Buncombe County Sheriff, U.S. House 11, Buncombe County District Attorney, N.C. District Court Judge
MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT
The town of Marshall continues its post-Tropical Storm Helene recovery efforts. Federal funding and grants have contributed to many of the town’s projects, but residents have also relied on grassroots efforts for home repairs. Despite progress, many questions remain, including the future of the Madison County Courthouse.
Remembering the legacy of Ruben J. Dailey, Asheville’s first
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Pick candidates who want a better, compassionate city
Early primary voting continues in Asheville and Buncombe County through Feb. 28 at 11 sites throughout the area. Election Day will be March 3.
This letter only addresses the Asheville City Council race. Twenty people are running in that race, including three incumbents and a former Council member.
If you’re looking for some new blood, however, you still have 16 to choose from. Let me summarize from this site, [avl.mx/fck], what I’ve found out about those running.
First of all, they come from almost all areas of the city and represent different genders, races, sexual preferences, priorities and backgrounds.
Here are some of their passions and/ or backgrounds: the creative economy, Helene recovery, UNC Asheville woods controversy, industrial hemp, community organizing, Center for Participatory Change, mental health resource teams, youths, hospitality workers, former school board member, tenant and low-income housing, transit, automotive service writer, trans and immigrant safety, former Planning and Zoning Commission member and a myriad of other city boards and committees.
There is even one self-proclaimed Zionist who spoke out for months against a proposed city resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza, while at least 70 cities nationwide as of March 2024 passed such proposals.
ter and more
Ullman is committed to Asheville’s families
As a father and avid bicyclist, I want city leaders who are committed to making Asheville safer for families to walk, bike and enjoy our community while building a more climate-resilient and sustainable future. Maggie Ullman reflects those priorities.
Maggie has been a strong and visible advocate for the spaces and services that matter most to families. As a lead organizer and advocate for building Candace Pickens Memorial Park and the rebuilding of Malvern Hills pool, I have seen firsthand her commitment to protecting and enhancing the places where our children learn, grow and build community. When Malvern Hills
for its future.
Maggie has also demonstrated the courage to make difficult decisions supporting safer streets and better infrastructure for people who walk and bike. These positions are not always easy, but she has consistently been willing to stand up for policies that prioritize safety, sustainability and long-term community benefit.
Maggie demonstrates her commitment to public education not just in words, but through action. As a parent in Asheville City Schools (ACS) and as someone who is consistently present and engaged, she understands the importance of safe and supportive school environments. As an ACS parent and school volunteer myself, I value leaders who lead by example and remain actively involved in the institutions that shape our children’s lives.
Perhaps most importantly, Maggie listens. Even during moments of frustration or disagreement, she has always been accessible, thoughtful and genuinely committed to representing all of Asheville.
Maggie Ullman is working toward a safer, healthier and more vibrant future for our children and our community, and I am proud to support her.
— Brooke Heaton West Asheville
City should empower community to rehab abandoned buildings
Thanks to the insistent efforts of Council member Bo Hess, the City of Asheville appears poised to finally address abandoned properties. This is a long overdue step that deserves recognition. Vacant and neglected buildings sap neighborhood vitality, invite misconduct and symbolize civic neglect. But as the city considers an abandoned building ordinance, we should be clear-eyed about the path we choose. Enforcement-heavy approaches like those proposed in the Jan. 29 meeting of the Public Safety Committee may tidy spreadsheets, but they miss the deeper opportunity: empowering the community to rehabilitate these buildings and return them to productive, place-based use.
The current proposed ordinance treats the issue as a liability to be managed or erased. In reality, these buildings are assets, and they have stories waiting to be heard. These structures are overlooked not because they lack value, but because those with financial and regulatory resources frequently lack imagination and urgency. Asheville’s strengths lie in creativity, collaboration and community. Any ordinance should build on those strengths rather than bypass them.
A more effective approach would center on community conservatorship instead of defaulting to fines, receivership or demolition. The city should make it possible — and attractive — for neighbors, nonprofits and local organizations to take responsibility for abandoned properties and steward them back into use. This model, which would rely on utilizing existing eminent domain ordinances, has precedent, and it works.
Asheville can learn from Pennsylvania’s Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship Act, Detroit’s land bank and San Antonio’s Office of Historic Preservation and community development corporations, as well as other examples throughout the urban landscape that empower
pool faced closure, Maggie showed up. She listened, engaged and stood with our community in advocating
CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON
CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN
growth through service learning, job training and community clubs. Vacant buildings become classrooms, workforce incubators and cultural hubs — not just commodities.
A community-centered playbook could include several core elements:
First, create a local conservatorship pathway with clear criteria under which a community land trust, nonprofit or neighborhood-based entity can petition to take control of an abandoned property when owners fail to maintain it.
Second, expand or partner on land banking with a mission beyond resale. Land banking should hold land and buildings in trust for community-defined outcomes: affordable housing, arts spaces, child care centers and locally owned businesses that reinforce neighborhood character.
Third, support community clubs and service learning. High schools, A-B Tech, UNC Asheville and trade organizations can partner on rehabilitation projects that provide handson training while lowering costs. This builds local capacity and knowledge instead of importing it.
Fourth, enable crowdfunding and communal ownership models. Crowdfunding, cooperative ownership and community shares allow residents to collectively finance rehabilitation while retaining long-term stewardship. These models keep
wealth local and align incentives around care rather than extraction.
Finally, prioritize incremental, place-based development. Asheville needs patient reinvestment that respects existing urban fabric — the scale, materials and social rhythms that make neighborhoods resilient in the first place.
An abandoned building ordinance can be a lever for civic renewal. The community is ready to do the work — not just to clean up neglected buildings, but to listen to them, learn from them and bring them back into the shared life of the city.
If you would like to learn more about this approach, please join me for a presentation and listening session, Abandoned, But Not Forgotten: Revitalizing Blight, on Wednesday, Feb. 18, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Thrive Coworking, second floor of the Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave., Asheville.
— Scott Burroughs Candidate for Asheville City Council Asheville
Editor’s note: A longer version of this letter will appear at mountainx. com.
The importance of helping at-risk youths
Asheville’s recovery is real. We can see it in reopened businesses, rebuild-
ing neighborhoods and renewed investment. But for many young people aging out of foster care, experiencing housing instability or navigating adulthood without consistent support, recovery still feels out of reach.
Youths in transition often overlap with what the federal government defines as at-risk youths — young people who have experienced foster care, homelessness, family instability, court involvement or significant barriers related to trauma or disability, including LGBTQ+ youths, which include two-spirit youths, who are disproportionately affected by housing and family instability. These are not abstract labels. They describe real conditions that shape whether a young person can stay housed, remain in school or hold a job.
That’s why I support Buncombe County’s Guardian ad Litem program and the nonprofit Helping At Risk Kids, which work directly with youths who meet these at-risk definitions. Through McKinneyVento protections and partnerships with Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools, these efforts help ensure that housing instability does not automatically derail a young person’s education or future. At-risk kids do not disappear when they turn 18 — they grow up to become our co-workers, partners, spouses, friends and neighbors.
As we talk about recovery, it also matters to remember where we are. Asheville sits on the ancestral lands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, whose history reminds us that displacement and resilience are lived realities here.
Recovery isn’t finished when buildings are repaired. It’s finished when the next generation has a stable place to stand.
— Kyle Turner West Asheville
Editor’s note: Turner is a candidate for Asheville City Council.
CONTINUES ON PAGE 6
Ullman leads with care and competency
As a longtime community member who cares deeply about the future of Asheville and Western North Carolina, I pay close attention to who shows up, listens and does the hard work of public service with integrity. I am writing to express my strong support for Maggie Ullman’s reelection to City Council.
Maggie is a true steward of both our community and our environment. She approaches complex issues with thoughtfulness and transparency, and she takes the time to explain how decisions are made and how community input is considered through her consistent invitations for community gatherings and town halls in all corners of our Asheville community. In a time when trust in local government matters more than ever, her openness and availability stand out.
I have seen firsthand how Maggie listens to community voices, takes concerns seriously and works to balance competing needs with an eye toward long-term sustainability. She consistently considers the broader
needs of WNC — not just Asheville — and brings that regional perspective into Council decisions. In Haw Creek, she has invested in what we need to develop and grow in safe and sustainable ways.
Her leadership during and after Hurricane Helene is one clear example of her commitment to public service. Our community benefited greatly from the steady, responsive work of this Council during an incredibly difficult time.
Maggie leads with care, competence and a deep respect for the people she serves. Asheville is stronger because of her work, and I am grateful for her continued willingness to serve our city. I wholeheartedly support Maggie Ullman for reelection to City Council.
— E. Oldenburg Asheville
Explore all possible outcomes with UNCA’s woods
I believe the best solutions come from collaboration. The lessons found on the path to this point should
bring UNC Asheville and the community together to find common ground and a balanced outcome, given many competing objectives.
Take a moment to consider the charter for the Millennial Campus at UNCA: Acreage that allows the university to pursue public-private partnerships to develop housing and commercial spaces, to enhance sustainability and community engagement, while addressing concerns about environmental stewardship and campus culture.
As development activities came to light, the community asked for and continues to ask for discernment and due diligence. Community concerns regarding the original soccer stadium proposal and resulting destruction of the urban forest are very real and legitimate. This land is special, meaningful and deserves to be defended.
More recently, the community has been told, “The absolute goal is to rebuild trust.” While I appreciate the pause and the formation of the Millennial Campus Development Advisory Committee, I share disappointment expressed by others that the committee’s composition was a lost bridge-building opportunity.
Regardless, the committee is tasked to gather input from the community (local stakeholders), provide recommendations for sustainable development, ensure future project alignment with the university’s educational mission and environmental stewardship. Their responsibility is significant. All possible outcomes should be explored, and alternative plans developed by local community members and architect Scott Burroughs [avl.mx/fbk] must be on the table. These options are pro-development and expand on a north campus sports complex approach with great access from Campus and Field drives as well as from Interstate 26.
Now is the time for transparency and good faith in action with timely and meaningful committee summaries and public engagement sessions.
A narrative is a story: How will this one be remembered? A disparate
Last call for election letters
For the best chance of having your letter published before the primary election, please send your locally focused prose to letters@ mountainx.com by the end of the day Wednesday, Feb. 18. Guidelines: avl.mx/5ds — Xpress Staff X
group of people came together and found a win/win solution … I am told, “Developing university land is vital for its future.” I say, “Preserving university land is vital for the future.”
— Rick Cumbo Asheville
More Branyon and Mumpower dialogue, please
While no longer living in Western North Carolina, I am an Asheville native and continue to follow and marvel at the tumultuous changes that have taken place during my 75 years on the planet.
I look forward to hearing more from Bill Branyon and Carl Mumpower [“I Beg to Differ” columns]. I appreciate Bill’s grasp of the subtleties inherent in our community’s and nation’s politically charged differences, while remaining magnanimous toward the right and offering a path toward truth. Carl’s words are of interest, but he would do well to be more magnanimous toward the left.
—
Chuck
Sams Decatur, Ga.
Bike riders already pay share of road costs
A recently published letter arguing that bikes and cars are incompatible on local roads stated, “If cyclists insist on traveling winding mountain roads, they either have to accept the endangerment or fund the creation of bike lanes. The onus is on them, not motorists who paid gasoline taxes for the creation and maintenance of the roads” [“Bikes and Cars Are Incompatible on Local Roads,” Feb. 4, Xpress].
It should be noted that in most states, gasoline taxes, road-use taxes and licensing fees paid by drivers pay only a portion of the costs of constructing and maintaining the road system. Other state revenues, including individual income taxes, pay the remainder.
In North Carolina, one-third of state road expenses are paid through income and sales taxes. In other words, bicycles are already paying more than their “share” of road expenses and deserve consideration in the design and operation of our roads.
I wonder if the writer would suggest that EVs (electric vehicles) should not be allowed to use the highways as those users also do not pay gasoline taxes?
— William Scarborough Not a cyclist or EV owner Asheville X
Rollins Road, a short strip about one mile southeast of downtown Marshall, is easy to miss for travelers unfamiliar with this section of Madison County. Wedged between the French Broad River and the train tracks, Rollins Road’s brief run of homes, recreational vehicles and campers was largely destroyed during Tropical Storm Helene and resulted in the death of resident Bruce Tipton.
Now, more than a year after Helene, properties alongside the thoroughfare stand at various stages of repair. Three families remain displaced, including Tipton’s niece Annette Ipox and her husband, Eugene, who’ve been living with other family members down the same road while their home is rebuilt.
For 62-year-old Eugene Ipox, Rollins is the only place where he’s ever laid roots. It’s where his wife and generations of other Tipton family members grew up and where the couple raised their two sons.
Everyone on Rollins, Ipox says, is “either related or they’re close enough to be related because you’ve either watched their children or they watched yours.”
And in the aftermath of Helene, the close-knit community has gotten even closer — checking in on one another and partnering with grassroots organizations such as the Marshall Relief Alliance and long-term recovery group Madison Alliance for Rebuilding Communities (MARC) to fulfill recovery needs while they wait on state and federal funds to trickle in.
NECESSITY AND COMMUNITY TIES
Fellow Rollins resident Gina Mashburn Heath and her family were displaced for six months after the storm. Despite the challenges they faced, Heath stepped into the role of community organizer, assessing the needs of her neighbors and connecting them with resources.
“It was every day for a really long time,” Heath says. “Now it’s more like a couple times a week checking in with the people that still don’t have homes.” While some neighbors have moved elsewhere, Heath notes, most have stayed out of necessity and community ties.
“They’re so connected to this land,” she says. “They don’t have anywhere
to go. They don’t have money. Nobody had insurance, nobody had savings. So what are they going to do? They had a house on generational land that was hit by a hurricane. And after the hurricane, they’ve got none of that.”
One of the biggest wins for Rollins came in October, when Gov. Josh Stein announced $6 million in grants from the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s Flood Resiliency Blueprint program, which included an award of $789,000 for the Rollins and Fortner Hollow Riverbank Restoration Project.
But restoration in Rollins is only a piece of Marshall’s ongoing recovery needs.
‘BREATHING SOME LIFE BACK INTO THE TOWN’
Ryan Cody, Marshall’s town administrator, says 16 months into recovery, progress continues to come down to time and money — and remaining in compliance with Federal Emergeny Management Agency (FEMA) flood plain regulations.
When Xpress previously spoke with Cody in September, the town of nearly 800 residents had not yet received any state or federal funding. Now, he notes, FEMA has reimbursed the community for $3.3 million in early recovery proj-
ects that addressed water and sewerage needs.
Currently, Marshall is working in tandem with FEMA on 26 projects, including rebuilding parks, relocating its wastewater treatment plant and making additional repairs to its water and sewer infrastructure. Mayor Aaron Haynie notes that additional funding from the federal agency will help supplement the town’s total operating budget of $2.06 million.
One of the big projects underway is establishing a new permanent Town Hall after the previous site was destroyed by floodwaters. At present, municipal services have been temporarily operating out of a former realty building across from Madison High School. Meanwhile, A-B Tech has offered space for monthly town board meetings.
Haynie and other elected leaders have said they want to keep Town Hall in downtown Marshall, Cody reports. Right now, town staff is determining what locations comply with FEMA guidelines.
Meanwhile, smaller projects are either in the design process or awaiting engineering cost estimates, Cody continues. Unlike larger cities, which typically have engineers on staff, smaller towns like Marshall rely on outside contractors, he says.
“I’ve got to contract an engineer and then hope that he doesn’t have five
other towns that he’s working for and that he can get to me relatively quickly,” Cody says.
Nevertheless, he notes, conceptual plans are complete for the park and baseball fields on Blannahassett Island, a multiuse recreational site that rests in the middle of the French Broad River in downtown Marshall.
Cody also notes that the town is actively working to repair the Rollins playground. He anticipates its completion in April.
Meanwhile, nearly 50% of all businesses in downtown Marshall are back online, Cody says. Staples such as Zadie’s Market at the Old Marshall Jail, Zuma Cafe and Provisions, Capitola Mill and Oasis Ltd. Records have reopened. Some new spots have also popped up, including a second Beacon of Hope food pantry location.
With so many shops welcoming back customers and construction projects underway, Cody says, “We’re hoping to start breathing some life back into the town.”
COURTHOUSE REMAINS IN LIMBO
One of the biggest questions still facing Marshall is its plans for the Madison County Courthouse, a historic structure and the centerpiece of Main Street, which has been shuttered since Helene. Madison County Manager Rod Honeycutt says that extensive repairs are required.
“The first floor is demolished,” he says. “The actual floor itself will have to be torn out and the foundation dug down to and repaired. All the electrical in the building will have to be done. All the heat and AC was under water — so, [there is] a lot of significant work to bring that building back into a usable format.”
Regardless of when repairs begin, the site will no longer house county operations. Honeycutt says work is already underway on a new complex, which will be situated either on Medical Park Drive or along the U.S. 25/U.S. 70 thoroughfare.
The entire project is estimated to cost roughly $90 million, Honeycutt says. So far, the county has received $22 million from the state and anticipates receiving between $1.7 million and $8 million from FEMA in March. The county is seeking additional funding from the state over the next three years.
The destruction of Marshall’s downtown post office remains another major issue for the community, requiring residents to commute to neighboring towns such as Weaverville and Mars Hill for postal services.
Honeycutt says the county is in conversation with the U.S. Postal Service on a temporary solution to open a post office inside the county facility at 190 Elizabeth Lane in Marshall. The postal
NO PLACE LIKE HOME: Three families in the Rollins community in Marshall, including the family of Eugene Ipox, pictured, remain displaced more than a year after Tropical Storm Helene inundated their neighborhood. Photo by Brionna Dallara
service indicated it would be deploying architects and engineers to survey the site. It will then go to the Madison County Board of Commissioners who will consider approving a 36–60 month lease with USPS, Honeycutt says.
“We think over the next 30 days they’ll complete that assessment, and [then] we should have a refined timeline to present to our commissioners at a future board meeting,” Honeycutt says. “But right now, the next step is just to do the assessment.”
IT TAKES A VILLAGE
Meanwhile, grassroots organizations have continued to help residents where they can.
“All of us nonprofits, we are working off of what grants or donations we’re able to acquire, which is never guaranteed. But then we work within the parameters we’re given,” says Rachel Bennett, volunteer and project coordinator for the Marshall Relief Alliance.
The nonprofit’s volunteers have consistently aided displaced residents since the storm, helping with various tasks such as basement clearings, vapor barriers and debris removal.
The alliance began as a recovery hub and has expanded to operating differ-
ent programs through donations, such as Rebuild Marshall, an initiative that provides volunteer work, materials and direct funding for downtown Marshall buildings and business owners.
The nonprofit also partners with other groups, notably the long-term recovery group MARC, which has been focused on rebuilds.
“A huge part of what we do is listening and advocating,” says Bennett.
“Some [projects] are more timely, and sometimes things take time because it [takes getting] that right person to come and donate.”
Back on Rollins Road, the right time for the Ipoxes arrived in December, when MARC partnered with the Mennonite Disaster Service to fund a rebuild for the couple. Volunteer labor was then provided by Storm Aid, an organization affiliated with the Mennonites.
The couple will be able to move back into their home in February, and Eugene says his wife can’t wait.
“I know that there are more people that need help, and Appalachia is known for not voicing [its needs],” Bennett says. “That’s the thing — I want to make sure that people [in Marshall] know that there are still people out there wanting to make sure that they’re OK.” X
GARY PARRIS
Buncombe County Sheriff
Unlike in previous years, Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller faces no primary challenger in 2026.
On the Republican side, two candidates are seeking to make it to the Nov. 3 general election — Gary Parris and Vic Morman. Both candidates were invited to participate in this year’s Primary Voter Guide. Morman did not respond to multiple requests.
— Thomas Calder X
THE QUESTIONS
Tell voters who you are, why you’re interested in running and what would make you an effective Sheriff.
Website: ParrisForSafety.com
Occupation: Retired
Previous candidacy or offices held: None
Key endorsements: Did not answer Amount of money raised: $15,000
Top three donors: Did not answer
I am a Buncombe County native who grew up in the French Broad community. I am a former deputy sheriff and a U.S. Navy retiree with a career in intelligence and cryptologic work, including classroom and DoD [Department of Defense] training. I hold a master’s in strategic intelligence and an MPA [master of public administration] in criminal justice administration. My focus as sheriff is safe families, safe communities and safe schools through experienced leadership.
What is the most urgent public safety issue facing the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, and how will you address it?
Early and primary voting hours
EARLY VOTING RUNS THROUGH SATURDAY, FEB. 28
• Polls are open 8 a.m.7:30 p.m. weekdays.
• Saturday dates and hours are Feb. 21, 10 a.m-3 p.m., and Feb. 28, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Sunday early voting will only take place on Feb. 22, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
PRIMARY ELECTION DAY
• Tuesday, March 3, 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
• Anyone in line by 7:30 p.m. will have the chance to vote. For additional guidelines, including information on voting locations, absentee voting and voter ID laws, please visit avl.mx/fby.
— Thomas Calder X
If the Trump administration deployed federal agents to Buncombe County, what role would the Sheriff’s Office play under your leadership?
How would you address staffing and capacity issues at the Buncombe County jail?
The Sheriff’s Office is critically understaffed and struggling to provide core services. We also operate one of the deadliest jails in the state, with repeated in-custody deaths. If elected, my first priority is rebuilding and modernizing the office by investing in deputies, detention officers and their families. People do not leave bad jobs; they leave bad leadership.
I don’t enforce for ICE. I coordinate with all organizations to make our county safer for everyone.
The sheriff is responsible for operating a safe and secure detention center, not setting bonds. I will hire and retain enough detention officers to fully staff the jail, transition from direct to indirect supervision in housing pods and ensure staff are properly trained on electronic court systems and modern release procedures.
February 21st
12pm to 3pm
Complimentary meal for veterans, active duty and their families Non-veterans $10 Family maximum $25 SPONSORED BY Francy-Burdett American Legion Post 70
How would you build trust between the Sheriff’s Office and the community?
Trust starts with staffing and presence. I will restore countywide patrol coverage and ensure safe jail operations through proper staffing. I also plan to implement bilingual public information and a bilingual website, establish a sheriff’s citizens academy and work directly with local media to promote transparency and accountability.
• Housing, economic stability, and recovery in ASHEVILLE start with supporting youth in transition.
• Supporting young people early builds stability for youth, lowers long-term public costs, and creates a stronger city for everyone.
• Helping at risk Kids -We must act now!
JAMIE AGER ZELDA BRIARWOOD
U.S. House 11
In the 2024 primary race for District 11, there were only two candidates facing off: U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards and his primary challenger, Christian Reagan. On the Democratic side, Caleb Rudow ran an uncontested race.
This time around, the Democrats have a number of candidates vying for the Nov. 3 General Election — from farmers to family physicians. And once again, Edwards faces a primary challenger in Adam Smith, a leadership and business consultant.
Last March, Edwards made headlines following a contentious town hall hosted at A-B Tech. As reported by Xpress, constituents voiced concerns over federal cuts, shared their support for Ukraine, criticized Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), questioned the current trade wars with Canada and Mexico, and implored Edwards to be a check on presidential power.
Edwards defended President Donald Trump’s policies. The congressman also spoke in support of Ukraine.
Edwards did not respond to this year’s Primary Voter Guide questions.
— Thomas Calder X
EDWARDS DID NOT RESPOND TO MULTIPLE REQUESTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS YEAR’S PRIMARY VOTER GUIDE
Website: AgerForCongress.com
Occupation: Farmer and owner of Hickory Nut Gap Farms
Previous candidacy or offices held: None.
Key endorsements: State Rep. Lindsey Prather, state Rep. Brian Turner, state Sen. Julie Mayfield, Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers.
Amount of money raised: $825,000
Top three donors: Mack Pearsall, Joel Adams, Brad Stanback
THE QUESTIONS
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has become the highest-funded U.S. law enforcement agency. Do you support current levels of funding for ICE? If yes, why? If no, what is an appropriate level, and what does an effective ICE agency look like to you?
Health care costs continue to climb. How will you work across the aisle to lower costs for health insurance premiums as well as medical visits?
No, I do not support current funding levels for ICE. We’ve seen masked federal agents operating without transparency or accountability, creating chaos and undermining trust in law enforcement. That’s unacceptable. Enforcement should focus on violent criminals, follow the Constitution and respect due process. We need strict oversight, better training and vetting, and real accountability for abuses of power. We can enforce the law, keep communities safe and protect people’s rights at the same time.
I’ll work with anyone willing to lower health care costs. That starts with keeping ACA subsidies in place while we build a long-term system that guarantees affordable coverage for everyone. I’ll fight to lower prescription drug prices, expand access to primary care and protect rural hospitals that our communities rely on. Health care shouldn’t be a luxury, and it shouldn’t be the leading cause of bankruptcy. It should be affordable and accessible for everyone.
Website: zeldaforcongress.org
Occupation: Project coordinator
Previous candidacy or offices held: Secretary for Haywood County Young Dems; chair for Precinct Beaverdam 5/6
Key endorsements: Center for Freethought Equality, Chris Harjes for Congress
Amount of money raised: Roughly $35,000
Top three donors: The people of WNC.
ICE has a greater budget than the militaries of some countries, less training than the police and is indiscriminately attacking anyone in their path. That is unacceptable. I will fight to abolish ICE entirely. A portion of ICE’s budget can go to sensible, humane immigration reform.
New federal THC rules, which go into effect in November, have the potential to wipe out Western North Carolina’s hemp industry. What is your position on this issue? And what is your message to local residents whose livelihoods are linked to the hemp industry?
How will you be effective in securing ongoing Helene recovery needs for the region?
These businesses are good for Western North Carolina, and adults should be able to legally use these products. I’m concerned that these new federal rules are another example of regulations written far from the people they affect, without regard for local economies. We must protect small businesses that have taken steps to operate safely and legally. This kind of rug-pull doesn’t help public safety — it only benefits large corporations with lobbyists in Washington.
Helene recovery is my top priority. We were promised the resources to rebuild and come back stronger, and Chuck Edwards has failed to deliver despite his party having full control of our government. As an entrepreneur, I know what it means to be creative and solve problems. I’ll use every tool available to get full funding, cut through red tape and make sure recovery dollars actually reach families, small businesses and local governments.
I will work with anyone who is willing to completely prioritize the nation’s health care needs over corporate profits. Health care should not be an industry where profit is the main goal. I will lead a review of previous health care legislation proposals and also collaborate with other nations with universal health care systems to draft universal health care legislation that meets the needs of the people.
We have too many unnecessary drug arrests for nonviolent individuals, stressing an already strained criminal justice system. Multiple studies have shown the medical benefits of cannabinoids, not to speak of the many other uses for hemp. I stand with the hemp industry and our local farmers. I will work in Congress to bring consistent protections and regulations that support both farmers and consumers.
I’ll join Josh Stein, Jeff Jackson and future Sen. Roy Cooper to bring a statistically accurate proposal to the House Appropriations Committee and demand we get the funds needed. I’ll prioritize investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, bringing thousands of good jobs to WNC that can’t be outsourced. I’ll audit FEMA to address failings and make sure that every single pending application is ruled on WITH ample evidence for any denials.
What can Congress do today to help reduce costs for working families? How will you implement these ideas if elected?
Congress can act now to lower costs by rolling back erratic tariffs that raise prices on everyday goods, protecting ACA subsidies and expanding affordable health care. We should invest in housing by expanding tax credits and programs for first-time and lower-income homebuyers, and crack down on corporate greed and wage theft so working people are paid what they’re owed. I’ll work with anyone focused on results and make lowering costs for working families a top priority.
They can lower taxes on working families and prioritize taxing the ultrarich and corporations, undo all tariffs implemented by the Trump administration and raise the federal minimum wage. In Congress, I will introduce legislation that pegs the federal minimum wage to the consumer price index, close tax loopholes to lift the burden off working families and immediately work to repeal the tariffs and BBB [Big Beautiful Bill] that have only brought harm to the people of WNC.
Website: richardhudspethforcongress. com
Occupation: Family physician
Previous candidacy or offices held: None
Key endorsements: TBA
Amount of money raised: $150,000
Top three donors: All individual donors from WNC — no PAC money and no money from wealthy business owners with federal or state contracts.
I do not support the current level of funding for ICE. They are a major threat to public safety. The money used to fund them to terrorize our streets could be used to fund programs, like health care, that actually help people.
2026
I will fight to move us toward Medicare for All with a focus on reinvestments in primary care. Mental health care and dental care should be included. Let’s treat the whole person. Too many families in Western North Carolina are losing coverage, worrying about Medicaid cuts or stuck in jobs that don’t offer affordable insurance. Young adults, especially in rural areas, are being hit hard, and more than 25 million Americans remain uninsured. We can do better.
The new THC rules were pushed forward from Sen. Mitch McConnell to protect the Kentucky bourbon industry. Congress should not be picking winners and losers but allowing consumers to choose. Also, as a physician, I have seen harmful effects of addiction, whether alcohol or other substances — I support letting people make their own choices AND building a robust health system that works to prevent and treat addiction.
Congress must assert its authority to oversee programs it authorizes. This means impeaching Secretary [of U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security] Kristi Noem and defeating [current U.S. 11 Rep.] Chuck Edwards to hold them accountable for Helene recovery funds not showing up for WNC. Working to fix FEMA requires more than simply saying it is fixed. It requires dedicated and consistent attention from our congressional representative to improve how it functions. We have dedicated federal workers, and let’s empower them to create effective and meaningful changes.
I proposed a homegrown food tax credit of $500 for households growing their own food, like in a garden or raising chickens. I oppose hedge funds and corporations buying single-family homes. I support programs like New Mexico’s universal child care program being implemented at the federal level. Our elected leaders must recognize the urgent crisis facing working people and relentlessly fight those who created this crisis.
Website: maddoxforcongress.com
Occupation:
Professor of biology and research scientist on leave at UNC Chapel Hill, founder of Mizar Imaging LLC and Mizar Therapeutics Inc.
Previous candidacy or offices held: None
Key endorsements: Did not answer
Amount of money raised: $94,489.30 (as of Jan. 30)
Top three donors: Wendy Maddox, Edward Salmon, Nancy Salmon
There is no need to be funding ICE while Americans struggle to afford basic necessities. Instead of funding ICE’s terror, that money should be used to identify the issues in our citizenship process and then enact broad, sweeping, commonsense solutions to simplify the process. Even if someone is considered illegal, they’re contributing to American society, and it shouldn’t take years of bureaucracy, applications and unclear expectations for someone to become a citizen.
There are 72 countries who spend less while providing more comprehensive health care. The Affordable Care Act setup is not sustainable legislatively or for Americans who rely on it. The U.S. is larger than countries with effective programs, but it’s attainable to treat health care as a human right by studying effective programs to create a comprehensive system based on a combination of others’ successes to fit our needs.
To the locals who have contributed to our region’s economy and culture and built their lives around the hemp industry, I’ll be an outspoken advocate in Congress for you and work with legislators to roll back these rules. It’s a booming industry with opportunity for further growth, job creation and economic impact here. The federal government’s role is to support growing industries and responsibly regulate them, not wipe them out.
The strength and resiliency of the people here are who has made Helene recovery possible, not Washington. I will demand answers for why nearly 90% of the promised relief money has not been received and locate residents’ funding requests that have not been addressed. I will also explore federal funding avenues outside of FEMA and work to restructure FEMA’s disaster relief funding process and hire more FEMA employees so this does not happen again.
Website: theknowledgeportrait.com
Occupation: Civil engineer
Previous candidacy or offices held: None
Key endorsements: None yet Amount of money raised: Self-funded to this point
Top donor: Myself
It is unrealistic to think that reducing costs alone will fix the affordability crisis for working families. Instead, Congress needs to raise the federal minimum wage, ban price gouging, improve firsttime homebuyer assistance and incentivize the development of affordable and climate-resilient housing. Instead of a blanket federal minimum wage, I believe a formula for it, based on cost of living per state, with annual updates for cost-ofliving adjustments, should be mandated.
There are many things that America needs funding for, and the $120 billion over four years to fund ICE is obscene. It seems that ICE is answerable only to the administration, which could become a threat to our very democracy. I feel that ICE’s capabilities are against posse comitatus and that a lawsuit should be filed against them immediately on those grounds. The operatives of ICE are increasing by the thousand. That needs to stop.
I am for Medicare for All. However, immediately replacing most of the health insurance industry with a simple government program could cause massive unemployment. I think government should ease that transition by working with health insurance companies to trim unneeded waste year by year to soften the blow. Then companies could focus on a better Medicare Advantage program and also offer Medigap insurance.
All recreational drugs (within reason) should be available at licensed outlets. Selling moderate amounts of drugs with oversight will slash the number of overdose deaths from impurities. It will dissolve the “counter-culture” cachet that can lead to addiction. This policy will free the police from working drug cases and free our prisons from nonviolent offenders. This policy, paired with proper education, can really help our youth.
As a licensed civil engineer, I have more experience with permitting construction projects than any other candidate in the race. Working with local, state and federal officials is key to getting things done. I know that Trump appointee Michael Whatley has done nothing to help our residents reconstruct their homes, and I feel that Sharon Decker (Pat McCrory’s former aide) is our best local contact to hold the federal government responsible.
Over time, costs rise. That has always been the case. What we need is better salaries and a living wage. A federal living wage law should be passed based on each state’s population. I have made a spreadsheet that reflects this, and it allows for changes based on others’ opinions. Also, we should encourage top-tier management to take pay cuts to hire new staff at a good salary to do personal projects for their companies.
Website: adaminthehouse.com
Occupation: Leadership and business consultant
Previous candidacy or offices held: None
Key endorsements: Gator PAC Leadership Fund, Veterans Party of North Carolina
Amount of money raised: $60,000
Top three donors: Gator Leadership Fund, individual donors.
Yes, I do support current levels of spending for DHS [U.S. Department of Homeland Security]. I also support the legal efforts of deporting illegal migrants. This is an effort that every president has done with the exception of the Biden administration. A nation cannot maintain its sovereignty without secure borders, laws and ordered liberty.
The ACA [Affordable Care Act] has only caused massive bloat to costs across the country. The more we increase subsidies, the more insurance companies and medical providers will charge. We must allow true competition across state lines when it comes to insurance availability and plans. Health care funding should not go direct to the provider but rather through the recipient via controlled funds only used for that purpose.
I think the production of industrial hemp as a cash crop, similar to cotton or flax, is a good thing. Hemp-derived CBD is also something I support. I think that the states that have legalized THC have had to deal with a lot of issues. I believe the legalization of THC, or THC-based products, should be a state issue and dealt with at the lowest level possible.
Helene funding may have been appropriated at the federal level, however it’s been held up at the state level. Many counties are still struggling with the costs they carried early on in the debris cleanup and local infrastructure rebuilds. I hate to use the COVID block grants as an example, however those block grants worked well. Those funds went directly to the county and had strict spending rules attached to them. This process bypasses so many levels of “administrative” management that require cutting away funding that could be used directly by the local government and people.
Cut taxes, pass a budget, stop printing money, stop approving CRs [continuing resolutions] for raising the debt ceiling, ultimately help Americans keep more of their money in their pockets. I’ll be introducing a tax relief bill focused on cutting taxes and reducing the national deficit.
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Buncombe County District Attorney
District 40
After serving three terms, current Buncombe County District Attorney Todd Williams is not seeking reelection. Nor are any Republicans running in the primary. This means that whoever wins the March 3 election will run uncontested in the Nov. 3 general election.
As previously reported by Xpress , the three Democratic candidates seeking the office agree on many issues: prioritizing violent crimes when deciding which cases to prosecute; the urgent need to clear the court case backlog and reduce the county jail’s pretrial population; the addition of a mental health court to existing diversion programs; and supporting LGBTQ+ rights. But their approaches to achieving these outcomes, along with their professional experiences, differ.
— Thomas Calder X
THE QUESTIONS
What are the top three issues the Office of the District Attorney faces, and how would you address them?
Website: courtneyboothforda.com
Occupation: Assistant public defender for 20 years
Previous candidacy or offices held: I ran for DA in 2022 and narrowly lost to the incumbent by a mere 101 votes.
Key endorsements: Pending Amount of money raised: I decided to self-fund, as in 2022, I ran a very grassroots campaign on a shoestring budget. I’m not raising money.
Top three donors: I’m self-funding this year
What is your philosophy and approach to prosecuting nonviolent crimes?
Too many people sit in jail for years, waiting for their day in court. Justice shouldn’t take that long. I’ll work to clear the backlog, bring closure to families and keep our communities safe. Gun violence will not be tolerated — prevention is key. Our prisons are overcrowded. We need alternatives to mass incarceration: diversion, treatment, and community supervision for nonviolent offenders. I have the experience and drive to deliver real change where it matters most.
How would you build trust between your office and the community, including local law enforcement leaders?
The jail isn’t the place for people struggling with mental illness or addiction, especially those charged with nonviolent offenses like panhandling or trespassing. Instead of filling jail beds with these cases, we should connect individuals to support agencies. I support creating a mental health court and will partner with law enforcement to cut down on nuisance arrests. Tackling the root causes, like mental illness, homelessness and addiction, can help lower rates of low-level, nonviolent crime.
The district attorney should act independently from law enforcement to ensure true accountability and earn trust. I respect our officers but won’t shy away from holding them to high standards. My decades in Buncombe County prove my integrity and transparency. As DA, I’ll be approachable, open to feedback and committed to ethical leadership — always ready to listen, admit mistakes and earn the community’s trust through honest, accessible service.
What do you think the impact of Iryna’s Law will be on the court system in Buncombe County and how would you approach it? For our readers, the law went into effect in December and the legislation makes a number of changes to proceedings involving pretrial release.
Would you prosecute federal agents if they broke local laws?
House Bill 307 moves us in the wrong direction, focusing on pretrial incarceration, instead of addressing mental health, housing or substance abuse. It forces counties to spend money on bigger jails while the poor stay stuck behind bars simply for being unable to pay bail. This doesn’t keep us safe. Overcrowded jails put everyone at risk. With my experience, I’ll move nonviolent cases faster and push for mental health interventions over arrests for minor offenses.
Had the Minneapolis DA authorized charging the agent in Renee Good’s case, Alex Pretti might still be alive. I’ve spent two decades as a public defender watching average people get charged after minimal investigation, yet ICE agents act untouchable. Why should federal agents be above the law? My entire career has focused on holding government accountable. Justice means no one escapes responsibility. I have zero hesitation: I will prosecute federal agents when they break the law!
Website: KatieKforDA.com
Occupation: Senior assistant district attorney
Previous candidacy or offices held: None
Key endorsements: Mike Lamb — Buncombe native and retired APD chief of police
Amount of money raised: I don’t have access to the financial campaign report as it is currently being completed by my treasurer, but my best estimate is less than $5,000.
Top three donors: Family members.
Website: ElectMartinMoore.com
Occupation: Attorney; County Commissioner
Previous candidacy or offices held: Buncombe County commissioner, elected in 2022.
Key endorsements: Lindsey Prather, Jasmine Beach-Ferrara, Drew Reisinger, Julie Mayfield, Parker Sloan, Drew Ball, Eric Ager, Rebecca Strimer, Kim Plemmons, Chip Parton, the Buncombe County Progressive Dems, the Buncombe County Young Democrats, Police Benevolent Association and the Teamsters Local 61.
Amount of money raised: $58,594 as of Jan. 28.
Top three donors: Steven Baumohl ($6,800), Rich Wasch ($1,000), Ken Brame ($1,000)
First, a lack of funding and resources to handle the past, current and future volume of cases. Additional prosecutors will enable concerted efforts to prevent filling/exceeding the capacity of our jail and to prevent unnecessary delays for defendants and victims awaiting disposition of cases. Second, the impacts of Iryna’s Law (discussed below). Third, the cost of living in Buncombe County necessitates additional salary allotments to recruit and keep assistant DAs and simultaneously has the greatest negative impacts on our most vulnerable residents. If elected, I would collaborate with local elected officials and agencies and leverage my prosecutorial experience to advocate for passage of an adequate state budget.
Most of the people charged with nonviolent crimes in Buncombe are dealing with housing, mental health and/or substance use disorders. I’m committed to continuing our robust treatment courts and adding a mental health treatment court. I am passionate about trauma-informed prosecution: Through understanding trauma and its impacts on individuals, we dramatically improve the way victims of crimes are treated within the criminal justice system and craft outcomes that can reduce recidivism.
I meet people where they are, treat everyone with dignity and respect, and strive to work with them to resolve pending criminal cases fairly and efficiently and to collaborate on initiatives to prevent crime. Our local law enforcement leaders, community crime prevention partners, crime victims, defendants and defense attorneys know me, my work ethic and my commitment to justice and equity from my eight years of service as an assistant district attorney here in Buncombe County. That is the basis for endorsements from former APD Chief Mike Lamb, survivors, witnesses, advocates and defense attorneys.
The impacts of Iryna’s Law are socially and financially costly and overwhelmingly negative. The secured bond requirements of this new law have caused our jail population to explode. I would dedicate two prosecutors to resolve misdemeanors and low-level felonies on an expedited timetable to ensure that no one is in custody longer than permissible under the law. I would also combine my voice with local leaders and district attorneys across the state to lobby the General Assembly to revise the law to restore prosecutorial discretion to advocate for appropriate bonds on a case-by-case basis.
I would follow the law and prosecute crimes exactly as I do now: based on the evidence and the applicable law, irrespective of whether the alleged perpetrator is a local, state or federal agent. That’s how a fair justice system operates. As district attorney, it would be my duty to refer allegations of officer misconduct or criminality in our community to the State Bureau of Investigation, to review the findings of the investigation, and if the evidence supports it, prosecute the case.
• Supporting domestic violence survivors with commonsense reforms that build trust in local systems.
• Collaborating with our District Court judges to implement diversion and treatment pathways for low-level, nonviolent offenders, especially for youth and those experiencing mental illness or committing crimes of poverty
• Collaborating with law enforcement and community partners to address root causes of crime
I will prioritize domestic violence and gun crimes, while misdemeanor cannabis charges will be the lowest priority for my office.
Nonviolent crimes encompass a wide range of crimes with varying levels of community impact. High-level drug trafficking causes great harm to our community. Anyone caught with a significant amount of fentanyl will be prosecuted. Treatment and diversion courts have proven extremely successful in supporting our neighbors in accessing resources and treatment while ensuring accountability. I am thankful to our District Court judges and county staff, who work hard to keep these programs running effectively.
As a county commissioner, I have worked to build these relationships at every level. I have an open dialogue and strong relationship with Sheriff [Quentin] Miller and APD [Asheville Police Department] leadership. Any DA needs these relationships to be successful. Equally important, I am present in our community and have worked to earn the trust of community, nonprofit partners and state leaders who we will all need at the table collaborating to make our community safer.
We are already seeing the human and financial impacts. Iryna’s Law is effectively a stateimposed, unfunded mandate that has shifted the burden of resolving a nationwide mental health crisis onto local communities. The Buncombe County Detention Facility (county jail) has seen a far higher average daily population since this law was passed. Our local judges, DA, law enforcement and mental health partners are best equipped to make case-by-case decisions about safety in our community.
As district attorney, I will hold any person who breaks the law accountable, including federal law enforcement officers. There is no such thing as absolute immunity. I will use all of my statutory powers as DA to uphold rule of law and ensure accountability for those who do harm to our community. Over a decade of experience trying cases at the superior, appellate and federal levels gives me unique insights into prosecuting complex cases.
JAMES
N.C. District Court Judge District 40, Seat 3
District judges preside over civil cases involving less than $25,000, divorce, mental health hospital commitments, child custody and support cases, almost all misdemeanors and probable cause hearings in felony cases. They also handle juvenile proceedings, including abuse, neglect and delinquency. Each judge is elected to a four-year term. Since 2018, Superior and District Court judgeships in North Carolina have been partisan. Because no Republicans filed to run in this year’s local races, the winner of the primary election for District 40, Seat 3, will be unopposed in the general election. Seats 1, 2, 4 and 5 are uncontested.
—
Thomas Calder X
THE QUESTIONS
What motivates you to run?
Website: jamesmillsforjudge.com
Occupation: Attorney
Previous candidacy or offices held: N/A
Key endorsements: State Reps. Lindsey Prather and Eric Ager, congressional candidate Jamie Ager and attorneys Jack W. Stewart, Patrick McCroskey, Jim Siemens, Robert B. Long and Albert M. Messer
Amount of money raised: I am not accepting donations at this time.
Top three donors: None
My parents were public school teachers and instilled in me the desire to serve my community. I’m running for District Court judge because I have seen how impactful the courts can be in shaping people’s lives. I know the difference a thoughtful and prepared judge can make when hearing a case in court and working collaboratively with community programs. A judge can equally extend opportunities and protect the public while always following the law.
Website: ScalesForJudge.com
Occupation: Attorney
Previous candidacy or offices held: Independent candidate for district attorney 2014, Democratic candidate for district attorney 2018, Democratic candidate for N.C. Senate 2020
Key endorsements: N/A
Amount of money raised: Approximately $17,000
Top three donors: Myself, Charles Nunez, Carol Peterson
My first two jobs out of law school were as law clerk to two federal judges, giving me valuable experience into how cases are decided fairly and impartially. Since that time, while seeking justice has always been top of mind, my clients’ interests have been the focus of my representation. After 35 years of practicing law, I long to return to the pursuit of justice as my primary intention, regardless of which litigant may prevail.
What differentiates you from your primary opponent?
EXPIRES 2/28/2026
What life experiences have you had that you think would help make you a good judge?
Experience and consistency come to mind. This is my first time filing for public office, and I have practiced law for 25 years in Western North Carolina, appearing in multiple state and federal courts daily. I have handled all types of cases from criminal law to Family Court, and I believe our courts should be led by judges who are focused, prepared, attentive listeners, nontemperamental and deeply committed to the responsibilities of the role.
I worked in tobacco growing up and learned the value of hard work and the value of a quality education. In life and my career, I have witnessed friends and neighbors struggle with addiction and bad decisions. I believe that every person is fundamentally a good person, and all of us make mistakes. We must extend a helping hand and opportunities to people, within the bounds of the law, in order to better our community.
While we each have ample experience practicing law, especially in the District Court, I believe my long record of community leadership, extensive pro bono history and enduring devotion to charitable and educational causes demonstrates an overarching commitment to serving our community. On the personal side, my wife of 29 years and I have raised three children here in Asheville, who are now ages 26, 24 and 20, who are all successful, productive members of society.
I’ve donated thousands of pro bono hours representing hundreds of survivors of domestic violence, obtaining court orders protecting them from their abusers and addressing their trauma directly. For 10 years, I’ve been the Big Brother to a now 20-year-old raised in public housing by his great-grandmother, giving me insight into the challenges our working poor face. I’ve worked with youth in the schools and sports programs. I’ve volunteered extensively with organizations seeking social and racial justice.
Which diversion programs do you believe are working well in
What are some guiding principles you use when making decisions?
Though the Adult Drug Treatment Court is wonderful, I have been most impressed with the ASPIRE Court. ASPIRE Court is a program that provides supervision and support for impaired drivers by mandating treatment and supervision, while also providing support with housing, employment and community resources. ASPIRE Court allows each participant to invest in their recovery and rebuild their lives. Diversion programs reduce recidivism, build trust between the community and our courts, and increase public safety.
Fairness, experience, honesty, collaboration. Each of the broad principles will allow me to listen to the facts of a case, understand the circumstances of the individual and follow the law for the benefit of the individual, the families involved and the community.
Buncombe County is fortunate to have several programs devoted to redirecting persons — particularly first-time or low-level offenders — away from prosecution or incarceration to avoid the long-term consequences of a criminal record. While all of them are working well, my clients have found sustained success with the Adult Misdemeanor and Felony Drug Diversion Programs. Sobriety Court, Justice United in Support of Treatment (JUST) and Treatment Accountability for Safer Communities (TASC) also have proved beneficial to many.
My methodology will be three steps. First, I will ensure my neutrality by clearing my mind of any preconceived notions. Second, I will receive all the case facts and parties’ arguments. Third, I will interpret and apply the law to the facts of the case, taking care to observe the restraints on my judicial authority. This will lead me to what I believe to be the right legal answer that is fair to all concerned.
Buncombe County?
From civil rights to City Hall
Remembering the legacy of Ruben J. Dailey, Asheville’s first Black Council member
BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE
jmcguire@mountainx.com
As Asheville civil rights attorney Ruben J. Dailey campaigned for City Council in 1969, he regularly told voters he was not seeking office to represent a single group.
“I am running on a progressive record of service to all the people of Asheville,” he said at a candidates forum, according to an April 30 story in the Asheville Citizen-Times. “All of the poor people — black or white — need to be motivated and encouraged.”
But he also said, in a separate interview with the newspaper: “There are problems peculiar to the Negro community that I am aware of, and I will serve their interests as well as those of all other citizens.”
That November, Dailey became the first African American elected to City Council, receiving 6,141 votes as one of three Democrats elected alongside four Republicans, according to coverage in the Citizen-Times. His election marked a historic milestone in the city’s governance, reflecting both progress and the challenges of representing a racially diverse community during a period of significant social change.
With the 2026 City Council primary elections coming up on Tuesday, March 3 — with 20 people competing for three open seats — we take a look back at Dailey’s life and legacy.
SCHOOL DESEGREGATION CHAMPION
Dailey’s path to City Council was built on decades of legal and civic engagement. Born in 1910, Dailey moved to Asheville in 1926. He served in the Navy during World War II and earned a bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University in 1947 and a law degree from North Carolina College at Durham (now known as North Carolina Central University) in 1949. By 1950, he became the first African American attorney in Buncombe County, practicing general law in Asheville.
Dailey’s legal work often intersected with the efforts of the NAACP, school boards and civic groups, establishing him as a pioneering advocate for educational equality and civil rights throughout WNC. He frequently represented plaintiffs in school desegregation cases, including his work with the Transylvania Citizens Improvement Organization
TRAILBLAZER: Ruben J. Dailey, Asheville’s first Black City Council member, stands second from right with Mayor Richard A. Wood, third from right, and four unidentified other men in front of a Chamber of Commerce banner for the Accelerating Asheville, All-America City campaign, 1975-76. Photo courtesy of Buncombe County Special Collections, Pack Memorial Library
in 1962. At that time, Black students in Transylvania County were required to travel long distances to attend high school due to segregation.
Dailey represented the parents and students in court, and in March 1963, according to reports in the CitizenTimes, U.S. District Court Judge Wilson Warlick ordered the integration of junior and senior high schools, allowing students previously denied access to attend Brevard High School.
In addition to his legal work, Dailey was deeply involved in civic organizations. He helped organize the Asheville Area Council on Human Relations and served on the Asheville-Buncombe County Citizens Organization. He held leadership roles in the YMCA at both local and national levels, including as vice president of the national YMCA board.
Dailey was also active in city planning and economic development efforts, serving as treasurer of the Opportunity Corporation of Buncombe and Madison Counties, secretary-treasurer of the Asheville Redevelopment Commission, and working with Share Inc., which helped small businesses obtain federal assistance.
COMMUNITY LEADER
When he sought a City Council seat in 1969 (after coming up short in a 1965
bid), Dailey had earned a reputation as a community leader who prioritized the welfare of the city as a whole.
Newspaper campaign ads emphasized practical concerns, including reducing property taxes and water rates, improving schools and expanding urban infrastructure such as the airport and Civic Center.
After serving his first two-year term, Dailey was reelected in 1971, confirming broad support across racial and political lines. During his tenure, he contributed to routine city governance, including reviewing contracts, public works projects and regulatory updates, while maintaining his longstanding commitment to civil rights and equal opportunity. Colleagues described him as someone who combined legal expertise with practical service, always attentive to minority issues while keeping them in the broader perspective of city needs.
In 1973, Dailey chose not to seek another term due to health concerns. Republican Otis Michael, a physician, became the second Black member of Council two years later.
At Dailey’s final Council meeting, he quietly acknowledged colleagues’ recognition of his service, responding “Nothing” when asked for comments by Mayor Richard A. Wood Jr., the CitizenTimes reported on Nov. 30, 1973. The Council and the Asheville Area Chamber
of Commerce passed resolutions and offered public tribute for his leadership in civil rights, civic organizations and efforts to meet the needs of Asheville residents.
Outside of City Hall, Dailey’s contributions were widely recognized. In 1973, fellow Council members presented him with a commemorative silver tray during a testimonial dinner at the Asheville Downtown City Club. Wood described the event as “a gathering of friends” and noted that Dailey’s dedication to Asheville would continue to benefit the community for years to come.
Dailey continued his civic engagement until his death on Jan. 8, 1981, at age 70. Obituaries in the Citizen-Times highlighted his pioneering legal career, civil rights advocacy and service on City Council. Michael, by then a former Council member, said, “I guess he did more to advance race relations than anybody in Asheville.” Wayne Montgomery, who served on Council with Dailey, recalled him as “color blind but always concerned about minority problems — and always keeping them in perspective.”
Later that year, Dailey was posthumously honored during Black History Month as one of 10 Asheville residents recognized for their contributions to the city. The ceremony, sponsored by the Central Asheville Optimist Club, highlighted his work in civil rights, law and city government, reflecting a legacy of service that reached beyond any single role or office.
Editor’s note: Peculiarities of spelling and punctuation are preserved from the original documents. X
19th-century forerunner
While Ruben J. Dailey is recognized as Asheville’s first Black City Council member, an earlier and largely forgotten pioneer served as a city leader nearly a century before. In 1882, amid post-Civil War racial violence and intimidation by white supremacists, Newton Shepard — a man born into slavery — was elected to Asheville’s Board of Aldermen, the precursor to the City Council. His election was especially notable given the city’s small Black population and the absence of any majority-Black wards, requiring significant white voter support. Shepard served only one year, and his tenure did not usher in sustained political gains. After Shepard and a few contemporaries, Black representation in Asheville government disappeared for more than 80 years. Dailey’s 1969 election marked the first enduring breakthrough. X
FEB. 18 - FEB. 26, 2026
For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 828-251-1333, opt. 1.
Online-only events
More info, page 26
WELLNESS
50+ Yoga
For individuals aged 50 and above, focusing on gentle movements and flexibility, taught by Barbara.
WE (2/18, 2/25), FR (2/20), MO (2/23), noon, Weaverville Yoga, 3-B Florida Avenue
Anahata Yoga
A heart-centered yoga practice focusing on the Anahata chakra, led by Barbara.
WE (2/18, 2/25), FR (2/20), SA (2/21), MO (2/23), 10:30am, Weaverville Yoga, 3-B Florida Avenue
Tai Chi Fan
The Tai Chi Fan class includes a short Flying Rainbow Single Fan form, partner work, and Flying Rainbow Double Fan form.
WE (2/18, 2/25), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave
History of Buddishm & the Lists, Lists, Lists w/ David Dixon Dixon will provide an exploration of the origins of Buddhism and the many lists that guide Buddhist philosophy.
WE (2/18), 6:30pm, Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd
Meditation for Community Healers
Inviting all who contribute to the wellbeing of our community, including psychotherapists, spiritual teachers, bodyworkers, social workers and more by offering a wide range of healing
arts modalities.
WE (2/18), 10am, Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd
Qi Gong w/Francesco Garripoli
Practice qi gong with a true master of the art in an easy going and approachable class that teaches an extensive experience.
WE (2/18), 3:30am, Moonrise Studio, 55 & 1/2 Broadway
Finding Comfort Within: Guided Imagery & Hypnosis for Physical Pain
This gentle, senior-friendly workshop led by licensed therapist Elizabeth Garzarelli will explore how physical pain is influenced by the nervous system, stress, and the mind–body connection.
TH (2/19), 1:30pm, Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd
Quantum Energy Healing & Transformation: Group Session w/Meg
A group session focusing on connecting in the quantum field to release limitations, clear trauma imprints, and embody more light.
TH (2/19), 7pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Avenue
New Moon Yoga Nidra & Reiki
Within this space, a dream will be induced taking you into a state of consciousness that can bring about immense healing in your conscious, subconscious, and unconscious mind.
FR (2/20), 6pm, Asheville Salt Cave, 16 N Liberty St
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Candlelight Flow Yoga
Unwind in our all-levels
Candlelight Flow Yoga class.
SU (2/22), 5pm, Happy Body Pilates, 25 Reed St., Suite 210
Doom Metal Yoga w/ Quantum Mystic Plan to sweat, stretch, growl and reset through a vinyasa flow set to a live doom metal soundtrack.
MO (2/23), 6:30pm, Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave
Hatha Yoga
Suitable for all levels.
MO (2/23), 9am
Yin Yang Qigong
Together, we will balance the Yin and Yang within to effortlessly smooth out internal and external physical, emotional and mental disharmonies.
MO (2/23), 10am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave
Kinēsa Mat Class Kinēsa focuses on retraining the brain and calming the nervous system to release habitual patterns of posture, movement, and body mechanics.
TU (2/24), 8:30am, Happy Body Pilates, 25 Reed St., Suite 210
Qigong for Health and Resilience
We practice a variety of simple yet powerful standing movements that can be as deep and challenging as you wish.
TU (2/24), 9am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave
Community Yoga w/ Carrie
A free hour of yoga, meditation and mindfulness with local yoga instructor.
WE (2/25), 10:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas NC Wellness and Opportunity Center, 216 Asheland Ave
SUPPORT GROUPS
Nicotine Anonymous
People share their experience, strength and hope to stop using nicotine. You don’t need to be stopped, just have
It will explore a variety of spiritual practices including meditation, breath-work, meditative movement and more.
WE (2/18, 2/25), 2pm, AmeriHealth Caritas NC Wellness and Opportunity Center, 216 Asheland Ave
Winter Women Meeting
Monthly meeting for mature women to discuss and study Celtic Spirituality.
TH (2/19), noon, First Congregational Church of Christ of Asheville, 20 Oak Street
Magnetic Minds: Depression & Bipolar Support Group
A free weekly peer-led meeting for those living with depression, bipolar, and related mental health challenges. For more information contact (828) 367-7660.
SA (2/21), 2pm, First Congregational Church of Christ of Asheville, 20 Oak Street
Solutions Group Daily living sober meeting. For more information, visit avl.mx/f91.
SU (2/22), 12:30pm, Virtual, Online
Sunrise AA Meeting Daily virtual Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. For more information, visit avl.mx/f91.
SU (2/22), 7am, Virtual, Online
Families Anonymous Support group for those affected by someone else’s addiction.
TU (2/24), 6pm, Love & Respect, 350 Chadwick Ave Suite 300
The Men’s Nest Make meaningful human connections to strengthen your social health, cultivate compassion, and learn to use your power to give and receive authentic
IN WORDS AND ART: Artists, poets, students and environmental advocates will gather at The Mule on Thursday, Feb. 19, for We Love Our Public Lands, an evening of art, photos, poetry and storytelling. Led in part by Smokies Life CEO Jacqueline Harp, pictured, the program begins at 5:30 p.m. and will celebrate the beauty and meaning of America’s public lands while emphasizing the importance of their ongoing care. Photo courtesy of the Wilderness Society
support.
TU (2/24), 5:15pm, SeekHealing, 50 S. French Broad Ave
DANCE
Latin Night Wednesday w/DJ Mtn Vibez
A Latin dance social featuring salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia, and reggaeton with dance lessons for all skill levels. WE (2/18, 2/25), 8pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd Nia Dance Class Nia brings the body, mind, emotions, and spirit to optimal health through music,
movement, and self expression.
TH (2/19, 2/26), TU (2/24), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave
We Line Dance
Instructor Brenda Mills leads an all-inclusive exercise class using line dancing to get your body moving.
TH (2/19, 2/26), 6:15pm, Stephens-Lee Rec Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
The Star Cheerleading Competition Presented by All Day Cheerleading, Inc. Schedule to be posted on the Wednesday prior to the event.
XPRESS EVENT PICK
16th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
• First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St.
• Wednesday, February 25, 8 a.m.
Community members are encouraged to donate blood alongside their neighborhood heroes at a time when the nation’s blood supply remains under significant strain. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org using sponsor code ‘AVLBattleOfBadges.
SA (2/21), 9am, Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville, 87 Haywood St
ART
Highwater: Ceramics from the Gail & Brian McCarthy Collection Highwater features ceramics from the collection of Gail & Brian McCarthy, celebrating the 45-year legacy of Highwater Clays as a pillar of the ceramics community in WNC and beyond. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through April 26, 2026. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Pink Dog Mardi Gras: Lovers, Sinners & Misfits
Twenty-eight artists present works encompassing a multi-faceted interpretation of the holiday: the European influence of masquerade, the exuberance of New Orleans’ renowned parades, elaborate parties and unique Cajun and African American traditions. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 10am, and Sunday, noon. Exhibition runs through March 28. See p26 Pink Dog Creative, 348 Depot St Look Homeward, Angel: Letterio Calapai’s Wood Engravings of the Asheville-Inspired Novel This exhibition presents a folio of prints by Letterio Calapai illustrating “Look Homeward, Angel” (1929)—Thomas Wolfe’s semi-autobiographical novel set in a fictionalized Asheville. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through Feb. 22, 2026.
Asheville Art Museum, 2
S Pack Square
Modern Bestiary: Creatures from the Collection
This exhibition explores the artistic legacy of the medieval bestiary through a selection of animals and fantastic beasts from the Museum’s Collection. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through March 15, 2026.
Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Women of the Pacific Northwest
This exhibition celebrates the voices, visions and material mastery of female artists working today, with roots from this rich and progressive region. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through May 17, 2026.
Asheville Art Museum, 2
S Pack Square
Curves Ahead: Contemporary Art Exhibition Discover Curves Ahead, a contemporary craft exhibition showcasing
regional artists whose work explores form, movement, and organic shape across multiple media. Gallery open daily, 10am. Exhibition through March, 22. Focus Gallery at the Folk Art Center, Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Pkwy
PechaKucha Night AVL
An evening of presentations by the most creative and interesting people in our city, all following the PechaKucha 20×20 format.
FR (2/20), 7:30pm, The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Road St. 10
Dialogue: Lindenfeld & Lindenfeld
This exhibition celebrates the works of mother-daughter artists, Lore Kadden Lindenfeld and Naomi Lindenfeld. It features clay and mixed media work of Naomi Lindenfeld as she responded to a selection of her mother Lore’s innovative textiles. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through May, 9.
Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, 120 College St
Public Tour: Featured Exhibition
A guided tour of the museum’s current featured exhibition.
SA (2/21), 2pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Public Tour: Discovering Art in Asheville
Join volunteer educators or Museum staff for an interactive tour exploring the Museum’s history and Collection. SU (2/22), 3pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Jazz Showcase w/Dr. Bill Bares
The White Horse Jazz showcase with Dr. Bill Bares will spotlight outstanding regional vocalists, UNCA faculty jazz artists, and additional special guests. WE (2/18), 7pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain Asheville Symphony: ALT ASO Experience ALT ASO like never before, as the Asheville Symphony’s genre-bending chamber orchestra explores the rich tradition of tango. TU (2/24), 7pm, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave
WNC Pagan Choir: Winter Season In this folklore and pagan-focused experience, we sing together to celebrate the old gods, the animate forces, and the spirits of the wild.
TU (2/24), 6:30pm, Land of SKy UCC, 15 Overbrook Pl
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
Welcome to Bridge Bridge lessons for beginners and those who want to review the basics. Have fun, meet new people and exercise your brain. Register at the website or by emailing mailto:abrclubmanager@gmail.com.
WE (2/18, 25), 10am, Asheville Bridge Room at Beth Israel Synagouge
Blue Zones: A Weekly Cooking & Learning Series
Explore the world’s Blue Zones—remarkable regions where people live well into their 90s and beyond. Learn how to prepare delicious, affordable meals everyone can enjoy.
TH (2/19, 26), 5:30pm, NC Cooperative Extension Madison County, 258 Carolina Ln Fermentation Class for Beginners
A 2 hour beginner class on fermentation where you can learn all about how to ferment foods, enjoy tasting different fermented foods and go home with your own jar of personally flavored sauerkraut.
SA (2/21), 1pm, WNC Foodworks Training Room, 570 Brevard Rd, Ste 9
Birth of Love:
Co-Creating w/Saturn & Neptune at 0° Aries
You’ll leave with a simple, repeatable ritual to anchor intention into action as this Saturn–Neptune cycle unfolds—so “love” becomes something you live, not something you hope for.
SU (2/22), 1pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Avenue
Ed Talks: Education is Freedom
This TEDx-style event invites educators, students, and our larger community to reimagine public education not just as a system, but as the heartbeat of our democracy—the foundation of our collective freedom.
TH (2/26), 7pm, A-B Tech Community College, 340 Victoria Rd
Inner Exploration
Through Mindful
Writing w/Jake Kramer
This series will explore how mindful writing can be a pathway to authentic expression, freedom, and healing. Through the process of meditation we will pay close attention to what it’s like to be still, to write—and if we choose—to share our writing.
TH (2/26), 1:30pm, Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd
LITERARY
Poetry Open Mic
Asheville’s longest-running open mic, welcoming all forms of creative expression.
Sign-up at 8 p.m. for a 5 or 10-minute spot.
WE (2/18, 2/25), 8:30pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave
Asheville StorySLAM: Love Hurts
Prepare a five-minute story about a love that made you go OUCH. The agony of deferred love, the misery of good love gone bad, or the anguish of unrequited love. Situationships, friend break-ups, bad romances.
TH (2/19), 7:30pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave
World Affairs Book Club
Where passionate readers and engaged citizens delve into thought-provoking books.
TH (2/19), 10am, Transylvania County Library, Brevard, 212 S Gaston Street
Sydney Kale Presents: Two New Books In Conversation w/Brent Martin
Asheville author Sydney Kale will share two new books, Becoming Written: A Year of Writing Stories in a Home I Loved and I, Garden, // Garden as Palimpsest, in conversation with Brent Martin.
SA (2/21), 3pm, City Lights Bookstore, 3 E Jackson St
Wonders & Wanders w/Wilma
Social and book club exploring local author Wilma Dykeman’s famed book, The French Broad, while exploring spots around Asheville and chatting with old and new friends.
SU (2/22), 3pm, Albemarle Inn, 86 Edgemont Rd
Flooded Poetry
Mondays Poetry-specific open mic, starring you plus weekly featured readers, every Monday. MO (2/23), 6:30pm, Flood Gallery, 802 Fairview Rd #1200
Black Experience Book Club
This community-centered series is designed to explore literature that centers the voices, histories, and futures of the African Diaspora. TH (2/26), 6:30pm, YMI Cultural Center, 39 S Market Street
THEATER & FILM
Jeeves In Bloom
The peaceful English countryside may never be the same after Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet, Jeeves, pay a visit.
WE (2/18), TH (2/19), SA (2/21), 7:30pm, FR (2/20), SU (2/22), 2pm, NC Stage Co., 15 Stage Ln
Phantom Lamp Theatre Co. Presents: Close Quarters Close Quarters finds
you, the audience, as spectral accompaniment for two ghosts in an apartment. Your mission? Help them get the new living residents to move. Hauntings ensue, neighbors interrupt the plot with hijinks, and each show is unique.
FR (2/20), SA (2/21), TH (2/26) 7:30pm, SU (2/22), 2pm, Lamplight AVL, 821 Haywood Rd
Branden Jacobs Jenkins: Appropriate Every estranged member of the Lafayette clan has descended upon the crumbling Arkansas homestead to settle the accounts of the newly-dead patriarch.
TH (2/19), 7:30pm, Henderosnville Theatre, 229 S Washington St
Jonathan Larson Presents: RENT
Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize–winning musical follows a year in the life of young artists and friends struggling to create and survive in New York City under the shadow of the HIV/ AIDS epidemic. These performances will be supported by a 5-piece band.
TH (2/19), 7:30pm, Asheville Community Theater, 35 E Walnut St
Rage @ The Stage: A Frenzied Evening of Improv Comedy
A super fun night of improv comedy that will be featuring acts from seasoned players, the Charm Offensive and Mostly Millennials.
FR (2/20), 7pm, NC Stage Co., 15 Stage Lane
The White Chip
Based on playwright Sean Daniels’ real-life recovery, the play balances razor-sharp humor with emotional honesty, offering an uplifting and unflinching look at what it takes to rebuild a life — and a self — one honest step at a time. See p26
FR (2/20), SA (2/21), 7:30pm, SU (2/22), 2pm, Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon Street
Blood Census
Two 21st century roommates in an American city, but also, Paris during the Reign of Terror. One is the voice for the History Channel; the other is active in the Revolution, making a count of casualties.
TH (2/26), 5pm, Little Animals, 31 Carolina Lane
Tonya & Nancy: A Rock Opera
A high-energy, darkly comic musical that reimagines the infamous 1994 figure-skating scandal with over-the-top theatrical flair.
TH (2/26), 7:30pm, The BeBe Theatre, 20 Commerce St
MEETINGS & PROGRAMS
Social Seniors
A social gathering for seniors to engage in various activities and connect with peers.
Open Monday through Friday, 9am, Grove Street Community Center, 36 Grove S Black Asheville Town Hall: Congress
This evening will feature candidates running for U.S. Congress, offering voters the opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to represent WNC at the federal level.
WE (2/18), 7pm, YMI Cultural Center, 39 S Market Street
Charter School
Community Forum
Explore the free alternative options offered by five different public charter schools and see what makes them different from traditional public schools.
WE (2/18), 5:30pm, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Meet Up: She Owns It, AVL
Each month, She Owns It AVL brings together women who are ready to grow, connect, and be inspired—in life, money, mindset.
WE (2/18), 6pm, Ginger’s Revenge, 829 Riverside Dr, Ste 100 Tech/Ish: AI <3
Humans Through experiences and discussion, we’ll consider the possibilities and limitations of forming a bond with personified AI.
WE (2/18), 6pm, Blind Tiger Asheville, 173 E Chestnut St
We Love Our Public Lands: In Words & Art Artists, poets, students, and environmental advocates will gather in Asheville this month for an evening celebrating the beauty and meaning of America’s public lands while emphasizing the importance of their ongoing care.
TH (2/19), 5:30pm, The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Road St. 10 Asheville City Council & Mayoral Candidate Forum
An opportunity to hear how candidates plan to fight climate change and make Asheville work for working people.
FR (2/20), 6:30pm, Highsmith Student Union, 1 University Heights
Sources for African American History & Genealogy Research in WNC
Ellen Holmes Pearson, UNC Asheville Professor of History, will discuss the Archives, an
centers
years helping patients eliminate chronic pain through specialized massage therapy. Certified specialist in Graston techniques, cupping & deep tissue work for chronic pain and injury.
excluded individuals in the region to build a more comprehensive history of WNC.
SA (2/21), 2pm, Old Buncombe County Genealogical Society, 128 Bingham Rd
Atheists of WNC
This little Atheist group invites anyone who doesn’t believe in religions to come chat with like-minded people. Find out more at avl.mx/f8c.
SU (2/22), 10am, EarthFare - Westgate, 66 Westgate Pkw
Deaf Community Meetup
Whether you’re fluent in ASL, learning, or simply interested in supporting Deaf culture and accessibility in our area, you are warmly welcome.
SU (2/22), noon, The Hop Ice Cream, 640 Merrimon Ave
Sunday Celebration
Anan uplifting Science of Mind Celebration.
SU (2/22), 11am, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science of Mind Way
Equanimity In A Changing World
The evening will include meditation, dharma talk and discussion. Chanting may be included with or
without harmonium.
MO (2/23), 6:30pm, Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd
Mindful Aging & Dying In the Buddhist tradition we use awareness of aging, illness and death as a profound practice that can relieve our fears of getting old and dying, so when it’s time to leave our bodies behind, we may do it as consciously and compassionately as possible.
MO (2/23), 6:30pm, Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd
GAMES & CLUBS
Asheville Board Game Club Meetup
Play a wide variety of games—strategy, party, cooperative, and more—and we’re always happy to teach, so no experience needed.
WE (2/18, 2/25), 5:30pm, Well Played Board Game Café, 162 Coxe Ave, 101 Board Game Night Open, casual game night—come and go as you please. An assortment of board games available to play.
WE (2/18, 2/25), 5pm, Hi-Wire RAD Beer Garden, 284 Lyman St
Kids Issues
Homeschooler’s Hangout Games help develop cognitive skills, including decision-making, problem-solving, and logical analysis.
TH (2/19, 2/26), 11am, Well Played Board Game Café, 162 Coxe Ave, 101
Adult Community Basketball
Come shoot some hoops or play a pick up game with friends.
SU (2/22), 1pm, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St Southside After Praise After church, enjoy an afternoon playing spades or dominoes.
SU (2/22), 1:30pm, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Weekly Sunday Scrabble
If you like Wordle, Boggle, Words with Friends or Scrabble online, this club may be a good fit for you. All of the games are provided.
SU (2/22), 1:30pm, Stephens-Lee Rec Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Monday Night Music Video Bingo Come out for Monday Night Music Video Bingo with Jason.
MO (2/23), 6pm, Mills River Brewing Co., 336 Banner Farm Rd, Mills River
Pool Night
Pool night, every Monday night with a $5 buy in. Must be signed up by 7 p.m.
MO (2/23), 6:30pm, Eda’s Hide-a-Way, 1098 New Stock Rd, Weaverville
Magic: The Gathering Whether you’ve been playing for years or are just starting your journey, this is your chance to battle, brew, and build community.
TU (2/24), 6pm, Well Played Board Game Café, 162 Coxe Ave, 101 Game Night
An evening of cards and games such as dominoes and Rummikub.
TH (2/26), 7pm, First Congregational Church of Christ of Asheville, 20 Oak Street
KID-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS
Baby Story Time
A lively language enrichment story time designed for children ages 4 to 18 months.
There will be free glow accessories for your little dancers, plenty of room to run, dance, and get their sillies out while it’s cold outside, and snacks for purchase the Hop Ice Creamery.
SA (2/21), 10am, The Orange Peel, 101 Biltmore Ave
Watoto Wa Utamaduni: Children of Culture
Bring your kids, families’ kids, and other children from your neighborhood and spend a day of learning about Black culture, history, and the arts through tactile and kenetic experiences.
SA (2/21), 10am, YMI Cultural Center, 39 S Market Street
LOCAL MARKETS
RAD Farmers Market
A year-round weekly market featuring local fruits vegetables, meats, bread, honey, eggs, pastries, flowers, crafts and more. SNAP, Double SNAP, & farmers market prescriptions accepted here.
WE (2/18, 2/25), 3pm, New Belgium Brewing Asheville, 21 Craven St Weaverville Tailgate Market
This market features a selection of fresh, locally grown produce, grass fed beef, pork, chicken, eggs, cheese, baked goods, artisan bread, eclectic handmade
goodies, garden and landscaping plants.
WE (2/18, 2/25), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr Junk-O-Rama Vintage Market
Featuring vintage clothes, jewelry, local art & more.
SU (2/22), noon, Fleetwood’s, 496 Haywood Rd
WNC Farmers Market
This year-round market features locally grown produce, fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, plants, shops, arts and crafts, sourwood honey, and other farm fresh items. Open daily, 8am. 570 Brevard Rd
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
ArtSoup
A part of Mars Hill’s
First Fridays, these fun nights will feature dance parties, games and music with free hot soup, local sourdough and bagels.
FR (2/20), 6pm, Modern Local ArtSoup, 42 N Main St
Asheville Train Show
A tradition in the mountain area that will feature railroading and prototype or model and artifacts. There will be operating layouts, a child operated Thomas the tank engine, and many vendors.
FR (2/20), noon, WNC Ag Center, 761 Boylston Highway
Postcard Party & Social Time
An opportunity for civic-minded individuals to mingle and write postcards to elected officials and others on current legislative topics and concerts of participants.
FR (2/20), 4:30pm, Trailside Brewing Co., 873 Lenox Park Dr.
HSO Family Concert & Youth Arts Fair
The Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra is presenting a special concert filled with timeless classics and
music for all ages. This year also marks the second annual HSO Youth Arts Fair, where you can discover what the Hendersonville arts community has to offer for your children.
SA (2/21), 2pm, Blue Ridge Community College’s Thomas Auditorium, 180 W Campus Dr
Stand w/Ukraine Peace Rally Peace rally and fundraiser to mark the four year anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, to show solidarity with Ukraine. The program will also include live music and speakers. People are encouraged to bring their US and Ukrainian flags and to wear Ukrainian colors (blue and yellow).
SA (2/21), 2:30pm, Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza
Year of the Fire Horse: Glow-In-The-Dark Disc Golf Tournament
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a oneof-a-kind glow disc golf experience. This tournament features a 9-hole scored glow round, exciting Ace prizes, and exclusive Lunar New Year merchandise for every player.
SA (2/21), 6pm, Taproom At Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy #200
Year of the Fire Horse: Lunar New Year Celebration Ring in the Lunar New Year with joy, flavor, and family fun as we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse—a free celebration filled with energy, good fortune, and community spirit. SA (2/21), 11am, Taproom At Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy #200 Community Chili Cook-Off
It’s not your typical cookoff, emphasis will be on good chili and fun. Prizes, judged by the public, will be awarded based on flavor, appearance, creativity and humor.
Anyone is welcome to enter or to just come and enjoy the fun.
SU (2/22), 4pm, Mills River Presbyterian Church, 10 Presbyterian Church Rd
Margaritaville: Jimmy Buffet Inspired Throwdown Float on down for a relaxing afternoon of margaritas, live band karaoke with The Pubsters, and all your Margaritaville dreams come true.
SU (2/22), 2pm, The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Road St. 10
The Black Tie Wedding & Special Event Expo
An open-house experience spotlighting Black and multicultural vendors from our region. From weddings and special events to proms and milestone moments—come explore, connect, and celebrate community.
SU (2/22), 10am, YMI Cultural Center, 39 S Market Street
Our Voice: Believe Survivors
A powerful evening of spoken word, dramatic performance, live jazz and visual art in support of survivors of sexual violence and human trafficking. It will also feature a special art raffle featuring six original pieces.
TU (2/24), 5:30pm, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave
Preservation is Resistance: Black History in the Age of Erasure 2nd Annual Brunch and Learn with RSAA as we bring 4 Black Cultural Center Directors from around the country to ask the seminal question “How do we sustain our narrative, histories and traditions in an age of erasure”?
WE (2/25), 11:30am, YMI Cultural Center, 39 S Market Street
People of Action Gala
The club recognizes seven individuals annually, one for each of Rotary’s Seven Areas of
Focus, whose work has created lasting, positive change in Western North Carolina.
TH (2/26), 6pm, Renaissance Asheville Downtown Hotel, 31 Woodfin St
Second Annual Heart Expo: Take Heart Haywood
This free, drop-in event is held in recognition of Heart Month and will offer heart health education, screenings, and community resources for individuals and families, encouraging all to recognize the importance of heart health, regular screenings, and staying informed.
TH (2/26), 10am, Haywood Regional Medical Center, 262 Leroy George Dr
BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING
Comedy Queens Drag Brunch: A Fundraiser for Tranzmission
This drag brunch leans hard into comedy, delivering sharp punchlines and eight laugh-out-loud performances from Asheville’s funniest queens. Brunch provided by Biscuit Head South is included, and proceeds benefit Tranzmission.
SA (2/21), 11am, Banks Ave, 32 banks Ave 16th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive
The American Red Cross and Asheville’s first responders are teaming up once again for the 16th Annual ‘Battle of the Badges’ Blood Drive competition. Community members are encouraged to donate blood alongside their neighborhood heroes at a time when the nation’s blood supply remains under significant strain. To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org using sponsor code ‘AVLBattleOfBadges. WE (2/25), 8am, First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St
ARTS & CULTURE
Going with the flow
BY GINA SMITH
Abraham Delatorre and his parents, Ole and Elena Delatorre, are among local restaurateurs who have committed to relaunching their businesses in the same spot after experiencing catastrophic flooding during Tropical Storm Helene. But as the owners of two flooded restaurants, the family experienced double the loss.
As Helene approached Western North Carolina in September 2024, the Delatorres believed their Ole’s Guacamoles locations — one at 502 W. State St. in Black Mountain and the other at 90 S. Tunnel Road in Asheville — were prepared for the worst.
Set on high ground at the junction of Swannanoa River Road and Tunnel Road, the Asheville location didn’t have a history of flooding. And though the Black Mountain restaurant — situated on a creek near the Montreat Dam — was prone to nuisance floods, as owners of the building, the Delatorres felt prepared.
Since moving the business to the cinderblock building in 2010 (it originally opened in 2007 in a different spot), the family had elevated the kitchen equipment above ground level and built a low cement wall around the entrance that could be sealed to keep out encroaching water, Abraham Delatorre explains.
But the precautions that had mitigated small floods in the past were no match for the 5 feet of water that engulfed the space during Helene.
“We lost everything — all the equipment, the booths, refrigeration, everything,” Abraham says.
At the Asheville location, the nearby Swannanoa River crested at more than 26 feet, inundating the shopping center where the Delatorres leased their space and washing out adjacent roads. All the restaurant’s equipment and furniture were destroyed.
Despite the twofold loss, the Delatorre family has tenaciously doubled down on their hopes for a future in previously flooded spaces.
They reopened the Black Mountain Ole’s Guacamoles in late November after extensive renovations, including a freshly redesigned patio seating and bar area.
And with the building that housed the Asheville location still in ruins, the family has pivoted to reopen in a new spot, the former home of Moe’s Original BBQ in Biltmore Village, which itself permanently closed after severe flooding from Helene.
WNC restaurants relaunch and regroup on the flood plain
‘PLACE OF RESILIENCE’
The Delatorres aren’t the only local restaurant owners betting on a bright future in a space gutted by Helene. Before the storm, South Slope-based distillery Chemist Spirits was in the process of transforming the historic building at 2 Brook St. into a sister business for its Antidote cocktail lounge.
Construction was well underway when floodwaters tore through the building. Though the structure survived, the damage was extensive, says James Donaldson, Chemist Spirits creative director and co-founder with Debbie Word
“Just about everything had to be ripped out and rebuilt from scratch,” Donaldson says, including a pair of oneof-a-kind antique bar units that were meant to be the lounge’s focal point.
With Biltmore Village a known flood zone, major structural upgrades were already baked into the design and fortunately had just been completed when the storm hit — including raising the interior floor by 18 inches and adding supports to the exterior walls. These proved crucial in helping the building survive the storm, Donaldson says.
But in the immediate wake of the destruction, the business wasn’t at first eager to move forward at the same site.
“The truth is, there was some initial hesitation,” Donaldson says. “Walking down to the edge of Biltmore Village that next morning was an emotional moment; there was a real sense of hopelessness among the team.”
After putting the project on the back burner for a few weeks, though, Donaldson and Word returned to it from what Donaldson calls a “place of resilience,” despite not receiving disaster relief funds, insurance money or grants to help offset the expenses.
“Giving up on something we had already poured so much love into didn’t feel like an option,” he says. “Rebuilding meant huge financial and emotional hurdles, but we knew we wanted to be part of [Biltmore Village’s] comeback story.”
With the location slated for an early spring launch (an update on the timeline is expected later this month), Donaldson reflects that he’s most excited about the positive impact Helene had on the business.
After the storm, Antidote opened as a community space, supplying coffee and Wi-Fi to residents. The concept proved
so popular that Chemist has continued to operate Antidote as a coffee shop by day.
Inspired by that concept, the Brook Street location will offer three spaces under one roof: Penny Black speakeasy with globally inspired cocktails and small bites; The Parlour all-day coffee and tea shop and casual cocktail bar; and a Chemist Spirits tasting room and bottle shop.
And those antique bar pieces demolished by the flood? “Thankfully, Christopher Perryman of Goldsplinter Woodworking is now rebuilding them by hand so they can be used as we originally intended,” Donaldson says.
DREAM SPACE
When Helene struck, Elana and Nate Pearlman were still new in town and searching for a location for their scratch-made Italian concept, Piccolina. They have since found their dream space in a storm-ravaged building in the River Arts District.
TAKE TWO: Ole’s Guacamoles co-owner Elena Delatorre is pictured on the creekside patio of the restaurant’s Black Mountain location during its postflood renovations last fall. The eatery reopened with a refreshed design in late November. Photo by Gina Smith
RANT Life Presents
In late September, almost exactly one year after Helene flooded the notyet-opened Black Cat Sandwich Co. at 375 Depot St., erasing the aspirations of co-owners Suzy Phillips and Dave Campbell, the Pearlmans brought the 800-square-foot space back to life with their pizza and sandwich eatery.
“All the natural light in there and the fact that it’s nestled in with all these artists was such a win for us,” says Elana Pearlman. “We just instantly fell in love with it.”
Like Donaldson in Biltmore Village, the couple feel thrilled to join in the revival of the catastrophically flooded River Arts District. “We feel like it’s the perfect moment to be in the RAD,” Elana says.
But along with their enthusiasm about the location, there’s a healthy dose of underlying concern about future disasters. “We’re thinking about it as reasonably as we can and just hoping that this was a oncein-40-years or 80 years thing — or hopefully will never happen again.”
They feel buoyed by how the Asheville community has rallied after Helene. “Yes, this area was badly flooded, and it’s going to be a long road to recovery, but we also don’t want to just allow the fear of it happening again to dictate our moves,” Nate Pearlman explains.
The Pearlmans say they’ve invested in good flood insurance, but in building out their leased space, they didn’t make special considerations for possible future floods.
They did, however, encounter obstacles related to the City of Asheville’s flood plain development ordinances.
Nate notes that with Piccolina’s tiny footprint, a walk-in refrigerator would have to be located outside the building. However, flood plain ordinances require that it be elevated on an engineered, secure structure.
“On top of the $35,000 to purchase and have the walk-in installed, you’re also talking about building a deck, having an engineer, having it inspected and securing it,” he says. “So it became just a massive cost that we weren’t prepared for.”
The Pearlmans have solved the problem, at least temporarily, by using two regular-sized, indoor refrigerators and limiting their hours of operation and dinner service.
“It’s been a blessing in some ways, because it has kind of forced us to grow very slowly,” Nate says.
“The hope is that Piccolina continues to grow and we’re able to eventually invest in the walk-in and build everything to spec for the city,” he continues. “But for now, business is going well; people are enjoying the food. So we’re kind of just letting it grow organically.”
LOSSES AND REBUILDING
Meanwhile, the Delatorres have been on their own path of financial recovery. Elena Delatorre remembers that after Helene, Ole’s Guacamoles went six weeks with no income.
“We used our savings to pay the employees to help us clean and rebuild,” she says. “We have good people that had been with us for 10 or 12 years.”
The restaurant scrambled to its feet in mid-November 2024, reopening temporarily in another building the family owns nearby that had been used as an event venue. But the economic losses were still substantial.
Elena estimates that between the two locations, the flooding has cost Ole’s Guacamoles in the neighborhood of $750,000.
They had no flood insurance, she says, adding that they now have policies for both the Black Mountain and Biltmore Village spots. Though they did receive a Small Business Administration loan to offset some expenses after the disaster, she notes that it will have to be paid back.
So, after enduring so much loss, why choose to not only rebuild one restaurant in the same location but also relocate the other to a previously flooded property?
The Delatorres concede that they’ve heard from plenty of naysayers who question their decisions. But they feel confident in their choices.
“It’s been good to us — this building, this neighborhood,” says Elena of the Black Mountain location. “I’m not thinking twice about redoing it.”
With the Black Mountain renovation, the Delatorres took steps to improve flood resilience, installing stonework and other waterproof surfaces, elevating electrical outlets and adding a floor drainage system.
As much as possible, they plan to do the same with the Biltmore Village restaurant, which is set to open this spring. That location, say Elena and Abraham, is an arrangement they lucked into.
A former Spanish-language interpreter at Mission Hospital, Elena says she’d always wanted to open a business in Biltmore Village. When the owner of the Moe’s building reached out several months ago to see if the family would like to lease the place, the Delatorres embraced the opportunity as a solo project for Abraham.
“From research that I’ve done, that building hadn’t flooded for like 60 years,” Abraham says. “We lost everything, but we came from nothing, and we can build it back — we’d just build it back with less mistakes next time. And do it faster.”
BY ASHLEY ENGLISH
Midwinter and beets are a perfect pairing. These robust root vegetables deftly handle colder weather and, once harvested, do well in storage. They’re also rife with heart-healthy components, including nitrates and fiber, as well as nutrients such as potassium, iron and folate, all shown to reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and improve athletic endurance and overall health.
Lest you think all they’re good for are pickling or steaming, I’m sharing two recipes using beets in unconventional applications. My savory roasted beet and apple pie combines those two items with cottage cheese, eggs and horseradish for a satiating, protein-rich meal. Meanwhile, my chocolate, orange and beet flourless cake offers a decadent yet virtuous sweet reprieve.
February is American Heart Month. With heart disease as the leading cause of death nationwide, regularly adding beets to your culinary canon is a delicious and promising way to stay ahead of the statistics.
ROASTED BEET AND APPLE PIE
Makes: One 9-inch deep-dish pie. You will need: 1 deep-dish pie crust, homemade or store-bought
Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into the deep dish pie plate. Trim the crust overhang to 1 inch and crimp the edges decoratively. Prick the bottom of the crust six or seven times with a fork, then place the crust in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with dried beans or pie weights. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove from the oven, leaving the oven on and reducing the heat to 375 F. Remove the dried beans or pie weights and parchment paper from the crust and cool slightly before filling. Prepare the horseradish cream:
Combine the sour cream and horseradish in a small bowl and stir to mix thoroughly. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve with the pie.
Prepare the filling:
Toss the beets and apples with the olive oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Add several grinds of black pepper, then roast for one hour, turning the baking sheet halfway through. Remove from the oven and let the beets and apples cool for about 15-20 minutes. Combine the roasted beets and apples with the remaining ingredients in a food processor. Purée until smooth, working in batches if necessary.
Assemble the pie:
Pour the filling into the prepared crust. Whisk the egg yolk and water in
ROOTING DOWN: Abundant at Western North Carolina markets even in February, beets can anchor both savory and sweet dishes. Photo by Glenn English
a small bowl, then use a pastry brush to brush the wash over the edges of the crust. Bake the pie in the 375 F oven for 45 minutes, until the filling is set and doesn’t jiggle when the pie plate is gently shaken. Cool at least 30 minutes before serving, accompanied by the horseradish cream.
CHOCOLATE, ORANGE AND BEET FLOURLESS CAKE
Makes: Six to eight servings.
You will need:
• 1/2 pound beets
• 1 pound semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 6 eggs, separated
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• Zest of 1 orange
To prepare:
Trim the stems and ends from the beets. Cut them into quarters with the peel on. Place in a pot of boiling water and simmer for 35-40 minutes, until the beets can be easily pierced with a fork. Prepare an ice water bath by adding a generous amount of ice cubes to a large bowl. Fill about three-quarters full with cold water. When the beets are done, plunge them into the ice bath. Within a few minutes, they’ll be cool enough to handle, and you can easily slide their peels off. Compost or discard the peels.
Using a food processor, in pulsing intervals, process the beets until they are fully confetti-minced. Alternatively, you can grate the beets then mince them finely with a large kitchen knife. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler (if you don’t have a double boiler, you can easily fashion one by placing a metal bowl atop a pot containing around 1-2 inches of boiling water; the bowl above should never come into contact with the water below).
Meanwhile, whip the egg whites with a mixer or whisk until soft peaks form, about 5-7 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until fully blended. Whisk the sugar into the melted chocolate and butter mixture. Remove the top bowl of the double boiler and set it onto the kitchen counter. Whisk in the beaten egg yolks, vanilla, salt, baking powder, orange zest and beets.
Using a spatula, gently fold the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture. You don’t want to deflate them, so take your time here and incorporate them slowly and steadily.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until a knife or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool for at least one hour before serving. X
Heading north
Hygge Markets plans move to Woodfin
South Slope grocery store and retail space Hygge Markets closed its Coxe Avenue location on Feb. 6. But in an Instagram post, ownership announced that the business will reopen this spring “in the Woodfin area.” Vendors will be contacted individually to coordinate the moveout process and follow-up steps.
“We love you all and can’t thank you enough for the support, memories and community you’ve helped build,” the post adds. “We can’t wait to see you again very soon.”
To learn more, visit avl.mx/fcf.
Le Parisien joins downtown restaurant scene
Opening Thursday, Feb. 19, in the former Cr ê perie Bouchon location at 62 N. Lexington Ave., Le Parisien returns upscale casual fine French dining to downtown Asheville. The business is owned by executive chef Gabriel Attala , who also runs The Bohemian Restaurant in Brevard.
Menu options range from duck French onion soup and smoked salmon mousseline to a wild morel cordon bleu and steak cognac et poivre. Classic French-style cheesecake and Grand Marnier chocolate mousse are among the dessert options.
Attala’s goal for Le Parisien is to “be as successful as Bouchon was,” noting that his predecessor was “a strong restaurant for many years with an excellent reputation.” He
also strives to earn a Michelin star through this new undertaking.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/fcj.
Hell or High Water adds lunch menu
Black Mountain restaurant Hell or High Water launched a new lunch menu on Feb. 11. It will be available Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Options include scaled items from the bar snack and dinner menus, including trout dip, raw oysters on the half-shell and chicken wings, as well as lunch-exclusive dishes, such as a classic Reuben sandwich and an elevated take on poutine. There are also new items, including sweet potato biscuit sliders, a soup du jour and a pub-style cheeseburger. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/fce.
J Chong, Southern Distilling team up for bourbon dinner
The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage hosts Year of the Horse, a bourbon dinner collaboration between Chef J Chong and Southern Distilling, on Friday, Feb. 27.
Guests will partake of a fourcourse pairing menu that, according to the event description, is inspired by Lunar New Year traditions and celebrates “the strength of the Year of the Horse.” The meal includes
samples of hand-selected bourbons from Southern Distilling, plus two cocktails.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person. Vegetarian options are available if noted at the time of ticket purchase.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/fcg.
Local wine competition seeks entries
375-milliliter bottles of wine. The cost to enter is $35 per wine entry.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/f4l.
Balsam Mountain Preserve names new executive chef
Come enjoy a presentation about Givens Gerber Park: a more affordable rental retirement option (55+) and enjoy lunch on us.
The French Broad Vignerons Regional Wine Competition invites amateur and commercial winemakers to enter their wines by Monday, March 9. The contest will be held Saturday, March 14, for vinifera and hybrid wines, and Sunday, March 15, for muscadine, meads, ciders and fruit wines. Judging will be performed blind and managed by certified American Wine Society judges. Each individual amateur entry requires one 750-milliliter or two 375-milliliter bottles of wine. The cost to enter is $15 for the first wine entry (free for French Broad Vignerons members) and $10 for each subsequent wine entry. Each individual commercial entry requires two 750-milliliter or four
Kirk Fiore is the latest club executive chef at Jackson County gated golf community Balsam Mountain Preserve. He previously served as the executive chef at The Cliffs at Walnut Cove and before that spent eight years as executive chef at the Biltmore Estate, overseeing the Lioncrest and Deerpark restaurants, plus Biltmore Catering.
“I am absolutely thrilled to join and lead the culinary team here at Balsam Mountain Preserve as we elevate the member experience,” Fiore says in a press release. “What excites me most is getting to know the members personally and crafting dining experiences that reflect their individual tastes and our shared sense of place. Balsam Mountain Preserve is such a special place, and I’m genuinely excited for what lies ahead.”
To learn more, visit avl.mx/fcd.
— Edwin Arnaudin X
ON THE MOVE: Hygge Markets is relocating its Coxe Avenue store to a new spot in the Woodfin area. Photo courtesy of Hygge Markets
Do you have what it takes to be crowned the best Gen Z band in Asheville?
by Edwin Arnaudin | earnaudin@mountainx.com
Gen Z Battle of the Bands Carl Powell: 50 Years of Glass & Photography
The A.C. Reynolds High School Parent Teacher Student Association offers a chance to find out at its Battle of the Bands on Saturday, Feb. 21, at The Mule at Devil’s Foot Beverage. Groups can be from any area school — as long as half of the band’s members are enrolled in 12th grade or below. Each group may perform two songs.
The winning ensemble receives a photo shoot with Destinee Blau Photography, plus a day at Drop of Sun Studios, where they’ll get one song recorded, mixed and mastered by its staff. Judges include musicians Steve Davidowski (Dixie Dregs) and Marisa Blake (Hype Machine) and producers/engineers Julian Dreyer (Echo Mountain Recording) and Lawson Alderson and Seamus Rooney (Drop of Sun Studios). Tickets are $12 advance, $15 day of show.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/fch. X
Fair Warning will compete for the Gen Z Battle of the Bands title.
Photo courtesy of A.C. Reynolds
High School Parent Teacher Student Association
Pink Dog Mardi GrasLovers, Sinners and Misfits
Asheville-based multidiscipline artist Carl Powell gets his due in the retrospective exhibition Carl Powell: 50 Years of Glass & Photography at Grovewood Gallery.
Reflecting a lifetime of observation, travel and curiosity, his photographs were primarily taken with film, though he’s moved to digital in recent years. “I love photographing people in interesting situations and places with unusual compositions,” Powell says in a press release.
Meanwhile, his glass sculptures have defined his career since the 1970s, particularly his innovative beveling techniques that turn glass into kinetic, multifaceted compositions. In turn, his creations frequently create optical illusions and invite closer looks. Powell has been commissioned for projects for the City of Anchorage, the University of Florida, the International Olympic Committee and the Van Dyke Performance Space in Greensboro.
There will be an opening reception for the exhibition on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2-5 p.m., with Powell in attendance. His work will be on view through Sunday, April 5. Free to attend.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/fci. X
Fat Tuesday is here, bringing plenty of artistic and culinary joy to the Asheville area. Among the celebrations of New Orleans culture is Pink Dog Mardi Gras: Lovers, Sinners and Misfits, a new group exhibition that features the artists of Pink Dog Creative exploring the holiday’s cultural fusion. In the collection, 28 artists present works covering the multifaceted interpretations of the holiday, including the duality of indulgence and restraint;
the exciting visuals of beads, sequins and feathers; the symbolic colors of purple, green and gold (justice, faith and power); the European influence of masquerade; the energy of New Orleans’ famous parades and elaborate parties; and Cajun and African American traditions.
The exhibition opened Feb. 13 and is on display through Saturday, March 28. Free to attend.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/a0b. X
It is never too late to start over, and that quest for redemption is at the core of Haywood Arts Regional Theatre’s newest production, The White Chip. Written by Sean Daniels and based on his own real-life recovery, the dark comedy follows one man’s journey through addiction, ambition and his messy path to a fresh start.
The show is directed and produced by longtime HART actor Pasquale LaCorte (Spamalot; Inherit the Wind),
who is making his directorial debut with the theater. Paul Vonasek stars as protagonist Steven, while Matt Wade and Erin McCarson play the numerous characters who influence, challenge and support our hero throughout the story. The White Chip runs Friday-Sunday, Feb. 20-March 1, in the Fangmeyer Theatre with performances FridaysSaturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/dab. X
Photo of Carl Powell by Kate Prince
From left, Matt Wade, Paul Vonasek and Erin McCarson star in HART’s production of The White Chip. Photo courtesy of HART
Heather Divoky is one of the artists selected for the new exhibit Pink Dog Mardi Gras: Lovers, Sinners and Misfits. Photo courtesy of Pink Dog
The White Chip
CLUBLAND
SOUTHERN STRING SOUND: On Saturday, Feb. 21, Savannah, Ga.-based bluegrass band Swamptooth performs at One World Brewing West, starting at 9 p.m. Listeners can expect infectious melodies and original songwriting that push the boundaries of the genre from musicians with decades of experience. Photo courtesy of Swamptooth
For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4.
SLY GROG LOUNGE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
12 BONES BREWING
SMOKEHOUSE & BREWING Trivia Night w/King Trivia, 7pm
EULOGY Saxsquatch (funk, jazz), 8pm
FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY
Saylor Brothers Jamgrass Wednesdays, 6:30pm
GALACTIC PIZZA Trivia Night, 6:30pm
HI-WIRE BREWING -
BILTMORE VILLAGE Weekly Trivia, 7pm
HOTEL EVE JAZZ
CLUB
Lenny Pettinelli & Members of Empire Strikes Brass (jazz), 7pm
STATIC AGE RECORDS Falling Behind, Surface Breach & KILLEDINKOMBAT (hardcore, punk), 8pm THE GREY EAGLE Golden Folk Sessions, 7pm THE ODD Terraoke Karaoke Takeover, 9pm THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Hoto (blues, jazz, psych), 10pm
TURGUA BREWING CO.
Lightning Round Trivia w/Marty, 6pm
TWIN LEAF BREWERY Open Mic Night, 6:30pm
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19
CROW & QUILL
Lock, Stock & Teardrops (country), 8pm
EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY
Bless Your Heart Trivia w/Harmon, 7pm
FILO POST 70 Albi (Americana), 6pm
FLOOD GALLERY True Home Open Mic, 6pm
GREEN MAN BREWING Thursday Night Trivia, 7pm
HI-WIRE BREWINGBILTMORE VILLAGE Family Feud Style Trivia, 7pm
HI-WIRE SOUTH SLOPE
South Slope’s Open Mic Night, 6pm
HOTEL EVE JAZZ CLUB Ben Colvin Quartet (jazz), 7pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Bluegrass Jam, 7pm
LEVELLER BREWING CO.
Traditional Irish Session, 6pm
OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Thursday Karaoke, 9:30pm
ONE WORLD BREWING WEST
Fee Fi Phaux Fish (Phish tribute), 8pm
PISGAH BREWING CO.
5J Barrow (blues, country, indie), 7pm
SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/DJ Franco Nino, 9pm
STATIC AGE LOFT
Auto-tune Karaoke w/ Who Gave This B*tch a Mic, 10pm
STATIC AGE RECORDS
Corpse Dust, Access to God & Formless (Industrial, noise), 8pm
THE CROW & QUILL
Meschiya Lake & the Moodswingers (blues, jazz), 8pm
THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC
HALL
Strictly Liquid (funk, jazz, rock'n'roll), 9pm
THE ORANGE PEEL
Zoso (Led Zeppelin tribute), 7pm
TWIN LEAF BREWERY Trivia Night, 6:30pm
URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO.
Wayward Trivia, 6:30pm
VOWL BAR AT DSSOLVR
Hot Couch Karaoke w/ DJ BridalPartiBucardi, 8pm
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20
185 KING STREET
Dr. Bacon (Appalachianfunk, Rock’n’Roll), 8pm
ASHEVILLE MUSIC
HALL
New Dawn Starkestra (jazz), 9pm
EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY
Monster Wave w/The Big Sky (surf-rock), 8pm
ELEVATED
KAVA LOUNGE
DOWNTOWN
Open Mic Night, 8pm
EULOGY
Emo Night Brooklyn, 8pm
FITZ AND THE WOLFE
80’s Night (pop, rock), 7pm
FLEETWOOD’S American DC, Mecha Puppy and the Dogs & Pink No Pink (noise, punk), 9pm
FRENCH BROAD
RIVER BREWERY
The Miller Sisters (indie-folk), 6pm
GINGER'S REVENGE
Pop Culture Trivia: Rom Coms, 7pm
JACK OF THE WOOD
PUB
Pleasure Chest (blues, rock'n'roll, soul), 8:30pm
LOBSTER TRAP
Dinah's Daydream (Gypsy, jazz), 6:30pm
MAD CO. BREW HOUSE
Dave Desmelik (Americana), 6pm
ONE WORLD
BREWING WEST
Sunnyside String Band (blues, folk-grass, rock), 9pm
ONE WORLD
BREWING
Hammock Theory (reggae), 7pm
PISGAH BREWING CO.
Swamptooth (bluegrass), 6pm
PRITCHARD PARK
DOWNTOWN
The Friday Drum Circle, 6pm
RIVER ARTS DISTRICT
BREWING CO.
Braelyn Grooms (country), 6pm
SHAKEY'S 2000s Karaoke w/DJ
Franco Nino, 10pm
SHAMROCK IRONS
Andy Buckner (country, Southern-soul), 8pm
SIERRA NEVADA
BREWING CO.
Hazy Winter Hang w/Toubab Krewe, Supatight (multi-genre), 5:30pm
It Happened in February Themed Trivia & Karaoke Night, 7pm
ASHEVILLE GUITAR
PEDALS
Wednesday Night Riffs w/Jordan Ballard, 7pm
FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY
Saylor Brothers Jamgrass Wenesdays, 6:30pm
GALACTIC PIZZA
Trivia Night, 6:30pm
HI-WIRE BREWING -
BILTMORE VILLAGE Weekly Trivia, 7pm
HOTEL EVE JAZZ CLUB
Peter Dimery Trio (jazz), 7pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Old-time Jam, 5pm
MADISON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Acoustic Musicians' Jam, 6pm
PISGAH BREWING CO.
Eternally Grateful (Americana), 6pm
SHAKEY'S SSIN w/DJ Ragga Massive, 10pm
SLY GROG LOUNGE
Weird Wednesday Open Jam, 8pm
STATIC AGE LOFT Meter & Melody: Poetry Night, 7pm
STATIC AGE RECORDS
Beer, Lion Country Ferrari, Rocco & His Bones (egg-punk), 8pm
TAPROOM AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.
Matt Smith’s WellCrafted Music Series w/Jay Sanders (multigenre), 6pm
THE ODD
Terraoke Karaoke Takeover, 9pm
THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL
The Steppers (jamgrass), 9pm
TURGUA BREWING CO.
Lightning Round Trivia w/Marty, 6pm
TWIN LEAF BREWERY
Open Mic Night, 6:30pm
VOWL BAR AT DSSOLVR Group Therapy w/ Neptune Spins, 9pm
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26
185 KING STREET
Songwriter Round w/ Dave Desmelik, Laura Blackley, & Devin Gentry, 7pm
ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL
DJ Greenie: Lotus After Party (Electro, hip-hop), 10pm
EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY
Bless Your Heart Trivia w/Harmon, 7pm
EULOGY
Old Sap w/Jackson Grimm & Balm (Americana, folk-rock), 8pm
FLEETWOOD’S Punk & Indie Karaoke Night, 8pm
FLOOD GALLERY
True Home Open Mic, 6pm
FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY
Jerry's Dead Thursdays, 6pm
GREEN MAN BREWING
Thursday Night Trivia, 7pm
HI-WIRE BREWINGBILTMORE VILLAGE Family Feud Style Trivia, 7pm
HI-WIRE SOUTH SLOPE
South Slope’s Open Mic Night, 6pm
HOTEL EVE JAZZ CLUB
Chronology Music: Album Release (jazz), 7pm
JACK OF THE WOOD
PUB
Bluegrass Jam, 7pm
OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Thursday Karaoke, 9:30pm
ONE WORLD BREWING WEST
Fee Fi Phaux Fish (phish tribute), 8pm
PISGAH BREWING CO.
Wrealist (edm, funk, jazz), 7pm
SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/DJ Franco Nino, 9pm
STATIC AGE LOFT
Auto-tune Karaoke w/ Who Gave This B*tch a Mic, 10pm
STATIC AGE
RECORDS
Normal American, Purulency, Ever After & Hellir (death-metal, Doom), 8pm
TAPROOM AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.
Clock Out, Rock Out: Early Bird Dance Party w/DJ Molly Parti, 6pm
THE CROW & QUILL
Russ Wilson's 10 Kings of Jazz (jazz), 8pm
THE GREY EAGLE Improvement Movement (alt-indie), 8pm
THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL
Dylan Doyle (funk, jazz, R&B), 9pm
THE ORANGE PEEL
Lotus (edm, psych, rock), 8pm
THIRD ROOM
Jed Harrelson (rock, soul), 8pm
TWIN LEAF BREWERY Trivia Night, 6:30pm
URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO. Wayward Trivia, 6:30pm
VOWL BAR AT DSSOLVR
Hot Couch Karaoke w/ DJ BridalPartiBucardi, 8pm
FIRST KAVA BAR IN NORTH CAROLINA
Hosted by Alex Jones
MON Ping-Pong Tournament, 6pm
TUE
OPEN JAM: 7:30pm Signup / 8pm Show
FREEWILL ASTROLOGY
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Saturn has entered Aries. I see this landmark shift as being potentially very good news for you. Between now and April 2028, you will have enhanced powers to channel your restless heart in constructive directions. I predict you will narrow down your multiple interests and devote yourself to a few resonant paths rather than scattering your intense energy. More than ever before, you can summon the determination to follow through on what you initiate. My Saturn-in-Aries prayer: May you be bold, even brazen, in identifying where you truly belong, and never settle for a half certain fit.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I am issuing a Wow Advisory. Consider this your high-voltage wonder alert. Your future may offer you thrilling quests and epic exploits that could be unnerving to people who want you to remain the same as you have been. You will have a knack for stirring up liberating encounters with lavish pleasures and rich feelings that transform your brain chemistry. The rousing mysteries you attract into your sphere may send provocative ripples through your own imagination as well as your web of allies. Expect juicy plot twists. Be alert for portals opening in the middle of nowhere.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks, you find anatomical drawings next to flying machine designs, mathematical calculations alongside water flow observations, and philosophical musings interrupted by grocery lists. He moved from painting to engineering to scientific observation as curiosity led him. Let’s make him your inspirational role model for now, Gemini. Disobey categories! Merge categories! Mix and match categories! Let’s assume that your eager mind will create expanded knowledge networks that prove valuable in unexpected ways. Let’s hypothesize that your cheerful rebellion against conventional ways of organizing reality will spawn energizing innovations in your beautiful, mysterious life.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): In falconry, there's a practice called "weathering.” It involves regularly exposing trained birds to the wild elements so they don't become too domesticated and lose their wildness. The falconer needs a partner, not a pet. Does that theme resonate, Cancerian? Is it possible that you have been too sheltered lately? Either by your own caution or by well-meaning people who think they're protecting you? Let’s make sure you stay in touch with the fervent, untamed sides of your nature. How? You could expose yourself to an experience that scares you a little. Take a fun risk you've been rationalizing away. Invite touches of rowdiness into your life.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The loudest noise in history? It was the 1883 volcanic eruption of Krakatoa in Indonesia, heard thousands of miles away. The pressure wave circled the Earth multiple times. I am predicting a benevolent version of a Krakatoa event for you in the coming months. Not literal loudness, but a shiny bright expression of such magnitude that it redefines your world and what people thought was possible from you. Can you be prepared for it? A little. You’ll be wise to cultivate visionary equanimity: a calm willingness to stay focused on the big picture. I predict your big boom will be challenging but ultimately magnificent and empowering.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Buddhism teaches about “near enemies”: qualities that may appear to be virtues but aren’t. For example, pity masquerades as compassion. Clingy attachment pretends to be love. Apathy and indifference pose as equanimity. In the coming weeks, Virgo, I hope you won’t get distracted by near enemies. Your assignment: Investigate whether any of your supposed virtues are actually near enemies. After you’ve done that, find out if any of your so-called negative emotions might harbor interesting powers you could tap into.
BY ROB BREZSNY
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Many intelligent people think astrology is dangerous nonsense perpetrated by quacks. For any horoscope writer with an ego, this affront tends to be deflating. Like everyone else, we want to be appreciated. On the other hand, I have found that practicing an art that gets so much disdain has been mostly liberating. It’s impossible for me to get bloated with excess pride. I practice astrology for the joy it affords me, not to garner recognition. So in a backhanded way, a seemingly disheartening drawback serves as an energizing boon. My prediction is that you, Libra, will soon harvest an analogous turnabout. You will draw strength, even inspiration, from what may ostensibly appear to be a liability.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Mycologist Paul Stamets claims mushrooms taught him to think in networks rather than hierarchies. He sees how everything feeds everything else through vast webs of underground filaments. This is Scorpio wisdom at its most scintillating: homing in on the hidden circuitry working below the surface; gauging the way nourishment is distributed incrementally through many collaborative interconnections; seeing the synergy between seemingly separate sources. I hope you will accentuate this mode of understanding in the coming weeks. The key to your soulful success and happiness will be in how well you map the mycelial-like networks, both in the world around you and in your inner depths. PS: For extra credit, study the invisible threads that link your obsessions to each other, your wounds to your gifts, and your rage to your tenderness.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The peregrine falcon dives at speeds exceeding 240 miles per hour, making it the fastest animal on Earth. But before the dive, there's often a period of circling, scanning, and waiting. The spectacular descent is set up by the patient reconnaissance that precedes it. I believe you’re now in a phase similar to the falcon’s preparatory reconnaissance, Sagittarius. The quality of your eventual plunge will depend on how well you're tracking your target now. Use this time to gather intelligence, not to second-guess your readiness. You’ll know when your aim is true.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): There's a certain miracle you could really use right now, Capricorn. But to attract it into your life would require a subtle and simple shift. In a related development, the revelation you need most is concealed in plain sight. To get these two goodies into your life, you shouldn’t make the error of seeking them in exotic locales. Ordinary events in the daily routine will bring you what you need: the miracle and the revelation that will change everything for the better.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Over the last 4,000 years, a host of things have been used as money in addition to precious metals and paper currency. Among them have been cows, seashells, cheese, tobacco, velvet, tulips, elephant tusks, and huge stone wheels. I hope this poetic fact will inspire your imagination about financial matters. In the coming weeks, I expect you’ll be extra creative in drumming up new approaches to getting the cash you need. Here are questions to guide you. Which of your underused talents might be ready to boost your income? What undervalued gifts could you be more aggressive about giving? What neglected treasures or underutilized assets could you use to generate money?
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Big bright transitions are at hand: from thrashing around in the educational mire to celebrating your sweet escape; from wrangling with shadows and ghosts to greeting new allies; from messing around with interesting but confounding chaos to seizing fresh opportunities to shine and thrive. Hallelujah! What explains this exhilarating shift? The Season of Dazzling Self-Adoration is dawning for you Pisceans. In the weeks ahead, you will be inspired to embark on bold experiments in loving yourself with extra fervor and ingenuity.
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ACROSS
1 Wasn’t even close, as in comparison
6 Fashion name that’s become slang for “excellent”
11 Binary 10, in decimal value
14 Garlicky sauce
15 Beef up the arsenal, say
16 Tuna variety
17 “Sunday in the Park With George,” for one
20 Big ___ (audacious thing to make)
21 Ref. work with over 600,000 words
22 Moves (over)
23 Signs
25 “Nonsense!”
27 “Oh, that does make sense”
29 Milker’s handful
31 They may be fixed or variable
35 River at Memphis
36 “We want more!”
38 Ump’s call
39 Jerry’s uncle on “Seinfeld”
40 Sent away for
41 Historic stretch
42 That’s a me problem
43 Madison Square Garden team
44 Sporty Pontiacs of the 1960s
45 Actress Thompson of “Westworld”
47 Oceanic
48 Ill-considered 49 Wired 51 Unappetizing gruel
53 Like a dress that falls short?
56 Burlesque accessory
57 Vietnamese noodle dish
60 Pulitzer-winning composer and lyricist of “Sunday in the Park With George”
64 Greenwich Village’s Stonewall ___
65 Poet who wrote “Only through time time is conquered” 66 Grub, e.g. 67 Pathetic 68 Linking point 69 German industrial city
1 Old sunscreen initialism 2 Gets off one’s chest 3 Ones who probably aren’t buying it? 4 She, in São Paulo
