Mountain Xpress 05.03.23

POINT BLANK

As lawmakers in North Carolina decide how to regulate ghost guns — if at all — gun shop owners and local law enforcement officials say that education is the best hope to keep untraceable or stolen guns off the street.

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COPYRIGHT

Child’s artwork offers conservation message

I was both moved and inspired by the artwork of third grader Orrin Melonas [“Kids Takes: Area Youths Share Creative Works About Spring,” April 19, Xpress]. I hope that fellow Mountain Xpress readers will seek out this simple but evocative piece to view for themselves. One thing that struck me was the work’s eerie similarity to many things I see posted on Nextdoor by adults living in our beautiful area.

Almost daily, citizens share photographs and paintings of treasured trees, soaring hawks, busy bears, rivers, lakes, unscarred hills and oldgrowth forests crucial to the health and wellness of neighbors and neighborhoods alike. In fact, I’ve yet to see a positive post about traffic jams, stormwater runoff, steep-slope assaults like the one threatening Beaver Lake or old-growth trees being razed.

While we rightly praise Wilma Dykeman, Karen Cragnolin and other activists who came before us to safeguard what is essential to our current well-being, it’s important to remember that we who are here in the pres-

ent are making generation-defining decisions that will impact adults who are now children. Many local officials seem to be blinded by the mad cries of “more, more” and “bigger, bigger.” And I find it troublesome that some local officials accept campaign contributions from developers while tuning out longtime residents and their valid concerns. Since one could argue that real estate is to Asheville what the stock market is to members of Congress, this seems somewhat “wrong,” to say the least.

As you view Orrin Melonas’ drawing, I hope you’ll agree that not every parcel of real estate is necessarily best suited to be built upon. In our society, intrinsic value is often less valued simply because its worth is immeasurable, or not fully comprehended or appreciated until it is gone. Trees are generous beings, supplying us

We need a countywide tree ordinance

[Regarding “Thinking Green: Stronger Tree Protection,” April 5, Xpress:]

As a native of Asheville, I have personally seen the damage development has done to our tree canopy. It has been many years since the city revised the current tree ordinance, and because some businesses find a way to “get around” it or are grandfathered, we have the issue of the “heat island effect,” especially in large asphalt parking lots with no tree canopy.

I would like to see a new tree ordinance adopted countywide that increases the number of trees to be planted on property that is being developed; eliminates the grandfathering of businesses from complying; makes businesses and developments responsible for trees they plant; requires dead trees to be replanted; and last, includes residential property owners in the tree ordinance.

— Sharon Trammel Asheville

not only with eye-pleasing aesthetics, but also free air-conditioning, carbon sequestration and much more that is vital to our bodies and souls.

Oftentimes, the best use of that forest at the end of a narrow dead-end street with insufficient ingress/egress access points to safely add extra humans is that it remain a forest.

It takes wisdom, vision and courage to safeguard what’s already here and perfect the way it is. Let’s safeguard more intact forests near rivers, parks and at various points around (and close to) our beautiful city for young folks like Orrin Melonas to enjoy. Their future rests in our hands and with our present-day decisions. Our children deserve the right to one day be adults in a lovely, resilient, well-planned and well-tended place.

— Robert McGee Asheville

Costs have gone up for landlords, too

[Regarding the letter, “Hooray for Reasonable Landlords,” April 12, Xpress:]

In response to Ms. Lorrie Streifel’s question, “Is this the effect of capitalism?” many of us are aware that because of rampant, continuing inflation, an average citizen has lost about 7.4% in purchasing power in the last two years. (The “hidden tax.” Think of that.)

As costs for landlords go up, as most costs have and continue to do (some dramatically), the need for higher rentals usually goes with it.

Congratulations to any landlord who graciously holds the line, but I suspect most cannot afford to do so for long and still provide the housing.

— Michael Childs Charlotte

CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON

CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN

Point blank

BY BROOKE RANDLE

brandle@mountainx.com

The Asheville Police Department is used to seizing and documenting weapons found during criminal investigations. But recently, the department found itself needing a new category: ghost guns.

“It definitely sounds scary,” says Asheville police Capt. Joe Silberman. “But we know we’re also seeing more of them.”

The term ghost gun refers to untraceable firearms that were made or assembled at home. They do not contain serial numbers, making them untraceable to law enforcement, Silberman says.

Asheville police recovered five ghost guns in 2022 and three so far this year, says APD spokesperson Samantha Booth. Data before 2022 is not available because the department had no method of tracking the firearms.

“We did not start seeing ghost guns until 2022,” says Booth. “Because of record-keeping, we might have recovered ghost guns [before 2022], but the way that we’re recording them now is easily searchable.”

National data shows that in 2021 alone, approximately 20,000 suspected ghost guns were recovered by law enforcement in criminal investigations and reported to the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, a tenfold increase from 2016.

As lawmakers in North Carolina decide how to regulate the weapons — if at all — gun shop owners and local law enforcement officials say that education is the best hope to keep untraceable or stolen guns off the street.

OLD SCHOOL, NEW SCHOOL

Silberman, who has worked in criminal investigations at APD since 2003, says while the name may elicit fear, ghost guns refer to homemade firearms, which have existed essentially since gunpowder was discov-

Firearms experts discuss rise of ghost guns in Asheville

own firearms, regulation around the transfer and sale of guns stretches back to the 1930s. In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Gun Control Act, which prohibited mail order of firearms and required firearms to contain serial numbers to prevent illegal gun sales and make it easier to solve crimes, among other regulations. The bill was prompted in part by the assassinations of civil rights leader the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 and President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Kennedy was shot and killed with a mail-order rifle.

Matt Hampton , who owns Asheville Armory, a shop that sells firearms and training classes, holds a federal firearms license that requires him to log all sales and serial numbers and conduct background checks on new gun owners.

“We’re the record-keepers,” says Hampton, who’s been in the firearms business for about 10 years. He says he has hundreds of books filled with records of every gun sold at his store.

People can purchase from Asheville Armory directly or pick up guns from online or person-to-person sales. All of those types of transfers include logging information about the buyer and seller, along with the serial numbers for the firearms.

ered. “People have been making their own guns in this country for a long time,” he notes.

The first ghost guns were referred to as “zip guns,” he explains, and were often a haphazard arrangement of tools and materials, such as pipes and even rubber bands. Manufacturers began standardizing firearms in the U.S. more than a century ago, says Silberman. For decades, building homemade guns was arduous and mostly unappealing to anyone other than hobbyists. That changed, Silberman explains, with the emergence of so-called “80-percenters” — guns that are 80% complete with the remaining 20% to be built by the purchaser through easily available parts. Those who

purchase the incomplete gun kits have to finish the job, which often means using a Dremel to mill out the gun and add parts such as triggers. By selling the guns as incomplete, distributors avoid having to meet the same federal requirements as fully built firearms.

Gun kits, which are widely available online, caused the industry to burgeon over the last two decades. Among the most popular self-manufactured guns is the Nevada-based Polymer80 pistol, which can be purchased both in gun stores or online, says Silberman. All of the ghost guns recovered in Asheville were Polymer80s.

The use of 3D printers to produce homemade guns also has grown in popularity, he adds, with source code for almost any gun imaginable being freely available, including submachine guns, pistols and AR-15 rifles.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

While the Second Amendment guaranteed citizens the right to

Ghost gun kits and other homemade firearms exist in a legal gray area, Hampton says. Building firearms is perfectly legal, but the weapons may not be resold after they are built and cannot be transported across state lines. Because of their homemade nature, ghost guns are not required to have serial numbers. North Carolina does not require a background check via the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, or proof of a concealed-carry license to buy ghost gun kits. Age verification is not required through many online stores.

Silberman says that loophole creates the potential for the weapons to end up in the wrong hands, such as those convicted of a felony or those with serious mental illnesses.

“People buy [gun kits] for a number of different reasons, like a lot of firearms. Ghost guns can be made by people as a novelty, or people who want to get into gunsmithing,” Silberman explains. “But there is a certain segment of the population that wants to use them because they can’t legally acquire a firearm.”

BUZZWORDS?

While both Silberman and Hampton acknowledge that there is legitimate concern over people unlawfully purchasing untraceable

DOWN THE BARREL: “Ghost gun” refers to untraceable firearms that are made or assembled at home and do not contain serial numbers. Asheville Police Department detectives recovered a Polymer80 ghost gun during an arrest in 2022. Photo courtesy of APD

guns, they say that gun kits may not be the most effective or easiest way for criminals to obtain weapons.

“‘Ghost gun’ is a political term. It’s like a broad generalization of something that was made up by someone who doesn’t have a clue,” says Hampton. “It’s definitely a term to scare people.”

The skill level and tools required to finish building guns from online gun kits may be a deterrence to many would-be purchasers. Silberman says it’s not uncommon to see poor construction of the weapons that make them difficult or impossible to use.

“We’ve seen ones where the barrel on the gun did not match the caliber of the gun that was loaded. And that’s actually not uncommon in the criminal community because there’s a lot of ignorance surrounding guns when people acquire [guns] irresponsibly,” he says. “I have also known people who’ve [built guns] and they’re competent, handy people, but the product is always much poorer than if you had a professionally made gun.”

Hampton adds that the total cost of gun kits and parts are roughly equal to those bought secondhand from private sales or at a gun show without the trouble of building the gun.

As for how well 3D-printed guns work? Not great, says Silberman. “You can YouTube 3D-printed guns and see them fail-testing them, and they don’t last that long, but essentially long enough, and then you just 3D-print another one,” he says.

Despite those obstacles, the weapons have been used in hundreds of high-profile killings around the country. In February, a ghost gun was used to kill a police officer in Fresno County, Calif.; last year, a 14-yearold boy was charged with using a ghost gun to kill a classmate in New Mexico; and a ghost gun was among the weapons found after a shooter in Colorado Springs carried out a deadly mass shooting in November.

SKIRTING THE LAW

Both Silberman and Hampton say that while ghost guns can circumvent gun regulations, other gun-related issues are more common and concerning. Among those are the prevalence of stolen guns, says Silberman, which tend to be the most popular way that firearms end up in the hands of criminals.

“A lot of the problems we encountered are — and this isn’t a dig at gun owners — but people in general, don’t record their [firearms] well, and they don’t secure them,” Silberman says. “And we see that play out with guns because we take stolen firearms very seriously.”

He says that reports of guns stolen out of vehicles and homes are almost a daily occurrence in Asheville and that a majority of gun owners do not keep records of serial numbers, making it difficult for law enforcement to trace the weapons. Booth says APD recovered 36 stolen guns in 2022 and 25 so far in 2023.

“[Ghost guns] do not create a unique problem,” Silberman says. “The big worry is as they become more popular and as people lose them, there will be no way to track that.”

Hampton, meanwhile, says that criminals also obtain guns through “straw purchases,” in which a person is paid to buy a gun for another person who can’t buy them legally. While the original purchaser may be held accountable if the gun is found to be used in a crime, prosecution of straw purchases is rare, according to a 2018 report from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Hampton adds that so-called “gun show loophole” allows people to purchase weapons without requiring private sellers to conduct background checks or confirmation that someone can legally own firearms. Gun owners also can legally sell or give guns to other people without background checks or record-keeping.

That trading of hands can lead to a potential felony for the original gun owner if the gun ends up with someone who isn’t allowed to legally own the weapons.

“I could buy a gun and give it to my brother, and then he could sell it to the neighbor. And then the neighbor could sell it at a gun show. I’ve seen the same gun at a gun show go through about six hands and come back to me,” says Hampton. “It’s legal, but [sellers] are taking a chance.

Hampton says that recent legislation aimed at regulating ghost guns requires that he register gun kits and add serial numbers, which he calls a step in the right direction. That said, ghost gun owners must bring the firearms into his store to do so, he adds. ”No one’s bringing me the 80-percenters,“ he says.

Hampton adds that education on responsible ownership and gun laws would go a long way in preventing firearms from ending up on the streets.

“The easiest thing is just education. Education on where your guns are going to go, how to keep your guns, how to keep your serial numbers and training,” Hampton says.

“Use common sense. Lock up your gun. If you’re driving, lock your car, don’t leave it on your seat. And, you know, one thing would be cool, too — just go to a dealer to do a transfer. I mean, it’s one extra step.” X

*

No Mow May

BY CARMELA CARUSO

carmela.caruso@yahoo.com

In North Asheville, just beyond the border of Montford, Pamela Cauble’s backyard is a regular oasis. Long grass forms a latticework of paths between pods of flowers. There’s a bench for sitting, trees for shade and plenty of pollinators buzzing around. A dry-erase board clipped to her fence encourages neighbors to “wait to mow” and “feed the pollinators.”

Years ago, Cauble, like many, mowed her lawn every week. One day, looking down at the wildflowers dotting the grass — clover, dandelion and violets — that she was about to cut away, she thought to herself, “This doesn’t feel right. This doesn’t make sense.”

But it wasn’t until attending Asheville’s Pollination Celebration — an annual, weeklong event — that she understood the importance of pollinators and their plight. That knowledge “just turned my world upside down,” she explains.

The statistics can be startling. A 2016 study commissioned by the United Nations found that 40% of the world’s invertebrate pollinators, including bees and butterflies, and 16% of vertebrate pollinators such as birds and bats are at risk of extinction. Use of pesticides and herbicides, unearthing native habitat to make way for new development, and the proliferation of lawns and a cultural obsession with maintaining them have all contributed to the loss of flowering weeds and native wildflowers — vital food sources for pollinators.

Almost 90% of flowering plants and 75% of the world’s crops depend on pollination to reproduce. The extinction of pollinators would mean a severe loss of plant and food diversity. Apples, blueberries, almonds, lemons, limes, coffee and chocolate are just some of the foods that would cease to exist without pollinators. While alarming, members of local bee groups say pollinator survival is not beyond hope and there are simple things anyone can do to help.

NO MOW MAY

After attending the Pollination Celebration, Cauble connected with the local Bee City USA chapter. “These are my people!” she said when they first met. She’d long been an avid gardener and “just loved to dig in the dirt,” but the group proved her passion also could be helpful to pollinators. It turned out her instinct about the wildflowers blooming in her yard had been right — mowing them down really didn’t make sense.

Now, Cauble participates regularly in No Mow May, a program designed to help reintegrate native wildflowers and plants into yards to help feed bees, birds, butterflies and other pollinators. The initiative began in the United Kingdom and has since spread to the U.S. with the help of Bee City USA. The campaign encourages people not to mow their lawns during May and throughout the early spring when bees and other pollinators are emerging from hibernation and looking for food. While grasses don’t offer nutritional value to pollinators, the wildflowers and flowering weeds that come up when untreated lawns are left alone provide valuable nectar and pollen.

“At the beginning of spring, seasoned pollinators don’t have a food source for the first couple of weeks. A lot of bees die coming out of hibernation for lack of food,” explains Jay Pryor, operations manager at Asheville Bee Charmer. “So, if you start by not mowing in May and then keep a healthy lawn throughout the summer and into winter, you provide that food source.”

Even after No Mow May, Pryor recommends keeping mowing to a minimum — about once every four

weeks to encourage wildflowers to grow and establish strong enough root systems where, even when they are eventually cut down, they will come back up. If mowing so infrequently isn’t feasible or desirable, Pryor says just keeping a small patch of unmowed grass where wildflowers can grow can be beneficial to pollinators.

Several research studies have documented that mowing lawns less frequently can increase the abundance and diversity of pollinators. Pryor, Cauble and other bee experts Xpress spoke to all recommend looking around your backyard to see which pollinators are showing up to gauge whether the measures have been effective and just for the joy of it.

LAWN SALAD: Virginia Currie lets her lawn grow a little wild to feed the bees. Photo by Carmela Caruso

Bees will thank you if you leave the mower in the shed

As for what to say to neighbors and other naysayers who might frown upon long lawns, Pryor recommends keeping it simple: “It’s not that I’m not mowing my lawn at all, just not as often. I’m helping the bees.”

KEEP IT LEGAL

Pryor’s advice will work just as well for Asheville’s Sanitation Division, which is responsible for enforcing the city’s lawn maintenance ordinance. The law prohibits the accumulation of grass, trash and other objects that “become a nuisance or menace to the health and welfare of the citizens who live adjacent or near” the property. Lawns that are “a breeding place for flies, mosquitoes, rats or any other rodents,” a fire hazard or that otherwise endanger lives are subject to fines of $100 per day up to $5,000.

Brad Branham , Asheville city attorney, says, “This particular ordinance would only apply if the situation becomes a legal nuisance which threatens the health and welfare of the community. As you might imagine, that would only encompass the more extreme cases.”

Jes Foster, Sanitation Division manager for Asheville Public Works, reports that since January 2022, the city has received 93 complaints for “tall grass and overgrown lots.” As of April 11 this year, only four remained open, one of which received a fine. Foster says the majority of complaints are resolved quickly either before the city goes out to inspect the yard or after a warning is issued.

She adds that the department occasionally receives complaints for yards and, upon inspection, finds that they are pollinator gardens or wildflower areas. “Generally, our code enforcement staff can identify a noticeable visual difference between a natural garden and an overgrown lot,” she tells Xpress. “If the natural area in question is not contributing to a sanitation issue or impacting the health and welfare of the community, such as harboring rodents or mosquitoes, then it is not considered a violation.”

Local bee groups agree that No Mow May and other programs designed to encourage pollinator habitats don’t mean neglect or allowing your yard to become overgrown.

Phyllis Stiles, founder of Bee City USA and board member of Asheville GreenWorks, explains, “If you were to let your yard grow up, I am pretty confident that you would end up with a ton of invasives … so we never advise anybody to just let it grow up and see what happens. We want more control than that.”

While not mowing during May or reducing frequency in early spring can be beneficial to pollinators, Stiles says minimizing lawns and replacing them with native plants and wildflowers is ideal.

“Anytime you reduce lawn and you increase natural areas everywhere you possibly can, you’re supporting pollinators,” Stiles tells Xpress. She explains that about 25% of bees are considered “specialists,” meaning they will eat pollen only from one type of species, genus or family

of genera, making plant diversity important. Locally, there are bees that will feed only on violets, which are native to the area and tend to emerge among patches of unmowed and untreated grass. Southeastern blueberry, passionflower and goldenrod are examples of other blooms that attract specialist bees.

For anyone looking to reduce their lawns and increase pollinator habitats, Asheville GreenWorks offers a helpful list of native, pollinator-friendly plants and a program for yards, gardens and even porch pots that meet certain criteria to become a “certified pollinator habitat.”

BEES IN YOUR BACKYARD

Across town in Oakley, Virginia Currie, a volunteer with Greenworks’ Bee City USA Asheville Leadership Committee, tends one such certified pollinator habitat. Her yard in mid-April was buzzing with bees as they flicked among plants — nettle, ragwort, coral honeysuckle, clumps of clover, dandelions, golden Alexander, fleabane, and a serviceberry tree at the center. Currie says she’s adapted her own version of No Mow May — mowing around patches of wildflowers and flowering weeds.

“Your yard can still be manicured and helpful to bees,” says Currie, who was inspired to build a supportive backyard habitat because of how vital pollinators are to plants and food diversity. “Wild animals and insects

are not like humans; they can’t go to the grocery store,” she explained.

“We can have an impact by helping them to get food early in the season when it’s crucial. Sometimes weeds are the only food source available.”

Currie and others stress how simple it can be to make a difference.

“You don’t have to be a beekeeper to help the bees, to help the pollinators,” says Pryor of Asheville Bee Charmer. “You can do it from your garden, you can do it simply by leaving some grass unmowed.”

POLLINATOR PARADISE: Pamela Cauble’s backyard near Montford is an oasis for hungry pollinators. Photo by Carmela Caruso

BEE-AWARE: GreenWorks posts these signs to encourage people to respect the leafy needs of local pollinators.

Photo by Carmela Caruso

LONG GAME: As a Bee City, Asheville encourages people to create safe places for flying feeders, as long as the terrain doesn’t harbor unwanted pests. Photo by Carmela Caruso

Hamster wheel of handcuffs

The revolving door of Asheville’s justice system

BY ANDREW R. JONES, SALLY KESTIN AND JOHN MAINES AN ASHEVILLE WATCHDOG REPORT

bark@avlwatchdog.org

Editor’s note: The following is an abridged version of Asheville Watchdog’s April 26 article, “Down Town, Part 7: The Justice System’s Revolving Door.” For the full version, visit avlwatchdog.org.

Kenneth Dale White has been arrested more than 278 times. Shay Fox, at least 160 times. They are among dozens of people who cycle through the Buncombe County Detention Center, in and out, again and again. They’re arrested, released and arrested again, sometimes the same day.

Their crimes for the most part: drinking in public, sleeping in a business entryway, asking for money on street corners, and being drunk and disruptive.

Booked into jail on low-level offenses, they’re released in a few minutes to a few days, and the cycle begins again.

“The guilt or innocence of the person is somewhat irrelevant,” said Sam Snead, the Buncombe County public defender. “The goal is to get them off the streets and into the jail because there’s no other place to go.”

Asheville Watchdog examined Buncombe jail booking data from 2010 through 2022 and found 55 people with at least 50 arrests. Fourteen of them — including White and Fox

— have been arrested 100 times or more.

Those 55 people accounted for 24% of all the charges of “begging for

money” during that time, 20% of all the intoxicated and disruptive charges, 18% of open container violations and 13% of the second-degree trespassing charges.

EXPENSIVE TO BUNCOMBE TAXPAYERS

The revolving door of the criminal justice system in Asheville and Buncombe County is frustrating to many involved and expensive to taxpayers.

Asheville Watchdog determined that repeatedly jailing the 55 people has cost at least $3.3 million over the 13-year period examined. The estimate is based on court costs provided by the state for low-level misdemeanors, $63 per case, and the reimbursement rate the federal government pays the county for the

cost of housing an inmate in the Buncombe jail, $114 a day.

“Trying to fix the mental health problems of the world with the jail, with the criminal justice system, is like fixing a car with a sewing machine,” said Michael Casterline, an assistant public defender. “It just doesn’t work.

“They get arrested because they’re places where people are bothered by them being there, not because they’re bothering people,” Casterline said. “They can’t be in the public parks because they’ve been trespassed from the park. They can’t be anywhere else.

“They’re being arrested for things that probably aren’t charged for anybody [else],” he said. “Tourists walking around downtown drunk don’t bother people, and they don’t get arrested.”

Downtown merchants and workers have complained of reporting criminal behavior to police only to see the offender arrested and quickly released.

More than two-thirds of the time, the people with 50 or more arrests got out of jail in three days or less, and 40% of the time they were out within 24 hours, according to booking data reviewed by Asheville Watchdog.

Under North Carolina law, the maximum penalty for these types of crimes, Class 3 misdemeanors, is 20 days in jail, regardless of the number of prior convictions.

“I’ve been seeing these people for years, coming through and coming through and coming through,” Casterline said.

Housing with significant support is the only solution he’s seen work, reducing arrests. But even then, Casterline said, if “they lose their housing for some reason, it just kind of starts all over.”

‘BORN WITH A DISEASE’

Kenneth White is the most arrested person in Buncombe County, according to jail data since 2010. His complete criminal record, dating to at least 1989 and spanning two states, puts his total arrests at more than 550, Asheville Watchdog found.

PUBLIC SAFETY: Asheville Police Capt. Mike Lamb talks with an unhoused man in Pritchard Park downtown. Photo by John Boyle

Raised in Hawkins County, Tenn., White, one of eight children, spent most of his childhood in foster care due to his “parents’ alcohol abuse,” according to a 2020 guardian ad litem report filed in Buncombe County court.

White, now 61, became an alcoholic and wound up on the streets in Knoxville.

His sister, Cathy Morgan, told Asheville Watchdog, “Mom and dad were both alcoholics, and I think he was kind of just born with a disease.”

Cheryl Lawson, Morgan’s daughter and White’s niece, told the guardian she had “never known [White] to be sober.”

A Facebook page called “Lil Tennessee,” White’s nickname, shows photos of him around Asheville, mostly posted from 2013-15.

White is described in court papers as kind and easily exploited. He was arrested in Tennessee dozens of times, mostly for public intoxication, records show.

White moved back and forth between Buncombe County and Tennessee. From 2003 through 2006, he was arrested here more than 200 times, records show. His niece told the Buncombe guardian ad litem, according to the court document, that White’s drinking had “eventually turned to controlled substances, and [he] contracted AIDS while living in Knoxville, likely from needle sharing.”

In a 2014 video posted on outreach ministry Haywood Street’s YouTube page, White described his life on the streets of Asheville and plans to enter rehab. “I’ve found joy in my life now,” he said.

But White continued to be arrested in Buncombe, so often that on at least 99 occasions, he was released

from jail and rearrested in less than 24 hours.

The cycle ended in 2020 after a Buncombe Adult Protective Services Division worker filed a court petition to declare White incompetent and assign him a guardian. He had been admitted to Copestone, a behavioral health hospital, and to Mission Hospital in the previous month. By then, White had been diagnosed with major depressive disorder, chronic alcoholism, traumatic brain injuries and seizure disorder “aggravated by (if not caused by) his alcoholism,” court records state.

Asheville Watchdog found White in a nursing home in Hendersonville, where he acknowledged being arrested more than 500 times before an administrator terminated the interview.

POLICE HAVE FEW OPTIONS

The revolving door of criminal justice starts on the streets of Asheville. The behavior that often leads to the arrests — drinking in public, entering or refusing to leave businesses that have banned them and yelling profanities — might seem harmless or more a symptom of a mental or substance abuse disorder, but it is nonetheless illegal.

The city of Asheville has ordinances banning panhandling. There are state laws prohibiting trespassing on properties after a person has been asked to leave or when “no trespassing” signs are present. It’s against the law to be intoxicated and disruptive in public, defined as blocking traffic, sidewalks or entranceways; shoving or challenging others to a fight; or cursing or shouting.

FREQUENT FLYER: Kenneth White in 2012, left, and 2020. Photo courtesy of Tennessee Department of Correction and Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office

When police observe or respond to a call about those behaviors, they generally have two options: issue a citation, similar to a ticket requiring a court appearance, or make an arrest, Asheville Police Capt. Mike Lamb said.

Another option, if the person needs psychiatric or medical care, is Mission Hospital, but “if there’s not an off-duty deputy that is on-site at Mission, that process can tie us up for hours,” Lamb said. “I think having more options, having a 24-hour crisis center, would be helpful for not only us but also the community paramedics.”

An arrest also can be initiated by a citizen complaint to a magistrate, who finds sufficient evidence of a crime and issues a warrant.

A FRUSTRATING ‘HAMSTER WHEEL’

Once a person is arrested and taken to jail, a magistrate — an independent judicial officer of the court — sets bonds that determine conditions of release. Options range from a written promise to appear in court to bonds that are secured, requiring money or a pledge of something of value, or unsecured, requiring payment only if the defendant fails to show up for a hearing.

Magistrates have discretion in determining bonds but generally consider the severity of the crime, a person’s history and the person’s likelihood of returning to court.

Asheville Watchdog manually reviewed nearly 50 court files on the people with the most arrests and found magistrates typically set secured bonds of $100 to $1,000.

In more than a dozen cases, the secured bonds appeared to be intended to hold the defendants overnight or for several hours until they sobered up. “Hold bond hearing when sober and cooperative,” several of the bond forms said.

“We used to more frequently plead people to time served the next day almost,” Casterline said. “They’d get booked at night. They bring them over [to court] in the morning, say you have a right to have a lawyer, and the person went, ‘Oh, well, can I just plead guilty for time served?’

“Some judges might say, ‘I’ll give you a couple more days,’” Casterline said.

“Are we going to fine people with mental health and substance abuse issues or housing issues into a better place?” said Buncombe County

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District Attorney Todd Williams. “I think the answer is clearly, ‘No.’”

Even if a defendant accumulates multiple charges, all Class 3 misdemeanors, the maximum punishment is still 20 days in jail under North Carolina law.

“Judges don’t have a great amount of discretion,” Williams said.

The result: The repeat offenders are often released from jail after a few hours or a few days.

“Folks see the arrest happen, and then they see the offender right

back out down where they were and they’re left with the impression that it’s the District Attorney’s Office that’s doing that, when in fact the DA’s office has absolutely zero to do with [it],” Williams said.

But, he acknowledged, “The hamster wheel is extremely frustrating to people.”

Kathy LaMotte, an assistant public defender, said people see the pat-

CONTINUES ON PAGE 14

REVOLVING DOOR: Data provided by Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. Graphic by KarBel Multimedia for Asheville Watchdog

tern and say, “‘Well, the problem is we’re letting them out.’”

But, she said, “No, the problem is this is not the right hammer. This is not the right implement to deal with this problem.”

Many of the repeat offenders are unhoused and have nowhere to go when they get out of jail, especially if they’re released at night after the homeless shelters close, Casterline said.

“Eventually they’ll get arrested for trespassing, and if they’re drunk, they’ll argue,” he said. “A lot of them, it’s mental health problems.”

Homeless services agencies try to line up housing. The county contracts with the nonprofit RHA Health Services to provide behavioral health services in the jail, “trying to get these people engaged with services, to get them out of this cycle and develop a plan for them,” Casterline said. “Sometimes that works, or sometimes it works for a while.

“Providing services to people who have severe persistent mental illness is a real challenge,” Casterline said. “They don’t make appointments. They’re not sitting there thinking, ‘I need to change and get my life together.’ ... Even on their best day, they’re

going to have a hard time, they’re going to be getting in trouble.”

A BETTER WAY

“Communities across the country have recognized that a relatively small number of people cycle repeatedly through local jails, hospital emergency rooms, shelters and other public systems,” according to “Data Driven Justice: A Playbook for Developing a System of Diversion for Frequent Utilizers,” a 2021 report by Arnold Ventures and the National Association of Counties.

“Their conditions often worsen if arrested and incarcerated, leading to costly recurring interactions with emergency medical services, law enforcement and other services. Despite the many resources devoted to responding to frequent utilizers, care is often provided in fragmented ways that do not promote recovery or better outcomes for individuals or communities.”

“Recidivism is fueled by mental health and substance use,” Buncombe District Court Judge Julie Kepple said. “Recidivism, poverty, mental health, substance use and housing are historically a constant in the legal system.”

Give back to Military and Veterans During National Military Appreciation Month

The month of May is associated with the return of warm weather, outdoor cooking, bird watching, and gardens in bloom. It’s also the time when we kick off National Military Appreciation Month and prepare to celebrate and honor those who have served. These days there are plenty of ways to show your gratitude and give back to service members and their families now and all year long, right from your desktop or smartphone. Here are some ideas:

• Volunteer and Donate Virtually: Volunteering doesn’t just have to be in person these days. Soldier’s Angels has numerous virtual ways to make an impact in a service member’s life – from supporting deployed service members by collecting and sending care packages to adopting a family for the holidays. May is also the perfect time to spring clean and donate a few items. Organizations like Vietnam Veterans of America accept gently used clothing and household items and will even pick up donations safely from your home. And, programs like Vehicles for Veterans and Recycled Rides provide donated cars and vehicle maintenance and repair assistance for veterans.

• Participate in a Virtual 5K: Pick the day, pick the place and walk, jog or run in a 5K to show your support for wounded warriors through Wounded Warrior Project’s Carry Forward 5K events. Full Medal Runs offers virtual races that even donate a percentage of the profits to various military charities and organizations. This is a great way to support the military community and get some exercise at the same time!

• Give a Gift that Gives Back: Make a purchase you can feel good about. American made apparel company Oscar Mike donates 100 percent of their proceeds to help injured military members stay active. Boss Dog provides tasty and nutritious food and treats for four-legged companions while giving back to disabled veterans and service dog organizations like The Hero Company. Non-profit organization Vet Tix provides tickets to concerts, sporting events and more to families in need of a little fun.

• Businesses Can Help: Large or small, your business can make an impact. Offering a veteran or military discount is a nice way to say “thank you” to service members. Companies like T-Mobile work with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to deploy an estimated 50,000 wireless lines for VA healthcare professionals — including doctors, nurses, social workers, and crisis hotline staff — so they can stay connected to the millions of veterans they serve. For more information please visit: https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/military-discount-plans

Reducing “this population’s contact with the courts,” the judge said, requires an effort locally and nationally on “prevention, response, and treatment for mental health and substance use.”

A key to breaking the arrest cycle, according to the playbook, is sharing data on the frequently arrested among agencies, including the jail, emergency services and mental health providers, to

better coordinate care and prevent the crises that often lead to more arrests.

Buncombe County and Asheville don’t do that.

“We are lacking in good data in our community. Full stop,” said Emily Ball, Asheville’s homeless strategy manager. “We have a lot of work to do to get to a high-functioning [Homeless Management Information System] and then, sort of different but related, work to figure out how we can marry that with other large data systems like health care or behavioral health or criminal justice.”

Buncombe County has a jail diversion program with the goal of protecting “public safety while diverting people from courts and jails as appropriate to treatment and services in the community.” The county contracts with RHA Health Services for diversion, including a “Familiar Faces” program, at a cost of up to $86,000 for the 2023 fiscal year.

Familiar Faces targets people who have been arrested five or more times within six months, said county spokeswoman Kassi Day. It started more than six years ago, she said.

Buncombe County Justice Services Director Tiffany Iheanacho said, “The staff of different agencies meet periodically to discuss those individ-

WRONG TOOLS: Michael Casterline, assistant public defender, says that trying to fix mental health problems with jail does not work. Photo by Starr Sariego

uals and how to better serve them, if it’s giving them access to housing or engaging mental health services.”

The county provided data for one year, showing arrests for 17 people in the Familiar Faces program declined 45% from 2019-20.

HOUSING REDUCES ARRESTS

Another potential solution is “permanent supportive housing” — affordable housing with social workers readily available to line up health care, treatment and employment.

Homeward Bound has provided such housing at 15 Woodfin St. since 2015. Owned by the Asheville Housing Authority, the 18-unit building is designed for “individuals who really have no other opportunity in Asheville for housing,” said Alanna Kinsella, Homeward Bound permanent supportive housing assistant director.

A 2019 study of 14 residents’ arrest records found that the group had a combined 121 arrests in the year before they moved into the apartments and just 42 in the year after, a reduction of 65%.

Casterline said he’s seen the arrest cycle stop or slow significantly for many people when they move from the streets to an apartment. “You’ll see that the arrests go way down once they have housing,” he said.

Kinsella agreed.

“Once we get people into housing, we see them really come out of that [cycle],” she said. “Those charges, we call them homeless crimes.

“Having a home, having a house, I’m not going to be charged when I drink a beer in my backyard,” she said. When “somebody’s having a bad day and the only thing they want is a beer and the only place they have to drink it is on a sidewalk, they’re getting a charge.”

Two former hotels are being converted into supportive housing for nearly 200 chronically homeless people, one by Homeward Bound scheduled to open this year. The other, by the city of Asheville, had been scheduled to open in 2023 but now won’t be finished until March 2024, according to the project’s website.

“I would think that will make a very significant difference,” Casterline said.

Asheville Watchdog is a nonprofit news team producing stories that matter to Asheville and surrounding communities. Andrew R. Jones is a Watchdog investigative reporter. Email arjones@avlwatchdog.org. Sally Kestin is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter. Email skestin@ avlwatchdog.org. John Maines was part of teams that won two Pulitzer Prizes for Public Service, in 2013 and 2019. Email: jmaines@avlwatchdog. org. X

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A weekslong debate over water fees for Asheville residents came to an end April 25 after Asheville City Council voted 5-2 to implement increases recommended by city staff. The new rates will take effect in July and will cost a typical household roughly $43 more per year. Council members Kim Roney and Sage Turner opposed the change.

The decision comes after an extended back-and-forth between Council and staffers on whether the city could freeze rates for residential customers while still generating the revenue needed for water infrastructure maintenance and other expenses. Council had voted unanimously March 28 to delay approval of the fee increases, asking staff to rework the water budget.

But during an April 11 budget work session, Asheville Budget Manager Taylor Floyd again recommended the rate hike. He said that

the water budget would fall short by $2.5 million without the higher residential fees.

At the April 25 meeting, Council member Roney reiterated concerns over the lack of options presented to Council. She also requested information about why residential customers pay higher rates for water than do commercial or industrial water consumers. (Single-family and multifamily housing customers pay $4.77 and $4.20 per 100 cubic feet, respectively, compared with as little as $2.29 per 100 cubic feet for large manufacturers.)

“I know that there’s benefits to economic development and to local businesses when we have incentives and programs that support them. But this isn’t a new conversation, and I’m not sure if ‘Hurry up and move ahead’ will result in what we want, which is change,” Roney explained. “Even though I know that we are going to have to have [regu-

lar] rate increases, I’m fundamentally opposed to continuing the bulk discount at this level, which is why I can’t support it.”

“I’m just sensitive to rising costs for the residents right now, especially after the conversation of potentially being wanting to freeze it and then reversing on that,” added Turner. She said she had received emails from constituents concerned about Council’s apparent about-face.

Two members of the public also spoke out against the fee increases. Former City Council candidate Andrew Fletcher pointed to the discount that commercial water customers enjoy when buying water in bulk, while resident Katy Hudson voiced frustration at the pushback Council had received from city staff.

“This meeting clarified one thing: that city staff are ignoring City Council, and therefore, democracy,” said Hudson. “I think that you guys are being disrespected en masse.”

Council member Maggie Ullman said her vote in favor of the increases was contingent on Council reviewing the results of a cost-of-service study and revisiting the issue this fall. Floyd said that study is currently underway and will offer insights into how the city may restructure its water fees and rates.

Following the increase vote, Council unanimously approved a motion to reconsider water rates after that analysis was completed. Council could then vote to update the fees or rate structure later this year, with any changes taking effect at the start of 2024.

— Brooke Randle X

ROLL CALL: Members of Asheville City Council raise their hands in favor of residential water fee increases. The vote took place after Budget Manager Taylor Floyd, center, said the city would not meet infrastructure maintenance needs and fund other expenses without fee increases. Screen capture courtesy of the city of Asheville

WNC lawmakers brace business community for polarizing session

Asheville’s business community seems to like its coffee with a side of politics. Dozens of business professionals joined elected officials over breakfast April 21 for the twice-yearly Legislative Update hosted by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce.

The event featured a panel discussion involving District 49 state Sen. Julie Mayfield, District 115 Rep. Lindsey Prather and District 114 Rep. Eric Ager on upcoming bills that may impact the state and local economy.

The Democrats voiced frustration at the recent shift of power in the legislature after District 112 Rep. Tricia Cotham, who was elected as a Democrat in 2022, flipped parties last month. The switch gives Republicans the supermajority needed to override vetoes from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper

With that change, all three lawmakers said that the state is likely to see a wave of controversial bills make their way through the legislature this year. Those include House Bill 673, which would restrict whether “adult live entertainment,” including drag shows, could occur in the presence of minors. Another bill would ban abortion after roughly 12 weeks, with exceptions in cases of rape, incest or fetal abnormality or when the life of the woman is in danger. State law currently bans nearly all abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

While specifics of the abortion legislation have not been put forth, Mayfield noted that the impending battles over the controversial bills will be bad for business. Last year, North Carolina was named the No. 1 state for business by CNBC.

That’s in contrast to 2016. Prather recalled the impact one controversial bill, 2016’s House Bill 2, known as the “bathroom bill,” had on the business community. The bill required people to use the public restroom that corresponded to the sex as listed on their birth certificates. According to a 2017 report from The Associated Press, North Carolina’s economy lost over $525 million in investments and jobs during the first year that the bill was in effect due to backlash. The bathroom ban was repealed in 2017.

“It’s the business community that really has the biggest leverage here to protect our state,” said Prather. “Help us stay out of the culture wars. We don’t need another HB2.”

Xpress rounded up four takeaways from the event.

HIGHER-ED HOT BUTTONS

Prather said there are a number of bills making their way through both the House and Senate that would have major consequences for North Carolina’s higher education system.

“We are seeing a huge pile of legislation that falls under the umbrella of what I would consider an act of legislative overreach in our school systems, as well as micromanaging,” Prather said, a former high school teacher in the Buncombe County school system.

“From pre-K all the way up to our universities and community colleges, we are seeing a shift of public money to private institutions and religious schools.”

Senate Bill 692 would give state lawmakers more power by taking away appointments currently held by Gov. Cooper and education leaders. State law currently mandates that the governor appoint 10 people to the 22-person state community college board, which then selects a president to oversee decisions. The proposed legislation would hand both of those decisions to lawmakers instead.

“Republicans are consolidating power everywhere they can,” Prather said. “Removing governor appointees to boards and commissions, in my view, is completely unconstitutional.”

Another bill, House Bill 715, would eliminate faculty tenure at community colleges and state universities, said Rep. Prather. The proposed legislation also would restrict state money going toward student organizations at community colleges and universities.

Prather says that while the bill didn’t initially receive traction, Republican leaders have begun showing support for the initiative. If enacted into law, the change would apply to faculty hired in July 2024 and later.

“Eliminating faculty tenure would have a massive impact on who you’re able to recruit to work with these colleges and universities,” she said. “So, we’re very, very concerned about that.”

PUBLIC SAFETY SOLUTIONS

State Sen. Mayfield, who previously served five years on the Asheville City Council, told attendees that she and Asheville Police Chief David Zack have been discussing how her office could help APD as it continues to struggle with a staffing crisis. That led the law-

maker to look into a Wilmington-based program that allows trained civilians to respond to minor vehicle crashes instead of requiring sworn officers to be on the scene.

“Currently under North Carolina law, uniformed officers are required to respond to every vehicle crash. That takes up about 30% of their time,” Mayfield explained. “This program would allow nonsworn officers to get trained to respond to vehicle crashes in the same way that police do. They would show up, write the report and also would have the authority to write citations.”

The Wilmington program has been in place since 2008. A 2022 report from the Wilmington Star News said that the city had 8,000 traffic crashes in 2021, and nonsworn officers responded to more than a third of them.

If approved, Senate Bill 77 would make Asheville the second municipality in the state to implement such a program. Mayfield said the initiative would allow the Asheville Police Department to respond to other needs within the community.

While there has been support overall, she says, there has been pushback regarding nonsworn officers writing citations. Still, Mayfield said she is hopeful that the initiative will advance and set the stage for a statewide bill.

WORKFORCE BEHIND THE WORKFORCE

A series of bills aimed at increasing accessibility to child care and early childhood education appear to have bipartisan support. Those priorities, said the lawmakers, are crucial to keep North Carolina’s economy humming.

“I’ve heard the child care workforce referred to as the workforce behind the workforce,” Prather said. “Parents can’t work unless they have child care for their kids.”

Among those is House Bill 343, which would enact a statewide child care subsidy floor with automatic increases based on a family’s financial need that reflects the current costs of living.

The proposed legislation would cost taxpayers at least $206 million in the first year, with $24 million paid by the state and the rest to be covered by federal funds.

“We hear a lot about how North Carolina is the greatest state for business in the country, and I think that’s really true now,” said Rep. Ager. “But it’s built on the backs of what we did 20-30 years ago in the education system and training the workforce. And we have to continue to make that investment.”

HOUSING AND SHORT-TERM RENTALS

Short-term rentals have been a point of debate in Asheville for over a decade, eventually prompting the city to step in to appease both operators and neighbors. But a new bill sponsored by Republican state Sen.Tim Moffitt would limit how cities regulate short-term rentals.

Asheville’s 2015 ordinance allows homestays in which residents can rent up to two rooms while living in the same house but restricts entire home rentals of less than 30 days within almost all of Asheville city limits with fines of $500 per night for violations. Property owners who wish to establish whole-house short-term rentals must receive conditional zoning approval from Asheville City Council.

If approved, Senate Bill 667 would eliminate those regulations, potentially opening whole neighborhoods up to inventors and reducing the amount of long-term housing stock.

“I think we [in Asheville] have struck almost exactly the right balance. But even our regulations don’t make sense for some other communities. … This can’t be a one-size-fits-all solution,” Mayfield said.

She noted that Moffitt, who serves District 48 southeast of Asheville, has received pushback from some of his constituents as well as other municipalities and “is open to changes” to the bill.

— Brooke Randle X

COFFEE TALK: Zach Wallace, left, Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce vice president of public policy, moderates a panel discussion involving District 114 Rep. Eric Ager, District 115 Rep. Lindsey Prather, and District 49 state Sen. Julie Mayfield. Photo by Brooke Randle

BCTDA seeks to waive part of penalty for bed-and-breakfast’s missing taxes

The Buncombe Tourism Development Authority voted April 26 to recommend waiving about $15,000 in penalties for an Asheville bed-and-breakfast owner who didn’t pay occupancy taxes for 21 months.

Board members Andrew Celwyn and HP Patel voted against the motion. Micheal Lusick and Scott Patel were not at the meeting.

If the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners take the BCTDA’s recommendation, owner Dean Whiteford still will owe almost $6,000 in late fees in what was the largest waiver request several board members could remember seeing during their board tenure.

All outstanding occupancy taxes — about $60,000 for that time period — were paid in full as of April 4, according to the Buncombe County Finance Department. Buncombe County occupancy tax is 6% on gross receipts for any accommodation in the county.

Whiteford and his wife, who have never worked in hospitality before, bought Abbington Green Bed and Breakfast for $2.2 million in June 2021, and said he didn’t know he was supposed to pay occupancy taxes on his property until February. He said no one told him he had to pay occupancy taxes on the bed-andbreakfast, and the software company he used for booking mislabeled the tax as “Buncombe County sales tax” in the online portal.

So all the taxes — state and county sales tax and occupancy tax — were being collected correctly through his ResNexus reservation system, and being deposited in his account. He said he assumed the rates being collected were correct, paid his sales taxes on time and didn’t notice the difference between what was collected as taxes and what he paid. He didn’t know he had to report occupancy taxes to the Buncombe County Tax Department, a claim that raised suspicions from several board members.

“At no point in the six years that I’ve been coming to the meetings, I’ve never had another hotel, motel, Airbnb or [bed-and-breakfast] show up and say, Hey, we didn’t know that,” Celwyn said.

Matthew Lehman, board member and treasurer, said he was surprised that Whiteford hadn’t heard of occu-

In other news

The BCTDA is considering investing monies set aside for grant recipients in the Tourism Product Development Fund in a state investment pool.

Funds set aside in the TPDF are awarded as grants on an annual basis but are paid out over an extended timeline, according to the finance committee’s presentation April 26.

“We wanted to look at the opportunity for that idle cash to generate more money for more projects,” Lehman said.

The BCTDA’s cash is currently held in a standard county checking account and state-sponsored money market trust fund, according to the presentation.

pancy taxes before, a common tax across the country.

“There’s no disrespect intended. But if you Google ‘what taxes do I have to pay to operate a bed-and-breakfast’ in Buncombe County, the first thing that pops up is the explanation of the occupancy tax,” Lehman said.

According to the bed-and-breakfast website, Whiteford, who grew up in Australia and has lived in Hong Kong and New York City, previously worked for “four big accounting firms as well as global law firms during a 30-plus year career.”

The county did not send a notice to Whiteford because the previous owner sold the business and the account was closed, said Mason Scott , assistant finance director for Buncombe County and interim BCTDA fiscal agent.

Tax Collector Jennifer Pike confirmed to Xpress that there is no county policy for when to send occupancy tax reminders.

“You’re lucky if you take over an existing business that has a CPA and a bookkeeper, and you’re just kind of grandfathered in to stay on the track. In his situation, the business was not operating,” said Randy Claybrook, membership chair of the Asheville Bed and Breakfast Association at the meeting.

“On a monthly basis, you have to manually go to the Buncombe County tax website and report your gross sales. And so if you’re a new business person, and you don’t know there’s a website

out there to do that, no one would ever tell you. And that’s where he’s gotten caught,” Claybrook continued.

Ultimately, the board voted to forgive the reporting penalties, but keep the late fees on his bill to avoid setting a precedent. HP Patel dissented because he thought all penalties should have been forgiven.

“I truly believe this was an oversight on the owner’s part. Even though this should have not been overlooked for as many months as it was, the owner was not purposely trying to evade the tax and has fully paid up once the error was discovered. Being a small business owner myself, I can sympathize with his predicament,” said Board member HP Patel in an email to Xpress

Lehman recommended investing in the N.C. Investment Pool, which was created in 2021 by Buncombe and Wake counties.

The pool would allow for withdrawals and deposits within 24 hours and protect the principal, Lehman said.

Alternatives include hiring a dedicated investment adviser to seek safe, varied investments with high liquidity, Lehman said.

“The idea to fund a whole other project with money we never had for the community is really exciting,” Mosher said.

A final decision will be made when the board discusses the budget at the May 31 meeting.

—Greg ParlierX

WHAT BED TAX?: The owner of Abbington Green Bed and Breakfast Inn and Spa neglected to pay required occupancy taxes for 21 months after purchasing the property in June 2021. Photo by Greg Parlier

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

MAY 3 - MAY 11, 2023

For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 828-251-1333, opt. 1.

 Online-only events

 More info, pages 24-25

 Feature, page 26

 More info, page 32-33

WELLNESS

Sparkle Time Holistic Exercise

Aerobic, strengthening, balance and flexibility.

WE (5/3, 10), MO (5/8) 10:30am, Avery's Creek Community Center, 899 Glennbridge Rd SE Arden

Tai Chi for Balance

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

WE (5/3, 10), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave

Free Zumba Gold Fitness program that involves cardio and Latin-inspired dance. Donations appreciated. For more information call (828) 350-2058.

WE (5/3, 10), noon, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Old School Line Dancing

Old school dances, and some new.

TH (5/4, 11), 6:15pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Swing Dance Lesson & Dance

Swing dancing lesson and dance, every Thursday.

TH (5/4, 11), 7pm, Alley Cat Social Club, 797 Haywood Rd

Asheville Aphasia Support Group

Every Friday in Rm 345. No RSVP needed.

FR (5/5), 10am, WCU at Biltmore Park, 28 Schenck Pkwy, Ste 300

Yoga For Everyone

For all ages and abilities. Instructors are trained to facilitate classes for people standing, or in a chair.

Classes are in English, instructor can speak Spanish if needed. Bring your own mat, water bottle and mask.

Registration required.

SA (5/6), 9:30am, Black Mountain Presbyterian, 117 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Goat Yoga on the Farm

Move through your sun salutation in a wide open field as baby goats frolic nearby.

SA (5/6), 10am, Round Mountain Creamery, 2203 Old Fort Rd, Black Mountain

Therapeutic Slow Flow

Yoga

A blend of mediation, breathing and movement. All bodies, genders, and identities welcome. Bring your own mat.

SA (5/6), 10am, Mount Inspiration Apparel, 444 Haywood Rd, Ste 103

Yoga in the Park

Each class is unique, intertwining movement with breath, with a different focus of strength and release. All levels welcome, but bring your own props and mat.

SA (5/6), SU (5/7) 11am, 220 Amboy Rd

Magnetic Minds:

Depression & Bipolar Support Group

Free weekly peer-led meeting for those living with depression, bipolar, and related mental health challenges. Email depressionbipolarasheville@gmail.com or call or text (828) 367-7660 for more info.

SA (5/6), 2pm, 1316 Ste C Parkwood Rd

Yoga Nidra & Reiki

Be guided into the space between being awake and being asleep, to induce a dream that will soothe your nervous system and bring about immense healing in your conscious, subconscious, and unconscious mind.

SA (5/6), 4pm, Black Mountain Yoga, 116 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Wild Souls Authentic Movement Class

A conscious movement experience in a 100-year old building with a community of women at all life stages.

SU (5/7), 9:30am, Dunn's Rock Community Center, 461 Connestee Rd, Brevard

Bend & Brew Yoga

An all-levels Ayurveda-Influenced yoga experience with instructor, Claudia. Bring a mat and stay afterward for

community.

SU (5/7), 10:30am, Hillman Beer, 25 Sweeten Creek Rd

Rooftop Yoga w/Down

Dog

This class will strengthen, challenge, and cleanse the body and mind. Set to fun music, students will feel energized as they flow, linking breath to movement at a faster pace.

SU (5/7), 11am, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200

Spring Flow w/Jamie

Designed to release heat stored in the body, release excess kapha, and prepare the body for summer. Expect strength building with long stretches. Class is held outside. Bring your mat.

SU (5/7), 11am, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd

Gentle Yoga for Queer & GNC Folks

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

SU (5/7), 1:30pm, West

Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd

NCMTR Bent Creek Trail Run

Multiple pace and distance groups are available to cater to all experience and ability levels, three to six miles. Well-behaved leashed dogs are welcome. MO (5/8), 6:30pm, Hard Times Trailhead, 375 Wesley Branch Rd

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings

Visit wncna.org/ basic-meeting for dates, times and locations.

Zumba

Mask and social distancing required. Registration not necessary. Por Favor usa tu cubre bocas antes de la clase.

TU (5/9), 6:30pm, St. James Episcopal Church, 424 W State St, Black Mountain

ART

Reflections of Nature: The Art of Robert Gregory Gross

An exhibition of Plein air master Robert Gregory Gross’s lifetime of work in watercolors, oils, etchings, ink and pencil sketches. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 11am, and Sunday, 1pm. Exhibition through June 3.

Flood Gallery Fine Art Center, 850 Blue Ridge Rd, Unit A-13, Black Mountain

SilverArts Showcase

Opening Reception

Celebrate the creativity of community members ages 50 and better at a reception honoring winners of this year's SilverArts competition, part of Asheville-Buncombe Senior Games.

Visual, literary, and heritage arts pieces will be on display at Pack Memorial Library.

WE (5/3), 5pm, Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St

Material Exploration Residency Studio Visit w/Linda Lopez Sculptor-in-Residence, Linda Lopez, opens her studio for an artist talk. Lopez is developing a body of work that attempts to weave together the obscured cultural pasts of her mother, a Vietnamese refugee, and her father,

a Mexican immigrant. WE (5/3), 6pm, Center for Craft, 67 Broadway St

Courtney M. Leonard

- BREACH: Logbook23

| Coriolis

Exploring cultural and historical connections to water, fishing practices, and sustainability.

Created by Shinnecock

Nation ceramic artist

Courtney M. Leonard as part of her BREACH series, the installation is a response to the artist’s research in Western North Carolina. Free and open to the public. Tuesday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition through May 5.

WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee

Luzene Hill: Revelate Hill's drawing seek to communicate themes of feminine and Indigenous power across her entire body of work. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through May 15.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Open Studio w/ Asheville Art Museum

This free drop-in program aims to expose and engage participants with the Museum’s Collection and changing exhibitions. Attendees must be 21 or older to participate. The Asheville Art Museum will provide all instruction, supplies, and materials.

TH (5/4), 6pm, Different Wrld, 701 Haywood Rd, Ste 101

Altruistic Genius: Buckminster Fuller’s Plans to Save the Planet This exhibition brings the inventions and designs of R. Buckminster Fuller to

and unique qualities that exist when artists choose to employ and even create handmade paper. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed on Tuesday. Exhibition through July 14.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Too Much Is Just

Right: The Legacy of Pattern and Decoration

Featuring more than 70 artworks in an array of media from both the original time frame of the Pattern and Decoration movement, as well as contemporary artworks created between 1985 and the present. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through May 29.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Art Break: Luzene Hill Drop in for this Friday’s Art Break and join multidisciplinary artist Luzene Hill as she leads an informal Gallery discussion about her exhibition, Revelate.

TH (5/11), 6pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Asheville New Horizons Band

Ms. Sarah Cifani will conduct Sousa's "The Thunderer", "What A Wonderful World", "A Day at Disneyland" as well as other selections from simpler times. Participation in the band is open to all senior adults in the community. Free admission.

SA (5/6), 3pm, OLLI/ Reuter Center, UNCA, 300 Campus View Rd

Pianist Brian Turner

Solo piano performance with a list of favorites in the Great Hall.

SA (5/6), 7pm, The Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave

Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra: Great American Rd Trip

Western North Carolina and introduces visitors to Fuller’s strategies for the sustainability of humans and the planet relating to housing, transportation, mathematics, and engineering. Gallery open daily, 11am, closed Tuesday. Exhibition through August 21.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Biltmore Lake Imaginative Studio Stroll Artists will show and sell their art from their Biltmore Lake homes, along with guest artists. Additional exhibits will take place along the lakefront, including works from the BL Art Quilters. The Biltmore Lake Garden Club will provide planting tips for spring. p32

SA (5/6), 11am, 80 Lake Dr, Biltmore Lake

Daily Craft Demonstrations

Two artists of different media will explain and demonstrate their craft with informative materials displayed at their booths, daily. These free and educational opportunities are open to the public. Daily, 10am.

Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Art class w/Erika Bussie

Create unique “monotype” style prints using leaves and flowers. Erika Bussie will be demonstrating DIY printmaking methods that anyone can do at home with no experience needed. SU (5/7), 4pm, Ginger's Revenge Craft Brewery & Tasting Room, 829 Riverside Dr

Pulp Potential: Works in Handmade Paper

The works in this exhibition reveal the breadth of possibilities

The excursion will start and end in New York with music from Bernstein’s West Side Story, make a quick trip to second-city Chicago, and then jaunt into the American West featuring music by Aaron Copland. As a bonus, we’ll even make a quick getaway to the city of love for Gershwin’s classic, American in Paris

COMMUNITY MUSIC

Jazz Jam

Hosted by LEAF Global Arts every Thursday, with Thommy Knoles on keys, Felix Pastorius on bass, and Paul Gladstone on drums. This event is followed by an open jam session. Dropins are welcome so bring your instruments and jam with us.

TH (5/4), 7pm, LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St Bloom WNC Summer Concert Series: Andrew Wakefield Guitarist, songwriter and singer based in Asheville, NC. He has an extensive and eclectic catalogue of compositions ranging from guitar-driven bluegrass to folk, oldtime, newgrass, rock, american, and more.

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

An Evening of Classical Guitar

An intimate evening of live music, featuring three excellent performers, each with a distinct take on the versatility and expressive potential of the classical guitar.

FR (5/5), 7pm, Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd Mountain Strong Series w/White Rock Revival

“Mountain Strong”

Series that celebrates traditional mountain life. This inaugural event will feature band White Rock Revival for an evening of Bluegrass music and stories of life on the farm across several generations.

FR (5/5), 7pm, Lake Louise Community Center, Weaverville

SA (5/6), 7:30pm, Blue Ridge Community College Conference Hall, 49 E Campus Dr, Flat Rock

Micah Thomas Trio Intimate show at the Foundry with Micah Thomas, Michael Jefry Stevens, and Danny Iannucci.

SA (5/6), 7:30pm, The Foundry Hotel, 51 S Market St

Mark's House Jam & Beggar's Banquet Weekly Sunday pot luck and musician's jam with acoustic and plug in players. It's a family friendly community day so bring a dish to share.

SU (5/7), 3pm, Asheville Guitar Bar, 122 Riverside Dr

Michelle Malone

Malone's music is ingrained in the soundtrack of the American South, mixing the rebellious stomp of roadhouse rock and roll with the raw grit of blues, the holy-rolling rasp of gospel, the slow-motion sweep of country-soul, and the organic warmth of folk music.

SU (5/7), 4pm, Olivette Pavilion, 1069 Olivette Rd

MusicWorks Spring Concert: Shoot for the Stars

An evening of outof-this-world music featuring student performances and our special guest artist Chikomo Marimba. year.

TH (5/11), 5pm, Leicester Elementary, 31 Gilbert Rd, Leicester

The Michael Rabinowitz Jazz Quartet Michael Rabinowitz is joined by the three of the top jazz musicians

BLUE RIDGE MUSICAL: Written by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell, bluegrass and folk musical Bright Star will be performed Friday, May 5, at 7:30 p.m. and runs through May 14. Directed by Mark Jones, Bright Star spins a tale of love and redemption set against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the 1920s and ’40s. Photo courtesy of Asheville Community Theatre

in western North Carolina; Michael Jefry Stevens, Zack Page, and Rick Dilling

TH (5/11), 7:30pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

LITERARY

The Myth of Normal Book Club

A community discussion of Gabor and Daniel Mate’s latest opus.

WE (5/3), 5:45pm, East Asheville Library, 902 Tunnel Rd

Joke Writing Workshop

Hosted by Disclaimer

Stand Up Lounge and moderated by Cody Hughes, weekly. Bring 90 seconds of material that isn’t working.

WE (5/3, 10), 6:30pm, Asheville Music Hall, 31 Patton Ave

The Power of the Mind Book Discussion

A modern guidebook to the Buddhist practice of lojong, or mind training, based on ancient techniques for transforming emotional pain, anxiety and stress into mental well-being.

WE (5/3), 6:30pm, Mary C. Jenkins Community and Cultural Center, 221 Mills Ave, Brevard

Poetry Open Mic Hendo

A poetry-centered open mic that welcomes all kinds of performers every Thursday night.18+

TH (5/4, 11), 7:30pm, Shakedown Lounge, 706 Seventh Ave E, Hendersonville

Talk & Book Launch w/ Khentrul Lodrö Thayé Rinpoche

A discussion on how to transform adversity in troubled times.

Khentrul Rinpoche’s perspective is that of a Tibetan monk, one of the very few monks in the world with three Khenpo degrees in Buddhist philosophy-Khenpo.

FR (5/5), 7pm, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place

Andrew Aydin

Aydin is best known for co-writing the graphic novel trilogy, MARCH, with Congressman John Lewis. This book signing event is a unique opportunity to meet the author in person. The event is free and open to the public

SA (5/6), 4pm, Black Mountain Public Library, 105 N Dougherty St, Black Mountain

Love & Duty: The American Civil War & Confederate Widows In this talk, based on her book, Dr Angela Elder will share many Confederate widows’ stories, examining the records of their courtships, marriages, loves, and losses to better understand their complicated relationship with the Confederate state. MO (5/8), 7pm, Haywood County Public Library, 11 Pennsylvania Ave, Canton

WNCHA History Hour: Appalachia on the Table

Dr. Erica Abrams Locklear will discuss her new book, Appalachia on the Table: Representing Mountain Food and People with the Western North Carolina Historical Association. This event will be hosted via zoom and will be recorded. Register at avl.mx/cnd TU (5/9), 6pm, Online Hoedowns, Reels & Frolics: Roots & Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance Join the Swannanoa Valley Museum for a book club discussion of Hoedowns, Reels, and Frolics: Roots and Branches of Southern Appalachian Dance

followed by an author presentation with Phil Jamison.

TH (5/11), 10am, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain

THEATER & FILM

Act Up! Staged Stories

A creative and collaborative program designed for ages 8 to 14 to explore the theater stage in a new way. The program runs for six sessions, April 18 through May 4, ending with a public showcase. For more information contact, lhudson@ ashevillenc.gov or (828) 259-5483.

TH (5/4), 5pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St Barcelona Flamenco Ballet

A magnificent merger of classic flamenco, authentic Catalan music, and the lively percussive sound of Spanish guitar.

TH (5/4), 7:30pm, Brevard Music Center, 349 Andante Ln, Brevard

Anna Deavere Smith: Let Me Down Easy

A documentary theatre style that is based on the spoken words of real people. The text is taken exclusively from

interviews and uses the actual words of the interviewees which actors utilize in their delivery. Smith’s plays evoke the possibility of social change.18+

FR (5/5), SA (5/6) 7pm, SU (5/8), 2pm. Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain

Alice In Wonderland

Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and join her on her adventures through Wonderland. Meet the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts, as well as a host of other fantastical characters that will delight and entertain audiences of all ages.

FR (5/5), SA (5/6), 7:30pm, SU (5/7), 2pm. Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville Bright Star: A Folk Musical

A  sweeping tale of love and redemption set against the rich backdrop of our very own Blue Ridge Mountains in the 1920s and ’40s. Runs through May 14.

FR (5/5), SA (5/6) 7:30pm, SU (5/7), 2:30pm. Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E Walnut St

Savannah Sipping Society

In this comedy, four unique Southern women, are drawn together by fate—and an impromptu happy hour—and decide it’s high time to reclaim the enthusiasm for life they’ve lost through the years.

FR (5/5), SA (5/6) 7:30pm, SU (5/7), 3pm Hendersonville Theatre, 229 South Washington St, Hendersonville

Nam June Paik: Moon is the Oldest TV Director Amanda Kim tells, for the first time, the story of Nam June Paik’s meteoric rise in the New York art scene and his Nostradamus-like visions of a future in which “everybody will have his own TV channel.” Members-only film screening.

WE (5/10), 7pm, Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St

The Revolutionists

Four revolutionary women lose their heads in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror.

WE (5/10), 7:30pm, North Carolina Stage Company, 15 Stage Ln

Nemesis Theatre Company Presents:

Cymbeline Features a panoply of Shakespeare’s greatest hits: orphaned royalty, mistaken identities, a cross-dressing heroine, a beheading, a war against Rome, poison that doesn’t really kill you, and more. Runs through May 21.

TH (5/11), 7:30pm, BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce St

MEETINGS & PROGRAMS

Youth Archery for Beginners

This 4 week beginner class will teach the basics of archery and is open to individuals 9 to 12 years old. Archers will learn the basics of archery: range safety & proper shooting techniques.

WE (5/3), 5:30pm, Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Dr Spanish Club

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

WE (5/3), 6pm, Black Mountain Brewing, 131 NC-9, Black Mountain

Drum Sisters

This is a women only drum circle. Learn East African drumming techniques and enjoy the rhythm and sounds of feminine beats.

Text (828) 777-6787 to reserve your space.

WE (5/3), 7pm, The Elephant Door, 126 Swannanoa River Rd

Hajj: The Story of My Pilgrimage to Mecca Hajj is the fifth pillar of Islam. It is mandatory for all Muslims who are healthy and can afford going to Hajj to make the journey for Hajj. Noorul Syed shares his story of his pilgrimage to mecca for Hajj.

WE (5/3), 7pm, Online, avl.mx/cne Embroiderers' Guild of America: Laurel Chapter

The program this month is a lecture on antique sewing tools. Rosemary Kostansek, the Laurel Chapter Secretary, will speak and showcase her personal collection.

TH (5/4), 9:30am, Cummings United Methodist Church, 3 Banner Farm Rd, Horse Shoe

The Learning Garden Presents: Planning Your Dye Garden Learn all about what plants to choose,

59 Years Serving Families in Western North Carolina

growing requirements, and colors you can grow for natural dyeing. The meeting is free but registration is required.

TH (5/4), 10am, Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Center, 49 Mount Carmel Rd, Ste 102

Parent Teen Cooking Class

Each week the students learn cooking skills, receive nutrition education, and take home all ingredients to recreate the recipe. Grades 9 to 12.

TH (5/4), 3:30pm, Black Mountain Montessori School, 101 Carver Ave, Black Mountain

Southside Card Game Night Families and community members can play card games like bid whist/ spades, Apples to Apples, Uno, and more. Light refreshments served.

TH (5/4, 11), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Center, 285 Livingston St

• Head Start: providing high quality, early childhood education

- Buncombe & Madison counties

• Life Works: helping families reach employment, education and financial capabilities goals

- Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Polk & Transylvania counties

• Weatherization: making homes energy efficient and safe; repairing / replacing heating systems

- Buncombe, Cleveland, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford & Transylvania counties

FREE for Qualifying Families

footwork, braking and steering maneuvers and eventually gliding with both feet in the air.

SA (5/6), 10am, KidCycle Club, 503 Stone Ridge Blvd

An Introduction to the Movements of G.I. Gurdjieff This workshop includes movements, exercises and discussion. Space is limited, reservations required. No previous movements or dance experience necessary. Register with Info@ gurdjieffasheville.org.

SA (5/6), 11am, Gurdjieff Foundation of WNC, 4 Richmond Ave

Annual Airing of the Quilts

time zone to the next around the globe.

SA (5/6), 1pm, Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd, Mills River

Dance of Hope Presents: Drum & Dance Workshop

They are joyous performers and thoughtful cultural ambassadors, embodying the ways that art and culture can support healthy lives and healthy communities. This workshop will showcase their talents and help participants improve theirs.

SA (5/6), 3pm, Dreaming Stone Arts and Ecology Center, 382 Pleasant Hill Rd, Rutherfordton

Creativity Jam: Meet Your Muse & You Community

Enjoy the company of other artists and makers in the witchy Mountain Magic common room. Get inspired and make magical art in community.

MO (5/8), 4pm, Mountain Magic Studio, 3 Louisiana Ave

Asheville Guitar League Meeting

There is a local artist as the presenter for the 1st hour and then everyone breaks into groups and plays together.

MO (5/8), 6pm, Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Rd

Cribbage Club

Community Choice

Open House Free time for the community to enjoy the community center. Relax while painting on a canvas, walking on the treadmill, playing a game of cards, shooting some hoops, and more.

TH (5/4), 6:30pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Community Interfaith Service

Unity of The Blue Ridge is hosting a Community Interfaith Prayer Service in honor of National Day of Prayer. Join this special evening of inspiration, prayer and honoring the One Spirit reflected in many paths.

TH (5/4), 7pm, Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd, Mills River

Tea & Tarot Fridays

Play with Tarot and Tea Leaf readings. Bring your cards, tea cup, and other favorite divination tools. All styles and experience levels welcome.

FR (5/5), Mountain Magic Studio, 3 Louisiana Ave

Mobile Free Pharmacy

Attendees will be able to learn more about NC MedAssist’s free prescription pharmacy program and receive free OTC items such as cough and cold medicine, vitamins, children’s, allergy medication, and first aid supplies. First-come, first-serve while supplies last. p24

FR (5/5), 9am, W.C. Reid Center, 133 Livingston St KidCycle Club Tiny Tots Stride & Glide

Join us for a fun and social way for your little one to learn to ride a balance bike. The Child will learn basic striding

The airing of quilts is a traditional rite of spring in the mountains. To honor this tradition, the Appalachian Women’s Museum began an annual event where as many as 65 quilts are hung on the wraparound porch, clotheslines in the yard, and on quilt racks and other surfaces throughout the first floor of the museum. p32

SA (5/6), 11am, Appalachian Women’s Museum, 100 W Hometown Place, Dillsboro

Beginner Country TwoStep Dance Lessons

Learn this popular, fun dance. We start with the basic step and progress to foundational steps and a few cool moves. Singles are welcome. No partner is needed, bring one if you can.

SA (5/6), 11am, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave

Learn to Play Pokémon

Learn how to play this strategy-based card game in a welcoming and positive environment. We provide all of the cards and items that you need to play.

SA (5/6), 11am, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave

Big Bold Box Build-athon

A highly curated, neurodiversity-affirming, and therapeutic event for autistic and neurodivergent children who love engineering and pretend play; we'll be building with big boxes and other recycled materials.

SA (5/6), 12:30pm, Haw Creek Commons, 315 Old Haw Creek Rd

Beginner East Coast Swing Dance Lessons

Learn this popular, fun dance. We start with the basic step and progress to foundational steps and a few cool moves.

Singles are welcome. No partner is needed, bring one if you can.

SA (5/6), 12:45pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave

World Labyrinth Day: Walk as One

An invitation to walk a labyrinth to help create a rolling wave of peaceful energy passing from one

What's Shaking?

This is an interactive music, rhythm and rhyme concert for children ages 0 to 7 and their adults, based on the curriculum of local pre-school teacher Ryan Glass.

SA (5/6), 3pm, Sweeten Creek Brewing, 1127 Sweeten Creek Rd

A Workshop Merging Spirit & Science

A lively discussion on the ancient and modern wisdom of shabbat/ sabbath, why and how to unplug from technology to take a “tech sabbath.”

SU (5/7), noon, Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd, Mills River

Weekly Sunday Scrabble Club

No dues for the first three months.

SU (5/7), 12:15pm, Stephens Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

Game Day: Perspective Café

Traditional game day with board and card games as well as refreshments from the Perspective Cafe.

SU (5/7), 2pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square

Sew Co./Rite of Passage Factory Tour

On this 30 minute micro-tour, learn about sustainable and transparent business practices and hear about production processes and client collaborations.

MO (5/8), Rite of Passage Clothing & SewCo, 240 Clingman Ave Ext

Guardian ad Litem Volunteer Training

Learn how you can use your voice as a court advocate for abused and/or neglected children in Buncombe County.

MO (5/8), 1pm, First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St

Chess Club

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

MO (5/8), 4pm, Black Mountain Brewing, 131 NC-9, Black Mountain

On the first Tuesday of the month. For more information call (828) 254- 942.

TU (5/9), 5pm, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St

DND Night Game Masters have created new quickshot campaigns that will inject fresh life into your DND gameplay, with actionpacked scenarios. RSVP is required.

TU (5/9), 6pm, Well Played, 162 Coxe Ave, Ste 101

Invasive Plants: What's the Problem?

Ecologist Bob Gale will illustrate the problems created by invasive plants on public lands and in our yards and offer remedies for species of greatest concern. The program will be in person and on Zoom.

TU (5/9), 7pm, OLLI/ Reuter Center, UNCA, 300 Campus View Rd

Walk Through History: Historic Grovemont

A guided walking tour of the early 20th century Grovemont-On-Swannanoa planned community developed by E.W. Grove in 1924.

Swannanoa Valley Museum & History Center, 223 W State St, Black Mountain

Introduction to Medicare: Understanding the Puzzle Webinar

This webinar will explain how Medicare works, the enrollment process, how to avoid penalties, and ways to save money. To register, visit the coabc.org or call (828) 277-8288.

WE (5/10), 2pm, Online, coabc.org

Stitches of Love

A small group of stitchers who create a variety of handmade items which are donated to local charities. The group meets monthly and has donated over 32,000 items (quilts, lap robes, knitted and crocheted items) over the past 18 years.For more info contact Janet at (828) 575-919.

WE (5/10), 3pm, Panera Bread, 1843 Hendersonville Rd

Spanish Club

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

WE (5/10), 6pm, Black Mountain Brewing, 131 NC-9, Black Mountain

Sun & Shade Garden

Series: Planting a Native Butterfly Host Plant Garden

Creating a garden with native butterfly and moth host plants will provide native butterflies and moths what they need to complete their life cycle. The Learning Garden will be teaching how to plant these host plants as a food source for caterpillars.

TH (5/11), 10am, Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Center, 49 Mount Carmel Rd, Ste 102

Family Outdoor Night:

Fishing

This is a introductory program to teach some basic fishing skills. Fishing poles and bait will be provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required since class size is limited due to equipment.

TH (5/11), 5pm, Azalea Park, Swannanoa River Rd

LOCAL MARKETS

RAD Farmers Market

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

WE (5/3, 10), 3pm, Smoky Park Supper Club, 350 Riverside Dr Etowah Lions Club Farmers Market

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

WE (5/3, 11), 3pm, 447 Etowah School Rd, Hendersonville

Weaverville Tailgate Market

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

WE (5/3, 10), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr Weaverville

Enka-Candler Tailgate Market

A grand selection of local foods and crafts, everything from produce to pickles, baked

goods to body care, with a hefty helping of made-to-order meals from our food trucks.

Every Thursday through October.

TH (5/4, 11), 3pm, A-B

Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler

Flat Rock Farmers Market

A diverse group of local produce and fruit farmers, craft-food makers, bread bakers, wild crafters, art-crafters, and merrymakers. Every Thursday through October 26.

TH (5/4, 11), 3pm, Pinecrest ARP Church, 1790 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock

Pack Square Artisan Market

This market will showcase local handcrafted goods in the heart of downtown Asheville. Every Friday through October 27.

FR (5/5), 1pm, 1 South Pack Square Park

East Asheville Tailgate Market

Local goods from neighborhood vendors selling tamales, dumplings, baked goods, ferments, bread, artisan cheese, meat, flowers, farm fresh vegetables, and more.

Every Friday through November.

FR (5/5), 3pm, Grose UMC, 954 tunnel Rd

Henderson County

Tailgate Market

Henderson County’s finest seasonal fruits, fresh mushrooms, vegetables, local honey, meat, eggs, garden plant starts, perennials and much more. Every Saturday through October 28.

SA (5/6), 8am, 100 N

King St, Hendersonville

Hendersonville Farmers Market

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

SA (5/6), 8am, Hendersonville Farmers Market, 650 Maple St, Hendersonville

Lake Junaluska Annual Plant Market

More than 2,500 available plants including annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, house plants and a small section of hybrid roses. It will also feature several varieties of plants from the Corneille Bryan Native Garden.

SA (5/6), 8am, Nanci Weldon Memorial Gym, Lake Junaluska, Waynesville

Mills River Farmers Market

Listen to local musicians as you shop the wide variety of vegetables, fruits, meat, eggs, and high-quality crafts.

Saturdays through October 28.

SA (5/6), 8am, Mills River Elementary School, 94 Schoolhouse Rd, Mills River

North Asheville Tailgate Market

Salvage Station hosts the North Asheville Tailgate Market. What began as a handful of farmers, now represents over 70 of the best farmers, bakers, growers, chefs and artists.

SA (5/6), 8am, Salvage Station, 468 Riverside Dr

2023 Spring Fling Plant Market

A wide selection of annuals, many varieties of roses, perennials for sun or shade, ground-covers, native plants, vegetable starts, herbs, shrubs, and even a few small trees. Garden art, books on gardening and some hard goods will also be available.

SA (5/6), 9am, The Interchange Building, 59 Woodfin Place

Asheville City Market

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

SA (5/6), 9am, 52 N Market St

Black Mountain Tailgate Market

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

SA (5/6), 9am, 130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

The Odd Flea

Bring your own tables and display all of your wacky and tacky items such as taxidermy, antiques, records, junk, witchy tinctures, plants and more. First come first serve. 1st Saturday of every month.

SA (5/6), 9am, The Odd, 1045 Haywood Rd

Pop-up Mini Craft Fair

Guild members will have an opportunity to share their creative efforts with the public at this outdoor fair. Visitors can shop for a variety of fine craft of different disciplines: bladesmithing, glassblowing, wheel-thrown and hand-built ceramics, woodturning, metalsmithing, leatherwork, and furniture making.

SA (5/6), 10am, Folk Art Center, MP 382, Blue Ridge Pkwy

Junk-O-Rama

West Asheville vintage, crafts and antique market is back. Browse hot deals on vintage and crafts from local artists, the first and third weekends of the month.

SA (5/6), 11am, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd

The Elephant Door Makers Market

Hosting a variety of local crafts, artisans, creative talent and artists.

SA (5/6), 11am, The Elephant Door, 126 Swannanoa River Rd

Spring Art Market

A variety of unique art, craft items handmade by local artists, and fresh re-stock of merch.

SA (5/6), 1pm, Open Hearts Art Center, 217 Coxe Ave

WNC Farmers Market

High quality fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, jams, jellies, preserves, sourwood honey, and other farm fresh items. Open daily 8am, year-round.

570 Brevard Rd

Asheville Punk Flea

The Asheville Punk Flea is back with crafts, records, vintage and more.

SU (5/7), noon, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd

BIPOC Farmer's Market

Everyone is encouraged to come out to support local BIPOC vendors. The market is EBT accessible with double dollars for fresh fruits and vegetables.

SU (5/7), noon, W.C. Reid Center, 133 Livingston St Meadow Market

Browse goods and gifts from local makers and artisans with different vendors every week. Shop for handmade jewelry, housewares, vintage goods, and crafts.

SU (5/7), 1pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200

Tuesday Creative Market

Browse the wares from local makers and creatives.

TU (5/9), 4pm, Different Wrld, 701 Haywood Rd, Ste 101

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

WE (5/10), 3pm, Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS

Cinco De Mayo Fiesta Celebrate Mexican-American culture with authentic food and music followed by an outdoor movie. Cinco de Mayo is a yearly celebration held on May 5 commemorating the anniversary of Mexico's victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.

FR (5/5), 6pm, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St .

Muy Mucho Cinco De Mayo Celebration

Immerse yourself into traditions and culture to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. There will be a DJ, cumbia dance class,

and live band playing traditional banda music. Mexican food truck and vendors will also be present during the night.

FR (5/5), 9pm, Different Wrld, 701 Haywood, Ste 101

Annual Asheville Herb Festival 2023

A celebration of regional herb growers, herbal product manufacturers, herbalists, and specialists in herbiculture, including growing herbs for culinary and medicinal uses.

FR (5/5), SA (5/6)

8:30am, SU (5/7), 10am Western North Carolina Agricultural Center, 761 Boylston Hwy, Fletcher

5th Annual World Migratory Bird Festival

Balsam Mountain Trust and Blue Ridge Audubon Society bring nature to you with a free live bird presentation as well as special guests that will teach us how to keep the environment safe for migrating birds.

SA (5/6), 10am, Bridge Park, 76 Railroad Ave, Sylva

Folk School: Friends & Family Day

Tour our open studios, participate in hands-on making, watch demonstrations, enjoy music and dance performances, savor local food, and learn all about the Folk School. Free and open to the public.

SA (5/6), 10am, John C. Campbell Folk School, 1 Folk School Rd, Brasstown

Multi-Kiln Opening Celebration

You will find all seven resident artists at this event, along with new works from each that come from the multiple kilns in use at the Village Potters, including electric, multiple gas reduction, raku, and their wood/soda ash Kazegama kiln.

SA (5/6), 11am, The Village Potters, 191 Lyman St

World Labyrinth day 2023

The Blue Ridge Labyrinth Community, a

group of five residents who love walking, building, designing, and facilitating labyrinth walks. Take this opportunity to calm the mind, let go of your busy lives, and walk meditatively with others on all the beautiful labyrinth paths.

SA (5/6), 1pm, Mulitple Locations in Asheville, Brevard, Fletcher, Hendersonville

2nd Annual Falconhurst Studio Stroll

Artists, musicians, photographers and other creators that live within the Falconhurst neighborhood open their studios to the public.

SU (5/7), 2pm, Falconhurst Neighborhood, Mitchell Ave

Tiny Tykes Festival Free family festival featuring hands-on experiences and adventures tailored for kids ages 5 and under including tumble and bounce houses, face painting, twisty balloons, craft making, biking, obstacle courses, special guests, train rides, sing-alongs, and more. p25

SU (5/7), 2pm, Martin Luther King Jr Park, 50 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr Brevard Design Day

Over 30 artisans, studios, galleries and retailers will be participating in the first ever Brevard Design Day. This is an opportunity for anyone interested in home design to see what our talented and creative community has to offer. The event is free and open to the public.

WE (5/10), 10am, PLATT, 33 W Main St, Brevard

BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING

May the Fourth Be With You: Beer City Comic Con Ribbon

Cutting & Star Wars

Trivia

Dress in your finest

Star Wars apparel and celebrate the official Asheville Chamber Ribbon Cutting for Beer City Comic Con.

Test your knowledge of the Force in Star Wars trivia to win tickets to Beer City Comic Con or tickets to a Star Wars Concert presented by BCCC and the Asheville Symphony Orchestra. This event is also a fundraiser for Pisgah Legal in partnership with Mosaic Realty.

TH (5/4), 5pm, The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd, Ste 10

14th Annual Authors for Literacy Dinner & Auction

NY Times bestselling author of Southernmost, Silas House, will keynote this event.

Proceeds from the Authors for Literacy Dinner benefit Literacy Together’s programs, which provide comprehensive literacy and english language skills to 300 students and over 4,900 book recipients in Buncombe County annually.

TH (5/4), 6pm, Crowne Plaza Expo Center, 1 Resort Dr

Kid’s Day & Summer Camp Expo Benefit

The family friendly event will feature strolling magic, a face

painter, live music and more; and will provide parents and campers the opportunity to meet representatives and view booths and displays from a variety of area camps. Event benefits Give to the Music, a local non-profit funding music lessons for kids in need.

SA (5/6), 10:30am, Asheville Outlets, 800 Brevard Rd

Asheville Amadeus Festival Kickoff

A grand 10-day festival featuring banjo superstar Béla Fleck as the Festival Headliner, Kishi Bashi as the festival Opener, and 25+ partner organizations offering 40+ events. This year the festival will be celebrating all things Americana with theater, art, music, culinary arts, and more. p26

TH (5/11), 5:30pm, Cursus Keme, 155 Thompson St

Gather & Grow: Lunch of a Lifetime Eliada Homes is hosting a fundraiser to help provide shelter, residential treatment, education, and life skills for children and young adults at Eliada.

TH (5/11), noon, Crowne Plaza Resort, 1 Resort Dr

by Jessica Wakeman | jwakeman@mountainx.com

Mercy Urgent Care extends hours

Mercy Urgent Care, a nonprofit urgent care network, expanded hours at two locations April 23. The South Asheville clinic, 1833 Hendersonville Road, and the East Asheville clinic, 1272 Tunnel Road, are open 8 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

Mercy Urgent Care has two other locations in Buncombe County and one each in Haywood, Polk, Transylvania and Yancey counties. The hours for those locations are unchanged. For more information visit mercyurgentcare.org.

Asheville gets good marks for air quality

The American Lung Association’s 2023 State of the Air report listed the Asheville-Marion-Brevard metro as one of the cleanest areas in the country for ozone pollution (also known as smog) and short-term particle pollution, as well as No. 14 nationwide for cleanest in year-round particle pollution (also known as particulate matter).

The annual report analyzes air quality and monitors air pollution that may affect respiratory health. Read more about the findings at avl.mx/cmt.

Dates set for studentathlete physicals

UNC Health Pardee and Southeastern Sports Medicine and Orthopedics will administer sports physicals for the 2023-24 school year to local students who play sports.

The physicals will take place from May 1-June 1 in the gymnasiums of 19 local middle and high schools. For

dates and locations of the physicals, visit avl.mx/cmu.

Registration forms for the physicals are available from respective team coaches or school front offices. Each student must bring a completed registration form with a parent’s signature on the day of the physical. Some physicals are free, while others will cost $15-$20.

All students are required by state law to receive an annual physical each academic year to play sports.

(Pardee UNC Health Care changed its name to UNC Health Pardee, effective April 3. No aspect of care has changed; the not-for-profit health care system will remain locally owned and continue to be managed by the UNC Health system.)

Free swim lessons May 6 and 13

The YWCA will host a free swim lesson and water safety event for families 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, May 6 and 13. Family swim time in the facility’s warm indoor pool will follow. Space is limited, and priority is given to families who qualify for swim lesson scholarships. For more information about swim lessons and income-based assistance for other programs, call 828-254-7206, ext. 110. Apply for a swim scholarship at avl.mx/cmh.

Pickup for free OTC medicines May 5

The Mobile Free Pharmacy will dispense free over-the-counter medications to low-income individuals 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, May 5, at Arthur R. Edington Education and Career Center, 133 Livingston St. Medicines will include pain relief, eye care, reading glasses, allergy medicines, cold and cough medicines, vitamins, digestive aids, children’s medicines and first aid items. Participants are asked to preorder items online at avl.mx/cmf. Individuals who are unable to order online may select items at the event while supplies last.

The Mobile Free Pharmacy is run by NC MedAssist, a statewide nonprofit that seeks to make over-the-counter medications accessible. Contact Anita Boswell-Russell at aboswellrussell@ medassist.org with questions.

Arts

internship opportunity

The Rosemary Kennedy Internship Initiative is funding two internships at Asheville Art Museum for youths with disabilities, ages 15-22.

The internship is designed for young people interested in exploring a career in the arts or furthering an arts education. Interns will be asked to work 40 hours per week over a two-month period. They may begin upon submission of their application and must complete the internship by the end of August. Internships include a $500 stipend.

The initiative is named for Rosemary Kennedy, President John F. Kennedy’s sister, who had disabilities. The initiative also funds arts organizations nationwide and enables them to offer opportunities for youths with disabilities.

For more information, contact Kate Faulkner, Asheville Art Museum director of learning and engagement, at 828-253-3227, ext. 122, or kfaulkner@ashevilleart.org.

Volunteer opportunity

The Buncombe County Violence Prevention Task Force is seeking adult participants. The task force is a project of Buncombe Partners in Prevention, a collaboration involving Helpmate, Mountain Child Advocacy Center and Our VOICE.

Task force participants meet monthly to address sexual violence prevention and consent education in school settings. Potential participants must submit a membership application in English or Spanish at avl.mx/cm8. A member of the implementation team will review and follow up after submission. For more information visit bcviolenceprevention.org.

Wellness programs funded

The Black Mountain-Swannanoa Valley Endowment Fund awarded several health and wellness grants to schools and nonprofits for 2023. Among other grantees, Charles D. Owen Middle School in Swannanoa received $4,000 to create calming spaces for students experiencing anxiety; Black

EXTENDED HOURS: Mercy Urgent Care, a nonprofit urgent care network, expanded hours at two locations beginning April 23. Photo courtesy of Mercy Urgent Care

Mountain Counseling Center received $10,000 for mental health therapy for individuals experiencing substance use disorder; Helpmate received $10,000 for an outreach program for domestic violence survivors; and Bounty & Soul received $7,500 for a wellness program at a food distribution site.

The fund is a permanent charitable endowment established by residents of Black Mountain and Swannanoa; contributions are pooled and invested by the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina. More information about BMSVEF is available at avl.mx/cmd.

New urgent care in Arden

AFC Urgent Care opened at 1 Brian Blvd, Unit 102, Arden, on April 14 for walk-in urgent care for ages 6 months and older. Services include sick visits, sports physicals, sexually transmitted disease testing, vaccinations and laboratory services.

AFC, or American Family Care, has 300 franchises nationwide. The Asheville location is independently owned and operated by Larry Kugler, and its medical directors are Drs. Todd Rudolph and Natasha Ballard

The hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday-Friday and 8 a.m.5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday. More information is available at AFCUrgentCareArdenNC.com.

Students assist at wellness startup

Students in the consulting practicum of UNC Asheville, taught by associate professor of management Susan Clark in the department of business, spent the previous semester developing marketing strategies for two fitness-focused subscription boxes, the RunnerBox and the RiderBox. The

UNCA students shadowed the founders and presented final deliverables on April 28 at The Wedge Brewery.

Welcome aboard

• The Buncombe County Department of Health and Human Services has welcomed Dr. Ellis Matheson as public health director. Most recently, Matheson was the director of nursing and clinical services coordinator at BCHHS.

• Wafeeq Amin will serve as interim executive director and Bryson Castel has joined as program support specialist at Eleanor Health Foundation, a nonprofit that expands access to addiction prevention and treatment.

• Jody Schmit has joined Western North Carolina Community Health Services as a certified nurse midwife. She can provide gynecologic care and care during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. To

schedule an appointment with Schmit, call 828-285-0622.

Mark your calendars

• Get in Gear Fest, an outdoor industry festival, runs noon-5 p.m. Saturday, May 6, at The Outpost, 521 Amboy Road. The free festival will include a pop-up kids bike park, demonstrations of e-bikes and mountain bikes, and merchandise for sale including outdoor apparel, tents and climbing gear. More information at outdoorgearbuilders.com.

• Asheville Parks & Recreation is hosting a free family festival, Tiny Tykes Day, 2-5 p.m., Sunday, May 7, in Martin Luther King Jr. Park, 50 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. Festival experiences for kids younger than 5 include obstacle courses, biking and bounce houses.

• An afternoon of drug awareness, education and resources will be offered 3-5 p.m., Sunday, May 21, at

the Nanci Weldon Gymnasium on the west side of Lake Junaluska in Waynesville. There will be free training on how to administer Narcan (an overdose reversal medication), and over 30 drug treatment and outreach organizations will attend. The event is free and family friendly.

• Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont will hold a mental health first aid course 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday, May 23, at Asheville Service Center, 37 College Place. Mental health and substance abuse challenges facing adolescents ages 12-18 will be the focus. Members of GSCPP may attend for $5; nonmembers may attend for $75. To register, visit avl.mx/cme.

• The Food Equity Initiative of UNC Asheville and MANNA Food Bank will host a free produce market noon-2 p.m., Thursday, May 25, on Reed Plaza on the UNCA campus, 1 University Heights. No identification or proof of need is required.

RUNNING WILD: Students in the consulting practicum of UNC Asheville taught by associate professor of management Susan Clark pose on campus with the mascot for RunnerBox, a wellness startup they worked on this semester. Photo courtesy of Clark

Elizabeth Garbarino, MD Grace Evins, MD

Mozart goes Americana

BY BILL KOPP

The Asheville Symphony launched the Asheville Amadeus Festival in 2015. Originally conceived as a weeklong celebration spotlighting the works of classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the biennial festival has grown and morphed over time.

This year’s 10-day event, which runs Thursday, May 11-Saturday, May 20, represents the most ambitious chapter in the festival’s history. Built upon an Americana theme and featuring Béla Fleck and Kishi Bashi, it will feature 40-plus events, enlisting the participation of multiple venues and more than two dozen partner organizations.

‘COMPLEX AND INTRICATE’

Asheville Symphony Executive Director Daniel Crupi has only been in his new position for 18 months. Before his arrival, Crupi worked as executive director with the Santa Fe Symphony in New Mexico. He says his time there, especially during COVID-19, has prepared him for the “complex and intricate” enterprise that is this year’s Amadeus Festival.

“Especially during my final year [with the Sante Fe Symphony], creativity and innovation through programming were at the absolute forefront of my mind,” he says. At the time, New Mexico was experiencing a near-total shutdown in the wake of the pandemic. “You could not gather more than five individuals without it being constituted a mass gathering,” he explains. “Performing arts facilities were shuttered until March of ’21.”

Crupi rose to the challenge of sustaining the symphony and providing cultural enrichment for Santa Fe audiences. “I was really interested in finding a path through the pandemic, to keep the musicians in Santa Fe employed and continue the Santa Fe Symphony’s mission rather than shutting down,” he says.

Asheville Amadeus Festival returns with a new sound

With his team working “out of necessity, through sheer force of will and with a lot of creativity,” the Santa Fe Symphony put together a 10-concert virtual series. Crupi says the experience “forced me to reconsider the position of a symphony orchestra in its community and broaden my perspective in terms of what was possible for an orchestra.”

That enterprise prepared Crupi for his next major challenge: building on the prior success of the Asheville Amadeus Festival and bringing it to a new level.

He says that this year’s event is characterized by collaboration and has a scope that sets it apart from

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previous festivals. “It has all the same core tenets,” he notes, “but we’ve flipped it on its head in terms of programming and how we’re working with our partners.”

ELEVATING THE ARTS

The first two Amadeus Festivals stuck close to a Mozart theme with classical music as its core foundation and focus. But in the third year of the festival, Crupi’s predecessor, David Whitehill, shifted away from Mozart, broadening the scope to include a rock-music theme. With a program that featured Warren Haynes in collaboration with the Asheville Symphony, the “Rock and Rach” (as in Russian composer Sergei Vasilyevich Rachmaninoff) theme was a major success.

Crupi’s approach both followed that strategy and, he says, stripped the concept down to some basic principles.

“It’s all about music excellence, innovation and collaboration,” he explains. The Amadeus Festival is

“not just about the symphony; it’s about elevating the entire arts community, using the symphony as a pivot point to be able to do that.”

Variety, Crupi emphasizes, is essential to the approach.

“In past years, it’s been major classical artists,” he explains. “But we had an opportunity to do something really different this year.”

Crupi says the 2023 Asheville Amadeus Festival is organized around its two headlining acts. On Saturday, May 13 at 7 p.m., crossgenre multi-instrumentalist Bashi will join the ASO (led by musical director Darko Butorac) at Salvage Station. Meanwhile, Fleck, an acclaimed banjoist and 15-time Grammy Award winner, will perform at a number of the festival’s events, including the festival finale on Saturday, May 20, at 8 p.m. at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.

“When I think about musical excellence and collaboration, one of the top people that comes to mind immediately is Béla Fleck,” says Crupi. “He

WINNING COMBO: Acclaimed, multi-instrumentalists Béla Fleck, left, and Kishi Bashi are the headlining acts at this year’s Asheville Amadeus Festival. Photo of Fleck by Alan Messer; photo of Bashi by Rachael Renee Levasseur

“I’ve been relying on Mountain Xpress for local news for 15 years. For free! I can’t stand by and do nothing now when they need my support more than ever.”

– Alice Helms

has worked with everyone from Chick Corea to Edgar Meyer to Sam Bush.”

Crupi adds that Fleck’s high profile helps connect the Asheville Symphony with the roots music traditions of Western North Carolina. “Because of his diversity of styles and experiences, Béla Fleck can work not just with the symphony but also with our youth orchestra, with the Asheville Chamber Music Series and other fabulous groups that speak to the essence of the festival.”

PANOPLY OF PARTNERS

This year’s Amadeus Festival, far too expansive for one venue, will employ an assortment of locations to host the full and varied lineup of performances and events. In addition to the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium and Salvage Station, festivalgoers will attend shows at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, Asheville Art Museum and Citizen Vinyl as well as several other sites.

Furthermore, partner organizations for the festival represent a cross section of WNC’s cultural and creative communities. Brevard Music Center, Different Strokes Performing Arts Collective, Connect Beyond Festival and the Ballet Conservatory of Asheville are just a few on the long list of participants.

Crupi notes that mounting a festival of this magnitude is a daunting prospect. “The sheer scope of coordinating 40 events with 25 partners is immensely challenging,” he says, “especially for a small nonprofit like us.”

The symphony’s staff, he continues, totals only nine. “And that’s an all-time high for the organization,” he points out.

Despite the many moving parts, Crupi notes that this year’s headlining acts have helped keep things running smoothly. “Both Béla Fleck and Kishi Bashi have been a pleasure to work with,” he says. “They’re both flexible and amenable to all the wild and crazy ideas we’ve been throwing at them. It’s been a total blast.”

LOOKING AHEAD

Community engagement is a core mission for the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, Crupi continues. The Asheville Amadeus Festival is one of several programs that contribute to this goal. Additionally, he highlights the group’s Symphony in the Park concerts in Pack Place and the ALT ASO chamber orchestra series.

The latter program, notes Crupi, embeds the orchestra in community venues that don’t typically host classical music. Previous locations have included Highland Brewing Co., Hi-Wire Brewing in the RAD and The Orange Peel.

“It’s all about getting the orchestra out into the community and engaging people where they’re already comfortable,” he explains, “rather than expecting folks to always come to us. And the Amadeus Festival is the culmination of all of that.”

And while hybridizing classical music and other forms such as Americana can sometimes be an uneasy marriage, Crupi believes he knows the secret to making it work. “Ultimately,” he says, “it has to start with great music. That’s our guiding principle, and Darko Butorac shares that principle. We’re fortunate to have him as an artistic partner and leader.”

Right now, Crupi and his staff are immersed in the details of this year’s Amadeus Festival. But at the same time, they’re looking toward the next one, scheduled for 2025.

“First, we’re going to be conducting some robust survey work to gather data about how this year’s festival was received,” the executive director says. “Because it is so different [from past festivals].”

Assuming a positive response and ticket sales that meet projections, he promises that the 2025 Amadeus Festival “will continue to stretch boundaries.”

Many of the festival’s events are free and open to the public. For a complete schedule, visit avl.mx/cma. X

Scientific method

Book chronicles complex, colorful story of Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute

BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE

jmcguire@mountainx.com

Craig Gralley spent more than three decades as a CIA analyst, but even he found it difficult to untangle the complicated history of Transylvania County’s Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute.

PARI began life in 1963 as a NASA satellite tracking station before becoming a top-secret National Security Agency site in 1981. Since 1999, it’s been a nonprofit education and research observatory.

Along the way, the 200-acre campus tucked into Pisgah National Forest near the town of Rosman became shrouded in myths and rumors. Did the site house nuclear missiles? Was it a submarine base? Was the government hiding evidence of extraterrestrials? And just what was the purpose of those enormous satellite dishes?

“This is one of the great mysteries of Western North Carolina,” says Gralley, who lives in Brevard. “It’s a story of transformation. It’s not a straight line, so it’s not necessarily an easy story to understand.”

Gralley’s new book, Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute: An Untold History of Spacemen & Spies, marks the first time the complete history has been chronicled, he says.

“I have an understanding of how to access declassified documents, so that helped,” he explains. “But I really had to use my analytic skills to pull it all together, because nobody comes out and tells you exactly what the facility’s all about, especially because it was a formerly highly classified site.”

Gralley, a retired CIA senior executive, will speak and sign copies of the book at PARI’s annual Space Day open house at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 6. The open house runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

SPACE RACE

On May 25, 1961, President John F. Kennedy told Congress the United States “should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the Earth.”

But the government had little understanding of space science,

Gralley says, including how to communicate with astronauts via satellite technology. Thus was born the Rosman Satellite Tracking Station, established in 1963 as part of the worldwide Spacecraft Tracking and Data Acquisition Network. Its work was used in developing the manned space programs Project Gemini and Project Apollo.

NASA chose the site as an East Coast hub for the network because it was in an ideal geological location: a bowl-shaped depression surrounded by granite, which helped keep out extraneous signals, he says. Also, North Carolina was centrally located between Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland and NASA’s launch site in Cape Canaveral, Fla.

The Rosman site had 15-20 satellite dishes in operation. The two largest, which stood 26 meters (or about 85 feet) tall, are still in operation at PARI as radio telescopes. In 1967, the western 26-meter dish received NASA’s first color photo of the full Earth from space.

NASA allowed public tours of the facility at a time when satellite technology was new, Gralley says.

“There were brochures at the welcome stations as people were entering North Carolina,” he says. “People would come out here and just kind of gawk at the satellite dishes, and that would be plenty for them to get their imaginations soaring into space.”

COLD WAR SECRECY

The site’s openness came to an abrupt halt in 1981 when the NSA, an arm of the Department of Defense, took control of the site and renamed it Rosman Research Station. Signs reading “Unauthorized Entry Prohibited” were posted, and armed guards patrolled the grounds. DOD didn’t even acknowledge it operated the site until 2008, 14 years after it left.

The NSA used the station to intercept signals traveling on the Soviet Union’s geostationary communication satellites, which were used for both military and commercial purposes.

“What’s interesting is that [Rosman Research Station] came online just as Ronald Reagan became the 40th president and had some priorities about rolling back communist gains in Latin America,” Gralley says. “It’s

probably no surprise that DOD saw that Rosman had capabilities that NASA no longer needed.”

In 1985, the government started investing about $200 million into the site, which to Gralley suggests it was identifying unique signals and maybe even breaking the encryption of those signals.

Urban legends and conspiracy theories about the facility started to emerge in this era.

“You had people who were uncleared [to receive classified information] coming in from the outside to do a lot of the new construction,” Gralley explains. “It’s like a game of telephone, where you have people who say, ’I worked on these tunnels.’ And before you know it, you have other people saying the tunnels are long and thin and probably hold nuclear weapons. The more people talk, the more fantastic it becomes.”

In reality, the tunnels were simply used for communication cables that connected the satellite dishes to the administrative building. But with DOD remaining silent, speculation about what was happening behind Rosman’s chain-link fence continued.

Some said the site was used for animal sacrifices and satanic rituals. Others believed it was a former POW camp used to house German prisoners during World War II or that there was an underground city beneath the campus that held captive space aliens. Some online sleuths have even noted the similarity between the names “Rosman” and “Roswell, N.M.,” the site of an alleged 1947 UFO crash that conspiracy theorists say the government covered up.

GETTING EDUCATED

The Soviet Union fell in 1991, effectively ending the Cold War, and three years later DOD closed the Rosman Research Station.

The campus was transferred to the U.S. Forest Service, but the agency didn’t have the resources to maintain it, Gralley says. After several years of inactivity, the federal government proposed dismantling the facility.

Enter Don Cline

A retired engineer from Greensboro who founded Micro Computer Systems in 1977, Cline first visited the Rosman site in 1997 and decided it should be transformed into a first-class educational center. The next year, he and his wife, Jo, acquired the site and launched PARI as a nonprofit astronomical observatory dedicated to educating future generations of scientists.

PARI operates multiple radio telescopes and optical telescopes for research and teaching purposes and offers summer space camps, tours and weekend events.

“Don is working on something here for which there is no model,” Gralley says. “This is a unique hands-on facility that offers tremendous opportunities for students not only in this area but from all over the world. There are a lot of graduate students who never have access to optical or radio telescopes, but grade school kids around here have access.”

Gralley says Western North Carolinians should be proud of PARI and its impact on the region and the United States.

“It mirrors the major challenges that faced our country during this whole period,” he says. “It helped to win the space race, it helped us successfully navigate through a difficult period of the Cold War, and right now it’s helping us address a major challenge in trying to educate our students so that they can succeed in science. It’s a tremendous story.”

PARI is at 1 PARI Drive, Rosman. For more information on the book, go to avl.mx/cmr. X

.

REACH FOR THE STARS: Craig Gralley has written a history of Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute. “It’s a tremendous resource that people really don’t know anything about,” he says. Photo courtesy of Gralley

What’s new in food

Asheville Drag Brunch recently launched Beer Flight, the city’s only drag queen bar crawl.

“Asheville is a drag wonderland, and we love that,” says Divinity Holeburn, aka Divine. “While most of our events are seated, this one is mobile and far from a passive experience. ‘Beer Flight’ is intimate, high engagement and improvisational. Everyone is treated like a queen, with lots of attention from the entertainer.”

Each two-hour Beer Flight tour takes its thirsty passengers on a tour of several local breweries, including DSSOLVR, Wicked Weed’s Funkatorium, Green Man Brewery, Highland Brewing Co. and One World Brewing, among others. A typical flight includes samples of eight10 beers, seltzers, ciders and wine. The tours feature multiple dates through October, including several that end with VIP seats at a two-hour special drag event.

“While this event is open to locals, we are mostly expecting visitors and tourists,” Divine says. “People will experience a warm welcome to Asheville and an unforgettably fun night with photos and stories to take back home.”

A portion of all Beer Flight proceeds will go toward supporting local nonprofit organizations, such as Asheville Poverty Initiative, Our VOICE, Arms Around ASD, Tranzmission, Healing Solutions Counseling, Blue Ridge Pride, WNCAP, Loving Food Resources and BeLoved Asheville.

The launch of Beer Flight on Friday, April 21, came just days after Republicans in the N.C. House introduced House Bill 673, which would ban drag performances in public places or in the presence of a minor. Any drag performance done in a public space or at a venue with minors present would result in a misdemeanor on first offense and a felony for subsequent offenses.

“With the current political climate, we want people to meet a real drag entertainer to see that they’re just normal people having fun. Not dangerous, not groomers, not criminals, not lewd strippers,” Divine says.

Round-trip Beer Flights tickets cost $50 per person, with discounts for locals and groups available. Visit avl.mx/cmp for tickets and additional information.

Sip, savor, support

Bottle Riot welcomes Blair Guthrie of Guthrie Family Wines for a wine

Asheville Drag Brunch takes flight

tasting and cookout event benefit Thursday, May 4, 5-8 p.m. The beneficiary of this event, Helpmate, is a local nonprofit dedicated to eliminating abuse and fear by providing safety, shelter and support for victims and survivors of intimate partner domestic violence.

“Helpmate has been a pillar of support in our community for years, providing crucial services and assistance to those affected by domestic violence,” says Bottle Riot co-owner Lauri Nichols. “This event presents an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for this important cause while bringing the community together for a memorable experience of wine, food and camaraderie.”

Five exclusive and highly coveted selections from Guthrie Family Wines will be included in the tasting, including the newly released Faux Picpoul Blanc, Neon Vermentino and Pufferfish red wine.

“Just like Bottle Riot, Guthrie Family Wines is a husband-and-wife team that shares the same values

of community and helping others, making their wines a perfect match for our vision,” Nichols adds.

Chef Sam Ethridge will prepare a classic cookout spread complete with burgers and hot dogs for the evening’s food component, giving the event “a festive and fun atmosphere with an Asheville twist,” Nichols says.

Bottle Riot is at 37 Paynes Way #009. Visit avl.mx/cmj for tickets and additional information.

The return of OaxaPunk

Chef Luis Martinez, founder of Tequio Foods, combines his love for authentic Mexican food and hardcore punk music with his latest OaxaPunk event held Friday, May 5, beginning at 6 p.m., at Citizen Vinyl.

Four traditional Oaxacan dishes, including tacos, tamales, tostadas and “punkzole” (a play on pozole, a traditional Mexican soup or stew)

and two classic Mexican desserts from Camille Cogswell will be available for purchase. Meanwhile, DJs will spin classic Latin American punk records from the ’80s and ’90s — a period that Martinez considers “the golden age of hardcore music in Latin America.

“When I was a teenager, back in Oaxaxa, punk was part of our expression and how we identified ourselves,” Martinez continues. “It felt like its own tribe, not only as Indigenous people but also as young people trying to express themselves through music.”

In addition to the eats, treats and punk beats, representatives from local nonprofits will also be on-site sharing information on improving health care and other causes for the Latino population of WNC.

“This event is all about poking fun at Cinco de Mayo,” explains Martinez. “The ‘holiday’ has become a caricature of Mexican culture, so I’m calling this event ‘Gringo de Gallo’ because it’s white people that

ON THE CRAWL: Asheville Drag Brunch has launched a new aviation-themed bar crawl experience. Photo courtesy Asheville Drag Brunch

more or less celebrate this kind of thing. I want to turn the problematic and insensitive behavior associated with Cinco de Mayo into an event with great punk music from Latin America and create a welcome space for BIPOC, immigrants, trans kids, etc.”

Citizen Vinyl is at 14 O. Henry Ave. Follow Martinez on Instagram at avl.mx/b7a for additional information.

Build community with BeLoved Asheville

BeLoved Asheville hosts its second annual Raise Another Home Auction on Saturday, May 6, at the A-B Tech Mission Health Event Center. The goals of this event are twofold: to celebrate the success of the organization’s pilot BeLoved Village (a village of 12 microhomes built to address local housing insecurity) and to re-create the success of the pilot by kick-starting replication efforts.

“The event proceeds will support our BeLoved Villages project and support efforts to build deeply affordable homes that are community-oriented, sustainable and produce equity for Village residents,” says BeLoved Asheville Co-Director Amy Cantrell.

With a fundraising goal of $100,000, BeLoved Asheville has organized both a silent and live auction featuring a number of high-profile prizes — from trips to a boutique hotel in Raleigh to rare East Fork Pottery hand-thrown vases.

VIP guests ($100 tickets per person) will get a sneak preview of auction items beginning at 5 p.m., along with live music, hors d’oeuvres from Sage and Spice Catering and Food Experience as well as complimentary craft beers from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and wines by Maggie B’s. General admission ($50 tickets per person) opens at 6 p.m. All guests will enjoy a dinner featuring dishes from Chestnut, Corner Kitchen and an artful dessert experience from Urban Graze Co.

The A-B Tech Mission Health Event Center is at 16 Fernihurst Drive. Visit avl.mx/cmi for tickets and additional information.

Ramp up the flavor

American Legion Post 47 holds its annual Ramp Festival on Sunday, May 7, noon-6 p.m., at American Legion Field in Waynesville.

Ramps are a species of wild onion native to North Carolina that are harvested every spring from the

mountainsides. Known for their pungent aroma and bold flavor, ramps are considered a culinary delicacy in much of Southern Appalachia and are rich in vitamins A and C, selenium and chromium.

This free event celebrating the local member of the allium family (which also includes garlic and onions) will include a special ramp dinner, a ramp eating contest, live music and clogging performances. Hamburgers and hot dogs will also be provided for those looking for more conventional cuisine.

American Legion Field is at 171 Legion Drive, Waynesville. Visit avl.mx/cmo for additional information.

Sawhorse bids adieu

After four years, Sawhorse has closed. Its last pancake was served on April 16.

Opened in 2019 by Chef Dan Silo, the New Leicester Highway restaurant gained swift admiration from locals and visitors alike for its Northeast American- and French Canadian-influenced cuisine. Sawhorse’s kitchen delivered a steady supply of dishes you might consider a hearty lumberjack to be fond of: pancakes the size of hubcaps, towering tourtières (meat pies), piping-hot poutine, maple beans, eclairs and boots of beer.

“I decided to close Sawhorse primarily because I am absolutely exhausted,” Silo says. “I never had any interest in becoming a weekend brunch restaurant. Once you’re pegged as a brunch restaurant in Asheville, you’re kind of stuck creatively. I am proud of what we served, but none of it represents my true passion or the most special of our offerings here.”

As the restaurant’s profile rose, so, too, did issues with the Sawhorse building’s electricity and plumbing. Maintenance concerns made it so Silo could rarely step away from the restaurant, leading him to feel increasingly burned out as time went on.

“That being said, the community that we created here was the most special aspect of this business. Everyone ate here,” says Silo.

“I’ve never seen a dining crowd more diverse anywhere that I’ve eaten or worked at in this town over the past decade. I think we were a safe space.”

In terms of his next steps, Silo plans on “Relaxing. Stopping. Breathing. I’m not done cooking. I’m just done owning and running a small business by myself.”

Blake Becker

Around Town

Airing of the Quilts returns to Appalachian Women’s Museum

The airing of the quilts, a traditional rite of spring in the mountains, lives on in Western North Carolina at Dillsboro’s Appalachian Women’s Museum.

“After a long winter used extensively in homes, often with very little heat, quilts needed fresh air and sunshine to rejuvenate them before putting them away for the warmer seasons,” says Dave Russell, a museum board member. “The Monteith sisters [Edna Corrine Monteith and Edith Irene Monteith], who lived their whole lives in the house the museum is in, would have aired their quilts every spring, possibly hanging them on the wraparound porch.”

In 2018, the women’s museum started the Airing of the Quilts as a way to honor the tradition.

The event returns Saturday, May 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. About 30 quilters and quilt collectors, mostly from Jackson County, will display items on the museum’s wraparound porch, clotheslines in the yard and on quilt racks and other surfaces throughout the first floor.

The quilts will be a mix of older family pieces and newer items, Russell says.

“Some of them were sewn by the Monteith sisters themselves,” he explains. “They were avid quilters. A more modern entry comes from a husband-and-wife team. He was into fractals, patterns that repeat themselves forever and often look like faroff galaxies in space, and she quilted. He printed some of his fractal designs onto cotton and she quilted them.”

The event will include a fabric scrap exchange, a quilt pattern and book exchange, a raffle and music.

Visitors will even have a chance to work on a quilt themselves. “I brought a handquilting project I have been working on for years and just can’t get myself to finish,” Russell says. “We’ll mount it on a quilting frame and folks can sit around and finish my quilt for me.”

The event is free, but the museum will accept donations.

The Appalachian Women’s Museum is at 100 W. Hometown Place in Dillsboro. For more information, go to avl.mx/cn2.

Follow your BLISS

When a group of artists living in Candler’s Biltmore Lake neighborhood gathered in December 2019 to talk about their shared interests, they found many of them were eager to show and sell their work.

The idea of having a community art stroll was born, but the timing couldn’t have been worse. The plan was shelved when COVID-19 restrictions hit just a few months later.

More than three years later, the neighborhood will present the long-delayed event. Biltmore Lake’s Imaginative Studio Stroll (BLISS) will be from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, May 6, and will feature 26 artists at 13 homes in the planned community about 20 minutes from downtown.

“There’s such a buzz through the neighborhood,” says Kelly Saunders, an acrylics painter and planning committee member. “It’s fun because it’s our neighbors coming to our houses and seeing art work that they might not have seen otherwise that’s produced here in Biltmore Lake.”

ARTS

BLISS will feature drawings, paintings, textiles, sculpture, woodworking, jewelry and more from emerging and established artists from Biltmore Lake and other parts of the Asheville area. It will also have some “bells and whistles” not generally found at art tours, she says.

For instance, several groups will be set up in tents along the lake front near the neighborhood clubhouse. The YMCA, AB Tech Small Business Center and Enka-Candler Tailgate Market will be among those on hand. Horticulturist Steven Frowine from the Biltmore Lake Garden Club will give demonstrations on container gardening.

Additionally, Sand Hill Kitchen and Dripolator will sell food, pastries and drinks.

Biltmore Lake is producing the tour with Artsville Collective, formerly Sand Hill Artists Collective. People can drive or walk to the houses.

Organizers hope BLISS will become an annual event and serve as a catalyst for growing the arts scene in Candler and Enka.

“It has just blown up in the best way in terms of bringing in the community partners who want to get in front of this crowd,” Saunders says. “And we’re realizing there’s no art programs or art galleries or anything like that out here,

so we’re connecting with art teachers. I think it’s the first time everyone has been brought together like this, so I feel like there’s a higher mission.”

To participate, go to the Biltmore Lake clubhouse, 80 Lake Drive in Candler. Sign in to receive a map and wrist band before proceeding to designated homes. The rain date is Sunday, May 7. For more information, go to avl.mx/cmv.

Making history

The Western North Carolina Historical Association will establish the Asheville Museum of History at the newly renovated Smith-McDowell House in the fall.

The museum fulfills a “decades-long efforts to have a museum in Asheville that tells stories of the mountains, a region with a rich and diverse – and sometimes misunderstood – past,” the group says in a press release.

The WNHCA began operating the Smith-McDowell House as a house museum in 1981. The brick mansion, built around 1840, has undergone extensive repairs and renovations the past two years and will provide space for the history museum’s exhibits as well as programs and meetings. Visitors also will be able to take guided, behind-thescenes tours of the house and grounds.

Historian Anne Chesky, WNCHA executive director, will do double duty as executive director o the Asheville Museum of History.

“Anne knows the history of Western North Carolina, both as a long-term resident and scholar,” Ralph Simpson, president of the museum and association, says in a press release. “She also is sensitive to telling a broad history that represents the diversity of people who have shaped our region over time.”

Funds provided by a bequest from Virginia McDowell Colwell, a descendant of the original owners of the house, have allowed the recent restorations throughout the house, and include a new roof, upgraded HVAC systems, plaster repairs, exterior and interior painting, restroom updates, and accessible parking.

The Smith-McDowell House is at 283 Victoria Road. For more information, go to avl.mx/cmx.

Poetry collection

Black Mountain author Michael Hettich’s new book, The Halo of Bees: New and Selected Poems, 19902022, will be released Thursday, May 11 by Press 53.

The collection includes selections from his previous books — more

than two dozen, spanning five decades — along with some new poetry. The cover is by Asheville artist Mark Flowers

“It’s a big book, many years in the making, and I’m proud of it,” Hettich says.

Hettich will read selections from the collection during Malaprop’s Bookstore/Cafe’s monthly Poetrio event Sunday, May 7, 4:30 p.m. Also participating in the hybrid event will be Mildred K. Barya, author of The Animals of My Earth School, and Lee Stockdale, author of Gorilla. For more information or to purchase The Halo of Bees, go to avl.mx/cn3. To register for the Poetrio event, visit avl.mx/cn4. Malaprop’s is at 55 Haywood Street.

Filmmaking 101

The Asheville School of Film will offer Music Video Production, a oneday workshop taught by new instructor Blake Talley, on Sunday, May 7, 1-5 p.m., at Story Parlor.

Talley, a local filmmaker and musician, will give an overview on how to film live performances and whether to use green screens and will discuss lyric videos and how musicians can make their own videos.

Starting Sunday, May 21, Talley will lead an in-depth eight-week course, Directing for the Screen, at Story Parlor. with each week devoted to an aspect of film directing.

Cost for the workshop is $55 or or $44 for alumni. The eight-week course is $495 or $396 for alumni.

Story Parlor is at 227 Haywood Road. To sign up for the one-day workshop, go to avl.mx/cn5. To sign up for the eight-week course, go to avl.mx/cn6. — Justin McGuire X

MOVIE REVIEWS

Local reviewers’ critiques of new films include:

EVIL DEAD RISE: There will be blood! Writer/director Lee Cronin makes series godfathers Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell proud with this expertly crafted horror shockfest. Grade: B-plus — Edwin Arnaudin

SOMETHING IN THE AIR: Dillsboro’s Appalachian Women’s Museum will host the annual Airing of the Quilts on Saturday, May 6. Photo courtesy of the AWM

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

WEDNESDAY, MAY 3

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

Music To Your Ears w/ Jody Carroll (roots, blues), 7pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

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

FLEETWOOD'S Open Mic Wednesday Night, 7pm

FRENCH BROAD

BREWERY

Bluegrass Jam Wednesday, 6pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Songwriter Series w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Old Time Jam, 5pm

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

SOVEREIGN KAVA Poetry Open Mic, 8pm

THE BARRELHOUSE

Original Music Open Mic Night, 12am

THE FOUNDRY HOTEL Shed Bugs (rock, blues, funk), 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Anne Coombs & Siyana (jazz), 4pm

• Pert Near Sandstone & The Way Down Wanderers (midwest-roots, country), 7pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Lucinda Williams (rock, blues, folk), 7pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY Wednesday Open Mic, 5:30pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK

MOUNTAIN Irish Music Circle, 7pm

THURSDAY, MAY 4

ASHEVILLE GUITAR

BAR

Jody Carroll (Americana, roots, blues), 7:30pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

The Blushin' Roulettes (folk), 6pm

FLEETWOOD'S Wastoid, Codapen & Serrate (screamo, metal, punk), 9pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

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

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7:30pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Iggy Radio (southern-rock), 7pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

The Lumpy Heads (Phish tribute), 9pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Patrick French (blues), 8pm

SALVAGE STATION

The String Cheese Incident (bluegrass, rock-electronica, funk), 5:30pm

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Laveda & Felt Out w/ Gummy & Bendrix Littleton (indie-pop), 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE

James McMurtry w/ BettySoo (rock, roots, country), 7pm

THE ODD

Star Wars: May The Force Be With You Rave, 8pm

INSPIRED BY MINGUS: Bryan McConnell, former bass player for jazz greats John Handy and Bobby Hutcherson, brings his original compositions, a few cover tunes and his eight-piece band to White Horse Black Mountain for his CD release concert on Sunday, May 7, at 7:30 p.m. Photo by Ken Voltz

THE ORANGE PEEL I Love Space (dance party), 6:30pm

THE ROOT BAR Kendra & Friends (multiple genres), 6pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Thursday Night Karaoke, 8:45pm

URBAN ORCHARD Trivia Thursday, 7pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

The Couldn't Be Happiers (Americana), 7:30pm

WRONG WAY CAMPGROUND

Don't Tell Comedy: West Asheville, 7pm

FRIDAY, MAY 5

27 CLUB

Bombay Gasoline, Ink

Swell & Father Figures (hard-rock, psychedelia, post-rock), 8pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY

ACADEMY

Venus (dark house dance party), 10pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

Mr Jimmy's Friday Night Blues, 7:30pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Eggy (indie, funk), 9pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN

BREWING

Hunter Begley (alt-country, folk), 6pm

BOTANIST & BARREL

TASTING BAR + BOTTLE SHOP

Jesse Harman Live (bluegrass), 6pm

BURGER BAR

Bruschetta Delorean (dark synth-rock), 9pm

CORK & KEG

John Lilly & Just us

Lillys (Appalachian, old-time), 7pm

DIFFERENT WRLD

The Dreaded Lamarie (pop), 4:30pm

FLEETWOOD'S US Christmas, Drifter & Radian (rock, psychedelic), 9pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM

Life Like Water (Americana, folk), 6pm

GINGER'S REVENGE

SOUTH SLOPE

LOUNGE

Modelface Comedy: James Hamilton, 7pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO.

JJ Hipps & The Hideaway (blues), 7pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Honky-Tonk Fridays w/ Jackson Grimm, 4pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Open Mic Night w/ Hamza, 8pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Raditude (punk, altrock), 8pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

• Free Dead Friday w/ Gus & Phriends, 5pm

• Joe Marcinek Band w/Lenny Pettinelli, Adam Chase & Josh Blake (funk, blues, psychedelia), 10pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

5J Barrow Friday Nights (folk), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

• Adam Chase & Friends w/Chris Bullock of Snarky Puppy (funk, jazz, electronic), 3pm

• Amongst The Trees (roots, soul, folk), 8pm

SALVAGE STATION

The String Cheese Incident (bluegrass, rock-electronica, funk), 5:30pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Heart Gone South (country, honky-tonk), 9pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Lactones (experimental, psychedelic rock), 9pm

THE GETAWAY RIVER BAR

French Broad-Way Baby, 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Laura Lamb (folk, pop, country), 4pm

• Destroyer w/The Reds, Pinks & Purples (indie-rock), 7pm

THE OUTPOST Outpost: Anya Hinkle (Appalachian, folk, bluegrass), 6pm

UPCOUNTRY BREWING CO.

Al “StumpWater” Lyons (Celtic, folk), 5pm

URBAN ORCHARD

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

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

Pinkish Floyd (Pink Floyd tribute), 8pm

WORTHAM CENTER FOR THE

PERFORMING ARTS

The Comedy Zone, 7pm

SATURDAY, MAY 6

27 CLUB

Bellizia, The Bins, Razorbeast & Nox

Eturnus (death-metal, alt-rock, sludge-metal), 8:30pm

ASHEVILLE BEAUTY

ACADEMY

80s MAXimum Overdrive w/DJ Nato, 10pm

ASHEVILLE GUITAR BAR

The Travelling Pilsburys (acoustic), 7:30pm

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

League of Sound Disciples (edm, bass, reggae), 10pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Beth Lee (bluegrass, country), 6pm

CORK & KEG

Bill & The Belles (pop, Appalachian), 8pm

FLEETWOOD'S

EG Vines w/Aunt Vicki & Bombay Gasoline (indie, rock'n'roll), 9pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

• Hurt & Skip (country-blues, tribal), 1pm

• We Have Ignition (surf-rock), 6pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM

Chris Norred & Friends (Appalachian, jazz, folk), 7pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Nobody's Darling String Band, 4pm

LA TAPA LOUNGE

Karaoke Night, 9pm

NOBLE CIDER & MEAD DOWNTOWN

Modelface Comedy

Presents: Nick Youssef w/Clay Jones, 7pm

OKLAWAHA

BREWING CO.

Carolina Drifters (alt-country), 8pm

ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Underground Springhouse (rock'n'roll, country, funk), 10pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

• Astral Plainsmen (cosmic, western), 3pm

• The Build w/Once, Once (psychedelic, indie-rock), 9pm

SALVAGE STATION

The String Cheese Incident (bluegrass, rock-electronica, funk), 5:30pm

SHILOH & GAINES

Blues Jam w/Melissa

Mckinney & Reggie

Headen, 9pm

SILVERADOS

High Velocity Wrestling Showdown Series, 7pm

SWEETEN CREEK BREWING

Muddy Guthrie (Americana, rock, blues), 1pm

THE BURGER BAR

Best Worst Karaoke w/

KJ Thunderk*nt, 9pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: The Cheeksters (memphis-soul, pop, blues), 5pm

• Vieux Farka Touré w/

Life Like Water (rock, Latin, African), 8pm

URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO. SOUTH

SLOPE

80's Night, 7pm

Nonprofit issue

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

The Belfast Boys (Irish, folk), 8pm

WORTHAM CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The Comedy Zone, 7pm

SUNDAY, MAY 7

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Billy Presnell (folk, Americana), 2pm

CATAWBA BREWING

CO. SOUTH SLOPE

ASHEVILLE

Comedy at Catawba: Harrison Tweed, 6pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

Reggae Sunday w/ Chalwa, 3pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO. The Lucky Losers (soul, blues, gospel), 2pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

Bluegrass Brunch, 1pm

LITTLE JUMBO

Max Johnson Trio (jazz), 7pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Dave Desmelik (Americana), 3pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

• Sunday Jazz Jam, 1:30pm

• Day & Dream w/Carpal

Tullar (indie-rock, dreampop, shoegaze), 6pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

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

STATIC AGE RECORDS

Blessed & Null (experimental, rock), 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Leah Marlene (folk, rock, pop), 4pm

• Citizen Cope: Solo Acoustic (folk, alt-indie), 7pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Digable Planets w/Kassa

Overall (jazz, hip-hop), 7pm

THE OUTPOST Outpost: Kelly Hunt & Momma Molasses (folk, country, old-time), 6pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK

MOUNTAIN

The Bryan McConnell Jazz Ensemble: CD Release Concert, 7:30pm

MONDAY, MAY 8

27 CLUB Monday Karaoke, 9pm

5 WALNUT WINE BAR

CaroMia, Rahm, Daniel

Iannuci & Jaze Uries (soul, R&B, folk), 8pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Totally Rad Trivia w/ Mitch Fortune, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD PUB

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

NOBLE CIDER

DOWNTOWN

Freshen Up Comedy

Open Mic, 6:30pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

It Takes All Kinds Open Mic Nights, 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Open Mic Downtown, 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

Mashup Mondays w/The JLloyd Mashup Band, 8pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Jody Caroll (Americana, blues, roots), 4pm

• Willie Watson w/Dylan Walshe (Southern-gospel, Appalachian, delta-blues), 7pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN

Jay Brown w/Michael McNevin & Angie Hyman (folk, roots), 7pm

TUESDAY, MAY 9

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Team Trivia, 7pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

The Grateful Family Band

Tuesdays (Dead tribute, jam band, rock), 6pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Weekly Open Jam hosted by Chris Cooper & Friends, 6:30pm

THE BURGER BAR

C U Next Tuesday Late Night Trivia, 9:30pm

THE GREY EAGLE Shame w/Been Stellar (post-punk), 7pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Voïvod w/ASG (metal, thrash-metal, progressive-metal), 7pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Tuesday Night Trivia, 7pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK

MOUNTAIN

White Horse Open Mic, 7pm

WEDNESDAY, MAY 10

ASHEVILLE MUSIC

HALL

Stand-Up Comedy Open Mic, 8pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN

BREWING

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

FLEETWOOD'S Open Mic Wednesday Night, 7pm

FRENCH BROAD

BREWERY

Bluegrass Jam Wednesday, 6pm

HIGHLAND BREWING

CO.

Songwriter Series w/ Matt Smith, 6pm

ONE WORLD

BREWING WEST

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

SALVAGE STATION

Joe Russo's Almost Dead (Grateful Dead tribute), 5pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Poetry Open Mic, 8pm

THE BARRELHOUSE

Original Music Open Mic, 12am

THE GREY EAGLE

• John Kirby & The New Seniors (punk-metal, rock, guitar-pop), 4pm

• Agent Orange w/Suzi

Moon & The Deathbots (cali-punk, surf-rock), 7pm

THE ODD

Hans Gruber & The Die

Hards, Farseek, Kerosene Heights, Dim & Paper Mills (emo-revival, rock, punk), 7pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

Maria Bamford w/Jackie

Kashian & Moira Goree (comedy), 7pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Wednesday Open Mic, 5:30pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Irish Music Circle, 7pm

THURSDAY, MAY 11

ASHEVILLE GUITAR

BAR

Robert Thomas Band (jazz, progressive-rock), 7:30pm

BLACK MOUNTAIN BREWING

Ashley Heath (Americana, blues), 6pm

CROW & QUILL

Queen Bee & The Honeylovers (swing, jazz, Latin), 8pm

FLEETWOOD'S

Country Westerns, The Squealers & Watches (country, punk-rock), 9pm

FRENCH BROAD

RIVER BREWERY

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

HIGHLAND BREWING

DOWNTOWN

TAPROOM

Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm

JACK OF THE WOOD

PUB

Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7:30pm

LEAF GLOBAL ARTS Jazz Jam, 7pm

OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.

Bo Aughtry (Americana), 7pm

ONE STOP AT

ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL

The Lumpy Heads (Phish tribute), 9pm

ONE WORLD BREWING

Almas Russ & Bryson Evans (country, roots), 8pm

ONE WORLD BREWING WEST

JLAD (The Doors tribute), 8pm

SALVAGE STATION

Jennifer Hartswick Band w/Joslyn & The Sweet Compression (funk), 7pm

SOVEREIGN KAVA

Django Jazz Jam, 7pm

THE GREY EAGLE

• Patio: Sunburned Hand Of The Man (punk-rock, psychedelic), 4pm

• Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum (rock), 7pm

THE ODD

Volcandra Voraath, Urocyon & Bleedseason (metal), 7pm

THE ORANGE PEEL

The Fabba Show (Abba tribute), 7pm

THE OUTPOST Outpost: Dave Desmelik Trio (Americana, folk), 6pm

THE ROOT BAR

Kendra & Friends (multiple genres), 6pm

TWIN LEAF BREWERY

Thursday Night Karaoke, 8:45pm

URBAN ORCHARD Trivia Thursday, 7pm

VOTED WNC #1 KAVA BAR

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Before forming the band called The Beatles, John Lennon, George Harrison and Paul McCartney performed under various other names: the Quarrymen, Japage 3, and Johnny and the Moondogs. I suspect you are currently at your own equivalent of the Johnny and the Moondogs phase. You’re building momentum. You’re gathering the tools and resources you need. But you have not yet found the exact title, descriptor or definition for your enterprise. I suggest you be extra alert for its arrival in the coming weeks.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I’ve selected a passage to serve as one of your prime themes during the rest of 2023. It comes from poet Jane Shore. She writes, “Now I feel I am learning how to grow into the space I was always meant to occupy, into a self I can know.” Dear Taurus, you will have the opportunity to grow ever-more assured and self-possessed as you embody Shore’s description in the coming months. Congratulations in advance on the progress you will make to more fully activate your soul’s code.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Georges Rouault (1871-1958) was a Gemini painter who bequeathed the world over 3,000 works of art. There might have been even more. But years before he died, he burned 315 of his unfinished paintings. He felt they were imperfect, and he would never have time or be motivated to finish them. I think the coming weeks would be a good time for you to enjoy a comparable purge, Gemini. Are there things in your world that don’t mean much to you anymore and are simply taking up space? Consider the possibility of freeing yourself from their stale energy.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Britain occupied India for almost 200 years. It was a ruthless and undemocratic exploitation that steadily drained India’s wealth and resources. Mahatma Gandhi wasn’t the only leader who fought British oppression, but he was among the most effective. In 1930, he led a 24-day, 240-mile march to protest the empire’s tyrannical salt tax. This action was instrumental in energizing the Indian independence movement that ultimately culminated in India’s freedom. I vote to make Gandhi one of your inspirational role models in the coming months. Are you ready to launch a liberation project? Stage a constructive rebellion? Martial the collaborative energies of your people in a holy cause?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): As crucial as it is to take responsibility, it is also essential to recognize where our responsibilities end and what should be left for others to do. For example, we usually shouldn’t do work for other people that they can just as easily do for themselves. We shouldn’t sacrifice doing the work that only we can do and get sidetracked doing work that many people can do. To be effective and to find fulfillment in life, it’s vital for us to discover what truly needs to be within our care and what should be outside of our care. I see the coming weeks as a favorable time for you to clarify the boundary between these two.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo-born Marie Laveau (1801–1881) was a powerful Voodoo priestess, herbalist, activist and midwife in New Orleans. According to legend, she could walk on water, summon clairvoyant visions, safely suck the poison out of a snake’s jowls and cast spells to help her clients achieve their heart’s desires. There is also a wealth of more tangible evidence that she was a community activist who healed the sick, volunteered as an advocate for prisoners, provided free teachings and did rituals for needy people who couldn’t pay her. I hereby assign her to be your inspirational role model for the coming weeks. I suspect you will have extra power to help people in both mysterious and practical ways.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): What are the best methods to exorcize our personal demons,

ghosts, and goblins? Or at least subdue them and neutralize their ill effects? We all have such phantoms at work in our psyches, corroding our confidence and undermining our intentions. One approach I don’t recommend is to get mad at yourself for having these interlopers. Never do that. The demons’ strategy, you see, is to manipulate you into being mean and cruel to yourself. To drive them away, I suggest you shower yourself with love and kindness. That seriously reduces their ability to trick you and hurt you — and may even put them into a deep sleep. Now is an excellent time to try this approach.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): As she matured, Scorpio poet Sylvia Plath wrote, “I am learning how to compromise the wild dream ideals and the necessary realities without such screaming pain.” I believe you’re ready to go even further than Plath was able to, dear Scorpio. In the coming weeks, you could not merely “compromise” the wild dream ideals and the necessary realities. You could synergize them and get them to collaborate in satisfying ways. Bonus: I bet you will accomplish this feat without screaming pain. In fact, you may generate surprising pleasures that delight you with their revelations.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Some primates use herbal and clay medicines to self-medicate. Great apes, chimpanzees, bonobos and gorillas ingest a variety of ingredients that fight against parasitic infection and help relieve various gastrointestinal disturbances. (More info: https://tinyurl.com/PrimatesSelfMedicate.) Our ancestors learned the same healing arts, though far more extensively. And many Indigenous people today still practice this kind of self-care. With these thoughts in mind, Sagittarius, I urge you to spend quality time in the coming weeks deepening your understanding of how to heal and nurture yourself. The kinds of “medicines” you might draw on could be herbs, and may also be music, stories, colors, scents, books, relationships and adventures.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The mythic traditions of all cultures are replete with tales of clashes and combats. If we draw on these tales to deduce what activity humans enjoy more than any other, we might conclude that it’s fighting with each other. But I hope you will avoid this normal habit as much as possible during the next three weeks, Capricorn. I am encouraging you to actively repress all inclinations to tangle. Just for now, I believe you will cast a wildly benevolent magic spell on your mental and physical health if you avoid arguments and skirmishes. Here’s a helpful tip: In each situation you’re involved in, focus on sustaining a vision of the most graceful, positive outcome.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Is there a person who could serve as your Über Mother for a while? This would be a wise and tender maternal ally who gives you the extra nurturing you need, along with steady doses of warm, crisp advice on how to weave your way through your labyrinthine decisions. Your temporary Über Mother could be any gender, really. They would love and accept you for exactly who you are, even as they stoke your confidence to pursue your sweet dreams about the future. Supportive and inspirational. Reassuring and invigorating. Championing you and consecrating you.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Congratulations on acquiring the Big New Riddle! I trust it will inspire you to grow wiser and kinder and wilder over the coming months. I’ve compiled some clues to help you unravel and ultimately solve this challenging and fascinating mystery. 1. Refrain from calling on any strength that’s stingy or pinched. Ally yourself solely with generous power. 2. Avoid putting your faith in trivial and irrelevant “benefits.” Hold out for the most soulful assistance. 3. The answer to key questions may often be, “Make new connections and enhance existing connections.”

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ACROSS

1 Entertain

6 Apples with chips

11 Call upon, as for a position

14 Like a wet blanket

15 Loaded chip

16 Wish undone

17 Fasteners near hasps … and an anagram of 11-Down

19 Ripen

20 More than a stone’s throw away

21 Like a laundry pile

23 Prelude to bandwidth throttling

27 Inserts used in orthodontics

28 Adornment that may have a certain charm

30 Nuptial exchanges

31 Followed a curve

32 Snowboards, in lingo

34 Busy professional in Apr.

37 Talks sweetly

38 Ancient Greek city-state

39 Subsequently

40 E.V. battery capacity unit

41 Ticketed

42 Be the head of, as a band

43 Dos + seis

45 2016 Lucasfilm production starring Felicity Jones

47 In good shape financially

50 Prepared to pop the question, say

51 Thai dish that translates as “fried with soy sauce”

53 The Eiger, for one

54 “___ you serious?”

55 Challenge for a fire-walker … and an anagram of 25-Down

60 ___ Tagesspiegel (German daily)

61 Word with tall or short

62 Up to now

63 Newsroom folks, for short

64 Justin Timberlake’s former band

65 Not selfsufficient DOWN

1 “Details, please …?”

2 Ranch sound

3 Supposed Roswell crasher

4 Grass and clay, for tennis

5 Twined together

6 QB goof: Abbr.

7 Ernst who studied sonic booms

8 Yearns (for)

9 Bargain bin finds

10 Some scrubbers

11 Vocational training provider … and an anagram of 55-Across

12 Foretell

13 Friends and associates, in slang

18 ___ Sea, outlet of the Amu Darya

22 Intro to -logical

23 Arizona player, informally

24 --> or <--

25 Specialized tableware for serving some Mexican food … and an anagram of 17-Across

26 Presidential candidate of 1992 and 1996

29 Bathroom remodeling specialist

33 Passed without flying colors

35 Tubular pasta variety

36 Paid table stakes

38 Groundbreakers

39 Yogi’s balancing stance with