Brassai). Classic Cinema From Around the World will present Under the Roofs of Paris at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 8, at Courtyard Gallery, 9 Walnut St., in downtown Asheville. Info: 273-3332. For Cranky Hanke’s full review of this film, visit www.mountainx.com/movies.

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year’sbestandworst Ten best movies of 2009 and a few others

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I think it’s fair to say that 2009 was an unusual film year — if only because my number-one film has been more or less constant since June, while everything else has been in flux. On the other hand, I can’t think of a year where my 10 best list altered so much between voting for the SEFCA awards and actually sitting down to come up with the final, no foolin’, etched-in-stone list that will doubtless haunt me in years to come. This has also been a year where I’d be happy just to copy Justin Souther’s list and not feel bad about it. I won’t, though, because we have some notable differences — and I’m not sure we always liked the same movies for the same reasons. We also differ in that he’s more comfortable with his list than I am, which is to say that, as usual, I find myself wanting to slip about 15 movies into 10 slots. Math has never been my strong suit, but even I know that won’t work. Shall we go? — by Ken Hanke

KEN’s best 1. The Brothers Bloom

This shot to the number-one position the minute I saw it and nothing has dislodged it — not even three subsequent viewings. I’m particularly happy about this, not in the least because it’s the work of a relatively new filmmaker, Rian Johnson. Johnson’s only previous film was the indie Brick (2005), which played locally for just one week (and then only in connection with The Brothers Bloom opening). This is the kind of occurrence that makes me hopeful about the future of film.

2. Pirate Radio

Richard Curtis’ Pirate Radio is in a unique position. It was on my list, but much further down — until I saw Curtis’ original cut, The Boat That Rocked. That pushed the film up to the top. This ensemble comedy about rock music and pirate rock-radio stations anchored off the coast of Great Britain in the mid-1960s is about as close to perfection as I could reasonably hope for.

3. Fantastic Mr. Fox

With this film, Wes Anderson proved he could make an animated movie that was still every inch a Wes Anderson picture. That’s enough, but it’s also glorious to look at, with brilliant animation, and has voice performances from a stellar cast who are better than a lot of on-screen performances I’ve seen.

4. The Imaginarium of Dr. Paranassus

For the second time in his career (the first

64 JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 • mountainx.com

Adrien Brody, Rachel Weisz and Mark Ruffalo in Rian Johnson’s The Brothers Bloom. was with Brazil in 1985) Terry Gilliam blew me away with this heavily textured allegorical fantasy — complete with Gilliam-esque comedy. It’s not perfect, but nothing this ambitious ever is.

just because he wrote it as a vehicle for Zero Mostel back in 1977.

8. Inglorious Basterds

As the triumphant return of Stephan Elliott, Easy Virtue is a little miracle of filmmaking — and adaptation. Not only have he and co-writer Sheridan Jobbins taken a reasonably serious-minded Noel Coward play and made it into a comedy, but they made it much more relevant and effective as drama than Coward’s serious theatrical work.

Quentin Tarantino at the top of his game pulls out all the stops (completely redeeming himself after 2007’s Death Proof), and rewrites history with explosive bad taste and film references only a hardcore movie fan could imagine. For an interesting change, QT proves that he actually knows more about movies than just drive-in and exploitation fodder — and he unleashes it all with a fearless ferocity no one else would dare.

6. Tetro

9. Up

5. Easy Virtue

Far and away the most visually stunning film of the year, Francis Ford Coppola’s Tetro is a film seen by far too few people. (It still seems to be moving around the festival circuit and there’s no sign of a DVD release.) Bold and operatic (qualities for which it has been damned in some quarters), it’s completely unlike anything else that came out this year. Even on a single viewing, it is unforgettable.

7. Whatever Works

Easily the funniest movie I saw all year — and despite its deceptive PG-13 rating, it’s also one of the most daring in terms of content. It’s also the best film Woody Allen has made in ages — and I don’t think that’s

I’m usually fairly resistant to Pixar. Up changed all that with a vengeance. Simply beautiful — and one of the most moving films of the year.

10. A Serious Man

The Coen Brothers’ A Serious Man is a film that snuck up on me. I liked it. I admired it. And I thought that was that. But then it kept coming back to haunt me, and as its levels of complexity became ever clearer to me, I had to admit it belonged on this list. So where are Me and Orson Welles, An Education, Sunshine Cleaning, Sherlock Holmes and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince? Well, they’re numbers 11 through 15.

Tune In to

KEN’s worst

Cranky Hanke’s Movie Reviews

1. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

It may not be the absolute worst thing I saw, but at 150 minutes of noisy, classless, obnoxious, unfettered stupidity — seasoned with endless shots of Megan Fox with her butt in the air — it was undoubtedly the most mind-numbing.

5:30 pm Fridays on Matt Mittan’s Take a Stand.

2. Transylmania 3. The Twilight Saga: New Moon 4. Paper Heart 5. Old Dogs 6. Funny People 7. C Me Dance 8. The Last House on the Left 9. He’s Just Not That Into You 10. Observe and Report

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The winner of the coveted “Pootie” — for rising above the run-of-the-mill bad comedies to distinguish itself as jaw-droppingly awful — is Miss March. The five or six other people who saw this will know what I mean. The rest of you should just count your blessings.

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JUSTIN’s best 1. Fantastic Mr. Fox

With all the G.I. Joes of the world, Wes Anderson reminded me why, exactly, I love movies. A singularly original animated flick that gets more out of a bunch of stop-motion animated animals than most movies get out of living, breathing actors. Best of all, it’s fun.

2. The Brothers Bloom

A reminder that comedy can be classy and that quirkiness doesn’t have to devolve into self-parody. A first-class entertainment that never forgets it’s a movie, but never minds going beyond that into something more significant.

3. Inglourious Basterds

Nazis, Bear Jews, David Bowie, a reminder of how good Brad Pitt can be, and one of the most memorably despicable antagonists in this decade of film. Quentin Tarantino getting it right can be a wonderfully brazen thing.

4. Up

The most sneakily touching and pleasant film of the year, Pixar has — for me, at least — finally lived up to its reputation.

5. Whatever Works

Woody Allen on the warpath: a curmudgeonly attack on anything and everything. One of the man’s funniest — and best — in years.

6. A Serious Man

A movie made by the Coen Brothers for

Miss March: the 2009 winner of the coveted Pootie Tang Award. what appears to be no one other than the Coens. Possibly their most personal and complex movie to date, and a movie only they could make.

7. Pirate Radio

Make a movie about how wonderful rock music is and I’m bound to like it. Do it with the kind of verve Richard Curtis has and I’m bound to love it.

8. Sherlock Holmes

Think Batman, but with personality. Guy Ritchie — with Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law as the perfect on-screen duo — has made the most purely entertaining film of the year.

9. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

The movie that made me give a damn about Harry Potter films again, David Yates’ second time behind the camera is the most mature portrayal of everyone’s favorite bespectacled wizard, not to mention one of the most strikingly handsome films of the year.

10. Crank: High Voltage

Sure, it’s junky filmmaking at it’s skankiest, a cavalcade of egregious bad taste and excessive violence. But while the world (myself included) may be praising the likes of Quentin Tarantino and throwbacks to Bmovie schlock of eras past, directors Mark

Neveldine and Brian Taylor are making their own brand of non-referential drive-in trash for a new generation of the ADHD afflicted. Let’s call it post-post-modern.

JUSTIN’s worst 1. Observe and Report

If this movie were a person, it’d probably get drunk and hit on my mom. And then pass out on my couch and wet itself.

2. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen 3. G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra 4. Play the Game 5. Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li 6. Paper Heart 7. The Fourth Kind 8. I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell 9. Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel 10. It’s Complicated For more on Ken Hanke and Justin Souther’s least-favorite films of 2009, plus their picks for the 100 best films of the decade, visit www. mountainx.com/movies.

mountainx.com • JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 65

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1% BUYER AGENT COMMISSION

1% rebate from Buyer Agent Commission, Search all WNC properties including foreclosures at BuncombeRealty.com, view any home within 24hrs, 828-301-2021. Visit BuncombeRealty.com.

ELK MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATES We specialize in • re-fitting Bathrooms and Kitchens and finishing Basements • adding Garages, Porches and • Sunrooms. • Professional education and experience. Call (828) 242-1950 or (for all our information): elkmountainassociates.com

Commercial Property

DOWNTOWN ASHEVILLE: For lease. Retail and office suites, 222 to 2,964 sqft. Very prominent locations. Call G/M Property Group, 828-281-4024. jmenk@gmproperty.com

SOUTH ASHEVILLE OFFICE SPACE • Near hospital. Located in a family doctor practice. Hardwood floors, fireplace, parking. $745/month. Steve, 828-273-9545.

COMPUTER SERVICE AT YOUR DOORSTEP We Come To You! • PC and Mac • Slow computer? We’ll speed it up. • Repairs • Upgrades • Networking • Tutoring. Senior Citizen/Nonprofit Discounts. Call Christopher’s Computers, 828-670-9800. Member Better Business Bureau of WNC. christopherscomputers.com

Kitchen & Bath GORGEOUS NEW CONSTRUCTION 3BR, 2.5BA with garage. Great South location. • Lease/purchase options now available. Call (828) 676-0677 for details. www.123newhomenow.com

Commercial Listings

HIRE A HUSBAND Handyman Services. 30 years professional experience. Quality, reliability. References available. Free estimates. $2,000,000 liability insurance. Stephen Houpis, (828) 280-2254.

We know Asheville. Since 1969. Let me help you sell your home or find the perfect one for you. Make it simple! Cindy Zinser. cindy@ashevilleproperty.com 828-243-0217, 828-210-3636.

Heating & Cooling

info@villagesatcrestmountain.com

AFFORDABLE CUSTOM MODULAR HOMES • NC Healthy Built Certified • Built Within 90 Days • Land/Home Packages for All Budgets. (828) 215-9064. www.123modulars.com

Handy Man

$299,900

Specializing in Bridge & Roadwork

Downtown Healthy Built 3 Bdrm, 3 bath cool modern interiors.

P r e c i s i o n @ e a rt h a v e n . o r g

SUN REALTY

Brandon Greenstein • Paul Caron (828) 664-9127 | 301-7934 Co-Creating Your Natural Landscape

mountainx.com

777-7786 Bill MacCurdy - Owner/Broker

• JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010

2-3BR, 1.5BA NORTH • 30 Clairmont. Close to shopping and dining. Water included. $615-$635/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA Duplex - South • Gas heat. $575/month. 828-253-0758. Carver Realty 2BR, 1BA EAST • 28 Hillendale. $625/month. Sunporch, carpet. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA SOUTH • 6 Lakewood. $630/month. W/D hookups. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA WEST • 9 King Arthur. Dishwasher, baseboard heat. $625/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA WEST • 92 Appalachian Way. $895/month. Harwood floors, W/D connections. 828-53-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 2BA EAST • 2484 Riceville Rd. Open floor plan, porch. $615/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2Br. 1.5BA NORTH • 172 Macon. Garage, dishwasher. $695/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR/1.5BA DUPLEX • With full basement garage. Between Downtown and UNCA. 18 & 20 Spears Avenue 28801. 1 fully/1 partially remodeled units. $1050/$850/month includes lawn maintenance. Call 828-231-9940. 2BR/1BA NORTH • 501 Beaverdam, $545/month. Views, W/D hookups, 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR/2BA, ARDEN • 216 Weston, A/C, W/D hookups. $795/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 3BR, 1BA NORTH • 22 Westall. Close to UNCA. Water included. $695/month. 828-253-1517. wwwleslieandassoc.com 3BR, 2BA EAST • 126 Aurora Dr. Carpet, W/D hookups. $750/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com

A HOME IN THE MOUNTAINS • GREAT PRICE! Live in a beautiful, green, conveniently located scenic resort-style community! • Fireplaces • Heated pool • Fitness Center and more. Call (828) 687-0638. kensingtonplaceapts.com ACTON WOODS APARTMENTS • Beautiful 2BR, 2BA, loft, $850/month. • 2BR, 2BA, $750. Include gas log fireplace, water, storage. 828-253-0758. Carver Realty BEVERLY CONDO 2BR, 1BA, hardwood floors, washer, dryer. Near downtown, hospital, AB Tech. $685/month plus deposit. (828) 281-3753 BLACK MOUNTAIN • EFFICIENCY 2 rooms, private bath. Separate entrance. • No pets. Smoking ok. $450/month includes water, heat, electricity, wifi, cable. (828) 423-4952. BLACK MOUNTAIN • 2BR, 1BA. Heatpump, central air, W/D connection. Nice area. Only $495/month. 828-252-4334. CENTRAL • 1BR. Heat and water provided. $620/month. 828-253-0758. Carver Realty. CHARMING UPSTAIRS STUDIO APARTMENT Renovated house in Norwood Park near UNCA. Private entrance, off-street parking. $660/month. All utilities + cable TV and wireless internet included. No pets/smoking. Security deposit, references. Patti: (828) 230-3210. DUPLEX • HENDERSONVILLE 2BR. • WD connections. Fenced backyard. Very convenient, close to downtown. $525/month includes water. 423-5160. DUPLEX • HISTORIC MONTFORD Unique and spacious 1BR, 1BA. Gourmet kitchen, radiant heat floors, high ceilings w/exposed beams. Laundry room w/WD. Pet friendly w/private backyard. $850/month. Call Tim: 279-6393.

EFFICIENCY APARTMENT • 1BR/1BA, Haw Creek. Quiet neighborhood near cul-de-sac, convenient to town. 450 sq.ft. Excellent condition. Ceramic tile bath, kitchen, carpeted livingroom/bedroom. Closet space, extra storage. W/D, electric, water, cable included. No smokers, no pets, no drugs. Security deposit, references. $485/month. 828-298-0337. EFFICIENCY APARTMENT • Available immediately. 289 E Chestnut ST. Ground floor units available, $450/month. No pets. 828-350-9400. GET QUALITY RESULTS! I received calls from a lot of high quality renters, as opposed to other publications I’ve tried. I will continue to advertise with Mountain Xpress. Patricia H. You too, can find the ideal renter, just call us! (828) 251-1333. Mountain Xpress Classified Marketplace. GLEN BRIDGE APARTMENTS • 1BR, 1BA. $450/month. Includes water/garbage. Small complex in Arden. Move in special with one year lease. www.arcagencyasheville.com. 828-350-9400. HENDERSONVILLE • 1BR Studio. Walking distance to downtown. Includes water. Only $325/month. 828-252-4334. KENILWORTH • 1BR, upstairs unit. Hardwood floors. $475/month. 828-253-0758. Carver Realty LEICESTER • Available immediately. 1BR with office. $550/month. 828-350-9400. www.arcagencyasheville.com MONTFORD STUDIO • small, bright, basement apartment. Walk to town. Available 1/15, $575/month + security. 6 month lease. W/D, D/W. Includes utilities. Quiet nonsmoker, indoor-only cat possible. 828-254-6642. NORTH ASHEVILLE TOWNHOMES •Special• Off Merrimon. Walking distance to town. • 2BR, 1BA. $495/month. 3BR, 1BA $595/month. Includes water. 828-252-4334 NORTH • 1BR. Hardwood floors. $500/month. 828-253-0758. Carver Realty

OFF CHARLOTTE ST • Clean, furnished, weekly apartments. Four week minimum. Efficiency and rooms. Includes wireless, laundry, off-street parking. Secure building. Walk to downtown and busline. 828-232-1042. STUDIO 1-2BR, 1BA DOWNTOWN • 68 N. French Broad Ave. $625-$775/month. Mountain Views. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com STUDIO/1BA EAST • 7 Violet Hills, $395/month. Private entrance. Pets OK, 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com STUDIO • South. Forestdale. 2BR, 1BA. A/C. 2nd month rent FREE. $505-$625/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com STUDIO • Sunny, spacious, quiet, porch, garden. Montford. Great location. Walk to downtown! No smoking/pets. $475/month. Available now. (716) 908-6367 11am-9pm. UNFURNISHED 1, 2, 3 BEDROOM APARTMENTS • Available in West Asheville. Water, garbage included. Washer/dryer connections available. $529.00 -$649.00. Call 828-252-9882. rbaker@orionra.com WEST ASHEVILLE • 56 Vermonth Ave. 2BR, 1BA. Brick four-plex. Heat, water, hot water included. $700/month. 828-775-9434. STUDIO/1BA NORTH • 85 Merrimon, all utilities included. Furnished. $550/month. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com

Mobile Homes For Rent 14X80 • OAKLEY AREA 3BR, 2BA. • Fireplace in living room. Stove, refrigerator, garbage pickup, lawn care provided. WD connections. • No pets. $585/month. 298-8939. 2BR, 1BA • Close to schools, shopping, I-26 and I-40. Minutes from downtown Asheville. $495/month. Call David: 828-777-0385. WEST ASHEVILLE • 3BR, 2BA near downtown. W/D connection. Excellent condition. $595/month. 828-252-4334.

Condos/ Townhomes For Rent 2BR. 1.5BA NORTH • 47 Albermarle. $845/month. Fireplace, deck. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com BILTMORE AVENUE • HOSPITAL Renovated 2BR, 1BA, designer kitchen, granite countertops, 6 new appliances, hardwood floors. • Available now. $750/month, includes water. First, deposit. Lease. References. 230-3739. DOWNTOWN CONDO 2BR, 2BA, hardwoods, stainless appliances, granite countertops, jet tub, balcony, fitness center, parking, $1550/month. The Real Estate Center, (828) 255-4663. www.recenter.com FLETCHER • 2BR, 1.5BA townhouse available for immediate rental. Very nice unit with one car garage. Duplex style living, very convenient to I-26 and south Asheville shopping/restaurants. One small pet considered. $800 per month. 828-350-9400. NORTH ASHEVILLE TOWNHOMES •Special• Off Merrimon. Walking distance to town. 2BR, 1BA. $495/month • 3BR, 1BA 595/month. Includes water. 828-252-4334

Homes For Rent 1928 BRICK HOME • OAKLEY Completely renovated 2BR, 1BA. Refurbished kitchen. Hardwood floors. Steam heat. Deck, porch, basement. • No pets. $900/month. 298-3298 or 712-3298.

2BR, 1BA NORTH • 42 Hollywood. $850/month. Porches, hardwood floors. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 2BA NORTH • 27 Spooks Mill Cove. $1075/month. Views, all utilities included. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 3BR, 2BA NORTH ASHEVILLENEW BRIDGE • Older settled area. All aspects of house updated. Handicapped accessible. Fenced. Carports. All appliances. Hardwood floors. A/C. Extra insulation. $925/month. 828-216-6066.

2BR, 1BA KENILWORTH • 271 Forest Hill. $895/month. Garage, back yard. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com 2BR, 1BA • Near UNCA. Hardwood floors, dining room, half basement. Small yard, porch. $850/month + security deposit, year lease required. 828-691-8793, 828-298-5088.

BILTMORE LAKE. 4BR/3.5BA. 2500 sqft. $1800 per month. Great location and neighborhood. Contact Jeff if interested: 828-273-7487. www.aghproperty.com CANDLER • 3BR, 3BA. Private. $1,200/month. Call 828-253-0758. Carver Realty

4BR, 2BA ARDEN • 6 Strathmore. $1495/month. Garage, fenced yard. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com ARDEN, OAK FOREST • 3BR, 2BA with full basement/garage. Nice area. Reduced to $1050/month. $30 application fee. 828-350-9400. www.arcagencyasheville.com ARDEN • 1 home available from $895/month. Great layouts. 828-350-9400. www.arcagencyasheville.com ASHEVILLE AREA RENTALS $550-$1950/month. • 1-East. • 3-West. • 3-North. • 3-South. • Century 21 Mountain Lifestyles: (828) 684-2640, ext 17. For more details: www.DebraMarshall.com

1ST CALL US! 2, 3 and 4BR homes from $700-2500. • Pet friendly. • Huge selection! (828) 251-9966 Alpha-Real-Estate.com 2BR, 1BA ARDEN • 85 Tampa. $1135/month. Oak floors, fireplace. 828-253-1517. www.leslieandassoc.com

BEAUTIFUL, SECLUDED 3BR log home with views, 1.6 acres forested mountaintop, 20 min. north of Asheville. Wellwater/woodstove/HVAC/wra p-around porch. $1250/month. 828-649-9781. loghouseforsaleasheville. blogspot.com

ASHEVILLE NORTH • BEAVER LAKE Sunny 1920’s beautifully renovated 3BR, 1.5BA on Beaverlake with awesome views. New Chefs Kitchen, hardwood floors, F/P, sunroom, great bath. Deck off Master BR. Screen porch, great yard, and more! Well behaved dogs ok. Steps to lake from your private path. 5 mins to downtown. A very special find! $1,500+utililities. Call and email: Joan 828-301-6680 jajogrimes@yahoo.com

WOODRIDGE

Call today: (828) 274-4477 www.woodsedge.webs.com *Must move in by 01/31/10 to get February free.

SOUTHCHASE • 3BR, 2.5BA. Gas heat, 2 car garage, nice neighborhood. $1250/month. 828-253-0758. Carver Realty

HAW CREEK • 2BR 1BA, A/C W/D hookups dishwasher, disposal, fireplace, pergo flooring. 1 car garage. 850/month. 713-2467

WEST ASHEVILLE • BUNGALOW Short walk to Haywood Road shops, pubs, etc. from 34 Tanglewood Drive and 5 minutes from downtown Asheville. Super clean, move-in ready! Available now! 2BR, 1BA w/Jacuzzi tub. Central heating and AC, hardwood floors, kitchen appliances, washer/dryer, fenced backyard, one car garage, and basement storage. House interior about 950 sqft. Nicely painted, window treatments, and lots of storage. • No pets/smoking. Proof of employment required. Minimum one year lease preferred. $925/month, first and security deposit. If interested, please phone (828)350-7975.

HAW CREEK • 3BR, 2.5BA. 2 car garage, storage room, D/W disposal W/D hookups gas logs. Newer house. 2000 sq.ft. $1400/month. 713-2467. NORTH ASHEVILLE TOWNHOMES •Special• Off Merrimon. Walking distance to town. 2BR, 1BA. $495/month. 3BR, 1BA $595/month. Includes water. 828-252-4334. OFF THE HOOK! We got a great response from our ad for our Rental house in the Mountain Xpress! The phone rang off the hook! Thanks, Ander, owner, Design Painting. Get your Apartment or House rented quickly and affordably. Call (828) 251-1333. Mountain Xpress Classified Marketplace.

JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 •

A PA RT M EN T S

Professionally Managed by Partnership Property Management Section 8 welcomed.

mountainx.com

Call 828-250-0159 Today!

RIVER ARTS DISTRICT • 2BR + office, 1.5BA, W/D, gas heat. 2 porches + deck. New everything! Pets considered. Available now. $1050/month. 828-350-7603.

COZY CHALET • 1244 sq.ft. 2BR, 2BA, loft, garage, covered deck, views, private close to hospitals. On 1 acre, washer/dryer, tile, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances. Option to lease 6 months or monthly. $950/month. 828-545-0593.

• Conveniently located at 61 Bingham Road, Asheville • 1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms NOW AVAILABLE! • SPACIOUS • COMFORTABLE • AFFORDABLE Now accepting pets with deposit.

• Great location • Great prices

READY TO RENT • WEST ASHEVILLE 3BR, 2 full BA, living room, dining room, utility room, washer, dryer, central A/C. Large storage space underneath home. Great family neighborhood. Walking distance to Carrier Park. Pets considered with deposit. $1,050/month + $1,050 security deposit. One year lease. (803) 323-9241.

SOUTH • Off Hendersonville Rd. 2BR, 1BA. $675/month. 828-253-0758. Carver Realty.

MOVE IN NOW Sign a lease in January and Get February FREE!* we’ll waive your rent for the month! 1 and 2 Bedrooms starting at $595/month

PRETTY FARMHOUSE near Marshal, month to month rental. For sale and will be shown to clients.Two bedrooms, clean, cozy. $850/month. References, deposit. 828-524-8369.

Equal Housing Opportunities

WEAVERVILLE/BARNARDSVIL LE • Available immediately. 2BR with office. Views on 1 acre. No pets considered. $795/month. 828-350-9400.

WEST ASHEVILLE • 3BR, 2BA. Hardwood floors, A/C, gas heat, storage and basement. Patio. Private and safe. Smokeless, no pets. $975/month + deposit. 828-253-4494. WEST • 2BR, 1BA. $500/month. 828-253-0758. Carver Realty. JUPITER/BARNARDSVILLE • 2BR, 1BA. Office, heat pump, new windows. $795/month. www.arcagencyasheville.com BEST TIME IS NOW!

*Best time to buy, pay less than rent, 1% rebate from Buyer Agent Commission, see BuncombeRealty.com, 301-2021 Visit us at BuncombeRealty.com

Vacation Rentals A BEACH HOUSE At Folly. The legendary dog-friendly Rosie’s Ocean View and Kudzu’s Cottage now booking now booking for oyster season! Call (828) 216-7908. www.kudzurose.com

Employment Services

jobs BEAUTIFUL LOG CABIN Sleeps 5, handicap accessible. Near Warren Wilson College, Asheville, NC. (828) 231-4504 or 277-1492. bennie14@bellsouth.net

Roommates Beautiful Views Share West Asheville apartment with two GM’s. Private room/bath. $500/month, includes utilities. GM preferred, $200 deposit. No pets. 828-275-8923. Leave message. Homeshare Opportunity in furnished 3BR, 2BA West Asheville farmhouse for conscientious individual. Country but convenient. No pets. $450/month, $450 deposit. 727-564-2703. Housemate Wanted Mature individual(s) to share retreatlike-home in peaceful community 20 minutes north of Asheville. $495/month, utilities included. Call Paul 658.0444. I Need a Roomie Apartment in Montford available asap. $400/month, great location. Call Diane for details. 828-777-8496. West Asheville Share home with 2 men and 1 cat. Spacious 2-room suite, private entrance & bathroom, shared kitchen. $550 includes utilities and Internet. 553-5185.

HIRE QUALITY EMPLOYEES “Our employment advertisements with the Mountain Xpress garner far more educated and qualified applicants than any other publication we have used. The difference is visible in the phone calls, applications and resumes.” Howard Stafford, Owner, Princess Anne Hotel. • Thank you, Howard. Your business can benefit by advertising for your next employee in Mountain Xpress Classifieds. Call 251-1333.

MOUNTAIN X JAMS! As a growing business that relies on the face put forward by our employees, Mountain Xpress Classifieds is where we turn to find them. The volume of highquality applicants replying to our ads can be hard to choose from, and it is always worth our investment. Thanks Mountain X! Rebecca and Charlie, owners, Tomato Jam Cafe.

Human Services

Employment Opportunities • Call (828) 225-6122 or visit: biltmore.com

Sales/ Marketing MARKETING/ADVERTISING INTERN • Diamond Brand, a local outdoor gear manufacturer and retailer, is looking to hire a PT marketing/advertising intern for the spring 2010 semester. This position is only open to current college students. $7 - $9/hour dependent on experience. Business, marketing or communications related degree majors are a plus. Must have excellent computer skills and be proficient in MS Excel. Please send resume and cover letter to smerrell@diamondbrand.com.

General CAB DRIVERS Needed at Blue Bird; call JT 258-8331. Drivers needed at Yellow Cab; call Buster at 253-3311.

SALES PROS • Time to get paid what you are worth AND have a life. Call 1-888-700-4916.

MUST meet Qualified Professional standards to qualify. You MUST have a Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services or related field with a minimum of 2 years clinically supervised experience in Mental Health Services. Please email resume to eweaver@eliada.org if you are interested and visit www.eliada.org for more information on Eliada Homes.

CASE MANGER: Do you have experience in the mental health field and a desire to work as a case manager for a fantastic residential program for youth in WNC? Eliada Homes Needs New Residential Case Manager! Our Case Managers are responsible for creating and facilitating the implementation of a service plan for each of Eliada’s Residential clients to whom they are assigned. The right person must also have a knowledge of case management practice, systems theory and practice, and strengths-based practice. This is an extremely important position and with that come many responsibilities. Some major duties include: Creating a comprehensive service plan for each client assigned to caseload, coordinating and facilitating child and family team meetings, advocating for clients using on and off campus services to assist with treatment, and reviewing and approving all SEDCARE service notes. Case Managers also provide on-call services for Residential program on a rotating schedule. Continued on next column

FAMILY PRESERVATION SERVICES OF ASHEVILLE is seeking licensed therapists and QMHPs to provide mental health services to children, families and adults. Email

Hotel/ Hospitality AUDITOR • NIGHT CONCIERGE Full-time, 11pm-7:30am. Ability to deliver 5 Star service. Prior hospitality experience required. • $15/hour. To apply in person call (828) 350-8000. The Residences at Biltmore Hotel.

OUTSIDE MARKETER • Business to business for local tax service office to contact business owners in the North Asheville region. Outgoing personality and previous media sales experience helpful. 828-505-2002. Email resume to: gemkirk@cox.net

Employment

Restaurant/ Food

csimpson@fpscorp.com

FAMILIES TOGETHER • Now hiring a licensed professional to provide assessments to children and families and partner with Henderson and Transylvania stakeholders. Qualified candidates will include LPC’s, LCSW’s, LMFT’s, LCAS’s, PLCSW’s, or Board Eligible Counselors. FTI provides a positive work environment, flexible hours, room for advancement, health benefits, and an innovative culture. • Now hiring a licensed professional to provide assessments to adults, linkage to services, and partner with Henderson County stakeholders. • Qualified candidates will include LPC’s, LCSW’s, LMFT’s, LCAS’s, PLCSW’s, or Board Eligible Counselors. FTI provides a positive work environment, flexible hours, room for advancement, health benefits, and an innovative culture. • Now hiring a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist to provide assessments for adults in the Henderson County Detention Center. FTI provides a positive work environment, flexible hours, room for advancement, health benefits, and an innovative culture. humanresources @familiestogether.net

Help Others while

FAMILY PRESERVATION SERVICES OF HENDERSONVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA Has an immediate opening for a Clinical Supervisor. Candidate must have a Master’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling or related field and be fully licensed or fully licensed eligible in the state of North Carolina. Please forward resumes to wfhoward@fpscorp.com

MERIDIAN BEHAVIORAL HEALTH QMHP Assertive Community Treatment Team. Must have mental health degree and two years of experience working with adults with mental illness Please contact Mason Youell, mason.youell @meridianbhs.org Vocational Specialist Assertive Community Treatment Team. Must have mental health degree and two years of experience working with adults with mental illness Please contact Mason Youell, mason.youell @meridianbhs.org Jackson/Macon/Clay County Team Leader Assertive Community Treatment Team. Must have master’s degree and be license eligible. Please contact Ben Haffey, ben.haffey @meridianbhs.org Cherokee/Clay/Graham County Therapist/Team Leader Child and Family Services. Masters degree and license eligible. Please contact David Hutchinson at david.hutchinson @meridianbhs.org Team Leader Adult Recovery Education Center. Masters or Doctoral Level Clinician. Must be licensed or license-eligible. Please contact Julie DurhamDefee at julie.durham-defee @meridianbhs.org QMHP Assertive Community Treatment Team. Must have mental health degree and two years of experience working with adults with mental illness. Please contact Patty Bilitzke at patricia.bilitzke @meridianbhs.org • For further information and to complete an application, visit our website: www.meridianbhs.org

PEER SUPPORT SPECIALIST Position open for a Peer Support Specialist to work in our recovery-oriented programs for individuals with substance abuse and/or mental health challenges. Being a Peer Support Specialist provides an opportunity for an individual to transform personal lived experience into a tool for inspiring hope for recovery in others. Applicants must demonstrate maturity in their own recovery process and be willing to participate in an extensive training program prior to employment. For further information, please contact Bo Simms, Recovery Education Specialist, at bo.simms@meridianbhs.org SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR/CASE MANAGER Needed to provide services to pregnant and postpartum women. Position requires Master’s Degree and working in the community. Send resume: Suzanne Boehm sboehm@drugfreenc.org or 35 Orange Street Asheville 28801.

Teaching/ Education YMCA OF WESTERN NC • Afterschool Program Opportunities $7.25 - $13/hour Please visit our web site for details: www.ymcawnc.org

UNDERCOVER SHOPPERS Get paid to shop. Retail and dining establishments need undercover clients to judge quality and customer service. Earn up to $100/day. Please call 1-800-720-0576.

Business Opportunities BEST HOME-BASED BUSINESS EVER! It’s fun; it’s simple; it’s lucrative. To hear 3minute message, call 1-866-257-3105, code 1. BIZ OP • Want to purchase minerals and other oil/gas interest. Send details to: PO Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201 ECOTRIPS FOR SALE For innovative, green transportation system featuring electric vehicles for local shuttle service. Unique and established business model needs an imaginative entrepreneur who wants to expand this groundbreaking idea and can focus time and energy to its unlimited potential. Serious inquiries only. For more info go to www.ecotripsasheville.com or email to info @ecotripsasheville.com

NOW HIRING

Earn $65k, $50k, $40k GM, Co-Manager, Assistant Manager We currently have managers making this and need more for expansion. One year salaried restaurant management experience required. Fax resume to 336-431-0873

OPEN YOUR HEART… OPEN YOUR HOME North Carolina MENTOR was established in 1993 to provide community-based care for at-risk youth in the state. Today, North Carolina MENTOR serves hundreds of at-risk youth in Western North Carolina.

Helping Yourself

Services include: • Therapeutic foster care • Respite • Intake Assessments • Therapy • Other Services

DONATE PLASMA, EARN COMPENSATION

NC Mentor is looking for foster parents in Buncombe, Henderson, Polk, Transylvania, and Rutherford counties. Be a hero in your community and open your home to a child in need. We provide training, 24 hour support, and a generous stipend.

Please call Nicole at 828-696-2667 x 14

Plasma Biological Services (828) 252-9967 interstatebloodbank.com

2009 • DON’T JUST SURVIVE • Thrive! Snelling delivers results with staffing expertise that connects people and businesses with the power to thrive! www.snelling.com/asheville/ application

Asheville 828-253-8177

Together we can make a difference in our community

mountainx.com

Hendersonville 828-696-2667

• JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010

AUDIO/CD MASTERING Crane Song, Manley, API, and more. • Unrivaled in WNC/Upstate. Experienced and professional. Call (828) 442-6211 or (828) 724-1500. www.blantonemusic.com

Equipment For Sale Eastwood Airline Map 1 of 24 made with Bixby. With numbered certificate. Never played. Excellent condition. With case. Asking $680. Call 676-0249.

For Sale

Appliances HELP HONEY HAVE HOME! Honey is a Terrier mix puppy who is searching for a loving home. For more info, contact Brother Wolf Animal Rescue at 808-9435 or visit www.bwar.org

LOOKING FOR THE RIGHT BUSINESS IN DIFFICULT ECONOMIC TIMES? This opportunity is showing great growth. Low start up costs, serious money potential. Call 828-697-1919 or e-mail andream4@yahoo.com NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL COMPANY Cutting Edge Technologies. Alkaline Water / Indoor Air Quality. $6000/month plus part-time. Local training. (828) 989-6057.

Mind, Body, Spirit

Bodywork **ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE MASSAGE!** Perfect pressure! Caring, intuitive, professional

Announcements

therapist. Tranquil sanctuary just 3 blocks from Greenlife &

ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS in 111 alternative newspapers like this one. Over 6 million circulation every week for $1200. No adult ads. Call Mountain Xpress Classifieds at (828) 251-1333. (AAN CAN)

Lost & Found SUBARU CAR KEYS • Found on Coxe Ave. (close to Post Office) on 12/23/09. Please call 828-251-1333 ext. 138.

downtown. Introductory Special for Locals: $35! Open Mon thru Sun. 9am to 8pm by appt. only. Brett Rodgers LMBT #7557. www.vitalitymassage.net (828) 255-4785.

#1 AFFORDABLE COMMUNITY CONSCIOUS MASSAGE CENTER Best rates in town! $29/hour. • 20 Wonderful Therapists to choose from. Therapeutic Massage: • Deep Tissue • Swedish • Sports • Trigger Point. Also offering: • Acupressure • Energy Work • Reflexology • Classes. Call now for your appointment: • 10 Biltmore Plaza, 505-7088. Asheville. www.thecosmicgroove.com AAA & AARP DISCOUNT • Massage gift certificates available for the Holidays. Great rates. Professional office. Stress Busters Massage. LMT #7113. 828-275-5497. BEST MASSAGE IN ASHEVILLE Deep tissue, sports massage, Swedish, esalen. Available in/out. Jim Haggerty, LMBT# 7659. Call (828) 545-9700. www.jhmassage.com

MASSAGE/MLD Therapeutic Massage. Manual Lymph Drainage. Lymphedema Treatment. $45/hour or sliding scale for financial hardship. 17+ years experience. 828254-4110. NC License #146. www.uhealth.net SHOJI SPA & LODGE • 7 DAYS A WEEK Looking for the best therapist in town—- or a cheap massage? Soak in your outdoor hot tub; experience the invigorating cold plunge; then get the massage of your life! 26 massage therapists. 299-0999. www.shojiretreats.com STAY RELAXED. Massage therapy at your home/office. 1/2 or 1-hour appointments. Call Sarah Whiteside, LMBT#4741, (828) 279-1050. sarahsgolf@charter.net ZEN GARDEN • Creative healing massage therapy combining many modalities. $50/hour. Open every day 10am-7pm. Suzannah, 828-333-0555. LMBT 5773.

Acoustic Music Room Recording Studio & Video Production Musical Recording Mixing & Mastering Music & Event HD Video Services

828-335-9316 www.amrmediastudio.com • visa/MC

JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010 •

mountainx.com

Pet Xchange

Spiritual A SPIRITUAL MENTOR Nina Anin. Wherever you are, by phone: (828) 253-7472 or email: asknina@excite.com ANCIENT VOICE CONSULTING “Divining the Truly Essential” *Love*Money*Health*Relationsh ips* Business*The Spiritual. Lil’lei Well, 828-275-4931.

Natural Alternatives HOLISTIC IRIDOLOGY® Fascinating Iris Analysis with digital imaging, Bio-Chemistry Analysis, Cardiovascular Screening, and Meridian Kinesiology for ‘Total Health Assessment’. Safe, Effective Natural Therapies, Detoxification, • NEW: Vibrational Healing using Quantum Light Lasers! Call Jane Smolnik, ND, Iridologist at (828) 777-JANE (5263) or visit www.UltimateHealing.com

Lost Pets A LOST OR FOUND PET? Free service. If you have lost or found a pet in WNC, post your listing here: www.lostpetswnc.org LOST YOUR PET? FOUND A PET? Call Asheville Humane Society, (828) 253-6807, to fill out a missing or found pet report. Visit 72 Lee’s Creek Road, Asheville. www.ashevillehumane.org

Pets for Adoption

Loving Lab Mix Needs a Home Housebroken, female, spayed, 3 yrs, LOVES people, not good with other dogs, free professional in home training with adoption contact bekah@betterdog.com

Pet Services

LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE! End cruel and dangerous constant chaining of dogs in NC! Lobby your state reps to reintroduce legislation addressing dog chaining. For information, contacts and downloads, visit www.crittersong.org

Autos

Musical Services ASHEVILLE’S WHITEWATER RECORDING Full service studio services since 1987. • Mastering • Mixing and Recording. • CD/DVD duplication at the best prices. (828) 684-8284 • whitewaterrecording.com

FIND THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE! Cats, dogs, & other small animals available for adoption at Asheville Humane Society • 72 Lee’s Creek Road • Asheville, NC • (828) 253-6807 www.ashevillehumane.org

Musicians’ Xchange

HELP SCARLETT FIND HER HOME! Scarlett is a Shepherd mix puppy who is searching for a loving home. If you are interested in adopting , please call 808-9435 or for more information, visit www.bwar.org

Vehicles For Sale

ABBY IS WAITING! Abby is a Schipperke mix who is searching for a loving home. For more info, contact Brother Wolf Animal Rescue at 808-9435 or visit www.bwar.org

Therapeutic Massage & Holistic Services Ayurveda, Deep Tissue, Integrative, Spa Treatments (LMT 7219)

121/2 Wall St. • Suite S

Sears Microwave Oven (over the stove size). Great condition. $10. 828-298-0055.

Computers

Musicians’ Bulletin Electronic Music Makers Looking for electronic music makers guitar keys base and computer enhanced sound beats etc to play live shows call 828-699-7786.

Air Conditioner Parts Carrier Air conditioner coil (new) Carrier air condition unit fan Both for $100. 828-298-0055.

2006 Toyota Corolla S Deluxe sport model. Automatic, 64,977 miles, alloy wheels, all power options. Metallic blue. Great mechanical condition. $9950, cash only. 828-658-9073.

Recreational Vehicles 2001 Sunnybrook 24FB Completely self-contained. AC/heat/magic fan. AM/FM/CD. Water heater. Refrigerator/Freezer. Skylights. Full bathroom. Awning. Outside shower. Gas stove. Microwave. GVWR 7840, UVW 4750. 828-298-0055.

Automotive Services WE’LL FIX IT AUTOMOTIVE • Honda and Acura repair. Half price repair and service. ASE and factory certified. Located in the Weaverville area. Please call 828-275-6063 for appointment.

Awesome Macbook Pro Like new. Processor 2.2 GHz intel core 2 duo. Memory 2 GB 667 MHz DDR2 SDRAM. OS Snow Leopard. Microsoft Office. $1500. starredondo@gmail.com

Bicycles All Terrain Bikes 2 Murray adult bicycles 26” (boy, girl) Both for $50. 828-298-0055.

Sporting Goods Camping Tent Gander Mt. 3 man dome tent with poles, stakes, storm fly. Has sewn in floor and insect net doors.storage bag included.$25. Call 828-667-1407 DreamMaker Odyssey Spa/Hot Tub Jetted six seater w/lounger. Includes cover/extra filter/chemicals. Purchased 1 1/2 years ago for $3900/will consider all reasonable offers. 828-255-2884.

Furniture Entertainment Center Beautiful solid wood,onepiece;4shelves,2 drawers,60”x53”x21”. $325, paid 1K originally. Call 299-1795 after 2PM MATTRESSES Pillow-top: queen $250, king $350 • Extra firm: queen $175, king $275 • Full: $150 • Twin: $99. New, in plastic. 828-277-2500.

Adult

Adult Services A MAN’S DESIRE • Holiday stress? • Start the New Year right with us! • MondaySaturday, 9am-9pm. • Incall/outcall. (Lic#0800020912). • Call (828) 989-7353. A WOMAN’S TOUCH “We’re all about you!” Keep warm with our “Winter Special”! • Call 275-6291. MEET SEXY SINGLES by phone instantly! Call (828) 239-0006. Use ad code 8282. 18+

The New York Times Crossword Edited by Will Shortz No. 1202 Across

42 Lead role on “Providence” 43 Ten Commandments locale 45 Carrier with a hub at LAX 46 FIFA Player of the Century 47 Words to estate attorneys? 51 “Man ___ Mancha” 52 Reclined 53 Approach shot 56 Spinners at affairs 58 Mushroom producer, for short 62 Advice to the rash, and a hint to this puzzle’s theme 66 Francis of “What’s My Line?” 67 Prefix with skid 68 Big ___ 69 Attached, in a way 70 New driver, typically

1 Whole bunch 4 In an ark, say 8 Monopoly maker 14 Actress Lupino 15 Debtor’s worry 16 Irish-themed Vegas casino 17 Bill Gates snapshot? 20 Baseball’s Bud 21 “That’s a joke, ___!” 22 Raw material, of sorts 23 Turkish V.I.P. 26 Full of energy 28 Banshees’ boast? 35 In ___ land 36 Pikake garland 37 Actress Carter who was once Miss World USA 38 Blotter abbr. 39 Comedic soldier during training?

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE J A R S

C Z A R

A L G A

M A N S

H E N C E

A V A I L

R E W C U R E A D I A L T I S U N S E M I A H L P R O S A A W C R B E S T O R A S T Y D N A E R E S T N A P I T I C O A N A N

A T T M A H I R E H O T E R E F E L E E S S S S A S P P L L O R A T O S K H

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I N D I A

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T E R M

O P E N B R E F L A R H O N S A C K

0AUL #ARON

Furniture Magician

A G E S

71 “Madame Butterfly” wear

Down 1 Bread in a jar, perhaps 2 Drooling canine in the funnies 3 Salt, symbolically 4 Nancy’s friend in the funnies 5 Get out into the open 6 Sometimes-split charge 7 Son of Seth 8 Start of an elocution class phrase 9 Mother of Peer Gynt 10 Hard to make out 11 Composer Bartók 12 Heavy metal band with the triple-platinum album “Out of the Cellar” 13 Workplace watchdog org. 18 Item often worn with a sash 19 Fuddy-dud 24 Storytelling dance 25 Sidewalk stand buys 27 Hanukkah goodies 28 More than just reduce 29 Jack of “The Great Dictator” 30 Primary strategy 31 Kojak’s rank: Abbr. 32 Adams who cofounded Group f/64 33 Pastoral piece 34 Does dock work

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669-4625 • Black Mountain

I can help.

8 16

58 64

48 Codgers 49 Big Indian 50 Like a good deal for both sides 53 Facebook feature 54 Mata ___ 55 Trinidad or Tobago 57 Game with 32 cards

59 Old Sinclair rival

Puzzle by Jack McInturff

39 “Back to the Future” bully 40 “Wiseguy” actor Ken 41 Sections of digestive tracts 44 Like Steve Jobs and Moses 46 Niña companion

828.367.0388 Mindfulness/CBT/DBT

Depression • Bipolar • Anxiety Couples/Communication • Trauma Life Transition • Grief Chronic Mental Illness

1st Session Free • Sliding Scale

Call for your FREE Consultation!

828-333-4803 Strobel Law Firm, P.A. StrobelLawFirm.com

61 Actress Hatcher 63 Brian who produced U2 64 Phoenix-to-Philly dir. 65 Fr. holy woman

PSYCHOTHERAPIST

Jamie Howard

personal injury on-the-job injury catastrophe & accidents

60 Bit of theater litter

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554. Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information. Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

LCSW, MSW, MA

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Have you been in an accident?

828-225-5555

www.trccounseling.com

Colleen Welty, CSAC • Addiction Counseling • Anger Management

Guy Morganstein, LPC • Couples Counseling • Adolescent & Families

F[ji e\ j^[ M[[a Adopt a Friend • Save a Life HARLEY Male/Neutered Hound/Mix 1 year 7 months I.D. #5296596 THUMPER Female Domestic Shorthair/Mix 4 months I.D. # 9203462 HIP Female Terrier/Mix 2 years 6 months I.D. #9206248

Amanda Bucci, LCSW • Child & Family Therapist Adult and Child Medicaid/Health Choice BC-BS • Sliding Scale

mountainx.com

7i^[l_bb[ >kcWd[ IeY_[jo 72 Lee’s Creek Rd, Asheville, NC 253-6807 • AshevilleHumane.org

Buncombe County Friends For Animals, Inc.

• JANUARY 6 - JANUARY 12, 2010