Mountain Xpress 03.26.25

OUR 31ST YEAR OF WEEKLY INDEPENDENT NEWS, ARTS & EVENTS FOR WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA VOL. 31 NO. 34 MARCH 26 - APRIL 4, 2025

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MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

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Magical Offerings

C O N T E NT S

FEATURES

March Herb: Blue Sage March Stone: Rutilated Quartz

NEWS

3/26: Reader: Jessica 12-5 3/27: Reader: Alondra 1-6 3/28: Reader: Krysta 12-6

3/30: Reader: Andrea 12-4 3/31: Reader: Aimee 1-6 FULL MOON April 12th

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WELLNESS FEATURE

NEWS

3/29: PARTIAL SOLAR ECLIPSE NEW MOON in Aries Reader: Edward 12-6

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THE SCOURGE OF CARS The hidden costs of ‘free’ parking

‘PACE YOURSELF’ State legislators discuss federal cuts and disaster relief at town hall in Asheville

A&C

Mon. - Sat. 10-7pm • Sun. 12-6pm

RIOT OF COLOR, COURTESY OF SPRING The energy of springtime is taking root, and with it comes new growth and beautiful blooms.

In this month’s “Gardening with Xpress,” Chloe Lieberman discusses techniques for containing wild bamboo as well as information on the easiest flowers to grow.

COVER PHOTO Adobe Stock COVER DESIGN Scott Southwick

22 KIDS ISSUE, PART 3 Who or what inspires you?

26 COMFORT ZONE Family recipes offer healing comfort for two Asheville chefs

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LETTERS

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CARTOON: MOLTON

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CARTOON: BRENT BROWN

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NEWS

12 BUNCOMBE BEAT

ashevillepagansupply.store

640 Merrimon Ave. #207

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28 ‘TO BE UNSEEN’ Poet Michael Dechane explores loneliness and transformation in his debut collection

18 COMMUNITY CALENDAR 26 WELLNESS 28 ARTS & CULTURE 35 CLUBLAND

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A&C

38 FREEWILL ASTROLOGY 32 BAKING IT BETTER WNC bakeries collaborate to support equal rights

38 CLASSIFIEDS 39 NY TIMES CROSSWORD

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MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

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OPINION

Send your letters to the editor to letters@mountainx.com.

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Protect UNCA’s urban forest

Hosting exchange students can build connections

I signed a petition on Action Network telling UNC Asheville Chancellor Kimberly van Noort and UNC Asheville’s board of trustees to protect UNCA’s urban forest.

As the petition states: “UNC Asheville’s 45-acre urban forest — a vital community resource and wildlife habitat — is under threat of development. Without notice, excavation began on Jan. 13, destroying ecological research plots, disturbing wildlife and alarming trail users. Heavy boring equipment arrived shortly after, intensifying concerns. We urge UNCA to pause all work immediately.

Let’s collaborate on a plan that balances financial needs with preserving this invaluable green space for future generations.”

— Matteo Rios UNCA graduate Raleigh

I wanted to share a story that highlights the power of community, cultural exchange and resilience. After the challenges Asheville (and America) have faced in recent months, I hope more families will consider hosting an international exchange student and experience the connections that come from opening their homes.

Growing up, my family welcomed exchange students from around the world. It was never just about having a guest in our home. It was about learning from one another, sharing traditions and forming lifelong friendships.

Now, as a local coordinator for CIEE (Council on International Educational Exchange), I see that same impact in families across Asheville.

One student, Inés from Spain, arrived excited to begin her exchange year, never expecting that Hurricane Helene would change everything. Her host family, like many in our community, faced flood damage, power outages and uncertainty. Through it all, Inés was more than a guest. She became a true family member. She checked on neighbors, baked cookies with her host siblings to bring comfort during the storm and stood by her host family when they needed support the most. They helped her adjust to a year abroad, and she helped them through an incredibly difficult time.

Exchange students do more than study here. They become part of our community. Recently, several students in Asheville volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, painting

Word of the week salad days (pl. n)

time of youthful experience or indiscretion (the term was coined

by William Shakespeare in his play Antony and Cleopatra) Xpress might be in its third decade, but between this week’s Kids Issue feature and our cover story about the early days of spring, we feel as if our content is at least in its salad days. X 4

MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

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homes for families in need. Others worked with SORBA (Southern OffRoad Bicycle Association) to build and maintain local trails. They come here to learn and also give back in ways that leave a lasting impact.

As Asheville continues to rebuild, I see an opportunity for more families to open their homes to exchange students. There are incredible young people like Inés who are excited to experience life in our community, but they need a place to call home during their studies.

If hosting is something you have ever thought about, I would love to connect and share more. You can also hear from host families and students in this short video [avl.mx/enc] and find more information at [avl.mx/enf].

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for all you do to make our community a welcoming place.

— Sara King Asheville

Policies make nursing homes seem like prisons I accompanied a senior citizen friend while he moved from his home to a Hendersonville nursing home, and the first thing the nursing home did was to put an electronic bracelet on him to prevent him from leaving.

I have since learned that entering a nursing home is the equivalent of entering prison for life without parole!

Once those electronic doors of a nursing home slam behind you, you are imprisoned for life and must spend 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in the hellish environment of a modern nursing home.

My opinion of Islamic terrorism has changed. Now if there were Islamic terrorist attacks here in Hendersonville, I would perceive them as being karmic punishment and karmic justice to a community that knowingly and willfully just stands back and does nothing to stop local nursing homes from being the equivalency of life behind prison walls with no hope for being freed from behind prison walls!

— Richard D. Pope Hendersonville

Reinvention and finding hope after Helene In the aftermath of a natural disaster, the devastation can feel insurmountable. Homes are destroyed, lives are upended, and communities once filled with vibrant energy are reduced to rubble and uncertainty.

But amid the wreckage, something extraordinary happens. People come

CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN together, not just to rebuild structures, but to reshape the very essence of what it means to be a community.

This transformation is not just about recovery; it is about reinvention, about embracing change, about daring to take risks and about finding hope where it once seemed lost.

One of the most powerful aspects of witnessing a community rise from disaster is seeing individuals and groups step outside their comfort zones. Suddenly, neighbors who may have never exchanged more than a passing greeting are working hand in hand to clear debris, to comfort one another and to find innovative solutions to problems no one ever expected to face. The spirit of collaboration is alive in these moments, fueled by the understanding that survival and progress depend on the strength of collective action.

Thinking outside the box becomes second nature when faced with adversity. When roads are blocked and resources are scarce, people discover creative ways to support one another.

Makeshift supply centers pop up in parking lots; strangers offer shelter to those in need; and local businesses pivot their operations to provide essential goods and services. It is in these moments that the human capacity for ingenuity shines brightest,

proving that crisis can be a catalyst for innovation and growth.

But beyond the logistical triumphs, it is the emotional resilience that truly inspires. The courage to trust again, to take risks on uncertain futures and to turn grief into purpose fuels the rebuilding efforts. Loss is transformed into motivation — the motivation to create something stronger, more inclusive and more deeply rooted in love and mutual support. There is a profound beauty in seeing sadness give way to joy, as communities not only rebuild what was lost but also lay the foundation for something even greater than before.

It takes bravery to embrace change, to venture into the unknown with nothing but faith in the people around you. Yet, time and time again, communities prove that courage is not just about enduring hardship but rather about facing it together, about lifting each other up and about daring to hope. Love, trust and resilience become the cornerstones of a new beginning, where every individual’s

contribution matters and where taking risks is not seen as reckless but as essential to progress.

As communities rise again, they breathe new life into their surroundings, allowing creativity to flourish in ways previously unimagined.

The opportunity to rebuild is also an opportunity to reimagine and to embrace fresh ideas, to infuse spaces with art, culture and new possibilities.

When we allow it, adversity can be a catalyst for boundless creativity, pushing us to innovate, to dream bigger and to construct a future that is not only rebuilt but reborn with newfound inspiration and vision.

In the end, the true measure of recovery is not in the speed at which homes are rebuilt but in the strength of the bonds that form in the process.

It is in the way people turn to one another, in the way they transform fear into determination and in the way they shape a future filled with possibility. Being in a place that has experienced a disaster is not just witnessing destruction. It is witnessing the power of the human spirit to rebuild, reimagine and rise stronger than ever before. Thank you, Western North Carolina.

— Marilyn Ball Asheville X

Correction Edwin Arnaudin was the author of last week’s Smart Bets feature in the Arts & Culture section and should have received a byline.

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MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

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NEWS

State of Downtown

Annual event talks BID, grants and plans for generating revenue

BY BRIONNA DALLARA bdallara@mountainx.com After the closure or relocation of nearly 40 downtown retailers, restaurants and offices in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, business leaders and government officials met at the annual State of Downtown event to discuss ways to revive the central business district.

“Not only does downtown need to be vibrant and active, it needs to be responsive and resilient,” said Hayden Plemmons, executive director for the Asheville Downtown Association (ADA) during the March 18 gathering at Battery Park Hall.

At the event, the ADA shared results from its annual Downtown Stakeholder Survey, which gathers insights from business owners, residents, property owners and visitors.

This year, Plemmons said, safety concerns were the top-ranked priority among survey respondents.

Cleanliness and public health closely followed. Parking rounded out the top three concerns.

Plemmons pointed to the Business Improvement District (BID), approved last year by Asheville City Council, as a key way to address many of the district’s top priorities.

BID services, which launch in May, will introduce community stewards downtown. The initiative will also work on projects such as litter removal, landscaping and other beautification efforts, headed by Christian Martin, chief executive officer of Nextstreet. All BID-related work will be monitored by an independent board, which City Council will vote on at its Tuesday, April 8, meeting. The BID adds 9 cents per $100 of property valuation for

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MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

IN THE WORKS: Hayden Plemmons, executive director of the Asheville Downtown Association, said the ADA is interested in launching a social district in the South Slope and reviving its 2009 Downtown Master Plan with the city to bring in more revenue to downtown. Photo by Brionna Dallara downtown property owners — about $360 more per year for a property assessed at $400,000. The estimated annual budget for the BID could reach $1.25 million.

The introduction of the BID, however, was just one of several topics discussed at the State of Downtown.

Here are four additional takeaways.

SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGNS DESPITE LOWER TURNOUT Nearly 10 million people visited downtown in the last 12 months,

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according to Plemmons. This number represents a 10% decrease year-overyear. In the wake of Helene, foot traffic in downtown slowed over the past six months, with 3.9 million visitors downtown, a 23% decrease from the same time last year.

Despite this drop, the city permitted 225 outdoor events downtown. Of those, the ADA permitted 11, attracting 63,000 attendees.

“The downtown association had a local investment through those events of about $325,000 to artists, musicians, food vendors,” Plemmons said.

Plemmons also highlighted the success of the Winter in Downtown campaign. More than 2,300 locals participated in the Shop Small, Win Big program, launched by the ADA in partnership with Bank of America.

Customers who spent at least $25 at participating downtown businesses with a winter windows contest poster were entered to win a $500 weekly prize, with $500 also going to the business.

“As we see our downtown community becoming more vibrant, that vibrancy extends through our whole community,” Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Chair Amanda Edwards said during the event. Edwards noted that downtown benefited from six soldout Billy Strings performances in February, with concert profits supporting the nonprofit Bounty & Soul.

Additionally, the city saw an influx of visitors for the recent Southern Conference Basketball Championship March 6-10.

“Last year, the tournament had an $8 million impact on Buncombe County and the city. This year’s estimates look to be higher,” Edwards said.

Mayor Esther Manheimer also noted that the Stars Servin’ Up Love tennis match at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in February raised over $1 million for recovery.

IDEAS FOR GENERATING REVENUE For business owners who filled out the Downtown Stakeholder Survey, loss of customers and loss of revenue were top of mind.

“Many of our downtown business owners were turned down by their

insurance and didn’t qualify for grants or other support, as the impact was purely financial. In fact, 53% of respondents received no financial support,” Plemmons said.

Plemmons noted that the ADA is interested in launching a social district in the South Slope, allowing visitors to consume alcoholic beverages within the designated area.

The South Slope, also known as the “Brewing District,” has eight breweries located along Asheland, Biltmore, Southside and Hilliard avenues.

“In our survey, 75% of respondents were in favor of a social district, believing it would boost visitor appeal and increase foot traffic for businesses,” Plemmons said.

A food and beverage tax, added Manheimer, is another funding option under consideration. Revenue from it, she noted, could go toward financing a performing arts center or workforce housing.

“We don’t have one, which is really weird for a tourist town not to,” Manheimer said.

VACANCY RATE REMAINS FLAT ADA Treasurer Ted Sullivan, an associate broker for Mansfield Commercial Real Estate, reported a 2.2% vacancy rate in downtown retail spaces. Although rent prices are rising, the rate of increase is slowing, projected to grow by just 2%-2.5% annually through 2030.

Sullivan highlighted the opportunity for businesses displaced by the storm to fill vacant spots downtown.

According to commercial real estate data, he continued, vacancy rates are projected to remain flat.

“As we see our favorite businesses and shops close up, it feels much heavier than this data suggests,” Sullivan said. “A lot of people have made some really tough decisions. … But there’s reason for optimism and hope.”

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He pointed to Atomic Furnishing & Design as an example. After its Swannanoa River Road location was flooded during the storm, the business relocated to an available space on Broadway.

ADVOCACY WORK REMAINS TOP PRIORITY Advocacy, on the state and federal levels, noted Manheimer, remains a top priority for city officials.

“Every time we meet with elected officials who are in position to make these grants, we talk about this,” Manheimer said.

Manheimer acknowledged that although there are business loan programs, businesses are seeking grant opportunities to stay open. “People here want to work, and they’ll put in the time and the effort and try to keep their people employed. They just need some help to get there,” Manheimer said.

The city has provided over $1.3 million in business stabilization grants, contributing to the over $4.6 million it allocated for business grants, rental assistance, home repair and emergency shelter.

Manheimer also clarified that the city will still receive the $225 million in Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The previous week, the city had to update its plan for the funding after HUD rejected the initial draft for including diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) criteria.

“There was a little bit of a kerfuffle you might have seen this last week,” Manheimer said. “That money is still coming our way, and we should see the first of it this summer.”

Editor’s note: This story was supported by the Fund for Investigative Reporting and Editing. X

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NEWS

The scourge of cars

The hidden costs of ‘free’ parking

BY DANIELLE AROSTEGUI danielle.arostegui@gmail.com Here in the U.S., it’s not uncommon to think of parking as something that should be free and widely available.

Thus, most cities require builders to have a minimum number of parking spots, depending on building use.

The problem, as Donald Shoup argues in The High Cost of Free Parking, is that parking is never truly free. The costs of parking are merely passed down to a city’s residents in the form of higher rents and more expensive goods and services. Not to mention the environmental harms — such as heat island effect and increased flooding — caused by all that asphalt.

The solution, according to Shoup? Let builders decide how much parking is actually needed rather than forcing them to build an arbitrary amount.

The City of Asheville took steps in that direction March 11, when City Council voted unanimously to remove minimum parking requirements along key transit and commercial corridors, such as Patton Avenue, Hendersonville Road, Merrimon Avenue and Tunnel Road.

Minimum parking requirements, also known as parking mandates, require owners of new buildings to create a minimum number of off-street parking spaces. This minimum number varies widely depending on the expected use and size of the building.

THE HIDDEN COSTS OF FREE PARKING When Andrew Paul first moved to Asheville in 2014, he didn’t have a car.

Luckily, he was able to find a quadplex — an old building that had been subdivided into four apartments — within walking distance of his job downtown.

The fact that the apartment only came with two parking spots for four tenants didn’t bother him. In fact, it was part of the draw. Because he didn’t have a car, he could save $50 per month it would cost to claim one of the parking spots. For Paul, fresh out of grad school and low on cash, this was ideal.

“Policy experts call this unbundling,” Paul says, “when the cost and the amenity of parking is unbundled from rent.”

Paul is now the lead organizer for the grassroots group Asheville for All, whereby he advocates for policies to bring about housing abundance in Asheville.

One of those policies is eliminating mandatory parking minimums.

According to the city’s “Close the Gap Plan,” roughly 8% of households 8

MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

MONEY MATTERS: According to the Sightline Institute, a Pacific Northwest think tank, the cost of building a single parking space can range from $5,000 to $60,000 depending on the cost of land and the type of parking structure. Thus, every extra space a developer is required to build adds thousands of dollars to the overall cost of construction. Photo by Lisa Allen in Asheville have no vehicle available to them. Paul says they’re likely paying for parking anyway because parking is built into housing costs because of mandatory parking minimums, which require landowners to provide a set amount of parking regardless of actual demand.

According to the Sightline Institute, a Pacific Northwest think tank, the cost of building a single parking space can range from $5,000 to $60,000 depending on the cost of land and the type of parking structure. Thus, every extra space a developer is required to build adds thousands of dollars to the overall cost of construction.

That’s why housing advocates like Paul believe that getting rid of parking mandates will make it easier to build more affordable housing in Asheville while simultaneously reducing climate impacts and boosting the city’s financial sustainability. “The less parking, the more density, the more walkability, the more money that lot makes for the city from property taxes.”

MORE HOUSING, BUT STILL PLENTY OF PARKING Much of Asheville’s downtown or central business district doesn’t have parking minimums, but they are required in residential neighborhoods.

Curbing parking requirements is a trend nationwide. According to Portland, Ore.-based Parking Reform Network, over 1,000 U.S. cities have reduced parking minimums, while 82 U.S. cities have eliminated them altogether. The list includes cities as diverse as Rogers, Ark.; Austin, Texas; and San Francisco.

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Studies show these reforms have led to more housing being built. A 2022 study by the Regional Plan Association found that neighborhoods in New York City that removed parking minimums saw an increase in both affordable housing and overall housing production compared with those where mandates remain in place.

That doesn’t mean that developers stop building parking. “People still build parking when there are no parking mandates because you still have to sell the building,” Paul explains.

City staff agrees. At a recent info session, Will Palmquist, the city’s principal planner, assured members of the public. “We still fully expect that projects are going to build parking,” he said.

According to a staff analysis, 35% of projects in areas of Asheville with no minimum parking requirement provide less parking than the minimum, but they still provide parking.

“The hope is we gain some flexibility about how many parking spaces you may need,” Palmquist added.

WILL IT HELP CURB HOUSING COSTS? While the latest change addresses some areas of Asheville, earlier proposals would have eliminated almost all parking minimums.

“Last year, the Planning and Zoning Commission voted to get rid of parking mandates in all residential neighborhoods as well as commercial corridors.

They voted for that twice,” Paul says.

The plan was scaled back because of residents’ concerns.

“The residential neighborhoods themselves have shown a great deal of apprehension to removing those parking minimums,” says Jared Wheatley, Planning and Zoning commissioner.

To address those concerns, staff is studying what changes these measures might have on residential neighborhoods and working on accompanying antidisplacement measures.

“Until we have strong antidisplacement strategies in place, we didn’t necessarily want to try to direct a lot of development into those areas but instead direct them into our commercial corridors and mixed-use centers where development is more appropriate to happen,” Palmquist explained.

In light of these concerns, City Council decided to move forward with a more targeted approach that focuses on promoting housing in areas the city has already identified as ripe for more density and where public transit is most accessible.

Wheatley calls the latest amendment a thoughtful and iterative approach: “I’m in support of making policy changes more frequently and with less intensity, because when we make drastic changes, that’s when there’s the greatest tendency to leave marginalized communities at a disadvantaged point.”

But some advocates, like Paul, think the current amendment leaves too much on the table. “We know that simply allowing more housing on commercial corridors is not going to be enough to solve the city’s serious housing crisis. Asheville for All believes that parking minimums should be abolished entirely.”

Other housing advocates strike a middle stance. Susan Bean, director of housing and transportation for MountainTrue, also would like to see the elimination of parking minimums expanded beyond transit corridors but wants to make sure measures are in place first to protect legacy neighborhoods, specifically those identified by the City’s Missing Middle Housing Study as being vulnerable to gentrification. “I’m very sensitive to the concerns of legacy neighborhoods,” she says.

Bean points out that focusing on the commercial corridors has economic and environmental benefits: “When we build homes located near things like grocery stores, schools, restaurants, and bus routes, people have more options for how they get around and are able to spend less money and less time driving.”

And there are more changes on the way, according to city staff at a recent public input session.

To learn more and engage on future amendments, visit the UDO Text Change Engagement Hub at avl.mx/emw X

‘Pace yourself’

State legislators discuss federal cuts and disaster relief at town hall in Asheville

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FOUR OF A KIND: Over 300 constituents gathered at the Ferguson Auditorium at A-B Tech for the latest town hall, featuring, from left, Reps. Lindsey Prather (District 115), Brian Turner (District 116) and Eric Ager (District 114), and Sen. Julie Mayfield (District 49). Photo by Brionna Dallara

BY BRIONNA DALLARA bdallara@mountainx.com Democratic state legislators — Sen. Julie Mayfield (District 49) and Reps. Lindsey Prather (District 115), Brian Turner (District 116) and Eric Ager (District 114) — held a town hall March 20 at the Ferguson Auditorium at A-B Tech, the same location as U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards’ March 13 gathering.

The four elected officials addressed a number of issues, including the potential impact of federal cuts on the community. According to their presentation, there are 7,600 federal workers living in District 11, which encompasses all of Asheville and most of Western North Carolina.

These workers represent 2.2% of the area’s total workforce.

Additionally, the presentation noted that an estimated 62,000 residents in Buncombe County are enrolled in Medicaid. The largest cohort — about a third — are between the ages of 6 and 18.

The four legislators also celebrated the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 ­– Part 1. The act provides $524 million in total aid for WNC and marks

the first bill Gov. Josh Stein signed into law. It is the fourth Tropical Storm Helene recovery bill that has gone through the legislature since the storm, Prather added.

According to Turner, North Carolina is estimated to receive $15 billion in recovery funds from the federal government. He noted that the amount falls short of the $60 billion the state is seeking.

The evening also featured a Q&A with the 300-plus audience members.

Questions included concerns over the Trump administration, clean energy, public school funding, agriculture, immigration and economic output. Constituents also asked how they could make an impact.

Legislators encouraged residents to show up at town halls, contact federal representatives, focus on local candidates, defend fellow community members from bigoted comments, volunteer, attend protests and continue to find joy because “that’s an act of resistance in itself,” Prather said. “Protect your own mental health. This is a marathon, not a sprint; pace yourself.”

Editor’s note: This story was supported by the Fund for Investigative Reporting and Editing. X MOUNTAINX.COM

MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

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NEWS

‘That’s not what we do’

Henderson County sheriff addresses misconceptions about ICE

BY BRIONNA DALLARA bdallara@mountainx.com Amid rumors around the country of mass immigration raids, Sheriff Lowell Griffin says it’s unlikely that level of enforcement will happen within Henderson County because of his office’s long-standing relationship with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

“I think there’s a lot of misconceptions out there, and with so much on social media, there’s so much misinformation that’s spread. I think it’s important to get the facts out there,” Griffin says.

The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office signed on with ICE’s 287(g) program in 2008. The program authorizes ICE officials to train state and local law enforcement to perform specific immigration functions.

The office renewed its 287(g) Jail Enforcement contract in 2020. Of the 172 sworn deputies in Henderson County, two detention officers have been trained and certified through the program, Griffin says.

“I don’t think we’re going to see an aggressive ICE response in Henderson County because we’ve basically already done the work to try to remove those that have ties to any kind of criminal organization,” Griffin says.

The Trump administration’s threats of mass immigration raids by ICE, including in previously protected spaces of churches, schools and hospitals, have immigrant communities and activists across the nation on edge. Concerns led to multiple demonstrations in downtown Asheville in February and also prompted

Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller to issue a statement.

“My stance is clear and strong that immigration enforcement is not allowed on our school campuses unless forced through a valid court order,” Miller said in a Feb. 7 statement issued by the Sheriff’s Office.

Yancey County is another county in the area that signed up for a part of the 287(g) program, in its case, the Warrant Service Officer model. Xpress reached out to the Yancey County Sheriff’s Office but did not receive a response by deadline.

The three 287(g) models are: • The Jail Enforcement Model, which enables trained detention officers to place a 48-hour hold on undocumented arrestees so ICE can choose to pursue immigration enforcement.

• The Task Force Model, which allows local law enforcement to enforce limited ICE laws.

• The Warrant Service Officer program, which trains and authorizes local officers to serve additional warrants on undocumented arrestees.

The model that Henderson County follows is similar to a state law passed in November that requires law enforcement to notify ICE about any arrestees who lack documentation and hold those people for 48 hours to give ICE time to check their immigration status.

Sheriff Griffin recently spoke with Xpress about the Henderson County Sheriff’s Department’s role in immigration enforcement.

Editor’s note: This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Xpress: How long does training for the 287(g) program typically take for a detention officer?

Griffin: They have a weeklong training course every two years and yearly training courses.

Have people been arrested by Henderson County deputies on solely immigration status infractions?

That’s the misconception. All that the 287(g) jail model allows us to do is look into a person’s immigration history, only after there’s been probable cause to arrest that person for violation of a North Carolina criminal statute and a magistrate has confined that person to jail.

Until they’re confined to jail, we have absolutely no authority to even ask somebody what their immigration status is.

With the 287(g) model, we are not working to apprehend people based on immigration status. That’s not what we do. If somebody’s arrested, once they’re confined in the jail, then we look at the immigration status. After that, we can place a detainer [hold] that puts that person on the list for federal authorities to look at to see if that is a person the federal authorities want to take into custody and transport to Georgia for a federal hearing only after all of their state charges have been adjudicated, or they’ve been released from those state charges.

I have no deputies that go out and make arrests based solely on immigration, based solely on any type of race, ethnicity, anything like that. That’s not what we do.

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ICE INVOLVEMENT: Henderson County Sheriff Lowell Griffin says his office will use the same immigration policies it has followed for years.

Photo courtesy of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office Are any school resource officers for the Henderson County Department trained in ICE enforcement?

No, the only ICE officers that I have are assigned to the jail; there are no officers assigned to patrol, assigned to investigations, assigned to us as a school resource officer, that are certified.

What requests have the federal government made of your department?

I have met with officials from ICE from Atlanta and Charlotte, and there’ve been zero requests. I was concerned about how ICE may be operating in the county, and I wanted to be aware of what’s going on.

What I was told during that meeting is that the ICE officials are doing targeted enforcement. In their words, it’s called “worst first.” They are basically looking for folks that have been involved in criminal activity, and they’re looking to arrest these folks and put them into the [court] system.

But they told me that there will not be buses pulling up at Walmart, buses pulling up at schools, buses pulling up at other workplaces, just to round up immigrants.

Matter of fact, what I was told is they don’t have the resources even if that was something that they desired to do.

They don’t have the bed space, they don’t have the manpower, but they are doing the targeted enforcement.

Have any residents or business owners in Henderson County expressed concerns over aggressive immigration enforcement?

Listen, there’s been no concern here. Because we’ve had the 287(g) program in Henderson County, once

anybody with a criminal record was arrested, we’ve been able to flush out those that have cartel ties, that have ties to different gangs, whether it’s across the nation or back into another country.

I really think because of the model, we’ve been able to keep our community safe, and that includes the immigrant community. We’ve had folks from the immigrant community come to us with concerns about dangerous people in their community.

Is there still a possibility of outside ICE officials coming into the county?

Oh, that’s definitely a possibility.

If they track somebody that basically is on one of the lists that they have, that has been involved in criminal activity, it’s highly possible that they could come into Henderson County.

But because we have already taken so many steps to identify those folks and to remove those folks from our community, I don’t think there’s going to be a lot of ICE activity in Henderson County.

Any other comments regarding ICE or future ICE presence in the county?

We’re going to maintain this working relationship on the detention side that we have with us and continue to identify that criminal element.

I think what people will see in Henderson County is, even with the change in the administration, nothing really is changing in this county because this is the same operation we’ve been running for years.

But once again, it’s only, and I’ll stress that, only once somebody is confined to the jail, we have that authority to look at your immigration status.

Can departments only be part of one of the three 287(g) program models?

I think departments can enter into agreements with ICE for as many models as they feel like they’re equipped to handle.

But if I wanted to develop further partnership with ICE, I don’t have the resources to do that. I don’t know of anybody that really has the resources right now to handle all of the cases that come in and to be able to go out here and try to conduct any type of immigration enforcement. That’s for the federal officials to do. We just don’t have the resources to do that. I don’t know of any local law enforcement agency that has an excess of manpower. All of our folks, with budgets the way they are today, we’re spread pretty thin.

Editor’s note: This story was supported by the Fund for Investigative Reporting and Editing. X

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Pisgah Legal: ‘Extremely increased level of fear’ in immigrant community Pisgah Legal Services doesn’t usually spend a ton of resources educating the immigrant community in Western North Carolina about their rights. But since President Donald Trump signed a flurry of executive orders related to immigration on Jan. 20, fear and confusion over immigrant rights has led Pisgah Legal to shift its focus toward education and outreach, says Jacob Oakes, immigration attorney and director of the Justice for All project.

Oakes says requests have poured in from individuals, community groups, churches and other organizations, prompting the nonprofit legal organization to host around 20 events.

“We go through a number of scenarios with folks about sort of where they might happen to encounter immigration enforcement and how they lawfully might be able to stand up for themselves,” Oakes says.

Under the U.S. Constitution, Oakes notes, immigrants have the right to refuse people entry into their homes, unless they have a properly

executed judicial warrant. Similarly, immigrants are protected against self-incrimination.

The last time the organization held similar information sessions was during the first Trump administration. Immediately after Trump’s second inauguration, Oakes says, Pisgah Legal noticed an “extremely dramatic shift and an extremely increased level of fear” among the immigrant community. That has calmed down slightly in recent weeks as no large-scale deportations have come, he adds.

Nevertheless, Oakes says, it’s important for residents to remain prepared and informed.

“It’s tough for our clients because they need to remain vigilant, and they need to be educated about their rights, but they can’t live in a panic all of the time,” he says. “They can’t not go to the store or not get together with friends and family and go to community events out of fear forever.”

— Greg Parlier X

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11

N EWS

BUNCOMBE BEAT

Coxe Avenue affordable housing project inches forward

“I can’t speak highly enough about redeveloping our downtown, which is very much empty in a lot of ways,” added District 3 Commissioner Parker Sloan. “This is an exciting next step in revitalizing that part of our community.”

The agreement with Harmony Housing will establish each party’s responsibilities, milestones and start date.

The county set a goal to deliver at least 1,500 affordable rental units for low- and moderate-income households by 2030. Other county-owned properties that are slated to be turned into affordable housing include 30-80 Valley St., 180 Erwin Hills Road and the 645unit Ferry Road development.

Recovery funding comments submitted

HOUSING BOOST: The above rendering shows a 200-unit affordable development proposed for downtown via a partnership between Buncombe County and Raleigh-based developer Harmony Housing. Graphic courtesy of Buncombe County More than 200 units of affordable housing are one step closer to coming to downtown Asheville after the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners voted 7-0 on March 18 to allow the county to negotiate with Harmony Housing to develop the county-owned property.

The county began talking about using the property at 50-52 Coxe Ave. and other county-owned parcels for affordable housing in 2023.

Last summer, the county received proposals from developers. County staff eventually recommended Raleighbased Harmony Housing due to the

company’s “focus on maximizing multifamily units, parking, commercial integration and other factors,” according to a Buncombe County press release.

According to a presentation by Matthew Card, a county community development analyst, the proposed development will include 206 mixed-income units with one, two or three bedrooms.

Eight units will be offered to extremely low-income residents who earn at or below 20% area median income ($13,087 or less for an individual), while 41 units will be offered for 80% AMI (as much as $52,350 for an individual). The

bulk of the units, 110, will be offered at 60% AMI. Card said that the number and affordability of the units are subject to change. The project is estimated to cost $74.5 million.

“I really want to commend this Commission and former chair [Brownie] Newman for having the foresight and the vision to look at county-owned land to utilize to address our affordable housing crisis here in Buncombe County,” said Board of Commissioners Chair Amanda Edwards. “This is a really exciting evening to be up here to take this vote.”

Commissioners reviewed comments and questions on a draft action plan for spending $1.4 billion in federal funding that the state received through the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBGDR) program to address long-term recovery efforts following Tropical Storm Helene.

Comments ranged from distributing money based on data showing how Helene affected housing; defining what projects are eligible for specific categories, such as communications resilience, flood mitigation and emergency sheltering; and funding small-business grants and agriculture recovery.

A final action plan will be submitted to the U.S. Housing and Urban Development agency before federal funds can be received from the CDBGDR program.

Editor’s note: This story was supported by the Fund for Investigative Reporting and Editing.

— Brooke Randle X

County budget ‘not quite as dire’ as originally projected The financial gravity of Tropical Storm Helene’s wrath is coming into clearer focus after staff presented an update on Buncombe County’s current and future budget at a Buncombe County Board of Commissioners work session March 20.

For the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, the outlook could be worse, said Budget Director John Hudson. Staff projects county revenue will come in $15.6 million under what was initially projected last summer, far better than the up to $25.7 million drop staff feared was possible in January. Buncombe

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MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

County’s $440 million budget this year relied on $428.9 million in expected revenues, with the rest being covered by reserves.

“It’s still not where it should have been pre-Helene, but it’s not quite as dire as we thought it might be in January,” said County Manager Avril Pinder of current year revenues.

Next year’s numbers look similar.

Hudson said staff expects fiscal year 2025-26 revenues to come in about the same as the current Helene-affected year, at about $413 million. That’s $15.8

MOUNTAINX.COM

million lower than the initial budget for this year.

It’s not yet clear how the reduced revenues will affect county services next year, as commissioners won’t get a projected budget complete with expenditures until its April meeting, but some clues can be gleaned from the emergency cuts commissioners passed in January in an attempt to balance the current year’s budget.

County management sliced 4% from most county departments, as well as both public school districts, to make up $17.6

million in reductions. Hudson told commissioners March 20 that if they hadn’t made those cuts, the county would be left drawing $30 million from its fund reserve, almost certainly affecting the county’s bond rating, which it relies on to borrow money.

The next county budget work session is scheduled for April 22, Hudson said.

Editor’s note: This story was supported by the Fund for Investigative Reporting and Editing.

— Greg Parlier X

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MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

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GARDENING WITH XPRESS

Riot of color, courtesy of spring

BY CHLOE LIEBERMAN gardening@mountainx.com “Spring is coming, spring is coming, spring is in the air! Crocus, lily, daffodilly, spring is everywhere!”

This catchy little line from a song my son sings at his school has been playing over and over in my head and not just because he sings it — a lot! The energy of springtime is taking root, and with it comes new growth, beautiful blooms and a bright future for our region. As your springtime-self ramps up, please send any gardening questions to me at gardening@mountainx.com.

EASY-PEASY PLEASE What are the easiest kinds of flowers to grow?

Oh, the beauty of blooming! I actually worked on a commercial organic flower farm for two years, so I’ve known many kinds of flowers, from the exuberant self-seeders (like calendula) to the very finicky (like lisianthus). At this point, I love interspersing flowers throughout the veggie garden to boost biodiversity and bring delight to everyone.

My go-tos for ease and abundant color are marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers, cosmos, calendula, tithonia (Mexican sunflower) and monarda (bee balm). These are all annuals that are easy to grow from seed, except monarda, which can be perennial. Well, to be totally accurate, some Mexican marigolds can also be perennial, but not in our climate. Marigolds, cosmos, calendula and monarda will readily self-seed, meaning that once you

BIODIVERSITY: Flowers can help increase the overall biodiversity of your garden by providing habitat and food for beneficial insects like pollinators and for predatory insects who eat pests. Photo by Sarah Tew grow them in a spot in your garden, it’s likely they’ll pop up near there, all on their own in future years, as long as you keep the area somewhat weeded.

Marigolds, calendula and monarda are useful medicinal herbs, along with being beautiful. Marigolds are also an amazing and easy dye plant for turning natural-fiber fabric a gloriously bright yellow color.

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Sunflowers, depending on the variety, can produce food for humans in the form of their seeds, along with impressively tall and gigantic flowers. Even those that don’t make seeds we think worthy of shelling feed birds with their oily goodness.

All of these flowers can help increase the overall biodiversity of your garden by providing habitat and food for beneficial insects like pollinators and for predatory insects who eat pests. Planting flowers along with crops can increase your yields of vegetables. The same insects that come to pollinate the showy zinnias will end up visiting the more demure cucumber blossoms. Each of these types of easy flowers I’ve mentioned come in many different varieties, giving you choices around color, size, drought tolerance and other characteristics.

REINING IN BAMBOO I’m interested in planting bamboo as a privacy screen, but I’ve heard it can really spread. Are

there kinds of bamboo or ways to plant it that keeps it contained?

Bamboo is an incredible plant.

And we’re lucky that it thrives in our climate and ecosystem. When I visited the mountains of Thailand, I stayed in a village of Lahu tribal people who constructed almost their entire homes out of bamboo.

The incredible giant grass (bamboo is in the Poaceae family, along with other grasses, corn, sorghum, wheat and rice) is also edible to humans and animals. We enjoy bamboo when it’s very young, as bamboo shoots, while herbivorous animals like cows, goats and horses munch and enjoy the evergreen leaves at any stage. You’ve probably heard of bamboo flooring, bamboo fabric and I bet you’ve encountered bamboo-fiber disposable dishware, floss picks and many other products made with the biodegradable and quick-growing plant in the place of plastic.

Once it’s established, bamboo can make an excellent privacy screen or hedge. This plant is also helpful in preventing erosion and produces a large amount of biomass each year that can be turned into mulch or biochar to feed the soil (or just let your animals eat it and use their poop as fertilizer).

There are over 1,400 species of bamboo around the world, with the majority of them calling the tropics and subtropics their home; none is native to North America.

These numerous kinds can be grouped into two main categories based on growth habit: clumping (sympodial) and running (monopodial). The difference is how they spread. Clumping bamboos grow new shoots from around the bases of existing plants, producing a clump that only gets wider by a few inches a year. In contrast, running bamboos send underground rootlike reproductive structures called rhizomes out as “runners” that can travel as far as 15 feet from existing plants before shooting up as a stalk (the average is more like 3-5 feet from the existing plant).

If you’re planting bamboo for privacy, running bamboo will spread and grow to create a screen more quickly than clumping bamboo but will need to be managed so that it doesn’t take over. On the other hand, clumping bamboo grows more slowly but won’t get out of hand even if you ignore it.

To manage running bamboo, regular root pruning is the most effective technique. You also can install physical barriers around the area you’d like the bamboo to fill out.

Cutting off new shoots after they

PRIVACY SCREEN: Once it’s established, bamboo can make an excellent privacy screen or hedge. This plant is also helpful in preventing erosion and produces a large amount of biomass each year. Photo by Chloe Lieberman emerge simply makes the spreading invisible but doesn’t actually stop rhizomes from running. Barriers are usually thick plastic or metal sheets that you place about 2 feet deep. Rhizome pruning involves digging with a sharp spade around the bamboo patch once in early summer and again in the fall, when growth is most vigorous. Using the spade, you will cut through any rhizomes that are attempting to leave their sanctioned area.

Whether you plant a clumping or running variety, its growth will be impacted by water, soil and sun, just like any other plant in or around your garden. If your goal is a thick privacy barrier, consider preparing the soil ahead of time with compost and/or nutrients and make sure to water when it’s dry. Bamboo thrives in full sun, so removing trees and shrubs that shade the area can improve growth.

Be careful of planting bamboo under power lines, especially the supertall timber bamboo that is popular around Asheville, as it can become a fire hazard if it comes in contact with the wires.

A couple of bamboo nurseries are Haiku Bamboo Nursery in Hendersonville and Brightside Bamboo Nursery near Chapel Hill.

There you can find different kinds

of bamboo that are suited to our climate, along with tools and advice for managing bamboo.

Another option is to simply dig up a clump of bamboo from an existing patch — with permission, of course. In the case of running bamboo, it’s likely that anyone with a large planting will be happy for you to dig some up, as this is part of regular maintenance anyway. The best times to transplant bamboo are in the early spring, before new growth, and fall, after growth has stopped. Be sure to prepare a space for transplanting ahead of time, and keep the roots and rhizomes moist during transport.

One clump of bamboo that you dig can be separated into several for replanting, making establishing a new privacy screen fairly easy.

Dig down about 24 inches near the existing patch to get under the rhizomes, then use your tool to remove a clump from the existing area. You can cut any existing shoots to make the process more manageable. To transplant, make sure to dig a hole about twice the size of the clump you’ll be planting there, place it in the ground with the shoots facing up and roots and rhizomes facing down, and water it right away after you cover it with dirt. X MOUNTAINX.COM

MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

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Ballot Categories 2025 This year’s Best of WNC ballot offers voters an opportunity to celebrate the local individuals, organizations and businesses that are helping define our region and how it evolves. You are invited to vote this April based on your local knowledge and passions. The online ballot covers hundreds of topics and issues. Don’t be daunted — just vote for the categories you care about and skip those you don’t.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Music Events & Venues • Local Music Festival • Indoor Music Venue • Outdoor Music Venue • Intimate Music Venue/ Listening Room

Arts & Crafts

• Arts/Crafts Fair or Event • Studio Stroll/Driving Tour • Craft School or Place to Learn a Craft • Art Gallery • Craft-Oriented Gallery • Nonprofit (Not Music) That Serves the Arts

Film, Stage, Dance & Writing

• Movie Theater • Local Filmmaker • Theater Company • Actor (any gender) • Comedian • Improv Group/Comedy Troupe or Series • Local Comedy Show/ Night/Event • Open-Mic-Night Venue • Trivia Night Emcee • Drag Performer/Group • Karaoke Night • Performance Dance Company • Place to Take Dance Classes or Lessons • Local Literary Event • Local Author • Local Poet

Musicians & Bands

• All-Round Favorite Band • Acoustic/Folk • Americana/Country • Blues • Local Busker/Street Group • DJ (Nonradio) • Funk • Jazz • Old-Time/Bluegrass • R&B/Soul

• Rock • Hip-Hop • Punk/Metal/Garage • Lyricist (Songwriter) • Vocalist (Singer) Appalachian * Traditional Musician • Guitarist • Bass Guitarist • Keyboardist/Pianist • Percussionist-Drummer

Music Services

• Musical Instrument Repair Company • Recording Studio • Music-Related Nonprofit

Artists, Crafters

• Fiber Artist • Jewelry Artist/Designer • Metal Artist or Blacksmith • Mural Artist • Painter/Illustrator • Potter/Ceramic Artist • Woodworker • Glass Artist or Studio • Wedding/Event Photographer • Portrait/Headshot Photographer • Still Life/Nature Photographer

DRINKS Bars

• Bar That Best Represents the Spirit of Asheville • Bar for Live Music • Bar With a View • Bar With Games • LGBTQ+ Friendly Bar • Hotel Bar • Dive Bar • Sports Bar • Upscale Bar • Wine Bar • Family-Friendly Bar or Brewery • Bar: Local Beer Selection (excluding breweries) • Bar: Unusual Beer Selection (excluding breweries)

* = New Category 16

MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

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• Neighborhood Bar - North • Neighborhood Bar - East • Neighborhood Bar - South • Neighborhood Bar - West • Neighborhood Bar Downtown (including South Slope) • Neighborhood Bar River Arts District • Bartender • Bar or Brewery That Gives Back to the Community

Beer, Cider &Breweries • Local All-Round Brewery (for its beers) • Brewery (for its taproom & atmosphere) • Creative, Experimental Brewery • Brewmaster • Favorite Local Beer Event

Beer, Cider & Breweries • Local Beer (Any Style) • Local Dark Beer • Local Lager • Local Sour Beer • Local IPA • Seasonal Beer • Beer Store • Cidery • Local Cider

Cocktails, Spirits & Wine • Cocktails • Bloody Mary • Margarita • Local Winery • Wine Store • Distillery

Coffee, Tea & Healthy Drinks

• Coffeehouse for Its Vibe • Establishment With the Best Coffee • Barista • Coffee Roaster • Place to Drink Tea * Bubble Tea • Smoothies/Juices • Mocktails or Nonalcoholic Options • Local Nonalcoholic Drink or Soda • CBD Drinks/Health Elixirs

EATS • Favorite Restaurant • Bagels • Barbecue • Best Value • Biscuits • Breakfast • Brunch • Burger • Burrito • Catering Company • Cheesemaker/ Cheese Dairy • Chef • Restaurant Comfort Food • Desserts • Diner/Homestyle • Doughnuts • Fine Dining/Upscale • Food Truck • French Fries • Fried Chicken • Healthiest Food • Hot Bar/Buffet • Hot Dogs • Green/SustainabilityFriendly Restaurant • Kid-Friendly Restaurant • Late-Night Eats • Local-Food Emphasis • Lunch • Outdoor Dining • Pasta • People-Watching Restaurant • Pizza • Pub Grub • Quick Meal • Ribs • Restaurant to Take Out-of-Towners to • Restaurant Still Needed in Asheville • New Restaurant (Opened in the Last 12 Months) • Restaurant That Best Represents the Spirit of Asheville • Restaurant Cocktail Selection • Restaurant Wine Selection • Restaurant With a View * Quiet Restaurant • Ramen • Romantic Dining • Salad

#AVL

STRONG

• Sandwich Shop • Seafood • Best Service • Special Diet Options (Gluten-Free, LactoseFree, etc.) *• Steak Sub Shop • Taco • Takeout • Vegan • Vegetarian • Veggie Burger • Wings • Local Cookie Maker • Local Food Product • Nonprofit Helping With Hunger Issues • Pastry Chef • Fresh Meat Seller • Fresh Fish Seller • Local Food Festival or Event • Locally Made CBD Treats • Local Meal Delivery Service

• Bakery (Bread)

Neighborhoods

• Physician (General Practice) • Physician (Specialist) • Dental Practice • Dentist • Pediatrician • Eye Care Specialist/Service • Chiropractor • Acupuncture Clinic • Acupuncturist • Nutritionist • Holistic Medical Practice • Family Medical Practice • Women's Health Center • Maternity Care/Service • Membership Health Care Provider • Hospital • Emergency Room • Urgent Care/Walk-In Clinic • Place to Get Medical Care When Under- or Uninsured • Therapist or Counseling Center • Hospice • Mortuary/Funeral Services • Yoga Studio • Yoga Teacher * Pilates Studio • Massage Therapist • Physical Therapy Clinic • Physical Therapist • Fitness Studio With Classes

• Restaurant in Downtown (including South Slope) • Restaurant in the River Arts District • Restaurant in West Asheville • Restaurant in North Asheville • Restaurant in East Asheville • Restaurant in South Asheville

Cuisine

• Chinese • French • Greek • Indian • Italian • Japanese • Latin American • Mexican • Middle Eastern • Southern • Sushi • Thai

Desserts & Sweets • Ice Cream • Frozen Treats Other Than Ice Cream • Chocolate

Bakeries

• Bakery (Sweets/Desserts)

FARM, YARD & GARDEN • Tailgate/Farmers Market • Roadside Farm Stand • Farm to Visit • Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm • Orchard • Community Garden • Garden Supply Store • Mulch Supplier • Nursery (Trees, Shrubs) • Lawn/Yard Care • Landscaping Service (Other Than Lawn Care) • Tree Service • Nonprofit Supporting Farms/Farmland Preservation

HEALTH & WELLNESS

• Gym or Place to Work Out • Physical Trainer • Martial Arts Studio • Place to Buy Supplements, Vitamins & Herbs • Place to Center Yourself • Place to Buy CBD Products • Assisted-Living Community • Pharmacy/Drugstore • Health & WellnessFocused Nonprofit

KIDS • Child Care or Day Care Service • Music Teacher • Art Education Program • Dance Studio • Gymnastics Program • Martial Arts Program • Team-Sports Program • Kids Clothes • Toy Store • Pediatric Practice General Medicine • Pediatric Practice - Dentistry • Orthodontist

Schools & Classes

• School (Precollege) • Preschool • After-school Program

Places

• Day Camp • Overnight Camp • Daytrip for Kids • Place for Indoor Fun • Place for Outdoor Fun • Playground • Kid-Friendly Hike • Museum • Place for Birthday Parties • Bakery for Birthday Cakes • Parents Night Out Program

MEDIA • Local Radio Station (commercial) • Local Radio Station (noncommercial) • Local News Source • Local News Website • Local Reporter (Print and/or Online) • Local Events Information Source • Local Social Media Page to Follow for Local News, Events and Local Happenings

* Local E-Newsletter • Local Podcast • Local Print Publication Other Than Xpress • Most Important Local News Story (in the Last 12 Months) • Most Overreported Story (in the Last 12 Months) • Most Underreported Story (in the Last 12 Months) • Local Radio Personality/ Announcer • Local TV Personality/ Announcer • Favorite Feature in Xpress OUTDOORS • Day Hike Trail • Backpacking Trail/ Overnight Hike • Picnic Spot • Waterfall • Walk - In or Near Asheville • Easy Hike Trail (For Kids, Elders, Limited Mobility) • Camping Spot • Place to Relax on the Water • Swimming Hole • Mountain Bike Trail • Place to Roller Skate or Skateboard • Rafting Company • Outdoor Gear and Apparel Shop • Canopy Tour/Zip Line • Ski Resort • Environmental or Conservation Nonprofit

PERSONAL SERVICES • Hair Salon • Hairstylist • Barber • Barbershop • Tattoo Parlor/Studio • Tattoo Artist • Piercing Studio • Spa • Local Body-Products Maker • Esthetician • Nail Salon • Nail Technician • Eyebrow Shaping

PETS Medical

• Veterinary Services • Veterinarian

FAQs

Voting starts April 1 MOUNTAINX.COM/BESTOFWNC • Alternative Pet Health Care Provider

Services

• Pet Kennel • Pet Day Care Facility • Grooming Service • Pet Sitting/Dog Walking Service • Trainer/Training Center • Animal Shelter/Rescue Organization

Places & Shops

• Pet Supply Store • Outdoor Place to Take Your Pet • Pet-Friendly Bar or Brewery

PROFESSIONAL & HOME SERVICES • Accountant/CPA Firm • Place to Have Your Taxes Prepared • Alternative Energy Sales and Installation • Bike Repair • Car Repair • Cellphone Service Provider for the WNC Mountains • Computer Repair • Construction Firm (Design and/or Build) • Dry Cleaner • Electrical/Electrician Company • Equipment Rental Services • Financial Adviser • Green Builder • Handyperson • Heating/Cooling Company • Home Cleaning Service • Home Inspection Service • Home Restoration/ Improvement/Renovation • House Painters • Insurance Agent • Junk Removal Service • Law Firm • Family Law Attorney • Real Estate Attorney • Estate Planning Attorney • Moving Company • Pest Control Service • Place To Get Your Oil Changed • Plumbing Company • Print Shop

Why do voters have to vote for 30 categories?

We want meaningful results When does voting start from people who are invested in and end? and knowledgeable about the Voting officially begins April 1 and Asheville/WNC area. continues through April 30.

How do I get a category added In how many categories must or changed?

I vote in order for my ballot The categories are set for this to be counted? year, but to suggest a change Each ballot must have votes for at for next year, email: bestofwnc@ least 30 categories to be counted. mountainx.com

• Real Estate Company • Real Estate Agent • Roofing Company

SHOPPING • Store That Best Represents the Spirit of Asheville • Clothing: Used or Vintage (for-profit store) • Clothing: Used or Vintage (nonprofit store) • Clothing: Dress-Up/Stylin' • Asheville-Style Clothes • Shoe Store • Jewelry Store • All-Round Grocery Store • Local Grocery Delivery or Curbside Pickup • Budget-Friendly Grocery Store • Health Food Store • International/Specialty Food Store • Convenience/Corner Store • New Furniture Store • Used Furniture Store (for-profit store) • Used Furniture Store (nonprofit store) • Refurbished Or Upcycled Goods • Antique Store • Mall-Style Market • Automobile Tire Store • Auto Dealer - New and/or Used • Adult Toys, Lingerie & Naughty Things Store • Bed and Mattress Store • Bike Shop • Bookstore - New • Bookstore - Used • Comics & Collectibles Store • Game Store • Florist/Plant Shop • Gift Shop • Head Shop • Musical Instrument Store • Pawn Shop • Picture Framer • Record/CD Store

UNIQUELY ASHEVILLE • Neighborhood • Biggest Threat to Asheville's Uniqueness • Biggest Opportunity for Asheville's Uniqueness

• Best Thing to Happen to Asheville in the Last 12 Months • Worst Thing to Happen to Asheville in the Last 12 Months • Nonprofit That Improves Asheville • Nonprofit That Serves the Underprivileged • Local Fundraising Event • Activist Group for Civic/Political Action • Local Asheville Attraction • Place to Take Your Eccentric Friends • Holiday Event Spring/Summer • Holiday Event Fall/Winter • Project You'd Like to See Local Government Do • Local Hero • Local Politician • Local Villain • Bumper Sticker or Slogan About Asheville • Place to Get Married • Street for a Stroll • Place to Connect With Nature Within or Near to Asheville • Place to Pretend You're a Tourist • Thing Downtown Asheville Needs • Thing West Asheville Needs • Thing North Asheville Needs • Thing South Asheville Needs • Thing East Asheville Needs • Thing the River Arts District Needs • Local City Tour • Hotel • B&B or Small Boutique Hotel • Historic/Interesting Building • Venue to Book for a Party or Event • Event/Wedding Planner

WORK & BUSINESS

• Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Asheville • Business That Gives Back to the Community • Bank • Credit Union • Bank/Financial Services for Small Business • Co-Op/Employeeowned Business • Support Organization for Entrepreneurs and New Businesses

REGIONAL Questions for the following regions: Brevard Burnsville Hendersonville/ Flat Rock/Mills River Hot Springs Marshall/Mars Hill Swannanoa/ Black Mountain Cullowhee/Sylva Waynesville/Maggie Valley/Canton Weaverville/Woodfin • Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Your Town • Breakfast Restaurant • Lunch Restaurant • Dinner Restaurant • Coffee & Sweets • Local Bar/Brewery/ Watering Hole • Music/Entertainment Venue • Retail Store • Art Gallery • Cultural or Historical Landmark • Cultural or Arts Event • Local Place to Enjoy the Outdoors • Local Cause to Support • Best Thing to Happen to Your Town in the Last 12 Months

• Employment Sector to Work in

How do you prevent voter fraud?

Ballots are examined for telltale signs of voter fraud or ballot stuffing. We disqualify all ballots that appear to be fraudulent.

How are the votes counted?

Mountain Xpress tallies the votes by hand, taking great care to understand each voter’s intent.

We reserve the right to reject any ballot with inappropriate responses.

I hope my business wins. How do I get voting promotional materials?

Call us at 828-251-1333. We can provide you with printable and digital materials, or contact your sales representative for information.

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MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR TH (3/27, 4/3), 4:30pm, Asheville 12-Step Recovery Club, 1 Kenilworth Knolls Unit 4

MARCH. 26 - APRIL. 3, 2025 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.

Marijuana Anonymous A safe, supportive, inclusive, and non-judgmental space to share, listen and grow together. Whether you’re exploring sobriety, new to recovery, or have been on this path for a while, you are welcome here.

TH (3/27, 4/3), 6:30pm, American Legion Post 2, 851 Haywood Rd

 Online-only events  More info, page 33  More info, page 34 WELLNESS 5x5 Strength Alternating exercises and stretches designed to improve physical performance, enhance range of motion, and reduce muscle fatigue.

WE (3/26), 10:15am, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave Community Yoga & Mindfulness Free monthly event with Inspired Change Yoga that will lead you into a morning of breathwork, meditation and yoga.

WE (3/26), 10:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave Gentle Tai Chi for Balance This class works on improving our balance through exercises that help you to think with your feet while strengthening your balance muscles.

WE (3/26, 4/2), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Tai Chi Fan This class includes partner work showing the martial application of the fans when they

are used as a weapon and Flying Rainbow Double Fan form.

WE (3/26, 4/2), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Therapeutic Recreation Adult Morning Movement Wednesday mornings are all about active games, physical activities, and sports adapted to accommodate all skill levels.

WE (3/26, 4/2), 10am, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave Balance, Agility, Strength, Stretch This weekly class for adults focuses on flexibility, balance, stretching, and strength.

Bring your own exercise mat.

WE (3/26, 4/2), 10am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd Tai Chi For Beginners Yang 10 & 24 In this Beginner Tai Chi class, the focus is on the Yang 10 and 24 forms as well as Qigong exercises for health.

TH (3/27, 4/3), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

24th Annual Asheville Orchid Festival: Orchid Arcadia The N.C. Arboretum • Friday, March 28, 4-7 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, March 29-30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

This annual festival will feature world-class orchid growers and breeders, with hundreds of orchids presented in carefully crafted displays.

“Over the years, my family and I have accumulated a decent amount of orchids, which are scattered in pots across our home’s windowsills. Outside of dahlias, these are my favorite flowers. So, you know where I’ll be come Sunday, March 30. Hope to see you there.”

— Thomas Calder X MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

QiGong w/Allen Horowitz Qigong is the self help aspect of Chinese Medicine that is the basis for Tai Chi and all martial arts. The movements help improve circulation relaxation and balance.

For more information contact allenhavatar@ gmail.com TH (3/27), 6pm, Fairview Library, 1 Taylor Rd, Fairview Free Community Zumba The class design introduces easy-to-follow Zumba choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion, and coordination.

FR (3/28), 10am, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave Intermediate Tai Chi Yang 24 This is the Tai Chi that most people envision when they think of Tai Chi. Slow, gentle movements that promote good health.

FR (3/28), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

XPRESS EVENT PICK

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HOWL-WORTHY ADOPTION DAY: Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and Mercedes-Benz partner on Friday, March 28, to host a community adoption day at Mercedes-Benz of Asheville. The event starts at noon and will feature adorable puppies and wonderful adult dogs looking for adoptive homes. Photo courtesy of Brother Wolf Animal Rescue

New Moon Yoga Nidra & Reiki 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 (3/28), 6pm, Asheville Salt Cave, 16 N Liberty St Intermediate Tai Chi Yang 37 A great class for those who have studied Yang 37 or would like a form that is a little bit more involved than Yang 10 or 24.

SA (3/29), 8:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

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Free Community Yoga (Level 2) This class is designed to nourish your body, mind, and spirit by further developing your balance, coordination, flexibility, and cardiovascular health.

SA (3/29), 9am, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave Himalayan Sound Bath Meditation Imagine the soothing tones of Himalayan singing bowls washing over you, calming your mind, and rejuvenating your spirit.

SA (3/29), SU (3/20), 11am, Somatic Sounds, 157 S Lexington Ave B1 Free Community Qi Gong Qi Gong improves balance and coordination, enhances physical and emotional energy, and promotes an experience of well-being.

SA (3/29), 11:30am, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave Sunday Morning Meditation Group Gathering for a combination of silent sitting and walking meditation, facilitated by Worth Bodie.

SU (3/30), 10am, The Lodge at Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain Sunday Sound Baths A harmonic experience focused on nervous system regulation, energetic balance, and whole body wellness.

SU (3/30), 11am, Weaverville Yoga, 3 Florida Ave, Weaverville Prenatal & Postpartum Yoga A rejuvenating and relaxing yoga session designed specifically for pregnant and postpar-

tum folks.

SU (3/30), noon, West Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd Queer Yoga This class is donation-based and centered towards creating an affirming and inclusive space for all queer folks.

SU (3/30), 1:30pm, West Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd New Moon Serenity Sound Bath Honor the New Moon by immersing yourself with the healing vibrations of a Sound Bath. The New Moon is a perfect time to set intentions for growth and new possibilities.

SU (3/30), 5pm, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way Tai Chi Open Clinic All are welcome in this new curriculum course, regardless of the style of internal martial arts you practice, your skill development or age level.

SU (3/30), 7pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

Prenatal Yoga Paulina, a yoga teacher and certified birth doula, will guide you through gentle poses and breathing exercises to help you connect with your changing body.

MO (3/31), 5:30pm, W Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd Medical Qigong A moving meditation and an internal martial art for calming the mind and strengthening the body and spirit.

TU (4/1), 9am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Zumba Gold & Silverobics Calorie-burning, fun, low-impact class that incorporates dance and fitness for older adults each week.

TU (4/1), noon, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd Drumming for Exercise Jam to some tunes while getting a great, low-impact arm and core workout.

TU (4/1), 1:30pm, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd

Free Community Athletic Conditioning Combining strength training, HIIT, plyometrics, kickboxing and step, this class offers a diverse, challenging training experience.

MO (3/31), 8am, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave

Qigong Gentle form of exercise composed of movement, posture, breathing, and meditation used to promote health and spirituality.

WE (4/2), 11:15am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd

Strength & Exercise Workout at your own pace in a fun atmosphere in this weekly class for active adults working on overall fitness and strength.

MO (3/31), 9:15am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd

SUPPORT GROUPS Nicotine Anonymous People share their experience, strength and hope to stop using nicotine. You don’t need to be stopped, just have a desire to attend.

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 (3/29), 2pm, First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St Creative Check-in This 1-hr set-upyour-week session is designed for just about anyone who wants a supportive group to help them keep account of their dreams and goals, and how they play out in the week.

MO (3/31), 10am, Corduroy Lounge, 444 Haywood Rd, Ste 103 Parkinson’s Support Group Learn about and meet people offering goods and services to the Parkinson’s community from speech therapist and legal experts on advanced medical directives to exercise programs and in-home care assistance.

TU (4/1), 10am, Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Rd

DANCE Open-Level Adult Dance Each class will feature a full-body warm-up, specific skill practice, and a dance combination to your favorite music.

WE (3/26), 5:30pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain 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 (3/26, 4/2), 8pm,One World Brewing W, 520 Haywood Rd Tap Dance: Beginner Tap dance for beginners teaches the basics through a combination of exercise, music, and incredible fun. Students provide their own tap shoes.

TH (3/27, 4/3), TU (4/1), 10am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd Tap Dance: Intermediate Fun and active class for students who have

already taken beginner tap here or elsewhere.

Students must provide their own tap shoes.

TH (3/27, 4/3), 10:45am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd Tap Dance: Advanced Beginner Fun and active twice-weekly class for advanced students.

Students provide their own tap shoes.

TH (3/27, 4/3), 11:45am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd March Square Dance This dance is free and open to all, both on campus and within the community. It’s a great way to unwind and be a part of an Appalachian tradition.

TH (3/27), 7pm, Mars Hill University, College St, Mars Hill Bachata Dance Lesson & Social Live DJ Bachata nights with some Cha Cha, Cumbia, Merengue and Salsa added to the mix.

TH (3/27), 8:30pm, Urban Orchard Cider Co. South Slope, 24 Buxton Ave Intro to Line Dance A true beginners course for those who are new to line dance taught by Liz Atkinson.

MO (3/31), 10:30am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd Monday Night Contra Dance A welcoming environment for anyone who would like to contra dance. Lessons start at 7 p.m. and a social dance starts at 7:30 p.m.

MO (3/31), 7:30pm, A-B Tech, Genevieve Circle Nia Dance A sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts, and healing arts.

TU (4/1), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109

ART 2025 School of Art & Design Faculty Biennial This exhibition provides students and the community an opportunity to view recent work created by distinguished faculty members whose primary research output is studio-based. Gallery open Tuesday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition through May, 2.

WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr, Cullowhee Emerging Artists Exhibition This annual exhibit showcases the work of award-winning artist and instructor Bob Travers alongside the inspiring creations of his students. Gallery open Monday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition

through March 28.

Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain Heather Hietala: Explorations This exhibit invites viewers into a world of vessels, paddles, and forms that symbolize life’s journeys, transitions, and relationships.

Gallery open Monday through Friday, 8:30am.

Exhibition through April, 18.

John M. Crawford Jr. Gallery, 360 Asheville School Rd Asheville Strong: Celebrating Art & Community After Hurricane Helene An exhibition of artwork by artists who live and work in the Helene-affected Appalachia region.

This special, non-juried exhibition celebrates the strength and diversity of our regional arts community. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am.

Exhibition through May. 5, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square Open Art Studio Bring your favorite medium and work in a collaborative environment to improve your individual talent.

Whether it’s paint, pencils, pastel, paper mache or whatever inspires you.

TH (3/27, 4/3), 1pm, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd Mountain Songs This poignant exhibition features local artists Nick Colquitt and Natalie Ray. It celebrates the resilience of the Appalachian community and the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Gallery open daily, 11am. Exhibition through March 30.

Asheville Gallery of Art, 82 Patton Ave Collaborative Art Night A night of collaborative creativity and fun where you will be creating a masterpiece with others, passing canvases around and adding each others unique touches.

FR (3/28), 7pm, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way Anti Form: Robert Morris’s Earth Projects The suite of lithographic drawings by Robert Morris presents a series of ideas for ten works of art shaped out of earth, atmospheric conditions, and built environments. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am.

Exhibition through May 2025.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square 100 Flying Popes: a Live Painting Event Artist Adam Graham creates 100 live paintings inspired by the surreal haiku of Ban’ya

Natsuishi and his iconic Flying Pope character.

SA (3/29), 2pm, Bebop Bottle Shop, 723 Haywood Rd, Ste 101 Greetings from Asheville: Tourism & Transformation in the Postcard Age This exhibition explores how the land, the people, and the built environment of Asheville and its surrounding environs were interpreted through early 20th century vintage postcards. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am.

Exhibition through May. 30, 2025.

Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square Let's Paint!

Beginners learn color mixing, brush techniques, value and shading, perspective, composition and various methods to get their image onto the canvas.

MO (3/31), 1pm, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd Tattoo/Flash Exhibition This exhibition showcases the cultural significance of tattoos, highlighting their ability to bridge tradition and innovation, personal expression, and visual storytelling. Gallery open daily, 11am.

Exhibition through April 23.

Blue Spiral 1, 38 Biltmore Ave

COMMUNITY MUSIC Larry & Joe Born continents and cultures apart, this dynamic duo delivers a captivating fusion of Venezuelan and Appalachian folk music on harp, banjo, cuatro, fiddle, maracas and more.

FR (3/28), 8pm, Wortham Center For The Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave Brevard Philharmonic Presents: Cirque de la Symphonie An evening of gravity-defying acrobats, master jugglers, and other captivating performers who will take the stage alongside the orchestra, creating a sensory experience unlike any other.

SA (3/29), 7:30pm, Porter Center for Performing Arts at Brevard College, Brevard Four Seasons Chamber Orchestra Winter Concert: The Messiah The concert features the Four Seasons Chamber Orchestra, soloists from the Asheville Vocal Ensemble, and an opportunity for community singers to join in on a number of famous choruses.

SU (3/30), 3pm, Trinity Presbyterian, 900 Blythe St, Hendersonville

Raven Love Benefit Show A benefit show for Raven O'Hara and her family to raise money for medical expenses.

Music by JLloyd & Friends and Fun Size.

SU (3/30), 7pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd

COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS Thrive 55+ Exercise Party Every Wednesday, active adults will come together for chair exercise, balance challenges, and strength training.

WE (3/26), 11am, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St Gardens 101 An easy introductory class for beginning gardeners, including kids.

Learn what plants grow best and discover ideas for making a garden in small areas.

WE (3/26), 6pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave WNC Farm Succession School Learn more about common challenges that farmers and landowners face when transitioning the farm to the next

generation — and strategies to overcome these.

TH (3/27), 9am, WNC Regional Livestock Center, 474 Stock Dr, Canton Access to Capital Whether you’re a start-up or interested in growing your business, this workshop is here to guide you through the process to secure a business loan. Register at x avl.mx/emx.

TH (3/27), 11am, Online Friday Night Spike Volleyball The goal of this program is to teach girls and boys fundamentals of volleyball including bumping, setting, spiking, blocking, and other techniques.

FR (3/28), 5:30pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St Rotary Tool Workshops Carve, etch, and sand to creative freedom with a workshop that unlocks the potential of versatile handheld rotary tools for crafting.

TU (4/1), 11am, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd Therapeutic Recreation Adult Crafting A variety of cooking and crafts, available at two different times.

Advance registration required. Open to individuals ages 17+ with disabilities.

TU (4/1), 10am and 11am, Murphy-Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd LARAAJI & Arji Oceananda’s Laughter Meditation Playshop A unique workshop featuring guided call & response chanting, internal ‘laughtercises,’ and playful interaction

soundtracked by music.

WE (4/2), 7pm, AyurPrana Listening Room, 312 Haywood Rd The Magic of Manifesting w/Virginia Oman Learn invaluable tips and insights on harnessing the Universe’s energy to work for you. This is your chance to learn from someone who has truly mastered the art of manifestation.

WE (4/2), 7pm, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way

Embroiderers’ Guild of America: Laurel Chapter The program will be a Time of Free Stitching.

Chapter members are encouraged to bring their current needle art projects and stitch in a group setting.

TH (4/3), 9:30am, Grace Lutheran Church, 1245 Sixth Ave W, Hendersonville Change Your Palate Cooking Demo This free lunchtime food demonstration is open to all but tailored

towards those with type 2 diabetes or hypertension and/or their caretakers.

TH (4/3), noon, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

LITERARY Rediscovering You: Exploring Gender Identity & Sexual Orientation Christa McCrorie will guide participants through key themes and exercises from her

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MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

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C OMMU N IT Y CA L E N D AR workbook Rediscovering You, offering insights into the journey of self-discovery and identity exploration.

WE (3/26), 6pm, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd Meter & Melody: Poetry Night An open mic for poetry, hosted by Dill.

WE (3/26), 7pm, Static Age Loft, 116 N Lexington Ave Book Talk & Signing w/ Kate O'Donnell An inspiring talk with Kate O'Donnell, followed by a book signing to celebrate the release of her latest work, Everyday Ayurveda for Women's Health: Traditional Wisdom, Recipes, and Remedies for Optimal Wellness, Hormone Balance, and Living Radiantly.

TH (3/27), 6pm, The Ayurvedic Institute, 62 Orange St Cozy Chapters Bookworm Club Gather fellow bookworms for a weekly book club. Enjoy hot chocolate, delicious snacks, and engaging conversation about latest reads.

TH (3/27), 6pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave Regional Author Book Club Series: Where Dark Things Grow w/ Andrew K. Clark Engage in a thought-provoking discussion of Where Dark Things Grow, followed by an enlightening presentation by author Andrew K. Clark.

FR (3/28), 10am, Peri Social House, 406 W State St, Black Mountain Spinning Toward the Sun Book Launch A book launch and signing, featuring WNC authors. Stay for a Q&A with the readers.

Multiple authors will be available to sign your anthology.

SU (3/30), 3pm, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd Flooded Poetry Each poet will be able to share 2-3 poems, and occasionally we will have local celebrity poets close out our night with a featured reading.

MO (3/31), 6:30pm, Flood Gallery, 802 Fairview Rd Ste 1200

THEATER & FILM The Lehman Trilogy This epic theatrical event charts the humble beginnings, outrageous successes and devastating failure of the financial institution that would ultimately bring the global economy to its knees.

WE (3/26, 4/2), TH (3/27, 4/3), FR (3/28), SA (3/29), 7pm, SU (3/20), 2pm, N Carolina Stage Co., 15 Stage Ln

20

Silent Films/Loud Music A showcase of silent films produced by local femme and LGBTQ+ filmmakers, accompanied by live bands.

TH (3/27), 7pm, Sly Grog Lounge, 271 Haywood St An Unexpected Song A captivating musical revue celebrating the iconic and rarely performed works of Andrew Lloyd Webber, featuring a powerhouse cast in an intimate cabaret setting.

FR (3/28), SA (3/29), 7:30pm, SU (3/30), 2pm, Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville Open Hearts Art Center Talent Show: Wild At HeART Enjoy a night of fearless creativity and pure artistic expression as artists sing, dance, act, and perform with a raw authenticity rarely seen in mainstream art spaces. Wear your favorite animal costume and there will also be food and drink.

FR (3/28), 5pm, Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200 Foreign Film Fridays Every Friday visitors can enjoy a cozy movie night in the gallery featuring some amazing foreign films curated by film-buff Carlos Steward.

FR (3/28), 7pm, Flood Gallery, 802 Fairview Rd Ste 1200 Aaron Posner: Life Sucks A group of old friends, ex-lovers, estranged in-laws and lifelong enemies gather to grapple with life's thorniest questions, and each other.

FR (3/28), 7:30pm, SA (3/29), SU (3/30), 3pm, Hendersonville Theatre, 229 S Washington St, Hendersonville Under the Sycamore Tree: An Audio Drama In a small southern town, four girls meet daily under a sycamore tree to play a “Funeral” game. As they grow older, their lives intersect again at a real funeral.

SA (3/29), 3:30pm, Belk Theatre, One University Heights The Rotating Chef A community celebration and special screening of The Rotating Chef, a new show that highlights the artistry, culture, and community impact of chefs across the Carolinas.

SA (3/29), 4pm, YMI Cultural Center, 39 S Market St A Slice of Life: An Evening of Stories Nationally celebrated storyteller Connie Regan-Blake welcomes her storytelling workshop participants to the stage for A Slice of Life: An Evening of Stories.

MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

SA (3/29), 7pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 West State St, Black Mountain Wilma Dykeman: Mostly In Her Words A 45 minute script that will reflect on the life of Wilma Dykeman, written by her son Jim Stokley.

Free to the public with donations graciously accepted.

SU (3/30), 2pm and 7pm, Weaverville Community Center, 60 Lakeshore Dr Petit Mondrian: Theatre for Young Children An interactive and multimedia performance installation for children ages birth to five and their caregivers, which mixes dance-theater with the language of object theater, video animation, music, and Bunraku style puppetry.

WE (4/2), TH (4/3), 10am, Tina McGuire Theatre, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave Nancy Pheasant: Cherokee Storyteller Nancy is an incredibly talented and multifaceted indigenous artist and storyteller. This is an evening of traditional legends, creation and nature tales.

TH (4/3), 7pm, Weaverville Community Center, 60 Lakeshore Dr, Weaverville

MEETINGS & PROGRAMS IBN Biz Lunch All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts.

WE (3/26), 11:30am, Yao, 153 Smoky Park Hwy Tarot Community Circle Each week we will cover different topics, so every class will provide new information. Please bring a deck based on the system of the Rider Waite Smith tarot or a copy of the Rider Waite Smith Tarot.

WE (3/26), 6pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd Script Reading for Confidence, Voiceover, or Screen Stephanie Morgan, owner of Corduroy, will direct and coach 2-3 readers as they each work thru one short script, allowing for class feedback.

WE (3/26), 6:30pm, Corduroy Lounge, 444 Haywood Rd, Ste 103 NSA-WNC Meeting Professional keynote speakers, coaches, trainers, facilitators, and consultants who cover a broad range of topics, skills, & knowledge.

TH (3/27), 10am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

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Free Sober Disc Golf This is a great opportunity to get outside and get some exercise. It's also a fun time to meet others in recovery, build community and create connection.

TH (3/27), 3:30pm, Richmond Hill Park, 300 Richmond Hill Dr

Tantra Speed Date A speed dating revolution with a 94% connection rate. Meet singles and ignite connections through fun, chemistry-building games.

SA (3/29), 5:30pm, WellSpring Wellness Center, 966 Tunnel Rd

improves the emotional health and well-being of individuals in healthcare facilities by delivering recycled flowers, encouragement, and personal moments of kindness.

MO (3/31), 10am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave

Self Defense for Queer, Non-Binary & Trans Folks Instructor Freya Bairdsen wants to empower women, girls, and all marginalized genders with practical self defense skills, so they can take on their next adventure with confidence.

TH (3/27, 4/3), 5:30pm, All Bodies Movement and Wellness, 211 Merrimon Ave

New Moon & Partial Solar Eclipse Circle Facilitated by Sierra Hollister, author of Moon Path Yoga, these circles are held at each new moon and full moon and are open to all who wish to join.

SA (3/29), 7pm, W Asheville Yoga, 602 Haywood Rd

Coming Home to the Heart w/Michael Scardaville Michael Scardaville will take you on his 30-year journey during which he learned that Buddhism can be a transformative path.

MO (3/31), 6:30pm, The Lodge at Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain

Cacao & Sound Bath w/Rebekah Todd A cacao and rose petal ceremony for heart opening, and a sound bath session using many different instruments and vocal offerings.

TH (3/27), 6pm, LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St IBN Breakfast Club Experience some Incredible Business Networking, along with other business people and entrepreneurs like yourself.

FR (3/28), 9am, Regina's Westside, 1400 Patton Ave Tarot w/Cats This 1-hour workshop will include a brief history of the tarot, and how to incorporate a one- and three-card pull for daily guidance.

FR (3/28), 5:30pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd Trails Less Traveled: Hike to Pisgah Inn This 8.8-mile moderate to strenuous point to point hike with approximately 1900 feet of elevation gain will take us from Yellow Gap Rd near Pink Beds to The Pisgah Inn. SA (3/29), 9am, TBA To Registrants Chinese Tea & Tai Chi Foundations Settle your Qi with Chinese tea while learning the fundamentals of Tai Chi to improve your health. Beginner friendly so all levels are welcome.

SA (3/29), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Botany w/Marc Williams A class about the plants and plant families of the Southern Appalachians.

You'll gain a more holistic understanding of major plants and their potential ecological and ethnonotanical applications.

SA (3/29), 1pm, Asheville Botanical Garden, 151 WT Weaver Blvd

Spring Bird Walk w/Dr. Andrew Laughlin An easy morning bird walk in the Garden led

by Dr Andrew Laughlin.

Participants will learn to recognize songs and calls. Bring binoculars if you have them and dress for the weather, from drizzle to sunshine.

SU (3/30), 8:30am, Asheville Botanical Garden, 151 WT Weaver Blvd.

Belay Clinics This hour long clinic covers the basics of knot tying, gear checks, and belaying using the PBUS technique.

SU (3/30), 1pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave Coloring w/Cats: Teens & Adults Set time for yourself and cuddle with the panthers, meet other cat-lovers, and color a beautiful picture of a cat from our adult coloring books.

SU (3/30), 2pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd Open Gym Climb Climbers must attend and pass an APR climbing course or belay clinic to belay. Any participants who attend a belay clinic the day of open climb receive free entry to open climb on the day of the clinic.

SU (3/30), 2:30pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave Family Open Gym Weekly time in the gym reserved for all ages to shoot hoops and play other active games as a family.

SU (3/30), 4pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St Mindfulness Exercise Participate in a free exercise designed to help you drop into the present moment.

Exercises may rotate from week to week.

MO (3/31), 9:15am,Corduroy Lounge, 444 Haywood Rd, Ste 103 Random Acts of Flowers: Floral Arrangements for Those Needing a Smile Random Acts of Flowers

Alive After 55+ A program for active older adults to socialize, play board games and puzzles, create in group art activities, and more.

MO (3/31), TU (4/1), 10am, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd Walking the Great Lakes of WNC Bring walking shoes and friends to see the lakes of WNC. This program is for any individual who is looking to get a good workout in while enjoying the scenery.

MO (3/31), TU (4/1), 10am, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd IBN Biz Lunch: East Asheville All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts.

TU (4/1), 11:30am, Suwana Asian Cuisine, 45 Tunnel Rd First Tuesday w/AVL Meetup A real estate networking event, featuring guests panelists who will break down the strategies that work and demystify the world of non-traditional funding.

TU (4/1), 5pm, The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd, Ste 10 IBN Breakfast Club All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts.

WE (4/2), 8am, Mills River Restaurant, 4467 Boylston Hwy, Mills River Dine N' Learn: Are Your Affairs in Order?

How to Prepare for Your Future Learn how to prepare for the future and leave a legacy with an award winning attorney. Participants must register for lunch.

WE (4/2), 5:30pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave First Wednesday w/Big Asheville Science Salon A monthly discussion involving the latest scientific discoveries and achievements, featuring a panel of experts in

the field.

WE (4/2), 6pm, The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Rd Ste 10 WNC Sierra Club Presents: International Birding & Climate Change Simon Thompson, an international birding expert, will discuss surprising effects of climatic changes on North Carolina’s and the world’s wild bird populations.

WE (4/2), 7pm, Reuter Center, OLLI, UNC-A campus Harvest House Tea Party Enjoy afternoon tea at Harvest House with snacks, laughs, and tea cup candle making.

WE (4/2), 2pm, Harvest House, 205 Kenilworth Rd Therapeutic Recreation Hiking All hikes are between 1 to 2.5 miles with variable terrain.

Transportation provided to site. Advance registration required.

TH (4/3), 10am, Murphy-Oakley Community Center, 749 Fairview Rd Fiber Social This is a casual meetup for experienced, intermediate and beginning crafters. Bring a project or pick one up to complete and meet new people or bring your friends.

TH (4/3), 10:30am, First Baptist Church, 5 Oak St EveryDay Strong A program that equips caring adults with training and tools to support the mental health and wellness of children aged 8 to 18.

TH (4/3), 1:30pm, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave Hurricane Helene Recovery Panel & Discussion w/MountainTrue A panel of experts to discuss recovery in our area after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Panelists will address the impacts of natural disasters, what recovery means for our region and how the community can support these efforts.

TH (4/3), 5:30pm, N Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way Healthcare Professionals Networking & The Wellness Link This event is for healthcare, medical, and wellness workers of various capacities to meet up and enjoy networking, sharing experiences, providing support, and building relationships.

TH (4/3), 6pm, Ginger's Revenge Craft Brewery & Tasting Room, 829 Riverside Dr Art & The Enneagram: Nine Perspectives on Creativity An evening of art

infused with the wisdom of the Enneagram featuring four local presenters. Presenters will speak about how the Enneagram has shaped their creative journeys and share a piece of original work.

TH (4/3), 7pm, Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd

GAMES & CLUBS Indoor Walking for Wellness Club Weather doesn’t matter when you have a community gym. Let us crank up the tunes to get you motivated.

TH (3/27, 4/3), TU (4/1), 9:15am, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Bid Whist Make bids, call trumps, and win tricks. Every Saturday for fun competition with the community.

SA (3/29), 1pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St Dungeons n’ Drafts There will be premade characters for you to choose from when you arrive so you can jump into the action.

SA (3/29), 2:30pm, Ginger’s Revenge Craft Brewery & Tasting Room, 829 Riverside D Weekly Sunday Scrabble!

Weekly scrabble play where you’ll be paired with players of your skill level. All scrabble gear provided.

SU (3/30), 1:30pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave

KID-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS Tiny Tykes Wednesday Play Dates Open play for toddlers to explore bikes, balls, inflatables, climbing structures, and more fun.

WE (3/26, 4/2), 10am, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Family Story Time A fun and interactive story time designed for children ages 18 months to 3 years.

WE (3/26, 4/2), 10:30am, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain Kung Fu For Children Designed to begin with the foundations of these styles while also teaching application and self awareness.

WE (3/26, 4/2), 3pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Suessville Creations Toddlers listen to whimsical stories by Dr Seuss and create fun and imaginative crafts inspired by the book on an adventure filled with

creativity, laughter, and magic.

WE (3/26), 5pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave Baby Storytime A lively language enrichment story time designed for children ages 4 to 18 months.

TH (3/27, 4/3), 10:30am, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain Toddler & Me Time Out This open gym time allows toddlers and caregivers to make memories and new friends through structures and unstructured activities.

FR (3/28), 10am, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St Black Cat Tales: Story Time w/Cats A special after-school workshop where families with children age 7 and under can relax and foster a love of reading while also socializing with the cats in the lounge.

WE (3/26, 4/2), TH (3/27, 4/3), FR (3/28), 4pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd Kids Night Out Grant Southside Center staff are ready each month to connect with your children over goofy games, crafts, science projects, and snacks.

Advance registration required.

FR (3/28), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St Coloring w/Cats: Kiddie Edition An artistic session with coloring books and markers for children ages 13 and under to relax by coloring as they pet cats to reduce stress and anxiety.

SA (3/29), 1pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd School’s Out Arts & Crafts Day Seasonal arts and crafts on teacher workdays.

This week features rock painting, spring wreaths, and homemade play-doh.

MO (3/31), 10:30am, free, Jake Rusher Park, 160 Sycamore Dr, Arden MoveAbility: Weekly Dance Class Everyone is welcome to explore movement, creativity and self express through dance.

Inteded for kids ages 5 and up, though.

MO (3/31), 5:30pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St, Black Mountain Pranks, Plots, & Playful Tales A playful night of storytelling, surprises, and art-inspired mischief.

When the gallery closes for the night, the stories come out to play.

Intended for kids ages 8 to 13.

TU (4/1), 6pm, Trackside Studios, 375 Depot St Art-Pow! Kids will be invited to expand their creativity, build confidence and engage with arts as a tool for change in an interactive way.

MO (3/31), TU (4/1), WE (4/2), TH (4/3), 3:30pm, Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd

LOCAL MARKETS River Arts District Farmers Market Weekly market featuring local fruits, vegetables, meats, bread, honey, eggs, pastries, flowers, crafts and more. SNAP and disaster SNAP are accepted.

WE (3/26), 3pm, AB Tech, 24 Fernihurst Dr Weaverville Winter Tailgate Market A selection of fresh, locally grown produce, grass fed beef, pork, chicken, rabbit, eggs, cheese, sweet and savory baked goods, artisan bread, body care, eclectic handmade goodies, garden and landscaping plants.

Open year round.

WE (3/26), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr Weaverville

Junk-O-Rama Vintage Market Browse vintage clothing vendors, local crafters, antiques and more.

SU (3/30), 12pm, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd

FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS 2nd Annual WNC Brain Injury Awareness Forum Learn about leading-edge therapies such as Low-Level Laser Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, and Peptide Therapy.

WE (3/26), 6pm, APEX Brain Centers, 600 Julian Ln, Ste 650, Arden Brother Wolf Animal Rescue & Mercedes-Benz Partner for Community Adoption Day An afternoon of wagging tails, puppy kisses, and life-changing connections. This special event will feature adorable puppies and wonderful adult dogs looking for adoptive homes.

FR (3/28), noon, Mercedes-Benz of Asheville, 649 New Airport Rd, Fletcher

Prom Dress Exchange 1,600 formal and semi formal dresses size 00-4XL, as well as women's suits and separates, shoes, jewelry and all the accessories are available at no charge.

FR (3/28), 2pm, SA (3/29), 10am, SU (3/30), 1pm, Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Rd Prom Dress Express This event will feature new and gently used formal dresses, suits, tuxedos and accessories for free. Students needing help to afford prom are recommended to attend.

SA (3/29), 10am, WE (4/2), noon, Eblen Charities, 23 Hamilton St 24th Annual Asheville Orchid Festival: Orchid Arcadia World-class orchid growers and breeders, along with regional orchid societies, will exhibit at the annual festival, with hundreds of orchids presented in carefully crafted displays.

FR (3/28), SA (3/29), 4pm, SU (3/30), 9am, The N Carolina Arboretum, 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way

Bear’s Smokehouse Grand Reopening: To Hell w/Helene Bear's is back and excited to celebrate with the community.

Everyone is invited to enjoy live music, special guests, drink specials, BBQ, and light-hearted rage-releasing activities like axe throwing. See p33 SA (3/29), 5pm, Bears Smokehouse BBQ, 135 Coxe Ave 3rd Annual Wine Walk Wander through 24 unique local businesses and sip on hand-selected wines from around the globe. A portion of the proceeds will benefit MANNA Food Bank. Visit avl.mx/eng for details on walk-able routes.

SU (3/30), 1:30pm, Multiple Locations, Citywide Career Fair Explore program information and job opportunities. Learn how you can turn your education into a local career.

WE (4/2), 3pm, Regional High Technology Center, 112 Industrial Park Dr, Waynesville

BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING Volunteer w/Energy Savers Network Worksite volunteers perform energy-saving upgrades in groups for clients in and around Buncombe County. You will also learn helpful energy-saving measures like changing lightbulbs, weatherstripping doors, and insulating water heaters.

WE (3/26, 4/2), TH (3/27, 4/3), FR (3/28), TU (4/1), 11am, Buncombe County ReString Appalachia Benefit: Darrin Bradbury w/Dylan Walshe and Kevin Smith This event features performances by three incredible artists who are shining a light on ReString Appalachia, dedicated to providing quality instruments to those who lost them due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

FR (3/28), 8pm, Eda's Hide-a-Way, 1098 New Stock Rd, Weaverville Blue Ridge Roller Derby: Roller N' Holler Fundraising Match This derby-filled afternoon will start with an exhibition scrimmage

from our Junior league, Blue Ridge. There will be a great menu of concessions, including plant-based options.

SA (3/29), 1pm, Smoky Mountain Event Center, 758 Crabtree Rd, Waynesville Teamwork Tigers Pre-K Sports & Wellness Fundraiser A chance for families to experience the vision behind Teamwork Tigers Pre-K Sports & Wellness Camp and explore how we help young children grow through sports, teamwork, and emotional wellness.

SA (3/29), 2pm, KL Trianing Solutions, 3 Hunt Hill Place Rebuild & Regrow: A Fundraiser for Asheville Tea Co. This family-friendly event brings together the community to raise money for Asheville Tea Company as they continue to rebuild and regrow after losing their facility during Hurricane Helene. It will feature tea cocktails, ice cream tastings, merch and more. See p33 SA (3/29), 4pm, Haywood Common, 507 Haywood Rd

Art for Autonomy: A Benefit for Reproductive Healthcare Tour through Asheville’s top studios and galleries, while shopping to support Planned Parenthood SAT and Pro-Choice NC. Over 100 pieces of artwork, of all kinds, have been donated, and will be available at various locations in RAD. SA (3/29), 6pm, Clayspace Coop, 119A Roberts St 1st Annual Chords for Callum A benefit show for Callum Stickley's medical expenses. It will feature music from his father Jon Stickley, Sam Grisman, Matt Smith, Lynday Pruett, Taylor Martin and more. See p34 SU (3/30), noon, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave

Blazing Star Flowers CSA Pick-Up Get farm fresh flowers and support local agriculture at the same time. Enjoy them yourself or give as a cheerful gift.

TH (3/27, 4/3), 3:30pm, Ginger's Revenge Craft Brewery & Tasting Room, 829 Riverside Dr Asheville City Market Featuring local food products, including fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, pastries, and other artisan products. Every Saturday through December 21.

SA (3/29), 10am, 52 N Market St Black Mountain Tailgate Spring Market Weekly tailgate farmer's market, held every Saturday through April 12.

SA (3/29), 10am, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain North Asheville Tailgate Market The oldest Saturday morning market in WNC, since 1980. Over 60 rotating vendors providing a full range of local, sustainably produced produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, plants and unique crafts.

SA (3/29), 10am, UNC Asheville, Lot P34, 275 Edgewood Rd

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KIDS ISSUE

Kids Issue

2025

Who or what inspires you?

Welcome back for Part 3 of this year’s Kids Issue, our annual feature showcasing the creative talents of local K-12 students. This year, we asked kids and teens to submit art and writing around the theme of “Who or what inspires you?” We received more than 400 entries from students around the region who attend area public, charter, private, parochial and home schools. These young artists and writers were inspired by friends, parents, athletes, nature and more.

— Xpress Staff X

My dad

homework. My dad is always around to help and have fun.

Have you ever had someone that you look up to? My dad is a great person that’s always looking forward to finding ways to help. He works at an airport so I only get to see him for 2-4 hours a day and whenever we get to play I have so much fun even if it’s video games to real life, we always make the most of it. My dad is always busy and helping me with

– Ian Merrill, fourth grade, Weaverville Elementary School

The magical outside world Nature is a beautiful thing. With all of its small beauties, it can be

INSPIRED ART: Lily Denison, an 11th grader at The Franklin School of Innovation, is inspired by painting. very inspiring. Just stepping out into my yard on an ordinary morning, and drinking in all the extraordinary sights and sounds, like the big beautiful trees, and small plants of another world entirely. I could be out there for hours, and endless inspiration and possibilities for writing, drawings, and imagination would come flooding into my mind. The birds chirping, the soft rustling of the leaves blowing in the wind, and the faint chatters of squirrels scampering around and finding treasures. Nature is so inspiring for so many reasons, and I love to spend my free time enjoying it.

who didn’t have it. They contacted people’s families to help make sure they are okay. They also helped people with no houses or shelter by finding people places to stay warm. There was this nice man named John, who helped my parents deliver all the stuff to people who needed it. So a big shout out to John and all the other people who helped during Hurricane Helene.

– Lucy Boots, third grade, Friends-Montessori School

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– Gabriela Boye, sixth grade, The Learning Community School

QB1 Patrick Mahomes inspires me because he gives money to charity. He inspires me because he helps his team.

He is a very nice person. He inspires me because he is a hard worker and he is very smart. Mahomes inspires me because he’s been in the incredible Super Bowl. Patrick Mahomes inspires me because he keeps on going.

– Arlo Thompson, second grade, Rainbow Community School

PALLING AROUND: Vivian Pickett and Julia Higgins, sixth graders at ArtSpace Charter School, write: “We made a portrait of us with our friends. We made friends with them at the beginning of sixth grade. When we made friends with them, we had no idea what they liked and their interests. But now we learn new things about them every day! Especially how kind and friendly they are. Which has inspired us to make friends with more people that you don’t know anything about.”

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Mom and dad My parents inspire me by helping everybody in Hurricane Helene by buying food and water for the people

TWILIGHT THEATER: “Theater inspires me because it is so fun, creative and magical,” writes ArtSpace Charter School fourth grader Aravelle Keene. “It can transport you to a whole new world.”

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KIDS ISSUE

Everyone chipped in Every day during Hurricane Helene, we had a neighborhood potluck and everybody chipped in a little bit of food and we all helped each other.

One of our neighbors had a birthday during the outage, and we all celebrated it as a neighborhood.

One of the trees on our street fell down and hit two power lines, and thankfully no one was hurt. A bunch of people came and chopped it up and helped us. We gave them water and food. The hurricane was horrible, but I am inspired by how people helped one another.

– Elliott Armstrong, fifth grade, Isaac Dickson Elementary School

Big brothers

Garden Camp

I’m inspired by many people but the one person that inspires me the most is my big brother. My big brother’s name is Gunnar. I’ve looked up to him my whole life. He is five years older than me but four years ahead of me in school. Gunnar has been playing baseball since he was 2 (I started softball because of him as soon as I could).

I’ve always wanted to be like him because he’s amazing at baseball. He’s a leader and has always pushed me to be a leader and not a follower. When he was a freshman in highschool, NC State baseball contacted him. He’s now been committed there for 2 and a half years. He’s now being looked at

by MLB scouts. He’s always pushing people around him to work harder and pursue their dreams. He will go to the gym or the batting cage with

FREE SOLO: Madeline Moore, a sixth grader at The Franklin School of Innovation, finds inspiration in rock climber Alex Honnold. me to help me to achieve my dreams.

He’ll always want me to do the best I possibly can. We went to NC State for the first time to watch a baseball game.

His face lit up when we first got there.

I will never forget the look he gave when we entered the field.I wanna do the exact same thing someday. My big brother leaves for college in less than 2 years. It’s weird because I still think we are 9 and 4 playing in the snow together. I’m still not grasping the concept that he won’t be with me for much longer so I’m cherishing the moments I still have with him. Yes, he and I used to fight a lot but we always loved each other. I cant wait till one day he can become more peoples inspiration. He has always been my inspiration.

– McKenzie Alm, seventh grade, Polk County Middle School

Ages 6-10: Cook, garden, and play with animals!

All Summer

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FLORAL ARRANGEMENT: Asheville School 11th grader Charlotte Bell thinks flowers are inspiring.

MOUNTAIN XPRESS 2025

#AVL

STRONG

VOTING STARTS APRIL 1 ST

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MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

25

WELLNESS

Comfort zone

Family recipes offer healing nourishment for two Asheville chefs

BY GINA SMITH gsmith@mountainx.com It was a frigid, gray morning when Xpress sat down with chef Ray Hui in the small dining room at Gan Shan in West Asheville with a couple of bowls of his congee. The basic building blocks of this Asian rice porridge are white rice and water. But it can easily be dressed up with whatever is on hand.

On this particular day, Hui’s recipe was rich with chicken stock and fresh ginger, studded with chunks of roasted chicken thigh, sunny slices of jammy egg, tart pickled fennel, scallions, cilantro and crunchy chopped peanuts. The consistency was oatmeallike as per the chef’s preference, but a thinner, soupy gruel is more traditional, he says.

With Western North Carolina’s cold and flu season dragging on into early spring, Xpress reached out to Hui, as

well as chef Suzy Phillips of Gypsy Queen Cuisine and Simple restaurants, to get some expert ideas for tasty, healing nourishment. Congee, says Hui, has always been his go-to when he needs to warm up.

“It’s what my mom made for me when I was not feeling well,” says the chef, who grew up in Fort Myers, Fla., the child of restaurant owners who emigrated to the U.S. from South China.

Hui likes to eat congee for breakfast or when he’s in a hurry. He also frequently serves the dish for Gan Shan staff meals, where it’s become an employee favorite.

Congee can be prepared with fresh rice, but Hui typically uses day-old or frozen cooked rice he’s saved from other dishes. “[Frozen rice] actually makes the quickest congee,” he says.

“The water in the rice kind of expands and crystallizes and breaks up the rice structurally, so it will make congee in under 20 minutes.”

Ray Hui’s comfy Chinese congee • 8 cups unseasoned stock (I prefer chicken stock) • 2 cups cooked white rice, or 1 cup raw rice • 1-inch knob ginger, peeled and minced • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, more to taste • ¼ teaspoon white pepper • 1 tablespoon sesame oil Gather your ingredients. In a large pot, add stock, rice, salt and ginger.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Stir occasionally so the rice doesn’t clump or stick at the bottom. Simmer the congee for about 30 minutes if you are using cooked rice or one hour for raw rice until the congee is thickened and creamy (the key to good congee).

Add salt to taste. Serve the congee hot with scallions, soy sauce, fried garlic, a soft-boiled egg or your favorite chili crisp. It’s really up to you! X

Mama’s chicken soup from Suzy Phillips STOCK: • One whole chicken, preferably with neck and offal, cut into eight pieces.

• One or two pieces of cinnamon bark, or sticks (I like heavier cinnamon flavor) • One large onion cut in half (you can keep the skin on if it’s organic) • 2 tablespoons salt SOUP: • 1 cup of diced onions, carrots and celery (mirepoix) • 1-2 tablespoons Lebanese seven spice

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• Smashed garlic cloves, optional, and to your taste • Cayenne pepper, optional, and to your taste • One bunch of flat-leaf parsley, chopped finely • 1-2 tablespoons unsalted butter • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil • Juice of one or two lemons, optional • Chopped veggies of choice (I like to use zucchini, mushrooms and Swiss chard with stems diced small and leaves finely sliced)

MOUNTAINX.COM

RICE TO THE RESCUE: Gan Shan chef Ray Hui says congee, an Asian rice porridge, is his go-to dish when he isn’t feeling well. Photo by Gina Smith A dish that turns a small amount of rice and random odds and ends into a hearty meal, congee has deep cultural significance for the people of China, Hui points out. “During hard times — famine and things like that — you could make congee to stretch your meals a little bit further.”

SECRET INGREDIENT Phillips, of Gypsy Queen and Simple, also turns to family recipes when she’s not feeling well. Natives of Lebanon, her family fled her home country as a teenager in the 1980s to escape its civil war. Dishes she learned to cook from her late mother, Salwa Farah, fill the menu at her West Asheville restaurant, deli and market Gypsy Queen, keeping Phillips connected to Lebanese culture and her mother’s memory.

Her mother’s chicken soup is one of Phillips’ favorite meals when she’s

For the stock: Put chicken in a large pot, cover with water and bring to a boil. Skim off the scum that comes to the surface, reduce heat. Add cinnamon sticks, onion and salt; skim scum as needed. Simmer for about an hour, until the chicken is done. Remove chicken when done, keeping neck and offal in pot. When cool enough, shred meat and put aside. Return the bones and skin to the pot and simmer for another 45 minutes, partially covered.

Strain and set aside the stock.

For the soup: In a separate pot, big enough to hold the broth and shredded

under the weather. But it’s not your standard American chicken soup, she notes. “It’s heavy on cinnamon,” she says.

Along with providing a comforting aroma and flavor, cinnamon has long been used as a traditional healing food, and modern studies show that the spice can act as an antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant and more.

For her mother’s soup, Phillips makes stock from a whole chicken, an onion and cinnamon bark. She prefers to use the flat, more savory type of Southeast Asian cinnamon bark that can be found at local Asian markets, though she says the curled cinnamon sticks found in regular grocery stores can be used as well.

“The flavor of the onion and the chicken broth and the cinnamon is so soothing,” she says. “And I generally add cayenne, because it’s good for you when you’re under the weather.” X

chicken, heat olive oil and butter until melted. Add and sauté your mirepoix until translucent, then add chopped veggies (except chard) and spices to the pan, and sauté for about a minute.

If using garlic, add now and sauté for another minute, making sure it doesn’t burn. Add Swiss chard, mix everything well, then add broth and shredded chicken. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add parsley and lemon juice, if using, then simmer for 15 minutes more. Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice to your liking. I like to add noodles (angel hair nests, crushed) to this sometimes, or potatoes or rice. X

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27

ARTS & CULTURE

‘To be unseen’

Poet Michael Dechane explores loneliness and transformation in his debut collection

BY THOMAS CALDER tcalder@mountainx.com Local poet Michael Dechane may have waited until his fourth decade to formally study poetry at Seattle Pacific University, but as far back as he can remember, he has always written.

“My mom unearthed some early poems from her archives that made me laugh,” he says. Among the items in the stack was Dechane’s first love poem. Its final line reads: “Yellow, blue, pink, and crimson/oh how I love you, Angie Simpson.”

These days, the poet is busy promoting his debut collection, The Long Invisible, which came out in September. The works examine broken relationships, individual transformations and starting anew. Many of the pieces are set in Florida, where Dechane grew up, as well as Western North Carolina, where he now resides.

“I hope anyone who spends time with my work finds at least one poem to love — one poem to break something good open inside them, a poem that touches some loneliness they

carry, a poem that helps them come more alive in a place that feels dead or raw or too tender to let other people see,” Dechane says.

Xpress recently caught up with Dechane to discuss his work, including the poem “Black Bear,” which is featured here.

Xpress: “Black Bear” is one of my favorites in the collection. This poem has so many layers, and those final two sentences in the last line kill me every time. I’d love to hear you talk about the poem’s origin and inspiration and share with readers how this particular piece is in dialogue with the others in the opening section.

Dechane: By the time I wrote it, I had two brief, failed marriages to reflect on. This poem was actually one of the last to be written and included in the book. For me, it does feel like a summary poem about fear, loss and those fragile, final conversations with

Black Bear

by Michael Dechane I told you about the bear how it came padding through the tall grass along the fence line sundown last night. Its dark bulk like a perfect absence, animate.

I tried to describe what it felt like to be unseen. Still. Caught between impulses to keep safe, to see more.

When you called me, I told you how much these nights you’re gone hurt me in ways it’s hard to say.

And you said you didn’t know when you might be coming back.

We let a silence bloom between us.

I’m writing to say what I could not.

How I trailed it, downhill, trembling to the treeline tracing the creek bed.

How the bear paused to scent the air as I was caught, exposed on open ground.

It swayed in a sprawl of yellow crocuses growing dim in the blossoming night, like a greater darkness, claiming candles.

Everything melted in a moment, beyond sight.

I was afraid. It was there, then it wasn’t

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SOUND ADVICE: Poet Michael Dechane says he received the best advice on writing from his mentor Bob Cording, whom Dechane dedicated his debut collection to. “He said,’Write poetry to have a better life,’” Dechane notes. “That was good for me then and just continues to pay off the more I let it deepen and mature in me.” Photo courtesy of Dechane someone you’ve been very close to and are losing — or have already lost.

Where did this poem come from? Well, dozens of bears-in-theyard encounters from our place in Swannanoa before we bought the old Stackhouse place and moved to Madison County (where we never see bears). And the candles in the closing image are a nod from me to C.P. Cavafy’s poem “Candles,” which haunts this poem.

Another standout poem is “Pier 60.” I’m going to describe elements of it here for readers. It is September 1965 — a group of teenage surfers are enjoying the crashing waves that precede Hurricane Billion Dollar Betsy, which, as you note in the poem, will go on to kill 73 people in New Orleans. By the poem’s end, these boys are facing down the storm clouds; meanwhile, in a matter of a few lines, you project the violent futures that await them: the Vietnam War, a suicide, a drunk driver on Christmas morning. The poem is brutal, but it plays with time in a fascinating way. Could you speak to the way you were exploring time within this poem and how it shaped the piece?

I found this amazing article in the Tampa Bay Times archive by Martha Asencio-Rhine as I was writing. And that led me to another article about

the history of Clearwater, Fla., and Pier 60.

All those old photos and questions about my dad’s stories and growing-up years put me in a huge, internal time warp. I was intensely curious about inheritance — how to talk about what gets imprinted and passed on.

I never know what my poems are really about or where they’ll take me when I start them. “Pier 60” became an exercise in imagination about my dad, that generation, that area, all of it. Now, as he and his last friends are in their age and passing on, it feels like a tribute poem to me as well.

I have this theory that some people are intimidated by poetry because they think a poem has a definitive meaning and they worry they won’t “get” it. So I think it’ll be refreshing for some to read your own experiences with the “meaning” of your work. What advice would you offer to those who avoid poetry because of this false notion that a poem is supposed to lead readers to a single interpretation or understanding of a given piece?

The sad reality is that a lot of today’s poems are not made to encourage or support compelling, multiple meanings. It’s not very satisfying to return to them, and when we do, we don’t get much for our time and trouble.

Even more sadly, I have to include

myself and many of my poems in this critique.

My advice for others is the same I’m working to take as I’m making new work: Look for better poems — those with richer language that opens the poem and something inside you. And trust, really trust, that your ideas, feelings, intuitions, questions, all of it, are not only good and valid but also profoundly valuable. Those kinds of poems are helping you learn something about yourself in what comes up, in what it leads you to. Who cares what the egotistic bookworm who made the damn thing meant? If it’s a truly great poem, they don’t own the meaning.

Is there another local poet whose work came out within the last year whom you’d recommend people check out? Why?

Several come straight to mind, but if I have to pick just one, I hope folks will look at Doug Ramspeck’s work. His latest collection, Blur, is just tremendous. I heard him read from it at the Malaprop’s Poetrio/Quartet reading series last year. These are

wildly imaginative, believable poems that happen to be complete fiction.

It’s an amazing example of what can happen when a poet reaches way past their own life and experiences to truly make something creative, unexpected and unforgettable.

Finally, tell us something that might surprise readers about your writing habits.

My dear friend Cat lost her husband, Austin, very quickly last August after some brief, ugly cancer. He was only 41 years old, and he died two weeks after their third child was born. More than just about any other, Austin’s death has affected me deeply and daily ever since. If there’s something I need to do or to say, I’m faster and faster to go and do or say it, now. One of the oddest, most unexpected things that’s happened is that I’ve started writing my poems standing up. The first drafts are all coming out faster, on legal pads, standing at a window.

There’s an urgency now, with death in the room in a way it didn’t seem to be for me before Austin died. X

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Greater than the sum of its parts

Going beneath the surface at One World Brewing’s downtown taproom

BY CHRISTOPHER ARBOR yearinbeerasheville@gmail.com On Jan. 1, Christopher Arbor and his friends pledged to visit one Asheville brewery each week for all of 2025 in the order that they opened, then share the experience with Mountain Xpress readers. To read about their recent visit to Hi-Wire Brewing, visit avl.mx/en8.

“The night is young; so am I for a little while.” — Greg Brown Slide down a back alley, slip through a massive vault door, descend a mysterious series of staircases and arrive in a dimly lit, windowless chamber.

If you have a fog machine, run it — that’s about the only thing that could possibly make One World Brewing’s downtown location more cinematic.

With minor changes, this place could be the movie set for a speakeasy, a hobbit hole, the belly of a pirate ship, the vaults beneath Gringotts bank or the inside of a fallout shelter.

Somehow all these disparate vibes come together to form something cohesive and compelling. I absolutely love it.

On our group’s recent stop at the taproom, bartender Maria Laverde — who, I learned, used to be a professional motorcyclist — poured me the tasty Boats of Oats stout. It had lots of robust yet nuanced flavors that all complement each other beautifully.

I then sidled up to my crew in the middle of the bunker around a large table, which I discovered was made from the floor of an old elevator.

March Madness was underway, but our male-heavy crew eschews stereotypes in at least two important ways: We don’t talk about sports, and we don’t talk about women.

The one time we broke the rules, we broke both at once with a heated conversation around the competing basketball skills of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

I ended up in a conversation with my old friend Todd Burkhalter and new friend Frank Ungert about the Germany’s purity laws for beer (reinheitsgebot), which limit beer ingredients to only water, barley, yeast and hops. That led to a discussion of

MOUNTAINX.COM

YEAR

BEER IN

UNDERWORLD: Bartender Maria Laverde was on duty when the Year in Beer crew descended on One World Brewing’s downtown, downstairs taproom on a recent Wednesday. Photo by Christopher Arbor the clarity, complexity and specificity of the German language and its hilariously long compound words. For example, the word for Phillips-head screwdriver is kreuzschlitzschraubenzieher (cross + slot + screw + turn); dental appointment is zahnärztlicheuntersuchung (tooth + doctor + medical + examination). These terms are like balanced chemical equations.

The total is exactly the sum of its parts.

When I talked with Lisa Schultz, who co-founded One World Brewing in 2014 with her husband, Jay, about their picturesque space and the brewery’s name, she spoke beautifully about the first two words evoking the concept of global unity. But what really hit me hard was why they chose “brewing” over “brewery.”

Brace yourself. This is awesome.

“What we aim to do in our business is a verb not a noun — an action word

that represents how when people, talents and energy come together, they create a whole that is greater than the sum of all its individual parts,” she says. “This also parallels the brewing process, in which the individual ingredients to make a beer come together and create scientific synergy and a unique craft product.”

If you haven’t been to One World’s downtown location, check it out now, before hordes of summer visitors descend. And when things start to get crowded, you can always pivot to the West Asheville location on Haywood Road.

Come join us on another adventure.

We gather at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays.

Email me at yearinbeerasheville@ gmail.com or just show up.

April 2 — Twin Leaf Brewery on the South Slope April 9 — Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. in Fletcher X

MUSIC

‘Twists and turns’ Listen to these 13 tracks for an unexpected musical journey

BY THOMAS CALDER tcalder@mountainx.com Xpress’ latest installment of “The Playlist” has arrived.

For our March edition we reached out to electric, indie-pop musician Moon Bride (Carly Kotula) to tackle the latest theme: unexpected turns. The concept was inspired by the early days of spring, when we often ride those unpredictable highs and lows in terms of temperatures.

Of course, Moon Bride had full creative license to interpret the theme as she saw fit, and her selections did not disappoint. From unanticipated shifts in tempo to lyrics that will surprise and delight, this is a playlist for those ready to go on a musical journey.

And as you’ll see in our conversation below, Moon Bride was deliberate in her track sequencing. So please, don’t shuffle this playlist when you download it. Instead, be attentive to the transitions between songs and the ways in which the collective offers its own unexpected turns. You can download the latest playlist on Spotify at avl.mx/emr.

Xpress: The opening track — “Stella the Begonia,” by Rubblebucket — is kind of the perfect introduction to the playlist’s theme. It has so many interesting parts and arrangements, including a killer horn section, as well as a buildup at the start to make it an ideal opener. Could you speak to the selection itself and how, as a musician, you think about opening tracks as they relate to your own music.

Moon Bride: I’m so glad you think so! The first thing that gripped me about that song was the lyrics. You think it’s about a person, then wait — it’s about a house plant? Then they just kept throwing in musical surprises from there. It’s my favorite kind of song — a feel-good, over-the-top bop that blends whatever genres serve the overall feeling. Opening tracks should have a bit of suspense, I think. They should delight and surprise and set the tone for the rest of the record (or playlist).

There’s also a lot of playfulness in the playlist’s next song, “Picture Picture” by Tall Tall Trees. These two songs feel very much in conversation with each other, as do other pair-

ings throughout the playlist. I know sequencing was important to you in creating this list. Could you speak to the ways in which you approached developing it around the theme and what you hope listeners gain from listening to it in order, rather than on shuffle.

The theme was so open-ended, and I work best with limitations, so I came up with some rules for myself: Keep it mostly to new music, include mostly local artists and have it all fit together sonically. As I whittled down and removed the big outliers, I started noticing relationships between songs.

And then it occurred to me that the playlist itself could be an extension of the theme. So, I paired the songs that fit together in style or mood. I wanted the playlist as a whole to showcase the twists and turns but in a gentle way so as not to give anyone whiplash. I even listened to the transitions between songs to make sure each flowed into the next. This is what artists do when they put out albums — sequence is a sacred part of the music collection. In a way, this playlist tells a story, and you might miss it if you listen on shuffle.

It definitely hit me around track seven (Noah Proudfoot’s “Simple Prayers”) that you were taking listeners on a journey of sound. But you succeeded in avoiding whiplash. As a musician, do you lament the way music is consumed now, in that many don’t listen to an album from start to finish? And how has that shift impacted, if at all, the way you think about your own presentation of music?

It does affect the way I present music.

Of course, as an artist I would prefer that people listen from start to finish, especially when it’s a concept album like my most recent record, Insomnie.

But there is just so much music coming out, and we all have short attention spans. There will always be people who listen to albums as the artist intended and those who can’t make it through a whole song. So, I try to make music that has a little something for everyone — accessible enough for the hyperactive listener but deep or complex enough for the audiophile.

SELF-IMPOSED RULES: In creating this month’s playlist, musician Moon Bride (Carly Kotula) had a few self-imposed rules — “keep it mostly to new music, include mostly local artists and have it all fit together sonically,” she explains.

Download her playlist on Spotify at avl.mx/emr. Photo courtesy of Moon Bride I’d be remiss to not mention Hamilton Leithauser. He’s my favorite singer and songwriter, so I was thrilled to see his song “Burn the Boats” as the closer to your playlist.

Since we discussed opening tracks, I also want to hear your thoughts about closers. What do you look for as a listener, and how do you think about the final track as an artist?

It’s funny, my first instinct was to say, “Go out with a bang!” Then I went back and looked at the final track on some of my favorite albums and my own albums, and literally all of them were pensive, slow songs. Maybe it’s like the artist takes us on this long, winding journey, and the last song is like the wind-down — the tour guide slowly backing into a parking spot, reminding us to wait until the vehicle has stopped

before taking off our seat belts. That’s what I’m picturing, at least.

Finally, what do you hope folks take away from listening to your playlist? Oh, and bonus question — what is your favorite track on the playlist and why?

I hope it’s a gentle reminder that life is rich and there’s a lot to be squeezed out of it, and it’s OK to feel weird and awkward sometimes. I need the daily reminder that life isn’t supposed to be easy and the journey is the point.

Unexpected turns make everything more interesting. I can’t pick just one favorite! They’re all great songs. But if I had to highlight one, “Conversion”

by Nick Cave is a pretty epic song. The buildup at the end gets me every time — especially when he just starts yelling “You’re beautiful” and “STOP!” over and over. Amazing. X

UNEXPECTED TURNS Courtesy of Moon Bride. Download the playlist on Spotify at avl.mx/emr.

Stella the Begonia

by Rubblebucket

Picture Picture by Tall Tall Trees Leathery Whip

Light Shine by Virtuous No Jacket by Slow Packer, featuring Alexa Rose

Conversion

by Aldous Harding

by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

In Your Thirties by Moon Bride

Terrarium by Merrick Noyes,

My Variant by Slow Runner

Stephanie Morgan

Remora by Music’s Widow

WELLLL by Jacob Collier

Simple Prayers

Burn the Boats

by Noah Proudfoot

by Hamilton Leithauser

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MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

31

WHAT’S NEW IN FOOD MAIN DISH

Baking it better WNC bakeries collaborate to support equal rights

BY KAY WEST kswest55@comcast.net Dawn Alexander, co-baker/ co-owner with Jonathan Price of Crust Never Sleeps, doesn’t think it will be necessary for people to camp out the night before the Bake for Our Rights bake sale in order to snag a cookie, bagel or slice of cake.

But she warns, “If people do, they’ll have to help us set up.”

The event — promoted with the tagline “Bake the world a better place” — runs 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Sunday, March 30, in the Crust Never Sleeps parking lot at 24 Sardis Road. Alexander, Price and 15 other bakers will donate some lovin’ from the oven to benefit WomenNC, a Raleigh-based nonprofit founded in 2009 to advance gender equity in North Carolina by training college and university students to engage in advocacy and public policy work.

When Roe v. Wade was overturned in June 2022, Alexander and local biscuit queen Beth Kellerhals recruited colleagues to collaborate for a bake sale that raised more than $2,000 for the

Carolina Abortion Fund. “It actually felt like we were making a little bit of a difference,” Alexander recalls. “There are times when holding a sign and protesting in the street doesn’t feel like enough.

The country feels so crazy right now, we just wanted to do something good.”

Before coordinating the March 30 fundraiser, Alexander made a social media post to gauge interest. By the end of the day, she had 15 bakers signed up. Among them is private chef Amber Cate, who will bring Dubai chocolate cookies and a couple of different layer cakes to sell by the slice.

Lyndon Johnson of Honey Badger Bakes has committed to brownies and focaccia; The Rhu pastry chef Mallory Foster is baking caramelized white chocolate and sesame cookies, sugar cookie bars and brown butter, oatmeal, chocolate chip cookies. Emily Baron, owner of Nosh Bagel & Bialy will have bagels.

From the Crust Never Sleeps team, expect Price’s renowned soft pretzels, and Alexander’s equally famous Mom Tarts. “They’re what

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RISING UP: Crust Never Sleeps co-owners Dawn Alexander, right, and Jonathan Price have coordinated with 15 other local bakers to host the Bake for Our Rights bake sale fundraiser on Sunday, March 30. Photo courtesy of Crust Never Sleeps happens when you say ‘Screw the pastriarchy,’” she says with a laugh.

“They’re Pop-Tarts, but better.” (“Screw the Pastriarchy” branded tote bags will be for sale at the event for $12.)

In case of rain, there is an overhang to shelter the goodies at the al fresco bake sale. All participants will donate at least two dozen of one or two items. All forms of payment will be accepted, but cash is preferred.

Alexander purposefully selected the event’s date so it could serve as a grand finale to Women’s History Month while also welcoming spring.

“Bake sales have for so long been a way for women to raise money.” she says. “There’s just something about the simplicity of baked goods affecting the world in a positive way. I think small acts of good can make big difference in people’s lives.”

For more on the event, visit avl.mx/emv. X

WHAT’S NEW IN FOOD F S IODOEDDR I SOHU N D U P

Wine dinner at Little D’s Executive chef Faith Hall, sous chef Sam Englebach and pastry chef Hilary Lamont of North Asheville restaurant Little D’s are creating five courses to pair with wines from Napa Valley, Calif., winery Duckhorn Vineyards for a wine dinner at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 2.

Tickets for the meal are $125 each plus gratuity and tax. Space is limited. Little D’s is at 952 Merrimon Ave. Make reservations at avl.mx/en3. X

Rebuild +Regrow

Photo courtesy of Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ

To Hell with Helene

Bears Smokehouse BBQ at 135 Coxe Ave. will host To Hell with Helene, a grand reopening celebration, on Saturday, March 29. The free party kicks off with live music from Lyric at 5 p.m. Other highlights include comedy with Cayla Clark, a pie-eating contest, ax throwing, mechanical bull rides and a Burning of Negativity activity where guests can write down and burn anything they want to release in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene. A DJ set and instructor-led dance party starts at 8:30 p.m. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit Linked4Life, an initiative offering free mental health support for Asheville food and beverage industry workers, according to a press release.

For details, visit avl.mx/en2. X

Haywood Common restaurant and The Whale beer collective are joining forces on Saturday, March 29, 4-7 p.m., to host Rebuild + Regrow: A Fundraiser for Asheville Tea Co. The free, family-friendly event is an effort to help the craft tea business, owned by Jessie Dean, get back on its feet after its facility near Biltmore Village was washed away during Tropical Storm Helene. The party features tea tastings, a donation-based blend-your-own tea station, a new tea and shortbread cookie ice cream from The Hop, a tea-infused gin cocktail from Haywood Common, a donation-based draft beer from The Whale and live music from DJ Camaro. Donations and proceeds from sales of featured items will support Asheville Tea Co.’s recovery.

Learn more at avl.mx/en1. X

Photo Asheville Tea Co. owner Jessie Dean, left, and Melissa Dean courtesy of Haywood Common

Romeo’s Community Giveback Romeo’s Vegan Burgers will host a community giveback event on Saturday and Sunday, March 29 and 30, offering a free vegan burger or plant-based chicken sandwich with the purchase of any sandwich or combo.

“Asheville and the surrounding areas have faced some rough times over the last five months,” the restaurant said in a social media post.

“We want to continue to give back to the community that has welcomed us with open arms.” Romeo’s is open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. at 540 Merrimon Ave. No. 203.

For more information, visit avl.mx/en4. X

o t f e i l Re oject r P e c en

Resili

A $1 million grant from the Cross has h elped kickst American Red Resilience art the Relie Pro f to The alliance ject in Western North Carolina. aims to pro vide post-H relief and su elene food p building a d port economic recove ry while isaster-resi lie nt local food The initiati system. ve plans to buy product small-scale s from WNC farms and pay loca to prepare 63,200 mea l chefs ls and food families in boxes for need. Partn er delivery serv s include lo cal food ice Mother Earth Food Grassroots , nonprofits Aid Partner sh ip and Equ Project, Im al P pact Health software pla and FastRoo lates tform devel ts, a oped residents to aid with stor by Swannanoa m relief according to a media rele efforts, Learn more ase. at avl.mx/em h. X

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Photo of Mother Earth Food CEO Andrea DuVall, left, and Amanda Krause of the Grassroots Aid Partnership courtesy of Mother Earth Food MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

33

SMART BETS

by Edwin Arnaudin | earnaudin@mountainx.com

We Love It Here.

Within a week of Tropical Storm Helene’s destruction, local arts nonprofit Lamplight AVL began building the Recover, Remain and Thrive program to enable artists to recover, stay in the area and continue to create inspirational work. Funds have thus far been distributed to artists over two phases, and the program recently got a boost on March 7 with the release of the benefit compilation We Love It Here. The collection of exclusive, previously unreleased music worked on at West Asheville’s Drop of Sun Studios features songs by MJ Lenderman, Animal Collective, Squirrel Flower, Reggie Watts, Fust, Green-House, Sophie Thatcher, Maral, Nightlands, Horse Jumper Of Love, Hello Mary and Floating Action. “The remarkable breadth of these previously unreleased tracks reflect Drop of Sun’s core principle of fostering an environment for artists to freely and boundlessly create,” says Drop of Sun co-founder Adam McDaniel in a press release.

“Being a resource to the Asheville arts community has yielded wonder-

Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue

Image courtesy of Drop of Sun Studios

Photo courtesy of Murray & Peter Presents

ful, long-lasting relationships, amazing songs like these and a platform to communicate and cope during hard times. We are thrilled to share these exclusive songs with you.” The digital edition costs $11. Limited edition vinyl pressings are $25 (translucent orange vinyl special editions are $35) and include an exclusive bonus track

by Animal Collective. avl.mx/ema X

The last episode of “The Golden Girls” aired in 1992, but what if everyone’s favorite Miami retirees were still active today? That’s the premise of the bawdy touring stage show Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue, which makes a stop at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium on Thursday, March 27, at 7 p.m. Written by Robert Leleux and directed by Eric Swanson, the cross-dressing comedy finds Sophia (Christopher Kamm) out on bail after the Drug Enforcement Administration

Artbeat Gallery & Lounge

busted her drug ring for retirees.

Meanwhile, Blanche (Vince Kelley) and Rose (Adam Graber) run CreakN, a popular sex app for seniors, and Dorothy (Ryan Bernier) has a significantly younger lover. Tommy Favorite rounds out the cast, playing multiple supporting characters. Fans of intentionally campy theater productions can thank these performers for being a friend with tickets starting at $33. The show is for audiences age 18 and older. avl.mx/emy X

Chords for Callum

Elliott From. Photo courtesy of the artist Located in downtown Asheville in the former home of Fox and Beaux Boutique, Artbeat Gallery & Lounge had its grand opening on March 22.

The new space serves as recent transplant Elliott From’s working artist studio and an immersive gallery experience, featuring original artwork, live art and music, as well as beer and wine.

“We wanted to create a space where art comes to life, where people can not only appreciate art but also experience the creative process firsthand,” From says in a press release. “This gallery is 34

MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

designed to be an interactive and welcoming space for both locals and visitors who want to connect with the art scene in a unique and meaningful way.”

A live performance artist and abstract painter, From moved to Asheville in September with his partner, Trisha Schwaba. He founded the company Artbeat Live in 2007 and, through sales of his art, has donated over $5 million to hundreds of nonprofits across the U.S. Artbeat Gallery & Lounge’s current exhibition features From’s work.

Admission is free. avl.mx/emz X

MOUNTAINX.COM

Area music fans know flatpicking guitarist Jon Stickley and his eponymous trio. And after the Chords for Callum benefit concert on Sunday, March 30, they’ll be familiar with his 4-year-old son, Callum, who was diagnosed with STXBP1 — a rare neurological disorder affecting movement, coordination and communication that causes epilepsy and developmental delay — shortly before his second birthday. The event, which will raise funds to pay for the young Stickley’s intensive physical occupational and speech therapy, features performances by his dad, as well as Lyndsay Pruett, Sam Grisman, Josh Phillips, Matt Smith, Taylor Martin and more.

Additional funds will be raised through an online silent auction composed of items donated by Billy Strings, Steep Canyon Rangers, Greensky Bluegrass and other friends of the Stickleys.

“Everyone’s kindness and willingness to give means the world to our family,” says the Stickley family in a joint statement. “Every donation, every bid and every shared moment of support

Photo courtesy of Julianne Stickley brings us closer to making a real difference in Callum’s life and what he can learn to do.” The benefit doubles as the debut show at The Grey Eagle’s new Hatch Amphitheater. Tickets to the family-friendly event are $12.50 for children ages 6-17 and $44.70 for adults. Ages 5 and younger get in free. avl.mx/en0 X

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

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 AYURPRANA LISTENING ROOM Michael Hurley w/Sally Anne Morgan (folk, experimental), 7pm FLEETWOOD'S PSK Karaoke, 8pm GRANGE BY FOOTHILLS Trivia Night, 6pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Well-crafted Music Series w/Gold Grass & Matt Smith (folk, country), 6pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Old Time Jam, 5pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Bluegrass Jam w/ Derek McCoy & Friends, 6pm PISGAH BREWING CO. Jackson Grimm & Old Sap (folk-pop), 6:30pm SLY GROG LOUNGE Weird Wednesday Open Jam, 7pm SOUTHERN APPALACHIAN BREWERY Jazz Night, 6pm THE MULE Trivia w/Party Grampa, 6:30pm THE ODD Terraoke Karaoke Takeover, 9pm THE ONE STOP Reggie Headen & Nighttime Noon (rock, soul, blues), 10pm VOWL Cheap & Trashy Comedy, 8pm WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN • Irish Session, 5pm • Melissa McKinney's Bad Ass Blues Jam, 7:30pm

THURSDAY, MARCH 27 27 CLUB Laniidae, Valoria, & Faithful Annie (metalcore, nu-metal), 8pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Ax & The Hachetmen w/Yesterday's Clothes (rock-n-roll, funk), 8pm

EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY Bless Your Heart Trivia w/Harmon, 7pm FLOOD GALLERY True Home Open Mic, 6pm HI-WIRE BREWING Open Mic Night w/ Stephen Evans, 6pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Momma Molasses (country, folk), 6pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7pm LEVELLER BREWING CO. Irish Session, 6pm LOOKOUT BREWING CO. Music Bingo w/DJ Spence, 6pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Kid Billy (blues, jazz, folk), 7pm ONE WORLD BREWING Elonzo Wesley (country, folk), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Fee Fi Phaux Fish (Phish tribute), 8pm PISGAH BREWING CO. The Mug Band (rock, blues), 6:30pm SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/Franco Nino, 9pm STATIC AGE LOFT Auto-Tune Karaoke w/ Who Gave This B*tch A Mic, 10pm STATIC AGE RECORDS Bleeth, Weight Shift, & Wide Open Wound (metal, sludge, hardcore), 9pm THE GREY EAGLE East Nash Grass & Bronwyn Keith-Hynes (bluegrass), 8pm THE ORANGE PEEL The Slice of Life Comedy Standup Contest: Elimination Round 1, 7:30pm THIRD ROOM Atyya, CØNTRA, & Illusion of Duality (edm), 9pm VOODOO BREWING CO. Music Bingo Thursdays, 7pm

AYURPRANA LISTENING ROOM Water Damage, Tara Clerkin Trio, & Edsel Axle (experimental, folk), 7pm

WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Members Concert: BJ Leiderman (jazz, folk), 6:30pm

CROW & QUILL Las Montañitas (cumbia), 8pm

FRIDAY, MARCH 28

EDA RHYNE DISTILLERY & TASTING ROOM The Gilded Palace of Metamodern Sounds, 6pm

27 CLUB Night of the Living Synth feat. Goldn Gnosiis, Rigor Tortoise, & Liminal Deities (electronic), 9pm

ASHEVILLE’S FINEST: On Saturday, March 29, local hip-hop artist Eaze Dogg hosts Asheville Finest 5 — Asheville’s Legacy EP release party at Sovereign Kava, starting at 8 p.m. The night will also feature free pizza for attendees and special performances by J-Gunna, Trentologist, TP3, Freed The Glitch, Pac “O.J” and more. Photo courtesy of Eaze Dogg ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Jackie Venson w/Random Animals (blues, funk, rock), 8pm CATAWBA BREWING CO. SOUTH SLOPE ASHEVILLE • Comedy at Catawba: Katie K, 7pm • Hot & Horny Comedy Showcase, 9pm CORK & KEG The Uptown Hillbillies (honky-tonk, country), 8pm CROW & QUILL • Lower Peaks, In Dog Years, & Places (indierock, punk), 7pm • Queen Bee & the Honeylovers (jazz, blues, Latin), 8pm

NOBLE CIDER & MEAD TAPROOM AND PRODUCTION FACILITY Crisp Comedy w/Keith Marcell, 7pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. The Abby Elmore Band (indie-pop), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING Juke Joint Night w/ All Crawfish Go To Heaven (blues), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Black Sea Beat Society (world, folk), 9pm PILLAR ROOFTOP BAR Zydeco YaYa (Zydeco, Cajun), 7pm

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SLY GROG LOUNGE Lower Peaks, In Dog Years, & Places (indierock, punk), 7pm

THE BURGER BAR Burger Bar Presents: Club Sandwich Dance Party, 9pm THE GREY EAGLE Sam Holt Band presents: Remembering Mikey & Todd (southern-rock, hard-rock), 8pm THE MULE Arkansauce (bluegrass, country, funk), 7pm

THE ONE STOP • Aaron Woody Wood (soul, blues), 6pm • Higher Education (rock, psych), 10pm THE ORANGE PEEL The Breakfast Club (tribute-band), 8pm WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Richard Smith (acoustic), 7:30pm WICKED WEED WEST Karaoke Night, 6pm

SATURDAY, MARCH 29 27 CLUB Beer City Sisters Midnight Mass: The Villains Special, 10pm ASHEVILLE CLUB Mr Jimmy (blues), 6pm ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Debí Tirar Más Fiestas (reggaeton, merengue, Latin-pop), 9pm BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE Dinah's Daydream (jazz), 5:30pm CORK & KEG Newfound Gap (oldtime, bluegrass), 8pm CROW & QUILL Drayton & The Dreamboats (jazz, rock'n'roll), 8pm EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY Adrian Bundy & His Honky Tonk Hearts (country), 8pm EULOGY Gimme Gimme Disco: Abba Inspired Dance Party, 8pm

FLEETWOOD'S Drunken Prayer, The Bohannons, & Jeremy and the Clones (Americana, hard-rock, garage), 9pm GINGER'S REVENGE CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM Melodic AF (honkytonk, soul, disco), 4pm HIGHLAND BREWING CO. The Get Right Band (indie-rock, power-pop), 6pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB • Nobody’s Darling String Band, 4pm • Hearts Gone South (country), 9pm LEAF GLOBAL ARTS Artist ReLEAF Series w/Eli Kahn (multigenre), 4pm MEADOWLARK MOTEL Tony Black (hip-hop, rock, funk), 7pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Billingsley (rock, funk, soul), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING Chris Morel (Americana, folk), 8pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST • Bootleg Bluegrass Band’s Tribute to Old & In The Way, 3pm • Pyletribe w/Solvivor (Southern rock), 8pm PILLAR ROOFTOP BAR Company Swing (swing, jazz, blues), 6pm PISGAH BREWING CO. Chalwa (reggae), 4pm

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SUNDAY, MARCH 30 27 CLUB Rumble Room Vol. 1 (dubstep, drum'n'bass, riddim), 10pm AYURPRANA LISTENING ROOM Cowboy Sadness: Sound Bath & Performance (ambient, post-rock, psychedelic), 3pm CATAWBA BREWING CO. SOUTH SLOPE ASHEVILLE Comedy at Catawba: Andrew Orolfo, 6:30pm EULOGY Mr. & Miss Ostara Drag Pageant: Black & Glamoure, 7pm GINGER'S REVENGE CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM Sunday Jazz Jam, 2:30pm

HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Fancy & the Gentlemen (roots-rock, country, Americana), 2pm JACK OF THE WOOD PUB • The Bluegrass Boys, 12pm • Traditional Irish Music Session, 3:30pm OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Blind Date Live Presents: Brew HaHa (comedy), 7pm ONE WORLD BREWING WEST Suns of Stars Sunday Residency, 2pm PULP Asheville Guitar Bar Presents: Mr. Jimmy’s Chicago Blues, 4:30pm PISGAH BREWING CO. Pisgah Sunday Jam, 6pm SIERRA NEVADA BREWING CO. • Julianna Jade & The Wild (alt-pop), 2pm • Sold Out: Rumours ATL (Fleetwood Mac tribute), 6pm SLY GROG LOUNGE Open Mic w/Mike Andersen, 6:30pm STATIC AGE RECORDS Jaguardini, Cold Choir, XOR (electronic, synthpop), 8pm THE GREY EAGLE Mary Gauthier w/ Jaimee Harris (folk, country, Americana), 7pm VOWL Freshen Up Comedy Open Mic, 7pm

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F R E E W I L L A S T R O L O G Y BY ROB BREZSNY ARIES (March 21-April 19): Ancient Rome’s emperor Julius Caesar undertook a radical move to fix the calendar, which had become increasingly inaccurate as the centuries passed. He added three months to the year 46 BCE, which as a result was 445 days long. I’m thinking that 2025 might seem equally long for you, Aries. Your destiny may feel like it’s taking forever to unfold. APRIL FOOLS! I totally lied. In fact, I think 2025 will be one of your briskest, crispest years ever. Your adventures will be spiced with alacrity. Your efforts will be efficient and expeditious. You may sometimes be amazed at how swiftly progress unfolds.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Researchers discovered that Egyptian fruit bats engage in extensive communication with each other while nesting in their roosts. Surprisingly, they talk about their problems a lot. In fact, they quarrel 60 percent of the time.

Areas of disagreement include food allocation, positions within the sleep cluster and males initiating unwanted mating moves. Let’s make these bats your power creatures. The astrological omens say it’s time for you to argue more than you have ever argued. APRIL FOOLS! I was not entirely truthful.

The coming weeks will be a good time to address disagreements and settle disputes, but hopefully through graceful means, not bitter arguing.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Guilt and fear are always useless distractions from what’s really happening. Right? APRIL FOOLS! The fact is that on rare occasions, being anxious can motivate you to escape from situations that your logical mind says are tolerable. And guilt may compel you to take the right action when nothing else will. This is one time when your guilt and fear can be valuable assets.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Unlike many modern poets, Scorpio-born Alice Notley rejects the notion that she must be part of any poetic lineage. She aspires “to establish or continue no tradition except one that literally can’t exist — the celebration of the singular thought sung at a particular instant in a unique voice.” She has also written, “It’s necessary to maintain a state of disobedience against everything.” She describes her work as “an immense act of rebellion against dominant social forces.” I invite you to enjoy your own version of a Notley-like phase, Scorpio. APRIL FOOLS! I lied. In fact, I encourage you to enjoy a Notley-like phase beginning May 1. But for now, I invite you to be extra attentive in cultivating all the ways you can benefit from honoring your similarities and connections with others.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The German word “flüsterwitze” means “whisper jokes.” These jests make taboo references and need to be delivered with utmost discretion. They may include the mockery of authority figures. Dear Gemini, I recommend that you suppress your wicked satire and uproarious sarcasm for a while and stick to whisper jokes. APRIL FOOLS! I lied. The truth is that the world needs your outspokenness.

Your ability to call out hypocrisies and expose corruption — especially with humor and wit — will keep everyone as honest as they need to be.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In the lead-up to the Paris-hosted 2024 Summer Olympics, the iconic Eiffel Tower was repainted gold. This was a departure from tradition, as the usual colors had been brown on the bottom and red on the top. The $60-million job took 25 painters 18 months. I recommend that you undertake an equally monumental task in the coming months, Cancerian. APRIL FOOLS! I lied. In fact, I do hope you undertake a monumental task — but one that’s more substantive than changing the surfaces of things. Like revisioning your life story, for example — reinterpreting your past and changing the way it informs your future. I think you are ready to purge inessential elements and exorcize old ghosts as you prepare for a re-launch around your birthday.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): When I worked on the Duke University grounds crew years ago, I did the work I was assigned as quickly as possible. Then I would hide in the bushes, taking unauthorized breaks for an hour or two, so I could read books I loved.

Was that unethical? Maybe. But the fact is, I would never have been able to complete my assigned tasks unless I allowed myself relaxation retreats. If there is an equivalent situation in your life, Leo, I urge you to do as I did. APRIL FOOLS! I half-lied.

The truth is that I think you should be a little less extravagant than I was — but only a little — as you create the spaciousness and slack you need.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In his film Fitzcarraldo, Virgo director Werner Herzog tells an epic story.

It includes the task of hauling a 320-ton steamship up a hill and over land, moving it from one river to another. Herzog could have relied on special effects to simulate this almost impossible project, but he didn’t. With a system of pulleys and a potent labor force, he made it happen. I urge you to try your equivalent of Herzog’s heroic conquest, Virgo. You will be able to summon more power and help than you can imagine. APRIL FOOLS! I half-lied. While it’s true that you will be able to summon more power and help than you can imagine, I still think you should at least partially rely on the equivalent of special effects.

38

MAR. 26 - APR. 1, 2025

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is a standardized test that many American high school students take to prove their worth to colleges. The highest possible score is achieved by fewer than 1% of test-takers.

We might imagine that earning such a premium grade must guarantee admission to any school, but it doesn’t. During one five-year period, for example, Stanford University rejected 69% of applicants with the highest possible score. I’m sorry to predict that a comparable experience might be ahead for you, Sagittarius. Even if you are your best and brightest self, you may be denied your rightful reward. APRIL FOOLS! I totally lied. Here’s my real, true prediction: In the coming weeks, I believe you will be your best and brightest self — and will win your rightful reward.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The visible part of an iceberg is typically just 10% of its total size. Most is hidden beneath the sea’s surface. References to “the tip of the iceberg” have become a staple metaphor in many cultures, signifying situations that are not what they seem. Of all the zodiac tribes, Scorpios are renowned for their expertise in discerning concealed agendas and missing information. The rest of us tend to be far less skillful. APRIL FOOLS! I fibbed. These days, you Capricorns are even more talented than Scorpios at looking beyond the obvious and becoming aware of the concealed roots and full context.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In the coming weeks, I advise you to be like the 19th-century poet Emily Dickinson. She lived in quiet seclusion, corresponding through letters instead of socializing.

She seemed content to write her poems all alone in her home and be unconcerned about trying to get them published. APRIL FOOLS! I lied. Here’s my real horoscope: Now is a highly favorable time for you to shmooze with intensity at a wide range of social occasions, both to get all the educational prods you need and to advance your ambitions.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Some systems and situations improve and thrive in response to stress and errors. Indeed, some things need strain or irregularity to be fully healthy. For example, human bodies require a certain amount of stress to develop a resistance to infection. In reading the astrological omens, I conclude you now need stimulation like that. APRIL FOOLS! I lied. Here’s the truth: August 2025 will be a great time for you to harvest the benefits of benevolent stress.

But for now, your forte will be the capacity to avoid and resist stress, confusion, and errors.

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DOWN 1 Terrif 2 Not well 3 2016 Olympics host city, familiarly 4 Biological bags 5 Orally admonished 6 French pointillism pioneer 7 Word frequently edited to insert or remove an apostrophe 8 Little darling 9 Idyllic spot 10 Synergy-seeking move 11 “Terrible” czar 12 Bone below the femur 13 Anago, to a sushi chef 18 Something good for an angler, bad for a dog trainer 22 Angsty music genre 23 Peacock’s parent 24 Big chunk 25 Baseballer Robinson ___ 27 Chemistry lab hookups 30 Neighbor of Swe.

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