Mountain Xpress 12.23.15

OUR 21ST YEAR OF WEEKLY INDEPENDENT NEWS, ARTS & EVENTS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA VOL. 22 NO. 22 DECEMBER 23-29, 2015

l 2016: a g i Primary races d o pr

ch ild r

en

al i tu Spir

Where to w and celebrate New Year’s Eve erers,

take shape

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contents c o ntac t us

PaGe 14 ProdiGal children At what point does spiritual exploration morph into consumerism? Some local spiritual and religious thinkers suggest that people need to step out of their comfort zones and shift the focus to serving others. cover illustration Norn Cutson cover design Norn Cutson

Specialty Gardening & Greenhouse Supplies AS H E V I L L E H Y D R O.CO M

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Features

or try our easy online calendar at mountainx.com/events

10 primary battles New candidates add more choices to field

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20 spirituality Special advertising section devoted to spiritual and religious groups

Food

38 winter lights Asheville’s immigrant communities share their holiday traditions

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32 gratitude The best holiday gift for lifting spirits, wellness

48 in one year & out the other New Year’s Eve parties around WNC

a&e

wellness special

news

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50 the circle is complete Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens

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Send your letters to the editor to letters@mountainx.com. sta FF publisher & managing editor: Jeff Fobes assistant to the publisher: Susan Hutchinson a&e editor/writer: Alli Marshall food editor/writer: Gina Smith wellness editor/writer: Susan Foster opinion editor: Tracy Rose staff reporters/writers: Able Allen, Hayley Benton, Virginia Daffron, Max Hunt, Kat McReynolds calendar editor: Abigail Griffin clubland editors Hayley Benton, Max Hunt movie reviewer & coordinator: Ken Hanke contributing editors: Chris Changery, Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak, Margaret Williams

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Environmentally friendly builder faces vandalism … I own a construction company, Mountain Sun Building & Design, with my wife, Emily. … We are a small company, building about three houses per year. So far all have been infill projects within the Asheville city limits so as not to contribute to urban sprawl. …

This brings us to our current project, Shelburne Woods. It is located at the end of Shelburne Drive off of Sand Hill Road. … We intend to build nine high-quality, net-zero or net-zero-ready single-family homes. ...

During under brushing for survey work [in 2014], the on-site crew had several run-ins with a neighbor coming onto the property who was angry that the land was going to be developed. One day, the neighbor was seen tampering with the cap on the fuel tank of the track hoe. Police were called at the time, but no damage was done, so we let it go and didn’t think much of it.

We recently began the infrastructure work at Shelburne Woods and have had repeated instances of vandalism.

All of the significant trees on our property were spiked with nails. …

The first week on the site, a bulldozer owned by NHM Contractors was vandalized. The perpetrator cut the lock off of the fuel tank and dumped sugar into the tank. ... A few nights later, the dozer’s and track hoe’s windows were spray-painted blue. Most recently, a vandal again cut the lock off of the bulldozer and track hoe, dumped sugar into the fuel tanks, and then replaced the locks with similar locks. The operator … subsequently started the engine, which caused major damage. The Asheville police have been called on every occasion, and three police reports have been filed in as many weeks.

This vandalism is not an attack just on our small, family-owned company, but affects many of your neighbors as well. We help provide around 50 local craftsmen with a livelihood that filters down into our local economy. ... If you have any information that can help us stop the vandalism on our project, please contact Officer [Kevin] Skonieczny with the Asheville Police Department at [252-1110]. … We are trying to do what we believe is right for the environment and for Asheville, the city we all love. … We have been lifelong environmentalists and are teaching our children to be good stewards of the Earth, as well. … I want to urge anyone who still has issues with our development of the land on Shelburne Drive to talk to us about your concerns rather than

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Dr. Junk & Mr. Fix-It

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anonymously trespass and damage our property.

— Jeb Boyd Asheville editor’s note: A longer version of this letter appears online at mountainx.com

WPVM encourages independent voices This letter is a response to the [cover] article published on Nov. 4 [“Lost in Transmission: Amid Heated Controversy, WPVM Charts New Course,” Xpress]. When local, independent media choose to write about another such entity, as in this instance when the Mountain Xpress deigned itself impartial enough to

weigh in on the internal workings of WPVM to report gossip as “news,” it opens up a self-serving, myopic wormhole that does nothing to further the critical conversations we need to be having in our community.

Let’s not forget that Asheville’s best political reporter, David Forbes, now bangs out a living blogging for Patreon donations because he was fired from the Xpress for challenging the suppression of stories while trying to unionize the workforce. It also bears mentioning while WPVM has been smeared in your publication, you have simultaneously championed the fundraising efforts of another local radio station, Asheville FM. The takeaway here is those who work in the glass houses of independent media shouldn’t pile bricks outside their front doors.

Now to the more pressing concern of sparking community-minded conversation: I’m proud to announce WPVM has given me the opportunity to launch Asheville’s first truly independent nonpartisan political talk show. Since moving here, I have worked tirelessly for grassroots nonprofits and the local economy. The Venture Local conference, which debuted in 2011, was my brainchild. I helped ensure an independent, pro-cannabis candidate was on the ballot for district attorney. I challenged the former chief of police on the practice of filming peaceful political protests and won a victory for the First Amendment.

I’ve written for the Xpress, published opinion pieces in the Asheville Citizen-Times, collaborated on stories for WLOS News13, and given interviews on 880 The Revolution. In all that time I never hesitated to speak truth to power and call out corruption and ineptness, regardless where it might be found.

It doesn’t matter if you’re Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative. I have no knee-jerk loyalties or party affiliations. My only litmus test is [whether] you are trying to make Asheville a better place, or simply advancing your own self-interests. I believe WPVM is taking a huge risk bringing a controversial voice like mine on the radio. That fact alone should silence critics who believe there’s been some “conservative” takeover of the station. However, the proof is always in the performance; that’s why I invite the community to join in a real dialogue about important local issues on Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m. on WPVM. Onward and upward.

— Jonathan Robert Asheville editor’s note: Xpress Publisher Jeff Fobes responds: Regarding our recent

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story about WPVM, we gathered extensive documentation and interviewed key individuals in order to provide what I believe to be accurate and balanced coverage of the disputes surrounding the composition of the Friends of WPVM board of directors and related issues. Regarding your reference to David Forbes, I disagree with your characterization of the facts. For the record, we enumerated the reasons for his termination shortly after the event in a publisher’s response to a letter to the editor. It can be read at http://avl.mx/23h

Smith understands issues, how they intertwine Gordon Smith is running for Buncombe County commissioner.

I’ve known Gordon for 10 years.

He was one of the main people who helped organize the community to fight a coal plant from getting built just north of Asheville. He helped prevent [Stewart] Coleman from building a condo on City/County plaza. He was one of the champions of the Burton Street neighborhood before it was popular to do so. He fought and won to extend domestic partnership benefits to city of Asheville employees.

Gordon understands public transit, housing, food security and how the issues are intertwined better than anyone I know.

— Paul Van Heden Asheville

ABCCM provides free medical clinic The Dec. 9 issue highlighting medical services for those without insurance or a lot of money [“Falling Through the Cracks: N.C.’s Failure to Expand Medicaid Has Left Many Uninsured,” Xpress] gave a listing with telephone numbers and addresses of several local sources but did not include the contact information for Asheville’s free clinic, commonly known as the ABCCM free clinic.

The telephone number is 259-5339, and the address is 155 Livingston St. The website is abccm.org.

— Dr. Stephen Rinsler Arden

c art o o n b Y b r e n t b r o w n

Christmas Eve, 1944 by joe elliott

A christmAs eve to remember: Retired Army Col. John Bennie Parker of Black Mountain recalls his role in the Battle of the Bulge on Dec. 24, 1944. Photo courtesy of Parker

Retired U.S. Army Col. John Bennie Parker vividly remembers the moment he first heard the words “Pearl Harbor.”

Parker, who now resides at the State Veterans Home in Black Mountain, was an 18-year-old student at Kansas State University in December 1941. His father, an Army chaplain at nearby Fort Riley, had invited John and his three brothers home for dinner that Sunday. Chaplain Parker took his family out for a spin in his new Plymouth, and when they stopped to get gas, the attendant asked the minister what he thought about Pearl Harbor.

“Who’s she?” asked the chaplain.

Like millions of other Americans, the Parkers would soon learn more than they ever wanted to know about the Hawaiian naval base, the site of an aerial attack that morning by the Japanese navy that brought America into the Second World War.

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The following day, John Parker went down to the nearest recruiting office to enlist. However, he was told that he must first have written permission from his parents, which his father refused to grant.

“He made a deal with me,” Parker recalls. “He said if I would finish out my semester at Kansas State, he would sign for me, which is what happened.” After enlisting, he was sent to Fort Leavenworth for training, then on to Camp Hood (later Fort Hood), located halfway between Austin and Waco, Texas. Hood was still under construction at the time, and conditions were primitive. Because he could type, Parker got a job as a company clerk, a position that eventually earned him his first two stripes and a $9 increase in his monthly GI pay.

Shortly afterward, Parker completed pilot training but was switched to navigator. “I was told that because I’d been a business major in college I had to train as a navigator, because all business majors that month were being appointed navigators,” he recalls. He got his wings in April 1944, at which point he started B-17 squadron training.

Parker was eventually assigned to the 457th Bombardment Group, an

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A moment in history: Col. (then Lt.) John Bennie Parker, bottom row, second from right, with his squadron. Squadron leader Dick Hedrick is on the top row, farthest left. Photo courtesy of Parker

8th Air Force B-17 Flying Fortress unit. His squadron, the 749th, was led by a man named Dick Hedrick. In July 1944, the 457th received word that they’d be shipping out to Nebraska, where a number of brand-new silver B-17s were housed. Parker, now a lieutenant, and his crew were later told they’d be heading to England, but they didn’t know for what purpose or even by what route.

As his group’s navigator, it would be up to him to get them there. “I didn’t like that at all,” he says. “I didn’t know if I had enough training and skill to navigate a plane that far.

We had to fly at night to reduce the risk of attack. I told Dick Hedrick I had almost no celestial training. He told me, ‘Well, John, you’re the best we’ve got, and you’re our navigator,’ and that was that. You couldn’t fly in formation because you used too much gas, so it was just us. We had to time it so we would land at first light in Scotland, a 10 1/2-hour flight. I was scared to death.”

But when, hours later, Parker spotted the curve of Scotland looming out of the semidarkness, he knew they’d made it. “I hit it right on the nose,” he recalls with a smile. ‘Wow, I’m a navigator,’ I said to myself. Boy, I felt great. I thought we were going to win this war all by ourselves.”

Upon returning from breakfast a little later that morning, however, Parker and his crew got a rude awakening when they found their shiny new B-17 missing and, in its place, a stack of luggage. “I asked the sergeant in charge where was our airplane. ‘Your airplane?’ he said. ‘You don’t have an airplane. Do you really think they would trust a new 17G to a bunch of rookies like you? Why, you guys will be dead in three days.’ ‘Thanks a lot,’ I said.”

Later they traveled to a camp in northern England, where they stayed for a week, all the while dodging the buzz bombs [V-1 flying bombs] the Germans were regularly hurling at the beleaguered island nation. “We eventually went by train to join the 457th Bombardment Group,” Parker explains. ”There were 40 bomb groups in England at that time. Fortunately, I was assigned to the 749, Dick Hedrick’s group. When we went to briefing, we never knew for sure where the mission would be for that day. They would wake us up around 3:30 in the morning, and the sergeant from operations would tap me on the toe, saying, ‘Get up, lieutenant, and go act like a hero.’”

“The Battle of the Bulge began on Dec. 16, and by that time we owned the sky. However, Adolf Hitler had a plan to build a new army,” continues Parker.

“By this time he had two types of jets, the first of their kind in history. The jets were hidden from the Allies at the edge of the Ardennes forest in the region of Belgium and Luxembourg. Hitler’s weather experts said a system was coming in the week of the 18th, and there would be no visibility and no ceiling. If he wanted to move his army, he would need to do it during those five or six days, which is what he did.

“When we went out our front door on the 18th, we couldn’t see 50 feet in front of us; the visibility wasn’t even a quarter of a mile. We sat in the nose of the airplane for about four hours, just waiting for it to open up enough so we could get across the English Channel and go do some damage. It didn’t happen. The next day the same thing. A lot of Allied soldiers were dying in the meantime, so we couldn’t wait to get off the ground, along with the P-51s and P-47s.

“Finally, on the morning of Christmas Eve, we led the high squadron. There

were 40 B-17 groups taking off and that many B-24 groups. Our mission that day was to bomb the railroad yards at Koblenz, Germany. If we could get over there, we could be back in five or six hours. Well, we flew up to the wash and checked our guns before flying back over our base to await the rest of the planes in our group to get in the air. We went round and round, but nothing happened. We only had six airplanes in the air instead of the 36 we needed. What we didn’t know was that the seventh airplane had dragged its wing on takeoff, killing everybody on board. It blew such a hole in the runway that no one else could take off. Then came the message over our headsets: ‘Go to war.’

“Dick Hedrick, tapping his headset, looked at me and asked me what he said.

I said he told us to go to war. ‘With six airplanes?’ Hedrick asked. ‘We can’t go to war with six airplanes. I told him he would have to make the decision himself, and he did. When we got to the rail yards, we knocked the hell out of them with only six airplanes.”

After the bombing run, Parker and the other crew members were anxious to get back to base to celebrate what was left of Christmas Eve. “We all

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got cookies from home,” he recalls.

“Our captain would also get cookies but save his and eat ours first. So we couldn’t hardly wait to get back to our base and help our leader eat his stuff. As we approached our base, we received a warning that there was a bogey at 12 o’clock high.

I looked up and saw a jet stream where a jet stream cannot be. We were at 26,000 feet, and this thing had to be at least 40,000 feet. “‘This can’t be,’ I said to myself.

However, it was heading right at us and was firing 20mm cannon on a [prototype] twin-engine jet. How he missed us, I don’t know. However, he went past us and couldn’t turn because of the jet engines. Our P-51s shot him down. None of us at the time knew we were seeing a jet.

“When we got back, the base commander met us. ‘You people today have seen things that nobody has ever seen before,’” he told us. He then invited us to join him for Christmas Eve dinner. When we got there, half of the roof was bombed out, but it didn’t matter: We had a cot to sleep on, and I guess we had a few drinks that night.” X

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neWs

BUNCOMBE COUNTY PRIMARY BATTLES 2016

May the best DISTRICTS candidate win

BUNCOMBE COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICTS

bY able allen and VirGinia daFFron news@mountainx.com Traditionally, even-year elections in North Carolina have been held the first Tuesday in May (the primary) and the first Tuesday in November (the general). For the next cycle, however, new state law has moved the primary up six weeks to Tuesday, March 15. This change will mostly affect the presidential primaries, probably bringing more candidates to the state as the earlier voting makes North Carolina a more valuable prize in the national delegate race. But it has also caused local candidates to mobilize sooner. Five of the offices (not including statewide or federal offices) on the 2016 Buncombe County ballots require primary competitions this winter. All of these races are simple partisan primaries, from which one candidate will move on to the general.

BARNARDSVILLE

Coleman

Dodson

WEAVERVILLE LEICESTER BLACK MOUNTAIN

ASHEVILLE

Smith

FAIRVIEW ENKA Beach-Ferrara

Burchette

buncombe county commissioner District 1 (DemocrAts)

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Fryar

DISTRICT 1 DISTRICT 2

Three well-known local Democrats have jumped into the competition for an open seat in this securely Democratic district. With no Republican opposition, the winner of this primary will almost certainly be elected in the fall. holly jones, who has served on the commission since 2008, has vacated the seat to run for lieutenant governor. She will have her own statewide primary contest

with three other candidates.

The ramifications of this primary may go further than simply who wins. The runners-up would almost certainly be considered as potential successors to another open seat should the other current District 1 commissioner, brownie

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DeBruhl

Nesbitt

Nelson

Kern

newman, win his bid commission chairmanship.

Bissinger for

the

jasmine beach-ferrara (d) Occupation: Director, Campaign for Southern Equality; ordained minister in United Church of Christ

DISTRICT 3

Home and family: Lives in East-end, Asheville with wife Meghann and their son Why are you running? “As a working mom and nonprofit leader, I know the issues many Buncombe County families are fac-

NC HOUSE & SENATE DISTRICTS WITH CANDIDATES NC HOUSE 114 NC HOUSE 115

We’ve got to fight poverty to guarantee equal opportunity for everyone. I have spent my entire adult life in service to others, and I want to be your voice on County Commission.” www.gordonforbuncombe.org

BARNARDSVILLE

WEAVERVILLE LEICESTER

NC HOUSE 116

ASHEVILLE

NC SENATE 48

buncombe county commissioner District 2 (both PArties)

BLACK MOUNTAIN Chilmonik FAIRVIEW

ENKA FLETCHER

HENDERSON COUNTY

Justice

Moretz

TRANSYLVANIA COUNTY Edwards

Baldwin ing: childhood poverty, underfunded schools, soaring housing costs and low-wage jobs. We can come together to solve these problems. Ensuring that our public schools are excellent, supporting working families and making our community healthier for all will be top priorities for me. We need new voices in our local politics, a commitment to finding common ground and a County Commission that better reflects our community.” www.jasmineforbuncombe.org

issac coleman (d) Occupation: Retired Asheville city housing inspector and subsidized housing manager for the Asheville Housing Authority Home and family: Lives in Woodfin Why are you running?

“I am running because I will bring a different approach to the three crisis issues (affordable housing, living wages and education) that we face in Buncombe County and, for the first time, bring diversity to the Buncombe County Commission!”

gordon smith (d) Occupation: Child and family therapist, Asheville City Council member Home and family: Lives in West Asheville with his wife, Rachael Why are you running?

“I am running to fight for the people.

Our land, air and water must be protected as rampant growth threatens our environment. We must stand with teachers, students and families as they’re under attack by Raleigh Republicans.

We need to support locally owned businesses, and we must fight for living wages, especially in the tourism sector.

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If political candidates are likened to sharks, the area that consistently has blood in the water is Buncombe County Commission District 2 (this is also true of NC House 115, which has the same borders). Ever since county commissioners were mandated to be elected by district, rather than atlarge, this district has hosted close races. In 2012, mike fryar won his seat by just 89 votes, while the other District 2 representative, ellen frost, has been elected in the last two cycles with margins of 18 and 523 votes.

This year, the vulnerable incumbent, Fryar, has a challenger from the right in the primary. The winner will then go on to compete with the top vote getter among the four democrats. scott bissinger (d) Occupation: Former Sheriff’s deputy, law enforcement instructor.

Home and family: Lives in Fairview, with his wife, Tonya; they have 3 children.

Why are you running?

“I am running for Buncombe County Commissioner to shape the future. Our county is facing many modern challenges involving growth, development, sustainable quality employment, protecting our citizens, protecting our resources, and the education and development [of] our young people. Only by establishing relationships and building

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news partnerships can we address these issues without burdening the taxpayers of our county. I will work hard on these issues and others that arise to make our county the best place to live and grow.” www.scottbissinger.com larry dodson (d) Occupation: Firefighter, firefighting instructor Home and family: Lives in the Reems Creek community of Weaverville with his wife, Alice.; they have two sons Why are you running?

“As a firefighter captain, my job is to respond to the needs of the people.

I am ready to respond to the needs of Buncombe County. I will talk with and listen to people — business owners, workers, job seekers and community leaders — to come up with good, common-sense solutions. I will work to bring all sides together to solve our most pressing issues and support working class families. I’ll fight to make Buncombe County a better place for all of us.” www.electlarry.com

matt Kern (d) Occupation: Home builder, organizer of French Broad River Festival Home and family: Lives in Riceville Community with his wife, Kirsten, and two sons Why are you running?

“As a home builder specializing in green building, I understand builders and developers and the principles of smart growth and affordable housing. I have the education and real-world experience dealing with many other issues as well: the importance of early childhood education, connectivity issues like expanded bus service and greenways to alleviate traffic problems, as well as a knowledge of how county governments actually function. I am the most experienced person for the job. That’s why I’m running.” www.mattkernforcommission.com nancy nehls nelson (d) Occupation: Retired AT&T Bell Labs project manager Home and family: Lives in Weaverville with her husband, Curtis, and their rescue dogs Why are you running?

“This is a great county. It’s a great place to live and county government has done a good job of keeping the economy strong, even through the recession. I’ve worked closely with county departments over the last several years, including the Register of Deeds office, the Tax Office, the Planning Department and the Board of Elections. I know how county government works. I want to use that knowledge to make it even better.” www.electnancynehlsnelson.org ____________________________________ jordan burchette (r) Occupation: Assistant Branch Manager of Best Buy Metals. Licensed Babtist preacher (not active).

Home and family: Lives in Fairview with his wife, Hannah, son, daughter and “one on the way.”

Why are you running?

“I know the challenges our citizens face, because I’ve lived here my whole life. The crony capitalists, funneling our tax dollars to their corporate welfare programs, have damaged our local economy, accumulated irresponsible debt and cost us jobs. I’m a fullspectrum conservative and I’ll focus on creating living wage jobs, reducing our debt, advocating for school choice and defending religious freedom. I’m running for the hard-working people of Buncombe County who are ready to bring Buncombe back.” www.jordanburchette.org

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mike fryar (r)(incumbent) Occupation: Buncombe County Commissioner, retired race engine builder.

Home and family: Lives in Fairview with his wife, Brenda; he has two daughters and one grandson Why are you running?

“I am running for District 2 commission to continue working for the citizens of Buncombe County, being mindful that their tax dollars are spent wisely and efficiently. Many retired people have limited incomes and are unable to remain in their homes due to the continued increase in property taxes and the cost of living. This has a big effect on young families as well.” buncombe county commission chAir (rePublicAns) The race to replace retiring chairman, david gantt (d) looked to be established between sitting District 1 Commissioner brownie newman and sitting District 3 Commissioner, miranda debruhl. But in the final hours of the filing period, a primary contest was created when the former chairman of the Buncombe County Republican Party, chad nesbitt, joined the fray. miranda debruhl (r) Occupation: County Commissioner, Registered Nurse Home and family: Lives in Leicester with her husband, Kelly, and their two children.

Why are you running?

No statement was made available by press time. www.electmiranda.com (From previous campaign) chad nesbitt (r) Occupation: General Manager and Vice President of WNC Parking Lot Services Home and family: Lives in Leicester with his wife, Nancy. They have a daughter.

Why are you running?

“The liberal leadership of Asheville is trying to take over Buncombe County.

The high taxes and fees are bad for business, and that’s why we don’t have high paying jobs. When elected, I’ll repeal the Democrats’ zoning laws that have made housing unaffordable. We will protect communities and housing will be affordable. As chairman, I’ll set the tone of the meetings and the liberal stupidity will be handled.” nc house District 115 (rePublicAns) Two Republicans are facing off for the opportunity to unseat the first-term

sPeCIaL aDvertIsIng suPPLement

representative of northern and eastern Buncombe County, john ager.

This district has become the swing district of the county (with the same borders as Buncombe Commission District 2), and it is no surprise that Ager has challengers, while susan fisher (in the safer District 114) has none. (Only one Republican, Kay olson, is trying for the Republicanleaning 116th, formerly held by tim moffitt and now by Democrat brian turner.) bob chilmonik (r) Occupation: Full-time instructor of business and computer tech. Parttime instructor at A-B Tech. Formerly manager at Heinz/Nabisco/Kraft Home and family: Lives in Black Mountain with his wife Cheryl; they have two daughters Why are you running?

“The primary reason that I am running is to increase employment opportunities by attracting manufacturing companies with a low tax environment. High-paying jobs are directly linked to quality public schools that teach the latest leading-edge technology skills. Our teachers are key to that objective and need our support.

My extensive corporate business and education experience will provide a positive voice in the State House to achieve these goals.” www.electbobchilmonik.com frank moretz (r) Occupation: Retired physician (anesthesiologist), part-owner of Highland Brewing Home and family: Lives in Fairview and has two grown sons.

Why are you running?

“Service is an important part of my life. I served my country by enlisting in the Air Force toward the end of the Vietnam War, and, for the past forty years, and I have served my patients in this community. I’m concerned that our community does not have an effective voice in Raleigh. I won’t limit my effectiveness by serving rigid ideology and partisanship over this community’s needs. I’ll focus on better classroom support, affordable health care and increasing income for WNC families.” nc senAte District 48 (rePublicAns) Retiring tom apodaca’s soon-tobe vacated seat will likely go to the winner of this primary. There is a Democrat running, norman bossert of Pisgah Forest, but Democrats have not fared well challenging Apodaca

since he won the seat in 2002 in his first run for public office. lisa baldwin (r) Occupation: Asheville Tribune columnist, former USDA economist Home and family: Lives in Fletcher withherhusband,Richard.Theyhave four children Why are you running?

“As a native North Carolinian, economist and mother, I want a brighter future for the next generation. My experience as a school board member gives me a greater understanding of state governance and the budget process. I support fiscal responsibility and budget reform. I also support efforts to improve education standards in NC. I’m an advocate for more rigorous academic standards than the Common Core.” chuck edwards (r) Occupation: Owns seven McDonalds franchise locations; public director of Entegra Bank Home and family: Lives in Flat Rock with his wife, Teresa; they have two children Why are you running?

“I want to put my leadership and business experience to work for WNC. Our state deserves strong leadership to confront the issues we face. We all want our children and grandchildren to enjoy the freedoms and have the opportunities Americans have always enjoyed. These ideals are only achieved with a strong economy, fiscal responsibility, unparalleled educational opportunities and courageous leaders. I have a history of community service and a passion for doing the right thing for WNC.”

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dennis justice (r) Occupation: Welder at ThermoFisher in Weaverville Home and family: Lives in Fletcher.

He is a widower with two children Why are you running?

“I seek to restore the Republican Party to the party of Abraham Lincoln, who said that those who would deny freedom to others do not deserve it for themselves.

I opposed the ‘marriage amendment,’ and I believe it should be repealed. Romans 13:8 says we should owe no one anything but to love one another, for whoever loves one another has fulfilled the law. I oppose the statewide bond referendum and propose a path to debt-free government. I oppose ‘corporate welfare’ and reject special interest money.” X

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f e At u r e

Prodigal children

Returning to covenant from the spiritual playground

storY and photos bY Jordan Foltz jfoltz@mountainx.com “Just for the record, I’m spiritual, not religious.” If you live in Asheville, this probably sounds familiar.

In our postmodern age, many have abandoned whatever religion their ancestors followed, preferring to cut and paste from any and all traditions.

Sometimes, however, this can mean taking what feels good and leaving the rest. And with information about almost everything now available on demand, it becomes ever more tempting to sample it all, if only to ensure that we’re not missing anything.

But at what point does spiritual exploration morph into consumerism?

Do we risk merely succumbing to a drive to gratify our own appetites — and move on to something new whenever the path gets steep?

Some maintain that seeking out only the spiritual highs can eventually devolve into a never-ending string of “honeymoon” experiences that take you only so far. In order to be truly transformed, the argument goes, people need to get some skin in the game, stepping out of their comfort zone and shifting the focus to serving others.

“With social media, there’s just a tremendous amount of distraction in the world,” says dorothy riddle, chair of the School for Esoteric Studies in Asheville. “Spiritual development requires discipline and commitment.” off to DistAnt lAnDs

lost AnD founD: Monica Bethelwood returned to the church after years dabbling in a slew of spiritual traditions. “We’re taking from other cultures just what works for us,” says Bethelwood. Instead, she suggests, we should be exploring the elements that teach us to work for others.

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After an adolescence marked by declining faith and church participation, monica bethelwood made a decisive break with Christianity, her childhood religion. Then in her late teens, Bethelwood was living in New York City when she discovered East West Books, a small metaphysical bookstore in Greenwich Village whose abundantly stocked shelves promised infinite windows into the secrets of distant lands, catalyzing her nascent foray into spirituality.

“There were a few books there that just pulled me in and helped me start

understanding God in a way that I hadn’t before: outside of a religious sense, and more in the sense of how you feel, the energy and the connections between myself and everything around me,” she explains.

The artist and musician spent three years hitchhiking around the country offering tarot divinations while dabbling in the assorted spiritual traditions embraced by the people she met: peyote ceremonies, yoga, various New Age philosophies and mysticisms.

When she landed in Asheville in 2012, Bethelwood “became connected to this community where there were fire circles, breath workshops, goddess workshops, ecstatic dance.”

The first year, she immersed herself in a multifaceted spiritual repertoire involving custom combinations of traditional rituals.

But after a while, says Bethelwood, she realized that none of the things that had inspired her to embark on this spiritual path — the healing, the peace, the understanding and clarity she sought — seemed to be forthcoming.

“There was a part that was very glamorous,” Bethelwood says now.

“There’s a look to it; there’s a brand that says, ‘I am peaceful, I am going with the flow.” And it wasn’t just the physicality and peaceful persona that were so seductive, she recalls, but the “exotification” of the traditions and rituals explored.

After years trying to grow into that spiritual identity, however, she began to feel that, for her at least, the whole thing was forced.

One evening, she took part in a Peruvian ceremony held at a neighbor’s house. “We were standing and holding our hands around this blender filled with cacao, chanting ‘om,’” she recalls. “Afterward, we ended up sitting in a circle on the floor, going on this ‘energetic meditation journey’ in our ‘imagined spacesuits.’”

And she found herself wondering, “Why are we doing this? How much understanding of cacao and toning do we really have? Or is this guy just collecting money at the door?”

The experiences, says Bethelwood, were elevating, but they seemed more about personal recreation than

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WAlking the tAlk: “Many hermits [and] monks may live in solitude or quietude but still

serve the Oneness by sending out beneficial thoughts,” says Crystal Visions’ Blair Justice. about serving others. Enveloped in imagined spacesuits, she felt, she and her friends were aiming straight for the outer galaxy so they could surf the stars without ever having to step out of that bubble into the motley crowd of earthlings. And in the process, she came to believe, they were omitting a vital step on the spiritual path. tAking resPonsibility Upon entering Crystal Visions, the visitor encounters fliers advertising energy healing, soul retrieval sessions and a wide array of spiritual events and classes. The shelves are filled with crystals of every sort, incense, meditation CDs and other ritual objects drawn from a smorgasbord of spiritual traditions. But above all, there are books: walls of unconventional, esoteric publications concerning everything from shamanism to astrology, numerology to Celtic studies, mediumship to the Abrahamic traditions.

The store opened in 1989, a joint venture of blair justice and her partner, joan colburn. For 26 years, their mission has been serving spiritually oriented people who are seeking paths other than conventional religion, Justice explains.

“To me, spirituality is one’s personal relationship with themselves

and with the ‘all that is,’ however people define that,” she says.

Religion “is a way of being spiritual that has rules and guidelines, doxologies and expectations.”

Justice was raised in the Fletcher United Methodist Church, and though she never had a falling out with her childhood religion, she does recall embarking on her spiritual path in the ’60s after discovering “science of mind” and “new thought” literature. Over the years she’s incorporated a panoply of esoteric teachings into her spirituality.

“It’s a very eclectic relationship that I have” with the divine, she reveals.

For Justice, committing to an established tradition isn’t essential. She sees most religious and spiritual traditions as trying to get at the same concerns, so picking and choosing can work fine as long as the seeker has an adaptable and symbolic lexicon.

“The New Age movement, if you want to call it that, is about personal responsibility,” she says. “It’s about believing that you can create a reality that’s a great one. It’s about taking responsibility for who you are, how you live in the world and how you treat other people.”

Indeed, for many seekers today, that’s the crux of spirituality: letting

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sPirituAl PAth: “My liberation is bound up in people that are not like me,” says the Rev. Brian Combs, pictured preaching at The Haywood Street Congregation after a Wednesday Downtown Welcome Table.

well-being

starts within

go of the faith in an omnipotent, divine arbiter and investing oneself in a metaphysical web stemming from one’s own thoughts and actions.

And for those who aren’t comfortable with organized religion’s sometime tendency toward social conformity, this alternative brand of spirituality offers the added benefit of keeping one’s practices personalized — and private. give AnD tAke

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The problem with going it alone, though, says Riddle, is that “You don’t know what you don’t know.”

The School for Esoteric Studies teaches what it calls the “ageless wisdom” — the common thread of spiritual truths distilled from a number of religious traditions in the theosophical writings of Alice Bailey and further developed by the school since its founding in 1956 in New York City. At its current location on South French Broad Avenue, the school has an international membership of about 500, with some 20 active students at any given time in its distance learning curriculum.

For Riddle, shedding belief in a divine arbiter — or, for that matter, the realization that we are connected, energetic beings — doesn’t automatically lead to “discipleship” or even to taking responsibility for others and the world we live in.

“A lot of New Age activity can be very self-absorbed, feeling-good type activities that don’t necessarily contribute to the world as a whole,” she asserts, adding that her school attracts many spiritual adventurers, who often don’t last very long in the work.

One of humanity’s core problems, says Riddle, is “a tendency to take and not give,” which interrupts the circular flow that maintains universal balance. At her school, she explains, service to others — and sticking with it even when it becomes arduous — is an integral part of students’ practice.

“We don’t ask students how they enact it — that raises the potential for glamour or bragging about what they’re doing.” But the school does encourage students to participate in the World Goodwill initiatives of the Lucis Trust (a nonprofit established by Alice Bailey), which address areas like conflict resolution and earth stewardship.

And while the Internet has made all sorts of spiritual material more accessible, there’s a downside, says Riddle.

“When students drop out, they typically do so at the beginning — and the most common reason is that it requires too much effort.” contrAct vs. covenAnt “There’s something so alluring about whatever is novel,” notes the Rev. brian combs, founder of The Haywood Street Congregation in downtown Asheville. “And the seduction, for me, is to walk into the spiritual bookstore and say, ‘This title is going to have the answer.’”

Today, he continues, most of the world — or at least most Americans — are “obsessed with ‘contract.’ I’m willing to make a commitment to you as long as it’s good for me — but that contract better have some legalese in there about an exit clause and annulments that get me out of this when it gets hard.”

Being firmly committed to a particular path, however, doesn’t have to mean it’s the only way, or that other paths are wrong.

In contrast to contract, he explains, “‘Covenant’ is the language of religion. Our response to a covenant is to say, ‘We’re probably going to screw this up,’ but over and over again we’re going to say ‘yes’ to this relationship.”

spiritual fulfillment and transformation that come with serving others.

When he’s not at the church, Combs can often be found at the AHOPE Day Center or a local hospital — not preaching salvation but seeking it, living out his own covenant with the divine by saying “yes” to his fellow humans in ordinary time.

“In my opinion, AHOPE, the psych ward, the prison — those are the gates to heaven in this town, so I show up there,” he reveals. “I don’t have a conversion agenda: I’m not there to save anybody but, rather, to be saved. I’m not there to be Jesus but to meet him.”

Rich or poor, black or white, educated or uneducated, immaculate or marred, stresses Combs, our spiritual liberation is bound up with those who aren’t like us. Maintaining a spiritual practice that avoids the “other,” he believes, is a rut that both conventionally religious and

alternatively spiritual people often find themselves falling into.

Local interfaith chaplain robert Zachary agrees. Most religious and spiritual communities today have shut their doors and become insular, he believes. And instead of getting caught up in talking about who our guru is, where we did our vipassana retreat, who our pastor is or what school we went to, Zachary maintains, “It’s about how effective can we become with each other, and what are we going to do now, in this moment?” returning to covenAnt In the fall of 2013, after about a year and a half spent surfing countless metaphysical traditions, Bethelwood and her future husband returned to the church.

‘here to serve’: “I want to see you become! Because if you become, I become,” says poet, storyteller and interfaith chaplain Robert Zachary.

Many spiritual seekers, says Combs, sign on until the initial euphoria wears off and it’s time to come down from the mountaintop. Those heights are exhilarating, he concedes, but the true depth of a spiritual path is the time spent down in the valley.

Founded in 2009, The Haywood Street Congregation now features a permaculture garden and an ever-growing array of services: the Downtown Welcome Table, a clothing exchange, a story circle, haircuts and acupuncture, as well as a Wednesday Worship whose audience includes young and old, penniless and professional, LGBT and straight, black and white.

In Christianity, notes Combs, the period between Advent and Easter is full of ritual, ceremony, euphoria and promises of transformation. But in the vast expanse that falls between Easter and Advent — known as Ordinary Time in the liturgical calendar — holy days and ceremony are much less in evidence.

Ordinary time is the time in the valley: the long slog through the desert, and the sometimes difficult day-to-day dealings with one’s fellow humans. It’s where the numinous feels most remote, yet for Combs, it’s the part that he’s increasingly learned to trust in pursuing his own spiritual transformation. skin in the gAme On a sunny Wednesday in midDecember, a crowd of folks from every

walk of life hovers in clusters on the sidewalk between a chain-link fence and the basement of the Haywood Street United Methodist Church, where Combs’ congregation is housed.

It’s 11:30 a.m., and they’re awaiting the Downtown Welcome Table’s next seating. Today’s event is being catered by the Corner Kitchen and Chestnut, two of the 32 local restaurants that take turns providing food for the fullservice weekly offering.

Some of those gathered clutch trash bags containing a sleeping bag and other necessities for cold nights; others sport well-ironed cardigans and blouses. The Welcome Table is open to all: Everyone’s invited to come together, sit and eat; to serve and be served.

Combs, however, draws a sharp line between charity and service. “Charity, as well-meaning as it is, always comes with a number of assumptions,” he says. “One is paternalism: If you’re in poverty, I look down on you, and one of the ways is to say, ‘You’ve got a brokenness that I can fix.’”

It’s not that one shouldn’t offer to help, he explains, and charity may be a good first step. But “The second move is to say that, as a person of privilege, let’s pay attention to my spiritual poverty. And you only get in touch with that if you’re with folks who’ve been marginalized.”

To underscore the difference, Haywood Street enlists “companions” rather than “volunteers” — and their role is not only to give of their time by bussing tables or dispensing food but to receive the

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news

A WArm Welcome: Associate Pastor Darryl Dason of The Haywood Street Congregation (holding microphone) leads a blessing at the Downtown Welcome Table.

“In all the New Age culture,” she felt, “there wasn’t that drive to ask, ‘Hey! What are we going to do today to serve the community?’ I didn’t see a lot of true service: It seemed to all come with a price, and it was selfish in a lot of ways. All of this searching and inward journeying is great, but it’s only so we can get to the next step.”

In the Christian church, on the other hand, “There wasn’t this focus on the individual, personal struggle.

It was more about the struggles of others and how we can help them,” says Bethelwood, and through that, she began to find peace and nourishment for her own spirit.

But many in her spiritual-not-religious network didn’t know what to make of her newfound path.

“If I had said I was exploring Voodoo or Kabbalah — or, really, whatever else — people would have been like, ‘Ooh, could I join you sometime?’ But when we told people we were going back to church, it was really jarring for them, and they responded very distrustfully.

It felt taboo.”

Stemming from the Latin “religio,” the concept of religion as a distinct entity that’s separate from the rest of life is something the Romans cooked up to refer to colonized cultures’ ritual systems. Within those cultures, though, there was no such concept, since the ritual and ceremony were inextricable from every other aspect of who these people were and what helped them keep life balanced in the ordinary time.

Today, Bethelwood chuckles about the intolerance for Christianity she says she found in a group that otherwise prided itself on inclusivity. Still, she couldn’t help wondering: Did their disdain reflect the fact that so many of these folks had originally fled from their parents’ church? Did inclusivity apply only to those traditions whose ceremonial aspects, having been removed from their context in ordinary time, were now “safe” to contract with? coming home Some scholars trace the word “religio” back to “ligare,” which means “to bind” — in which case “religio” means “to rebind,” to reconnect things that have been separated. But what things? The human and the divine? Humans and other humans? Present-day humans and our ancestors? Or personal ambitions and divine law?

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“When I returned to Christianity,” says Bethelwood, “it felt as though I was returning to a parent that I’d run from.”

At First Presbyterian Church, the congregation was “pumped to have us,” she reveals, offering a warm welcome and displaying a genuine interest in learning about her prior spiritual explorations, rather than intolerance or suspicion.

Something had changed during Bethelwood’s exodus: Now, she realized, what had seemed like arbitrary commandments and cryptic rules to her child self were actually metaphors and parables full of wisdom.

But she’d needed time away, and the freedom to choose for herself, to achieve that understanding.

“Buddhism and Hinduism and the tarot were like the cool aunts and uncles that were informing me during that exploration,” she says now.

When the pastor says, “the devil,” she no longer pictures an external entity but “the ego,” as explained through the tarot. And “sin” is no longer an indictment: It simply means actions that would corrupt her dharma.

Perhaps the difference between organized religion and a more freewheeling spirituality boils down to different visions of liberation. One person seeks it on a path that leads away from binding covenant, and another on a path that leads toward it.

In the biblical parable, a father throws a huge banquet to celebrate the return of the prodigal son who’d abandoned him to gallivant in distant lands. Meanwhile, his other son — who’d been loyal and stayed home — looks on angrily, wondering why he was never feted that way.

But the prodigal returns having learned something valuable: He urges his father to treat him like one of the servants. And perhaps the loyal son never questioned his inherited path enough to be able to freely choose it himself.

For some folks today, it seems, rebinding oneself through covenant — whether it’s with humans, ancestors or divine law — can acquire a deeper meaning when it’s set in the context of infinite choice, pluralism and individual pursuit.

For Combs, though, the specific path may ultimately be less important than the practical results. He cites a Buddhist parable in which a young monk approaches the Buddha and eagerly expresses his desire to reach enlightenment.

“The Buddha’s reply? ‘Just carry water.’” X

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Spirituality Issue Aguably, humans require a spiritual, religious connection. And in the long run, communities fail to thrive without a higher purpose.

Each December, Mountain Xpress makes its pages available to religious and spiritual groups at sponsored rates so they can each tell their story to our readers. In the following pages, 22 groups share what it is they stand for and the services they offer to nourish us as individuals and as a community.

If you’re searching, we believe you’ll find something of interest and, perhaps, of importance to you here.

First Congregational United Church of Christ extravagantly welcomes all people — regardless of race, gender, economic status or sexual orientation. We believe that God is still speaking and calls us to be servants to all people. We also believe that each person is unique and valuable. Wherever they are on their spiritual journey, they are welcome at First Congregational.

We believe in the power of peace and work for nonviolent solutions to local, national and international problems. We are a people of endless possibilities.

We worship on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and would be delighted to have you join us.

We hope you will find our Sunday worship services to be thought-provoking and inspiring, with a variety of choral and instrumental music. There are opportunities to connect with others and use your gifts, time and talents.

For more information, contact us by phone or email. Visit our website and join us on Facebook for a comprehensive look at our internal and external ministries and programs.

First Congregational United Church of Christ

20 Oak St. Asheville, NC 28801 • 828-252-8729 • uccasheville.org

The School of Peace Teaching inner peace, social peace and peace with nature.

“Our Interfaith Peace Ministry Program is a nontheological ministry skills program.

We teach the art of ministering to the hearts and souls of your community through peace, according to your spiritual practice.

With peace as the unifying factor, people of all religious and spiritual traditions find a home.

We teach pastoral counseling, pastoral healing, the creation of ceremony, ethics, business and more. A special focus on eco-spirituality is offered for those who love to honor God (Spirit) within nature. This is a program for anyone who feels that their life is already a ministry and wants to be trained and ordained. It’s ideal for healers to support the work they already do.

Graduates are ordained as interfaith peace ministers. A new Asheville course begins in February, and online classes are ongoing.

We also teach energy healing, meditation, intuition development and holistic business.” - Rev. Bonnie Willow, instructor

School of Peace

29 Ravenscroft Drive #206 Asheville, NC 28801 828-776-8288 • info@TheSchoolofPeace.com theschoolofpeace.com 20

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Pilgrim Quests Pilgrimage is a form of spiritual journey. As we travel through physical time and space to places of spiritual power and inspiration, we are also on a quest to the Sacred within.

We invite you to pursue the quest of inner discovery by joining us on one of these two pilgrimages. Both are focused on Celtic spirituality which views God as always present around us and in us and affirms our connection with the sacred by way of all of creation.

Celtic Spirituality a Pilgrimage to Ireland

September, 2016 with Marcus Losack, Linda McFadden & Philip Wiehe

I ONA Pilgrimage 2017

September, 2017 with Linda McFadden & Philip Wiehe and special guest John Philip Newell For more information including detailed itineraries, biographies of the leaders, rates and booking please go to our website:

sPeCIaL aDvertIsIng suPPLement

www.pilgrimquests.com

Come Join the Quest Unitarian Universalism: A Religion for Our Time Take a class with Unity inspired teachings. Have you wanted to learn more about Unity but didn’t know where to go? Meeting weekly, this informative and introspective class discusses New Thought teachings in a fun and supportive coaching atmosphere. It will assist you on your personal spiritual journey where you will meet like-minded souls and also obtain tools for authentic living. We are open and affirming and believe in many paths, one God. Rev. Grace Carcich, is an ordained Interfaith Minister, serving greater Asheville. Rev. Grace was a co-founder of a Unity Church in Providence, RI, and has had a long career in the corporate arena. Serving in many capacities, she believes taking The Quest is an investment in enhancing the soul’s purpose. A gifted spiritual teacher, her wicked sense of humor is part of the teaching which includes music and meditation. Rev. Grace is also available for life coaching sessions, officiating weddings, Sunday sermons, career counseling, baby blessings and pastoral counseling.

Call (828) 774-5700 to register. Seating is limited. Visit www.GraceSpiritualCenter.org. Join The Quest & have a better life!

We come hoping for, yearning for, so much. We come to be reminded of how we want to live. We come to celebrate the passages of our lives and to find support and consolation through life’s troubles. We come to find and give each other the courage to act on our hope in the larger world. We know that if the Beloved Community is to be built, we will be the builders. Atheists and theists, humanists and pagans, Buddhists, Christians, Jews, those who resist any label — all of us. So, please know that.

Whoever you are, wherever you come from, whomever you love, you are welcome here.

We invite you to learn more about us at our website, uuasheville.org — or better yet, join us for worship at 1 Edwin Place in North Asheville on Sunday at 9:15 or 11:15 a.m.

1 Edwin Place | Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 254-6001 information@uuasheville.org | www.uuasheville.org

Taizé Meditations

Praying Together in Song & Silence

Honing Awareness I used to tell people that yoga was an exercise, not a religion.

Now, I explain that yoga encompasses so much more.

The precise practice of Iyengar Yoga has taught me how to pay attention to subtle aspects of body and mind. I’ve learned to gather wandering thoughts and stay focused. I’ve learned that honing awareness of the body hones awareness of the present moment. I prefer not to miss a single moment of my life, regardless of the content.

Learning is an ongoing process. By practicing challenging yoga poses, I learn to be content with circumstances — even when I don’t like them — because yoga, like life, is a process and not a pose.

I’ve become more willing to accept people, including myself, as they are. I’m learning to stand steady while remaining soft in difficult poses…to pay attention to what is really going on, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I’ve discovered that gratitude includes and discontent isolates, and emotions arise and disappear. I’m learning that One Center Yoga “center” exists everywhere, and I don’t 120 Coxe Ave. need a quiet place to be.

What I am really learning is simply to be.

Asheville, NC 28801 828-225-1904 If you ask, that’s what I’ll say yoga is for me.

Namaste, Cindy Dollar, studio owner

One of the ways that Unitarian Universalists create spiritual or theological common ground is so simple it’s almost embarrassing: We agree to do so. We make a commitment to each other to create a space that is held in common.

info@onecenteryoga.com www.onecenteryoga.com

Taizé worship originated in Taizé, France. Since its' founding, the practice has spread world-wide. It is non-denominational, and its' peaceful, contemplative nature has drawn millions.

Taizé is meditative prayer, a mixture of song, silence and scripture. Gathered in the presence of Christ, we sing uncomplicated, repetitive songs, uncluttered by too many words—allowing the mystery of God to become tangible through beauty and simplicity.

THESE CHURCHES INVITE ALL:

St. George’s Episcopal Church One School Road, Asheville 28806 (828) 258-0211 Every other 3rd Sunday, 10:30-11:30am.

The Center for Art and Spirit at St. George plans to offer additional Taizé services in 2016. stgeorgeoffice28806@gmail.com or centerartspirit@gmail.com.

Grace Episcopal Church 871 Merrimon Avenue, W. Asheville, 28804 (828) 254-1086 3rd Sundays, 8:00pm.

St. Eugene’s Catholic Church 72 Culvern Street, Asheville, 28804 (828) 254-5193 Every First Friday, in the Chapel, 7-8:00pm.

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The Center for Art & Spirit at St. George offers sacred space for nurturing body, mind and heart by engaging creative expression, social justice and compassionate spiritual community.

All spiritual seekers are welcome! Our sacred space, grounded in over 65 years of prayer, hosts meditation teaching and practice, labyrinth walks, spirit collage, creative peacemakers, 12-step groups, contemplative companions, Aramaic toning, retreats, workshops, improv theater, kirtan, sound healing, “Music Together” and much more.

We are home to St. George’s Episcopal Church, the Circle of Mercy, New Seeds Celtic Community and Wild Goose Zen Center. Come and find nurture for your spiritual journey!

1 School Road Asheville, NC • 828.258.0211 • centerartspirit.org

Inchanted Journeys

Calling all wildlings near and far to the cathedral of nature to reclaim your power!

Our passion is connection and belonging.

Our essence is unveiled in experiences that explore sacred purpose.

Inchanted Journeys hosts potent regional & international retreats that connect people with people, nature, place, timelessness, reverence, and awe. Centered around celestial alignments at power points and sacred places across the planet, we invest people with power and a sense of belonging while imparting timeless wisdom teachings.

Firewalks, Shamanic Journeys, water blessings, Megalithic site ceremonies, indigenous rights & service,grief rituals, reciprocity offerings, vision quests, Mountaineering, Spelunking, and...

Look for international excursions to Ireland, Greece, Guatemala, Israel, and more in 2016. Regional retreats across the country include Wildman, Wildsoul, and wilderness excursions.

Asheville, NC 828.505.1630 www.inchantedjourneys.com 22

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JOIN Glennon Doyle Melton, author of the New York Times bestselling Carry On, Warrior and author of the Momastery blog, at Montreat Conference Center’s 2016 Women’s Connection, August 12-14, 2016!

The conference will include worship, fellowship, recreation, rest, and a variety of workshops. Workshops may include yoga, hiking, spiritual direction, grief and widow support, addiction and recovery, crafts, and blacksmithing. All Women’s Connection participants will be invited to a private reception with Glennon before her presentation on Saturday evening. Plus, the first 300 women to register for the Women’s Connection will be mailed a complimentary copy of Glennon’s Carry On, Warrior prior to the conference. The program fee also includes a preordered copy of Glennon’s upcoming book, set to be released and shipped to each participant in Fall 2016.

Full details available at www.montreat.org/women or by calling 828.419.9829.

401 Assembly Dr. | Montreat, NC 28757 828.669.2911 | central@montreat.org | www.montreat.org

Southern Dharma Retreat Center Southern Dharma Retreat Center, located north of Asheville near the town of Hot Springs, offers affordable, residential, teacher-led, silent Buddhist retreats to novice and experienced practitioners alike. Practice traditions include Vipassana, Soto Zen, Thich Nhat Hanh, Won Buddhism, Theravada, and other traditions —all sharing a unifying thread of meditation, contemplation and silence.

Small groups (limited to 30 retreatants), excellent teachers, opportunities for private meetings with teachers, delicious meals, simple yet comfortable accommodations, and our setting’s natural beauty distinguish Southern Dharma’s retreats. The Center is nestled on a 130-acre forest preserve adjacent to Pisgah National Forest about one hour northwest of Asheville. Retreatants can walk in the woods, enjoy the view from the knoll, or hike up to the top of Hap Mountain.

At Southern Dharma an atmosphere of peace and tranquility prevails, offering opportunities for quiet reflection and enabling one to uncover truths within the heart conducive to personal growth and transformation. The 2016 retreat season includes 24 teacher-led retreats varying in length from three to ten nights plus two work weekends.

The Center welcomes people with all levels of experience, but some retreats are limited to experienced Buddhist meditators. Scholarships are available to those with financial need.

Please find retreat and teacher descriptions on our website.

1661 West Rd. Hot Springs, NC SouthernDharma.org | (828) 622-7112

sPeCIaL aDvertIsIng suPPLement

Conveniently located between Asheville and Hendersonville, near the Sierra Nevada Brewery

RICHARD SHULMAN, REV. DARLENE STRICKLAND, KAT WILLIAMS

“Wow! Such a transformational experience in the presence of love, light and laughter. It felt like coming home!”

Soul Celebration at at Unity Unity of of The The Blue Blue Ridge Ridge

You are the likeness and image of God. Living from this awareness changes everything for the good! Enjoy messages that lift you up; music that moves you to open your heart and get on your feet; and an affirming spiritual community that celebrates all that you are. Unity believes in “original virtue,” not original sin.

Serenity Insight Meditation Center is an insight meditation training and retreat center dedicated to providing a spiritual refuge for all who seek freedom of heart and mind — and freedom from suffering. Just minutes from downtown Asheville, we are located on five wooded acres with beautiful mountain views.

Our practices are led by the Venerable Bhante UJotika, a Burmese Buddhist monk with a lifetime of experience practicing and studying, as well as 20 years of teaching, in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. Grounded in the 2500-year-old tradition laid out by the Buddha, UJotika is a scholar of the authentic discourses of the Pali canon (Buddha’s original teachings). UJotika is assisted by dedicated western practitioners and teachers.

We offer several weekly guided or silent meditations (insight and loving-kindness), Dharma instruction and Pali chanting. We also offer meditation retreats and special traditional Buddhist celebrations (a beautiful blending of Burmese and Western cultures).

Our year-round services are held Sundays at 9:15 a.m. and 11 a.m. The special Christmas Eve candlelight service will be held Thursday, Dec. 24, at 6 p.m.

2041 Old Fanning Bridge Road Mills River, NC 28759 • 828-891-8700 unity@unitync.net • www.unityblueridgenc.org

Mother Grove Goddess Temple Asheville that the chapel and offices of the Goddess temple are across the street from the First Baptist Church. On the scene since 2008, Mother Grove has a full schedule of programs including public rituals for the ancient holy days (and Earth Day), religious education foradults, Full Moon Mother Grove Goddess Temple welcomes people ceremonies, Sunday morning meditation time, of all genders and and rites of passage spiritual expressions (weddings, funerals, who are seeking a deeper connection to the cronings, menarche rituals) by appointment.

Feminine Divine.

It says everything about Workshops and classes

are frequently offered in the little chapel, and “In the Arms of the Goddess” gathers food for people in need.

Members of Mother Grove also manage the Maya Angelou Peace Garden at Herland in north Asheville. Mother Grove is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit church with a focus on the many faces and names of the global Divine Feminine. You are welcome to join us for a circle dance in the park or in the temple, and to stand with us under a bright full Moon.

70 Woodfin Place, Suite 1, Asheville, NC 28801 828-230-5069, Info@mothergrovetemple.org, mothergrovetemple.org

828-298-4700 • wncmeditation.com • Asheville, NC Happy Holidays from the Partnership for Pastoral Counseling. We are honored to have been able to serve the Western North Carolina region for nearly 20 years, providing over 25,000 sessions of professional affordable counseling; helping people care for their emotional, mental and spiritual wellness.

All are welcome to embrace the journey of healing through the Partnership.

We would like to extend our deepest appreciation to those that have stood with us to help fight the prevalence of mental illness in our communities. We would not have been able to offer these life changing services without the generous donations of others and the professional counselors that partner with us, agreeing to drop their fees for our clients. Thank you!

Together we are helping heal our communities one person at a time.

From our family to yours, please have a safe and happy holiday season!

sPIrItuaLItY sPeCIaL aDvertOrIaL Issue

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Shambhala Meditation Center of Asheville The Shambhala view is rooted in the principle that every human being has a fundamental nature of basic goodness that can be developed in daily life and radiate to family, friends, community and society. As part of an international community of over 200 meditation centers and groups founded by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and led by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, we aspire to create an enlightened society based on the realization of basic goodness through the cultivation of gentleness, fearlessness and dignity.

With this intention, we offer public meditation sessions Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays feature a dharma discussion over tea after the meditation session. An open house, which includes an introduction to Shambhala and the practice of basic meditation, is held the first Thursday each month. Visit our website for all programs and classes.

Join our upcoming community gathering Sunday, Jan. 10, from noon to 3 p.m. at our new location in Reynolds Village.

60 N. Merrimon Ave. #113, Asheville, NC 28804

828-200-5120 | www.asheville.shambhala.org THE CHURCH OF THE ADVOCATE is a worshiping community of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. For 18 years, the church has been gathering in the undercroft of Trinity Episcopal Church, supported by All Souls Cathedral and most of the Episcopal churches in our area.

On Sunday we gather for worship at 1:30 after which guests are welcome to choose fresh clothes from our closet, meet with a nurse for medical advice and assistance, and enjoy a delicious meal provided by over 30 churches, youth groups, EFM study groups and local businesses. Each Monday we have a Bible study followed by breakfast. Monday through Friday, volunteers join other churches taking bagged lunches to the parks. Counseling is available by appointment during the week.

For the past seven years, the church has increasingly sought to assist in finding employment for those desiring work. We know that self-concept measures are directly and positively related to subjective, personal measures of success, which is an activity derived from the very work of Christ in the church.

60 Church St. Asheville, NC 28801 828-243-3932 ashevilleadvocate.com ashevillechurchoftheadvocate@gmail.com

Thursday, Dec. 24, at 5:30 p.m.

A place to belong • A community that serves • In God’s abundant grace

Trinity United Methodist Church, located in the heart of West Asheville, is a welcoming community that finds joy and comfort in the teachings of Jesus Christ. We worship traditionally, sing joyfully, and make connections through engaging children, youth and adult programs.

Our congregation is experiencing a resurgence of folks – both young and old - who are embracing the message of love, acceptance and generosity.

Trinity United Methodist Church 587 Haywood Road Asheville, NC 28806 828-253-5471 info@trinitymethodistasheville.com www.trinitymethodistasheville.com

Bring your party animals — or your church retreat, nonprofit or board of directors. The options are limitless! If you have a group of folks and are looking for the perfect place to gather, consider Montreat Conference Center.

Why Montreat? We’re the ideal venue for your church, business or nonprofit organization to hold meetings and retreats. Our meeting and event facilities can comfortably accommodate groups ranging in size from 15 to 1,500. We offer a range of year-round and seasonal activities, as well as housing and meal options to meet every budget.

Ready to get started? Let us help you plan. Visit www.montreat.org/plan or call 828.419.9816 for full details.

401 Assembly Dr. | Montreat, NC 28757 828.669.2911 | central@montreat.org | www.montreat.org 24

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sPeCIaL aDvertIsIng suPPLement

The Cathedral of All Souls

Standards and divine guidance are given to humanity

by God through his many messengers. Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder of the Bahá’í faith, delivered God’s message of unity to the world in the late 1800s. His principles, such as the oneness of God, the oneness of mankind and the oneness of religion, were spread across the world. Bahá’u’lláh’s message remains striking, resilient and irrepressible.

The Bahá’í Faith is the second-most widespread religion in the world today (in terms of the number of countries in which followers reside), with over 6 million total people from nearly every country around the globe. Bahá’ís believe strongly in a peaceful, more unified future for all.

Bahá’í beliefs are upheld and expressed through thoughtful consultation. Regular spiritual gatherings are held without clergy in members’ homes and local communities.

The Bahá’í method of administration is simple, modest, unified and world-embracing.

All Souls Episcopal Church is a collection of spiritual pilgrims who find their lives pushed by ancient and present-day worship, by arts and creativity and by being present in the world.

All Souls was consecrated Nov. 8, 1896. Built by George Vanderbilt as the parish church for the village adjacent to the Biltmore House, it was seen by Vanderbilt as the connecting piece for the daily life of all persons and all souls in the region. This mission of connection and support has been present and growing throughout our 120-year history, from the founding of a church school and hospital in our first decades to our continuing work in Biltmore Village and beyond.

The thread that runs through the years for The Cathedral of All Souls is work that brings mercy and justice to our community. Come join us.

Sunday services are held at 7:45 a.m., 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.; Wednesday services are held at noon and 5:45 p.m.

9 Swan St. Asheville, NC 28803 • 828-274-2681 mail@allsoulscathedral.org • allsoulscathedral.org

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community cAlenDAr December 16 - 22, 2015

CaLenDar guIDeLInes In order to qualify for a free listing, an event must benefit or be sponsored by a nonprofit or noncommercial community group. In the spirit of Xpress’ commitment to support the work of grassroots community organizations, we will also list events our staff consider to be of value or interest to the public, including local theater performances and art exhibits even if hosted by a forprofit group or business.

All events must cost no more than $40 to attend in order to qualify for free listings, with the one exception of events that benefit nonprofits. Commercial endeavors and promotional events do not qualify for free listings.

Free listings will be edited by Xpress staff to conform to our style guidelines and length. Free listings appear in the publication covering the date range in which the event occurs.

Events may be submitted via email to calendar@ mountainx.com or through our online submission form at mountainx.com/calendar. The deadline for free listings is the Wednesday one week prior to publication at 5 p.m.

For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 251-1333, ext. 137. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 251-1333, ext. 320.

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benefits Some of the events for this section are located in the GiveLocal Events Calendar (p. 31) chilDren first cis of buncombe county 259-9717, childrenfirstbc.org • Through FR (1/1) - Parking proceeds from the Omni Grove Park Inn Gingerbread Competition benefit Children First CIS of Buncombe County. $10 parking 0-3 hours/$15 all day. Held at The Omni Grove Park Inn, 290 Macon Ave.

zDAncing, Drums, AnD DreAms benefit

AshevilleRhythm.org • TH (12/31), 8:30pm - Tickets to this New Year’s Eve celebration with music by Free Planet Radio and Kevin Spears benefit eliada home and

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Deck the trees: You have until Friday, Jan. 1 to check out the uniquely hand-decorated Christmas trees in the theme of “Christmas Is . . .” at the Monte Vista Hotel in Black Mountain. Now in its fifth year, the annual fundraising event raises money for a different nonprofit each year, with 100 percent of this year’s proceeds going to the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries. According to Renea Brame, director of Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries, “Every penny raised will go toward helping clients in the Swannanoa Valley with their heating needs.” Photo courtesy of Deck the Trees (p. 26)

asheville rhythm. $44/$39 advance. Held at Eliada Home, 2 Compton Drive

zDeck the trees benefit 669-8870, themontevistahotel.net • Through TH (12/31) - Proceeds from this exhibition of decorated Christmas trees benefit the swannanoa Valley christian ministries. Free to attend.

Held at Monte Vista Hotel, 308 W. State St., Black Mountain full circle vegAn holiDAy cookie exchAnge facebook.com/ events/1528298320793817 • WE (12/23), 6-9pm Proceeds from this cookie and recipe exchange event featuring music by Letters for Abigail benefit Full circle Farm sanctuary. Bring 4-dozen cookies & recipe. $5. Held at Sanctuary Brewing Company, 147 1st Ave., Hendersonville

zreinDeer run 5k runsignup.com/jfs5k • TH (12/24), 9am - Proceeds from this 5k run benefit

december 23 - december 29, 2015

the Jones Family scholarship high school seniors in henderson county high schools. $25. Held at North Henderson High School, 35 Fruitland Road, Hendersonville

clAsses, meetings & events About the trAnscenDentAl meDitAtion techniQue: free introDuctory lecture (pd.) The most effortless meditation technique is also the most effective. Learn how TM is different from other practices (including common “mantra” methods). An evidence-based technique for going beyond the active mind to access deep inner reserves of energy, creativity and bliss — dissolving stress, awakening your highest self. The only meditation recommended for hypertension by the American Heart Association. NIH-sponsored research shows decreased anxiety, improved brain func-

mountainx.com

tioning, heightened well-being.

Reduces insomnia, ADHD, PTSD. Personalized training, certified instructors, free follow-up classes. Thursday, 6:30-7:30pm, Asheville TM Center, 165 E. Chestnut.

828-254-4350 or TM.org or meditationasheville.org mAstery trAining At om sAnctuAry (pd.) SA/SU January 2 &3.

The Art of Self Mastery and Ascension with Deborah Mills and the Ascended Masters. Join us for a deep Transformation, Activation and Alignment to begin 2016! By releasing the human fabric that has bound the limitless spirit for lifetimes, we now have the opportunity to reawaken the extraordinary potential within us for Personal and Planetary Evolution. Early registration by 12/26: $250. After: $300. For more information visitSchoolofHealingandEnlightenment.com Email: TeresaSFH@gmail.com or call Teresa 334-703-0353 nvc PArenting clAss (pd.) “Compassionate Communication within Our

Families” Thursdays, Jan. 7,14,21,28 4-6 p.m. Rainbow Community School, West Asheville $100, childcare ($12), tuition aid available. Info/ Registration: (828) 775-6333, polly.medlicott@gmail.com orgAnic groWers school 23rD AnnuAl sPring conference (pd.) March 11-13, 2016, UNC Asheville. 70+ sessions per day: practical, affordable, regionally-focused workshops on growing, permaculture, homesteading, and urban farming. Trade show, seed exchange, kid’s program.

Organicgrowersschool.org.

blue riDge toAstmAsters club blueridgetoastmasters.com/ membersarea, fearless@blueridgetoastmasters.org • MONDAYS, 12:15-1:25pm - Public speaking and leadership group. Free. Held at Lenoir Rhyne Center for Graduate Studies, 36 Montford Ave. ontrAck Wnc 50 S. French Broad Ave., 2555166, ontrackwnc.org Registration required. Free unless otherwise noted.

• TU (12/29), noon “Understanding Credit. Get it.

Keep it. Improve it.” Seminar.

Asheville timebAnk 348-0674, ashevilletimebank.org • TUESDAYS, 4-6pm Orientation session. Free to attend. Held at Firestorm Cafe and Books, 610 Haywood Rd.

reynolDs/fAirvieW scrAbble cribbAge club • WEDNESDAYS - Scrabble and cribbage club. Free to attend. Held at Mountain Mojo Coffeehouse, 381 Old Charlotte Highway, Fairview

big ivy community center 540 Dillingham Road, Barnardsville, 626-3438 • 4th MONDAYS, 7pm Community center board meeting. Free.

shoWing uP for rAciAl Justice showingupforracialjustice.org • TUESDAYS, noon-2pm - Educating and organizing white people for racial justice. Free to attend. Held at

Firestorm Cafe and Books, 610 Haywood Road the center for Art & sPirit At st. george 1 School Road • Last Tuesdays, 7-9pm - Aramaic, Hebrew and Egyptian vocal toning, breath work and meditation.

Admission by donation.

DAnce stuDio ZAhiyA, DoWntoWn DAnce clAsses (pd.) Monday 5pm Ballet Wkt 6pm Hip Hop Wkt 7:30pm Bellydance 8pm Tap • Tuesday 9am Hip Hop Wkt 6pm Intro to Bellydance 7pm Bellydance 8pm Hip Hop Choreo 2 •Wednesday 5pm Bhangra Wkt 7:30pm Bellydance 8pm Contemporary • Thursday 9am Hip Hop Wrkt 4pm Kid’s Dance 5pm Teens Hip Hop 7pm West African 8pm West African 2 • Saturday 9:30am Hip Hop Wkt 10:45am POUND Wkt • $13 for 60 minute classes, Wkt $5. 90 1/2 N. Lexington Avenue. www.studiozahiya.com :: 828.242.7595 sWing Asheville swingasheville.com • THURSDAYS, 7:30pm - Beginner & intermediate swing dance lessons. 8:30-11pm - Open dance.

Live music regularly. $7/$5 members. Held at Club Eleven on Grove, 11 Grove St.

festivAls

zlAke JuliAn festivAl of lights

684-0376, david.blynt@buncombecounty.org • Through WE (12/23), 6-9pm - Driving tour of Lake Julian’s holiday lights. $5 per car/$10 per van/$25 per motor coach. Held at Lake Julian Park, 406 Overlook Road Ext., Arden

fooD & beer Some of the events for this section are located in the GiveLocal Events Calendar (p. 31)

kiDs Attic sAlt theAtre comPAny 505-2926 • SA (12/26), 10am - Newly Grown Tales. $5. Held at The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St.

fletcher librAry 120 Library Road, Fletcher, 6871218, library.hendersoncountync. org • WEDNESDAYS, 10:30am - Family story time. Free. lAke JAmes stAte PArk 6883 N.C. Highway 126, Nebo, 584-7728 • SU (12/27), 2pm - “Evergreens in Winter,” presentations about evergreens. Registration required.

Ages 3-7. Free. sPellbounD chilDren’s bookshoP 50 N. Merrimon Ave., 708-7570, spellboundchildrensbookshop.com • SATURDAYS, 11am - Storytime for ages 3-7. Free to attend.

outDoors

zgrAnDfAther mountAin 2050 Blowing Rock Highway, Linville, 733-4337, grandfather.com • Through TH (12/31) Registration for New Year’s Day sunrise at Grandfather Mountain.

Register: 733-4326. $10 plus general park admission. lAke JAmes stAte PArk 6883 N.C. Highway 126, Nebo, 584-7728 • SA (12/26), 2pm - “Fox Den Loop Trail Hike,” ranger-led moderate 2.2 mile hike. Free.

• TU (12/29), 12:45pm - “Winter Waterfowl Cruise,” ranger led boat tour. Registration required. Free. ymcA of Wnc 210-2265, ymcawnc.org • WE (12/23), 8:45am - 3.5 mile easy hike at Bridal Veil Falls at DuPont. Registration required: 658-0047. Free/$5 optional carpool. Meets at YMCA - Woodfin, 30 Woodfin St.

sPirituAlity Asheville insight meDitAtion (pd.) Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation. Learn how to get a Mindfulness Meditation practice started. 1st & 3rd Mondays. 7pm – 8:30. Asheville Insight Meditation, 29 Ravenscroft Dr, Suite 200, (828) 808-4444, www.ashevillemeditation.com.

Astro-counseling (pd.) Licensed counselor and accredited professional astrologer uses your chart when counseling for additional insight into yourself, your relationships and life directions. Readings also available. Christy Gunther, MA, LPC.

(828) 258-3229. crystAl visions books AnD event center (pd.) New and Used Metaphysical Books • Music • Crystals • Jewelry • Gifts. Event Space, Labyrinth and Garden. 828-687-1193. For events, Intuitive Readers and Vibrational Healing providers: www.crystalvisionsbooks.com oPen heArt meDitAtion (pd.) Experience and deepen the spiritual connection to your heart, the beauty and deep peace of the Divine within you. Increase your natural joy and gratitude while releasing negative emotions. Love Offering 7-8pm Tuesdays, 5 Covington St. 296-0017 heartsanctuary.org shAmbhAlA meDitAtion center (pd.) Meditation and community on Thursdays 7:00 to 8:30 PM and Sundays 10-12 noon. By donation. Asheville.

Shambhala.org, 828-200-1520.

60 N Merrimon #113, Asheville, NC 28804 center for Art & sPirit At st. george 1 School Road, 258-0211 • WEDNESDAYS, 3:30pm & 6:30pm - Sitting meditation and daily mindfulness practice.

Info: kenlenington@gmail.com.

Admission by donation.

zfrAncis Asbury uniteD

methoDist church 725 Asbury Road, Candler, 6673950, faumc.com • TH (12/24), 5pm - 1800s candlelight Christmas Eve service. Free. grAce lutherAn church 1245 Sixth Ave. W., Hendersonville, 693-4890, gracelutherannc.com • MO (12/28) - Registration deadline for book study of Max Lucado’s book Glory Days.

Contact for information and registration. $13.

• TH (12/31) - Registration deadline for the “Recharge Your Prayer Life” workshop taking place on SU (1/3), 3-5pm.

Registration required: bit.ly/ grace-recharge. Free. nourish & flourish 347 Depot St., 255-2770, nourishflourishnow.com • TUESDAYS, 7:30pm - Kirtan with Sangita Devi. $10-$15.

PrAmA yogA AnD meDitAtion 712-9326 • TUESDAYS, 6:30-8:30pm - All levels yoga and meditation class.

Proceeds benefit the Women’s Welfare and Development

Foundation. Registration required. $5. Held at Asheville Therapeutic Yoga, 29 Ravenscroft sAi mAA enlighteneD living grouP 279-7042, facebook.com/ groups/1385824208412583 • WEDNESDAYS, 6:30pm Meditation, energy blessing, group discussion and reading.

Free to attend. Held at Asheville Therapeutic Yoga, 29 Ravenscroft

ztrinity ePiscoPAl church 60 Church St, 253-9361 • TH (12/24), 3pm - Christmas pageant. Free. ur light center 2196 N.C. Highway 9, Black Mountain, 669-6845, urlight.org • WE (12/30), 7pm & TH (12/31), 8:30pm - New Years Eve prayer celebration. $20. Event starts at 7 pm on Friday, 12/30.

sPoken & Written WorD

firestorm cAfe AnD books 610 Haywood Road, 255-8115 • 4th WEDNESDAYS, 7pm - Other Worlds Are Possible Book Group. Free to attend.

• Last THURSDAYS, 7pm - Liberty Book Club. Free to attend. greAt smokies Writing ProgrAm 250-2353, agc.unca.edu/gswp • Through SA (1/30) Submissions accepted for the Thomas Wolfe Fiction Prize.

Contact for guidelines. $25/$15 NC Writer’s Network members.

volunteering Some of the events for this section are located in the GiveLocal Events Calendar (p. 31)

zeblen chArities 255-3066, eblencharities.org • Through WE (12/23) Volunteers needed to staff 3-hour shifts at the St. Nicholas Project toy store. Contact for more information: 777-3383.

For more volunteering opportunities visit mountainx.com/volunteering

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c o n s c i o u s PA r t y

By Kat McReynolds | kmcreynolds@mountainx.com

Passion to Profession

uP AnD running: While some sporting events kick off before dawn, the Resolution Run begins on New Year’s Day “at a reasonable 10 a.m.” Last year’s inaugural iteration drew almost 600 participants. Photo courtesy of iDaph Events what: Resolution Run 5K when: Friday, Jan. 1, at 10 a.m. where: Pack Square why: The YMCA of Western North Carolina “sort of saved my life,” says daphne Kirkwood, whose New Year’s Day Resolution Run 5K includes a partnership with the nonprofit community fitness center.

Kirkwood became a member 14 years ago. Then a new young mother, she began running, swimming, attending baby aerobics classes and building a network of friends. On a buddy’s advice, she signed up for her first 5K. “I had never run outside before on pavement,” she says. “My goal was just not to walk.” Lo and behold, Kirkwood got lost during the West Asheville race and ended up walking (and shaking her head) as she completed the final stretch.

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Her second attempt brought much different results: Kirkwood placed in her age group. “I was like ‘Whoa, I’m actually good at this?’ OK” she says.

“It changed my life. Being a member at the YMCA changed my life. It’s why I have my business today, if you want to give credit where credit’s due. Starting to run at the Y on the treadmill created what I do.” iDaph Events is the race-planning company Kirkwood eventually founded in 2011 to pursue her newfound passion. A subsidiary of that business is the newly launched iDream Athletes Foundation, which helps youths and adults fund their own athletic pursuits, including paying for equipment, training and event participation.

While iDream will recieve 100 percent of proceeds from the Resolution Run, the YMCA will be paid for supplying volunteers, and the organization

has been given about two dozen race passes to do its own fundraising. This model, Kirkwood explains, allows each runner to procure sponsorships, which are far more lucrative than the event itself. Charitable partners of her last marathon, for example, earned $75,000 total in this manner.

“It’s a great way to kick off the year — starting right off the bat with a goal like a 5K,” Kirkwood says. “Whether you run or walk it, it’s a way to build momentum. ... If you’ve already done something on New Year’s, you’ve started out on the right foot.”

Runners, walkers and crawlers are welcome to register at the downtown YMCA, 30 Woodfin St., on New Year’s Eve, from 4-5:30 p.m., and on race day from 8-9:30 a.m. Participation is $35 per person. Visit idaph.net for details. X

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h u mor

neWs of the WeirD

by Chuck Shepherd

LEAD STORY — Are We Safe?

As if 2015 weren't bad enough for the Department of Homeland Security (e.g., in June, internal DHS tests revealed that its Transportation Security Administration failed to stop 67 of 70 guns passing through airport screeners), a U.S. congressman revealed in December that, based on a congressional staff investigation, 72 DHS employees currently appear on the FBI's terrorist watch list. He admitted to Boston Public Radio that DHS's record makes him squeamish about our ability to vet Syrian refugees. (Being on the FBI list is not a prohibited category for buying guns, either, and in fact, the Government Accountability Office reported that 91 percent of listees' attempts to purchase guns in the last 10 years succeeded.)

The Continuing Crisis • The vice president of human resources at the Washington Post issued a formal memo in December to reassure female employees in its sleek new office building that people in the seventh floor's central "hub" could definitely not see up their skirts as they walked on the indoor eighth-floor balcony overhang, even through the clear glass barriers.

The memo cited HR's "multiple" futile attempts, from many viewing angles, to see no-no's, and thus concluded that the ladies are safe. Nonetheless, the memo encouraged all employees, when in the seventh floor "hub," not to look up.

Leading Economic Indicators • Dr. Raymond Schinazi was a federal government employee when he led the team that discovered sofosbuvir, which completely cures hepatitis C patients with an 84-pill regimen, but, as he recently told CBS News, he only worked for the government "7/8th's" of the time — and, conveniently, it was during the other 1/8th that he found sofosbuvir. He admits now that he made $400 million selling his sofosbuvir company in 2012 to Gilead Sciences, which famously set sofosbuvir's price for 84 pills to $84,000. Now, the Department of Veterans Affairs, with 233,000 war vets with hep-C, tells Congress that it needs

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december 23 - december 29, 2015

mountainx.com

much more money, even though Gilead has "cut" the VA's price in half (to $42,000 per treatment, or $9.66 billion). (In a 2013 medical journal, Dr. Schinazi revealed that sofosbuvir could be manufactured for about $17 a pill, or $1,400 for an entire treatment.)

• Famously, of course, no central characters from big banks went to jail for crashing the economy and causing thousands to lose their homes and jobs, but the U.S. Justice Department and Securities and Exchange Commission seem rather proud that at least they pressured several banks to pay the government billions of dollars in civil-case settlements. However, the activist group U.S. PIRG revealed in December that of the 10 largest such federal settlements, where banks and corporations paid a total of $80 billion, more than half was characterized as tax-deductible. (In addition, of course, all of the $80 billion was ultimately paid by the banks' and corporations' stockholders rather than by wrongdoing employees.)

Questionable Judgments • "It may be the most confusing traffic light you've ever seen," wrote The Boston Globe in December, describing a pedestrian crossing in Cambridge, Massachusetts. If the three clusters of three lights each are dark, drivers proceed. If a pedestrian comes along, one light will blink yellow, then solid yellow, then two solid yellows, then two reds, until two flashing red lights in each cluster appear — and in Cambridge (and only Cambridge!), flashing red lights mean ... go (unless pedestrians are actually present).

The city has prepared a 12-diagram pamphlet to explain the whole thing, and officials say they have statistical proof from tests that the system enhances safety.

• It was Nick Silvestri, 19, of Seaford, Long Island, who, seated in the orchestra section of the Broadway comedy "Hand to God" on July 2, left his seat to plug his iPhone into an "electrical outlet" on the stage set. Actors, patrons, and management went nuts, but Silvestri ultimately was allowed to stay, and the show resumed. The set designer Beowulf Boritt said later he was proud that he had created a stage set so realistic that the electrical outlet (which of course was attached to nothing) looked so authentic.

nonprofits and

Give to

Give at least $10 and we’ll send you a voucher book in January that includes: • • • • • • •

one free Chai from Chai Pani one free small coffee and muffin from Mosaic Cafe $10 off a purchase of $20 or more from Patton Avenue Pets buy-one-get-one Expresso drink from High Five Coffee 15% off one meal from Blue Dream Curry buy-one-get-one Salted Carmel from Kilwin’s and more

this is what you’ll get!

Give $500 or more and receive the voucher book, the extras, plus these: • a $20 gift certificate to Malaprop’s Bookstore • a dinner at Chai Pani • and more

Give $1,000 or more and we will personally deliver a gift basket to your home or business (in the Asheville area) containing all of the above, plus:

Give $250 or more and get the voucher book plus these extras: • a pair of tickets to the Fine Arts Theatre • a voucher for a LaZoom Comedy Tour • a lunch at one of several downtown Asheville restaurants (such as Roman’s, Chai Pani)

• • • • • • •

One-month free membership at BeerCity Crossfit One handmade coffee mug by Mangum Pottery in Weaverville a winter seasonal brew from Highland Brewing a sample bag of handmade grits from Barkley’s Mill in Weaverville a gift certificate from Kilwin’s a special gift from Hickory Nut Gap Farm and more

Hurry! Give!Local ends December 31st!

To make your donation, go to givelocalguide.org The Give!Local nonprofits stay busy throughout the year providing needed services to our community. Here’s what they are up to for the week of 12/23 through 12/31

eVents calendar

by Abigail Griffin Art gAlleries n.c. Arboretum 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, 665-2492, ncarboretum.org. Regular parking fees apply.

• Through SA (1/3) - The Robot Zoo, exhibit featuring giant-size robots and interactive displays to teach biomechanics of animals.

• Through (1/3) - Fine-feathered Friends and Flowers, oil paintings by Mary Webster. the center for crAft, creAtivity & Design 67 Broadway, 785-1357, craftcreativitydesign.org • Through SA (1/9) - Made in

WNC, textile, furniture, ceramics, and art exhibit exploring how craft, design, and production relate.

• Through SA (1/9) - Tom Shields sculptural arrangements from found furniture.

benefits

Frederick Law Olmsted Way

zhelPmAte CPrice@helpmateonline.org, 254-2968.

• Through TH (12/31) - Proceeds from

the mAgnetic theAtre themagnetictheatre.org • Through SU (2/7) - One act play submissions accepted for the Brief Encounters 2016 series. See website for guidelines. Free.

clAsses & events

Christmas tree ornament sales benefit helpmate. Free to attend. Held at

AuDitions & cAll to Artists

children. Held at N.C. Arboretum, 100

Ben’s Tune-Up, 195 Hilliard Ave.

zn.c. Arboretum Winter lights 665-2492, ncwinterlights.com • Through SA (1/2), 6-10pm - Proceeds

orgAnic groWers school 23rD AnnuAl sPring conference (pd.) March 11-13, 2016, UNC Asheville. 70+ sessions per day: practical, affordable, regionally-focused

from this walking tour of the holiday

workshops on growing, permaculture,

animated light display benefit n.c.

homesteading, and urban farming.

arboretum programs, exhibits, and

Trade show, seed exchange, kid’s pro-

facilities year-round. $18/$16

gram. Organicgrowersschool.org.

fooD & beer the lorD’s Acre thelordsacre.org • THURSDAYS, 11:30am - The Fairview Welcome Table provides a community lunch. Free. Held at Fairview Christian Fellowship, 596 Old Us Highway 74, Fairview

theAter

zmontforD PArk PlAyers 254-5146, montfordparkplayers.org • Through WE (12/23), 7:30pm - A Christmas Carol. $10. Held at Asheville Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway

volunteering suPPort grouPs

zcAre PArtners founDAtion our voice 44 Merrimon Ave., Suite 1, 28801, 252-0562, ourvoicenc.org • Ongoing drop-in group for female identified survivors of sexual violence.

277-4815, carepartnersfoundation.org • Through TH (12/24) - Volunteers needed for gift wrap station at Asheville Outlets. Registration required.

support these and other great nonprofits at givelocalguide.org mountainx.com

december 23 - december 29, 2015

31

Wellness

gratitude

giving thAnks: Rabbi Justin Goldstein of Beth Israel Congregation in Asheville says gratitude is the foundation of the Jewish tradition, which celebrates the miracle of oil staying lit for eight days during Hanukkah. Photo by Amanda Schwengel

bY nicki Glasser nickiglasser@hotmail.com In the holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressures of gift buying, parties and family gatherings yet forget about that old Thanksgiving stalwart — gratitude. But thankfulness may be the best gift you can give yourself and others this time of year.

“The holidays can be a really challenging time,” says Asheville psychologist deborah barnett. “Depression tends to increase in the population during the holidays, either because we’re comparing ourselves to the smiley faces in the TV ads or what we imagine other people are doing out there,” she says.

“It’s easy to end up focusing on what’s not working and how things are not as good as they should be. Gratitude is really helpful because it helps us shift from the focus on what’s lacking to what is working. … That shift in perspective is really important.”

Spending a few minutes a day focused on gratitude can have profound effects. University of California-Davis gratitude researcher Robert Emmons found that people who write in a gratitude journal for just three weeks improved their physical, psychological and social health; they have stronger immune systems, are less bothered by aches and pains, experience more joy and pleasure, are less lonely and isolated; and tend to be more helpful, generous and compassionate.

“I like to start my day with focusing on all of the things that are gifts in my life, all of the things that are going well,” because it is easy for us to focus on the negative, says cathy

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The best holiday gift for lifting spirits, wellness

holt, owner of HeartSpeak in Asheville and teacher of The Connection Practice, which helps people enhance their social-emotional skills, empathy and insight. Holt says she starts every day with a practice of gratitude. “We have Velcro for the negative, Teflon for the positive, but by focusing our attention on gratitude and what’s going well, we can begin to see the world through that lens instead.”

Even during times of great difficulty, there is something to be grateful for, says Holt, who has a master’s degree in public health and also offers mediation services. “There may be times we have to search in order to get to the point of gratitude, because what is right in front of us doesn’t look like anything that we want,” she says. During those times we can appreciate being safe, the ability to manage situations as they arise and gratitude for the challenges that help us to grow, she says.

Religious and spiritual leaders see another layer to gratitude, one that is central to faith. rabbi justin goldstein of Beth Israel Congregation in Asheville believes gratitude is the foundation of the Jewish tradition. “The Hebrew word for a Jewish individual is yehudi, which literally means one who gives thanks or expresses gratitude,” he says. Gratitude “is a core component to understanding what it means to live Jewish-ly.”

To Goldstein the miracle of Hanukkah — where a very small amount of oil stayed lit for eight days — isn’t that the oil lasted so long but that the person who found the small amount of oil lit the lamp anyway, signifying “the intense spirit humans have to overcome the real challenges in life.”

The rev. barbara waterhouse, co-founding senior minister at the Center for Spiritual Living, believes that changing our thoughts can be immensely powerful. “At the Center for Spiritual Living, we believe we are creating our reality,” she says. “Whatever we focus upon, whatever we dwell on, we create. So if we focus on gratitude, we create more of that.

“It’s not airy fairy stuff; this for me is very selfish,” she says. “My life is better when I’m grateful. I feel better, I’m happier, I have more money ... and I’m healthier. I create a better life by being grateful than what I ever could have being judgmental, critical and resentful.”

“Gratitude is not helpful; it is essential,” says the rev. barbara petersen, director of the Center for Art and Spirit at St. George’s and former interim priest-in-charge at St. George’s Episcopal Church. “Religiously speaking, Episcopal worship is centered around communion, the Holy Eucharist, and the very word ’eucharist’ in Greek means thanksgiving.

So the center of our spiritual life in the Episcopal tradition is giving thanks,” she says.

Petersen tells a story of her days on a Nebraska farm. “We were putting up hay, and my husband had to be out of town,” she says. Though she knew how to run the tractor and baler, she didn’t know how to fix them if they broke down. As she drove the tractor that day, she began complaining to herself about the possibility of the machines breaking, as well a number of other things that were weighing on her. “Then I remembered the words of St. Paul, [who] says something like ’In all things give thanks.’”

No sooner did she start to think of these words than the baler broke down, she says with a laugh.

But as Petersen sat on the tractor and felt helpless, she started to give thanks for what she saw around her — the swallows that gathered around the baler to eat the insects stirred up from the haying, the sun shining and “the beauty of every little blade of grass,” she says.

“I was giving thanks for all those little things, in the spirit of St. Paul,” she continues, “when a neighbor came by and saw I was dead in the water in the middle of the field.”

The neighbor, a farmer himself, offered to fix the baler. Then some friends showed up and helped her load the hay and put it in the barn.

“It felt to me that as soon as I turned from complaining and focusing on my lack to becoming grateful for every little thing, down to the breath I was taking, the energy started to flow in an abundant way.

“Jesus said the kingdom of God is here and now, or the kingdom of God is within you. To me that is how creation works,” says Petersen. “If you’re in that flow, then you are receiving and giving, receiving and giving. It’s that rhythm I try to identify and go toward in my life.”

So if we find ourselves with a shortage of holiday cheer this season, a little gratitude can help. “Even if we have a challenging relative, there will be one thing that you can appreciate about that challenging relative,” says Barnett. “That can make a family dinner a little bit easier.” X

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Cathy Holt heartspeakpeace.com or cathyfholt@gmail.com Deborah Barnett deborahbarnett.com Rabbi Justin Goldstein bethisraelnc.org Rev. Barbara Waterhouse cslasheville.org Rev. Barbara Petersen stgeorge.diocesewnc.org or centerartspirit.org

$6400 Classes Start February 29th– Downtown Asheville January 16th

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Wellness Anti-inflAmmAtory Diet ProgrAm (pd.) at Waterleaf Naturopathic Medicine: 1/11/16 at 132 Charlotte St. 4 Mon. night classes starting 1/11/16. 6-7:15pm.

Cost=$149. Great for GI issues, joint pain, energy, weight and more. Register at waterleafnaturopathic.com/events/ Alchemy 62 Clayton St., 575-9419 • FRIDAYS, 5:30 - Mindfulness meditation. Free to attend.

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29 N Market St. Asheville, NC 28801•828-552-3334

Thanks to all our friends who supported us in 2015!!!

Hope the new year brings you much joy and laughter.

-The Herbiary Family

www.herbiary.com 34

december 23 - december 29, 2015

reD cross blooD Drives redcrosswnc.org Appointment and ID required.

• MO (12/28), 10am-2:30pm Appointments & info.: redcrossblood.org. Held at Buncombe County Administration Building, 200 College St. • TU (12/29), 11am-3:30pm Appointments & info.: 782-9020.

Held at Lowe’s 2634, 24 N. Ridge Commons Parkway, Weaverville • TH (12/31), 9am-1pm Appointments & info.: 398-1430.

Held at Gold’s Gym, 1047 Patton Ave. the blooD connection blooD Drives 800-392-6551, thebloodconnection.org Appointment and ID required.

• Through WE (12/23), noon-7pm & SA (12/26) through TH (12/31), noon-7pm - Info: thebloodconnection.org. Held at the Asheville Mall, 3 South Tunnel Road the meDitAtion center 894 E. Main St., Sylva, 356-1105, meditate-wnc.org • WE (12/23) 4-6pm - Open house.

Free.

suPPort grouPs ADult chilDren of Alcoholics & DysfunctionAl fAmilies adultchildren.org • Visit mountainx.com/support for full listings.

Al-Anon/ AlAteen fAmily grouPs 800-286-1326, wnc-alanon.org • A support group for the family and friends of alcoholics. For full listings, visit mountainx.com/ support.

mountainx.com

by Abigail Griffin Alcoholics Anonymous • For a full list of meetings in WNC, call 254-8539 or aancmco. org Asheville Women for sobriety 215-536-8026, womenforsobriety.org • THURSDAYS, 6:30-8pm – Held at YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave. AsPerger’s ADults uniteD facebook.com/ WncAspergersAdultsUnited • 4th SATURDAYS, 2-5pm Occasionally meets additional Saturdays. Contact for details.

Held at Earth Fare South, 1856 Hendersonville Road

Send your event listings to calendar@mountainx.com gAmblers Anonymous gamblersanonymous.org • THURSDAYS, 6:45pm - 12-step meeting. Held at Basillica of St. Lawrence, 97 Haywood St.

• MONDAYS, 6pm - For couples where at least one member is recovering from addiction. Held at Foster Seventh Day Adventists Church, 375 Hendersonville Road

life limiting illness suPPort grouP 386-801-2606 • TUESDAYS, 6:30-8pm - For adults managing the challenges of life limiting illnesses. Free. Held at Secrets of a Duchess, 1439 Merrimon Ave.

refuge recovery 225-6422, refugerecovery.org Buddhist path to recovery from addictions of all kinds.

• FRIDAYS, 7-8:30pm & SUNDAYS, 6-7:30pm - Held at Urban Dharma, 29 Page Ave. • TUESDAYS, 7pm - Held at Shambhala Meditation Center, 60 N Merrimon Ave #113

men Working on life’s issues 273-5334; 231-8434 • TUESDAYS, 6-8pm - Contact for location.

AsPerger’s teens uniteD facebook.com/groups/ AspergersTeensUnited • For teens (13-19) and their parents. Meets every 3 weeks.

Contact for details.

minDfulness AnD 12 steP recovery avl12step@gmail.com • WEDNESDAYS, 7:30-8:45pm Mindfulness meditation practice and 12 step program. Held at Asheville 12-Step Recovery Club, 370 N. Louisiana Ave. Suite G4

coDePenDents Anonymous 398-8937 • WEDNESDAYS, 7-8pm & SATURDAYS, 11am – Held at First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St. • TUESDAYS, 8pm – Held at Asheville 12-Step Recovery Club, 370 N. Louisiana Ave. Suite G4

nAr-Anon fAmily grouPs nar-anon.org • WEDNESDAYS, 12:30pm - Held at First United Methodist Church of Hendersonville, 204 6th Ave. West, Hendersonville • TUESDAYS, 7pm - Held at West Asheville Presbyterian Church, 690 Haywood Road

Debtors Anonymous debtorsanonymous.org • MONDAYS, 7pm - Held at First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St.

nAtionAl AlliAnce on mentAl illness Wnc 505-7353, namiwnc.org, namiwc2015@gmail.com • 4th MONDAYS, 11am Connection group for individuals dealing with mental illness. Held at NAMI Offices, 356 Biltmore Ave.

DePression AnD biPolAr suPPort AlliAnce 367-7660, magneticminds.weebly.com • WEDNESDAYS, 7pm & SATURDAYS, 4pm – Held at 1316C Parkwood Road. emotions Anonymous 631-434-5294 • TUESDAYS, 7pm – Held at Oak Forest Presbyterian Church, 880 Sandhill Road fooD ADDicts Anonymous 423-6191 or 301-4084 • THURSDAYS, 6pm - Held at St. George’s Episcopal Church, 1 School Road • SATURDAYS, 11am- Held at Asheville 12-Step Recovery Club, 370 N. Louisiana Ave. Suite G4 four seAsons comPAssion for life 233-0948, fourseasonscfl.org • THURSDAYS, 12:30pm - Grief support group. Held at SECU Hospice House, 272 Maple St., Franklin • TUESDAYS, 3:30-4:30pm - Grief Support Group. Held at Four Seasons - Checkpoint, 373 Biltmore Ave.

our voice 44 Merrimon Ave., Suite 1, 28801, 252-0562, ourvoicenc.org • Ongoing drop-in group for female identified survivors of sexual violence. overcomers of Domestic violence 665-9499 • WEDNESDAYS, noon-1pm Held at First Christian Church of Candler, 470 Enka Lake Road, Candler overcomers recovery suPPort grouP rchovey@sos-mission.org • MONDAYS, 6pm - Christian 12-step program. Held at SOS Anglican Mission, 1944 Hendersonville Road overeAters Anonymous • Regional number: 277-1975. Visit mountainx.com/support for full listings. recovering couPles Anonymous recovering-couples.org

s-Anon fAmily grouPs 258-5117, wncsanon@gmail.com • For those affected by another’s sexual behavior. Confidential meetings available; contact for details. shifting geArs 683-7195 • MONDAYS, 6:30-8pm - Groupsharing for those in transition in careers or relationships. Contact for location. smArt recovery smartrecovery.org • THURSDAYS, 6pm - Info: 4070460 Held at Grace Episcopal Church, 871 Merrimon Ave. • SUNDAYS, 7pm - Info: 925-8626.

Held at Crossroads Recovery Center, 440 East Court St., Marion sunrise Peer suPPort volunteer services facebook.com/sunriseinasheville • TUESDAYS through THURSDAYS, 1-3pm - Peer support services for mental health, substance abuse and wellness.

Held at Kairos West Community Center, 742 Haywood Road suPPortive PArents of trAnskiDs spotasheville@gmail.com • 4th WEDNESDAYS, 6pm For parents to discuss the joys, transitions and challenges of parenting a transkid. Held at First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St. sylvA grief suPPort melee@fourseasonscfl.org • TUESDAYS, 10:30am - Held at Jackson County Department on Aging, 100 Country Services Park, Sylva t.h.e. center for DisorDereD eAting 337-4685, thecenternc.weebly.com • WEDNESDAYS, 7-8pm – Adult support group, ages 18+. Held in the Sherill Center at UNCA. unDereArners Anonymous underearnersanonymous.org • TUESDAYS, 6pm - Held at First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St.

MUSIC CENTER CENTER FREE bench and stand with

the purchase of a Yamaha P45 or P115 digital piano (828) 299-3000 M-F 10-6•SAT 10-5 800 Fairview Rd. (at River Ridge Marketplace)

Dr. Matthew Young DDS, PA BIOLOGIC GENERAL DENTISTRY

Q: Why are you opposed to fluoride in your holistic dental practice?

A: Several studies have shown that fluoride is toxic to the thyroid gland and may adversly effect the levels of iodine available to the immune system. See www.fluoridealert.org for more details.

728 FIFTH AVENUE WEST • HENDERSONVILLE, NC 28739 For more information call 828.693.8416 • www.matthewyoungdds.net NO LEVEL OF SUPERIOR SERVICE CAN BE IMPLIED FROM THIS AD COMPARED TO OTHER DENTISTS.

Nature’s Vitamins & Herbs (formerly Nature’s Pharmacy)

locally owned & operated since 1996 Q: Hey guys, what is a bio-active vitamin? Is it preferred over a regular vitamin?

Mike Rogers & Bill Cheek: meet the experts

A: Vitamins, as well as most nutrients are digested and metabolized by our bodies into a form that is absorbable and “bio-active”. Beta-Carotene for instance is converted to Vitamin A and can then be utilized. The theory is that a vitamin already in the “active” form can be absorbed faster and completely, and utilized to its fullest.

Some companies use these routinely, however a healthy person should easily be able to utilize regular vitamins. Be well and Happy Holidays!

We carry a variety of hard-to-find specialty products, including:

CBD Oil • Lugolʼs Solution • Estriol Facial Cream • Progesterone Cream • Vitamin K Liquid for Newborns • Glutamine Powder • Boric Acid Vaginal Capsules • Cortisol Manager • Sulfur Powder

752 Biltmore Avenue • 828-251-0094 • www.naturesvitaminsandherbs.com mountainx.com

december 23 - december 29, 2015

35

green scene

Beyond Belief

hole-y grounD: In a mechanical room below the sanctuary of Asheville’s First Congregational United Church of Christ, pumps circulate water through a closed geothermal heating and cooling system. Photo by Virginia Daffron

bY VirGinia daFFron vdaffron@mountainx.com

36

“Of course we’ll go with the $25,000.” So he says he was “flabbergasted” when the congregation opted for the geothermal system. “I thought: These people are really willing to put their money where their mouth is,” he marvels.

They’re not alone, notes scott hardinnieri, director of the Creation Care Alliance of Western North Carolina. And while there are as many approaches to environmental stewardship as there are churches dotting our region, more and more local faith communities, he says, “are seeking ways to heal the planet from a place of compassion and morality,” investing time, money and effort to align their buildings and practices with their spiritual commitment.

As Asheville’s First Congregational United Church of Christ approached the century mark, some of the systems that power the gray granite building on Oak Street were showing their age.

In 2012, the church’s massive gas-fired boiler gave up the ghost, and the congregation had to consider its options.

A new boiler would cost about $25,000, Minister of Music gary mitchell recalls. But the forwardlooking congregation, which had a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, wanted to explore other options. A geothermal heating and cooling system, which draws heat from the earth during the winter and returns heat to the earth in warm weather, seemed like the perfect complement to the solar array the church had installed in 2011.

But when the estimate came in at $450,000, says Mitchell, he thought,

Once First Congregational had decided to go geothermal, members opened their wallets. All the money for the project, says Mitchell, had been pledged before construction began.

december 23 - december 29, 2015

mountainx.com

going DeeP

Faith communities embrace environmental stewardship

But if the fundraising effort went smoothly, the construction process soon ran into an obstacle. Engineer bob wiggins had originally hoped to install eight 750-foot-deep geothermal wells, but drillers kept hitting the water table. In the end, the contractor bored 10 550-foot wells around the perimeter of the church’s property. Water circulates through the wells in a closed loop comprising over a mile of piping, either pulling heat from the ground or returning it there.

Although the system requires no energy for heating or cooling, it does use electricity to power the pumps that move the water through the pipes and the air-handling units that circulate warm or cool air through the building.

Overall, geothermal systems use about 40 percent less energy than any other type of heating and cooling system, says Wiggins. He estimates that the system, which was finished in June, will produce a 5-7 percent annual return on the church’s initial investment.

The technology, though, is most appropriate for heavily used buildings, says Wiggins. “For a church that’s occupied a few hours on Sunday and then shut up most of the rest of the time, the economics don’t work out.”

But with over 65 community groups using First Congregational’s building during both day and evening hours, those lower operating costs will make up the larger upfront cost in 15-20 years, he predicts. The church also received a $10,000 rebate from Duke Energy, notes Wiggins. shoW me A sign Over at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville, what would become known as “The Welcome Project” started with a sign — though not one “from above,” quips member bob roepnack.

What began with the simple desire for a new sign reflecting a change in the church’s name became an 18-month, $1 million construction effort. One thing led to another, and the church gradually found itself expanding the project’s scope to address building accessibility, stormwater management, energy use and fire safety issues.

The most fundamental goal, the Rev. mark ward explains, was removing

barriers to welcoming people of all ages and physical abilities. To improve building access, a paved parking lot, ramps, railings and an exterior lighting system were added. Interior changes to the architecturally distinguished structure include a lobby that connects the sanctuary with the social hall and a family-friendly restroom that also serves churchgoers with mobility challenges. Inside the sanctuary, the floor level was raised to create a stepless entrance off the new lobby, while a sound loop system aids those with hearing impairments.

Since the project’s completion this fall, says Ward, he’s seen “more folks using walkers and wheelchairs coming to our services, and I’m betting that will continue.”

But environmental stewardship is also a key value: For the past 10 years, the Unitarian Universalist Association has certified the church as a Green Sanctuary. And stormwater management, already a concern, demanded immediate attention after flooding in August severely damaged an adjacent structure on the property. As the Campus Development Committee huddled with architects and engineers to consider design alternatives, the idea of creating rain gardens came into focus. Now, says Ward, all the rain that falls on the church’s nearly 2-acre property will stay there.

Landscape architect hutch Kerns designed a system that directs rainwater from the building’s roof, parking lot and new outdoor terraces into collection tanks. From the tanks, which have a total capacity of 4,300 cubic feet, the water is slowly released into specially designed gardens that slow the absorption rate, so the water gradually filters into the ground rather than pouring into storm drains.

“You can do all that invisibly,” says Kerns, but the church wanted to make the rain gardens a prominent feature.

Placing one right outside the building’s front entrance, Ward explains, makes the new design a model for the community.

Meanwhile, new terraces at the corner of Charlotte Street and Edwin Place provide outdoor spaces for social events. At night, 19 energy-efficient LED fixtures shed a soft glow, lighting up walkways and illuminating the sign that started it all.

Some longtime congregation members, says Director of Administration linda topp, found it painful to lose the trees and plantings that had to be removed, but the project’s many benefits have won over those who initially questioned the need for it. biblicAl mAnDAte The Jewish faith has enshrined a responsibility for caring for God’s creation in a codified legal tradition that dates back at least 1,800 years, says Rabbi justin goldstein of Congregation Beth Israel. Jewish written law is based on an oral tradition that is even older, including the creation narrative in the book of Genesis, Goldstein explains. “Don’t mess this up, because if you do, no one will come to fix it for you afterward,” he says, paraphrasing God’s instructions to Adam and Eve. There’s also a strong sense of obligation to preserve the earth for future generations, continues Goldstein. “We are tenants here: The divine is the landlord,” he explains. “We are partners in creation, and a critical part of our role is to keep things in balance.”

Goldstein cites the concept of the “shmita,” or “sabbath year,” as one way the Jewish tradition strives to maintain a healthy balance between human use of the environment and care for it. As the Torah commands (and modern Israel still observes), fields are allowed to lie fallow every seventh year. The shmita, notes Goldstein, reflects an ethos similar to the permaculture principle of selfregulation. Many modern Jews, he says, find value in reflecting on the attitudes and practices that would enable a community to sustain itself through a full year of agricultural rest and renewal.

Beth Israel is just beginning to consider what to do with its ’60s-era building, says Goldstein, but the congregation hopes to embark on a capital campaign next year.

And over at Congregation Beth HaTephila on North Liberty Street, a renovation and expansion project completed 2 1/2 years ago has injected new life into a tired and inefficient complex. The renovations gave the facility about 33 percent more space without increasing energy usage, according to bob davis, chair of the synagogue’s House Committee. And the sanctuary, social hall, classrooms and administrative offices are now far more comfortable.

“With our old steam boiler, we had pipes clanging and banging in the sanctuary walls. It made a racket on

cold winter days,” Davis recalls. New insulation, high-efficiency air handling units, programmable thermostats and energy-efficient fluorescent lighting were all part of the project. The new facility was designed to LEED standards, but the congregation decided not to pursue certification due to the increased cost.

Meanwhile, the changes are paying off in ways that go beyond dollars and cents. “Now we can do more, because we have better space,” Davis reflects.

“Our membership is growing. At most temples around the country, that’s not the case. And the building is part of that.” here comes the sun Hardin-Nieri of the Creation Care Alliance points to Pope Francis’ 2015 encyclical “Laudato Si’: On Care For Our Common Home,” as another sign of how larger institutions are recognizing that faith and environmental awareness belong together.

In his passionate, 40,000-word appeal, the pope wrote: “Regrettably, many efforts to seek concrete solutions to the environmental crisis have proved ineffective, not only because of powerful opposition but also because of a more general lack of interest. Obstructionist attitudes, even on the part of believers, can range from denial of the problem to indifference, nonchalant resignation or blind confidence in technical solutions. We require a new and universal solidarity. ... All of us can cooperate as instruments of God for the care of creation, each according to his or her own culture, experience, involvements and talents.”

But the congregants at the Parish of St. Eugene weren’t just persuaded by the pope’s message: They were out in front of it. Back in July 2014, a group of parishioners proposed a bold environmental initiative. Fundraising started last March, and by October, 147 solar panels had been installed on the church’s roof.

The 46-kilowatt setup provides about 25 percent of the church’s electricity and is net-metered to sell surplus power back to the grid.

The Rev. pat cahill says that while there were some skeptics, the parish overwhelmingly supported the project.

Another local congregation, the First Christian Church of Black Mountain, has also embraced solar, says Hardin-Nieri. Working with the Appalachian Institute for Renewable Energy, a Boone-based nonprofit, the church financed its solar proj-

ect through a limited liability company.

Since the beginning of this year, the system has produced more power than the church has used.

A centrAl comPonent As the cost of alternative energy systems comes down and techniques for boosting building efficiency improve, faith communities can increasingly justify environmental projects in financial terms as well.

Energy audits, says Hardin-Nieri, can help congregations identify opportunities to save money that can then be directed toward providing more care for the community. “That’s a goal shared by every denomination,” he observes.

Wiggins, the engineer who designed First Congregational’s geothermal system, also worked with the First Baptist Church of Asheville to upgrade its mechanical and electrical systems in 2006. By choosing highly efficient systems, he says, the church reduced energy usage by 20 percent.

In Mills River, Unity of The Blue Ridge has undertaken many environmentally conscious efforts in recent years, board of trustees President jim

mountainx.com

reed reports. Installing remotely programmable thermostats was expensive, he says, but the church’s monthly energy bills immediately went down.

Reed and sustainability team leader geri conley say the congregation is working to become one of the first certified EarthCare Congregations in the Southeast. Achieving the standard, which was established by Unity Worldwide Ministries’ EarthCare program, will require extensive collaboration within the congregation. “We’re setting a high bar for ourselves,” notes Reed. “We plan to keep on going to become as green as we can be.”

Increasingly, people of faith are seeing concern for the earth as a central component of their religious beliefs and a natural expression of their fundamental moral and spiritual values.

And as boilers break down and other challenges arise, says Hardin-Nieri, the opportunities to meet practical needs while nurturing the environment will produce ever more creative and inspiring solutions, both in our region and beyond. X

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fooD

Winter lights

From German cookies to Middle Eastern bazella riz, members of Asheville’s immigrant communities talk about holiday traditions depicted as carrying a switch to punish naughty children. The decorations and the gifts, Kris Kringle’s responsibility, came at Christmas.

The Dohses made it back to Germany several years ago, he says, but it wasn’t the same. “We really miss so much from the past,” he explains. “You didn’t buy gifts then: You made them, and it was about the effort.” The family wasn’t allowed to see the tree or even the room it was in until Christmas Eve. “It’s all become Americanized now, the stores with Santa and the sleigh full of toys. Those traditions hurt when they were taken away.”

All night long

christmAs customs: Pakistan native Ephraim Dean, far right, celebrates an American-style Christmas with his wife, Wendy, second from right, and children, from left, Mikial, Neriya and Attia. Ephraim says he also attends midnight Christmas Eve church services to remind him of the traditions of his childhood. Photo by Cindy Kunst

bY Jonathan ammons

On a Wednesday night, the rooms sit heavy with the scents and sounds of a crackling fire. Candles flicker amid the greenery, and enticing aromas waft in from the kitchen, where North Carolina native michele dohse has cooked up a black-eyed pea soup and a skillet of cornbread.

Meanwhile, her husband, till, a German-born immigrant who’s taught at UNC Asheville for 29 years, spins stories.

“For me, and especially my parents, Christmas was when we got

the most homesick. We lived in New Orleans, so the differences were even more stark.”

In the mid ’60s, his mother was still trying to use real beeswax candles on the tree, as they’d done in Germany.

But the warm weather would dry out the branches, and after a few too many tree fires, they had to stop. “The climate was so different, and it was right at the time when those strange silver Christmas trees were all the rage.”

When his parents moved to the U.S. in 1958, Dohse was left with his grandparents in Germany. He came to stay at age 14, and that’s when he began to feel a profound sense of nostalgia around the holidays.

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jonathanammons@gmail.com

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“When I think of German Christmas food, I think of baked goods, cookies with spices,” he says. “When we tried to buy German cookies here, they were made for the American palate: too sweet.”

After dinner, we gather in front of the fire for cookies and sauerkirschwasser, a crisp, dry brandy made from sour cherries. “Spirits are a very important part of the German Christmas, too,” notes Dohse, almost in a whisper.

There were other distinctions as well. “Sometimes you call Santa Kris Kringle here, which is ridiculous: It means ‘Christ child,’” he explains.

Traditionally, Santa would come on Dec. 6 to check up on all the children, “but he was a spooky character,”

ephraim dean immigrated from Taxila, Pakistan, in 1997 to attend Montreat College. A DJ with the popular progressive house trio In Plain Sight, Dean remembers struggling to adjust to the food. “People would always invite me to their dinners, but I didn’t like turkey, and I’d have to bring hot sauce and masalas to pour over everything, because it was just so bland.”

Dean grew up in Pakistan’s small Christian community.

Churches there typically hold three Christmas services: morning, evening and midnight. “And it’s normal to go to all three. But there’s always a big meal served afterward, and most Christians in Pakistan come from very poor areas, so a meal is a big deal.” These days, he re-creates many of those traditional dishes, sharing them with his sister and brother.

Dean’s wife, wendy, is from California, though, so their Christmas traditions are a cultural blend.

“Since my family isn’t here, we used to go out to California every Christmas,” he explains. “They’re all about being in their pajamas at the crack of dawn and opening presents. In Pakistan, we’d come back so late after the midnight service, and everyone would open their presents at 2:30 in the morning!”

Dean still seeks out midnight Christmas Eve services to get a little hint of home. But home is not the

country he once knew. In August 2002, the church and hospital where his mother works as a surgeon was bombed, killing three nurses and injuring 23 people.

“Ever since that, a lot has changed,” he says. “The festivities have been dialed back, even in the way we decorate.”

A muslim christmAs “As far back as I can remember, we did Christmas, and my parents were Muslim,” says omar shaf, the American-born son of Palestinian parents. “Islam recognizes all of the prophets of the three major Abrahamic religions,” he notes, adding, “By the way, I am atheist, but my family’s still Muslim.”

The Muslim calendar is lunar, so their holidays fall on different days in the Western calendar each year.

After periods of fasting such as the monthlong Ramadan, they prepare a meal, or “eid,” to celebrate. Eid al-Fitr, which comes after Ramadan, fell in July this year. “With Ramadan, you’re lucky when it comes in the winter, because you’re fasting and the days are shorter,” says Shaf. “It’s different from Lent, where you give up one thing. In Ramadan, you give up everything: As soon as the sun is up, there’s no smoking, no drinking, no eating, nothing.”

When he’s not tossing wings for his customers at the Village Wayside Bar & Grille, Shaf maintains his family’s culinary traditions at home.

“My favorite dish, bazella riz, is chunks of lamb, potatoes, peas and a tomato-based sauce over rice, with tons of garlic and onions.” The ingredients are familiar, but it’s the mix of cumin, black pepper, allspice, cinnamon, coriander and nutmeg that makes it memorable.

“My earliest memory of Christmas is sitting under the tree and building the train tracks around the tree. I think I was 6,” he recalls. Shaf’s parents even started putting out cookies and milk for Santa. “I loved it as a kid, and so did they.”

Many people contacted for this story said that this is a hard time to be an immigrant. Some refused to be interviewed. But no matter where you’re from or what holiday you’re celebrating, says Shaf, “The most important sentiment I gained from my parents is that holidays are a time for family and friends, because your friends are the family you choose.

But it has to be both.” X

2016

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Est. 1992

by Jonathan Ammons

jonathanammons@gmail.com

sPirits of the season Cocktails to bring good cheer to the home bar

The Bridal Blowout Sale Jan 22nd, 23rd & 24th

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glAss full of cheer: Courtney Nelson, bartender at East Asheville’s Post 70 Indulgence Bar, uses a combination of cognac, Campari, cranberry juice, heavy cream, chocolate syrup, simple syrup and egg white to create her frothy holiday concoction Caught Under the Mistletoe. Photo by Thom O’Hearn It’s a little easier to spread happiness and cheer when there are some yuletide spirits in your glass.

Xpress asked two of Asheville’s finest barkeeps to provide recipes for craft cocktails that home bartenders can make this holiday season. donnie pratt of Cucina 24 offers a hot rum, gin and apricot tiki toddy to keep you warm under the cold glare of Aunt Matilda while you unwrap those gifts.

And courtney nelson of Post 70 Indulgence Bar at Filo has whipped up a chocolaty cognac fizz for those looking to add a little airiness to the celebration. I have contributed a nice, kitschy, ice-cold Collins riff for those looking to escape the heat of Uncle Albert’s political rants.

bAnDA islAnD toDDy

by Donnie Pratt of Cucina 24 1 ounce dark Jamaican rum (such as Coruba)

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3/4 ounce Beefeater 24 gin 1/4 ounce apricot liqueur (we use Rothman & Winter) 1/4 ounce lemon syrup (see recipe below) 2 dashes aromatic bitters (I use Orinoco bitters, but Angostura would work) 1 dash mace tincture (see recipe below) 3 ounces hot water Fresh nutmeg Fresh lemon peel Add all ingredients to a fancy glass with a handle and grate nutmeg on top.

Express the oils from a lemon peel over the drink and discard the peel. mace tincture: 2 ½ ounces Everclear 1 ¼ ounces distilled water 1 ounce whole mace (30 grams by weight) Mix ingredients together; let sit for five days. Strain and bottle.

lemon syrup: Peel six lemons, put the peels in a bowl and cover with cane sugar. Let rest for an hour. Juice the lemons to get 1 cup of juice. Gently heat the lemon juice in a saucepan not quite to a boil and stir in a scant cup of cane sugar.

Add the sugared lemon peels and mix until they are incorporated and the sugar is dissolved. Strain and bottle.

cAught unDer the mistletoe

by Courtney Nelson of Post 70 Indulgence Bar 1 ½ ounces Salignac cognac 3/4 ounce Campari 1 egg white 1 ounce heavy cream 3/4 ounce cranberry juice 3/4 ounce chocolate syrup (you can make your own, but using storebought would be acceptable as well) 1/4 ounce simple syrup (see instructions below)

Combine all ingredients in a shaking tin and shake without ice for about a minute. Add some ice and hard-shake those ingredients again.Using a bar strainer, strain the ingredients off the ice and give them one more good shake. This will give you a frothy and delicious dessert beverage that is sure to please all of your holiday guests and perhaps introduce them to an eggwhite cocktail. simple syrup: Dissolve equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan at a slow boil.

if We mAke it through December

by Jonathan Ammons 2 ounces gin 1/2 ounce Campari 1/2 ounce candy-cane syrup Club soda Dash of Peychaud’s bitters Absinthe floater Combine gin, Campari, candy-cane

• •

syrup and bitters in a stirring glass or shaker. Fill with ice and stir gently until ingredients are mixed and glass or shaker has frosted. Strain into a Collins glass on the rocks and top with club soda. Using the back of a spoon pressed firmly against the inside wall of the glass near the waterline, pour the absinthe in slowly to create a nice layer of green across the top of the cocktail. candy-cane syrup: 12 standard-sized candy canes 1 cup water Boil the water and break up the candy canes, adding them to the boiling water. Cover and boil until candy canes are completely dissolved. The resulting mixture should be a nice cherry-red color. If you’d rather not use candy canes, equal parts raw cane sugar and water with a handful of spearmint leaves will also do the trick and be delicious, but it will mess up the whole festive red color scheme and kitsch factor of the drink. X

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by Jacqui Castle

jacquicastle@gmail.com

culinary countdoWn

southern comfort: South Slope’s Buxton Hall Barbecue is one of many Asheville restaurants offering celebratory dinners on New Year’s Eve. Early in the evening, Buxton Hall will offer special a la carte choices in addition to its regular menu. After 10 p.m., the Whole Hog Bowl — a bowl of barbecued pork, hoping’ John, collards and hush puppies — will be available for late-night revelers at the eatery’s New Year’s Eve dance party.

Photo by Michael Files

It’s been an exciting year in the Asheville restaurant scene.

Numerous new restaurants joined the community (welcome TacoBilly, Smoky Park Supper Club, Buxton Hall Barbecue and Local Provisions, to name but a few), several expanded (Dobra Tea in West Asheville, High Five Coffee downtown, Standard Pizza in Biltmore Village and so many more), some changed a bit or moved around (Laurey’s became 67 Biltmore, Firestorm Bookstore & Café reinvented itself in West Asheville) and a few closed (a sad farewell to Pizza Pura, Urban Café, Nona Mia, Seven Sows Bourbon & Larder and others).

Now 2016 is upon us, and fortunately, as New Year’s Eve steadfastly approaches, there is no shortage of places in Western North Carolina in which to count down, crack open the bubbly and ring in the new year in proper foodie style.

Xpress pulled together a short list of tasty and celebratory options.

All dinners happen on Thursday, Dec. 31.

• Mini-crab cakes with remoulade, a carving station, baconwrapped dates with Lusty Monk Mustard and cinnamon-lavender crème brulée are just a few of the items that will be offered at pack’s tavern’s New Year’s Eve buffet and countdown party. Guests can enjoy a pre-celebration buffet and attend the party for $50, or can just be a part of the countdown festivities for $10. The buffet begins at 6:30 p.m.,

Where to dine in WNC while ringing in 2016

while the celebration — featuring performances by Lyric and DJ MoTo — will run 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Reservations are required. Call 225-6944. 20 S. Spruce St. • Dinner and a show starring the Jon Stickley Trio and stephaniesid is the plan at isis restaurant and music hall. The four-course meal will feature seared sushi tuna ceviche, lobster bisque, Sunburst Farms trout and Champagne mousse verrines. Festivities start at 8 p.m.; tickets are $75. A 6 p.m. three-course dinner-only option will also be available for $55. Call 575-2737 for reservations. 743 Haywood Road.

• The ever-inventive lex 18 will host two separate events to welcome 2016. Early in the evening, a black-tie early dinner show with a 1920s theme will feature love songs from 1915 through the present performed by the Sheila Gordon Trio. A four-course dinner will be followed

by Champagne and dessert. The event is 6-8:15 p.m. Cost is $95 per person, $110 per person for high-top window seats. The first dinner show will swiftly be followed by an alternative for the later crowd — the New Year’s Eve 1920s Variety Dinner Show and Gala Celebration. The experience will be kicked off by a cocktail reception at 8:30 p.m., followed by a fivecourse dinner and a classic 1920s variety show from 9:15 to 11:55 p.m.

The evening will be topped off with music and dancing until 1:30 am.

Additionally, guests can take home framed, vintage personal photos of

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For information without obligation call Dr. Roger deBeus:

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themselves and view the televised dropping of the ball in New York City. $145 per person/$165 per person for high-top window seats. Menu options for both events will include consommé of greens and shaved scallops, fig and sausage-stuffed roasted quail and holiday trifles. Tickets are limited for both events. Call 575-9494 for reservations. 18 N. Lexington Ave. • For those who want to usher in the new year with a bit of culinary adventure, chef Katie button will present a special New Year’s Eve menu at nightbell restaurant and lounge. Expect Button’s signature inspired riffs on familiar dishes — oyster with brown butter, nutmeg and cauliflower creme fraiche mousse; sauteéd squid with Sea Island heirloom red-eye peas and herb vinaigrette; pan-seared trout with sauteéd collard greens, apricots, black olive, yogurt and curry oil; and a South of the Border spin on baked Alaska with Mexican chocolate mousse and dulce de leche ice cream will all be featured on the eclectic menu. The five-course, prix fixe dinner with welcoming snack is $75; wine pairings are available for an extra fee. For reservations, call 575-0375 or visit thenightbell. com. 32 S. Lexington Ave. • Two restaurants within omni grove park inn will host events this New Year’s Eve. vue 1913 offers a three-course dinner featuring fresh, local menu items such as braised lamb tortellini, Prosecco poached pear and prosciuttowrapped rabbit loin. $90 per person. 5:30-10 p.m. edison will offer a three-course dinner paired with local craft beers for $55 per person. Select from menu items such as pan-roasted Loch Duart salmon, Ivy Creek Farm spinach ravioli and petit filet mignon. Dinner is served 4-11 p.m. For reservations for either restaurant, call 438-5800 or visit omnihotels.com. 290 Macon Ave. • the market place chef william dissen has created a special a la carte menu that highlights farm, forest and sea. The long list of small-plate offerings includes house-made charcuterie, local cheeses, Harker’s Island oysters and foraged mushroom gratin. Woodgrilled venison, cashew-crusted grouper and roasted Indian cauliflower with black quinoa and green curry sauce are among the entree choices.

The festivities will continue well after the ringing in of the new year with live music by Molly Parti.. For reservations, call 252-4162. 20 Wall St. • posana will host a prixfixe, four-course meal in three

different seatings — 5, 7:30 and 10 p.m. All menu items are one-timeonly creations specifically whipped up by chef peter pollay for this special event. Tickets are $75, with the option to add a wine pairing to each course for an additional $35.

As with all of Posana’s menu items, the meal will be entirely glutenfree. Selections will include white asparagus soup, root vegetable salad, duck breast, crépinette and chocolate cremeaux. For reservations, call 505-3969. 1 Biltmore Ave. • You can bet a foodcentric New Year’s Eve party will be happening late night at buxton hall barbecue, but the South Slope eatery doesn’t discriminate against early birds. To accompany the regular menu, chef elliott moss has created a separate New Year’s Eve a la carte menu that will be available 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Smoked lobster with house hollandaise; barbecued New York strip steak with pit-cooked Hasselback potato; smoked confit duck leg with fig and cherry barbecue sauce and fire-roasted oysters will be among the featured items, all of which can be washed down with a bubbly limesherbet punch and followed up with pineapple upside-down cake. From 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., night-owls can attend a dance party with tunes provided by DJ Mathew Storm Schrader and pay $10 to munch on the New Year’s Whole Hog Bowl, which is — you guessed it — a big bowl of Buxton’s barbecue with hoppin’ John, collards and hush puppies.

There’s a $3 cover charge for the party. No reservations are needed for either event. 32 Banks Ave. • Hendersonville locals may want to check out chef jason reasoner’s New Year’s Eve dinner at postero. The evening’s five-course menu kicks off with an amuse-bouche of oyster hush puppy with creme fraiche gribiche, caviar and smoked egg yolk, then moves on to include selections such as local honey-roasted butternut panna cotta; foie gras pate de terrine; and pan-seared scallops with crispy pimentocheese grits, sofrito and cauliflower chow-chow. Dessert is a double-chocolate tart with toasted hazelnuts, whipped brandy cream, chocolate cookie soil and clementine sorbet. Reservations are available 5-9 p.m. To reserve a table, call 595-9676. 401 N. Main St., Hendersonville X

828.236.5999 12 Eagle St Downtown AVL ashevillesaltcave.com

GIVE THE GIFT OF WELLNESS! Gift certificates available as well as an eclectic assortment of himalayan salt in our retail store

BIG 2016 IDEAS issue Special Advertorial Issue Coming January 20, 2016!

Are you prepared for the holidays?

A delicious assortment of cookies & treats available.

Gingerbread Houses, too!

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smAll bites

by Kat McReynolds | kmcreynolds@mountainx.com

Interested parties can browse and bid on auction items by visiting Appalachian Vintner at 745 Biltmore Ave., Suite 121,

by Thursday, Dec. 31. Winners will be contacted by phone on the first of the new year. Visit appalachianvintner.com for more information.

APPAlAchiAn sustAinAble Agriculture ProJect’s usDA grAnt

returning the fAvor: Appalachian Vintner co-owners Geoff and Charles Alexander selected Mission Children’s Hospital, Huff Center Therapies and Arts for Life as beneficiaries of their shop’s holiday fundraiser based on firsthand experience. “My own son has benefited greatly from these therapies and services, allowing him to flourish even though he has had to overcome many health problems during his young life,” Geoff says, calling the organizations “a ray of light for many many families with sick children.”Photo by Cindy Kunst

Giving tastes good at Appalachian Vintner

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As individuals and organizations across Western North Carolina pool resources to support various causes through holiday giving, Appalachian Vinter’s monthlong silent auction is set to wrap up on New Year’s Eve. Proceeds support Mission Children’s Hospital, Huff Center Therapies and Arts for Life.

“We started this auction to aid the most vulnerable of Asheville’s society — the young and the elderly, especially those that are ill,” says geoff alexander, who owns the shop with his brother charles alexander.

“These individuals and their families need the most support and care to maintain the highest quality of life.”

Geoff reports that his shop’s fundraiser has raised tens of thousands of dollars over several years. That’s due in part to the high quality of items donated by Appalachian Vintner’s distributors and vendors.

This year’s auction, likewise, promises some gems, particularly for artisan alcohol aficionados. Limited-edition wines (Bogle Vineyard’s Phantom, Vermouth Perucchi’s Gran Reserve,

Frank Family Vineyards’ Zinfandel) and beers (Olde Hickory Brewery’s Carolus Mangus and other vintage releases, Sierra Nevada’s 10-year Bigfoot Vertical), swag (Oowee Products’ leather koozies, a retro tin cooler from Goose Island Beer Co.), gift certificates (Burial Brewery) and more are all up for grabs.

Proceeds are transferred as monetary donations, “as well as items such as iPads, art supplies, developmental tools and therapeutic tools to get the donations directly to those affected and not caught up in administration,” Geoff says. “According to the individuals we provide these donations to, they are absolutely helping the people we are aiming to help.”

The Alexanders have several more events planned for the remainder of December, including a storewide holiday sale Dec. 26-31 and a Grower Champagne (the real deal from France) tasting on Monday, Dec. 28, 4:30-7:30 p.m., while supplies last. Also available for a limited time is Puzzle Pieces — a barrel-aged sour ale created collaboratively with Wicked Weed Brewing. Proceeds from the brew benefit the Autism Society and Appalachian Vintner’s Puzzle Pieces Project, which “aims to increase awareness of childhood illness and provide assistance to families and their loved ones effected.”

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm to School Program, which aims to connect school cafeterias and students with local farmers, recently awarded ASAP a $26,150 grant. The nonprofit organization will use part of the funds to coordinate a conference on farmto-school programs, holding the event next fall in Greenville, S.C., and inviting stakeholders from Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. ASAP will also use the money to strengthen existing partnerships and build new initiatives such as becoming a hub of information on farm-to-school best practices.

Visit asapconnections.org for more information on the organization and its activities. villAge hotel AnD restAurAnt on biltmore estAte Located aside Biltmore Estate’s winery, the newly opened Village Hotel houses a casual, full-service restaurant and bar open to visitors of the estate’s grounds. “The restaurant concept emphasizes a small-plate tasting menu featuring seafood, Biltmore Wines, craft beers and signature cocktails,” reads a company release, which lists small-plate options such as raw oysters, pimento mac and cheese, she-crab bisque, yellow fin tuna crudo, chilled lobster tail, shrimp and grits and barbecue oysters with bourbon chipotle butter. In addition to rotating local beers, the bar offers specialty cocktails (some featuring the estate’s wines) like The Bee Keeper — honeysuckle-flavored Cathead Vodka, fresh lavender honey syrup, lemon, egg white and a splash of soda.

The Village Hotel is at 1 Lodge St. Hours are 7-11 a.m. (breakfast), noon10 p.m. (lunch/dinner) and 10 p.m.midnight (drinks and late night menu). seAson’s At highlAnD lAke’s christmAs eve buffet An elaborate cheese display with puff pastry-wrapped brie; various

gourmet salads highlighting ingredients such as candied walnuts, gorgonzola cheese and roasted beets; white bean and kale soup; herbcrusted steak, carved to order and served with mushroom marsala jus and horseradish sauce; and preserved fig and wild mushroomstuffed pork loin wrapped in prosciutto are just some of the intricate appetizers and entrées available at Season’s forthcoming Christmas Eve buffet. Holiday-inspired side dishes include garlic confit and herb-roasted red bliss potatoes; Cajun-spiced sweet potatoes; sausage and sage cornbread stuffing; baked acorn squash with pecan praline topping and more.

The holiday feast is 5-8 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 24, at Season’s at Highland Lake, 86 Lily Pad Lane, Flat Rock. The dinner costs $38.95 per adult, $19.50 for children ages 6-11. Visit hlinn.com/seasons for more information or call 696-9094 to make a reservation. X

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A r t s & e n t e r tA i n m e n t

in one year and out the other New Year’s Eve parties around WNC bY alli marshall amarshall@mountainx.com While 2015 certainly had its high points — New Mountain launched its outdoor stage, The Hop brought us ice cream flights and Hopsicles, and Asheville landed on 7,000* (*not an exact figure) top-10 lists — it’s also been (if you tune into any sort of media) stressful. Happily, there’s one night each year when we get to blow off all that steam, hit the reset button and start a brand-new baggagefree year. So, as we pin our shiniest hopes and dreams on 2016, it makes sense to see its predecessor out in style. Whether that entails peaceful chanting, serious rocking, communing with the undead or benefiting a worthy cause, Xpress has a party for every reveler (and every price point).

All events take place Thursday, Dec. 31. For more New Year’s Eve ideas, visit Calendar, Clubland and mountainx.com • Recently opened vegan bar the blocK off biltmore hosts a New Year’s party with Caribbean-byway-of-Columbia, S.C.-based roots reggae band reggaeinfinity. The band has shared stages with the likes of Burning Spear, Yellowman, The Wailers and others, and promises a soulful show suitable for all ages.

The party runs from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., $10 suggested donation. theblockoffbiltmore.com • One of Asheville’s smallest venues boasts one of the hottest New Year’s Eve lineups. 5 walnut — whose crowds spill out onto the street on an average weeknight — will turn over the floor to glam-blues rockers pleasure chest, from 6 to 8 p.m., followed by bombastic one-man band shake it like a caveman, 8-10 p.m. 5walnut.com • Less party, more purpose, the annual new year’s eve kirtan and intention-setting ceremony offers a thoughtful passage into 2016. While festivities focus on the sacred, there’s also plenty of fun planned, from a cocreative artspace to a DJed ecstatic dance. The evening also includes

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bAng for your buck: For multiple parties happening under one roof for one ticket price, head to The Grove House, Asheville Music Hall and New Mountain. ceremonial cacao, a tearoom and kirtan — devotional chanting — with local group sangita devi. The event takes place at jubilee! and the kirtan begins at 7:30 p.m. $25 advance/$35-$50 sliding scale at the door. avl.mx/222 • The band pigeons playing ping pong sounds like a party in and of itself. The outfit from Baltimore joins fellow funk-rockers the mantras to jam in the new year at new mountain.

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8 p.m., $20 advance/$30 day of show. newmountainavl.com • Always a major production, the grove house new year’s eve bash takes over the entire entertainment complex. One ticket gets revelers into all three venues — Club Eleven, Scandals and the Boiler Room — with dancing, multiple bars, five DJs, balloon drops, party favors, hors d’oeuvres and a Champagne toast. 8 p.m.-3 a.m.

$25 advance/$30 at the door. thegrovehouse.com • If cider happens to be your drink of choice, toast to 2016 at a very noble new year. The party, at noble cider, features peggy ratusz and the daddy longlegs, as well as hors d’oeuvres and a cider-Champagne toast. 8 p.m. $25 advance/$30 at the door. avl.mx/22t

• Two local bands are better than one. And while (mostly) instrumental experimental string band jon stickley trio and pop-noir act stephaniesid might not be side by side in any record store bin, both have honed their crafts while continuing to explore the boundaries — and beyond — of their respective sounds. The pair of bands perform onstage at isis restaurant & music hall (Jon Stickley Trio goes on at 9 p.m. followed by stephaniesid at 10:30 p.m.). Doors open at 8:30 p.m. for the show (dinner seating and ticketing are separate), $15. isisasheville.com • “Great for dancin’ or listenin,’ and certainly for partying,” is how white horse black mountain owner bob hinkle describes headliner rhoda weaver and the soul mates. That band will perform jazz, blues and standards. Blues, jazz and rock artist marcel anton shares the bill. The nights starts at 8:30 p.m. with a Champagne toast at midnight and music until 1 a.m. $20 in advance/$25 at the door. whitehorseblackmountain.com • Drum’s the word at Asheville Rhythm’s annual gathering, dancing, drums and dreams — a rhythmic celebration of the new year. Held at Eliada, the evening includes a drum circle, treats, inspirational readings and a New Year’s countdown. World music group free planet radio and Kalimbaman Kevin spears perform. BYO drums and yoga mats. Festivities begin at 8:30 p.m. Individual tickets: $39 advance/$44 at the door; seniors: $34/$40; couples: $69/$80. ashevillerhythm.org • Part ringing in the new, part bringing out the dead, an undead new year’s eve with unknown hinson at the grey eagle promises more than balloon drops and Champagne toasts (though surely the undead don’t have anything against a little bubbly at the stroke of midnight). Country musician Unknown Hinson (aka Stuart Daniel Baker, aka the voice of Early Cuyler on Squidbillies) shares the bill with drunken prayer and little lesley and the bloodshots. 9 p.m. $20 advance/$25 day of show. thegreyeagle.com • “It’s still so crazy to me how just moving one or two notes up or down an octave can radically restructure how a chord makes you feel,” electronic musician rjd2 tweeted earlier this year. Deep thoughts like that explain why he’s a perfect choice to headline new year’s eve at the

gooD cheer: Champagne toasts, midnight balloon drops and dance parties add to the festivities. Photo courtesy of The Grove House the beAt goes on: KalimbaMan Kevin Spears performs as part of the Dancing, Drums and Dreams celebration held at Eliada. The event culminates in a sound meditation for a peaceful easing into the new year. Photo courtesy of the musician orange peel. transputer also performs. 9 p.m. $25 advance/$30 day of show. theorangepeel.net • If, when you think of New Year’s Eve, you think of rockabilly, psychedelic carnival tunes and pirate shanties, you’re in luck! Local bands plankeye peggy and skunk ruckus bring exactly that to the crow and Quill. 9 p.m., $5-$10 suggested donation. thecrowandquill.com • There are many fine attributes to Cajun music — it correlates to a culture and a food, it instantly calls to mind French phrases and trips to the bayou, and it’s nearly impossible to listen to without dancing. Here’s one more for the list: Cajun music is on tap for new year’s eve at jack of the wood, with sets by jackomo cajun country band and Zydeco ya ya. 9 p.m. $10. jackofthewood.com • One party, two floors: It’s the asheville new year’s eve 2016 masquerade, which takes over both the Asheville Music Hall and One Stop.

One ticket is good for shows at both venues. The lineup includes bird of prey, empire strikes brass, push/ pull, the hornitz, rims and Keys,

hank west and the smokin’ hots and tempi. 9 p.m. $10 advance/$15 day of show. ashevillemusichall.com • pack’s tavern holds its countdown to 2016 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. lyric performs in the Century Room and dj moto will be in the South Bar. $10. packstavern.com • Party for a purpose at the cover show to benefit girls rock asheville, a summer camp open to girls and trans youths ages 8-16. Bands being covered include Blondie, Hole, The Raincoats, Dolly Parton, The Cars and Rancid.

Doors open at 5 p.m. at the odditorium, and the show starts at 9 p.m. $7-$15 suggested donation. avl.mx/22e • If all goes according to plan, when the clock strikes midnight, a weezer cover band will launch into its first notes onstage at the mothlight. The group will be mostly playing songs from The Blue Album, says venue owner Jon Hency, as well as other fan favorites.

The night also includes a Pixies cover band moving into a No Doubt cover band before the big Weezer finish.

Doors open at 5 p.m., $5 cover after 9 p.m. themothlight.com • The cosmic countdown 2016 at mg road has a space theme — at least as far as the drinks are concerned. But there’s a dance party in the works, too, which means there’s plenty of opportunity for out-of-this-world songs. 9 p.m. $3. facebook.com/mgroadlounge • For those who like to hit up several parties, or start late, or keep their options open, buxton hall barbecue

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holds a new year’s eve dance party with dj mathew storm schrader.

The dance floor heats up at 10:30 p.m. $3. buxtonhall.com PArty on A buDget These small-ticket (by which we mean no ticket) events still offer big fun. Here’s where to usher in the new year free of cover charge: • pour taproom offers a complimentary Champagne toast, free food and a dance party. pourtaproom.com • urban orchard hosts a dance party and promises Highland Brewing Co.’s Cold Mountain on tap. urbanorchardcider.com • If you recall rock and countryblues band tennessee hollow, then you know exactly how awesome it is that local musicians Dave Dribbon and Chris Budro are reuniting that group for a special show at french broad brewery. 6-8 p.m. frenchbroadbrewery.com • highland brewing co. suggests that craft brew fans ring in the new beer with the launch of a new West Coast Style IPA and music from dj marley carroll. Music from 8:15 to 10 p.m. highlandbrewing.com • The free phuncle sam show in pisgah brewing co.’s taproom is an annual tradition. Join the party for Grateful Dead covers, a balloon drop and a Champagne toast. 9:30 p.m. pisgahbrewing.com X

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Alli Marshall

amarshall@mountainx.com

A decAde of freAkouts WNC’s longest-running New Year’s Eve dance party rages on A decade ago, Kent scott was one of just a handful of DJs in Asheville. He’d gotten his start on since-silenced pirate station Free Radio Asheville and was part of social change collective Asheville Community Resource Center. When New Year’s Eve rolled around, “We were craving a DIY punk-show feel with similar politics and the idea of pushing the envelope a little, culturally and musically, in danceparty form,” Scott says. “We put our heads together and found a warehouse space down by the river, and we just did it.”

The New Year’s Eve Freakout (now boasting the accolade “The longest-running New Year’s Eve dance party in WNC”) was born — though initially the freaking out was around whether anyone would even show up. It rained about 10 inches, Scott remembers, and the stage flooded. But more than 200 people attended, proving that there was room in Asheville’s New Year’s Eve party landscape for something offbeat and unusual. That fête celebrates its 10th anniversary Thursday, Dec. 31.

For many years, Scott and his co-organizers kept the party’s location secret to avoid drama and maximize creative potential. That one night each year was — and continues to be — special for its place on the calendar. “It allows us to do a lot of experimenting and bringing in artists we wouldn’t normally be able to bring to Asheville,” Scott says. He’s found that the town doesn’t necessarily support “the really weird stuff that costs a lot of money to bring.” But on New Year’s Eve, all bets are off. Revelers have money earmarked for an endof-year blowout, so a higher-priced show still attracts an audience.

Not that the New Year’s Eve Freakouts will break the bank.

An advance ticket to this year’s party, held at 101 Fairview Road (you’ll recognize the venue when you arrive, but in keeping with the Freakout’s secretive ethos, it’s address-only for now) is just $5. big dipper (performing this year) and cakes the Killa (who headlined a recent Freakout) are

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think big: Queer rapper Big Dipper headlines this year’s New Year’s Eve Freakout. The annual event brings together old friends, music enthusiasts, and entertainers who rarely perform in Asheville. queer-identified rappers “who don’t really fit into the bluegrass and jamband-type of music that’s big here,” says Scott. He uses the New Year’s Eve holiday to book innovative acts.

“These are DJs that I, as a music nerd, really appreciate,” he says. “I’ve tried different kinds of approaches.

I’ve brought bands in, but that got in the way of the dance party.”

Scott has also tried various venues.

An unheated warehouse was a big issue, he remembers. Another warehouse was

mountainx.com

so large he had to bring vehicles into the space just to break it up. “It was so huge, but it was all run off one extension cord,” he says.

This year’s venue is heated and comes complete with all of the creature comforts — a mark of how the New Year’s Eve Freakout has evolved.

The lineup includes dj lommol (Yeah, Nah), danik yopp (D.Y.D.H.), djs abu disarray and scott (Total Gold), passion faction, dj malinalli and vj jason scott furr. But as Scott

prepares to celebrate the decade mark of his celebration, he’s aware of how the New Year’s Eve Freakout reflects important elements of the local aesthetic. “I’ve actually moved away in these 10 years and come back to do the party,” he says. Scott is back full-time now, “But I have these memories of what Asheville was and what I want it to be, still.”

Using the DIY-fueled-era of punk shows and now-defunct community spaces as touchstones, Scott works

to preserve those ideas. That’s one reason why his New Year’s Eve party remains affordable. “It’s also the time of the year when I see the people who used to live downtown and go to The Big Idea,” he says, referencing an early 2000s-era art space and venue on Carolina Lane.

It’s just one of many inspirations to continue the annual celebration.

“That, and keeping alive creatively,” Scott adds. Creative vitality would also serve as a fine New Year’s resolution (if anyone is looking for one) — or just a really great reason to throw a party. X

what New Year’s Eve Freakout where 101 Fairview Road

new year

Ringing in the

when Thursday, Dec. 31 10 p.m.-4 a.m. $5 advance/$8 doors avl.mx/23c

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by Jeff Messer

upstge@yahoo.com

the circle is noW comPlete My journey to star Wars: the force awakens

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inheritAnce: Author, playwright and radio personality Jeff Messer shares his Star Wars tales with a new generation of clones: his kids. Photo by Kelli Mullinix A long time ago, in a galaxy not so far away, my cool Uncle Ray took me and my cousin Michael to see a movie called Star Wars. It was showing at the Waynesville drivein on a Saturday night in the late 1970s. It forever changed my life.

I was a 7-year-old kid, living in a in a small town west of Asheville. I was surrounded by country folk and farmland, but I was a dreamer like simple farmboy Luke Skywalker.

I, too, felt destined for something more than a simple life — minus the intergalactic conflicts, of course.

George Lucas’ space fantasy inspired feelings in me that I never wanted to lose, though it wasn’t possible to go see the movie over and over again. This was well

before home movies. It was even pre-VHS. If I wanted to keep the tale fresh in my mind, I had to find another means of doing so. So I took a stack of notebook paper, and I began to write the story of Star Wars as I remembered it. I illustrated each page. It was my only way of holding onto the experience. But something more came from writing my own adaptation — it lit a fire inside me. I had become an author, at least in my own mind.

I began writing original stories that borrowed heavily from elements of Star Wars as well as comic books, TV and movies. By fifth grade, my penchant for creative writing had earned me a reputation, and the music teacher asked me to pen a script for the school musical. It was little more than a 20-minute knockoff of The Muppet Movie, but it was my first work performed for an audience.

They applauded at the end. That immediate reaction pulled me toward theater.

In 1991, at 20, my first professional work as a playwright — a musical revue about composer Irving Berlin, the first such show to be authorized by the Berlin Estate — was produced by my hometown community theater. More plays followed. In 1998, I was a regional runner-up in the Kennedy Center College Short Play Competition for my work, Anglo-White-Heterosexual American Men. Recently, I unearthed my adaptation of Star Wars from a crate of random items at my parents’ house.

Being reunited with it, as The Force Awakens looms large, gave me a sense of completion.

News of the Star Wars franchise returning to movie theaters made me feel like that 12 year-old kid who walked out of Return of the Jedi. Not only will there now be new tales and a new generation of characters, but the beloved characters are returning as well.

Awakens, shrouded in mystery until its release, was written by Lawrence Kasdan, whose credits include Empire and Jedi, as well as Raiders Of The Lost Ark.

Like others of my generation, I spent the decades following Jedi wondering what happened next. The heroes prevailed, evil was destroyed, and it looked like peace in the galaxy. But George Lucas had numbered the movies as episodes 4, 5 and 6, which left fans to wonder about episodes 1, 2 and 3 (and the much-hinted-at 7, 8 and 9). There were new stories and novels in the 1990s. Some were excellent, like the Heir to the Empire trilogy by Timothy Zahn, which felt like a continuation of the movies. Some novels fared less well, as they dealt with decidedly non-Star Wars-esque plots like alien invasions or Jedi private investigators.

The late ’90s brought the prequel films. I was not melodramatically mortified by them, as many of my contemporaries were. I was nearly 30 and knew that my perspective had changed. Star Wars essentially redefined modern pop culture and cinema in 1977. In 1999, there was no way the prequel trilogy could have that level of impact.

Plus, I was not a kid anymore, and

some of the cinematic wizardry that wowed me in the ’70s was more common two decades later. But nothing could tarnish my love of the original and all it had inspired in me.

My son Nicholas was born in 2003.

Inevitably, Star Wars became a part of his life, too. Sharing the movies allowed me to buy Star Wars toys again. Nicholas played with those toys before he knew what the franchise was, drawn to the sleek designs of stormtroopers and droids that fill the mythos. I saw myself in him as he played, creating his own scenarios and tales.

When the time was right, I showed him the films, starting with Episode 1, The Phantom Menace. It has a kidfriendly feel to it, with an 8-yearold in the lead role as a pre-Darth Vader Anakin Skywalker. There is a fan debate over viewing order for first-timers — should it be by original release order or numerical order? For me, it was a matter of what I thought Nicholas would best respond to. For a 5-year-old, it’s a mind-blowing feast for the eyes. Nicholas was hooked. His unbiased views of the movies that older

HappyfromHolidays Our Family to Yours

fans liked to complain about gave me an appreciation for the power of the inspirational experience.

Disney bought Star Wars from Lucas in 2012 and announced that, as of 2015, there would be a new film each year. That expanded the Star Wars universe beyond my wildest dreams. It also made me realize how intimate and personal such an epic thing can be. My Uncle Ray, who introduced me to Star Wars, passed away suddenly two years ago. I will be thinking of him as I see the new movie. And, as I return to a movie theater for episode 7 (Awakens), picking up where my 12-year-old self left off after episode 6 (Jedi) in 1983, I have a stepson and stepdaughter to join my son and me as we experience it together.

Star Wars gave me inspiration to dream, to create and to conquer imaginative galaxies of my own. My son is now exactly the same age that I was when I saw Jedi. The baton is being passed to a new generation on screen, in Awakens, and for me, personally: May the force be with us all. X

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$10 cover starting at 8:00pm Lyric in the Century Room and DJ MoTo in the South Bar Drink Specials, $16 bottles of Bubbly, Three bars! mountainx.com

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smArt bets Send your arts news to ae@mountainx.com

Urban Gypsy Trunk Show

The Nude Party The Nude Party, composed of six frequently pants-less dudes from Boone, formed shortly after bonding over a shared lack of clothing one night. Holding true to those beginnings, the psych-rock band revels in debauchery, subscribing to “a religion based on pushing the limits of bad taste,” according to an online bio.

The musicians aren’t as clueless as they let on, though, boasting entertaining and polished music videos of their small-town mountain antics plus a growing list of industry connections like The Growlers and La Luz. Still, The Nude Party’s music provides a rock ’n’ roll snapshot of youth’s blissful freedom. The Cannonball Jars, Ancient Whales and The Blots open The Nude Party’s vinyl- and tape-release show at The Mothlight Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 9 p.m. Free. themothlight.com. Photo

by Mike Belleme

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The Urban Gypsy Trunk Show is “basically like a party that happens to have incredible shopping,” according to Elle Erickson, organizer of the traveling boutique. In addition to one-of-a-kind, vintage and designer garments — most of which ring up in the $6-$10 range — Erickson’s all-ages extravaganza features dance music, henna art, Tarot readings, seated massages, locally made jewelry, a DIY alteration station, feather and hair extensions, body painting and, perhaps most important, free glitter. “Fun is mandatory. Shopping optional,” says the stylish entrepreneur. With its bar open for business, Asheville Music Hall hosts the party Saturday, Dec. 26, from noon to 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 27, from noon to 7 p.m. Free. ashevillemusichall.com.

Photo

by Micah Mackenzie with Dean Pardue styling

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by Abigail Griffin

Send your event listings to calendar@mountainx.com

G a l l e rY di r e c t o rY Art At uncA art.unca.edu • Through FR (1/15) - Art/Mechatronics Exhibition.

Held in Owen Hall Second Floor Gallery.

Asheville bookWorks 428 1/2 Haywood Road, 255-8444, ashevillebookworks.com • Through MO (2/29) - The Ladies of Letterpress, exhibition of prints from newly published book.

Asheville gAllery of Art 16 College St., 251-5796, ashevillegallery-of-art.com • Through TH (12/31) - Toys, painting exhibition of Virginia Pendergrass. blAck mountAin center for the Arts 225 W. State St., Black Mountain, 669-0930, blackmountainarts.org • Through MO (2/29) - Annual Clay Exhibit and Pottery Market. buncombe county Public librAries buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/library Free unless otherwise noted.

• Through TH (12/31) - Art exhibition by Sharon Sandel. Held at West Asheville Library, 942 Haywood Road • Through TH (12/31) - PhotoVoice Exhibit: Parenting is Hard: Let’s Do It Together, exhibition in partnership with Triple P Positive Parenting. Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St. n.c. Arboretum 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, 665-2492, ncarboretum.org. Regular parking fees apply.

• Through SA (1/3) - The Robot Zoo, exhibit featuring giant-size robots and interactive displays to teach biomechanics of animals.

• Through (1/3) - Fine-feathered Friends and Flowers, oil paintings by Mary Webster.

toys As Art: “When I heard that I was to be featured artist at the Asheville Gallery in December, a childlike voice in my mind shouted, ‘Toys!’” says Virginia Pendergrass. Pendergrass’ contemporary impressionist oil paintings depicting toys will be on display at the Asheville Gallery of Art from through Wednesday, Dec. 30. Photo courtesy of the Asheville Gallery of Art (p. 54) artists exhibiting. Mon.-Fri.: 9am-6pm.

=

z

Night. $5/$3 children.

Sat.: 10am-3pm. Free to attend.

theAter AuDitions & cAll to Artists

Art siP AnD DooDle (pd.) “everyone leaves with a painting” Sip your favorite drink and have fun painting. Ask about - Private Parties (Birthday, Anniversary, etc.) $25.00 with this AD. (828) 712-1288

Art/crAft fAirs

zcAlDWell Arts council 601 College Ave. SW, Lenoir, 7542486 • Through WE (12/23) - “Satie’s Holiday Sale,” 75 crafters and

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Some of the events for this section are locat-

zmontforD PArk PlAyers

cAlDWell Arts council

254-5146, montfordparkplayers.org • Through WE (12/23), 7:30pm - A Christmas Carol. $10. Held at Asheville

754-2486, caldwellarts.com

Masonic Temple, 80 Broadway

ed in the GiveLocal Events Calendar (p. 31)

• Through SA (1/30) - Open call for local artists to submit portfolios for 2017 exhibition. Free.

music cAthey’s creek community center Island Ford Road, Brevard • SA (12/26), 7pm - Bluegrass Saturday

mountainx.com

znc stAge comPAny 15 Stage Lane, 239-0263 • TH (12/23), 7:30pm - All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, readings and traditional patriotic and holiday songs from WWI. $16-$36.

• SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS (12/19) through (12/27), 2pm & 7:30pm - All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914, readings and traditional patriotic and holiday songs from WWI. $16-$36.

oDyssey cooPerAtive Art gAllery 238 Clingman Ave., 285-9700, facebook.com/odysseycoopgallery • Through TH (12/31) Group ceramic art exhibition showcasing the work of Mark Harmon and Ed Rivera. over eAsy cAfe 32 Broadway St., 236-3533, overeasyasheville.com • Through TH (12/31) - Exhibition of early works and recent editorial cartoons by David Cohen. the center for crAft, creAtivity & Design 67 Broadway, 785-1357, craftcreativitydesign.org • Through SA (1/9) - Made in WNC, textile, furniture, ceramics, and art exhibit exploring how craft, design, and production relate.

• Through SA (1/9) - Tom Shields sculptural arrangements from found furniture. the french broAD Artists saharfakhoury@yahoo.com • Through TH (12/31) - Small Jewels, exhibition of small paintings. Held at Riverview Station, 191 Lyman St. tryon fine Arts center 34 Melrose Ave., Tryon, 859-8322, tryonarts.org • Through SA (1/16) - Through A Brilliant Lens, photographs by Hansel Mieth.

Contact the galleries for admission hours and fees

mountainx.com

december 23 - december 29, 2015

55

clublAnD WeDnesDAy, December 23 5 WAlnut Wine bAr Stevie Lee Combs (acoustic juke), 5pm Les Amis (African folk), 8pm AltAmont theAtre Noble Kava presents: The Poetry Open Mic (poetry, music), 9pm ben’s tune-uP Honky-tonk Wednesdays, 3pm blAck mountAin Ale house Play to Win game night, 7:30pm blue mountAin PiZZA & breW Pub Open mic, 7pm cork & keg “Down The Chimney” w/ Tad Jackson & the Roasting Chestnuts (Christmas music), 8pm Double croWn Classic Country w/ DJs Greg Cartwright, David Gay, Brody Hunt, 10pm foggy mountAin breWPub Ashley Heath (folk, Americana), 9pm funkAtorium John Hartford Jam (folk, bluegrass), 6:30pm gooD stuff Karaoke!, 6pm grinD cAfe Trivia night, 7pm highlAnD breWing comPAny Holiday music w/ Woody Wood & friends (rock, soul), 5:30pm iron horse stAtion Ashley Heath (R&B), 6pm isis restAurAnt AnD music hAll An evening w/ Rhoda Weaver (gospel, soul), 7pm Sweet Claudette (country, Motown), 8:30pm JAck of the WooD Pub Old-time session, 5pm Honky-tonk dance party w/ Hearts Gone South, 9pm lAZy DiAmonD Killer Karaoke w/ KJ Tim O, 10pm lex 18 A 1930s White Christmas Dinner & Live Radio Show (ticketed event), 6pm lobster trAP Ben Hovey (dub-jazz, trumpet), 6:30pm mountAin moJo coffeehouse Open mic, 6:30pm noble kAvA Open mic w/ Caleb Beissert, 9pm

highlAnDer’s holiDAy: If you’re looking for a Celtic touch to the holidays this week, The Piper Jones Band may be up your alley.

Centered on “beautifully in-tune and energetically played Highland bagpipes accompanied by the percussive chords of the bouzouki and drum,” the three piece trio recently released its latest album, “The Wandering Stars” and has been featured on NPR and BBC Radio Scotland. The Piper Jones Band stops at Jack of The Wood Pub in downtown Asheville for a “Celtic Christmas” of traditional music and dance on Sunday, Dec. 27, beginning at 9 p.m. (Pictured: E.J. Jones, bagpipes, Frances Cunningham, bouzouki) Photo by Dave Fimbres

To qualify for a free listing, a venue must be predominately dedicated to the performing arts. Bookstores and cafés with regular open mics and musical events are also allowed / To limit confusion, events must be submitted by the venue owner or a representative of that venue / Events must be submitted in written form by e-mail (clubland@mountainx.com), fax, snail mail or hand-delivered to the Clubland Editor Hayley Benton at 2 Wall St., Room 209, Asheville, NC 28801. Events submitted to other staff members are not assured of inclusion in Clubland / Clubs must hold at least TWO events per week to qualify for listing space. Any venue that is inactive in Clubland for one month will be removed / The Clubland Editor reserves the right to edit or exclude events or venues / Deadline is by noon on Monday for that Wednesday’s publication. this is a firm deadline.

56

december 23 - december 29, 2015

mountainx.com

o.henry’s/the unDergrounD “Take the Cake” Karaoke, 10pm oDDitorium Martial Law (hardcore), 9pm off the WAgon Piano show, 9pm olive or tWist Intermediate swing dance lessons w/ Bobby Wood, 7pm Beginning swing dance lesson w/ Bobby Wood, 7:30pm 3 Cool Cats (vintage rock), 8pm one WorlD breWing The Blue Ribbon Healers (swing, string), 8pm oskAr blues breWery Trivia at the brewery, 6pm

PisgAh breWing comPAny Matt Reynolds vinyl release (Americana), 6pm room ix Fuego: Latin night, 9pm sAnctuAry breWing comPAny Letters to Abigail (bluegrass, country, folk), 7pm scully’s Sons of Ralph (bluegrass), 6pm sly grog lounge Word Night (trivia-ish), 8pm Cards Against Humanity Game Night, 10pm sol bAr neW mountAin World Wednesdays, 8pm tAllgAry’s At four college Open mic & jam, 7pm the block off biltmore Wine & Cheese tasting w/ Mark Guest (jazz guitar), 5:30pm the Joint next Door Bluegrass jam, 8pm the mothlight The Silent Knights w/ The Krektones (country, surf rock), 9pm

mArket PlAce Ben Hovey (dub jazz, beats), 7pm o.henry’s/the unDergrounD Game Night, 9pm Drag Show, 12:30am off the WAgon Dueling pianos, 9pm olive or tWist Dance lesson w/ Ian & Karen, 8pm DJ Mike (eclectic mix, requests), 8:30pm PAck’s tAvern Jeff Anders & Justin Burrell (acoustic rock), 9pm room ix Throwback Thursdays (all vinyl set), 9pm scAnDAls nightclub DJ dance party & drag show, 10pm sly grog lounge Open mic (musicians, poets, comedians & more welcome), 8pm sol bAr neW mountAin Open Mic Nights w/ Arjay Sutton & Melissa Blazen (folk, singer-songwriter), 6pm sPring creek tAvern Open Mic, 6pm

the Phoenix Jazz night, 8pm

tAllgAry’s At four college Open mic w/ Datrian Johnson, 7pm

the sociAl lounge Phantom Pantone (DJ), 10pm

the block off biltmore Christmas Eve Open Mic Night (piano available), 7:30pm

the southern Disclaimer Comedy open mic, 9pm tiger mountAin Flux (’80s & ’90s dance party), 10pm timo’s house “Spectrum AVL” w/ DamGood & rotating DJs, 9pm toWn PumP Open mic w/ Billy Presnell, 9pm trAilheAD restAurAnt AnD bAr Acoustic jam w/ Kevin Scanlon (bluegrass, old-time, folk), 6pm tressA’s DoWntoWn JAZZ AnD blues Blues & soul jam w/ Al Coffee & Da Grind, 8:30pm White horse blAck mountAin Richard Shulman Jazz Quartet, 7:30pm

thursDAy, December 24 bArley’s tAProom AMC Jazz Jam, 9pm blue riDge tAProom Beyond Chicken (Americana), 8pm croW & Quill Carolina Catskins (ragtime, jazz), 10pm Double croWn 33 and 1/3 Thursdays w/ DJs Devyn & Oakley, 10pm elAine’s Dueling PiAno bAr Dueling Pianos, 9pm

the sociAl lounge 80s night w/ DJ Kyuri on vinyl, 8pm timo’s house Dance Party w/ DJ Franco Nino, 10pm

Wed • December 23

toWn PumP Christmas Locals Jam, 9pm

Woody Wood @ 5:30pm

trAilheAD restAurAnt AnD bAr Cajun & western swing jam w/ Steve Burnside, 7pm

Thu • December 24

tressA’s DoWntoWn JAZZ AnD blues The Westsound Revue (Motown, soul), 9pm

CLOSED for the Holiday

Fri • December 25

tWisteD lAurel Karaoke, 8pm

CLOSED for the Holiday

White horse blAck mountAin A White Horse Christmas Eve w/ Bob Hinkle, Rhoda Weaver, Mark Fuller, Marcel Anton & Joe Lamanto (blues, country, caroling), 7pm

Sat • December 26 The Paper Crowns @ 7:00pm

WxyZ lounge At Aloft hotel Stevie Lee Combs (juke, Americana, folk), 7:30pm

Sun • December 27

Reggae Sunday featuring Dennis “Chalwa” Berndt @ 1:00pm

friDAy, December 25 AthenA’s club Dave Blair (folk, funk, acoustic), 7pm boiler room A Carolina Christmas party w/ Deuce, E11even, Golden, Jimmy Lee, King Dez, Gully Mills, Mena Shyy, J Nice & Yung Energy (multi-genre, DJ), 10pm

JAck of the WooD Pub Bluegrass jam, 7pm

club eleven on grove Michael-David’s Christmas Soiree’ (dance party, ugly sweater contest), 8pm

lex 18 A 1930s White Christmas Dinner & Live Radio Show (ticketed event), 6pm

croW & Quill Orphan’s Christmas (potluck, Tom Waits covers), all day event

lobster trAP Hank Bones (“The man of 1,000 songs”), 6:30pm

Double croWn DJ Greg Cartwright (garage & soul obscurities), 10pm

Tue • December 29 Team Trivia with Dr. Brown @ 6:00pm

mountainx.com

december 23 - december 29, 2015

57

JACK

clubland

Send your listings to clubland@mountainx.com

OF THE

WOOD PUB

#1 Pub Grub #2 Bar for Live Music

SAT THE BLOOD GYPSIES 12.26 (SOUTHERN SOUL, JAZZ, R&B, ROCK )

9PM $5

PIPER JONES CELTIC CHRISTMAS

SUN HOLIDAY SHOW 8PM DOORS 9:30PM SHOW $15 12.27 CELTIC TRADITIONAL JAM SESSION 3PM TO 8PM FREE ENTRY

TUE SCREEN DOOR PORCH 12.29 (AMERICANA, ROOTS-ROCK)

8PM FREE

CAJUN NEW YEARS EVE

THU CELEBRATION W/ SPECIAL GUEST 12.31 JACKMOMO CAJUN COUNTRY BAND W/ZYDECO YA YA

9PM $10

FRI 1.1

DAVID CHILDERS & THE SERPENTS

MON 1.4

(DEEP BLUES SLIDE GUITAR TO AMERICANA FOLK)

9PM $5

TODD CECIL & BACK SOUTH

9PM FREE (DONATIONS ENCOURAGED)

OPEN AT NOON DAILY

SATURDAY Parker & Smith (old-fashioned blues), 2-4pm SUNDAY Celtic Irish session 3-9pm MONDAY Quizzo! 7:30-9pm • WEDNESDAY Old-Time 5pm SINGER SONGWRITERS 1st & 3rd Tuesdays THURSDAY Scottie Parker (old-fashioned blues) 2-4pm, Bluegrass Jam 7pm

95 PATTON at COXE • Downtown Asheville

252.5445 • jackofthewood.com

elAine’s Dueling PiAno bAr Dueling Pianos, 9pm

elAine’s Dueling PiAno bAr Dueling Pianos, 9pm

JerusAlem gArDen Middle Eastern music & bellydancing, 7pm

grey eAgle music hAll & tAvern Floating Action w/ Joshua Carpenter and the Charity Hostages & Minorcan (rock, funk, indie), 8pm

k lounge DJ CVtheProducer (old-school hip-hop), 10pm lAZy DiAmonD Sonic Satan Stew w/ DJ Alien Brain, 10pm mArket PlAce The Sean Mason Trio (groove, jazz, funk), 7pm o.henry’s/the unDergrounD 5 Gay Days of Christmas Dance Party, 10pm Drag Show, 12:30am

&

Endless Flights New Year’s Eve Champagne Toast Free food & Dance party - no cover -

On Tap!

800 Haywood Road P o u r Ta p R o o m . c o m Monday - Thursday 12-11pm • Friday & Saturday 12-1am • Sunday 12-11pm 58

december 23 - december 29, 2015

isis restAurAnt AnD music hAll Odell Noel Experience (old-time, Celtic, acoustic), 7pm Saturday night dance party w/ Jim Arrendell (Motown, soul), 9pm

scAnDAls nightclub DJ dance party & drag show, 10pm scully’s DJ, 10pm

lex 18 The Patrick Lopez Experience (modern & Latin jazz), 7pm Michael Andersen (honky-tonk, piano), 9:45pm

the ADmirAl Hip Hop dance party w/ DJ Warf, 11pm

mArket PlAce DJs (funk, R&B), 7pm

the block off biltmore TBob’s Christmas Day Plant-based Potluck w/ Lisa Erhard (jazz piano, Christmas tunes), 5pm

o.henry’s/the unDergrounD The Shake off: Post Holiday Dance Party, 11pm off the WAgon Dueling pianos, 9pm

the sociAl lounge DJ Kyuri on vinyl (funk, soul, disco), 10pm

olive or tWist 42nd Street Band (big band jazz), 8pm Dance party (hip-hop, rap), 11pm

tiger mountAin Dark dance rituals w/ DJ Cliffypoo, 10pm

oskAr blues breWery Jamison Adams Project (blues, folk), 6pm

tWisteD lAurel Live DJ, 11pm

PAck’s tAvern A Social Function (classic hits, rock ’n’ roll), 9pm

sAturDAy, December 26

6 sour beers at all times

Asheville music hAll Urban Gypsy traveling trunk show (holiday shopping event), 12pm

JerusAlem gArDen Middle Eastern music & bellydancing, 7pm

ZAmbrA Zambra Jazz Trio, 8pm

48 BEERS ON TAP

iron horse stAtion Mark Shane (R&B), 7pm

PAck’s tAvern DJ MoTo (dance hits), 9pm

WxyZ lounge At Aloft hotel Ben Hovey (live souljazztronica), 8pm

Featuring

5 WAlnut Wine bAr Los Abrojitos (tango), 7pm

JAck of the WooD Pub The Blood Gypsies (Southern soul, jazz, R&B), 9pm

WilD Wing cAfe south A Social Function (acoustic), 9:30pm

5 WAlnut Wine bAr Riyen Roots & Kenny Dore (blues, roots), 6pm Hank West & The Smokin‘ Hots (jazz exotica), 9pm Asheville music hAll Urban Gypsy traveling trunk show (holiday shopping event), 12pm AthenA’s club Michael Kelley Hunter (blues), 6:30pm blAck mountAin Ale house The Mug (blues, rock, boogie), 9pm blue mountAin PiZZA & breW Pub Bob Zullo (acoustic), 7pm clAssic Wineseller Joe Cruz (piano, Beatles/Elton John covers), 7pm cork & keg The Zydeco All-Stars (zydeco, two-steps, waltzes), 8:30pm Double croWn Rock ’n’ Soul w/ DJs Lil Lorruh or Rebecca & Dave, 10pm Dugout Flashback Sally, 9pm

mountainx.com

sunDAy, December 27

highlAnD breWing comPAny The Paper Crowns (roots, folk), 7pm

off the WAgon Dueling pianos, 9pm

the sociAl Steve Moseley (acoustic), 6pm

WilD Wing cAfe Karaoke, 8pm

PisgAh breWing comPAny Duke Of Lizards (Phish tribute, jam), 9pm PurPle onion cAfe Scoot Pittman (funk, roots, rock), 7:30pm room ix Open dance night, 9pm sAnctuAry breWing comPAny Carver & Carmody (Americana, country), 7pm

ben’s tune-uP Reggae night w/ Dub Kartel, 8pm blue mountAin PiZZA & breW Pub Larry Dolamore (acoustic), 7pm byWAter Cornmeal Waltz w/ Asheville Country Music Review, 6pm cork & keg Sparrow & Her Wingmen swing dance (swing, lessons at 6:30), 6:30pm Double croWn Karaoke w/ Tim O, 9pm iron horse stAtion The Blue Ribbon Healers (old-time, jazz), 6pm isis restAurAnt AnD music hAll Jamie Laval’s Scottish Solstice Holiday Celebration brunch (Celtic, fiddle, storytelling), 2pm Jamie Laval’s Scottish Solstice Holiday Celebration (Celtic, fiddle, storytelling), 8pm JAck of the WooD Pub Celtic traditional jam session, 3pm Piper Jones Band Celtic Christmas holiday show, 9pm lAZy DiAmonD Tiki Night w/ DJ Lance (Hawaiian, surf, exotica), 10pm lex 18 The Thomas Wolfe Scandal (mystery immersive dinner, ticketed event), 6pm lobster trAP Lyndsay Pruett & John Stineman (old-time, traditional), 6:30pm off the WAgon Piano show, 9pm one stoP Deli & bAr Bluegrass brunch w/ Woody Wood, 11am

scAnDAls nightclub DJ dance party & drag show, 10pm

scAnDAls nightclub DJ dance party & drag show, 10pm

scully’s DJ, 10pm

southern APPAlAchiAn breWery BlueSunday w/ Garry Segal (blues), 5pm

southern APPAlAchiAn breWery Salsa Shark! (classic salsa), 8pm

tAllgAry’s At four college Jason Brazzel (acoustic), 6pm

sPring creek tAvern The Blue Ribbon Healers (old-time, jazz), 8:30pm

the biltmore estAte Michael Cash (Southern gospel), 6:30pm

the ADmirAl Soul night w/ DJ Dr. Filth, 11pm the block off biltmore Spoken Word w/ Meta Commerce (poems celebrating Kwanzaa), 5pm the sociAl lounge Phantom Pantone (DJ), 10pm timo’s house Stereo Crickets: Skye McCloud w/ Selector Cleofus & d:raf (bass party), 10pm toWn PumP The Travelers, 9pm tWisteD lAurel Live DJ, 11pm

the omni grove PArk inn Lou Mowad (classical guitar), 10am Bob Zullo (pop, rock, blues), 7pm the sociAl Get Vocal Karaoke, 9:30pm the sociAl lounge DJ Kyusi on vinyl (old school trip-hop, deep house, acid jazz), 8pm the southern Yacht Rock Brunch w/ DJ Kipper, 12pm timo’s house Asheville Drum ’n’ Bass Collective, 10pm WeDge breWing co.

Vollie McKenzie & Hank Bones (acoustic jazz-swing), 6pm

White horse blAck mountAin Living Legends of Mountain Music: Peter Gott & Ralph Lewis w/ friends (Appalachian mountain music, country, folk), 7:30pm

monDAy, December 28 185 king street Open mic night, 7pm 5 WAlnut Wine bAr Lyric (acoustic, soul), 8pm

AltAmont breWing comPAny Open mic w/ Chris O’Neill, 8:30pm Asheville music hAll Tuesday Night Funk Jam, 11pm

blAck beAr coffee co.

Round Robin acoustic open mic, 7pm

ben’s tune-uP Steelin’ Time w/ Scott Sharpe & Jon Corbin (ragtime-stomp, Hawaiian, bluegrass), 8pm

blue mountAin PiZZA & breW Pub Patrick Fitzsimons (blues, folk), 7pm

cAtAWbA breWing south sloPe Open mic night, 5pm courtyArD gAllery Open mic (music, poetry, comedy, etc.), 8pm creeksiDe tAPhouse Trivia, 7pm Double croWn Country Karaoke, 10pm gooD stuff Open mic w/ Laura Thurston, 7pm grey eAgle music hAll & tAvern Contra dance (lessons, 7:30pm), 8pm JAck of the WooD Pub Quizzo, 7pm lAZy DiAmonD Heavy Night w/ DJ Butch, 10pm lexington Ave breWery (lAb) Kipper’s “Totally Rad” Trivia night, 8pm lobster trAP Bobby Miller & Friends (bluegrass), 6:30pm o.henry’s/the unDergrounD Geeks Who Drink trivia, 7pm olive or tWist 2 Breeze Band (Motown), 6pm one WorlD breWing Beats & Brews w/ DJ Whistleblower, 8pm oskAr blues breWery Mountain Music Mondays (open jam), 6pm

buffAlo nickel Trivia, 7pm cAtAWbA breWing south sloPe Reverend Finster (R.E.M. covers), 6:30pm creeksiDe tAPhouse Old School Low Down Blues Tues. w/ Matt Walsh, 6pm Double croWn DJ Brody Hunt (honky-tonk, Cajun, Western), 10pm gooD stuff Old time-y night, 6:30pm iron horse stAtion Open mic, 6pm isis restAurAnt AnD music hAll Tuesday bluegrass sessions, 7:30pm JAck of the WooD Pub Screen Door Porch (Americana, roots, rock), 8pm lAZy DiAmonD Punk ’n’ Roll w/ DJ Leo Delightful, 10pm lex 18 Bob Strain & Bill Fouty (jazz ballads & standards), 7pm lobster trAP Jay Brown (acoustic-folk, singer-songwriter), 6:30pm lookout breWery Caroline Cotter (folk, singer-songwriter), 7pm mArket PlAce The Rat Alley Cats (jazz, Latin, swing), 7pm oDDitorium Odd comedy night, 9pm off the WAgon Rock ’n’ roll bingo, 8pm

sovereign remeDies Stevie Lee Combs (acoustic), 8pm

olive or tWist Tuesday night blues dance w/ The Remedy (blues, dance), 8pm

the omni grove PArk inn Bob Zullo (pop, rock, blues), 7pm

one stoP Deli & bAr Turntable Tuesdays (DJs & vinyl), 10pm

the vAlley music & cookhouse Monday Pickin’ Parlour (open jam, open mic), 8pm

one WorlD breWing Jacqueline Terry CD release (freak-folk, pop, Americana), 8pm

tiger mountAin Service industry night (rock ’n’ roll), 9pm

sAnctuAry breWing comPAny Team trivia & tacos, 7pm

timo’s house Movie night, 7pm

tAllgAry’s At four college Jam night, 9pm

urbAn orchArD Old-time music, 7pm

tuesDAy, December 29 5 WAlnut Wine bAr The John Henrys (hot jazz), 8pm

5pm–12am

Full Bar

12am

ben’s tune-uP Eleanor Underhill (acoustic), 5pm Gypsy Swingers (swing, jazz, Latin), 7pm

blAck mountAin Ale house Trivia, 7pm

byWAter Open mic w/ Taylor Martin, 8pm

Tues-Sun

bAck yArD bAr Open mic & jam w/ Robert Swain, 8pm

AltAmont breWing comPAny Old-time jam w/ Mitch McConnell, 6:30pm

blue mountAin PiZZA & breW Pub Billy Litz (Americana, singer-songwriter), 7pm

Dinner Menu till 10pm Late Night Menu till

COMING SOON WED 12/23

7:00 PM – AN EVENING w/ RHODA WEAVER 8:30 PM – SWEET CLAUDETTE HOLIDAY SEASON CONCERT

THU 12/24 - FRI 12/25 CLOSED FOR CHRISTMAS SAT 12/26

7:00 PM – ODELL NOEL EXPERIENCE

9:00 PM – SATURDAY NIGHT DANCE PARTY w/ JIM ARRENDELL SUN 12/27

JAMIE LAVAL’S CHRISTMAS IN SCOTLAND 2:00 PM – BRUNCH 8:00 PM – EVENING CONCERT

WED 12/30 9:00 PM – BRITTANY REILLY GRATEFUL DUO w/ GUESTS & TAYLOR MARTIN’S ENGINE THU 12/31 9:00 PM – NEW YEARS EVE CELEBRATION w/ STEPHANIESID & JON STICKLEY TRIO FRI 1/8 7:00 PM – an evening with DULCI

ELLENBERGER & FRIENDS

9:00 PM – Free For All Friday! w/

THE HERMIT KINGS & FASHION BATH SAT 1/9 7:00 PM – AN EVENING w/ DANIKA HOLMES

FEAT. JEB HART 9:00 PM – BIG DADDY LOVE

SUN 1/10 5:30 PM – MUSIC & WINE INTERLUDE: PAN HARMONIA PRESENTS KATE STEINBECK (FLUTE) & IVAN SENG (PIANO)

HARD BOP EXPLOSION

WED 1/13 7:00 PM – MOUNTAIN SPIRIT & ISIS PRESENT: AN EVENING w/ TODD HOKE W/ POSSUM KING Every Tuesday

7:30pm–midnite

BLUEGRASS SESSIONS

Every Sunday

�the silent knights w/ the krektones

�the nude party

12/30 wed

w/ the blots,

ancient whales, the cannonballjars

7:45 PM – SUNDAY JAZZ SHOWCASE FEAT.

12/31 thu

�w/weezus (weezer cover band) no doubt cover band, pixies cover band

1/9 sat

�brother hawk

w/ old heavy hands,

shallows

6pm–11pm

JAZZ SHOWCASE

�w/homme the few

1/17 sun

the Joint next Door Open mic w/ Laura Thurston, 7pm

�disparager free! �w/phil cook the dead tongues

1/18 mon

the sociAl lounge Phantom Pantone (DJ), 10pm tressA’s DoWntoWn JAZZ AnD blues Funk & jazz jam w/ Pauly Juhl, 8:30pm

12/23 wed

743 HAYWOOD RD 828-575-2737 ISISASHEVILLE.COM mountainx.com

1/21 thu

december 23 - december 29, 2015

59

THU

An Undead NYE

7PM doorS

12/26

FLOATING ACTION

w/ JOSHUA CARPENTER AND THE CHARITY HOSTAGES + MINORCAN

urbAn orchArD Billy Litz (Americana, singer-songwriter), 7pm White horse blAck mountAin Irish sessions & open mic, 6:30pm

with

Unknown 12/31 hinson Drunken Prayer 1/2 THE GIBSON BROTHERS

WilD Wing cAfe south Tuesday bluegrass, 6pm Trivia w/ Kelilyn, 8:30pm

WeDnesDAy, December 30

7PM doorS

5 WAlnut Wine bAr Eleanor Underhill (Americana, soul), 5pm Les Amis (African folk), 8pm ben’s tune-uP Honky-tonk Wednesdays, 3pm

1/6 FRED E AGLESMITH’S OPEN MIC 1/7 LEGENDARY 6pm sign up SALT UNION 1/9 OLD + GALLOWS BOUND

7PM doorS

blue mountAin PiZZA & breW Pub Open mic, 7pm

7PM doorS

TRAVELING STE AM SHOW

blAck mountAin Ale house Play to Win game night, 7:30pm

Double croWn Classic Country w/ DJs Greg Cartwright, David Gay, Brody Hunt, 10pm foggy mountAin breWPub DJ Betcha Won’t, 9pm

8PM doorS

SAT

THU

WEd

SAT

w/ + Little Lesley and The Bloodshots

W/ DAVID & VALERIE MAYFIELD

Send your listings to clubland@mountainx.com

tWisteD lAurel Tuesday night blues dance w/ The Remedy (lesson @ 8), 8pm

8PM doorS

SAT

cl u b l a n d

funkAtorium John Hartford Jam (folk, bluegrass), 6:30pm gooD stuff Karaoke!, 6pm grinD cAfe Trivia night, 7pm highlAnD breWing comPAny Woody Wood Wednesdays (rock, soul), 5:30pm

TAVERN

iron horse stAtion Kevin Reese (Americana), 6pm

DOWNTOWN ON THE PARK

isis restAurAnt AnD music hAll Brittany Reilly Grateful Duo w/ Taylor Martin’s Engine (bluegrass, roots, rock), 9pm

Eclectic Menu • Over 30 Taps • Patio 13 TV’s • Sports Room • 110” Projector Event Space • Shuffleboard Open 7 Days 11am - Late Night

Lookibnogu for the Perfect Gift? ta wA

Pack’s T avern Gift Card!

Ho

THU. 12/24 Jeff Anders & Justin Burrell

A Social Function (classic

THU. 12/31 COUNTDOWN to 2016 BASH Lyric in Century Room

o.henry’s/the unDergrounD “Take the Cake” Karaoke, 10pm

DJ Moto in South Bar

oDDitorium Mr. Mange w/ Kindgoms and Classes (rock), 9pm

(dance hits)

olive or tWist Intermediate swing dance lessons w/ Bobby Wood, 7pm Beginning swing dance lesson w/ Bobby Wood, 7:30pm 3 Cool Cats (vintage rock), 8pm one stoP Deli & bAr Lip sync karaoke, 10pm

20 S. SPRUCE ST. • 225.6944 PACKSTAVERN.COM 60

december 23 - december 29, 2015

mountainx.com

scully’s Sons of Ralph (bluegrass), 6pm sly grog lounge Cards Against Humanity Game Night, 10pm sol bAr neW mountAin World Wednesdays, 8pm southern APPAlAchiAn breWery Holiday Spin Sessions w/ DJ Robin Tolleson (classic vinyl), 6pm tAllgAry’s At four college Open mic & jam, 7pm the Joint next Door Bluegrass jam, 8pm the mothlight The Nude Party w/ The Blots, Ancient Whales & The Cannonball Jars (“boner pop”, psychedelic, rock), 9pm the Phoenix Jazz night, 8pm the sociAl lounge Phantom Pantone (DJ), 10pm the southern Disclaimer Comedy open mic, 9pm tiger mountAin Flux (’80s & ’90s dance party), 10pm timo’s house “Spectrum AVL” w/ DamGood & rotating DJs, 9pm toWn PumP Open mic w/ Billy Presnell, 9pm trAilheAD restAurAnt AnD bAr Acoustic jam w/ Kevin Scanlon (bluegrass, old-time, folk), 6pm

White horse blAck mountAin The Road Less Traveled (jazz), 7:30pm

noble kAvA Open mic w/ Caleb Beissert, 9pm

(pop, funk, soul)

sAnctuAry breWing comPAny Pups & Pints adoption event w/ Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, 7pm

lAZy DiAmonD Killer Karaoke w/ KJ Tim O, 10pm

mountAin moJo coffeehouse Open mic, 6:30pm

hits, rock ‘n’ roll)

room ix Fuego: Latin night, 9pm

tressA’s DoWntoWn JAZZ AnD blues Blues & soul jam w/ Al Coffee & Da Grind, 8:30pm

lobster trAP Ben Hovey (dub-jazz, trumpet), 6:30pm

SAT. 12/26

PisgAh breWing comPAny Laura Blackley & The Wildflowers (country, Americana), 6pm

JAck of the WooD Pub Old-time session, 5pm Honky-tonk dance party w/ Hearts Gone South, 9pm

lex 18 The Patrick Lopez Experience (modern & Latin jazz), 7pm

(acoustic rock)

oskAr blues breWery Trivia at the brewery, 6pm

thursDAy, December 31 5 WAlnut Wine bAr Pleasure Chest (blues, rock, soul), 6pm New Years Eve w/ Shake It Like a Caveman! (rock ’n’ roll), 10pm Asheville music hAll Asheville New Year’s Eve 2016 Masquerade w/ Bird of Prey, Empire Strikes Brass, Push/Pull, The Hornitz, Rims and Keys, Hank West and the Smokin’ Hots & TEMPI (electronic, funk, soul), 9pm bArley’s tAProom AMC Jazz Jam, 9pm ben’s tune-uP New Year’s Eve Ben’s Bash w/ Todd Cecil and Back South & Matt Townsend & The Wonder of The World (Americana, swamprock, indie), 6pm blAck mountAin Ale house New Years Eve w/ Alarm Clock Conspiracy (indie, rock), 10pm

blue mountAin PiZZA & breW Pub Mark Bumgarner (Americana), 7pm blue riDge tAProom New Year’s Eve: Our House presents “Underground Sounds of Asheville” (electronic), 9pm boiler room Grove house Epic New Year’s Bash (prizes, DJs, drag show), 8pm

DJs, go-go), 10pm oDDitorium Odd Cover Show & Girls Rock Benefit (rock), 9pm olive or tWist Dance lesson w/ Ian & Karen, 8pm DJ Mike (eclectic mix, requests), 8:30pm

byWAter Secret B-Sides (soul, funk), 9pm

one stoP Deli & bAr Phish ’n’ Chips (Phish covers), 6pm Asheville New Year’s Eve 2016 Masquerade w/ Bird of Prey, Empire Strikes Brass, Push/Pull, The Hornitz, Rims and Keys, Hank West and the Smokin’ Hots & TEMPI (electronic, funk, soul), 9pm

clAssic Wineseller New Year’s Eve w/ Mean Mary & the Contrarys (folk), 7pm

orAnge Peel RJD2 w/ Transputer & Selector Cleofus (hip-hop, indie, rock), 9pm

club eleven on grove Grove House Epic New Year’s Eve bash (prizes, DJs, drag show), 8pm

oskAr blues breWery New Year’s Eve Hootenanny w/ The Black Lillies, Town Mountain, Pisgah Pickers, members of Steep Canyon Rangers & Steve trismen and Jeff Sipe (country, soul, rock), 7pm

buxton hAll bbQ Buxton Hall New Year’s Eve party w/ DJ Mathew Storm Schrader, 10:30pm

croW & Quill Plankeye Peggy w/ Skunk Ruckus (rock, rockabilly, carnival tunes, pirate shanties), 9pm Double croWn 33 and 1/3 Thursdays w/ DJs Devyn & Oakley, 10pm Dugout New Years Eve party w/ Justified Vibe (blues, rock), 9pm eliADA home Dancing, Drums, and Dreams: A Rhythmic Celebration of the New Year w/ Free Planet Radio & Kalimbaman Kevin Spears (rhythmic drumming, world music), 8:30pm foggy mountAin breWPub Blood Gypsies New Year’s Eve party (soul, R&B), 10pm french broAD breWery Tennessee Hollow Reunion w/ Dave Dribbon & Chris Budro (rock, country, blues), 6pm grey eAgle music hAll & tAvern Unknown Hinson w/ Drunken Prayer & Little Lesley and the Bloodshots (country, psychobilly, rock), 9pm highlAnD breWing comPAny Ring in the new beer! w/ The Family & DJ Marley (folk, rock, DJ), 6pm isis restAurAnt AnD music hAll New Years Eve celebration w/ stephaniesid & Jon Stickley Trio (pop, rock, jazz), 9pm JAck of the WooD Pub Bluegrass jam, 7pm Cajun New Year’s Eve celebration w/ Jackomo Cajun Country Band & Zydeco Ya Ya, 9pm lex 18 Top Hat! Putting on the Ritz New Years Celebration (ticketed event), 5:30pm lobster trAP Hank Bones (“The man of 1,000 songs”), 6:30pm mArket PlAce Ben Hovey (dub jazz, beats), 7pm neW mountAin theAter/ AmPhitheAter New Year’s Eve w/ The Mantras & Pigeons Playing Ping Pong (funk, rock, electronica), 8pm noble ciDer A Very Noble New Year w/ Peggy & The Daddy Long Legs (rockin’ blues, Motown, soul), 8pm o.henry’s/the unDergrounD Game Night, 9pm New Year’s Eve Bottles & Bow Ties (drag,

PAck’s tAvern Countdown To 2016 Bash w/ Lyric (pop, funk, soul) & DJ Moto (dance hits), 9pm

tressA’s DoWntoWn JAZZ AnD blues The Westsound Revue (Motown, soul), 9pm

cork & keg Gypsy Swingers (jazz, Latin, bossa nova), 8:30pm foggy mountAin breWPub Phil Alley Trio (bluegrass), 10pm

tWisteD lAurel Karaoke, 8pm

JAck of the WooD Pub The Resonant Rogues (New Orleans Gypsy-jazz, dance), 9pm

White horse blAck mountAin Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Party w/ The Marcel Anton Band, Rhoda Weaver & the Soul Mates (blues, rock), 8:30pm

k lounge DJ CVtheProducer (old-school hip-hop), 10pm

WxyZ lounge At Aloft hotel New Years Eve w/ Omnitet (funk), 8pm

neW mountAin theAter/ AmPhitheAter Asheville drum circle (at Blue Ridge Tap Room), 6pm

ZAmbrA New Year’s Eve w/ Zambra Gypsy Jazz Quartet, 8pm

o.henry’s/the unDergrounD Total Gold New Year’s Day dance party, 10pm

friDAy, JAnuAry 1 5 WAlnut Wine bAr Lyric (acoustic soul), 9pm ben’s tune-uP Woody Wood & The Asheville Family Band (acoustic, folk, rock), 6pm

oDDitorium Bleedseason w/ A World of Lies & Artificial Oceans (metal), 9pm PAck’s tAvern DJ OCelate (pop, dance hits), 9pm

PisgAh breWing comPAny Phuncle Sam’s free New Year’s Eve (Grateful Dead tribute), 9:30pm PurPle onion cAfe New Year’s Eve celebration early dinner w/ Fred Whiskin (piano), 5pm New Year’s Eve celebration w/ The Deluge (roots, rock, soul), 8pm room ix Throwback Thursdays (all vinyl set), 9pm sAnctuAry breWing comPAny Aaron Burdette (Americana, bluegrass, folk-rock), 7pm scAnDAls nightclub Grove House Epic New Year’s Eve bash (prizes, DJs, drag show), 8pm sly grog lounge Open mic (musicians, poets, comedians & more welcome), 8pm

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december 23 - december 29, 2015

61

BIG 2016 IDEAS issue

c lubland sAnctuAry breWing comPAny Petty Cash (classic rock, Americana, country classics), 7pm sol bAr neW mountAin Sol Vibes presents Mary B & Byrdy (electronic), 10pm

Special Advertorial Issue

the sociAl lounge DJ Kyuri on vinyl (funk, soul, disco), 10pm toWn PumP The Egg Eaters (new wave), 9pm

Coming January 20, 2016!

go to page 31 for a list of

December/ January 2015-2016

8PM SHOW

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MAD INFLUENCE & ADBC RESIDENTS THEATER

MANIC FOCUS,

grey eAgle music hAll & tAvern The Gibson Brothers w/ David & Valerie Mayfield (bluegrass), 8pm highlAnD breWing comPAny Mary Frances & The Dirty Classics (soul), 7pm JAck of the WooD Pub David Childers & The Serpents (singer-songwriter), 9pm o.henry’s/the unDergrounD Lift Off (anthems, requests, dance party), 10pm oDDitorium Telic w/ Vic Crown & Spearfinger (metal), 9pm one stoP Deli & bAr Hurricane Bob Band (blues, rock), 10pm oskAr blues breWery Patrick Fitzsimmons (world music), 6pm PAck’s tAvern Grand Theft Audio (rock, classic covers), 9pm sAnctuAry breWing comPAny Jason Whittaker (acoustic-rock), 7pm the sociAl lounge Phantom Pantone (DJ), 10pm

PSYMBIONIC, LIVE ANIMALS & BOMBASSIC

december 23 - december 29, 2015

ben’s tune-uP Gypsy Guitars (acoustic, Gypsy-jazz), 2pm Savannah Smith & Southern Soul (singer-songwriter, soul), 8pm

foggy mountAin breWPub Hustle Souls (soul, Americana), 10pm

and PIGEONS PLAYING PING PONG

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Asheville music hAll “Lose Yourself to Dance” party w/ DJ Marley Carroll (dance music), 10pm

cork & keg Old Time Jam, 7:30pm

THEATER

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5 WAlnut Wine bAr Eleanor Underhill Duo (Americana, soul), 6pm Jason Moore & Trust Trio (funk, jazz), 9pm

clAssic Wineseller Joe Cruz (piano, Beatles/Elton John covers), 7pm

NEW YEARS EVE

THURSDAY

12.31

sAturDAy, JAnuAry 2

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White horse blAck mountAin Sam Burchfield w/ Nathan Anthony (soul, folk, funk), 8pm

movies

CrankY Hanke revIeWs & LIstIngs

BY KEN HANKE, JUSTIN SOUTHER & SCOTT DOUGLAS

HHHHH = Pick of the week

Michael Caine and Harvey Keitel in Paolo Sorrentino’s magnificent Youth-- 2015’s best film.

Youth HHHHH director: Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty) plaYers: Michael Caine, Harvey Keitel, Paul Dano, Rachel Weisz, Jane Fonda drama Rated R the storY: The lives of two old friends staying at a health spa in the Alps are at the center of this expansive film. the lowdown: The best film of the year has arrived — a grand banquet of sight and sound that is at once funny and tragic. This is an absolute must-see.

Without the slightest hesitation, I’m calling Paolo Sorrentino’s Youth the best movie of 2015. Nothing else comes close. While 2015 has been a

good year for movies, I spent all year waiting for that one film that would blow me away, and it was Youth. I watched it knowing nothing about it, except that it starred Michael Caine and was made by the same man who made The Great Beauty, a film that (rightly) won the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar for 2014 (also the BAFTA and Golden Globe in the same category). I was hopeful, but that’s all.

It grabbed me from the very beginning and never lost me, bringing me to tears more than once (and not in any cheap manipulative way) — and more so on subsequent viewings (I’m up to three).

Once I saw how the film had to end (on that first viewing), I realized that the climax could make or break the movie, depending on the quality of one thing (which I won’t reveal here). Happily, it came through.

This is a rich, rewarding, expansive movie — one that effectively straddles

|

C O N TA C T AT P R E S S M O V I E S @ A O L . C O M

m a x r at i n g

the gulf between art movie and popular film. (And, yes, for the subtitlephobics, it’s in English, though the cast might have tipped you off.) The title is perhaps ironic — considering the film’s main characters, Caine and Harvey Keitel, are hardly young — but by the end of the film, you may think otherwise. Youth is a good bit like Fellini’s 8 1/2 (1963) and has elements of Ken Russell’s Mahler (1974) — with maybe just a touch of Visconti’s Death in Venice (1971) — but is ultimately, its own beautiful thing.

There is less a plot than a situation — or a series of situations. It mostly takes place at a health spa in the Alps where retired composer Fred Ballinger (Caine) and his best friend, filmmaker Mick Boyle (Keitel), have been coming for years. Also in residence is a young actor named Jimmy Tree (Paul Dano) and, on occasion, Ballinger’s daughter Lena (Rachel Weisz). For atmosphere, there’s also a (frequently nude) Miss Universe (Madalin Ghenea), a Buddhist Monk (Dorji Wangchuk) — who may or may not be able to levitate — and a few other (often peculiar) characters. What stories there are concern the efforts to get the determinedly retired Ballinger to conduct a royal command performance of his early composition, “Simple Songs”; Boyle trying to pull together a screenplay; and Tree trying to gain status as a serious actor. Into that mix comes Lena’s husband (who also happens to be Boyle’s son) dumping her for a pop star. And then Boyle’s star, Brenda Morel (Jane Fonda), shows up.

There’s more, but none of it reads in any manner like the film plays out.

This is a grand banquet of a film.

It flits effortlessly between comedy, regret, sadness, hope, resignation and maybe redemption. The movie mixes fantasy with reality and playfulness with the deadly serious. It chooses carefully what mysteries it will reveal and which it keeps to itself — and is dead on the mark in every instance.

It is the kind of work — much like Sorrentino’s The Great Beauty — that could have fallen apart at any moment and miraculously doesn’t. The fact that it dares this risk is part of its greatness.

mountainx.com

the ate r l istinG s friDAy, December 25 thursDAy, December 31 Due to possible scheduling changes, moviegoers may want to confirm showtimes with theaters.

Asheville PiZZA & breWing co.

(254-1281) closed christmas daY inside out (pG) 1:00, 4:00 the martian (pG-13) 7:00, 10:00

cArmike cinemA 10 (298-4452) cArolinA cinemAs (274-9500) alVin and the chipmunks (pG) 10:55, 1:25, 3:35, 6:15, 8:25, 10:35 the biG short (r) starts wed., dec. 23: 10:45, 1:35, 4:20, 7:05, 9:50 brooklYn (pG-13) 2:15, 7:40 concussion (pG-13) 11:05, 1:45, 4:30, 7:10, 9:55 daddY’s home (pG-13) 12:35, 2:50, 5:10, 7:25, 9:40 the danish Girl (r) 11:45, 2:20, 4:55, 7:35. 10:15 the hunGer Games: mockinGJaY -- part 2 (pG-13) 11:15, 4:45. 10:20 JoY (pG-13) 11:20, 2:00, 4:40, 7:20, 10:10 point break 3d (pG-13) 2:45, 10:15 point break 2d (pG-13) 12:15, 5:15, 7:45 sisters (r) 11:10, 1:50, 4:35, 7:15, 10:00 star wars: the Force awakens 3d (pG-13) 10:20, 1:20, 4:25, 7:30, 10:35 star wars: the Force awakens 2d (pG-13) 11:00, 12:50, 1:55, 3:55, 5:00, 7:00, 8:05, 10:05 Youth (r) 11:05, 1:40, 4:15, 6:55, 9:30

co-eD cinemA brevArD (883-2200) star wars: the Force awakens (pG-13) 12:30, 4:00, 7:30

ePic of henDersonville (693-1146) fine Arts theAtre (232-1536) the danish Girl (r) 1:00, 4:00, 7:00, Late Show Fri-Sat 9:30 Youth (r) 1:20, 4:20, 7:20, Late show Fri-Sat 9:50

flAtrock cinemA (697-2463) JoY (pG-13) 3:30, 7:00

regAl biltmore grAnDe stADium 15 (684-1298) uniteD Artists beAucAtcher (2981234) december 23 - december 29, 2015

63

MOVIES

by Ken Hanke & Justin Souther

I saw The Road Chip at a screening that started after its target audience’s bed time, meaning that I had the theater seemingly to myself. After hearing some mysterious noises, a head finally emerged a few rows ahead of me, and I realized a young

couple was having some decidedly “adult” fun during this kids’ film. It is safe to say that, however disappointing their tryst might have been to the participants involved, they enjoyed the latest Chipmunks installment more than anyone in the country who is old enough to read.

Was a fourth Chipmunks film necessary? As a moviegoer, the answer is unquestionably “no.” As a studio executive, however, any franchise that has grossed over a billion dollars globally necessitates as many iterations as possible. Unfortunately, the process for green-lighting one of these atrocities seems to consist of waiting on a writer to come up with a pun for the title and then filming a series of musical numbers and action set-pieces that will be strung together with some semblance of a narrative in post. The quality of the titular pun in this instance is, sadly, indicative of the quality of the script, and the film’s cast seems justifiably displeased by the material they’ve been given.

Perceptive readers may have noticed that I refrained from naming the B and C-list celebrities that voice this film’s eponymous computer generated monstrosities. This is not an oversight, but a commentary on the wooden performances of a disengaged cast rendered unrecognizable by autotune. The actors who do appear on screen have chosen to sacrifice what dignity they might have possessed in exchange for what was hopefully a sizable check.

Tony Hale overacts with surprising seriousness as the ostensible villain of the piece, and the most convincing theory for Jason Lee’s continued presence in these films is that starring in terrible children’s movies might be Scientology’s new torture for its errant adherents. I chose to list John Waters among the primary cast, despite his two lines and roughly twenty-seconds of screen time. His cameo not only delivers the sole laugh I could squeeze out of this screening. It also also pulled me back from the existential abyss with which I found myself confronted by reminding me that bad taste comes in many forms — and that I probably shouldn’t take awful films so seriously.

There’s little point in summarizing the story of The Road Chip, such as it is. The plot here simply serves as an excuse for CGI rodents to make scatological jokes and butcher popular songs that were bad enough without helium-infused reinterpretation. While this is obviously a film aimed at children, there are plenty of other such movies that do not actively insult the intelligence of their target demographic. A distinct air of laziness and cynicism pervades The Road Chip

december 23 - december 29, 2015

mountainx.com

The performances are all exceptional — Caine, in particular, is outstanding, but the others (including Fonda’s short appearance) are not far behind. The cinematography is beautiful to behold, and the music

by American composer David Lang is stunning. In a way, Youth actually is more like a great, slightly impenetrable musical composition that suggests as much as it states — than it is like a movie. And yet it is a movie — and a truly great one. Rated R for graphic nudity, some sexuality and language.

Starts Friday at Carolina Cinemas and Fine Arts Theatre. reviewed by Ken Hanke khanke@mountainx.com

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Trip S Director: Walt Becker Players: Jason Lee, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Tony Hale, John Waters animated kiddie comedy Rated PG The Story: Alvin, Simon and Theodore try to preclude their adoptive father Dave’s happiness by traveling to Miami in the hopes of sabotaging his proposal to a new girlfriend.

The Lowdown: You already know, if you’re going to have to see this film. If Star Wars is sold out or if your children’s sadism can only be sated by squeaky-voiced inanity, the best you can hope for is a 90-minute winter’s nap.

64

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HHHHH = max rating that adults will find distasteful even if their progeny have yet to develop the cinematic savvy to recognize a brazen cash-grab when they see one.

To those who would argue that the kids dragging their parents to this movie will love it, I can only respond that those same kids would love to eat gummy bears for dinner, but that doesn’t mean a responsible parent would allow them to do so.

The very concept of trying to return a 50-plus-year-old one-note novelty to social relevance by inserting crude humor, rampant tween-isms and a few recognizable cameos would be laughable had these films not proven so profitable. Hopefully, the fact that Fox lead The Road Chip to its inevitable slaughter against the biggest release of the year is some indication that the studio has chosen to grant the franchise a quiet death. If not, I call bullchip. Rated PG for rude humor.

Now playing at Carmike 10, Carolina Cinemas, Epic of Hendersonville , Regal Biltmore Grande. reviewed by Scott Douglas jsdouglas22@gmail.com

Concussion HHHS Director: Peter Landesman (Parkland) Players: Will Smith, Gugu MbathaRaw, Alec Baldwin, Albert Brooks, Eddie Marsan, Luke Wilson fact-based drama Rated PG-13 The Story: Fact-based story about the Pittsburgh pathologist who blew the whistle on the NFL cover-up on brain damage in football.

The Lowdown: Mostly pretty effective agitprop drama, but with an unfortunate tendency toward speech-making and a rushed — and overly melodramatic — conclusion.

Peter Landesman’s Concussion is the kind of movie I probably would have passed on if Columbia Pictures hadn’t been promoting it as awardsworthy, meaning they not only had a critics’ screening but also made sure we got year-end screeners for our “consideration.” Will Smith and I

have long been on shaky footing (actually, 2008’s Seven Pounds struck me as grounds for divorce), and the subject matter didn’t grab me. Granted, I had been one of the few who actually liked Landesman’s Parkland (2013), but not enough to tip the scales. Still, if you go out of your way to make sure I see your movie, I’ll give it a shot. The surprise was that it almost worked — up to a point — and my issues with the movie had little to do with Will Smith.

In fact, I liked Smith here and bought into his characterization, including (mostly) his Nigerian accent. Score one point for the film.

The film scores further points in managing to hold the interest while waiting to get to the crux of a story that we go into the theater knowing — that pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Smith) is going to uncover the link between brain damage and professional football players who suffer repeated concussions. Oh, it’s nothing exactly world-astounding — little about the film is — but it’s efficient and effective in establishing the film as well as the characters who inhabit it or otherwise drive the story. Within about 20 minutes, the film has laid out its course with economy — and a smattering of wit — and it manages to follow it fairly effectively for a solid hour. We’re introduced to football great Mike Webster (an almost unrecognizable David Morse) and watch his rapid descent into drug-addled, uncontrollable wild man — and ultimately his death. We meet Omalu and get a crash course in his quirks and qualifications. In turn, Omalu meets his future wife Prema (Gugu Mbatha-Raw). And, of course, we get to the central issue when Omalu becomes intrigued by what caused Webster’s death.

As long as the film stays on that path, it’s pretty good agitprop and passable drama. Writer-director Landesman (at least based on the films he’s written) seems to be a kind of throwback to the old Warner Bros. “ripped from the headlines” tabloid school of the 1930s — or he would be if his movies were 80 minutes long and not two hours. That extra length, however, tends to remove him from the hard-hitting exposé realm of directors like Michael Curtiz and Mervyn LeRoy of that era and plop him more into the realm of the 1950s and ’60s social relevance of Stanley Kramer — with all the bloat that suggests.

He tends to like for his characters to make speeches. (Smith gets at least two — one to an actual audience — and Mbatha-Raw gets three.)

However, where Concussion falters

MOUNTAIN

lies less in its sense of its own importance and more in the film’s plunge into shameless (and inconclusive) melodrama, followed by a quick rush to whittle the events of several years down to a handful of scenes. Were NFL henchman really following Prema? Did Omalu beat the crap out of a piece of drywall in a fit of anger?

Did his hair grey-up along the sides in the space of three years? Or is that just Hollywood-speak for “time has passed”? I don’t know, but slapped down in the space given, it works about as well as the sudden bout of the mystical when Mike Webster’s ghost pops in for a cameo.

The most surprising thing about Concussion is that it is surprisingly forthright in its condemnation of the violence of football and the NFL cover-up on the topic. Oh, the film tosses in a few lip-service lines about the “grace” of football (illustrated via conveniently slow-motion footage) and forgiveness, but it’s a lot harder on the sport and those who head it up than I expected it to be — certainly harder than the leaked emails from the infamous Sony hack indicated. On the one hand, it’s the sort of thing that’s perfectly in line with all manner of “little guy takes on the system” stories that have gone down easily enough with audiences for years. But how that sort of story plays when the system is football and the NFL remains to be seen. Rated PG-13 for thematic material, including some disturbing images, and language.

Starts Friday at Carolina Cinemas, Epic of Hendersonville and other, as of yet undetermined, theaters. revieWeD by ken hAnke khAnke@mountAinx.com

sisters

HHH

director: Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect) plaYers: Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Ike Barinholtz, Maya Rudolph, James Brolin comedY Rated R the storY: After finding out their childhood home has sold, two 40-something sisters decide to have

one last massive party like the ones they threw in high school. the lowdown: An occasionably funny attempt at a raunchy, slapstick-heavy comedy that’s way too long, but floats by on the strength of its cast.

The most enthusiasm I can muster for Jason Moore’s Sisters is, “It’s pretty OK!” — which feels apropos but probably isn’t a phrase that’s ending up on the cover of the DVD. Everything, right down to the dull title (go search IMDb sometime for just how many features and shorts have been called Sisters), screams forgettable. That it even works at all is because of its leads, Amy Poehler and Tina Fey and their innate likability — even when the film tends to veer toward comedy’s less appealing tendencies of half-hearted raunchiness and a vague, uneasy grotesqueness aimed at the poor and minorities.

But saying this, Sisters only rarely feels mean-spirited, and it abides by the formula of throwing enough jokes out there that something’s bound to work once in awhile. It’s not the best approach, but it’s one that mostly sustains itself despite a languid, overlong running time.

Thinking about it now, it’s actually astonishing that Sisters is even tolerable. Again, this is a testament to Poehler and Fey, who take two fairly unlikable characters and make them at best relatable and at worst watchable. The two play Maura and Kate, respectively, two sisters with different dispositions (Maura being a prude; Kate irresponsible and reckless) who find out their childhood home has been sold and decide to throw one last giant party to bid the place adieu. That both of these women are in their 40s and can’t get over the loss of their rather boring suburban Orlando home is pretty obnoxious to begin with. That they’re both dreary screw-ups in their own ways — specifically Kate, who has a daughter (Madison Davenport, Noah) who won’t talk to her — doesn’t lend itself to these being specifically sympathetic characters. And, on top of all of this, the film falls too much into the trap of improv, riffing and randomness when it comes to its comedic style.

There’s the undertone of something Will Ferrell here. Luckily, Poehler and Fey are not Ferrell, and Sisters never becomes a vehicle for the two to mug for the camera.

The rest of the plot — like the actual party and all of the theoretical growth and growing up Maura and Kate have to do as a result — isn’t much better. It’s all predictable and unrealistic, but there seems to be an amount of

foresight and craft put inside the nuts and bolts of the script. On the other hand, however, director Jason Moore (Pitch Perfect) takes forever to get to all the heartwarming lessons everyone’s supposed to be learning.

For everything Sisters gets right — like the handful of actually funny jokes — there are about three things the film gets wrong. And they’re all amateur mistakes, like being about 20 minutes too long or being wrongheadedly mean, and then trying to turn all this into a sentimental story about growing or being responsible.

This never keeps the movie from being watchable, but that’s about as much praise as can be heaped onto Sisters. Rated R for crude sexual content and language throughout, and for drug use.

Playing at Carolina Cinemas, Epic of Hendersonville, Regal Biltmore Grande, UA Beaucatcher.

XPRESS

PRESENTS:

2016 Wellness Issues

revieWeD by Justin souther Jsouther@mountAinx.com

star Wars: the force Awakens HHHH director: J.J. Abrams plaYers: Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Domhnall Gleeson, Lupita Nyong’o sci-Fi action Rated PG-13 the storY: Sequel to the original Star Wars trilogy. the lowdown: Definitely a movie made for — and by — fans. It does exactly what it needs to be a crowdpleaser in that regard. But whether it breaks any new ground ... not so much.

The bulk of the fans can put away their ropes, since I am not going to trash Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

However, neither am I going to shamelessly praise it. J.J. Abrams’ new film does exactly what it sets out to do.

It’s light, it’s fun, it’s entertaining. It makes no serious missteps, and it hits

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Coming Soon!

Jan. 27th & Feb. 3rd

Contact us today!

828-251-1333 advertise@mountainx.com

december 23 - december 29, 2015

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by Edwin Arnaudin

edwinarnaudin@gmail.com

screen scene

critic’s Pick: Pictured, a still from Tom McCarthy’s Spotlight, which won best film of 2015 honors from the Southeastern Film Critics Association. Photo courtesy of Open Road Films The Southeastern Film Critics Association (SEFCA) named Spotlight the best film of 2015 as part of the group’s Monday, Dec. 14, annual awards event. Among the 55 professional critics who cast votes are Asheville writers Ken hanke and justin souther for Xpress, tony Kiss and this writer for Asheville CitizenTimes, marcianne miller for Bold Life and michelle Keenan and chip Kaufmann for Rapid River.

Spots 2-10 on the best film list went to Mad Max: Fury Road, Room, Brooklyn, Carol, The Big Short, The Martian, Inside Out, Bridge of Spies and Trumbo.

Best actor went to bryan cranston for Trumbo (runner-up: michael fassbender, Steve Jobs), best actress to brie larson for Room (runner-up: saoirse ronan, Brooklyn), best supporting actor to sylvester stallone for Creed (runner-up: mark rylance, Bridge of Spies) and best supporting actress to alicia vikander for Ex Machina (runnerup: Kate winslet, Steve Jobs).

Spotlight also took home best ensemble (runner-up: The Big Short); its writing team of tom mccarthy and josh singer won best original screenplay (runner-up: bob petersen and pete docter, Inside Out); and McCarthy finished second to Max Mad: Fury Road’s george miller in the best director category. Mad Max’s john seale was awarded best cinematography (runner-up: luca bigazzi, Youth); Room’s emma donoghue earned best adapted screenplay honors (runnerup: charles randolph and adam mcKay, The Big Short); Amy won best documentary (runner-up: Best of Enemies); Son of Saul claimed best foreign language film (runner-up: The Assassin); 66

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and Inside Out was named best animated film (runner-up: Anomalisa).

SEFCA’s Wyatt Award — named in memory of charter member gene wyatt and given annually to the film that best captures the spirit of the South — went to bryan carberry’s and clay tweel’s North Carolina-set documentary, Finders Keepers.

• The Asheville School of Film is hosting a free grand opening celebration and open house Sunday, Jan. 3, from 3 to 6 p.m. at its new downtown Asheville facility. Potential students and the local film community are invited to tour the freshly renovated space, meet faculty and guest instructors and learn about upcoming part-time and short-term classes and seminars.

Established in 2014, the School of Film is focused on providing affordable parttime and weekend classes in film production for all experience levels. Classes scheduled for 2016 include the eightweek Filmmaking 101 (introduction to the filmmaking process), 201 (preproduction and short film production), 301 (postproduction) and documentary filmmaking courses. A screenwriting course, silent film history weekend and directing weekend workshop will also be offered.

Grand opening attendees may RSVP via the School of Film’s Facebook page or by emailing ashevilleschooloffilm@ gmail.com. Free street parking is available as well as spots in the United Way lot across the street. Complimentary light snacks and adult beverages will be provided. ashevilleschooloffilm.com X mountainx.com

all the notes that’s expected of it. As it played out, I could see how carefully it hit all those notes, and how they were all gauged to draw whoops, laughs, gasps and applause from the audience. The audience I saw it with behaved accordingly, except there was no applause. (Maybe I had a dud audience. It happens. Only one person came dressed up — at least I think he was dressed as Obi-Wan Kenobi, but he may have just been wearing a bathrobe. In Asheville, one cannot be sure.) Personally, I mostly enjoyed it, but was not blown away by it and can’t imagine wanting to see it again. But that’s to be expected, since Star Wars is not a part of my childhood, and it doesn’t tap into a well of nostalgia. For those who find deep meaning in it, and for whom its roots are embedded in their pop culture psyche, it is a different experience altogether — and I recognize that.

For the movie that The Force Awakens is — and the movie that the fans wanted — J.J. Abrams was the perfect choice.

Apart from lens-flare (conspicuously absent here) and a clever way with a line, there seems no particular style or signature to his work, making him the ideal director to deliver a film where the chief desire was to reconnect with the original three Star Wars films from 30-plus years ago. He clearly knows those films — certainly Lawrence Kasdan, who was on board with the screenplay, does — and he has done a good job of replicating them.

There’s little here that isn’t at least a riff on — sometimes an outright copy of — something from those first three movies.

In a sense, I guess that’s OK when you consider that most of the elements in the original trilogy were drawn by Lucas from from the 1930s Flash Gordon serials he saw growing up. Who better to jumpstart things than someone who watched the Lucas trilogy as a child? Right? Well, maybe — depending on what you want, but it’s getting awfully close to pastiche, or even fan-fiction, on a grand scale.

It’s not so much that the story is basically a reworking of the original trilogy — compressed to 135 minutes. It’s that it tries to recreate the exact same reactions to close approximations of things done all those years ago. This approach is apparently catnip to fans, but it is ultimately a little like kids playing Star Wars dress-up (or cosplay). At the point when we learn (and I don’t think this is a spoiler) that our new villain, Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), doesn’t actually need that Darth Vader mask, but sports it to be like his hero, the dress-up aspect becomes hard to ignore. (That it also might remind you of Rick Moranis in 1987’s Spaceballs is another matter.)

None of this keeps The Force Awakens from being an entertaining time at the movies. Abrams has detected one of the biggest weaknesses (apart from the bad dialogue) in the prequels (which actu-

ally started in the first two sequels) — Lucas’ love affair with special effects for their own sake. Each film boasted more than the last (this was even a selling point) until the movies were almost subsumed by cluttered, incomprehensible frames filled with effects.

Abrams has junked that and taken the new film back to basics. The effects are clean and to the point. Bringing back — well, more or less — the major players from the original film is mostly handled well. The new players are something of a mix, but Daisy Ridley as Rey is clearly the driving force there. Really, if you’re a hardcore fan, the movie offers you a chance for a little reunion — sometimes bittersweet — with old friends and introduces you to some new ones. It tells its story and stays true to the spirit of the original three movies — and maybe that’s all it needed to do. Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence.

Playing at Carmike 10, Carolina Cinemas, Co-ed of Brevard, Epic of Hendersonville, Regal Biltmore Grande. revieWeD by ken khAnke@mountAinx.com

hAnke

the Big short

HHHHS director: Adam McKay (The Other Guys) plaYers: Christian Bale, Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling, Brad Pitt, Karen Gillan, Marisa Tomei, Melissa Leo, Finn Wittrock, John Magaro surdist black comedY Rated R the storY: Fact-based, absurd, farcical and very bitter dark comedy about the few who made money off the collapse of the housing market by betting against it. the lowdown: A brilliant, blistering, angry and very awkwardly funny look at a tragic situation. A stylish, whirligig farce of a tragedy. Unique and uncomfortably essential.

I’ve seen The Big Short twice now, and I still have no idea if it’s as good as it is in spite of all those puerile, self-indulgent Will Ferrell movies

that director/co-writer Adam McKay made or because of them. Much as I don’t like those movies — and much as I do like this one — I’m inclined to believe it’s because of them, if only in the way they inform The Big Short’s deliberate artifice and seemingly anarchic structure. Regardless, McKay and co-writer Charles Randolph have taken Michael Lewis’ book about the 2008 housing collapse and turned it into the bleakest, angriest, absurdest comedy imaginable, a film that is at once bitterly funny and maddening.

It’s a kind of epic tragedy bathed in cynicism where the heroes are ... well, not heroes. It’s a story where only the film’s playful attitude — and that fact that it lets us in on its black joke — keeps it palatable. And only just.

Then you reflect that all this is (give or take) true, and the joke is less funny.

The basic premise is that, long before the housing bubble burst, its demise was spotted by a few outsider oddballs who realized that it would be possible to make money — and lots of it — by betting the big banking and stock brokerages that the housing market would indeed collapse. These consist of Michael Burry (Christian Bale), a one-eyed social disaster with a penchant for drumming to heavy metal records and a knack for spotting things others miss — not to mention the obsessiveness necessary to read through thousands of pages of loans. Then there’s Mark Baum (Steve Carell), a stock trader with anger issues (among other issues). He is tipped off to the idea by banker (and the film’s narrator) Jared Vennett (Ryan Gosling), who, having heard of Burry’s plan, sees this as revenge on his bosses. Baum wants to believe this because it fits his image of banks as the source of all evil.

Finally, there are a pair of greenhorn entrepreneurs — Charlie Geller (John Magaro) and Jamie Shipley — who literally stumble across the information in the form of Vennett’s failed pitch lying on a table in the lobby of Morgan Chase just as they’re being cordially thrown out of the building. Being neither savvy nor moneyed enough to take advantage of the idea, they turn to an old acquaintance, Ben Rickert (Brad Pitt), a retired banker-turned-neohippie-health-food-nut. He sees the chance immediately, wants no part of this world, but relents in order to help these would-be big shots.

All of that is set-up. The film itself is concerned with wittily — and wickedly — explaining just what all this means and how it works. McKay

offers us a look into a world of finance that’s grounded in fraud, deceit and arrogance. It’s a world kept going by sleight of hand and the well-founded belief that the general public doesn’t understand any of this — and really doesn’t want to. Occasionally bringing in personalities (like Margot Robbie “in a bathful of bubbles”) to break it down for the viewer helps some — and the cleverness of it certainly helps keep it “fun” — but the truth is that all this can be hard to process. (A second viewing helps.) What is finally not hard to understand is the enormity of the absurd spectacle of avarice, stupidity and willful blindness on display. Sure, we like the fact that McKay and company take us into their confidence, so we feel more like we’re in on the grotesque joke. But it’s not comforting, nor is it meant to be. However, it’s essential. Rated R for pervasive language and some sexuality/nudity.

Starts Wednesday at Carmike 10, Carolina Cinemas, Epic of Hendersonville, Regal Biltmore Grande. revieWeD by ken khAnke@mountAinx.com

hAnke

the danish Girl HHHS

director: Tom Hooper (Les Miserables) plaYers: Eddie Redmayne, Alicia Vikander, Ben Whishaw, Matthias Schoenaerts, Adrian Schiller, Amber Heard quasi-bioGraphical drama Rated R the storY: The sort-of-fact-based story of one of the earliest attempts at a sex-change. the lowdown: A good-looking film on a daring subject that does not overcome its too genteel, tepid approach — or its confused portrait of its main character.

There are good things in Tom Hooper’s The Danish Girl, and it is undeniably a terrific looking picture — but after two viewings, I am still left cold by it. It’s altogether too genteel, too care-

ful, too much Oscar-Bait 101. Hooper’s flurry of Oscars for The King’s Speech (which I liked) seems to have trapped him in prestige picture amber. Here is a movie about one of the world’s first sex-change operations in which sex almost never rears its head and where the operation is explained in two lines of dialogue. This is a sex-change story that might almost be suitable for polite society in Victorian England. It is certainly unlikely to startle the horses of the 21st century. It’s the kind of hightoned message picture that allows the viewer to feel safely progressive-minded with no personal risk.

Though it more or less positions itself as a “true” story, it’s as well to realize that The Danish Girl is in fact based on a novel by David Ebershoff — one rife with invented happenings and characters. In a way, that’s neither here nor there, since biopics are not known for historical accuracy — not in the least because real life isn’t necessarily good drama. But there is a change here that completely alters the thrust of the story, which involves portraying Gerda Wegener (Alicia Vikander) as a doting straight wife, who, in essence, sacrifices herself to the needs of her sexually-conflicted husband, Einar (Eddie Redmayne). This actually makes the film more about Gerda and her noble suffering than about Einar’s transition into Lili Elbe. The problem is that it isn’t true. Gerda was, instead, openly bisexual, her art included much lesbian erotica (none of which is referenced in the film), and she was anything but devastated by Einar’s realization of his sexual identity. The truth is actually much richer and more interesting, but it’s not as easy a sell as the glossy fiction the film gives us.

This would all matter less if the film replaced it with anything solid, but it doesn’t. Instead, it becomes a tepid and confused tale of Einar’s (simplistically conveyed) journey into discovering that he’s really Lili — complete with an invented childhood kiss from a fictional character who grows up to become a fictional art dealer (Matthias Schoenaerts) and becomes a fictional romantic interest for Gerda.

There’s also a relationship — so vaguely sketched in that is barely exists — between Lili and a fictional gay character (Ben Whishaw). The biggest issue, though, lies in the concept of Lili herself. Other than reduce Lili to poses and weak smiles that may or may not be flirtatious, the film has no idea what to do with her, and Eddie Redmayne’s performance doesn’t really help. His Einar hasn’t got a lot of personality, but his Lili has none — landing somewhere between a dewy-eyed D.W. Griffith her-

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oine and one of those early Charlie Chaplin shorts where Charlie pretends to be a woman. Really, all that exists is his “problem.”

I don’t mean to indicate that The Danish Girl is entirely without merit.

It is probably exactly the well-mannered, somewhat overproduced, easily digestible movie it intends to be.

Hooper never misses a chance to underline a point (even Einar and Gerde’s dog with its neatly divided brown and white face is a symbol), and he never misses an appealing composition. Some scenes — notably Lili’s departure for surgery — may be bogus, but they work. And while the film doesn’t know what to do with Redmayne, it does do right by Alicia Vikander. It’s not awful, but it’s miles and miles from the greatness it seeks. Rated R for some sexuality and full nudity.

Starts Friday at Carolina Cinemas and Fine Arts Theatre. revieWeD by ken khAnke@mountAinx.com

hAnke

film

zbuncombe county Public librAries

buncombecounty.org/governing/depts/ library Free unless otherwise noted.

• SATURDAYS (12/5) through (12/26), 2pm - North Asheville Library Film Series: “Do They Know it’s Christmas?”

Featuring In Bruges, Edward Scissorhands, Brazil and Less Than Zero.

Held at North Asheville Library, 1030 Merrimon Ave. • WE (12/30), 5pm - Afternoon Anime: Princess Mononoke. Ages 13 and up.

Held at Pack Memorial Library, 67 Haywood St.

december 23 - december 29, 2015

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About Time HHHHH Director: Richard Curtis (Love Actually) Players: Domhnall Gleeson, Rachel McAdams, Bill Nighy, Lydia Wilson, Lindsay Duncan, Tom Hollander, Joshua McGuire ROMANTIC COMEDY Rated R This is the closest the Asheville Film Society could come to a movie that’s kind of seasonal, since the film’s basic holiday connection (New Year’s Eve) is tenuous, but no matter.

Richard Curtis’ About Time — the third

(and supposedly final) of Curtis’ directorial efforts — is suitable enough, and I don’t think anyone will complain. (If you liked his Love Actually, chances are excellent you’ll like this.) It’s a kind of high-concept affair, owing to its fanciful time-travel premise. It goes like this: the men in Tim’s (Domhnall Gleeson) family can travel backwards in time. They cannot travel forward, and there are limits and stipulations about where they can go and what they can do (one of which we find out fairly late in the proceedings). All they require is a solitary dark

space — cupboards are best, lavatories will do — clinched fists and a time. Tim’s dad (the indispensable Bill Nighy) cautions him against such obvious pursuits as making money, pointing out that’s what his grandfather did, and it made him miserable. Dad himself uses it to find the time to read (there turns out to be another reason, but that’s the film’s secret, not mine). Tim’s primary interest, it turns out, is love (no big surprise in a Curtis romantic comedy). His interests are not just libidinous, however. He’s looking for that Great Romance. And

he’s a genuinely nice guy — his first time trip is to go back to the previous night’s New Year’s Eve party in order to kiss the girl he’s with, rather than hurt her feelings as he awkwardly did the first time. It all plays out with great wit and warmth — and an unusual set of obstacles to the boy-meets-girl mechanics, thanks to the premise. The Asheville Film Society will screen About Time Tuesday, Dec. 29, at 8 p.m. in Theater Six at The Carolina Asheville, hosted by Xpress movie critic Ken Hanke.

s tartinG Fr id aY The Big Short

Concussion

See review in “Cranky Hanke.”

See review in “Cranky Hanke.”

Daddy’s Home Oh, joy, a sort of family comedy with Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg.

The blurb claims, “An affable radio executive finds himself competing for the affections of his step-children following the unexpected reappearance of his wife’s ex-husband in this Paramount Pictures comedy.” Clearly no Christmas would be complete with this. (PG-13)

The Danish Girl See review in “Cranky Hanke.”

go to page 31 for a list of incentives

hurry!

Though it’s not getting the kind of raves as David O. Russell’s last two films involving Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper, this is probably the most interesting mainstream Christmas Day releace. Fox assures us this is “the wild story of a family across four generations centered on the girl who becomes the woman who founds a business dynasty and becomes a matriarch in her own right. Betrayal, treachery, the loss of innocence and the scars of love pave the road in this intense emotional and human comedy about becoming a true boss of family and enterprise facing a world of unforgiving commerce.” (PG-13)

Point Break

give!local ends december 31st!

to make your donation, go to

givelocalguide.org 68

Joy

december 23 - december 29, 2015

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For those of you wanting a remake of this with lower wattage stars. The studio says, “An undercover cop makes his way into a scene of bankrobbing extreme-sports athletes in this remake of Kathryn Bigelow’s Point Break. Ericson Core directs from a script by Kurt Wimmer.” (PG-13)

Youth See review in “Cranky Hanke.”

maRketplace re al e s tat e | r e n ta l s | r oom m ates | serv ices | job s | a n n ou n cements | m i nd, bo dy, spi r i t cl as s e s & w or k s hop s | m u s i cia n s’ serv ices | pets | a u tomotiv e | x c hang e | adult Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 x111 tnavaille@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember the Russian proverb: “Doveryai, no proveryai,” trust but verify. When answering classified ads, always err on the side of caution. Especially beware of any party asking you to give them financial or identification information. The Mountain Xpress cannot be responsible for ensuring that each advertising client is legitimate. Please report scams to ads@mountainx.com REAL ESTATE Rentals COmmERCiAL/ BuSinESS REnTALS OFFICE • WAYNESVILLE DOWNTOWN 200 +/- sqft. $300/month. Utilities included. Public parking across street. (828) 216-6066.

UNIQUE WAYNESVILLE DOWNTOWN SPACE Above Beverly-Hanks Realtors at 74 N Main. Impressive open 3rd floor of 4000+ sqft., high ceiling, wonderful natural light, separate HVAC, elevator from entrance on Wall St. Many uses: storage/office/ showroom but ideal for loft apartment. Available soon, but view now to see if it fits your needs. Bill: 828-2166066.

ShORT-TERm REnTALS 15 MINUTES TO ASHEVILLE Guest house, vacation/short term rental in beautiful country setting. • Complete with everything including cable and internet. • $150/day (2-day minimum), $650/week, $1500/month.

Weaverville area. • No pets please. (828) 658-9145. mhcinc58@yahoo. com

We are celebrating 48 years of service to children and families...our success is the result of people just like you.

Call 828-350-5197 for a free packet & training dates. www.bair.org GRAY LINE TROLLEY SEEKS CDL DRIVERS FOR 2016 SEASOn Tour GuideCDL Drivers: If you are a "people person" you could be a great TOUR GUIDE! Seasonal FULL-TIME and part-time available. Training provided. MUST have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). www.GrayLineAsheville.com; Info@GrayLineAsheville.com; 828-251-8687 GRAY LINE TROLLEY SEEKS DiESEL mEChAniC Opening for experienced diesel mechanic; minimum 5 years verifiable experience; certifications a plus; must have own tools; part-time, possible full-time. Jonathan@ GrayLineAsheville.com; 828251-8687; www.GrayLineAsheville.com

mOBiLE hOmES FOR REnT

JuST A QuiCK nOTE... ... to say thank you for your help from Mountain Xpress.

I had a dozen calls about my ad and it is only Friday.

I now know the best route is through your paper. I will definitely place another ad...

Mountain Xpress is an excellent paper. Keep up the excellent work. Libby W.

RENOVATED! PEACEFUL, CLEAN, CONVENIENT & READY NOW 2 Decks, Solid doors, New floors, Best landlords, Clean cozy, Ready now, Yard, Includes Water, sewer, trash, yard care. Pets $20/month per animal. Close to Arden, Biltmore, Airport, Parkway julie.asheville@ yahoo.com

SEniOR DininG mEAL SiTE COORDINATOR, AVERY'S CREEK COMMUNITY CENTER Must have good social and communication skills, be detail oriented with paperwork, schedule programming, serve the daily meal and work with volunteers to run the meal site. Apply at www.coabc.org

Roommates ROOmmATES ALL AREAS ROOmmATES. COm Lonely? Bored? Broke?

Find the perfect roommate to complement your personality and lifestyle at Roommates.com! (AAN CAN)

employment GEnERAL

SKiLLED LABOR/ TRADES WAREHOUSE HELP NEEDED Golden Needle Acupuncture Supply is hiring a parttime warehouse employee .

Hours are 1-5 pm M-F. Duties include pulling orders, cleaning and cross training in all warehouse tasks. Must be comfortable in a warehouse environment. Must be fast, organized, detail oriented and hard working. Knowledge of alternative medicine is a plus. Send resumes/ cover letter to Kevin@goldenneedleonline.com

ADMINISTRATIVE/ OFFiCE FOSTER CARE PROVIDERS GIVE THE GIFT OF FAMILY! The Bair Foundation, a Christian Foster Care agency is looking for committed families willing to open their homes to local foster youth.

Homes needed in Franklin and Western North Carolina.

ASHEVILLE AREA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY SEEKING P/T BILINGUAL OFFICE ASSiSTAnT Seeking teamoriented individual to perform office management and administrative duties.

Will manage a small group of volunteers. Must be fluent

JOBS in English and Spanish. For complete job description visit ashevillehabitat.org. jobs@ ashevillehabitat.org.

GRANTS MANAGER, THE AmERiCAn ChESTnuT FOunDATiOn The Grants Manager is responsible for all aspects of raising support from foundations, corporations, and government sources, including proposal development, grant management, and reporting requirements.

The complete job description can be located at www.acf. org. To apply, send a cover letter and resume to The American Chestnut Foundation at jobs@acf.org.

SALES/ mARKETinG

SALES PROFESSIONAL Mountain Xpress has an entry-level sales position open. Necessary attributes are curiosity about the city and region, gregarious personality, probem solving skills, confident presentation, and the ability to digest and explain complex information.

The ideal candidate is organized, well spoken, has good computer skills, can work well within an organization and within in a team environment, can self-monitor and set (and meet) personal goals. The job entails account development, record keeping, collections, campaign development and campaign implementation. If you are a high energy, positive, cooperative person who wants a stable team environment with predictable income and meaningful work, send a resume and cover letter (no walk-ins, please) about why you are a good fit for Mountain Xpress to: xpressjob@ mountainx.com

RESTAuRAnT/ FOOD APOLLO FLAME • WAITSTAFF Full-time. Fast, friendly, fun atmosphere. • Experience required. • Must be 18 years old. • Apply in person between 2pm-4pm, 485 Hendersonville Road. 274-3582.

KiTChEn mAnAGER nEEDED We are looking for an experienced kitchen manager for our casual dining, seasonally high volume restaurant in downtown Hot Springs, NC. We are located feet off the Appalachian Trail in a historic building with a 15 room inn upstairs. Our kitchen is open, spacious and air conditioned. This year round position requires exceptional leadership skills, flexibility,

strong attention to detail, ordering and budgeting food costs, Safe Serve certification and the ability to perform all duties associated with the back of house. We have a successful menu in place and want to continue with what has proven to work for our area. Please e-mail resume to innkeepers@theironhorsestation.com. theironhorsestation.com NEW YEAR! NEW OPPORTUNITY! Join the New Team in town! Char Bar 7 staffing new restaurant, all positions.

• Apply in person: 2 Gerber Road in the Gerber Village Plaza.

DRIVERS/ DELIVERY FEMALE DRIVER NEEDED Visually impaired, active senior citizen living in South Asheville looking for female driver. Need rides to Southeastern Sports Medicine pool, doctor appointments, and errands. Car needs room for lightweight walker. Days are flexible. Please call: 828785-1397.

medical/ HealtH caRe mAXim hEALThCARE iS LOOKING FOR CNA'S, LPN'S, AND RN'S Maxim Healthcare is looking for CNA’s, LPN’s, and RN’s in the Asheville and surrounding area to work in Home Healthcare. Call 828-2994388 or email dapolich@ maxhealth.com if interested.

828-299-4388 dapolich@ maxhealth.com

driver's license without violations or restrictions, which could prevent completing all required job functions. Full or part time applicants welcome. haywood and Buncombe Counties Clinician, Team Leader - Assertive Community Treatment Team – (ACTT) We are seeking a passionate, values-driven and dynamic professional to oversee our Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT), which primarily serves Haywood County.

ACTT is an evidence-based, multi-disciplinary, community-based service which supports individuals with severe psychiatric disorders in remaining in the community and experiencing mental health recovery. We have a deep commitment to our ACTT services because, over the years, we have seen that is a service that truly makes a difference in the lives of the people that struggle the most with mental health challenges. Our ACTT staff have been known to describe the work as the “hardest job that you will ever love”. Come be part of our rural team and experience if for yourself!

Master’s Degree in Human Services required. Two years’ experience with adults with Mental Health, Substance Abuse or Development Disability required. Clinician – Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) Seeking an energetic and passionate individual to join the Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. Come experience the satisfaction of providing recovery-oriented services within the context of a strong team wraparound model serving Haywood and Buncombe counties. If you are not familiar with ACTT, this position will provide you with an opportunity to experience an enhanced service that really works! Must have a Master’s degree and be licensed/license-eligible.

Jackson County nurse – Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) Seeking an RN, or LPN to join our Jackson County Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. The ACTT nurse is responsible for conducting

psychiatric assessments; assessing physical needs; making appropriate referrals to community physicians; providing management and administration of medication in conjunction with the psychiatrist; providing a range of treatment, rehabilitation and support services; and sharing shift-management responsibility with the ACTT Coordinator. Employee must have a valid driver's license without violations or restrictions, which could prevent completing all required job functions.

Full or part time applicants welcome. Support Services Coordinator The responsibilities of this position include technical support for all support staff, conducting monthly on-site support/training with all support staff and quarterly support staff meetings. This individual will be directly responsible for supervising and assuring coverage in Jackson County and assist in orchestrating coverage for support staff agency wide when they use PTO or need emergency leave.

Applicants must demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills, have

strong computer literacy skills and a minimum of two years supervisory experience. This position requires travel throughout all counties that Meridian serves. Clinician – Recovery Education Center (REC) Seeking passionate, values-driven and dynamic professional to join our Jackson County Recovery Education Center (REC). This program reflects a unique design which integrates educational, clinical and peer support components in a center-based milieu. To be considered, an applicant should be familiar with the recovery paradigm of mental health and substance abuse services. A Master’s degree and license eligibility are also required. Peer Support Specialist – Recovery Education Center (REC) Meridian is seeking a Peer Support Specialist to work in our Recovery Education Centers in Haywood and/or Jackson County. Being a Peer Support Specialist provides an opportunity for individuals to transform their own personal lived experience with mental health and/or addiction challenges into a tool for

MOUNTAIN XPRESS PRESENTS:

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HUMAN SERVICES

AVAILABLE POSITIONS • MERIDIAN BEHAVIORAL hEALTh Haywood County Psychiatric Nurse - Assertive Community Treatment Team – (ACTT) Meridian Behavioral Health Services is seeking an RN, or LPN to join our Haywood/Buncombe County Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina. The ACTT nurse is responsible for conducting psychiatric assessments; assessing physical needs; making appropriate referrals to community physicians; providing management and administration of medication in conjunction with the psychiatrist; providing a range of treatment, rehabilitation and support services; and sharing shiftmanagement responsibility with the ACTT Coordinator.

Employee must have a valid

Special l a i or t er v Ad Issue Coming January 20, 2016! mountainx.com december october23 7 -- october mountainx.com december13, 29,2015 2015

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freewill astroloGY Aries (march 21-April 19): The raw materials you have at your disposal in 2016 may sometimes seem limited.

You might not have access to all the tools you wish you did. You could be tempted to feel envy about the vaster resources other people can draw on. But I honestly don't think these apparent inhibitions will put you at a disadvantage. Within your smaller range of options, there will be all the possibilities you need. In fact, the constraints could stimulate your creativity in ways that would have never occurred if you'd had more options. tAurus (April 20-may 20): You know what physical hygiene is. But are you familiar with imaginal hygiene?

Educator Morgan Brent defines it like this: "Imaginal hygiene is the inner art of self-managing the imagination, to defend it from forces that compromise, pollute, colonize, shrink, and sterilize it, and to cultivate those that illuminate, expand, and nourish it." It's always important for everyone to attend to this work, but it's especially crucial for you to focus on it in 2016.

You will be exceptionally creative, and therefore likely to generate long-lasting effects and influences out of the raw materials that occupy your imagination. gemini (may 21-June 20): Your mind sometimes works too hard and fast for your own good. But mostly it's your best asset. Your versatility can sometimes be a curse, too, but far more often it's a blessing. Your agile tongue and flexible agenda generate more fun than trouble, and so do your smooth maneuvers and skillful gamesmanship. As wonderful as all these qualities can be, however, I suggest that you work on expanding your scope in 2016. In my astrological opinion, it will be a good time for you to study and embody the magic that the water signs possess. What would that mean exactly?

Start this way: Give greater respect to your feelings.

Tune in to them more, encourage them to deepen, and figure out how to trust them as sources of wisdom. cAncer (June 21-July 22): Swedish movie director Ingmar Bergman won three Academy Awards and was nominated for eight others. Numerous filmmakers have cited him as an important influence on their work.

His practical success was rooted in his devotion to the imagination. "I am living permanently in my dream, from which I make brief forays into reality," he said. Can you guess his astrological sign? Cancer the Crab, of course!

No other tribe is better suited at moving back and forth between the two worlds. At least potentially, you are virtuosos at interweaving fantasy with earthy concerns.

The coming year will afford you unprecedented opportunities to further develop and use this skill. leo (July 23-Aug. 22): Avoid pain and pursue pleasure.

Be kind, not cruel. Abstain from self-pity and ask for the help you need. Instead of complaining, express gratitude. Dodge time-wasting activities and do things that are meaningful to you. Shun people who disrespect you and seek the company of those who enjoy you. Don't expose yourself to sickening, violent entertainment; fill your imagination up with uplifting stories. Does the advice I'm offering in this horoscope seem overly simple and obvious? That's no accident.

In my opinion, what you need most in 2016 is to refresh your relationship with fundamental principles. virgo (Aug. 23-sept. 22): Many of the atoms that compose your flesh and blood were not part of your body 12 months ago. That's because every year, 98 percent of you is replaced. Old cells are constantly dying, giving way to new cells that are made from the air, food, and water you ingest. This is true about everyone, of course. You're not the only one whose physical form is regularly recycled.

But here's what will be unique about you in 2016: Your soul will match your body's rapid transformations. In fact, the turnover is already underway. By your next birthday, you may be so new you'll barely recognize yourself. I urge you to take full charge of this opportunity! Who do you want to become?

- by rob breZny

librA (sept. 23-oct. 22): The English word "ain't" can mean "am not," "is not," "are not," or "have not." But it ain't recognized as a standard word in the language. If you use it, you risk being thought vulgar and uneducated. And yet "ain't" has been around since 1706, more than 300 years. Most words that are used for so long eventually become official. I see your journey in 2016 as having resemblances to the saga of "ain't," Libra. You will meet resistance as you seek greater acceptance of some nonstandard but regular part of your life. Here's the good news: Your chances of ultimately succeeding are much better than ain't's. scorPio (oct. 23-nov. 21): My old friend John owns a 520-acre farm in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Blueberries are among the crops he grows. If he arranges their growing season so that they ripen in July, he can sell them for $1.75 a pint. But if he designs them to be ready for harvest in late summer and early fall, the price he gets may go up to $4 a pint. You can guess which schedule he prefers. I urge you to employ a similar strategy as you plot your game plan for 2016, Scorpio.

Timing may not be everything, but it will count for a lot. sAgittArius (nov. 22-Dec. 21): In 1803, the U.S. government bought a huge chunk of North American land from the French government. At a price of three cents per acre, the new republic doubled its size, acquiring what's now Louisiana and Montana and everything between. I don't think you'll add that much to your domain in 2016, Sagittarius, but it's likely you will expand significantly. And although your new resources won't be as cheap as the 1803 bargain, I suspect the cost, both in terms of actual cash and in emotional energy, will be manageable. There's one way your acquisition will be better than that earlier one. The Americans bought and the French sold land they didn't actually own -- it belonged to the native people -- whereas your moves will have full integrity. cAPricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The coming year will be a favorable time for you to nourish a deeper devotion to truth, beauty, and goodness. Anything you do to make your morality more rigorous will generate benefits that ripple through your life for years to come.

Curiously, you can add to the propitious effect by also cultivating a deeper devotion to fun, play, and pleasure.

There is a symbiotic connection between the part of you that wants to make the world a better place and the part of you that thrives on joy, freedom, and wonder. Here's the magic formula: Feed your lust for life by being intensely compassionate, and vice versa.

AQuArius (Jan. 20-feb. 18): I predict that 2016 will be your Year of Fruitful Obsessions. In giving this positive spin to the cosmic tendencies, I'm hoping to steer you away from any behavior that might lead to 2016 being your Year of Fruitless Obsessions. One way or another, I think you'll be driven to express your passions with single-minded intensity. Focused devotion -- sometimes verging on compulsive preoccupation -- is likely to be one of your signature qualities. That's why it's so important to avoid wasteful infatuations and confounding manias. Please choose fascinations that are really good for you.

Pisces (feb. 19-march 20): Your symbol of power in 2016 will be the equal sign: =. Visualize it in your mind's eye every morning for 20 seconds. Tattoo it on your butt. Write it on an index card that you keep under your pillow or on your bathroom mirror. Gestures like these will deliver highly relevant messages to your subconscious mind, like "Create balance and cultivate harmony!" and "Coordinate opposing forces!" and "Wherever there is tension between two extremes, convert the tension into vital energy!" Here are your words of power in 2016: "symbiosis" and "synergy."

december - december 29, 2015 mountainx.com 270 october 7 23 - october 13, 2015 mountainx.com

inspiring hope for recovery in others. Applicants must demonstrate maturity in their own recovery process, have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and have moderate computer skills. Part time work may be available. Macon County Clinician - Recovery Education Center (REC) Seeking passionate, values-driven and dynamic professional to join our Macon County Recovery Education Center.

This program reflects a unique design which integrates educational, clinical and peer support components in a center-based milieu. To be considered, an applicant should be familiar with the recovery paradigm of mental health and substance abuse services. A Master’s degree and license eligibility are also required.

Macon and haywood Counties Employment support Professional (EsP) supported Employment The ESP functions as part of a team that implements employment services based on the SE-IPS model. The team’s goal is to support individuals who have had challenges with obtaining and/or maintaining employment in the past and to obtain and maintain competitive employment moving forward. The ESP is responsible for engaging clients and establishing trusting, collaborative relationships that result in the creation of completion of individualized employment goals. The ESP will support the client through the whole employment process and provide a variety of services at each state to support the individual in achieving their employment goals. transylvania County Clinicians & team leader - Child and family services Seeking licensed/associate licensed therapist for an exciting opportunity to serve youth and their families through individual and group therapy, working primarily out of the local schools. Certified Medical assistant (CMa) Graduate of an accredited Certified Medical Assistant program and CMA certification with AAMA or AMT required.

Two years of related experience preferred, preferably in an outpatient medical office setting. Peer support specialist – Community support team (Cst) Being a Peer Support Specialist provides an opportunity for individuals to transform their own personal lived experience with mental health and/or addiction challenges into a tool for inspiring hope for recovery in others. We currently have a vacancy for a Peer Support Specialist on our Community Support Team (CST), serving Transylvania County. CST is a community-based mental health and substance abuse rehabilitation service, which provides support through a team approach to adults.

Applicants must demonstrate maturity in their own recovery process, have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and have moderate computer skills. aGEnCY-WIDE Peer support specialist Peers Assisting in Community Engagement (PACE) Being a Peer Support Specialist provides an opportunity for individuals to transform their own personal lived experience with mental health and/or addiction challenges into a tool for inspiring hope for recovery in others. Applicants must demonstrate

maturity in their own recovery process, have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and have moderate computer skills.

Clinician Peers assisting in Community Engagement (PaCE) Clinician will be providing ongoing therapy with individuals and clinical support to the peer support team. The position will involve travel and community-based work in multiple counties. A Master’s degree, license eligibility and experience are required. PACE provides structured and scheduled activities for adults age 18 and older with a diagnosis of Mental Health and Substance Use disorders. This could be a part time or full time position.

For further information and to complete an application, visit our website: www. meridianbhs.org BasE PROGRaM ManaGER Red Oak Recovery, a young adult substance abuse treatment program in Leicester, NC is seeking a highly qualified Base Program Manager.

The Base Program Manager is responsible for overseeing programming and staffing.

Qualified candidates will have a minimum 3 years of experience working in substance abuse treatment and experience in staff supervision. Registration and credential with NCSAPPB is required. • A Bachelor’s degree or higher in a Human Services field is preferred.

We offer competitive pay, health benefits, professional substance abuse and clinical training. Please submit resumes to jobs@redoakrecovery.com COUnsElORs nEEDED BEhaVIORal hEalth GROUP provider of opioid addiction treatment services, needs mental health counselors. For qualifications and to apply, visit www.bhgrecovery.com. Or fax your resume to 214-3656150 Attn: HR-CNSLAS InsIGht at WOMEn’s RECOVERY CEntER is hiring an Administrative Assistant. We are looking for someone who is a team player and detailed oriented. Must have computer skills and a North Carolina driver’s license. Please apply to Suzanne Boehm at sboehm@insightnc.org.

IntEllECtUal DEVElOPMEntal DIsaBIlItIEs QUalIfIED PROfEssIOnal IDD, QP Universal MH/ DD/SAS is seeking energetic and passionate individuals to provide services to children and adults. Two years of experience working with IDD individuas required with a related human service degree or four years of experience with a nonrelated degree. Filling two positions in Asheville and one position in Forest City.

Pay negotiable. Please send inquiries to sdouglas@ umhs.net PRIMaRY thERaPIst WantED The Academy at Trails Carolina, a small therapeutic boarding school is seeking a full time master’s or doctoral-level therapist to work with our students. NC Licensed or license-eligible is required. aray@trailsacademy.com www.trailsacademy.com PROGRaM DIRECtOR Red Oak Recovery, a cutting edge substance abuse treatment program for young

adults, is seeking a highly qualified and experienced Program Director for our expanding Women’s Treatment Program. Qualified candidates will possess an advanced degree in a human services field. Minimum 3 years’ experience in a supervisory role, and knowledge of substance abuse, family systems, trauma, PTSD, experiential education is needed. Experience working with young adults is also necessary. Certification or licensure in Mental Health and/or Substance Abuse Treatment is preferred.

Competitive pay, vision/ dental/health insurance, PTO, and 401K offered. • Please email cover letter with salary expectations and a resume to: jobs@redoakrecovery.com RECOVERY GUIDE Red Oak Recovery, a young adult Substance Abuse Treatment Program located in Leicester, NC is seeking highly qualified individuals for direct care positions.

Recovery Guides work on a rotating week on/week off schedule. Treatment takes place in a residential setting with wilderness adventure expeditions. WFR, CSAC, or a degree in a human services field preferred. Personal or professional experience with 12 Step Recovery, Substance Abuse Treatment, Mental Health Treatment and/or Wilderness Therapy is required. • We offer competitive pay, health benefits, professional substance abuse and clinical training.

Please submit resumes to jobs@redoakrecovery.com

PROfEssIOnal/ ManaGEMEnt stORE CO-DIRECtOR Beautiful luxuries & linens boutique is seeking an experienced team leader to work closely with owner/ team to develop and maintain marketing, merchandising, inventory management strategies. Please email resume to debra@porterandprince.com.

tEaChInG/ EDUCatIOn lICEnsED sPECIal EDUCatIOn POsItIOn We are currently seeking a Licensed Special Education support staff, 10-20 hours a week, hourly rate. License in the following area required: Special Education, behavioral/emotional interventions, reading/math intervention, etc. • Please send a resume and cover letter to: humanresources@ashevilleacademy.com • Accepting resumes until January 8th 2016. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

No phone calls or walk ins please. Look at our websites for more information: http:// www.timbersongacademy. com, http://www.ashevilleacademy.com and http:// www.solsticeeast.com naVItat CanOPY aDVEntUREs-hIRInG CanOPY GUIDEs fOR 2016 Seeking qualified candidates for the Canopy Guide position for the 2016 season. Learn more at www. navitat.com. Please send cover letter, resume and references to avlemployment@ navitat.com. nO PhOnE Calls PlEasE.

CaREGIVERs/ nannY I'M lOOKInG fOR a GREat BaBYsIttER fOR 1 ChIlD I'm looking for a great babysitter for 1 child.

About the family: Loves to watch TV, play ... have your own. I'm looking for a great babysitter for 1 child.

Send resume to victoria. jacobs0556@gmail.com or Text me at 412-397-8291 (412) 397-8291 victoria. jacobs0556@gmail.com

BUsInEss OPPORtUnItIEs PaID In aDVanCE! Make $1000/week mailing brochures from home! No experience required. Helping home workers since 2001!

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GRaPhIC DEsIGnER nEEDED fOR thE MOUntaIn XPREss PRODUCtIOn tEaM We are seeking a communityminded individual who wants to put his/her skills to work creating compelling advertising for the area’s burgeoning eclectic mix of businesses, creating fliers and marketing materials, and by helping design the pages of Mountain Xpress The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, works well in a collaborative environment, is exceptionally organized and deadline-driven, and has excellent communication skills, strong attention to detail, an exceptional creative eye and a desire to ensure high quality output.

You must have the proven ability to create original, effective advertising and marketing materials, and to assist in the layout of our weekly print publication and guides.

Candidates must: • Be able to simultaneously handle multiple projects • Be proficient in Adobe CSC programs (inducing, Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat) • Be able to prepress and troubleshoot a variety of file types and to work interdepartmentally to organize, schedule and maintain ad-production workflows.

• Be fluent in the Mac OSX platform • Be able to interface with other departments in the company.

• Have a minimum of 2-3 years graphic design experience Newspaper, web-ad design and management experience a plus.

This is a part-time hourly position.

Email cover letter explaining why you believe you are a good fit, your resume, and either a URL or PDF of your design portfolio to: design@ mountainx.com No applications or portfolios by mail, and no phone calls or walk-ins, please.

CAREER TRAINING AIRLINE CAREERS BEGIN HERE Get started by training as a FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance 800-725-1563 (AAN CAN)

COMPUTER/ TECHNICAL

HANDY MAN HIRE A HUSBAND • HANDYMAN SERVICES Since 1993. Multiple skill sets. Reliable, trustworthy, quality results. $1 million liability insurance. References and estimates available. Stephen Houpis, (828) 280-2254.

ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

MAC SYSTEMS/ NETWORK ADMINISTRATOR Mountain Xpress seeks a person for administration, development and day-to-day support of the company's IT systems: workstations, servers, laptops, printers, phones, Internet-connection, email and internal network hardware/software.

Environment is Macintosh.

Requirements: • Five+ years OS X and OS X Server admin experience • Two+ years MySQL database (or equivalent) experience • Strong data management skills, including file systems and data processing • Expert-level knowledge of MS Office software (Excel, etc.) • Experience with management and configuration of network equipment • Strong understanding of media files/ formatting/encoding Preferred candidates will have some experience with FileMaker server admin, FileMaker database development, HTML/CSS/ PHP and other web development, XML/XSLT, DNS and network protocols.

Experience with phone systems, printers, graphics (Adobe Creative Suite), computer hardware also a plus. Send cover letter, resume and references to: employment@mountainx. com

SERVICES COMPUTER AVALON'S CYBER TECH SERVICES Wifi and Internet Issues • First Time Computer Setup • Computer Cleanup and Virus Removal • Building/Designing Custom PC's • Phone Repair • Evening Hours • Reasonable Rates avalonstechservices@gmail. com

ENTERTAINMENT

PREGNANT? THINKING OF ADOPTION? Talk with caring agency specializing in matching Birthmothers with Families Nationwide. Living expenses Paid. Call 24/7

CLASSES & WORKSHOPS CLASSES & WORKSHOPS CLAY CLASSES AT ODYSSEY CLAYWORKS Interactive Narrative Sculpture, Refining Your Focus, Flowerpots In The Garden, Setting Up Shop On Etsy, Mastering Porcelain, Beginner Wheel, Valentine's Day Pottery For Couples. For details about classes, visit www.odysseyceramicarts.com.

MIND, BODY, SPIRIT BODYWORK

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Regular Price $34.99. Ask About free same day Installation! CALL Now! 888-9921957 (AAN CAN)

HOME IMPROVEMENT CLEANING C HOW CLEAN! LIGHT HOUSEKEEPING/COOKING/PET CARE Within 30 mile radius of Candler, NC. Housekeeping and/or cooking 1 to 2 meals/day $15/ hour. Pet care/walk, shopping and errands-hourly plus $0.25/mile. References available. (828)779-0197 ccollins062@gmail.com

ACROSS 1 “___ you in?”

4 Blemishes 9 Indian chief 14 Actor McKellen 15 Pacific greeting 16 Nerve cell conductors 17 One getting the boot?

18 Scorpion’s defense 19 ___ card 20 It’s striking!

23 Salinger heroine 24 Scream made while jumping, maybe 25 Augment 28 Quick-witted 30 Go (for) 32 Plains Indian 33 It’s unbelievable!

37 U.K. lawmakers 40 45-Down suburb 41 Half of a dance 42 When the credits roll 43 It’s breathtaking!

47 ___ cake (Chinese New Year delicacy) 48 Actor Sheridan 49 What helicopter parents do 53 Hilarious person 55 Math term usually followed by a subscript number 58 Item often “eaten” by a

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HEALTH & FITNESS

LOCAL INDEPENDENT MASSAGE CENTER OFFERING EXCELLENT BODYWORK 947 Haywood Road, West Asheville (828)552-3003 ebbandflowavl.com. Highly skilled massage therapists.

Customized sessions.Integrative, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone,Prenatal,Couples,Aro matherapy.Gift Certificates available.Complimentary tea lounge. Lovely relaxed atmosphere.$50/hour.Chair massage $1/minute.

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21 Basil or bugbane 22 “You ___!”

26 Close-up magician’s prop 27 Listen to 29 Something read at a carnival 31 Covenant 34 Can’t stomach 35 When the Battle of Normandy started 36 A head 37 Yoga supplies 38 Measurer of college readiness, for short 39 Like criticism made in no uncertain terms DOWN 44 Dragsters 1 A 747 has two of them 45 City served by the air2 Debonair port in 40-Across 3 Nazi cipher machine 46 Gorilla who was broken by the Allies famously taught sign lan4 Joule/second guage 5 By themselves 50 Paramount’s parent 6 Hart of “Chicago” 51 Charles Schwab rival 7 Call to mind 52 Get visibly embarrassed 8 Was a ratfink 54 Pop star Lauper 9 Dangerous gas 56 2003 Golden Globe10 Former Obama adviser winning film set in David Afghanistan 11 Assistant to the regional 57 They help make you PUZZLE BY ZACHARY SPITZ manager, for one you 12 Young Darth Vader’s 60 “Lovely ___, meter on TV nickname maid” (Beatles lyric) 61 Milhouse’s best friend, 62 “Not what you see, but what you 13 D.D.E.’s predecessor tree in “Peanuts” 59 It’s remarkable!

62 Used as a plate 64 Ex of the Donald 65 Heel 66 Testing division, for short 67 Kitchen counter?

68 Addison’s “___ to Creation” 69 Rwandan president Paul Kagame’s ethnicity 70 Sailor’s “Stop!”

71 Exasperated comment from a feminist

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T HE N E W Y ORK TIMES CROSSWORD PU ZZL E

WINTER R&R RETREAT Jan 15-17 Prama Institute www. prama.org Join us in the Blue Ridge Mountains for a weekend of meditation, yoga, walks, workshops, delicious food, massage, sauna, and soaks in the hot tub.

SPIRITUAL

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6-7:30 PM; Sundays 8-9:00 AM, followed by tea/book study. For additional offerings, see www.cloudcottage.org or call 828-6696000.

FOR MUSICIANS EQUIPMENT FOR SALE ACOUSTIC GIBSON FIREBIRD GUITAR A rare find!

Exquisite quilted maple

back and sides. Top is AAA Sitka Spruce. All inlay, headstock, fingerboard, abalone and mother of pearl. Gold tuners. Original hard shell case. Made for me in Gibson custom shop.

1 of 40 made with lifetime warranty. No blemishes.

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PET SERVICES

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Features: Dreadnought body style with soft cutaway • Solid Sitka spruce top • Solid mahogany back • Rosewood fretboard • Fishman Classic IV pickup • Breedlove bracing system • Abalone rosette with black border • Abalone dot fingerboard inlays • Glossy finish • Rosewood bridge • Gold Grover tuners.

Designed by Kim Breedlove, crafted in Korea. No trades.

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PETS LOST PETS A LOST OR FOUND PET? Free service. If you have lost or found a pet in WNC, post your listing here: www.lostpetswnc.org

ASHEVILLE PET SITTERS Dependable, loving care while you're away. Reasonable rates. Call Sandy (828) 215-7232.

make others see,” per Degas 63 Certain cross

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

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• Black Mountain

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