news to GREEN@MOUNTAINX.COM a&e events and ideas to AE@MOUNTAINX.COM
Western North Carolina’s foster care system struggles with a shortage of foster families, overwhelmed courts and limited resources for aging-out youths. High turnover at the Department of Social Services exacerbates the situation, making the region one of the hardest in the state for foster kids to find stability.
PUBLISHER & EDITOR: Jeff Fobes
ASSISTANT PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson
MANAGING EDITOR: Thomas Calder
EDITORS: Lisa Allen, Gina Smith
OPINION EDITOR: Tracy Rose
STAFF REPORTERS:
Lisa Allen, Thomas Calder, Brionna Dallara, Justin McGuire, Greg Parlier, Brooke Randle, Gina Smith
Intern: Amrit Brown
COMMUNITY CALENDAR & CLUBLAND: Braulio Pescador-Martinez
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Jon Elliston, Mindi Meltz Friedwald, Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak
REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS:
Christopher Arbor, Edwin Arnaudin, Danielle Arostegui, Mark Barrett, Eric Brown, Carmela Caruso, Cayla Clark, Molly Devane, Tessa Fontaine, Mindi Meltz Friedwald, Troy Jackson, Carol Kaufman, Bill Kopp, Chloe Leiberman, Jessica Wakeman, Kay West, Clark Wilson, Jamie Zane
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Caleb Johnson
Intern: Chad Truitt
ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER: Susan Hutchinson
LEAD DESIGNER: Scott Southwick
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Tina Gaafary, Caleb Johnson, Olivia Urban
MARKETING ASSOCIATES: Emily Baughman, Sara Brecht, Dave Gayler
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES: Jeff Fobes, Mark Murphy, Scott Southwick
WEB: Brandon Tilley
BOOKKEEPER: Amie Fowler
OFFICE MANAGER: Mark Murphy
FRONT OFFICE: Caitlin Donovan, Lisa Watters
DISTRIBUTION: Susan Hutchinson, Kyle Ramser
news and ideas to FOOD@MOUNTAINX.COM
events/news to MXHEALTH@MOUNTAINX.COM
DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS: Cass Kunst, Cindy Kunst, Henry Mitchell, Courtney Israel
Let’s finish the I-26 Connector right
As a Richmond Hill resident and former municipal finance analyst, I know we need to finish the Interstate 26 Connector, but only with the costsmart design our community and the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) adopted in 2018.
Last year’s winning bid quietly replaced that under-Patton blueprint with an eight-lane flyover looming above Patton Avenue. The change surfaced only after Asheville Watchdog pressed officials in February, a year later. The connector is already impacting roughly 175 property owners, stripping revenue from some of Buncombe County’s most valuable areas and limiting further growth in the area.
These elevated decks will require policing and upkeep, costs the county and city will have to cover. This fiscal hit lands while we’re still dealing with Hurricane Helene’s multibillion-dollar damage statewide. The structure also erases the shaded boulevard that would have unlocked some of the most valuable real estate in the region. We know how to build high-value streets that enhance cities rather than hurt them. DOTs do it all over the country, and our neighbors and NCDOT already agreed on the best path forward in 2018. We can build quickly and efficiently while creating a prosperous Buncombe County capable of fueling growth in Western North Carolina through the coming century. With a price tag now nearing $1.8 billion, we can do better. We already have the right plan — let’s finish the highway right.
— Cade Justad-Sandberg Asheville
County and city pile on with tax proposals
[ Regarding “Buncombe Inches Closer to a Property Tax Hike,” May 2, and “A Balancing Act: Asheville City Council Members Discuss Potential Property Tax Increase at CIBO Meeting,” May 7, both Xpress:] It appears the Buncombe County commissioners and Asheville city management both jumped into the rink at same time, and in their overenthusiasm joined forces to “kick the citizens while they are down.” Do not let them get up, or the citizens might vote differently next election if any democracy still exists. I realize Federal Emergency Management Agency funds have been stopped, U.S. Department of Education support funds cut off, jobs lost and household incomes reduced, but that is what the people of Western North Carolina voted for in 2024.
— Leo King Greenville, S.C.
Tourism calls the tune in Asheville
[Regarding “Tourism Survey Shows Shift in Residents’ Attitudes,” April 9, Xpress:] The local minor league baseball team just celebrated 100 years of playing in Asheville. Their team name is the Asheville Tourists. Take a clue at what makes this city go around and has for 100 years.
— Ed Clark Brevard
No straight answer from Edwards on Medicaid cuts
You or a neighbor likely have a parent in a nursing home, a Down syndrome child or disabled friend who relies on Medicaid for doctor bills, long-term nursing home care and medicine. Perhaps you have health insurance through the Medicaid expansion. If so, you are in the same boat as more than 143,000 other persons in District 11. Unfortunately, Medicaid is under the congressional budget ax.
Western North Carolina people have been clear with Rep. Chuck Edwards that they are opposed to Medicaid reductions, but the congressman refuses a straight answer to citizen concern. He is misleading you — his constituents — and abandoning the elderly, the disabled, children and mothers.
From his Feb. 28 newsletter: “Contrary to media reports and social media rumors, this resolution does
not include any cuts to these or other vital benefit programs. Instead, this budget is a framework that sets targets for overall reductions in spending and directs congressional committees to determine what policies fit those reduction goals.”
Rep. Edwards parrots the Republican Party line telling you — without any evidence — Medicaid is rife with fraud and abuse. Check with your neighbors: Any fraud among Medicaid participants you know? If we don’t keep tabs on current budget legislation, we could find lots of us among the fraudulent abusers!
The fly in Rep. Edwards’ newsletter ointment is what he doesn’t tell you. That “overall reduction in spending” is $880 billion over 10 years, and Medicaid is one of the few programs with enough money to achieve that size cut. While Medicaid may not be named in the House budget resolution, the Subcommittee on Health will have few other options for spending reductions.
The problem is many Republicans in red states depend on Medicaid! So, Rep. Edwards has told the truth but not the whole truth. Most importantly, he has shown his lack of interest in the welfare and health of WNC families.
— Michael L. Reynolds Asheville
Editor’s note: Changes to Medicaid were part of the Trump administration’s “big beautiful bill,” which passed the House May 22, after this letter was submitted.
Community loses with AmeriCorps cuts
[ Regarding “DOGE Cuts AmeriCorps Program, Sending WNC Recovery Volunteers Home,” May 14, Blue Ridge Public Radio via Xpress:] The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has no idea how investing in human capital pays off for Western North Carolina — but we do. AmeriCorps brought our daughter, newly graduated from college in Pennsylvania, to Marshall in the early 2000s. Its scholarship benefit paid for her master’s degree at Western Carolina University while she worked at MANNA FoodBank. She went on to teach math in Buncombe County schools. Now at UNC Asheville, she helps train future math teachers. This is what makes our community stronger. The federal funding repaid itself countless times over, and it happened through AmeriCorps. — Abigail and David Doggett Bordeaux Asheville
CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON
AmeriCorps defunding leaves WNC poorer
[ Regarding “DOGE Cuts AmeriCorps Program, Sending WNC Recovery Volunteers Home,” May 14 , Blue Ridge Public Radio via Xpress:]
I served as the director of the S.C. Commission on National and Community Service as well as president and CEO of the United Way Association of South Carolina for more than a decade before moving full time to Asheville in 2018. During that time, we received overwhelming bipartisan support for the work AmeriCorps did in the Palmetto State.
Whether filling gaps in early education, providing mentorship and workforce development, working on the front lines of disaster response or helping faith groups and community-based nonprofits serve those in the deepest needs, AmeriCorps programs reflected the best of America: people who selflessly volunteer for at least a year to serve others and make our nation strong, community by community. AmeriCorps was envisioned by President George H.W. Bush, signed into law by President Bill
Clinton, supported and funded by every Congress and president for more than three decades — because it works. People who give of themselves to advance the greater good change communities for the better and change themselves as well.
The defunding of Western North Carolina’s AmeriCorps programs by the so-called Department of Government Efficiency is a wrongheaded and inefficient attempt to reduce federal spending by shifting costs to state and local communities, faith groups and community nonprofits. It will leave WNC poorer in both spirit and treasure for reasons that are murky and illogical.
It’s growing more difficult by the day for those of us who still believe in the America that our forebears fought to create as we watch its dismantling by those who seem to want to cut us up, sell us for parts, then send what’s left to the junkyard. “America is great because America is good,” said President Ronald Reagan. The needless death of AmeriCorps is another sign that the current administration believes that America is great only when America is good for the wealthiest, leaving the rest of us behind.
— Timothy M. Ervolina Asheville X
CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN
Shuffled around
BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE
jmcguire@mountainx.com
By the time Nikki Owen was 16, she had lived in more homes than she could count, pinging among relatives, group homes and temporary shelters.
“I was kind of like a hot potato there for a bit," says Owen, whose mother was unable to care for her due to untreated mental illness.
Owen, now 30 and raising three children of her own in Henderson County, was placed in foster care twice — first at age 8 and again at 13, after the death of an aunt who had stepped in to care for her. What followed were years of instability.
“I stayed with some friends from school,” she recalls. “I stayed with some family. I was in [Black Mountain Home for Children]. It was a group home. I was there twice.”
Owen's experiences illustrate critical problems plaguing the foster care system in Western North Carolina, particularly in small counties. The region is grappling with a shortage of licensed foster families, an overwhelmed Family Court system and limited housing options and educational opportunities for those who age out of the system. Additionally, staffing turnover at the county Department of Social Services (DSS) offices hampers efforts to train and license new foster families.
Add it all up, and WNC is one of the hardest places in the state for foster youths to find stability, foster care advocates say. This is particularly true in rural counties west of Buncombe, including Jackson, Haywood and Cherokee.
“It’s hard to talk about foster care without talking about some pretty large and complicated systems,” explains Cris Weatherford, director of Jackson County DSS. “It's a perfect storm of all these systems really not functioning as they're intended.”
In North Carolina, the foster care system offers temporary care for children who are unable to stay safely with their birth families. While the primary goal is to reunite children with their families, adoption may be pursued if reunification is not possible.
The state employs several forms of foster care, such as traditional foster homes, kinship care, respite care and therapeutic foster care. County DSS offices are responsible for investigating child abuse or neglect, placing children in foster care when necessary and developing case plans to support family reunification. They also license and support foster parents, represent the child’s interests in court and provide
Foster care system in Western North Carolina struggles with shortages, instability
services to help older youths transition to independence.
FOSTER FAMILIES NEEDED
Weatherford still remembers the long drive east with a 10-year-old girl who had been removed from her home. With no foster families available in Jackson County, he had to take her to Gaston County, hours away from the only life she knew. “She was literally saying goodbye to everything down N.C. 107 — ‘Goodbye Ingles, goodbye Wendy’s’— to all the things she was familiar with,” he recalls.
In Jackson County, where 78 children are now in foster care, only eight or nine are in the local school system, he says. The others have been placed in foster care outside the county. The county has nine licensed foster families, and most foster children are sent to counties three or more hours away. Some have been placed as far away as Arkansas. The issue is compounded by a shortage of therapeutic placements for children with more severe behavioral or mental health needs. “We have to send kids to other parts of the state — sometimes even out of state — because we don’t have the local resources,” Weatherford says. “It can be a mental
health issue or just the need for more structured care.”
This disconnect between where children live and where the limited number of foster homes or care facilities are located complicates reunification efforts with biological families, says Gaile Osborne, a longtime foster parent and executive director of the Foster Family Alliance of North Carolina. Osborne lives in the Weaverville area.
“When we ship these kids across the state, that’s making visitation harder for the parents,” she explains. “For a social worker to pick up a child, get them to a visit, take them back, come back home — you’re talking a whole day’s work just supporting a one-hour visit.”
Recruiting new foster families is challenging, partly because of burnout among current families, Weatherford says. “The best recruiting of future foster parents is current foster parents. But 30% of foster parents would not recommend becoming licensed to others.”
The burnout applies to DSS staff, too, Weatherford says. High staff turnover and vacancies in child welfare positions make it difficult to train and retain the staff needed to recruit and support foster families. Training can take up to 30 hours.
“It takes a special kind of person to be out in the community recruiting foster parents,” he says.
REWARDS AND COSTS
Osborne has fostered more than 30 children over 15 years, including several who were medically fragile or had significant trauma-related behavioral needs. She and her husband, Thomas, started fostering as a way to grow their family but quickly found themselves committed far beyond their original plan. The rewards, she says, are real but come with emotional cost, especially when it’s time to say goodbye. “People always ask how we can let a child go. But I ask, ‘How can you say no to a child who needs you?’”
Osborne remembers sitting in the Asheville Mall food court more than a decade ago trying to spark interest in foster care among shoppers. “That doesn’t work anymore,” she says. “Now, we’re getting new foster families through the ones we already have.”
Advocates highlight real stories from foster parents, especially within churches and local groups. Community partners are stepping in, too. One school system sent foster care information through its text alerts, resulting in a surge of referrals. “We’re seeing churches, nonprofits, even schools say, ‘Let’s think outside the box,’” she says.
Another key strategy has been connecting with service-oriented professionals, especially nurses, through conversations during hospital visits with children in care. Osborn praises a growing statewide collaboration of public and private agencies focused on improving foster care recruitment and training in Western North Carolina.
LEGAL LOGJAM
Another issue plaguing the region is a lack of Family Court judges and court-appointed attorneys who represent parents. The judicial circuit that includes Jackson, Haywood, Macon, Swain, Clay, Graham and Cherokee counties averages only about 2.1 days of court per month, Weatherford says.
About 45% of court cases involving foster care are postponed multiple times. Those delays matter because the goal is to move foster children toward stability as quickly as possible, whether that’s reunification with their families or another permanent placement.
“The system is just bogged down,” Weatherford contends. “Our kids stay in care longer than intended, which means they're staying in foster homes longer than needed, and that adds to the uncertainty. Children don’t deal with uncertainty well.”
FAMILY GATHERING: Nikki Owen, left, is pictured with her three children, parents, brother and her brother’s girlfriend. After years in the foster care system, Owen was adopted when she was 17. Photo courtesy of Owen
The judicial circuit has almost 400 children in foster care but only nine or 10 attorneys willing to represent parents who have financial need, Weatherford says. Each parent involved in a foster care case is entitled to legal representation, and some cases involve multiple parents per child, making the math untenable.
Court-appointed attorneys for parents are paid $65 per hour by the state, a rate that doesn't create much of an incentive for highly trained lawyers to get involved. “There's just simply not enough folks getting good representation,” Weatherford says.
There are efforts underway to address some of these gaps. Virtual courtrooms help reduce delays, especially when children are placed far from their home counties. While not a panacea, the measure has helped speed up some processes.
But Weatherford says more is needed. “I think legislators and the administrative office of the courts need to take a look at our district and look at the data
that's out there and try to come up with a solution, whether it's splitting our district up into two smaller districts or providing additional resources,” he says.
AFTER FOSTER CARE
The issues young people in foster care face amid a resource-starved system don’t end when they become adults. To transition some into independence, a state program called Foster Care 18 to 21 offers options from foster care placement to a $634 monthly stipend to help with bills.
But the reality is bleak. One of five foster youths aging out of care at 18 become unhoused within 24 hours, Osborne says.
“It’s a consistent problem across the country, but we struggle even more in WNC,” she explains. “The lack of housing and support systems makes it especially difficult here.”
Post-Tropical Storm Helene housing shortages and rising costs have made
One mom’s journey into foster care
When Juliana Bosch-Diaz wandered into a booth at the Asheville Pride Fest last summer, she didn’t expect to walk away with a life-changing decision.
The booth was recruiting potential foster families, and to Bosch’s surprise, attendants told her she might be eligible to become a foster parent, even without a spare bedroom. That day sparked a journey that led to two children joining her Henderson County home less than five months later.
Bosch-Diaz, a mother of two teenagers, began the foster care application process in September. By January, she welcomed into her home a 5-month-old boy and his 18-month-old sister from Burke County.
“It’s at times been a little bit more difficult than what I expected, but they’re definitely worth it,” she says. From navigating feeding stages to starting potty training and cutting back on pacifier use, Bosch is making the most of the time she has with the children, possibly up to two years, depending on the outcome of ongoing custody proceedings.
The decision to foster wasn’t spontaneous. Bosch-Diaz traces the desire back to childhood, when a cousin briefly entered the foster system before being reunited with his father. Timing was also crucial — her daughter, a senior at North Henderson High School, would soon be leaving for college, and she wanted her to be a part of the foster experience.
Both of Bosch-Diaz’s teenage children have embraced the new additions to their household, and her husband, Francisco, has been stepping in more often as the family adjusts to their new routine. “He hasn’t bonded with them as fast as I have because I’m their primary caregiver,” Bosch-Diaz says.
“But I’ve been kind of stepping back a little bit … so that it can help with the bonding process.”
Court hearings regarding the children’s biological mother have been postponed, and it’s unclear what the long-term outcome will be. “If mom loses custody, they’re waiting to see if the grandparents will step in,” she says. Her hope is for the children to be reunited with family, but her focus is on giving them stability now.” X
finding an affordable place to live nearly impossible for many young adults. Without experience managing credit or applying for rentals, former foster youths are often left without options, she says.
Programs like the Independent Living Services for Foster Children (NC LINKS) offer some help, connecting 18to 21-year-olds with transitional housing or independent living. Facilities such as Black Mountain Home for Children are part of that network, but space is limited.
Owen witnessed the problem firsthand. “Unfortunately, a lot of my group home mates have struggled with homelessness and substance abuse,” she says. “It’s a cycle.”
That cycle could have caught Owen, too, except for a fortuitous placement with a respite family when she was 16. Respite care is a short-term foster care placement by a licensed foster parent to give another licensed foster parent a break.
“I was considering emancipation because I was just so tired of moving around,” she explains. “But my respite family asked me to move in full time. They wanted to adopt me. I was
very, very surprised. Most people want babies. I had kind of lost hope.”
The family adopted her at 17, giving her two stable parents and a younger brother. “They felt like they could be a positive influence in my life,” she says.
Today, Owen is a mother of three and works with adults who have intellectual disabilities. She's planning to become an Assisted Family Living provider in the future. While she hasn’t ruled out fostering teens herself someday, she focuses now on encouraging others to consider it — and to be honest about what they can handle.
“Some people think they’re going to get a cute little baby and raise it as their own,” she explains. “But sometimes you get a call in the middle of the night for a 13-year-old. And you have to ask yourself, are you ready for that?”
She compares her time in care to a buffet, picking up values, beliefs and habits from each family along the way. “I just took what I needed and left the rest. But not every kid can do that. The wrong placement can do real damage.”
Her message to would-be foster parents is simple: “You never know the impact you’ll have on someone’s life. So be sure you’re in it for the right reasons.” X
Accepting
JULIANA BOSCH-DIAZ
Residents raise concerns over the proposed county budget
The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners got an earful May 20 as more than two dozen residents either asked for more education funding or for the commission to hold off on a tax hike.
Commissioners are considering a proposed $624 million operation budget, including a $435 million general fund for fiscal year 2025-26 that relies on a 6% property tax rate hike of 3.26 cents per $100 of appraised value that will cost owners $130.40 more per year for a property valued at $400,000. The increase will add $17.1 million to county coffers.
Budget Director John Hudson said the budget reflects the “realities we had to accommodate” in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, North Carolina’s worst natural disaster.
The proposed budget focused on maintaining operations. The bulk of spending (28%, or $121.8 million) would be allocated toward education for Asheville City Schools (ACS), Buncombe County Schools (BCS), A-B Tech and education-related contracts. This total represents $12.7 million less than what Asheville City and Buncombe County school boards requested.
“Looking back at the past two years, K-12 schools were funded above what was sustainable for the revenue the county received,” Hudson said. “To return to the level of [K-12] education funding before the storm of $117.3 million would require an additional tax rate increase of 0.79 cents, increasing the tax rate by 4.05 cents per $100 of assessed value [an additional $31.60 per year for a $400,000 property owner].”To fully fund both schools' budget requests, Hudson noted, the tax rate would need to increase to
7.52 cents per $100 of valuation, or $300 per year for a $400,000 property owner.
Before opening the public hearing, Vice Chair Martin Moore suggested reducing speaking time per speaker to two minutes rather than the usual three minutes to allow more residents to voice their concerns. Commissioner Al Whitesides seconded the motion, which passed.
Out of the 29 speakers drawn from two packed overflow rooms and at-capacity chambers, 25 implored the commissioners to fully fund public schools. Kristen Winstead, whose child with additional support needs attends Isaac Dixon Elementary School, expressed concern for what could happen if
staff were cut. Sawyer Johnston, a public school teacher and father of a son with muscular dystrophy, echoed those fears: “My child needs one-to-one support. If he can’t have assistance to go to the bathroom, he can’t go to school, plain and simple.”
Paul Garrity, an administrator at Claxton Elementary, reminded commissioners that “cuts undermine and add barriers to equitable outcomes. … Our children have faced two once-in-a-lifetime events in less than five years. We ask you to honor the commitments you already made and maintain school funding.”
Multiple speakers reiterated the importance of the arts, including Jeremy Bowen, who said that his daughter would be “devastated” if
the strings program at ACS were cut. “We’re all willing to give a little bit to make sure these programs stay. To be successful in the future, we need the arts.”
Alexis Champion , mother of two orchestra students, emphasized that “the magical thing about public school is that it provides a resource to all families, especially in these dark times in the aftermath of Helene. We need to support all students in all ways, not just core academics. Arts and music are what make life worth living. Now is the time to invest.”
Despite a majority of speakers in support of tax increases and fully funding schools, some dissenters took to the podium. Patty Beaver , representing the Council of Independent Business Owners (CIBO), asked commissioners to “hold the line on tax increases. … Many are struggling with rising costs and lingering impacts of Helene. It’s not the time to ask the community to shoulder [increased] tax responsibility.”
Abigail Carson, whose family has been in Buncombe County for 150 years, works two jobs, as does her husband. “I’m deeply worried about the tax increase. Raising taxes feels out of touch with what young people are experiencing.”The public hearing concluded with no discussion among commissioners. The next meeting will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, when commissioners will vote on the budget.
This story was supported by the Fund for Investigative Reporting and Editing.
— Morgan L. Sykes X
SPEAKING OUT: Dr. Evan Tiderington and his son make the case for fully funded schools at the May 20 Buncombe County Board of Commissioners meeting. Photo by Caleb Johnson
City, county proposed budget highlights
Both Buncombe County and the City of Asheville are in the midst of trying to craft budgets that weave between increased spending and dropping revenues after Tropical Storm Helene.
Buncombe County
Last fall, Buncombe County was finalizing a strategic plan to redefine the county’s direction over the next five years. Instead, Tropical Storm Helene forced leaders to focus on recovery in the short term, and the proposed 2025-26 budget reflects that shift.
County Budget Director John Hudson says core services are the focus of next year’s budget, putting aside plans to expand services to meet the county’s population growth. Rising costs add more budget pressure, forcing departments to defer maintenance and trim spending.
If the current $435 million draft budget is approved by the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, June 3, a property tax rate hike of 3.26 cents per $100 of appraised value will cost owners $130.40 more per year for a property valued at $400,000.
Commissioners still have time to propose changes to the budget before they vote June 3. As Hudson says: “It may be a little different. It may be a lot different.”
EDUCATION
• $4.4 million less than prestorm funding set in June 2024. The county proposes $121.8 million for 2025-26 for Buncombe County Schools (BCS), Asheville City Schools (ACS) and A-B Tech. The county does not recommend a supplemental tax increase for ACS, which would amount to a $55.20 increase per year for a $400,000 property for the Asheville
City Schools supplemental taxing district (1.38 cents per $100).
PERSONNEL
• $7.5 million in savings from staff turnover and retirements.
• No new positions, despite 55 requests of County Manager Avril Pinder.
• 3% raise for county employees
DISCRETIONARY SPENDING CUTS
• Taking Affordable Housing Services Program funding from $2.3 million to zero for any future projects.
• $900,000 cut in strategic partnership grants, $100,000 in micro “tipping point” grants, $100,000 in community recreation grants, $531,000 to the Community Reparations Commission; two-thirds cut to conservation easements. Total cuts: $4.6 million.
GENERAL GOVERNMENT
• $8.6 million cut, including $3.6 million reduction by financing vehicle purchases, supplies, travel and training.
PROGRAM SUPPORT
• $800,000 savings in cuts to subcontractors.
FIRE DISTRICTS TAX INCREASES
• The proposed budget recommends increasing property taxes for six fire districts ranging from $20 to $74.80 per year for an owner of property valued at $400,000 for those in Enka-Candler (1.5 cents per $100 assessed property value ), French Broad (0.5 cents per $100), Reynolds (1.87 cents per $100), Swannanoa (1 cent per $100), Upper Hominy (1.6 cents per $100) and West Buncombe (1.5 cents per $100) fire districts.
City of Asheville
The City of Asheville’s total proposed budget for fiscal year 2025-26 is $256 million, a 2.1% increase from this year. The general fund increases 1.6% to $183 million.
A public hearing on the budget was scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, and the final budget will be adopted Tuesday, June 10.
PROPERTY TAX INCREASE
• City staff is proposing a 7.9% property tax increase, boosting the rate from 40.93 cents per $100 of assessed value to 44.19 cents, which would mean a monthly increase of $9.51, or $114 annually for the owner of property assessed at $350,000. It would raise $5.4 million for the city.
EMPLOYEE RAISES
• Raises would cost an extra $3.2 million from the general fund, which finances day-to-day city operations, and $787,000 from enterprise funds, which are used for self-sustaining city operations. Employees making $58,000 or more would get a 3% raise; those earning less than that get a $1,740 flat increase to try to get them up to a living wage. Police and fire pay would increase, too. The city is also putting into place a plan to add a fourth firefighting shift, which would boost hourly pay.
RISING COSTS
• $4.5 million to cover state-mandated employee health insurance and retirement contributions. Other cost increases are for golf course operations,
BUDGET
PROPOSAL:
Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder’s proposed 2025-26 Buncombe County budget is slated for a vote of the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners Tuesday, June 3. Photo by Caleb Johnson
contracts for city operations and landfill tipping fees.
ONE-TIME FUND FINDS
• Staff recommends shoring up the general fund by taking from the Street Cut Fund ($600,000), the Transit Fund ($950,000) and using a $5 million loan from the FEMA Community Disaster Loan program. The city will also have $225 million over six years from the recently approved Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR).
SPENDING CUTS
• City staff found $5 million in cost reductions, including contributing less to the Other Post Employment Benefit (OPEB) trust fund ($1.3 million) plus $500,000 less from the general fund to the Housing Trust Fund, which provides loans for affordable housing projects, and cutting $242,000 in Strategic Partnership Grants to nonprofits. Other savings include cuts to travel and training expenses and health care insurance for city staff.
Reporters Greg Parlier and Brionna Dallara contributed to this report. X
86% small WNC farms damaged by Helene
The Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project (ASAP), a nonprofit agricultural support organization, reported May 7 that 86% of its certified farms reported physical damage during Tropical Storm Helene, although for most, the damage was 25% or less.
Through surveys, phone calls and farmer-to-farmer meetings, ASAP researchers focused on a group of nearly 900 small-scale, family-owned farms growing food for local market outlets. The financial impacts reported include cleanup and recovery costs ($40,000 average) as well as lost sales (60% of respondents) in 2024 and possibly 2025 (28%) due to both product loss and closed or reduced market outlets or missed production because of cleanup efforts. Total lost sales per farm due to both product loss and market outlet closures average $30,000 in 2024 and an anticipated $28,000 in 2025.
The combination of cleanup costs and lost sales represent 88% of the average Western North Carolina's farm’s gross annual sales, according to the report. One farmer lost everything, writing to ASAP: “Our farm was wiped off the map from Helene. We are located along the Cane River, and our metal building, cold storage, pole barn, shipping container and greenhouse were all taken down river. The farm was turned into a beach overnight.”
ASAP staff members are working on a second report that will assess farmers’ experience accessing financial support and technical assistance, identify lingering needs and make recommendations for supporting small farms and local food economies in the Southern Appalachians. To read the report, go to avl.mx/esa
Rebuild of riverfront parks
The City of Asheville posted a request for qualifications for design services to rebuild the parks system along the French Broad River. The work will include techniques to make the parks more resilient and the riverfront more accessible. According to a city press release, Tropical Storm Helene caused at least $25 million in destruction to more than 200 acres of public parks,
greenways and recreation facilities along the French Broad River. The project area encompasses 5 miles of frontage on both sides of the river from Hominy Creek to just below the Jeff Bowen Bridge.
The project is being funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Public Assistance and Community Development Block Grant Disaster Relief programs. Additional funding may come from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, grants from other agencies and partners and the city’s capital fund. The city plans to work with a design team this fall and will encourage public engagement. Design is expected to take two years, followed by two to three years of construction. More information at avl.mx/erw.
Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation awarded $5 million
The Blue Ridge Parkway Foundation, a nonprofit that supports historic preservation, conservation and visitor services for the parkway, received a three-year, $5.13 million grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission to support strategies to
advance cultural and recreational tourism. The grant will help boost travel, tourism and outdoor recreation in dozens of communities along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia and North Carolina as outlined in the Blue Ridge Rising Action Plan. More information at avl.mx/erv.
500+ volunteers hit the trails
More than 500 volunteers joined The Pisgah Conservancy in honor of Earth Day for its annual Pisgah Project Day to complete 25 hands-on projects benefiting forest trails, habitats and recreational areas in Transylvania, Henderson, Buncombe and Haywood counties. Trail improvement was a central focus of this year’s projects, with volunteers completing rehabilitation work on many well-used trails, as well as invasive species removal and planting native trees and shrubs. More information at avl.mx/erx.
Historic Montford to hold garden tour
The Montford Neighborhood Association will host the 2025 Historic Montford Garden Tour on Saturday, June 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., to raise funds for community improvements. Tickets are $30 each and are available online through Friday, June 6, or in person at the Asheville Visitors Center at 36 Montford Ave. The 2025 garden tour will feature live music, artists and an information fair with native plant specialists. Proceeds will go toward projects to create shade at neighborhood playgrounds and replace the tree canopy after Tropical Storm Helene. More information at avl.mx/ery.
BioBlitz
Each year, MountainTrue organizes a BioBlitz event during which experts, naturalists and learners document every living organism they see. On Saturday, June 21, they’ll explore 1,000 acres across Hickory Nut Gap Farms, Conserving Carolina’s Florence Preserve and Bearwallow Mountain. Attendees can expect to hike a couple of miles with plenty of stopping for exploration, identification and discussion. The event, from 12:30-5 p.m., will start and end at Hickory Nut Gap Farms. Volunteers for the BioBlitz will receive free entry to the barn dance 5-9 p.m. To sign up, go to avl.mx/es0.
— Brooke Randle X
FLATTENED: Small farmers suffered property and equipment damage as well as crop and market losses. Photo courtesy of Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project
by Lisa Allen | lallen@mountainx.com
URBAN PLANNING
WNC Sierra Club members will learn about the economic impact of urban planning from Joe Minicozzi, founder of Urban3, at 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 4, in Room 102, UNCA Reuter Center, 300 Campus View Drive. The free event is open to the public. Minicozzi holds a bachelor of architecture from the University of Miami and master of architecture and urban design from Harvard University. In 2017, he was recognized by Planetizen readers as one of the 100 Most Influential Urbanists of all time. X
Want to run for public office? Back a candidate? Lobby local officials? A nonpartisan coalition led by the Center for Participatory Change, The Campaign School at Yale University, ABIPA, the NC Poor People’s Campaign WNC and NC Counts Coalition wants to show you how. Pathways to Public Leadership, the collaborative’s initiative, is focusing on communities most impacted by systemic poverty and racism to give people the tools to build power for policy advocacy and to increase voter turnout and the number of minority or poor individuals in elected and appointed office.
The program hopes to:
• Recruit 300-plus people for a daylong training by The Campaign School at Yale University on Saturday, June 28, at the ABIPA Life’s Center, Commercial Park, 220 Continuum Drive, Fletcher.
• Support quarterly virtual “think tank” gatherings for continued learning.
• Sponsor people from North Carolina to attend five days of training at Yale in June 2026. For information, contact Tiffany DeBellott at the Center for Participatory Change, 828-232-2049 or email tiffany@cpcwnc.org. X
Mystical retreat CIVICS LESSONS BULLETIN BOARD
home. When he first met the staff at the Asheville Humane Society, he was nervous and unsure. But staff reports that the more he gets to know people, the more he blossoms and his hidden spunky, playful side shines. Nico enjoys the company of adults and older kids more than other dogs. Do you think you might be the lucky person who gets to call Nico your new best friend? For more information about fostering, email Laura Nist at fosteradmin@ ashevillehumane.org. If you want to adopt a pet, visit the adoption center at 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville. X
Opening as Recreation Park Zoo on May 30, 1925, what is now WNC Nature Center is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a new barn-history mural and free admission on Friday, May 30, for the first 100 nonmembers. Members will get free seed packets. X
Town Hall
Earth Heart Sanctuary is hosting a retreat featuring Sri Balarishi Vishwashirasini, a yogini of the ancient Siddha lineage. The weekend gathering runs Friday, May 30, through Sunday, June 1. It includes guided meditation, divine mantra, kirtan, ecstatic dance and nature communion. A public talk and Q&A session is free from 5:30-7 p.m. Friday, May 30, at the Qualla Community Building, 181 Shoal Creek Church Loop, Whittier. Donations are requested for the weekend retreat. To register, go to avl.mx/esv. X
Thursday, June
Tuesday, June 3, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
On
5, 6-8 p.m., Asheville City Council member Maggie Ullman will join Buncombe County Commissioner Drew Ball and Rep. Brian Turner (District 116) for a town hall at the West Asheville Public Library, 942 Haywood Road. The three elected officials will focus on city, county and state issues. If you can’t make it to the town hall, Ullman will also be holding her latest “Coffee with a Councilwoman” event on
at the Wrong Way River Lodge, 9 Midnight Drive. X
Photo by Chad Truitt
The season of the cicada din GARDENING WITH
BY CHLOE LIEBERMAN
Things are getting juicy around here! After such a dry early spring, the rains of the past several weeks have really woken everything up. Our mountains are feeling like the temperate rainforest that they are as the gardening season moves into full swing. Be sure to send any questions or quandaries to me at gardening@mountainx.com.
Have you noticed the cicadas? This month I’m going to answer questions about this insect that we’re seeing and, even more so, hearing, in much of our region right now.
WHERE DID THE CICADAS COME FROM?
There are lots of different kinds of cicadas here in Western North Carolina. The big black ones with red eyes that are abundant right now are members of the Periodical Cicada Brood XIV, which is a 17-year group including members of three species: Magicicada cassini, M. septendecim, and M. septendecula.
They have spent 17 years as nymphs (wingless, immature versions of themselves) underground, feeding on tree roots. As soon as the ground warmed up to 64 degrees about 8-inches down, they began to climb up and out. Almost immediately after emerging from the soil, the nymphs climbed onto tree branches to molt.
Surely you’ve come across the crunchy brown exoskeletons that they left behind when they grew their wings and emerged as mature adults to sing, mate and lay eggs. Cicadas are native to our region. In fact, these mountains are home to at least seven species of annual cicadas, along with both 17- and 13-year periodical brood groups. This means we see and hear them most years in the late summer when annual cicadas emerge (though in much smaller numbers), plus we periodically experience spring explosions of them when the periodical emergences occur.
Why the Roman-numeral brood name, you may ask? In 1907, American entomologist Charles Marlatt devised the system of classifying “broods,” or emergence-year-groups of cicadas using Roman numerals. This system helps biologists and others anticipate when and where groups of cicadas will emerge. As with the group emerging now, brood groups are based on rhythm and location of emergence
and can contain more than one species of the insect.
WHAT DO ADULT CICADAS EAT?
Adult cicadas are more focused on mating than eating. In fact, the question of whether or not they actually eat at all is still up for debate among scientists. A 2023 article in the Journal of Plant Science shared research results from West Virginia’s Appalachian Fruit Research Station exploring this very question. It showed evidence of DNA from apple trees inside the adult cicadas’ digestive tracts, but could not conclude that this wasn’t residual from the nymph stage. Adult cicadas’ mouthparts are very small and adapted to sucking plant sap and not chewing. It may be that they do this to hydrate themselves rather than to receive nourishment. Whether adult cicadas eat or not, they don’t eat much, and their possible eating does not cause damage to plants.
HOW DO CICADAS MAKE SUCH A LOUD SOUND?
Male cicadas have a specialized organ called a tymbal (also the name of a Latin American-style drum), which is a corrugated part of the exoskeleton on the underside of their abdomen. The tymbal looks and acts a lot like the bendy part of a bendy straw. When they want to call out for a mate, male cicadas move this part of their body back and forth (like pulling and pushing a bendy straw), which creates a series of clicking sounds. They do this so fast, hundreds of times per second, that the rapid clicks sound like a buzz to our ears. They aren’t “singing,” per se, since they’re not using vocal chords, more like playing a built-in instrument.
According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), groups of cicadas can emit a sound at up to 100 decibels, which can be heard over a mile and a half away. This is 15 decibels above the level that’s considered hazardous to hearing (85dBA), but the CDC reassures us that we’d have to sit right next to a cicada infested bush for many hours a day over several weeks or months to sustain damage to our hearing. Female cicadas don’t have tymbals, but they make sounds by stridulation, or rubbing body parts together (usually wings). This is the same method that crickets use to “chirp” or “sing.” Females stridulate in response to male gardening@mountainx.com
HANGING OUT: Cicadas’ only interest in annual vegetables might be to find an elevated place to molt and leave behind their nymph-phase exoskeleton.
Photo by Chloe Lieberman
mating sounds so that pairs can locate each other and to distinguish themselves from other species of cicadas.
WHAT KIND OF HARM CAN CICADAS CAUSE IN GARDENS?
Cicadas' only interest in annual vegetables might be to find an elevated place to molt and leave behind their nymph-phase exoskeleton. These insects are much more concerned with trees and shrubs than they are with carrots or tomatoes.
If you have berry bushes or young fruit or nut trees in your garden, that’s another story. I’ve already established above that they don’t eat much, but egg-laying can be hazardous. When female cicadas have been fertilized by a male, they use their ovipositor to saw Y-shaped grooves about 4-5 inches long into pencil-thick branches. This is where they’ll deposit their eggs. Between six and 10 weeks later, the eggs will hatch, and nymphs will emerge, dropping to the ground to burrow down and live there for 17 years. The incisions made by female cicadas can kill the small branches or young stems of woody plants. They also provide an entry point for pathogens like fungal blights.
Cicada-damaged branches may eventually turn brown and break off. Since only the tips of mature trees are small enough to be welcoming to mother cicadas, these are not in much danger of severe damage. Young trees, on the other hand, and shrubs like blueberries, can sustain significant harm or even be killed since most or all of their branches and stems are of the enticing diameter.
HOW CAN I PROTECT YOUNG TREES AND SHRUBS FROM CICADAS?
The best way to protect vulnerable plants is to cover them completely with thin netting that has openings smaller than adult cicadas. This way, female cicadas can’t make their way onto branches to cut their little nest-trenches and lay their eggs. To do this, you’ll need large pieces of netting, which is usually available at hardware stores like Ace and farm-and-garden stores like Jesse Israel & Sons. Use string and/or clothespins or other clips to make sure there aren’t entry holes where the cicadas can get inside the netting. Pay attention to the branches of trees and shrubs in the coming months and prune any dying twigs as soon as you notice discoloration. This way you’ll prevent the spread of any pathogens that may have entered through the cicada wounds, and the trees won’t waste energy trying to heal a branch that is a goner.
With all trees and shrubs (and plants in general, and people for that matter), their ability to withstand some damage by cicadas or other pests will be improved if they are healthy and well cared for. This means mulching, watering, pruning and fertilizing, along with monitoring for signs of problems and treating as needed. If you were planning to plant new trees or shrubs this spring, it might be smart to wait until fall. Fall-planted fruit, nuts and berries generally have an easier time adapting to their new home anyway, since they will soon be in their dormant phase and need less water and energy for growth.” X
Seeing red UNCA students publish alternative zine in response to the current political climate
BY JESSICA WAKEMAN
jwakeman@mountainx.com
The pamphlets are the size of an open hand, brightly colored and eye-catching. But whether The Red Banner, an eight-page zine published by the Student Vanguard for Liberation at UNC Asheville, will catch readers’ attention remains to be seen. The weekly publication's articles are no more than one to two pages each and cover big topics: the Trump administration’s targeting of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives; UNC’s elimination of many humanities majors, including at UNCA; current disputes over the future of UNCA's 45-acre urban forest; and what the Vanguard members see as a lack of accountability and transparency from UNCA Chancellor Kimberly van Noort. “UNCA says it’s an institution of shared governance, and that just isn’t true,” Amity Martino, a junior and the general secretary of the Vanguard, tells Xpress. Martino launched the publication with Rory Killian, the organization's secretary of journalism and correspondence, earlier this year. Additionally, both are members of UNCA’s student senate. UNC’s Student Government Association roles are advisory — meaning they do not have voting power, according to state law.
“Voices, but voices without power,” as Martino puts it.
She believes advisory roles are “harmful, because it lets the university say you have a voice,” she explains. “We shouldn’t be giving input that can be ignored.”
The college juniors also claim faculty and students who disagree with the university's administration fear professional or academic retribution if they speak up. This claim is disputed by the university. “It's disappointing to hear there are rumors of professional and academic retribution,” writes Brian Hart, director of
Airing those disagreements is a key part of The Red Banner's mission.
‘NOT ENOUGH’ BEING DONE
The Blue Banner is UNCA's official student-run paper, financially supported by the university as well as advertising. It publishes 12 times per semester.
In an email to Xpress, Michael Gouge, UNCA senior lecturer of mass communications and the paper's faculty adviser, notes The Red Banner is not associated with The Blue Banner. The latter, he adds, has been the “recognized student media outlet on campus for more than 40 years and a designated forum for free speech.”
All content, Gouge continues, is written, edited and produced by the students. “No one from the university, including myself as adviser, sees or controls the content before publication.”
Regardless of The Red Banner's status, Gouge writes, “They have freespeech rights just like everyone.”
Martino and Killian say their friends work on The Blue Banner. But they believe the current political climate and ongoing campus issues require a stronger and more overt dissidence from the media. “We knew there needed to be something new that could offer a proper response to the decisions that students were watching being made,” Martino says. The Red Banner, adds Killian, is meant to be “intensive and meaningful and all-encompassing in scope that, in a way, could actually threaten the [university's] administration.”
UNCA communication, in an email to Xpress. “Fulfilling the mission of UNC Asheville requires upholding the free exchange of ideas while maintaining a safe and orderly environment for all.”
While The Red Banner formed about three months ago, its political ideas have percolated in its founders minds’ for years. Martino says she was raised in “fairly privileged” circumstances. In high school, she was drawn to reading
VILLAGE VOICE: UNC Asheville juniors Rory Killian, left, and Amity Martino are the creators of The Red Banner, an alternative newsletter published by a collective of student activists known as the Vanguard. Photo by Jessica Wakeman
the economist and political thinker Karl Marx as well as Vladmir Lenin, founder of the Russian Community Party.
"I knew something was deeply wrong” with the economy and division of labor, she says. “But I did not have a frame that was sufficient to analyze why that was, and that’s what the sciences of Marxism and Leninism provide — a way to form a radical analysis to understand the root causes of disorder in our society.”
Killian says his political beliefs were previously more moderate. He viewed President Donald Trump, who was elected for the first time while Killian was in middle school, as more of a joke than anything else.
However, the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson by suspected gunman Luigi Mangione in December enlightened him to the pain and anger others in American society feel, he says. “I was very affected by that,” Killian explains. “That's when I started to realize that whatever is being done to help the people of America by the Democratic Party is not enough, because there are always going to be people that are going to profit tremendously off the suffering of so many [others].”
‘FREE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS’
UNCA’s urban forest plan, in particular, has activated students and faculty who may otherwise not have been involved in politics, the Vanguard members note. And it’s this audience The Red Banner wants to attract as readers and contributors. Racial relations on campus and administrative compliance with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions are also important to the students and faculty, Killian says.
The Vanguard also wants to convey to the administration that students and faculty aren’t apathetic.
At times, the staff takes on the voice of agitators. In one issue, an opinion piece asserted, “[T]o simply harass and criticize Chancellor van Noort and the other administrators who tremble in Phillips Hall each day is an inadequate method of resisting the assault on higher education.”
Hart, director of communication at UNCA, notes, “We appreciate that these students have developed an outlet to disseminate and promote their ideas. The university is a venue for the free exchange of ideas, especially by and among students.”
A statement from van Noort’s office reads: “Chancellor van Noort values feedback from students, including critical voices, and her senior leadership team is actively engaged with all students to understand their perspectives and support them.”
MAKING IT WORK
The Vanguard meets on campus or around Asheville one day per week. Its secretaries vote on themes for each issue, which are assigned to members of Vanguard’s journalism department, Killian explains. The editing process is collective. Meanwhile, print costs are covered through student donations. (Each UNCA student is allocated a budget of $40 for printouts each semester.)
To date, The Red Banner has published a minimum of 100, four-page copies per print run. Killian estimates the cost to those students who’ve donated their printing allowance is 36 cents per issue.
The Vanguard members distribute copies of the zine around campus themselves, and the group is also in the process of creating a website. Another goal for The Red Banner is preserving longevity for the momentum around student activism. As Martino points out, an academic calendar has numerous holiday breaks, and the student body changes each semester.
The Vanguard’s secretary of propaganda manages the layout's art. Recent issues have included a gray dove holding a red banner, as well as pictures of Marx, writer James Baldwin and former Columbia University student-negotiator for Gaza protests, Mahmoud Khalil, who was taken from his home by ICE agents in March despite having a green card.
When asked if The Red Banner is being tongue-in-cheek with titles such as “the secretary of propaganda,” the Vanguard members say no. “It’s intentional,” Martino says. “Generally the purpose of a vanguard party is to educate and deprogram and mobilize the masses to their liberation, and so that’s what The Red Banner and our propaganda is about.”
Killian adds, “We have gotten some criticism from the student body for being theatric; which to that I’ll say we can be theatric and be committed to true democracy and shared governance on our campus.”
The students have faced other criticism, too. “We've received some very important criticism about the racial constitution of our organization and who it is exactly that we're representing,” Killian says.
The two note that they welcome input as opportunities for growth.
“It's very important for us to listen to the criticism that matters,” Killian continues. “When people say we're LARPing [live action role playing], I'm not going to listen to that, because we're not LARPing.” He adds, “But with a lot of the criticism, it has been very educational.” X
Lunch & Learn
KNOWLEDGE IS
THURSDAY, JUNE 12TH FROM 11-1 PM
Reimagining retirement has never been easier. Come enjoy a presentation about Givens Gerber Park: a more affordable rental retirement option (55+) and enjoy lunch on us. Monthly fees are all-inclusive based on income. RSVP required.
Swannanoa sisterhood
BY KRISTIN D'AGOSTINO
kristindagostino@abtech.edu
Editor's note: This story was provided by A-B Tech and written by its staff member. For privacy purposes, the story only refers to inmates by their first names.
When Tropical Storm Helene hit Swannanoa, the lives of the A-B Tech students incarcerated at Western Correctional Center for Women were turned upside down. Eventually bused to area prisons, they spent the next two months adapting to uncertainty and stress.
Through it all, their instructors acted as a lifeline, encouraging them to chronicle their experiences in weekly reflections — some shared here — that offer a poignant and compelling glimpse into the women’s harrowing experience.
Eight of these women have since gone on to graduate from A-B Tech’s Human Services Technology Program (HST) on May 10.
THE BEGINNING OF A 'TRUE BOND'
Since May 2022, 30 students at Western Correctional Center for Women have earned associate degrees in human service technology through A-B Tech and have gone on to become substance abuse counselors. The college was the first in the state to offer prisoners access to Pell grants in the N.C. Second Chance Project, which has since been adopted by other state institutions.
When Helene hit Swannanoa, 18 women inmates were in the HST program, with eight set to graduate in May. The storm immediately disrupted daily life. After losing power and water, the women began gathering rainwater from the prison yard to use for flushing the toilet.
“There were 28 of us sharing one bathroom with a toilet that didn’t flush for three days,” wrote one student named April . Food and drinking water ran low. Two bottles of water were handed out each day, one for bathing and one for drinking. Exhausted prison staff, unable to return home because of dire road conditions, slept on-site. Another student, Kayla , recalled, “This is when the true bond between staff and offenders began. We were having to look out for one
Graduating student-inmates reflect on life after Helene
another and make sure staff had naps, water and food themselves.”
On the fifth day without power and potable water, the decision was made to transfer the 360 minimum-security inmates to area prisons. Most were bused to Anson Correctional Institution in Polkton; several others were relocated to N.C. Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh. As the prison’s buses trailed through Black Mountain, one student recalled looking out the window to see a woman wave at her and point skyward, clasping her hands together as if to say: "We are praying for you."
“It really touched me,” the inmate said.
Another student, Taylor , wrote how the bus window offered her a first glimpse of how bad the destruction really was. “I saw a little girl and what appeared to be her mother washing off in a mud puddle. That flashbulb memory replays in my mind.”
'WESTERN PRINCESSES'
Of the 18 A-B Tech students, only three went on to the N.C. Correctional Institution for Women. The rest arrived to Anson Correctional Institution in Polkton, where staff struggled to adapt their already full quarters. For the majority of the Swannanoa women’s stay, they were housed in a
dormitory room with 84 existing prisoners, whom the students felt strongly resented their presence.
“They called us the Western Princesses,” one student said.
Another reflected, “Not only were we displaced and had our lives turned upside down, but so did the people who were already here.”
Luckily, the “Western Princesses” had what could be seen in hindsight as a secret weapon: six weeks of crisis intervention and psychology classes at A-B Tech. The tools they were given by their instructors — including how to function under extreme stress and how to recognize its effects on their minds and bodies — proved invaluable in the weeks to come.
THE FIRST 4 WEEKS
While students were struggling to adapt to life in their new makeshift home, their instructors were facing their own challenges. The school year had begun six weeks earlier. With the campus closed due to lack of potable water, A-B Tech’s curriculum students had moved to online classes.
The human services students provided a unique challenge.
They had moved to Anson with only one bag of belongings, leaving textbooks and laptops behind. And their new living situation was not always conducive to study. At Western, the students had a class -
room with laptops and desks and a library full of books; at Anson, a high-security prison, they were limited to a communal dorm room. No classes were held the first three weeks after the storm. According to psychology instructor Mark Daddona , the students — many of whom are serving for drug-related crimes — were anxious about their futures. Some were slated to graduate just before finishing their prison term. If they lost credit for this class, it could affect their chance for a career.
One student reflected in an assignment: “I am now in a state of fear and uncertainty … from not knowing when or if we are going back to Western. If I will still be able to maintain good enough grades with all this stress to graduate and if I’ll still be able to go to the transitional house in Charlotte as planned.”
Meanwhile, human services instructors were scrambling to create new curriculum that could accommodate the displaced students. English instructor Maggie Poist recalls meeting with the program’s chair, Porscha Orndoff, who lives nearby.
“We met in the backyard,” Poist said. “We formed a plan in early October of how to start the class again. It would be like a correspondence course, and we would go to bring them books and assignments.”
GRADUATING CLASS: Gov. Josh Stein, center, poses with A-B Tech President John Gossett and the eight students who graduated from A-B Tech’s Human Services Technology Program on May 10. The students were enrolled in the program while incarcerated at Western Correctional Center for Women. Photo courtesy of A-B Tech
There were many challenges to overcome. The first being that students’ textbooks had been left behind at Western. Concerned about photocopy rights restrictions, psychology and sociology instructor Steven Luke teamed up with A-B Tech’s vice president of operations, Cris Harshman, to write and assemble a new textbook that would contain graphs and pertinent information.
Class assignments were changed from in-class discussions to handwritten reflections. Daddona, who has worked as a mental health counselor, soon realized the storm would provide his crisis intervention students a chance to test out new coping skills.
“It made it more personal for them,” he said. “You’re going to be helping people, but now you’re in your own crisis. What do you need? How will you cope?”
Daddona rewrote one assignment to have his students reflect on what was helping them cope with the crisis, what they were feeling in the present moment and what they felt they were lacking going forward.
Poist, on the other hand, adapted her literature course to have students read and reflect on poems about living in a crisis. “I found poems to help them process what they were experiencing,” she said. This included the poem “Cloudy Day” by formerly incarcerated poet Jimmy Santiago Baca , who speaks of persevering in difficult times.
Soon after this, staff worked out a plan to keep students "in school.” Poist and Daddona took turns driving to Charlotte to drop off and pick up assignments, while Pathway to Freedom coordinator Jay Lively handled assignments at Raleigh.
Poist, who had lost her car during the storm, drove one of the college’s vehicles to meet students. “They were so happy to see us,” she recalled. “They hadn’t seen each other as a group for a long time. The energy in the room was wild. I had to stand on top of a table to get their attention. … They laughed and said, 'Poist is going to say something important.'”
Daddona came back two weeks later to pick up assignments. He said he had to fight the urge to hug his students, which is forbidden.
THE LAST 4 WEEKS
The last four weeks in Anson brought new challenges. Faced with a stack of assignments, the students had to make up for lost time. One student reflected in her
paper: “Right now I am sitting on my top bunk with earplugs in to drown out the other 83 women I live with.”
Taylor , another student, wrote, “I put on my radio and turn it up louder than the constant noise around me. … They literally stay up till 2 a.m., so there is no peace of mind in a place like this.”
Fortunately, the students were using the new tools they had learned. Luke recounted how one student was able to connect stomachaches she was having to stress. Poist described how one student wrote about taking quiet time for herself so she could help her classmate. The very process of reflecting and writing about what they were going through seemed to be helping them.
“They were able to find a calm center in the middle of a total lack of control,” Poist said. “Writing forced them to stop and reflect in the middle of the noise in the dorm rooms.”
Poist believes her students in prison have an advantage over mainstream students in living without internet access and smart phones. “Being without internet changes the habits of students and their ability to read long-form is strengthened.”
In coming weeks, after their return to Western, the students would begin to discuss their writing and compare individual experiences.
THE RETURN HOME
Finally, after two months away from “home,” the students returned
and had their first class together in Swannanoa on Dec. 4. They began to talk for the first time about their experience at Anson and the distrust and fear they’d felt as outsiders there. This experience, they discovered, paralleled what they’d been learning in a diversity class about what immigrants experience in a new country.
Sociology instructor Luke said, “We talked about how the experience strengthened their bond. How immigrants also cluster together in a new culture out of fear and anxiety, looking for something familiar.”
Although the transition to new facilities was difficult on the students, Lively points out that prison staff members were very helpful on weekly visits he made to Anson to check in with students. "I am grateful that Anson went above and beyond to keep the students enrolled,” Lively said.
In the weeks following their return home, the instructors noticed some major changes in their students’ attitudes. Luke said, “The experience strengthened their bond. I used to notice little subgroups that were exclusionary of others. I don’t see any more cliques. They’re all there together.”
One student named N’Finity reflected: “Before, we didn’t know each other well because we were only in class together once a week. Now, it’s like 'Hey, Girl!' when we see each other walk by.”
Another student, April , said she was more grateful for her instructors at A-B Tech. “They treat us not just like numbers but humans. They were the only links we had to get updates. It’s had a great impact, being in this program.”
Overall, there was a sense of peace and acceptance that hadn’t been there before. After being at Anson, suddenly their home prison didn’t seem so bad. After living through the storm, staff and offenders felt more connected.
But perhaps the greatest change in the students will manifest in years to come. Eight students walked across the stage at Harrah’s Cherokee Center – Asheville in May to receive their diplomas. Having completed a degree, they are 66% less likely to be recidivists, according to a 2023 study by the Vera Institute of Justice.
In weathering this crisis, as counselors and coaches, they will be better equipped to help clients cope with life’s challenges, their professors say. And in helping others, they will realize just how capable they themselves are.
“It is the beauty of [this program],” Luke said. “Teaching others how to help change their lives teaches them ‘I can change my life too.’” X
IN SESSION: Mark Daddona, a psychology instructor at A-B Tech, leads a class at Western Correctional Center for Women. Photo courtesy of A-B Tech
MAY. 28 - JUNE 5, 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.
Online-only events
Feature, page 31
More info, page 30
More info, page 32
WELLNESS
Therapeutic Recreation Adult Morning Movement
Wednesday mornings are all about active games, physical activities, and sports adapted to accommodate all skill levels.
WE (5/28), 10am, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave
Community Yoga & Mindfulness
Free monthly event with Inspired Change Yoga that will lead you into a morning of breathwork, meditation and yoga.
WE (5/28), 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 (5/28, 6/4), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Free Community Functional Fitness
Build muscular endurance through exercises that focus on multiple repetitions with lower weights while moving in all planes of motion.
WE (5/28, 6/4), 10:15am, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave
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 (5/28, 6/4), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
New Moon Sound Bath
Let the vibrations clear your mind, renew your spirit, and guide you into a collective state of peace and clarity.
WE (5/28), 7:30pm, The Restoration Hotel Asheville, 68 Patton Ave
Swannanoa Valley Community Chorus: Spring Concert
Black Mountain Center for the Arts • 225 W State St, Black Mountain • Sunday, June 1, 2 p.m.
The Swannanoa Valley Community Chorus is celebrating its first season singing together with a concert in the Gale Jackson Theatre at BMCA.
“There’s something refreshing about a spring concert, even more so on the tails of Helene. As someone who’s always been moved by choruses, and a firm believer in the health benefits of singing with a group, I can’t wait to witness the harmony conducted at the first-ever Swannanoa Valley Community chorus.”
— Brionna Dallara
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION: Marking 100 years to the day that Recreation Park Zoo (now the WNC Nature Center) opened, the WNC Nature Center in Asheville hosts a special day of fun activities on Friday, May 30, starting at 10 a.m. The first 100 nonmember adults and kids receive free admission. Photo courtesy of Karen Travis
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 (5/29, 6/5), TU (6/2),11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Free Community Zumba Gold
This class introduces easy-to-follow zumba choreography that focuses on balance, range of motion, and coordination.
FR (5/30), 10am, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave
Facilitated by Vivek, this sound journey features over 30 Himalayan Singing Bowls, each emitting a rich spectrum of intricate, highly somatic frequencies and overtones.
FR (5/30), 11am, UR Light Center, 2196 NC-9, Black Mountain
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 (5/31), 8:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
CIRCL Mobility Classes Through specifically designed macro and micro mobility components, you’ll renew the body’s movement
potential, achieve better performance, and recover quicker.
SA (5/31), 9am, World Dance Asheville, 1269 Tunnel Rd, Ste F
Yoga in the Park
All-level friendly yoga classes based on Hatha & Vinyasa traditions. Classes led by a rotation of certified yoga instructors.
SA (5/31), SU (6/1), 11am, West Asheville Park, 198 Vermont Ave
Mountaintop Yoga Hike
Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/ moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning views. Once there, we’ll share an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit.
Try out different styles of yoga taught by local YMCA instructors. Bring your mat, your friends, and enjoy the fresh air.
SA (5/31), 10am, Biltmore Park Town Square, Town Square Blvd.
Wild Souls Authentic Movement w/Renee Trudeau
An expressive movement class designed to help you get unstuck, enjoy cardio movement, boost immune health, dissolve anxiety and stress while celebrating community.
SU (6/1), 9:30am, Dunn's Rock Community Center, 461 Connestee Rd, Brevard
Sunday Morning Meditation Group Gathering for a combination of silent sitting and walking meditation, facilitated by Worth Bodie.
month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at the Woodfin YMCA and 1st and 3rd Monday at the Asheville YMCA.
MO (6/2), 6pm, YMCA, 30 Woodfin St
Families Anonymous Meeting
Gain support from others who have had lived experiences with a family member or friends substance abuse and related behavioral health challenges.
TU (6/3), 6pm, Love and Respect Community for Recovery and Wellness, 350 Chadwick Ave Ste 300, Hendersonville
WNC Prostate Support
Group
A forum for men, caregivers, family members, partners and supporters to attend no matter their current situation with prostate cancer.
TU (6/3), 6:30pm, First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St
Al-Anon
Are you concerned about someone’s drinking? This support group meets on a weekly basis. For more information on Al-anon, visit www.alanon.org.
SU (6/1), 10am, The Lodge at Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Yoga Taco Mosa Donation based yoga with Clare Desmelik. Bring your mat, a water bottle, and an open heart.
SU (6/1), 10am, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave
Community Meditation
This 45-minute guided meditation is led each week by a different teacher, each offering a unique theme or focus, such as mindfulness, breathwork, or self-compassion.
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 (6/1), 7pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Free Community
Athletic Conditioning Combining strength training, HIIT, plyometrics, kickboxing and step, this class offers a diverse, challenging training experience.
MO (6/2), 8am, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave
Medical Qigong
A moving meditation and an internal martial art for calming the mind and strengthening the body and spirit.
TU (6/3), 9am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
Yoga & Coffee Practice on the outdoor deck, get the body and mind balanced, and then
Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through July 28.
Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
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
Viewshed Exhibition
you can hang out after for some coffee, tea and pastries.
TU (6/3), 9:30am, Cooperative Coffee Shop, 210 Haywood Rd
Nia Dance
A sensory-based movement practice that draws from martial arts, dance arts, and healing arts.
TU (6/3), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109
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.
A group collective that gathers to talk about encounters with visual, tactile, sensational, or fringe experiences with life and the interaction of energy.
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 (5/31), 2pm, First Congregational UCC of Asheville, 20 Oak St
This support group is peer-led and facilitated by licensed therapists & dietitians specializing in eating disorders. Visit avl.mx/es6 to register.
WE (6/4), 6pm, Online
DANCE
Latin Night Wednesday w/DJ Mtn Vibez
A Latin dance social featuring salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia, and reggaeton with dance lessons for all skill levels.
WE (5/28, 6/4), 8pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd Free Bellydance Class
This class is meant to give attendees a taste of this beautiful art form in a supportive judgement-free class taught by Melanya Zerpa.
TH (5/29), noon, World Dance Asheville, 1269 Tunnel Rd, Ste F
Fundamentals of Zouk
Learn the Fundamentals of the exciting and connective partner dance, Brazilian Zouk, with local teachers, Rachel Waterhouse and John Michael Judson.
TH (5/29), 5pm, LEAF Global Arts, 19 Eagle St
ART
Flora Symbolica: The Art of Flowers
The exhibition features the work of celebrated photographer and artist Edward Steichen, whose life-long infatuation with flowers deeply affected his artistic vision.
The exhibition highlights works that span painting, textile, sound, and performance, inviting viewers to consider the ways in which artistic methodologies evolve and reverberate across time. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through August, 16, 2025. Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St Tea in the Tempest
An evocative collaborative exhibition by mixed media artist Heather Divoky and textile artist Emelie Weber Wade. It features a creative partnership, the concept evolved in response to Hurricane Helene’s impact. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 10am, and Sunday, noon. Exhibition runs through May 4. Pink Dog Gallery, 348 Depot St
Wild for Watercolor Wildflowers
You will learn a little bit about the medium and materials while creating paintings of wildflowers. SA (5/31), 10:30am, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain Kate Colcaser: Waxing Artistic, Exploring Encaustic
This exhibit highlights encaustic’s potential for creating diverse works, from landscapes and abstracts to collages and portraits with the incorporation of watercolor, photos, oil paints and pastels. Gallery open daily, 11am. Exhibition through May 31. Asheville Gallery of Art, 82 Patton Ave
Ursula Gullow: Nightbloom
Gullow’s artwork embraces the decorative arts while reframing the female presence in Western art and rescuing historical imagery from its patriarchal forebears. Gallery open Wednesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through June 21.
Tracey Morgan Gallery, 22 London Rd
Oil Pastels: Crayons for Grown-ups
This class is for all levels of experience, and participants can expect to learn some techniques in addition to creating a finished work of art.
SA (5/31), 1pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W. State St, Black Mountain
Coatlicue & Las Meninas: The Stanford Edition
The focal point of the exhibition is Lasch’s newest addition, a ten-foot black mirror merging Diego Velázquez’s iconic painting Las Meninas (1656) and the monumental sculpture of the Mexica deity Coatlicue (1400s). Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through July 13.
Asheville Art Museum, 2
S Pack Square
Iron & Ink Exhibition
This exhibition focuses on a dynamic era in American history—the Machine Age—when industrialization and advances in technology transformed urban landscapes and redefined the nature of work and leisure nationwide.
Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through Sept. 27.
Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
COMMUNITY MUSIC
Americana Concert
Series w/The Crosseyed Possum Band
This outdoor concert series features Americana-folk to bluegrass and beyond that's filled with foot-stomping and heartfelt music. This week will feature The Cross-eyed Possum Band.
TH (5/29), 6:30pm, Peterson Amphitheater, 34 Melrose Ave, Tryon Concerts on the Creek: Natti Love Joys Free concert series for the community with reggae band the Natti Love Joys providing the tunes this week. These events are free with donations encouraged. There will be food trucks available on most nights.
FR (5/30), 7pm, Bridge Park Gazebo, 76 Railroad Ave, Sylva
AmiciMusic Presents: Mendelssohn Mania
AmiciMusic returns with another thrilling chamber music concert entitled Mendelssohn Mania featuring two amazing Piano Trios composed by Felix and Fanny Mendelssohn.
SA (5/31), 2pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Swannanoa Valley Community Chorus: Spring Concert The Swannanoa Valley Community Chorus is celebrating its first
season singing together with a concert in the Gale Jackson Theatre.
SU (6/1), 2pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain
PAN HARMONIA: Dances in Nature
Enjoy mystical dances and haunting melodies by Alan Hovhaness, Joseph Jongen, Carl Nielsen along with tunes inspired by ocean creatures, waltzes, boleros and salsa.
SU (6/1), 3pm, First Presbyterian Church, 40 Church St
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
AI for Business Owners: Unlocking Practical Tools to Boost Productivity
This class will demystify artificial intelligence (AI) and show you how to integrate AI tools into your daily operations to save time, streamline tasks, and enhance your overall business strategy. Register at avl.mx/est.
WE (5/28), 10am, Online
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 avl.mx/esu.
TH (5/29), 11am, Online
Building the Backyard Homestead
Building a highly productive homestead is best accomplished using incremental steps that increase your workload and skillset overtime.
SA (5/31), 10am, Hendersonville Community Co-op, 60 S Charleston Ln, Hendersonville
Herbal Gardening for Your Healthcare
In this workshop you will deep dive into the world of medicinal herbs and their relationship to our body’s vital systems.
SA (5/31), noon, Candler, Candler
Abstract Collage Creations Workshop
Participants will design and create a unique abstract collage painting using a variety of papers, paints, markers and other mixed media materials.
SA (5/31), 1pm, Resurrection Studios Collective, 160 Broadway St
Yoga & 12 Step
Recovery
Open to anyone, especially those impacted by substance use and behavioral health concerns. Learn to deal with life’s stressors, substance free.
TU (6/3), 8:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas, 216 Asheland Ave
Simply Charmed Jewelry Workshop
This hands on workshop is drop in friendly and for ages 8 and up who
Learn techniques, habits, and helpful tips each week to improve pace and form so you can run happy and healthy.
TH (6/5), 5:30pm, YWCA of Asheville, 185 S French Broad Ave
Farm-to-Table Cooking Class
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this course is designed to inspire you to create vibrant, flavorful dishes while connecting with your community’s food sources.
TH (6/5), 5:30pm, North Carolina Cooperative Extension-Madison County Center, 258 Carolina Ln, Marshall
LITERARY
Meter & Melody: Poetry Night
An open mic for poetry, hosted by Dill.
WE (5/28), 7pm, Static Age Loft, 116 N Lexington Ave
Poetry Reading & Book Launch: The Anthology of Black Mountain College Poetry
Co-editor Joseph Bathanti will join us at the museum, and a multi-generational lineup of WNC poets, curated in collaboration with Bagatelle Books, will read excerpts from the anthology.
TH (5/29), 7pm, Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St
Strange Book Launch
Un-Event & Cookie Quest for Introverts & Wanderers
More like interactive performance art than an author reading, this offbeat book launch lets you complete quirky agenda tasks around downtown Asheville.
SA (5/31), 11am, Malaprop's Bookstore and Cafe, 55 Haywood St Cherokee History & Stories
Delve into Cherokee history and storytelling with Kathi Littlejohn (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) in a free series held on the Qualla Boundary at the EBCI's tribal museum.
SU (6/1), 3pm, Museum of the Cherokee People, 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee 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 (6/2), 6:30pm, Flood Gallery, 802 Fairview Rd Ste 1200
The Serviceberry: A Disaster Reading Group
This post-Helene reading group will start Robin Wall Kimmerer's The Serviceberry, an essay meditation on mutuality in nature.
MO (6/2), 6:30pm, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd
Poetry Open Mic
This open mic welcomes any form of artistic expression from poetry to improv theatre to music to dance. 5 and 10 minute slots available.
WE (6/4), 8:30pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave
THEATER & FILM
Toybox Theatre & Dusty Joy
A magical, musical, bicycle tour featuring Dusty Joy from Savannah, GA and the comedic puppetry stylings of Toybox, America’s Favorite Cartoon Witch.
TH (5/29), 7:30pm, Sly Grog Lounge, 271 Haywood St
Next to Normal
A powerful rock musical about a mother’s struggle with mental illness and its impact on her family, Next to Normal is an unflinching, deeply moving journey through love, loss, and healing.
FR (5/30), SA (5/31), 7:30pm, SU (6/1), 2pm, Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon St, Waynesville
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.
In this one-woman musical comedy, Sister Robert Anne hilariously teaches the audience how to put together a cabaret act—using her own unforgettable experiences, witty wisdom, and show-stopping songs from the Nunsense series.
FR (5/30), 7:30pm, SA (5/31), SU (6/1), 3pm, Hendersonville Theatre, 229 S Washington St, Hendersonville
The Book of Will
The Book of Will follows the journey of William Shakespeare’s friends and fellow playwrights as they struggle to preserve his legacy after his death.
FR (5/30), SA (6/1), 7:30pm, Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre, 92 Gay St Colman Domingo: DOT
As matriarch Dotty struggles with memory loss, her three adult children must balance caring for their mother
with navigating their own midlife crises.
SA (5/31), 2:30pm, Asheville Community Theatre, 35 E Walnut St Asheville Storytelling Circle Presents: An Evening of Tales
An evening of powerful and unforgettable stories as the Asheville Storytelling Circle brings fiver tellers to the BMCA stage, emceed by Kirsten Mitchell.
SA (5/31), 7pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 W State St, Black Mountain
Reel Obscura Mondays
A free weekly movie night that will be serving up a curated mix of cult classics, hidden indie gems and unforgettable films.
MO (6/2), 7pm, Eda's Hide-a-Way, 1098 New Stock Rd, Weaverville
MEETINGS & PROGRAMS
All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts.
WE (5/28), noon,, Yao, 153 Smoky Park Hwy
Conservation Conversations w/MountainTrue
Come meet some of the organizations in your community working to recover and conserve the places we love and learn how you can help.
WE (5/28), 5:30pm, The RAD Brew Co., 13 Mystery St
Tarot Community Circle
Each week will cover different topics. Please bring a deck based on the system of the Rider Waite Smith tarot.
WE (5/28), 6pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
Shamanic Journey Circle
Bring a blanket and eye pillow for journeying, a journal to capture insights, and a water bottle.
WE (5/28), 6:30pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Ave
Free Herbal Medicine
Share
This herbal clinic event provides herbal mutual aid services to the WNC community. Appalachian Herb Collective will provide free herbal consultations and give away free products.
FR (5/30), 12:30pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Summer Bucket List
This program empowers you to create your personalized summer bucket list and connect with like minded individuals to support your achievement.
FR (5/30), 5:30pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave
Blue Ghost Tours
Experience an educational presentation starting at 8:45 pm and then use the cover of darkness and special flashlights to go in search of the Blue Ghost fireflies while hiking on a paved trail through the forest.
SA (5/31), 8pm, The Cradle of Forestry, 11250 Pisgah Hwy, Pisgah Forest
Coloring w/Cats
Take 50 minutes 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 (6/1), 2pm, House of Black Cat Magic, Co., 841 Haywood Rd
A Centered Relationship With The Body
David brings a very interactive style to his teaching. He will lead a conversation with the group on the dharma, with many opportunities
to ask questions, share insights, or listen and learn.
MO (6/2), 6:30pm, The Lodge at Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
IBN Biz Lunch: East Asheville
All are invited to attend and promote their business, products, and services, and meet new referral contacts.
TU (6/3), noon, Suwana Asian Cuisine, 45 Tunnel Rd
IBN June Evening Social
This is your opportunity to connect with local professionals, promote your business, and expand your referral network in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
WE (6/4), 5:30pm, Appalachian Mountain Brewery, 46 N Mills River Rd, Mills River
WNC Sierra Club Presents: Smart Urban Planning & Asheville
This program will be led by Joe Minicozzi, an urban planner imagining new ways to think about and visualize land use, urban design and economics.
WE (6/4), 7pm, Reuter Center, OLLI, UNC-A campus
IBN Biz Lunch: West Asheville
NSA-WNC Meeting
Professional keynote speakers, coaches, trainers, facilitators, and consultants who cover a broad range of topics, skills and knowledge.
Featuring 3 different themes of upbeat, family friendly music. It’s first come first serve, no tickets required and free to play.
WE (5/28), 5:30pm, New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St
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 (5/29), 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 (5/31), 1pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Weekly Sunday Scrabble!
Weekly scrabble play where you’ll be paired with players of your skill level. All scrabble gear provided.
SU (6/1), 1:30pm, Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Level 256 Weekly Pinball Tournament
This is a weekly group knockout pinball tournament. Food will be provided to players. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
SU (6/1), 5:30pm, Level 256 Classic Arcade Bar, 79 Coxe Ave
Ping Pong Tournament
Come by and shoot your shot against some of the best ping pong players in town. Free to enter and $50 bar tab to the winner.
MO (6/2), 6pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave, Bingo!
Weekly bingo raises funds to place service dogs with people affected by Helene. Hosted by Paws and Effect, a Black Mountain-based service dog organization.
TU (6/3), 6pm, Wild Wing Cafe South, 65 Long Shoals Rd, Arden
Magical Offerings
KID-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS
Kung Fu For Children
Designed to begin with the foundations of these styles while also teaching application and self awareness.
WE (5/28, 6/4), 3pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave, Ste 109 Family Story Time
A fun and interactive story time designed for children ages 18 months to 3 years.
WE (5/28, 6/4), 10:30am, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain
Baby Storytime
A lively language enrichment story time designed for children ages 4 to 18 months.
TH (5/29, 6/5), 10:30am, Black Mountain Library, Black Mountain
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 (5/30), 6pm, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Dinner Under Dinos: Parents’ Night Out
Parents can enjoy a night out downtown while treating their kids to a special after-hours event that features dinner and a movie at AMOS.
SA (5/31), 5:30pm, Asheville Museum of Science, 43 Patton Ave
LOCAL MARKETS
Leicester Farmers Market
East Asheville Tailgate Market
Featuring over 25 vendors selling meat, seafood, produce, flowers, bread, eggs, baked goods, fruit, herbs, sweet treats, tamales, and more. Every Friday through Nov. 21.
FR (5/30), 3pm, Groce United Methodist Church, 954 Tunnel Rd
Mills River Farm Market
This market offers local food, live music, kids' activities, cooking demos, and a welcoming community. Browse fresh produce and pasture-raised meats to homemade breads, fresh flowers, and artisan goods.
SA (5/31), 8am, Mills River Elementary School, 94 Schoolhouse Rd, Mills River
North Asheville Tailgate Market
Browse from over 70 vendors that will be offering sustainably produced produce, meats, eggs, cheeses, breads, honey, plants, prepared foods, crafts and more.
SA (5/31), 8am, UNC Asheville Lot P28
Asheville City Market
A producer-only market featuring local food products, including fresh produce, meat, cheese, bread, pastries, and other artisan products. Every Saturday through December.
SA (5/31), 9am, 52 N Market St
Black Mountain Tailgate Market
and crafts, sourwood honey, and other farm fresh items. Open daily, 8am.
570 Brevard Rd
Junk-O-Rama Vintage Market
Browse vintage clothing vendors, local crafters, antiques and more.
SU (6/1), noon, Fleetwood's, 496 Haywood Rd
Meadow Market
This vibrant outdoor market features a curated selection of local makers and artisans. Browse a delightful array of one-of-a-kind textiles, handcrafted jewelry, beautiful pottery, and more.
SU (6/1), 1pm, The Meadow at Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy, Ste 200 West Asheville Tailgate Market
This market features an array of goods including fruits, vegetables, baked goods, bread, eggs, cheese, plants, specialty items, locally made art and crafts and more. Every Tuesday through November.
TU (6/3), 3:30pm, 718 Haywood Rd
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Jazz for Justice
Connect with friends old and new, as you enjoy gourmet food, delicious drinks, and the vibrant sounds of live jazz performed by talented local artists. This event aims to support efforts to ensure everyone in WNC has equal access to justice. See p32 WE (5/28), 5:30pm, The Event Center at Highland Brewing, 12 Old Charlotte Hwy Ste 200
CMS Carolinas Summer Festival Sneak Peek Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to get a sneak peek of what promises to be an amazing summer event.
WE (5/28), 6:30pm, Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church, 701 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa Community Concert w/The Steep Canyon Rangers
This event will feature Steep Canyon Rangers, one of the most renowned names in bluegrass and Americana music. In addition to the music, it will also feature a variety of local food vendors, a marketplace and a gear swap presented by Second Gear.
Mayday IV
This two-day event features 2 stages, food trucks, and 20 indie-rock and alt-rock bands such as: Yawni, We Have Ignition, Gal Monday, Ton of a B*tch, Tiny Tv's, and more.
FR (5/30), 8pm, SA (5/31), 5pm, Sly Grog Lounge, 271 Haywood St 30th Annual Twin Rivers Media Festival
An international film festival that will feature ward-winning, independent films from around the world in documentary, drama, anti-war, experimental and animation categories. SA (5/31), 11am, Gallery, 802 Fairview Rd, Ste 1200
A Day of Love
Thousands of people will participate in the first annual A Day of Love, which focuses on expanding on individual and collective awareness of love.
SA (5/31), 1pm, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science Mind Way
BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING
Authors for Literacy Fundraiser w/David Baldacci
6th annual Authors for Literacy Fundraiser featuring New York Times bestselling author, David Baldacci. This is a night to promote the power of literacy within Buncombe County.
TH (5/29), 5pm, Crowne Plaza Expo Center, 1 Resort Dr Spring Bloom Gala: Farm to Table Dinner & Waldorf School Fundraiser
This year’s gala celebrates the sacred work of raising children, feeding communities, and healing the land.
TH (5/29), 5pm, Treska's on Highland Lake, 211 Rhett Dr, Flat Rock Dine w/Divas Drag Dinner Show
Enjoy a star-studded evening of drag queen celebrity impersonators, a tasty dinner, and community joy—all in support of PFLAG Asheville.
A community-led farmers market local produce, cheese, meats, honey, strawberries, asparagus, rhubarb, ramps, a variety of plants and more. Every Wednesday through October.
WE (5/28, 6/4), 3pm, Leicester Community Center, 2979 New Leicester Hwy, Leicester RAD Farmers Market
Asheville’s only yearround weekly market, featuring 30+ vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafted items, beverages, grab-and-go meals, and more. EBT and SNAP accepted.
WE (5/28), 3pm, AB Tech, 24 Fernihurst Dr
Didanisisgi Gadagwatli Native Art Market & Exhibit Opening
Reception
Shop handmade art, traditional crafts, and unique items from Cherokee vendors at Museum of the Cherokee People during this Exhibit opening reception. See p32
TH (5/29), 11am, Museum of the Cherokee People, 589 Tsali Blvd., Cherokee
A seasonal community event featuring organic and sustainably grown produce, plants, cut flowers, herbs, local raised meats, seafood, breads, pastries, cheeses, eggs and locally handcrafted items. Every Saturday through Nov. 22.
SA (5/31), 9am, 130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Swannanoa Farmers Market
This market will feature farm-fresh produce, local honey, eggs, baked goods, and delicious eats. You'll also find handmade jewelry, artwork, fiber crafts, wooden utensils, yard art, apothecary essentials, and more.
SA (5/31), 9am, 216 Whitson Ave, Swannanoa
Mars Hill Farmers & Artisans Market
A producer-only tailgate market located on the campus of Mars Hill University on College Street. Offering fresh local produce, herbs, cheeses, meats, eggs, baked goods, honey, body care and more. Every Saturday through Oct. 26.
SA (5/31), 10am, College St, Mars Hill
WNC Farmers Market
This year-round market features locally grown produce, fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, plants, shops, arts
RAD Farmers Market Asheville’s only yearround weekly market, featuring 30+ vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, handcrafted items, beverages, grab-and-go meals, and more. EBT and SNAP accepted. See p30
WE (5/28), 3pm, New Belgium Co., 21 Craven St Weaverville Tailgate Market
This market features a selection of fresh, locally grown produce, grass fed beef, pork, chicken, eggs, cheese, baked goods, artisan bread, eclectic handmade goodies, garden and landscaping plants. Open year-round.
WE (6/4), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr Weavervill Biltmore Park Farmers Market
This market features fresh seasonal produce, delicious homemade pastries, premium meats and seafood, beautiful vibrant flowers, and more.
TH (6/5), 3pm, Biltmore Park Town Square, Town Square Blvd.
Enka-Candler Farmer's Market
A grand selection of local foods and crafts, everything from produce to pickles, baked goods to body care, and even educational resources. Every Thursday through October 31.
TH (6/5), 3:30pm, A-B Tech Small Business Center, 1465 Sand Hill Rd, Candler
TH (5/29), 6pm, Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza
WNC Nature Center Day
This special event honors a century of wild wonder with a full day of fun, discovery and community spirit. Free admission for the first 100 non-members adults and kids.
FR (5/30), 10am, WNC Nature Center, 75 Gashes Creek Rd
Maggie B's Wine Store 18 Year Anniversary Party
This party celebrates Maggie B's 18 years in business with bands, Future26 and The Pleasure Chest.
FR (5/30), 5pm, Maggie B's Wine and Specialty Store, 10 C South Main St, Weaverville
The NuWray Restoration Shindig
A joyful recognition of the hotel’s vibrant restoration and the community’s resilience. Enjoy live music by Dylan Wilson and the Stardust Cowboys, a barbecue buffet, and a cash bar at Roland’s on the patio. See p31
FR (5/30), 5pm, The NuWray Hotel, 102 Town Square, Burnsville 30th Annual Twin Rivers Media Festival
An international film festival that will feature ward-winning, independent films from around the world in documentary, drama, anti-war, experimental and animation categories. FR (5/30), 7pm, Flood Gallery, 802 Fairview Rd, Ste 1200
Animal Haven of Asheville's 25th Anniversary Celebrate Animal Haven of Asheville’s 25th Anniversary and meet all of the adorable rescued animal: cows, pigs, goats, sheep, geese, and more.
SA (5/31), 1pm, Animal Haven of Asheville, 65 Lower Grassy Branch Rd
Just Brew it
A celebration of community, creativity, and great taste with over 50 unique beers crafted by 20 plus talented home brewers. Those in attendance sample the home brew and vote for their favorites.
SA (5/31), 2pm, Pisgah Brewing Co., 2948 US Hwy 70 W, Black Mountain
21st Annual WNC Flyer
As the primary fundraiser for the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, this iconic event helps fund bicycle advocacy, education, and infrastructure projects.
SU (6/1), 8am, Oskar Blues Brewery, 342 Mountain Industrial Dr, Brevard
Bi-Annual Grovewood Village Studio Tour
It's an opportunity to explore the studios of Grovewood Village's resident artists, gain insight into their creative process, and view their most recent works.
SU (6/1), noon, Grovewood Village, 111 Grovewood Rd
Pride Month Kickoff Party w/Duck
Help kick off Pride month in style with a vibrant, feel-good set that's perfect for a sunny Sunday celebration. There will be Jamaican/Southern fusion food truck on site and funk-soul powerhouse band, Duck.
SU (6/1), 2pm, Oklawaha Brewing Co., 147 1st Ave E, Hendersonville
TH (5/29), 7pm, Hi-Wire Brewing Big Top, 2A Huntsman Place
Rebuilding the Gateway Trail
We are still at it, repairing the Helene damaged Gateway Trail. We need volunteers to help assemble another section of the retaining wall and stabilize the side slope of the trail.
SA (5/31), 9am, Camp Grier, 985 Camp Grier Rd, Old Fort Spring Into Adoption Mountain Pet Rescue helps connect people with pets in need. Meet their pets available for adoption and bring your own pets to socialize and make new memories.
SA (5/31), noon, Dr Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Bob Hinkle's 80th Birthday Bash Celebrate White Horse founder's birthday with a concert fundraiser for the White Horse Community Fund. The evening’s celebrations will host music from Kat Williams, The Belfast Boys, Jay Brown and Aditi, Mary Ellen Davis and Bob Hinkle himself. SA (5/31), 7pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
One Mic Benefit Show Mercy in the Mountains will be hosting a bluegrass Hurricane Relief Benefit Concert for Leaf Global Arts and Habitat for Humanity. The concert features sets from Whitewater Bluegrass Co., Darren Nicholson Band, Unspoken Tradition and more. MO (6/2), 6pm, The Meadow at Highland Brewing Co.,
WELLNESS Counting sheep
A doctor’s guide to insomnia
BY TROY JACKSON
troyjackson@authentichealth.com
As a family medicine doctor, helping patients who struggle with insomnia can be extremely challenging. Insomnia can happen for many reasons, does not have a lot of simple treatment options and is very common — all of us will suffer from insomnia at some point in our lives.
I also find sleep the most fascinating pillar of health. It is universal: Every living creature sleeps, dedicating a large proportion of its time on earth to being vulnerable and seemingly unproductive. It is powerful: The quality of our sleep will make or break the next day. And it is paramount to our health: Poor sleep increases our risk of heart attacks and dementia, impairs our immune system and directly affects our mood as well as our eating, digestion and exercise patterns. Therefore, I want to take some time to address issues tied to sleep, including insomnia. I also want to review two common sleep concerns that routinely come up in my practice.
Defining the terms
WHAT IS SLEEP?
Sleep is our brain’s nightly process of resting and recovering from the day, transferring shortterm memories into long-term ones and clearing out waste products. The ability to fall asleep and stay asleep is governed by two factors: the buildup of a molecule called adenosine, which causes physical sleepiness, and the circadian rhythm, a clocklike orchestra of hormones and chemical reactions that tell the brain when to go to sleep and when to wake up.
INSOMNIA VS. SLEEP DEPRIVATION
Some may view insomnia and sleep deprivation as the same thing, but they are actually very different terms. Sleep deprivation occurs when we do not allow ourselves enough time for sleep, going to bed too late and waking up too
early. On the other hand, insomnia is a perceived inability to sleep while providing the body enough time for sleep. People with sleep deprivation often struggle to stay awake during the day or fall asleep at inappropriate times, whereas those with insomnia generally do not experience these symptoms.
Most studies assessing the longterm harms of poor sleep are studying sleep deprivation, not insomnia. Therefore, allowing your brain enough time for sleep is the most important factor. Though hotly debated, the consensus is that seven to eight hours of sleep is appropriate for most people. To account for delays in falling asleep and wakeups during the night, I recommend adding another hour to this, also referred to as “time in bed,” which comes out to eight to nine hours in bed. Over time, insomnia can lead to sleep deprivation, so it is very important to understand why you may have insomnia and take necessary actions to correct it.
Common sleep questions
WHY CAN’T I FALL ASLEEP?
The most common reason for this is a misunderstanding between being sleepy and being tired — a concept I learned from the best book on sleep, Hello Sleep: The Science and Art of Overcoming Insomnia Without Medications . “Sleepiness” is the increasingly unavoidable drive to close your eyes. Your eyelids are heavy and you find yourself nodding off. “Tiredness” is feeling physically and emotionally worn out but not sleepy. This is an important distinction to make because during times of sleepiness, adenosine levels are high and the circadian rhythm is in full force. With tiredness, these sleep drivers are not fully active yet. If you struggle to fall asleep, I recommend that you focus on increasing sleepiness: Wake up at the same time each morning and get more natural sunlight to strengthen the circadian rhythm,
NOT THE SAME THING: "Some may view insomnia and sleep deprivation as the same thing, but they are actually very different terms," writes Dr. Troy Jackson in his latest health feature. Photo courtesy of Jackson
exercise regularly and avoid napping to increase adenosine levels — and stay out of your bedroom until you are sleepy. If you are over the age of 65 and have trouble falling asleep, you may want to speak with your doctor about low-dose supplement of melatonin, a sleep hormone that declines with age.
WHY DO I WAKE UP AT 3 A.M. EVERY NIGHT?
Early morning awakening is a very interesting phenomenon. Some sleep experts believe this is a completely normal sleep pattern called “biphasic sleep,” while others attribute it to increased stress or anxiety. With biphasic sleep, a person goes to sleep for some time, wakes up for a few hours and then goes back to sleep until sunrise. The theory is that with the Industrial Revolution, our sleep became more governed by the clock and less by the sun, making biphasic sleep a problem rather than a natural rhythm of our sleep cycle.
With that said, I also see an association between stress and the 3 a.m. wake-up. Around this time, your brain has reduced adenosine levels; only the circadian rhythm is keeping you asleep. Cortisol, a stress hormone, is also the hormone that promotes wakefulness. If you go to bed with a higher-than-normal cortisol level, your brain will try to wake earlier than you desired. And once you are awake, your brain has a much harder time falling asleep. If you wake up at 3 a.m. and cannot fall back asleep within 15-20 minutes, I recommend leaving your bedroom and doing something else around the house until you feel sleepy again. This can be tough, as you may not fall back asleep for a few nights. But eventually, your growing sleep pressure will help get your sleep cycle back on track. If stress is playing into your insomnia, give yourself time to process your thoughts during the day with meditation, prayer, journaling or counseling.
Final thoughts
For anyone with long-standing insomnia, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the best form of treatment. CBT-I can be done in person or online and has consistently shown to improve sleep better than sleep medications, which have never been studied long term and come with a high risk of side effects and dependency. I prefer to only prescribe sleep medications in specific, shortterm situations.
In closing, insomnia is common and can be a rough season for many of us, but remember that it will often self-correct in time. If you are a longtime sufferer of insomnia, don’t suffer in the dark — bring it up with your doctor and start working toward solutions. X
Featuring Music From:
• Company Swing featuring Anne Coombs, Jazz, Centric Swing, Funk, Blues
• Moon and You Band, Husband and Wife Folk Duo
• Kim Nelson, Professional Keyboard Player, Vocalist
Bring your picnic basket, blanket or low chairs, for an evening of music and camaraderie.
Benefiting Veteran Women
Aura Home Women Vets is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization working to prevent homelessness for women veterans in WNC first through prevention and second by offering safe housing.
WITH ERIC BROWN
BY ERIC BROWN
There’s no denying that it has been a rough year to live in Western North Carolina. I don’t know about y’all, but I’ve had just about enough as far as natural disasters, political unrest andgeneral public tension is concerned. So the question is: How do we make things better?
I’m going to be flat-out honest. I don’t have any real answers. What I do have is a brain riddled with endless jokes, bits and make-’em-ups.
So I’ve brought on three of my favorite people from the local comedy world to help. Hopefully with Katie Jones, Donnie Rex Bishop and Marlene Thompson, we’ll get to the bottom of all this.
Eric: Captain Planet teaches us that the elements are earth, wind, fire, water and heart. Now that WNC has battled wind, fire and water, how do you intend to face our inevitable battle with earth and heart?
Donnie: I personally look forward to when the earth under Asheville opens up and swallows the city whole. It’s the only way we are gonna make the top 10 list of Best Hippie Cities in the Center of the Earth. That’s right: Asheville, snugly nestled between the Earth’s mantle and outer core.
Marlene: While I believe Asheville to have a lot of heart, especially after seeing the community come together in the wake of Helene, the earth will indeed have to open up like Donnie said. But into the pit of hell? No. Let’s go classic with some sinkholes, baby. I want to see sinkholes happen like they did in 2019, harmless and meme-worthy. Gimme a sinkhole outside of the Vault. We can sit and watch tourists drive on Rankin looking for a parking spot and then — bam! — sinkhole.
Katie: I think the police need to become earth warriors and sow the seeds of happiness in our community. For example, instead of worrying about things like houseless folks sleeping on benches and bothering no one, they could plant trees, set up beehives on the
Who or what should Asheville protest next?
CALLING CAPTAIN PLANET: Local comedians, starting clockwise top left, Eric Brown, Marlene Thompson, Katie Jones and Donnie Rex Bishop contemplate what natural disasters can teach us about life, as well as what political issues local residents should consider protesting next. Photo of Brown by Cindy Kunst; all other photos courtesy of the comedians
roof of their headquarters, make and distribute food for folks who need it … you know, actually help. I will personally sew capes for all of them made from compostable plastic bags and love. And, yes, for the record, I am 100% OK with my tax dollars going to this.
Eric: If we’re abiding by the rules of Captain Planet, which we should, then that means heart boils down to basically controlling animals. Now as far as fighting the previous other elements goes, there doesn’t seem to be a lot we can do. Sure, you can protest and elect people who support climate change reform, but if the N.C. Supreme Court
race between Democratic incumbent Allison Riggs and Republican challenger Jefferson Griffin showed us anything, it’s that just because you get legally elected in this state doesn’t mean you won’t have to put up with a whole bunch of shenanigans before your victory is certified. This is where the animals come in. The animals are more reasonable and probably won’t make up a bunch of nonsense to drag through the courts. And we could get the fauna of the area to work in tandem with us in all areas of life. Storm coming in? Get a crack team of raccoons to bring in sandbags. A bunch of trees
down in the streets? A friendly squadron of beavers will have that up in no time. A local election loser refusing to give it up even though he clearly lost? Perhaps sending a crack team of 50 or 60 black bears to his house to disabuse him of that idea is just the thing! The best part of all of this? All the animals want in return is garbage. They can’t get enough of that stuff. Especially the bears and raccoons. It’s a simple and elegant solution to all of our problems. Well, except for the battle with Earth. I don’t have an answer for that.
Eric: It has been a great year so far for protests in Asheville. From International Women’s Day to the jam-packed Hands Off demonstration, we are really exercising our liberties while we still have them. What are some protests you’d like to see next?
Katie: I want to use comedy to fight the forces of evil. I’ve recently started a political theater group called AVL Revolt with my artistic partner, McClain. AVL Revolt aims to raise awareness and kick ass with the power of the people … and pop-culture references. Be on the lookout for folks in elaborate costumes, gigantic puppets, chorus chants of our reps’ voting records, live-action storybooks, mob flashes and more!
Donnie: Let’s take a stand against the people in Asheville who are on dating apps and Facebook Marketplace. Their behaviors are so damn similar that there’s no way they aren’t the same people. “What’s that? You want to know if myself or this thing I have is available? Why yes, yes it is. Hello? Hey, are you still there!?! Where did you go!?!” It is like this every time. Whether it’s marketplace or Tinder or Hinge or whatever, it always ends the same way: me, by myself, with more petroleum jelly than I know what to do with. Stop being so flaky and playing with my emotions, Asheville. Marlene: Since the majority of us are still not over the hurricane, I’d like to see a protest for more federal funding to help rebuild WNC. With this current constitutional-crisis-making administration taking
away funds and laying off federal workers who could assist in getting folks the housing and stability they deserve, it’s tough to think of anything more pressing in our city.
Eric: So my partner and I went to the International Women’s Day protest this year at Pack Square. A guy in a beat-up pickup truck stopped in the intersection and screamed: “You’re in the way! How am I supposed to drive through here!?!” I would like the next protest to be about that guy. Nobody drives through Pack Square for any reason. There is almost never any traffic. There are a ton of ways to get around Pack Square. Just go around, ya dingdong. Now, is it petty to protest a single man in town who annoyed me slightly? Hell yeah, dog; but it’s my question to answer, and that’s what I want.
Eric: Chuck Edwards’ town hall at A-B Tech was the hottest ticket in WNC in March. But most people weren’t able to get in. To put it mildly, the reaction and vibes in the room could be described as “very hostile.” Democracy is built on the principle that all voices should be heard. So in the spirit of democracy, what do you wish you could have yelled at Chuck if you had gotten in?
Katie: I would have offered that Western North Carolina has lots of meet-up groups that appeal to a variety of interests. Maybe he should try knitting or playing a board game sometime. Because there’s nothing
cool about being a lackey henchman with no point of view of your own.
Donnie: I would’ve loved to inquire about who does his hair? I’ve been wanting to sport the latest in patriarchal bootlicker chic but just can’t seem to master it with the standard at-home woke methodology that I have in my medicine cabinet. Perhaps it’s my inner-gay agenda that keeps telling me that a comb-over is social suicide. But how will we ever make America great again if I too can’t embrace the reality denialism of someone who scrapes their few remaining strands of hair over their balding head?
Marlene: That guy. Oof. Have you ever heard of dressing for the job you want, Chuck? If the job is for a bootlicking SOB, then, OK, I guess you shop at the right store. This isn’t really a question, Chuck, it’s more of a concerned observation. Anyway, your Just for Men goatee is showing.
Eric: That guy is clearly not listening to anything we say, so why not just take the opportunity to do bits? I would’ve done all the juvenile classics. Maybe just yell, “Hey Chuck!” the whole time he was talking and then look around at the crowd as if to say, “Who did that!?!” I would’ve also loved to spend that town hall roasting him about how he looks like a WWE wrestler from the 2000s whose career didn’t take off. No, I take that back. He looks like a 2000s era WWE referee whose career didn’t take off. Look, we’re all sorry that Goldust hit you with that chair and threw you through that table at the 2002 Hell in a Cell. But you’ve got to stop taking it out on us. X
In the red
Tips for preserving WNC's strawberry harvest
BY ASHLEY ENGLISH
Hey there, Xpress readers! I’m Ashley English, an author and educator based here in Western North Carolina, where I’m living and learning alongside my husband, Glenn English , and our two sons. Whether it's keeping a hive a bees or tending to a flock of chickens, baking a savory pie, hosting an apple-themed potluck, making yogurt or kombucha or creating a healing salve or herbal cough syrup, if it involves simple, straightforward, time-honored wisdom with a nod to the seasons, I’m keen on it — and may very well have written a book or taught a class on the subject! In collaboration with Mountain Xpress, I am delighted to announce a new ongoing series, “Homemade Living.” Each month I’ll offer a column with an eye toward creating a do-it-yourself home apothecary of wellness remedies, alternating with this one, which is focused on preserving the foods and flavors of the season.
Preserving strawberries
It’s typically sometime in April when I start to see them. Whether witnessed in person at area tailgate markets or viewed online, fresh from the fields and backyards of farmers and friends, the ruby-hued harbingers of springtime sweetness infallibly make their annual arrival.
Of course, I’m talking about strawberries. Making their way up the mountains from South Carolina and Georgia before finally coming into season in Western North Carolina, their arrival officially announces the emergence of longer, warmer days. After you’ve had your fill of fresh berries and put up jars of your favorite strawberry jam, consider having a go at the following three recipes.
Quick-pickled strawberries come together in a snap and can imbue charcuterie boards, salads and grilled cheese sandwiches (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!) with unexpected pizzazz. Frozen strawberries make quick work of the question “What on Earth am I going to do with all these berries I just picked/bought?!" letting you shelve any decision-making until a later date. Strawberry-infused vinegar is a perky
addition to salad dressings, marinades, coleslaws, fruit salads and salsas and is great as a tonic with bubbly water. Strawberry season may be fleeting, but these recipes can help you savor the flavor and extend their deliciousness long after harvest time has passed.
QUICK-PICKLED STRAWBERRIES
Makes: 1 quart
You will need:
• 1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved, if very large
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or rice vinegar (5% acidity)
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar (white, cane or coconut)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• Optional: A few sprigs of fresh herbs, such as lemon thyme, mint, lemon verbena, lemon balm, rosemary or basil.
To prepare: Place the strawberries into a hot, sterilized quart jar. If including any herbs, add those to the jar as well. Place the vinegar, water, sugar and salt into a stainless steel saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt. Using a canning funnel (if available), pour the hot brine over the strawberries. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Wipe the rim of the jar with a clean, damp kitchen cloth, then affix a lid and screw band. Store the jar in the refrigerator. Wait a minimum of four hours before serving to allow the brine to infuse the strawberries. Keep any leftover portions covered in the refrigerator and eat within one to two weeks.
FROZEN STRAWBERRIES
Makes: Amount varies.
You will need: Fresh strawberries
To prepare:
Rinse the strawberries in cold water. Spread them out on a dry kitchen cloth and gently blot dry. Hull the strawberries by carefully placing a paring knife at an angle into the stem. Cut around the stem in a full circle, moving around where the stem was attached. Pop out the green part and compost it. Halve or quarter the strawberries, depending on how large they are. Spread the berries in a single layer on a rimmed sheet pan, making sure they aren’t touching
each other. If you have more berries than will fit in one pan, use multiple pans, but don’t stack the berries on top of each other. Place the pan(s) of strawberries in your freezer. Leave for at least two hours, and no more than four hours. Once the strawberries are frozen solid, transfer them from the sheet pan to a silicone or plastic freezer bag. Squeeze as much air as you can out of the bag before sealing it. Aim to use within six months.
STRAWBERRY-INFUSED VINEGAR
Makes: About 2 cups.
You will need:
• 3 cups strawberries, washed, hulled and sliced to about 1/4-inch thickness
• 1 1/2 cup rice vinegar, white wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
• 3 teaspoons sugar
To prepare:
Place the strawberries into a glass jar to which a lid can be affixed, such
as a Mason or other style canning jar. Warm the vinegar and sugar in a small saucepan. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Remove from the heat right as the mixture begins to boil. Place a canning funnel (if available) over the jar’s opening and pour the brine over the strawberries. Use a nonmetallic utensil, such as a mixing spoon or wooden chopstick, to stir the brine around the strawberries. Set aside to cool to room temperature, then affix a lid over the jar. Leave to infuse in a cool, dark location, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet, for three days. Taste the vinegar to see if the flavor is to your liking. Infuse for one to two additional days, if desired. Once you’re happy with the flavor, strain the mixture using a fine mesh sieve, finely woven cheesecloth or a coffee filter. Compost the solids. Transfer the vinegar to a glass vessel with a lid, such as a flip-top jar or wine bottle with a cork. Label and store in the pantry or other cool, dry area. Aim to use within one year.” X
BERRY HAPPY: The season for Western North Carolina strawberries is short, but pickling, freezing and infusing methods help preserve the harvest. Photo by Glenn English
Rolling with the French Broad River Brewery
BY CHRISTOPHER ARBOR
Better late than never, the crew visits the resurrected Biltmore Village taproom 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 trip to White Labs Brewing Co., visit avl.mx/et2
We’re hitting all the Asheville breweries in the order that they opened, and French Broad River Brewery should have been fourth in line. A fixture in the community, it opened in 2000, just after Highland Brewing, Green Man Brewery and Asheville Brewing Co. In fact, when my wife and I started dating way back in 2006, she was a bartender there, and I was a teetotaler. My, how times have changed!
The Biltmore Village brewery was hit hard by flooding from Tropical Storm Helene, and it took nearly seven arduous months for owners Paul and Sarah Casey and their team to reopen. To put their tenacity in context, even some of the physically undamaged breweries in the area have been forced to shutter for various reasons, including a lack of local customers, tourists and employees. As I write this, Catawba, Blue Ghost, Cursus Keme, 7 Clans, New Origin and Zillicoah are all either permanently or still temporarily closed post-Helene.
Moreover, the Caseys bought the brewery from the previous owners in 2017, so in the eight years they’ve owned it, they’ve not only had to rebuild from massive flooding but also weather a multiyear pandemic. It’s enough to drive someone to drink. (See what I did there?)
In restoring the brewery, they took great care in choosing what to re-create and what to update. For example, much of the space and the packaging are still decorated with the same branded river rock pattern as before, and actual, physical river rocks are embedded in the bar top. They even put the same stained wood paneling up behind the bar that was there before the flood. The bathrooms, furniture and stage, on the other hand, have all been upgraded, and the owners created a
FOURTH OF NATURE: The crew gathered recently at French Broad River Brewery. The fourth brewery to open in Asheville, it is now freshly rebuilt after flooding during Tropical Storm Helene. Photo by Christopher Arbor
new mural from photographs donated by loyal customers of their times at the brewery before the flood.
As an aside, it was only when I saw the new bar top that I realized that French Broad's cans are patterned after river rocks. For years beforehand, I had wondered why they had giraffe print. (If you didn’t know before that I'm an idiot, you do now.)
Two highlights of our visit include the dogs and dawgs — some pup friends with their owners and Nikki Friend with her specialty hot dog cart, Silly Willies. Nikki's last name, by the way, is what’s called an aptronym, like when the fastest man in the world has the last name Bolt or a drug lord’s last name is Coke. Nikki was mighty friendly, and her Chicago-style dog was stellar.
A bluegrass jam session got underway, and our crew went out to the
newly rebuilt deck for easier conversation. I noticed an unfamiliar couple hanging on our periphery and introduced myself. They said they’d been reading these articles and thought they’d watch from a distance, if that was all right. I told them it most certainly was not, so they joined me and some friends at a table.
With the two of them, we numbered 20, and we were a tiny fraction of the customers. The place was bumping. I thought, "We should have been here months ago, but I’m glad we’re here now." Cheers to the river rocks and the waters that smooth them.
Come join us on another adventure. We gather at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays. You can email me at yearinbeerasheville@ gmail.com or just show up.
• June 4: Whistle Hop Brewing
• June 11: Archetype Brewing” X
American Premium Lager West Coast India Pale Lager Rice Pilsner w/ Cherry Blossoms Czech Amber Lager
WHAT’S NEW IN FOOD
by Gina Smith | gsmith@mountainx.com
Bugging out
Alan Muskat, founder of No Taste
Like Home foraging tours, sees Western North Carolina’s current 2025 mass emergence of 17-year Brood XIV cicadas as a culinary opportunity. Muskat is harvesting the redeyed bugs as a food source and will pay locals a rate of $20 per gallon to do the same.
“Some say they taste like popcorn, but I’d say that this variety — at least, sautéed — tastes like steak and beans,” he explained in a recent social media post. Cicadas should be harvested from organic areas, frozen immediately and delivered frozen. at avl.mx/et7.
Tailgate market news
River Arts District Farmers Market — Effective Wednesday, June 4, the RAD Farmers Market is moving from its temporary, post-Helene home at A-B Tech to New Belgium Brewing Co., 21 Craven St. Markets take place 3-6 p.m. Wednesdays. avl.mx/9ki
North Asheville Tailgate Market — Asheville’s oldest market moved on May 17 to its summer location on Lot P28 across from its temporary home at lot P34 on the UNC Asheville campus. It will remain there through Saturday, Aug. 9. The market happens 8 a.m.-noon on Saturdays. avl.mx/bei X
The Refinery — The Refinery debuted in mid-May at The Foundry Hotel, 51 S. Market St., serving breakfast and brunch with dinner service to come. The space was previously home to Benne on Eagle, which shuttered on Sept. 24. Executive chef Shawn Cameron, formerly sous chef at Corner Kitchen, helms the restaurant. Learn more at avl.mx/et8
Photo of The Refinery executive chef Shawn Cameron courtesy of The Foundry Hotel, a Raines managed hotel
Dripolator Biltmore Village — Dripolator coffee shop opened its latest location on May 20 at 760 Biltmore Ave. This is the shop’s fifth location. Amy Vermillion founded the first Dripolator in Black Mountain in 1999. For more, follow Dripolator on Instagram at avl.mx/et9. X
Sad farewells
Reopenings
We’re
Back!
Barley’s Taproom — After a post-Helene closure and design refresh, Barley’s Taproom, 42 Biltmore Ave., reopened its upstairs area this month. The downstairs pizza restaurant remains closed but should reopen “in the near future,” says a press release. Hours are 4 p.m.-1 a.m., Thursday-Sunday. Visit avl.mx/eta for more information.
Noodle Hole — After launching in August then being flooded in September by Tropical Storm Helene, made-to-order doughnut and handpulled noodle business Noodle Hole, at 133 S. Main St., Marshall, announced its reopening this month on Instagram. For updates on hours, visit avl.mx/et4.
Moe’s Original BBQ — The Hendersonville location of Moe’s Original BBQ reopened May 20 after closure due to damage from Tropical Storm Helene. The restaurant at 1794 Asheville Highway is open 11 a.m.-8 p.m. MondaySaturday. Learn more at avl.mx/etb. X
• Laughing Seed — After 32 years in business, downtown vegetarian restaurant Laughing Seed Café will close permanently on Saturday, May 31. In a May 19 social media announcement, the family-owned restaurant cited impacts from the COVID pandemic and Tropical Storm Helene for the closure. Owners Joan and Joe Eckert encourage restaurateurs interested in the space to contact them at laughingseed.joan@gmail.com. Read the full announcement at avl.mx/etc.
• Overlook Coffee Co. — The independent coffee shop in Tanger Outlets on Brevard Road will permanently shutter on Sunday, June 1. WLOS reported on May 6 that Tanger refused to renew owner Carrie Prado’s lease, and a Starbucks will move into the space. Prado will host a vegan biscuit and gravy fundraiser with Back Porch Baking Co. at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 1, at Retro Coffee, 2619 Sweeten Creek Road. Learn more at avl.mx/ete.
• Black Mountain Pizza and Ale House — After 15 years, the pizza shop at 117 C Cherry St. in downtown Black Mountain, closed on May 17. “We have not been able to sustain operations in the current economic climate,” the owners shared in a press release. The 3,000-square-foot space is for lease. Those interested should email admin@blkmtnpizza.com. X
Photo by Gina Smith
Savoring the past
NuWray Hotel restaurant launch marks end of restoration project
BY KAY WEST
kswest55@comcast.net
Everything old is new again at the NuWray Hotel. Built in 1833 on the Burnsville town square, North Carolina’s oldest continuously operating hotel celebrates the official opening of its first-floor main restaurant on Saturday, May 31.
The launch marks the completion of renovations begun in October 2021 when Amanda and James Keith purchased the property. It’s the third and most ambitious restoration for the couple, who moved to Burnsville from Greensboro, where they owned and restored the Double Oaks Bed and Breakfast.
“We were seeking a bigger project so we could go full time into hospitality together,” says Amanda. “We were looking in the mountains and discovered Burnsville. The NuWray is so prominent here on the town square and has so much history; it was perfect.”
The modern history begins with the purchase of the original inn by Garret Deweese Ray, who added onto the original structure and called it Ray’s Hotel, locally known as The Old Ray. In 1915, his daughter, Julia Ray, who married William Brian Wray, inherited the hotel, did more additions and updating, and renamed it the NuWray Hotel.
When Brian Wray died, widow Wray continued operating it with help from her children and introduced a family-style dining concept called Southernboard.
The NuWray stayed in the family until 1993, passing through several owners before the Keiths took possession. “There were maybe 10 rooms being used that were not in great shape and not being booked on a regular basis,” Amanda recalls.
Currently, the hotel offers 22 fully renovated rooms, each with a private bath, plus three more above the Carriage House and an apartment.
The Keiths gradually introduced several levels of food and beverage service. They converted the old smokehouse into Roland’s, an outdoor bar with a food truck parked in the yard. The Carriage House
NU CONCEPT: NuWray Hotel owner James and Amanda Keith are pictured with exposed beams in the soon-to-open restaurant at the historic property.
— a full-service, casual restaurant with a large bar, tables, sofas and plenty of televisions for sports fans — opened in August 2023.
Executive chef Peter Crockett (formerly at Isa’s Bistro in Asheville) came on board in September 2023 to run the Carriage House and begin creating the menu for the NuWray restaurant.
“The Carriage House was the way for us to become familiar with what both locals and hotel guests would want in a more intimate restaurant experience,” says Crockett, who familiarized himself with the dining history of the NuWray through recipe books from the 1930s-1950s.
“We wanted to pay respect to what it once was but not paint ourselves in a corner and restrict ourselves to just those dishes. We want to offer a good range.”
The dinner menu notes which dishes are from the recipe books, including pepper relish and a lettuce salad smothered with warm bacon fat vinaigrette and pepper relish. Regional foodways inspire dishes like Honey Bun Hammies (country ham and chow chow sliders); Nu-Brunswick Stew (with
house-smoked pulled pork smoked from pitmaster Mark Bayliff ); chicken and dumplings with confit quarter chicken; stuffed pork loin, beef tips; and Carolinacaught fish. The resurrection of the Southernboard includes fried chicken, chicken fried steak, pork schnitzel, cornmeal-crusted flounder and more than a half dozen sides.
The NuWray Hotel will hold an opening shindig with a barbecue buffet ($20 a plate) and live music on Friday, May 30, beginning with a ribbon cutting on the hotel front porch at 5 p.m. The restaurant opens Saturday, May 31, at 5 p.m.
Save room for Will’s Sunday Cake, another throwback to history. “Will Roland was a chef at the NuWray for about 40 years, from the early to mid-1900s,” explains Amanda. “He was an integral part of what brought national recognition to the NuWray, and among many things, the Sunday Cake was his.”
The NuWray Hotel is at 102 Town Square, Burnsville. For more information, visit avl.mx/esx. ” X
Photo courtesy of NuWray Hotel
SMART BETS
by Edwin Arnaudin | earnaudin@mountainx.com
Jazz for Justice
The Western North Carolina community has come a long way since the destruction caused by Tropical Storm Helene in late September. But as residents well know, the area still has a significant amount of rebuilding to do.
Local nonprofit Pisgah Legal Services (PLS) honors those achievements and recognizes the challenges that remain with its Jazz for Justice event on Wednesday, May 28, at Highland Brewing Co. The evening includes live jazz music by the Brian Felix Organ Trio, gourmet food and drinks, plus reflections on the hardships experienced by local
people and PLS over the past year. In addition, longtime Xpress contributor Jerry Sternberg will be posthumously honored with the Arnold and Bernice Green Philanthropy Award.
“Jerry Sternberg was an extraordinary person, a longtime friend to Pisgah Legal and philanthropist whose legacy continues to inspire us all to work together for a better, more just future,” says Ally Wilson, PLS chief development officer.
Tickets are $60, and proceeds will support PLS’ work to help thousands of low-income people meet their most basic needs. To learn more, visit avl.mx/et0.” X
Didanisisgi Gadagwatli
Over the course of an intensive three-month workshop, Tara McCoy (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians) instructed her Mud Dauber Community Workshop students in the art of Cherokee ceramics. On Thursday, May 29, the group’s creations will be debuted in the exhibition Didanisisgi Gadagwatli (ᏗᏓᏂᏏᏍᎩ
) at the Museum of the Cherokee People (MotCP) and kept on display through May 2026.
“The Didanisisgi Gadagwatli pottery workshop is an example of how museums can support and uplift great work already happening in the community,” says MotCP Director of Education Dakota Brown (EBCI). “Tara's dedication to gadu-
gi — community working together for the common good — and intensive approach to teaching has been hugely successful and is a powerful example of reconnections and resurgence. Connection and practice to our material culture is a continuation of our shared Cherokee identity and perpetuates Cherokee pride.”
The opening reception runs 5-7 p.m., and an art market will be held on the museum's lawn 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Both events are included with museum admission, which is free for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes and museum members. Otherwise, regular ticket prices apply. To learn more, visit avl.mx/et1.” X
Photo of Brian Felix by Sandlin Gaither
Photo courtesy of the Museum of the Cherokee People
Mendelssohn Mania
While actor Ben Mendelsohn dominates the small screen in the Disney+ series “Andor,” Ashevillebased chamber music organization AmiciMusic celebrates composer siblings Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel and Felix Mendelssohn with a series local performances. Appropriately titled “Mendelssohn Mania,” the concerts run Friday-Sunday, May 30-June 1, and features local pianist Daniel Weiser alongside a pair of Baltimore-based musicians, violinist Andréa Picard Boecker and cellist Alicia Ward. The ensemble will perform the two Mendelssohns’ D minor piano trios.
According to Weiser, Felix’s composition was “rarely played in the early 20th century as the Nazis rose to power and ultimately banned his works because of his Jewish birth.”
Meanwhile, Fanny’s Piano Trio and the bulk of her 400 other compositions “were largely forgotten and neglected because of her gender despite the tremendous power of her music.”
Through this programming, Weiser aims “to showcase this incredibly creative family and also comment on the antisemitism and misogyny that are a part of the Mendelssohn legacy.”
To learn more and for tickets, visit avl.mx/esz.” X
More Disgruntled Fumes
With nearly 50 years of acting experience, Athens, Ga.-based writer/performer Stephanie AstalosJones has carved out a niche for herself with the one-woman show Disgruntled Fumes
“I once went to a poetry open mic, and the hilarity I found in the sincerity of bad writing, the poignancy of good writing and the mix of unusual characters made me want to create this show,” Astalos-Jones says. “It offers laughs, heart, outrage, stand-up, a little improv and a lot of girl power.”
A new version of the show, appropriately titled More Disgruntled Fumes , has only been shared in Athens, Ga., and in early May in Austin, Texas, which adds a level of exclusivity to her Friday, May 30, performance at Attic Salt Theatre Company. The show starts at 7:30
p.m. Tickets are $20 and only available at the door on the night of the event. To learn more, visit avl.mx/a1a.” X
Photo of Stephanie Astalos-Jones by Tracy Bosworth Page
Photos, from left, of Andréa Picard Boecker, Alicia Ward and Daniel Weiser courtesy of AmiciMusic
For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 28
27 CLUB
Bryan Bielanski w/Aaron Lane & Ben Balmer (rock'n'roll), 8pm
Jerry's Dead Thursdays (Grateful Dead & JGB tribute), 6pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7pm
CLUBLAND
ENGLISH POST-PUNK BAND: The Orange Peel hosts a co-founder of rock band Joy Division, Peter Hook, on Tuesday, June 3, starting 8 p.m. Peter Hook & The Light will showcase the New Order album Get Ready in its entirety, alongside a selection of seminal tracks from the rich back catalogs of both Joy Division and New Order. Photo courtesy of Ivan Karczewski
OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.
Julianna Jade (indie-soul), 7pm
ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC
HALL
Protogiraffe (funk, jazz, rock), 9pm
ONE WORLD BREWING
Mountain Medicine Duo (Appalachian, folk), 8pm
ONE WORLD BREWING WEST
Fee Fi Phaux Fish (Phish tribute), 8pm
PISGAH BREWING CO.
Watkins (indie-rock, psych-pop), 6:30pm
ROCKY'S HOT
CHICKEN SHACK
SOUTH
Wings & Strings: Acklen Walker, 6:30pm
SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/Franco Nino, 9pm
STATIC AGE LOFT
Auto-Tune Karaoke w/ Who Gave This B*tch A Mic, 10pm
THE GREY EAGLE
• Patio: Osprey Orchestra Acoustic (bluegrass, rock, Americana), 5:30pm
• Red Baraat (hip-hop, jazz, punk), 8pm
THE JOINT NEXT DOOR
All Female Singer-Songwriter Night, 7pm
THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.
Fancy & the Gentleman (Americana, honky-tonk, rock), 6pm
TWIN LEAF BREWERY Trivia Night, 6:30pm
TWIN WILLOWS
The Candleers (country), 6pm
WHITE HORSE BLACK
MOUNTAIN
Big Deal Band (bluegrass, rock), 7:30pm
WICKED WEED BREWING
Beer & Loathing (rock, funk, country), 5pm
FRIDAY, MAY 30
ASHEVILLE MUSIC
HALL
Arts Fishing Club w/Lua Flora (indie-folk), 9pm
AYURPRANA LISTENING ROOM
Max Ribner: Resilient Beings (jazz, soul), 1pm
CROW & QUILL
Black Sea Beat Society (Balkan, folk), 8pm
EULOGY
• Modelface Comedy Presents: Jason Salmon, 7pm
• DJ Lil Meow Meow's Dance Floor Rapture (pop, electronic, R&B), 10pm
FLEETWOOD'S Blue Roses, Josh Carpenter & Julia Sanders (indie, rock), 9pm
GINGER'S REVENGE CRAFT BREWERY & TASTING ROOM
Lil Diablo's Fantabulous Cabaret, 7pm
HEMINGWAY'S CUBA Latin Night w/DJ Mtn Vibez, 8pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Lock, Stock & Teardrops (country, swing), 8pm
LEAF GLOBAL ARTS
Jazz Jam, 6pm
LOBSTER TRAP
Dinah's Daydream (jazz), 6:30pm
MAD CO. BREW
HOUSE
Ashley Heath (Appalachian, Americana, soul), 6pm
NEW BELGIUM BREWING CO.
Jamie Hendrickson & Datrian Johnson Quartet (jazz, funk, soul), 5:30pm
FLEETWOOD'S Dead Billionaires, Safety Coffin & The Remantalists (garage-rock, blues), 9pm
FLOOD GALLERY
True Home Open Mic, 6pm
FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY
Jerry's Dead Thursdays (Grateful Dead & JGB tribute), 6pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Bluegrass Jam w/Drew Matulich, 7pm
NEW BELGIUM
BREWING CO.
It's Trivial w/Divine, 5:30pm
OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.
The BRUE (rock, pop, funk), 6pm
ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL
Isaac Hadden's Thursday Throwdown (multigenre), 9pm
ONE WORLD BREWING Alla Prima (garage-rock, alt-blues), 7pm
ONE WORLD BREWING WEST
Fee Fi Phaux Fish (Phish tribute), 8pm
PISGAH BREWING CO.
Nick Mac & the Noise (country, blues, folk), 6pm
SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/DJ Franco, 9pm
STATIC AGE LOFT
Auto-Tune Karaoke w/ Who Gave This B*tch A Mic, 10pm
THE GREY EAGLE
The Dirty Dozen Brass Band (jazz, funk, R&B), 8pm
THE MEADOW AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Martha Spencer & The Wonderland Country Band (Appalachian, country), 6pm TWIN LEAF BREWERY Trivia Night, 6:30pm WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN Redbud (bluegrass), 7:30pm
WICKED WEED BREWING Andy Ferrell (folk, country, Appalachian), 5pm
FREEWILL ASTROLOGY BY ROB BREZSNY
ARIES (March 21-April 19): The strongest, most enduring parts of China’s Great Wall were the 5,500 miles built during the Ming Dynasty, 1368-1644. One secret to its success was sticky rice, an essential ingredient in the mortar. The resulting structures have been remarkably water resistant. They hold their shape well, resist weed growth and get stronger as time passes. I hope you will find metaphorical equivalents to sticky rice as you work on your foundations in the coming months, Aries. Proceed as if you are constructing basic supports that will last you for years.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The world's most expensive spice is saffron. To gather one gram of it, workers must harvest 150 flowers by hand. Doesn’t that process resemble what you have been doing? I am awed by the stamina and delicacy you have been summoning to generate your small but potent treasure. What you’re producing may not be loud and showy, but its value will be concentrated and robust. Trust that those who appreciate quality will recognize the painstaking effort behind your creation. Like saffron's distinctive essence that transforms ordinary dishes into extraordinary ones, your patient dedication is creating what can’t be rushed or replicated.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini author Jean-Paul Sartre was offered the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1964. But he rejected it. Why? He said that if he accepted it, he would be turned into an institution and authority figure, which would hinder his ability to critique politics and society. He was deeply committed to the belief that a writer has an obligation to be independent and accountable only to their conscience and audience, not to external accolades or validations. I think you are in a Sartre-like phase right now, dear Gemini. You have a sacred duty to be faithful to your highest calling, your deepest values and your authentic identity. Every other consideration should be secondary.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): You are now highly attuned to subtle energies, subliminal signals and hidden agendas. No one in your sphere is even half as sensitive as you are to the intriguing mysteries that are unfolding beneath the visible surface. This may be a bit unsettling, but it’s a key asset. Your ability to sense what others are missing gives you a unique advantage. So trust your intuitive navigation system, Cancerian, even if the way forward isn't obvious. Your ability to sense underlying currents will enable you to avoid obstacles and discern opportunities that even your allies might overlook.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Underground fungal networks are essential for the health of ecosystems. They connect plant roots and facilitate transfers of nutrients, water and communication signals between various species. They enhance the fertility of the soil, helping plants thrive. In accordance with astrological indicators, I invite you to celebrate your equivalent of the underground fungal network. What is the web of relationships that enables you to thrive? Not just the obvious bonds, but the subtle ones, too: the barista who has memorized your order, the neighbor who waters your plants when you’re away, the online ally who responds to your posts. Now is an excellent time to map and nurture these vital interconnections.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie warns about "the danger of a single story." She tells us that authentic identity requires us to reject oversimplified narratives. As a Nigerian woman living in the U.S., she found that both Western and African audiences sought to reduce her to convenient categories. She has not only resisted that pressure, but also outwitted and outflanked it. Her diversity is intriguing. She mixes an appreciation for pop culture with serious cultural criticism. She addresses both academic and mainstream audiences. I offer
her up as your role model, Virgo. In the coming weeks, may she inspire you to energetically express all your uncategorizable selves.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Where have you not yet traveled but would like to? What frontiers would your imagination love for you to visit, but you have refrained? Now is the time to consider dropping inhibitions, outmoded habits and irrelevant rules that have prevented you from wandering farther and wider. You have full permission from life, karma and your future self to take smart risks that will lead you out of your comfort zone. What exotic sanctuary do you wish you had the courage to explore? What adventurous pilgrimage might activate aspects of your potential that are still half-dormant?
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Astrologers say that Scorpio is ruled by three creatures that correspond to three ascending levels of spiritual maturity. The regular Scorpio person is ruled by the scorpion. Scorpios who are well underway with their spiritual work are ruled by the eagle. The Scorpio who has consistently succeeded at the hard and rewarding work of metaphorical death and resurrection is ruled by the phoenix — the mythical bird that is reborn from the ashes of its own immolation. With this as our context, I am letting you know that no matter how evolved you are, the coming weeks will bring you rich opportunities to come more into your own as a brilliant phoenix.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Seas off the coast of Singapore are heavily polluted. Some of the coral reefs there are showing resilience, though. They have developed symbiotic relationships with certain algae and bacteria that were formerly hostile. Their robustness lies in their adaptability and their power to forge unlikely alliances. That’s a good teaching for you right now. The strength you need isn't about maintaining fixed positions or rigid boundaries, but about being flexible. So I hope you will be alert and ready to connect with unfamiliar resources and unexpected help. A willingness to adjust and compromise will be a superpower.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Sometimes, disruptions are helpful prods that nudge us to pay closer attention. An apparent malfunction might be trying to tell us some truth that our existing frameworks can't accommodate. I suspect this phenomenon might be occurring in your world. An area of your life that seems to be misfiring may in fact be highlighting a blind spot in your comprehension. Rather than fretting and purging the glitches, I will ask you to first consider what helpful information is being exposed. Suspend your judgment long enough to learn from apparent errors.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): This isn’t the first time I’ve said that your ideas are ahead of their time. Now I’m telling you again and adding that your intuitions, feelings and approaches are ahead of their time, too. As usual, your precociousness carries both potential benefits and problems. If people are flexible and smart enough to be open to your innovations, you will be rewarded. If others are rigid and oblivious, you may have to struggle to get the right things done. Here’s my advice: Focus on the joy of carrying out your innovations rather than getting caught up in fighting resistance.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Sunlight can’t penetrate deeper than 3,280 feet into the ocean’s depths. Even at 650 feet down, a murky twilight zone prevails. But nearly 75% of deep-sea creatures can create their own light, thanks to a biochemical phenomenon called bioluminescence. Jellyfish, starfish and crustaceans are a few animals that glow. I propose we make them your symbols of power in the coming weeks, Pisces. I hope they incite you to be your own source of illumination as you summon all the resilience you need. If shadowy challenges arise, resolve to emit your steady brilliance. Inspire yourself and others with your subtle yet potent clarity.
MARKETPLACE
Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 advertise@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds
If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Remember the Russian proverb: “Doveryai, no proveryai,” trust but verify. When answering classified ads, always err on the side of caution. Especially beware of any party asking you to give them financial or identification information. The Mountain Xpress cannot be responsible for ensuring that each advertising client is legitimate. Please report scams to advertise@mountainx.com
Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees canceled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 844-2136711. (NC Press)
EMPLOYMENT
SALES/
MARKETING
SENIOR SALES ASSOCIATE
Work for a local company that has covered the local scene
for 30 years! Mountain Xpress newspaper is a supportive, team-oriented environment serving local readers and businesses. We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic advertising sales representative. Ideal candidates are personable, organized, motivated, and can present our company with confidence. Necessary skills include clear and professional communications (via phone, email, and in-person meetings), detailed record-keeping, and self motivation. Experience dealing with varied and challenging situations is helpful. The position’s responsibilities include account development and lead generation (including cold-calling), account management, assisting clients with marketing and branding strategies. If you are a high energy, positive, cooperative person looking to join an independent media organization, please send a resume and cover letter (no walk-ins, please)
explaining why you are a good fit for Mountain Xpress to: xpressjob@mountainx.com. This is a noncommissioned position. There is potential for a performance-based annual bonus. Salary: $22 per hour.
RETAIL
PART-TIME SALES/GALLERY ASSOCIATE BorgWarner Turbo Systems LLC: We seek a Senior Area Manager, based out of our office at 1849 Brevard Road, Arden, NC 28704. Note, this position does not require travel. Lead operational execution to optimize production functions; among other duties. Apply to job reference number R2025-1750 at borgwarner. com/careers
PROFESSIONAL/ MANAGEMENT
200 year-old cabin. Very liveable. No co. $130,000. 828-593-9417
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
24/7
LOCKSMITH We are there when you need us for home & car lockouts. We’ll get you back up and running quickly! Also, key reproductions, lock installs and repairs, vehicle fobs. Call us for your home, commercial and auto locksmith needs! 1-833-237-1233 (AAN CAN)
AFFORDABLE TV & INTER-
NET If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-844-588-6579. (AAN CAN)
SENIOR AREA MANAGER Kress Emporium in Downtown Asheville is hiring for a part-time Sales Associate. We are looking for a friendly, energetic addition to our team to assist with customers and our artists/ vendors. Weekend availability is essential. Please email your resume to kressemporium@ yahoo.com
HOME IMPROVEMENT
ELECTRICIAN
ELECTRICAL SERVICE Power to the People! Serving Asheville and abroad. Troubleshooting, fixture hanging, can lights, generators, car chargers, remodels, new construction, we do it all! Licensed and insured. Free Estimates. 828-551-9843
HANDY MAN
HANDY MAN 40 years experience in the trades, with every skill/tool imaginable for all trades with the exception of HVAC. No job too small. $35 an hour. Carl (828) 5516000 electricblustudio@ gmail.com
REAL ESTATE
LAND FOR SALE
BUILDING LOT IN LEICESTER 1/2 acre on pond. 10 minutes to downtown. Rural setting - has small
AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER? STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-889-1843. (AAN CAN)
BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as one day. Superior quality bath and shower systems at affordable prices. Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833540-4699. (AAN CAN)
DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? APPEAL! If you’re 50+, filed SSD and denied, our attorneys can help. Win or pay Nothing! Strong, recent work history needed. 877-553-0252 [Steppacher Law Offices LLC Principal Office: 224 Adams Ave Scranton PA 18503] (NC Press)
DO YOU OWE OVER $10,000 to the IRS or State in back taxes? Get tax relief now! We’ll fight for you! 1-833-441-4783. (AAN CAN)
GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind today at 1-855-869-7055 today! (NC Press)
GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET! Free install, free HD-DVR upgrade, 80,000
on-demand movies, plus limited time up to $600 in gift cards. Call today! 1-877920-7405. (NC Press)
GOT AN UNWANTED
CAR? Donate it to Patriotic Hearts. Fast free pick up. All 50 states. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans find work or start their own business. Call 24/7: 1-833426-0086. (AAN CAN)
HEARING AIDS High-quality rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and nearly invisible! 45-day money back guarantee. 888970-4637. (NC Press)
NEED NEW WINDOWS?
Drafty rooms? Chipped or damaged frames? Need outside noise reduction? New, energy efficient windows may be the answer! Call for a consultation & FREE quote today. 1-833-890-1293
(AAN CAN)
PEST CONTROL Protect your home from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-406-6971
(AAN CAN)
REPLACE YOUR ROOF With the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three
styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited time offer – up to 50% off installation + additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders). Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855-585-1815. (NC Press)
SAFE STEP. NORTH AMERICA’S #1 WALK-IN TUB. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-931-3643 (NC Press)
STOP OVERPAYING FOR AUTO INSURANCE A recent survey says that most Americans are overpaying for their car insurance. Let us show you how much you can save. Call now for a no obligation quote: 1-833-399-1539 (AAN CAN)
TOP CA$H PAID FOR OLD GUITARS! 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. 1-833-641-6577. (NC Press)
WANTED ANTIQUES Estate collections, old tools, pottery, glass,farm, primitives, advertising signs, cast iron, rifles, military, folk art, stoneware,
decoys, license plates, canes, carvings, toys, books. Call/ Text Steve 828 582-6097
WATER DAMAGE CLEAN-
UP & RESTORATION A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. We do complete repairs to protect your family and your home’s value! For a free estimate, call 24/7: 1-833-880-7762
(AAN CAN)
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home’s value! Call 24/7: 1-833-9281861. Have zip code of service location ready when you call! (NC Press)
WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-247-1189. (NC Press)
WE BUY VINTAGE GUITARS Looking for 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D’Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. These brands only! Call for a quote: 1-833-641-6624 (AAN CAN)
YOU MAY QUALIFY For disability benefits if you have are between 52-63 years old and under a doctor’s care for a health condition that prevents you from working for a year or more. Call now! 1-833-6413892. (AAN CAN)
AUTOMOTIVE
AUTOS FOR SALE
2017 VW PASSAT SEL FOR SALE 4dr grey, 1 owner, 83k miles, excellent condition, $12,000. 28801. 828-7125548
MARKETPLACE
HOME
IMPROVEMENT
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as one day. Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military discounts available. Call: 1-877-560-1844 (NC Press)
ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER
LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off entire purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military discounts. Call 1-877-6491190. (NC Press)
ACROSS
1 “That one’s mine!”
5 Treat that may have a cherry on top
11 Puts on TV
15 Computer that originally came in five “flavors”
16 Margin for a close ballgame
17 Improvisational singing
18 Honor for “Dune” and “American Gods”
20 Certain Bear or Smurf
21 Establishment in Chicago’s Boystown
22 “I love,” in Italian and Spanish
23 Transparent film
24 Open, as toothpaste
25 Like Swifties visà-vis Taylor Swift
27 Ringo Starr or Paul McCartney
28 Place for a hydrating body wrap
30 “Relax, soldier”
31 30% is a very good one
33 Desktop image
36 Genre for the Final Fantasy series, in brief
37 Grammy-winning Soundgarden hit of 1994
41 Massachusetts’ Cape ___
42 Instrument whose name is 75% vowels
43 Letters written in the sand, maybe
45 Evening meal, for a child
48 Many purchases on Discogs
50 Middle X or O
52 Canadian province on the Gulf of Maine
55 ___ apso
57 However, briefly
58 Home of Madison Ave. and Houston St.
59 Saw, as a movie
60 Chimney sweep’s target
61 Having ideas far too profound for anyone else to comprehend ... and what might help you solve this puzzle?
63 Instrument similar to a sousaphone
64 2009 aviatrix biopic
65 Ohio city whose name is pronounced with a long “I”
66 Imitated
67 Reunited city
68 Barbershop sound DOWN 1 Nincompoop 2 “No joke!” 3 Bassinet alternative 4 Diving acronym 5 Take to the skies 6 “___ cerveza, por favor”
7 Unfamiliar with 8 Emmy category 9 “Sleeping Beauty” princess 10 Word with tight or loose 11 Spears on a plate 12 In myth, one who flew too close to the sun
