St. John in the Wilderness of Flat Rock has opened trails honoring the enslaved people who lived and worked on its property, including a rediscovered 19th-century servants’ house. The paths reconnect descendants with this history and shed light on the church’s overlooked past.
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& Debbie Schweiger,
Cutting transit access cuts lifelines
[Regarding “Mobility for the Many, Not Just the Few,” Nov. 26, Xpress:] Transit connects lives. To cut access is to cut lifelines.
The choice between ridership and coverage comes down to two factors: the shape of the land and the needs of the people. Asheville’s steep hills and scattered neighborhoods make a ridership model unworkable.
Jarrett Walker, the consultant hired by the city, is clear on this point. In Human Transit, he writes: “High ridership is the product of high density, walkable streets and linear geography. Without those conditions, transit must run for coverage, not ridership.”
The city he describes is Asheville.
Nearly a third of Buncombe County’s residents are 60 or older, according to Age-Friendly Buncombe County. Many cannot climb steep hills nor walk long distances to bus stops. Public transit, for them, is essential.
Yet the city is designing a network for an Asheville that does not exist: dense, flat and walkable. The Asheville we have is hilly, aging and spread out. Only a coverage network fits both the people and the land.
— Eugenio
Perez
Executive director
Better Together Transportation Weaverville
Word of the week
carminative
(adj. & n.) typically associated with medications or herbs used for expelling gas from the stomach or intestines so as to relieve flatulence or abdominal pain or distension
This week’s word comes courtesy of Ashley English’s latest article on holiday digestifs on Page 19. X
Attend forum on rebuilding riverfront parks
Several parks and recreational areas in the City of Asheville and Western North Carolina have reopened or partially reopened in the area. Parks like Amboy Riverfront Park, Craven Street Trailhead Park and Wilma Dykeman Greenway have reopened for residents and visitors of Asheville after that awful Tropical Storm Helene that damaged many areas in Upstate South Carolina, where I’m from, and Western North Carolina, a place I have loved to visit many times through the years.
In your beautiful Asheville area, Tropical Storm Helene engulfed over 200 acres of Asheville parks that I always loved to fish, hike and even play basketball at when I was in the area. Parts of Amboy Riverfront Park and Azalea Park went through much damage and remain closed where buildings were damaged and trees were toppled in the waterways.
Broad Ave. will host an open house on Dec. 10, 6-8 p.m., where residents of Asheville can meet project teams from the city government who will provide information on how the area will finish rebuilding Asheville’s parks to completion. All of Asheville and Western North Carolina should all attend this open house to receive this information.
In my city of Greenville, I have attended many public forums of the local area at the Greenville County Square and Coffee Underground to watch, witness and observe the local goings-on of my community on how things are done. And since I have enjoyed visiting your city’s parks and hiking through your trails many times over the years, I think all the residents in Asheville should attend this open house to observe the plans of rebuilding the City of Asheville’s parks so visitors from around the country could thoroughly enjoy all of Asheville’s parks and recreation areas once again.
— Steven Hawkins Greenville, S.C.
Editor’s note: Hawkins is a freelance writer based in Greenville.
We embrace fun skeleton displays
[Regarding “Skeleton Displays Fail to Charm,” Nov. 19, Xpress:]
I am a neighbor of the infamous skeleton house with direct line-of-sight viewing from multiple windows in my home. Perhaps it’s my recent diagnosis of osteopenia that attracts me to all those bones. Maybe I’m just more open-minded or I embrace Asheville weird.
Your reader from Weaverville, whose thoughtful concern I respect, should not “feel bad for their neighbors” or me. A lot of us embrace the creative displays that manifest several times per year. The highly topical and timely themes remind me of the speed with which “South Park” generates its episodes. Also, as a retired real estate broker, I’m confident that the fun displays are not resulting in nearby home devaluations.
—
Ron Hart
Asheville
Three cheers for these nonprofits
I have been enjoying reading the local nonprofit issues [Nov. 12, Nov. 19 and Nov. 25, Xpress]. There are so many organizations and volunteers doing great work in the region. I’d like to highlight a few that I’ve been working with.
Discover Life in America [avl.mx/f8a] is a partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park that has been finding previously unknown species of flora and fauna in the Smokies for nearly three decades and involving the public in the quest. Since inception, DLIA has doubled the known number of species in the nation’s most visited national park to nearly 23,000, almost 1,100 of which have never been described anywhere else. To manage resources, you first need to know what you have, and that is what DLIA does with a staff of just five and a host of dedicated volunteers and specialists. Literacy Together [avl.mx/prz5] provides literacy services from grade-school age children to adults in multiple programs for native and non-native English speakers. Being able to communicate and understand English is key to success in the U.S., and Literacy Together’s tutors and program managers make it happen for hundreds of Ashevillearea residents.
Lastly, Pisgah Area SORBA (Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association) [avl.mx/f8b] is another key partner in the maintenance of Pisgah National Forest and other local trail systems. Many do not realize that the forest relies on multiple volunteer groups to keep trails open, sustainable and safe. Lake Powhatan Recreation Area (often referred to as Bent Creek) is the closest portion of the Pisgah for many Ashevilleans, and weekend parking lots attest to that. Dog walkers, hikers and mountain bikers can all find places to recreate in the Pisgah with Pisgah Area SORBA maintaining the trails in Bent Creek. All of these organizations appreciate your financial support and personal time to make Asheville the great place it is to live!
According to reports from Asheville Citizen Times and WLOS posted Dec. 1, Asheville Middle School at 211 S. French
— Glenn Taylor Arden X
CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON
Fostering fear
ICE raids make our community less safe
BY AARON SARVER
Every day we witness terrifying new ways that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is being empowered to take whatever actions it wishes while justifying them as necessary — supposedly in order to keep us safe. The continued dehumanization of our immigrant communities proceeds alongside proliferating cases of U.S. citizens being detained, as ICE’s reign of terror shows no concern for fundamental human rights or even basic human dignity.
As a result, our immigrant communities are living in fear that corrodes the essential components of life. Community members are now skipping doctor visits and are afraid to send their children to school or even attend their houses of worship. Western North Carolina residents got a firsthand look at ICE in action back in April 2018, when the federal agency detained an estimated 25 community members.
President Trump proclaims that ICE will make our communities safer and that somehow the alphabet soup of federal law enforcement agencies (ATF, DEA, FBI, etc.) lacks the personnel, expertise or funding needed to arrest violent criminals and break up drug trafficking rings. But while the war on drugs — a war on people suffering from addiction — has been a colossal failure over the past 40-plus years, no one has suggested holding a PTA bake sale because the DEA is underfunded. (To be clear, ICE was also empowered under President Obama, though in a more limited fashion.)
AFRAID TO REPORT CRIMES
In an interview with Mountain Xpress earlier this year, Henderson County Sheriff Lowell Griffin defended his cooperation agreement with ICE. (Section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act empowers ICE to delegate immigra-
“Our immigrant communities are living in fear that corrodes the essential components of life.”
tion officer functions to state and local law enforcement personnel.)
In the interview, Sheriff Griffin hinted that the federal agency might employ tactics that push the limits of what’s legal or perhaps acceptable. “I have met with officials from ICE from Atlanta and Charlotte, and there’ve been zero requests,” he said, adding, “I was concerned about how ICE may be operating in the county, and I wanted to be aware of what’s going on.” Later in the interview, however, Griffin said, “I don’t think we’re going to see an aggressive ICE response in Henderson County because we’ve basically already done the work to try to remove those that have ties to any kind of criminal organization.”
But immigrants and undocumented folks are sometimes victims of crime just like everyone else. And because of programs like 287(g), residents in these communities are often scared to report crimes they witness or are the target of. There’s a good reason that the Department of Homeland Security has
two special types of visas providing legal protection for undocumented individuals who are victims of specified crimes and who cooperate with law enforcement. Underreporting crime makes all of us less safe. And every person, regardless of their skin tone, background or immigration status, wants and deserves to live in a community where they feel secure.
LET’S GO AFTER DRUG TRAFFICKING, NOT PEOPLE
From 2019-24, I served as director of public affairs under Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller. Immediately after taking office, Miller and members of his staff began meeting with individuals and immigrant rights organizations to determine how local law enforcement could do a better job of serving those communities.
In 2019, I drafted the sheriff’s policy that declined to honor ICE “detainer requests,” which ask local law enforcement to hold a prisoner for up to 48 hours past when they would otherwise be released. Although compliance with these requests was voluntary, conservatives lambasted officials who refused to honor such requests, claiming that “sanctuary sheriffs” were breaking the law. But as Miller clearly communicated, in order for his office to hold anyone at the county jail, the law required a warrant signed by a judge, and courts have upheld that position. (The N.C. General Assembly has since passed legislation that requires local law enforcement, as well as judges in the state, to comply with ICE detainer requests.)
Meanwhile, both state and local authorities have aggressively targeted drug trafficking operations in our area, which does serve to improve community safety. In fact, under Sheriff Miller, the specialty unit focused on high-level drug trafficking made a record number of arrests for fentanyl and meth trafficking in Buncombe County — without any assistance from either ICE or U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
To be clear, I do believe that arresting and prosecuting high-level drug traffickers and the gun crime that very often accompanies those activities make our communities safer. ICE, however, seems rather to excel at pushing people further into the shadows. By discouraging them from reporting crimes such as domestic violence — or even, for that matter, from simply going to work due to fear of arrest — ICE is ultimately making our entire community less safe. But as is the case with Trump and MAGA, the cruelty is really the point — and there seems to be no limit to it.
Aaron Sarver has lived in West Asheville since 2009 and works as a nonprofit consultant. X
AARON SARVER
‘You are on Holy Ground’
St. John in the Wilderness trails bring enslaved people’s stories to light
BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE
jmcguire@mountainx.com
It started with two words scribbled on a dusty 19th-century document: “servants’ house.”
That small clue set St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church on a path that would uncover long-forgotten structures, reconnect descendants with their ancestors and inspire a woodland trail system that honors the enslaved people who once lived and worked on the Flat Rock property.
The four trails, which officially opened in the woods surrounding the church in September, are a continuation of St. John’s long history of engaging nature as part of its identity, from its origins as a mountain retreat to programs such as Holy Hikes and outdoor camps.
Visitors can now follow paths that highlight the slave dwelling, as well as a former garden and new areas used for reflection and worship, including a wilderness chapel built by church members from trees felled by Tropical Storm Helene.
“By walking these trails and learning these histories, we’re inviting everyone to see the fullness of who we are as a church,” says the Rev. Josh Stephens, rector of the parish that was founded in 1836.
REDISCOVERING THE PAST
Plans to build a trail system were already being discussed when the church learned about the previously forgotten servants’ house near the still-standing 1853 parsonage. “Servants” was a euphemism com-
INTO THE WOODS: The Rev. Josh Stephens, rector of St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church, led efforts to construct a trail system on the parish’s Flat Rock property. Two of the trails are named for formerly enslaved people. “I wanted to understand our church’s story as well as the story of God’s redemptive work over the centuries on this ground, in this community and beyond,” he says. Photo by Caleb Johnson
monly used in the antebellum South to mask the reality of slavery.
The rediscovery came in 2023 during the parish’s yearslong effort to transcribe and digitize nearly two centuries of records. Members of the Archives Committee noticed references to “servants’ house” in repair bills dating back to the 1850s, a period when the church served as both a spiritual center and a summer retreat for wealthy Charleston, S.C., families escaping the sweltering heat and threat of malaria.
“The parish priests would come up in the summer almost exclusively from the Low Country, and we know our longest-serving rector, John Grimké Drayton, owned Magnolia Plantation,” says John Barker, who has been the church’s historian for 17 years. “We actually know the name of one of the servants that he brought up here [Adam Bennett]. So it makes sense that they would have a servants’ house.”
But nobody knew where on the property it had stood.
Confirmation of the house’s location came with the help of modern technology and a big coincidence. Just weeks after the church found the receipts,
Luke Hunter, then-president of Historic Flat Rock, happened to share a lidar image of the church property, revealing subtle ground changes consistent with former structures near the parsonage. Lidar is a remote sensing technology.
Archaeologists from the State Office of Archaeology conducted a five-day excavation earlier this year, using lidar, ground-penetrating radar and traditional digging methods. They uncovered the foundation stones for a 25-by-20-foot structure, along with broken dishware, a ceramic jug, a woman’s compact and old nails — all evidence of a dwelling. Additional structures noted in historical records, including a garden and a springhouse, were also verified.
The servants’ house likely transitioned to storage in the early 20th century before being torn down and forgotten, Barker says.
FACING HISTORY
Finding evidence of the structures aligned not only with plans for building trails but with the congregation’s growing effort to understand and honor the
African Americans intertwined with its history. The site of the servants’ house is identified along the trail path with a historic marker that discusses how the church “benefitted from the sin of slavery” and how it has “struggled with this history.”
And Stephens decided to name one of the trails in honor of Bennett, an enslaved horticulturist baptized at St. John in 1863 during the Civil War. Bennett stayed on at Magnolia Plantation after the war, cultivating camellias and azaleas, before returning to Flat Rock to help tend gardens and supervise grounds at the parsonage. Another trail commemorates Venus and Caesar Edwards, an enslaved couple whose 1855 marriage at St. John was the earliest recorded wedding in the parish.
“The question of what is the history of St. John in the Wilderness — where have we been aware of God’s grace and where have we missed it — is really important to know,” Stephens says. “It’s not about shame. It’s really about trying to understand our story in light of God’s story.”
Adds Barker: “I don’t see what we’re doing as being either woke or DEI, though I’m sure there are people who would say that. I think this is an opportunity for us to recognize and honor the people that have been forgotten. They worshipped in the church, and they were indeed members of the church.”
‘MISSING PART OF GOD’S WORK’
As the pieces of the past came together, the church began connecting with descendants of the enslaved families, including those affiliated with Mud Creek Missionary Baptist Church of East Flat Rock, which was founded by former slaves after the Civil War. Efforts include shared services, potlucks and research collaborations.
“It bothered me that we had these families who were part of our history that we hadn’t claimed in the same way as prominent white Charleston families,” Stephens says. “It seemed like we were missing part of God’s work here.”
In September, St. John celebrated the opening of the trails during a weekend of services, history tours and community events, welcoming about 45 descendants of enslaved families as part of its spiritual and historical family. “I tried to make clear that this is their church too,” Stephens says.
One of the people who visited that weekend was EuGene Curtain, a Durham resident and descendant of Caesar and Venus Edwards. About 20 family members joined him.
When Curtain, a genealogy buff, first visited the grounds of St. John more than 30 years ago, he knew his grandfather had been born in Flat Rock and
HONORING THE ANCESTORS:
EuGene Curtain, a descendant of Caesar and Venus Edwards, and his wife, Linda, attended the opening of the Trails of St. John in September. Photo courtesy of the church
that his ancestors had lived and worked in the area. And through his research, he knew Caesar was a skilled cook, and Venus worked as a housemaid, doing laundry and tending to children.
But the connection to St. John felt distant, and he never set foot in any of the buildings. “The church really didn’t have that much of a meaning to me, other than the fact that they were married there,” he says.
That changed when he made contact with Barker and Stephens this spring to discuss his family’s history with the church. A few months later, Stephens got back in touch. “He asked my permission to name one of the trails in honor of my third great-grandparents,” Curtain recalls. “I said, ‘By all means, do that.’”
The recognition, he adds, felt overdue but meaningful. “I was totally delighted. I felt that finally they were being recognized as people that contributed not only to Flat Rock and Hendersonville but to that church itself.”
The impact has echoed throughout the extended Edwards-Curtain family. “A lot of people knew about Caesar and Venus, but they didn’t know too much about the church itself. Now that the church has reached out to us in this special way, a lot of them have changed their opinion of St. John’s.”
Curtain says he plans to return often. “Now I’m part of this. They’ve added us to the story, and we do appreciate what St. John’s has done — and what they’re doing.”
‘THEY ARE NOT FORGOTTEN’
“You are on Holy Ground.”
Those are the words that greet visitors at the beginning of the Trails of St. John, which are open to the public from dawn to dusk each day.
In addition to the paths honoring the formerly enslaved, one of the trails is named for Rivers Stone, a wealthy parishioner who died in 2022 and left money to the church that enabled the creation of the trail system and the wilderness chapel.
The main artery of the trail system, the New Jerusalem Path, is a restored 19th-century route that was used by the Rev. Drayton during the months he was in Flat Rock until he was buried at the church’s cemetery for white people in 1891.
Drayton’s complex legacy — shaped by his Charleston upbringing, his ministry among both enslaved and free people and the postwar communities that relied on him — has renewed significance as descendants reconnect with the parish, Stephens notes. His burial in the churchyard, alongside many prominent other Charleston names — among them Memmingers, Rutledges and Trenholms — underscores the layered history the congregation is now seeking to remember with greater clarity and care.
“Some of these folks are kind of like Confederate royalty,” Stephens says of the people buried under elaborate headstones just outside the church’s entrance. Just steps away, the historical Black burial ground presents a stark contrast. Originally marked only by fieldstones, the 100 or so graves that date from about 1836-81 lack the grandeur and detailed records of the plots for white people. The early records often referred to those buried as “servants,” omitting last names before the Civil War, a subtle erasure of their full humanity, Stephens says.
In the 1970s, a church member installed crosses at each field stone to dignify the site. In 2015, a memorial cross honoring “slaves, freed servants and their children” buried at the church was installed.
Curtain has spent time walking around the burial field over the years.
“I realized I probably had some family members buried there that I didn’t know of. I will tell them who I am — ‘My name is EuGene Curtain. I am the son of EugGene Curtain, the grandson of Eddie Curtain’— all the way back. I don’t know who’s buried there, but I tell them I’m here, that I love them and that they are not forgotten.”
On Sunday, Dec. 21, 10:10-10:45 a.m., church members will decorate the stones and crosses of the enslaved and freed parishioners with Christmas sprays. The public is welcome.
“We will very prayerfully take a moment to remember the people whose dignity was lost here,” Stephens says. “That’s become an important sacred tradition. Last year, we had a descendant of enslaved people come and be with us for that. This year, we’re inviting more of the descendants to be a part of it. That special ritual — it’s powerful.” X
A new tradition
Fairview residents come together to organize a holiday parade
BY BRIONNA DALLARA
bdallara@mountainx.com
A cluster of Fairview businesses paraded through the A.C. Reynolds High School campus last year to spread holiday cheer post-Tropical Storm Helene. This year, the event is expanding its reach with an official Fairview Christmas Parade down U.S. Route 74-A (also known as Charlotte Highway), the community’s main thoroughfare.
The 2025 edition takes place Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. The route begins at TE Connectivity, 1396 Charlotte Highway, and concludes at Angelo’s Family Restaurant, 1226 Charlotte Highway. Charlotte Highway will be blocked off in both directions — from Sharon Road to Miller Road — from 9:45 a.m.-noon.
Thirty-five businesses will march in the parade, along with a special guest of honor — Santa Claus.
The festivities will continue at Hickory Nut Gap Farms’ (HNGF) free annual Barn Warmer event, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Along with being the parade’s official afterparty venue, the gathering will double as the HNGF’s 25-year anniversary party.
Cory Wall , the parade’s lead organizer, says after a year of navigating paperwork for street closures and securing community support, she’s excited for the event’s launch.
“I want this process to be so smooth that we can do this year after year for generations,” she says.
‘THE HEARTBEAT OF BUNCOMBE COUNTY’
As an unincorporated community, pulling off this year’s parade required cooperation across multiple entities, from the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office to public safety partners and fire departments. It also involved county approval for road closures and event details, many of which were finalized in October.
“It really does take community involvement, which is fine, because we’re here for that, and we help each other,” says Wall.
Among the parade’s vocal supporters is Buncombe County Commissioner Jennifer Horton, who attended last year’s event.
After the initial gathering, Horton says her constituents told her they wanted to do it again. “They want to celebrate where they live, with their own people, on their own main road. That message stayed with me, and it shaped everything that followed,” Horton says.
But what mattered most was the community input, Horton says.
“Parents, longtime residents, new residents, small-business owners and everyday neighbors from across the county have stepped up in ways that show exactly who we are,” Horton says. “That spirit is the heartbeat of Buncombe County, and it’s the reason I’ve never left.”
DOOR-KNOCKING CAMPAIGN
Since Helene, Wall says, some of Fairview’s local businesses have
SPREADING CHEER: Dozens of businesses are participating in the Fairview Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 10 a.m. Pictured is Cory Wall, right, along with her son, Emmett, far left, at last year’s inaugural event, which took place in the parking lot of A.C. Reynolds High School. Photo by Katie Richard
struggled to make ends meet. She and fellow organizers made it a point to ask all shopkeepers along the route if they were OK with the road closure.
“Every single business was like, ‘Heck, yes,’” Wall says.
The parade, she notes, will hopefully help spotlight the area and add much-needed foot traffic to the town’s stores. With the temporary closure of U.S. 74-A, traffic will be
rerouted along Cane Creek Road and Emmas Grove Road.
“Fairview deserves moments that reflect its strength and identity,” Horton says. “After everything this community has [been] through, bringing the parade home isn’t just about a holiday tradition. It’s about pride, resilience and joy. This parade belongs to Fairview again, and that means something.” X
Community Action Opportunities
H ELPING P EOPLE. C HANGING L IVES.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Community Action Opportunities (CAO) will host a virtual public hearing on 12/18/2025 to discuss the Community Services Block Grant application submitted to the Office of Economic Opportunity on 12/05/2025 (CAO Board approved 12/02). CAO intends to use $899,300 for a self-sufficiency project serving a six-county service area.
To hear more about this program plan and to provide comment, please email Kate at kate.singogo@ar4ca.org for the hearing login info.
Passion project
Asheville educator reflects on religious diversity after breaking Guinness record
BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE
When Vicki Garlock first stumbled across a Religion News Service article reporting that a man in India had earned a new Guinness World Records title by visiting 76 places of worship in a month, a thought hit her almost before she finished reading.
“I literally looked at my husband and said, ‘Oh, I think I could beat that,’” recalls Garlock, an Asheville interfaith educator and author who runs the organization World Religions 4 Kids.
A quick mental calculation — “that’s like two places a day” — was all it took for her to imagine not just topping the record but smashing it, a spark that ultimately propelled the Kankakee, Ill., native to visit an astonishing 185 Chicago houses of worship in September and claim the title herself.
The monthlong pilgrimage — which spanned mosques, monasteries, Zen centers, Orthodox cathedrals, Hindu temples and more — was a whirlwind of planning, transit maps, witness verification forms and unexpected detours through some of the Windy City’s most culturally layered neighborhoods.
“One of the things that inspired me was that this was an opportunity to really lift up the religious diversity that we have in the United States, and Chicago was a really good place to do that,” Garlock explains. “Asheville is so small, relatively speaking. We have three synagogues, we have one big Hindu temple, we have two or three different Buddhist centers. But when I was in Chicago and going to 185 places, it was just really crazy.”
Xpress spoke with Garlock about how she managed the logistics of her journey, what she learned and what she plans to do next.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Xpress: What inspired you to take on this challenge?
Garlock: In teaching about the world’s religions, I talk a lot about lived religion — not the belief system you read on Wikipedia, but what lived religion looks like for people day in and day out, which often revolves around places of worship.
When it comes to diversity, people often think across religious traditions — Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, etc. — but there’s an incredible amount of diversity within religious traditions. Because Christianity is the home religion for many in America, we understand Orthodox, evangelical, Protestant or whatever, but we tend not to realize that this spectrum applies to all the other religious traditions as well. There are very progressive Muslims, very traditional Muslims and everything in between, and the same is true for Buddhism and Judaism.
How did you manage the logistics of visiting that many sites in such a short time?
The hardest part was the Guinness verification and contract negotiations — they wouldn’t give me the rules until I signed. I got frustrated and quit for a few weeks, but eventually changed my mind, signed, paid and finally got the rules: I needed to get selfies, quick
videos and a signature at each place. And I couldn’t use a personal vehicle. Because of that, I relied on Chicago Transit Authority, walking and some use of Uber and Lyft. I emailed places for appointments. I stayed two weeks in a Wicker Park Airbnb near the Blue Line, visiting sites there and downtown; Wicker Park had many Orthodox and Catholic churches from different immigrant communities. Midway through the month, I moved to an Evanston Airbnb and used the Purple Line to reach Wilmette and Rogers Park.
Did you encounter any unexpected challenges?
I started in the Loop, but the first day was Labor Day, which meant it was hard to get signatures, so I began a day late. Then Guinness emailed that someone had set a new record of 111, so I now needed 112. I was originally thinking I would visit 85-95 places. I panicked, but on Saturday, I went to Seventh Day Adventist churches where people were present and happy to sign. I realized I didn’t need appointments — I just had to show up when people were there. That changed everything. I kept my appointments but added nearby places before, after and between them, printing witness forms nightly. I met custodians, cleaning people and construction workers who could verify I was there. That blew the whole thing open, and I ended with 185.
You’ve called this journey a “love letter to spiritual diversity.” Was there a moment that embodied that for you?
What most captured that was walking around the neighborhoods I was visiting. Sometimes I visited 14 places in one day, and it amazed me that, in terms of religious freedom in America, I could go to Chicago Loop Synagogue and, three blocks away, visit the Downtown Islamic Center, all in a single day. I could just ring their doorbells, walk in and meet people. The best part was meeting all these people, but the truly amazing thing was that it actually worked — I could visit five or six different religious traditions in one day because these places are next to each other, in the same neighborhoods, coexisting peacefully. We often take that for granted in America. We have work to do on religious freedom, but there are many places in the world where that just can’t and doesn’t happen.
Advent ~ Christmas at First Congregational
UCC
SPIRITUAL JOURNEY: Vicki Garlock, right, poses with Ghulam Jeelani at Faizan e Madinah, a mosque in Chicago’s West Ridge neighborhood. “People often see religion as divisive, but places of worship provide a glimpse into how religion can be a positive force in our world today,” she says. Photo by Victor Garlock
Along the way, did anything genuinely surprise you about a particular tradition or community?
One of the things that really surprised me, even though in theory I know it from my own experience with the world’s religions, was how many people do not worship in English. I went to a Ukrainian Catholic Church, a Greek Orthodox Church and an Orthodox vigil in Church Slavonic. It’s a language created in the ninth century by a monk so Eastern European Orthodox Christians could understand a combination of various Eastern European languages. I had never even heard of Church Slavonic before and had to come home and research it. And then there are Buddhist temples and Hindu temples. It’s really amazing how many people don’t worship in English.
When did you know for sure you had broken the record?
I had an official Guinness adjudicator who confirmed the first day, then I heard nothing. After the record jumped to 111, she encouraged me but gave no updates. So I never knew what Guinness would count. Some witness forms had wrong dates or unreadable signatures, and I worried constantly. Friends kept saying, “You gotta just keep going,” so I did. By the end, I was exhausted — traveling farther each day, riding the “L” for hours, walking miles between places. I thought I had the record but didn’t know. The moment she announced I had visited 185 places was the first time I felt sure.
I chose to do the ceremony at Loyola University of Chicago. Loyola has beautiful spaces for many religious traditions, creating a genuinely spiritual atmosphere. So we held it at Madonna
della Strada Chapel on the banks of Lake Michigan with the campus ministry person and my judge.
How do you think this experience will influence your work with World Religions 4 Kids?
For World Religions 4 Kids, I have to learn the information and then figure out how to present it so a 5-, 8-, or 10-year-old can understand. There’s always more to learn, and this was inspiring. This is often a passion project, and I need to keep learning and being inspired.
I was posting on social media every day, lifting up the idea of how diverse America is and how well that works compared to many places in the world. I grew up in Illinois, and friends there were nervous about me walking around Chicago alone and entering unfamiliar places. It was nice to show that you can do this — and maybe inspire others. This is doable, and nothing bad will happen. People are welcoming and kind. Maybe the next time someone drives past a place of worship, they won’t feel nervous or look away and might actually connect. You never know.
Now that the record is behind you, do you see a book, documentary or other project emerging from this?
[Laughs] I have no idea. People tell me, “You need to write a book.” Well, I’ve written several kids books. I’ve published a curriculum. I know what it takes to write a book. I’m not convinced that anyone is going to be particularly interested in a book, but if I find a publisher and there’s interest around it, I might consider it. Right now, I’m just kind of recovering and sending out press releases. I have no idea what’s going to come of it. We’ll see. So I’m open to suggestions. X
First Congregational UCC
P.O. Box 3211 Asheville, NC 28802
Located at 20 Oak Street
Phone: 828-252-8729
Childcare available 10-noon on Sundays www.uccasheville.org
December 14
3rd Sunday of Advent-Mary’s Song: Service of Music
Christmas Dinner-following worship
Children & Youth Christmas Party
December 21
4th Sunday of Advent-Joseph the Dreamer
Winter Solstice Service-In the Spirit of the Celts
December 24
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
December 28
Liminal, It’s Poetic: Words for the New Year
All Sunday morning services at 10:30 am
Winter Solstice & Christmas Eve services at 5:30 pm
DEC. 10 - DEC. 18, 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
More info, page 26
WELLNESS
Wellness Wednesday:
Cue The Pub Run
The perfect way to make new connections or keep current ones fresh.
WE (12/10, 17), 6pm, Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Rd
Community Yoga w/ Carrie
An hour of free yoga, meditation, and mindfulness with local instructor Carrie Myers.
WE (12/10), 10:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas NC Wellness and Opportunity Center, 216 Asheland Ave
Appalachian Healing Collective
Participants can offer or receive healing
through various practices such as instrumental sound, reiki, and more.
FR (12/12), 6:30pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Avenue
Friday Fitness with Delia
Get your day started on the right foot with Friday fitness classes.
FR (12/12), 10am, Harvest House Community Center, 205 Kenilworth Rd
Yoga
Bring a yoga mat or towel and water, and be sure to dress in layers!
FR (12/12), 9:30am,Transylvania County Library, 212 S Gaston St, Brevard
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Family Bootcamp
Make the most of your workout time while showing your children the benefits of staying active.
SA (12/13), 9:30am, Reuter Family YMCA, 3 Town Square Blvd
Goat Yoga
Asheville Wellness Tours leads a yoga with playful goats on a peaceful, private farm.
SA (12/13), 11am, Asheville Wellness Tours, Asheville and nearby areas
SharQui Bellydance
Fitness
A bellydance fitness class suitable for all levels, led by instructor Kim Reigle.
WE (12/10, 17), noon,
SA (12/13), 10am, World Dance Asheville, 1269 Tunnel Rd
Candlelight Flow
Yoga
Unwind in our all-levels
Candlelight Flow Yoga class.
SU (12/14), 5pm, Happy Body Pilates, 25 Reed St., Suite 210
Community Kirtan & Song Circle
COMMUNITY HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA: Celebrate the magic of the holidays and the joy of reading at Read to Succeed’s fourth annual Community Holiday Extravaganza, hosted at the Arthur R. Edington Education & Career Center on Sunday, Dec. 14, starting at noon. The free event will feature play time, food and live music, plus readings by nationally acclaimed Black children’s book authors J.P. Miller and Kelle Jolly. Photo courtesy of Read to Succeed
Experience the joy and connection of kirtan, a heart-centered gathering where we come together to sing devotional chants in a call-and-response format.
SU (12/14), 6:30pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Avenue
Metal Yoga w/ Quantum Mystic This class will take you on a journey through
the abyss. Where metal heads and misfits alike get to transform.
SU (12/14), 11am, Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave
Sunday Morning Meditation
soundbath with guided meditations from spirit guide and professional musician Lance Craig.
TU (12/16), 7pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Avenue
A group session focusing on connecting in the quantum field to release limitations, clear trauma imprints, and embody more light.
Marijuana Anonymous
Whether you’re exploring sobriety, new to recovery, or have been on this path for a while, you are welcome here.
A combination of silent sitting and walking meditation, facilitated by Worth Bodie, a longtime Buddhist student and practitioner.
SU (12/14), 10am, The Lodge at Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd
Dr. Grant Gym Rats
Offering a variety of physical activities, games, and sports to help your child stay healthy, fit and have fun.
MO (12/15), 11:45am, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
A Journey Into You: A Unique Musical Meditation Experience w/ Lance Craig This session features an ambient guitar
Kinēsa Mat Class
Kinēsa focuses on retraining the brain and calming the nervous system to release habitual patterns of posture, movement, and body mechanics.
TU (12/16), 8:30am, Happy Body Pilates, 25 Reed St., Suite 210
Intro to the Fitness Center
Tour the Stephens-Lee fitness center and learn how to use each machine and receive lots of encouragement to keep you on track.
TH (12/18), 1pm, Stephens-Lee Rec Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Quantum Energy
Healing & Transformation: Group Session w/ Meg
TH (12/18), 7pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Avenue
SUPPORT GROUPS
Disordered Eating/ Eating Disorders
This support group is peer-led and facilitated by licensed therapists & dietitians specializing in eating disorders. Register at avl.mx/es6.
WE (12/10, 17), 6pm, Online
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 spiritual practice, support, and discussion group for seekers. It will explore a variety of spiritual practices including meditation, breathwork, meditative movement and more.
MO (12/15), 2pm, AmeriHealth Caritas NC Wellness and Opportunity Center, 216 Asheland Ave
Families Anonymous Support group for those affected by someone else’s addiction.
TU (12/16), 6pm, Love & Respect, 350 Chadwick Ave Suite 300
TH (12/18), 6:30pm, American Legion Post, 851 Haywood Rd
Menopause Matters
Come as you are, bring a friend and engage in a real discussion about midlife changes with a welcoming group of women who “get it”.
TH (12/18), 5:30pm, AmeriHealth Caritas NC Wellness and Opportunity Center, 216 Asheland Ave
Winter Women Meeting Monthly meeting for mature women to discuss and study Celtic Spirituality.
TH (12/18), noon, First Congregational Church of Christ of Asheville, 20 Oak Street
Country Line Dance w/ Kristey Featuring beginner and advanced classes that are open to everyone. Dust off your favorie boots, and get ready to groove.
WE (12/10, 12/17), 6pm, Eda’s Hide-aWay, 1098 New Stock Rd, Weaverville Fundamentals of Bellydance Explore the fundamentals of bellydance, focusing on internal movement, isolations, smooth travel, hip articulation, and fluidity.
WE (12/10, 12/17), 5:30pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Avenue
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 (12/10, 17), 8pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd
Queer Fusion: Yule
Tide Pride
A fusion dance in Asheville for queers and enthusiastic allies. Whether you’re a brand new dancer or you have been dancing for years, all are welcome.
SA (12/13), 7pm, A-B Tech Mission Health Conference Center, 16 Fernihurst Dr
Bellydance Drills
A class focusing on bellydance drills suitable for all levels, led by Olivia Blahowsky.
SU (12/14), 4pm, World Dance Asheville, 1269 Tunnel Rd
Steppin’ Out
The second Sunday of every month feaures line dancing. No cover charge, and no boots, partner, or experience needed.
SU (12/14), 5pm, Hi-Wire BrewingBiltmore Village, 2A Huntsman Pl
ART
Artful Living: The Spirit of the Craftsman Style
Through clay, canvas, wood, and metal, Artful Living explores the soul of the Craftsman ethos—simplicity, utility, and harmony with the natural world. Gallery open Monday through Sunday, 10am. Exhibition through Dec. 31. 10am, Grovewood Gallery, 111 Grovewood Rd
Lasting Legacies: Architecture in Asheville by Richard Sharp Smith, Albert Heath Carrier & Douglas D. Ellington
Lasting Legacies
shines a spotlight on the contributions of two of the city’s most prominent architectural firms to Asheville’s built environment and artistic spirit in the early decades of the 20th century. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through Jan. 18, 2026. 11am, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Look Homeward, Angel: Letterio Calapai’s Wood Engravings of the Asheville-Inspired Novel
This exhibition presents a folio of prints by Letterio Calapai illustrating “Look Homeward, Angel” (1929)—Thomas
Wolfe’s semi-autobiographical novel set in a fictionalized Asheville. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through Feb. 22, 2026. 11am, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Highwater: Ceramics from the Gail & Brian McCarthy Collection
Highwater features ceramics from the collection of Gail & Brian McCarthy, celebrating the 45-year legacy of Highwater Clays as a pillar of the ceramics community in WNC and beyond. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through April 26, 2026. 11am, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Women of the Pacific Northwest
This exhibition celebrates the voices, visions and material mastery of female artists working today, with roots from this rich and progressive region. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through May 17, 2026.
11am, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Modern Bestiary: Creatures from the Collection
This exhibition explores the artistic legacy of the medieval bestiary through a selection of animals and fantastic beasts from the Museum’s Collection. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through March 15, 2026. 11am, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Points in Space: Performance
This exhibition will feature visual and time-based artworks that echo BMC’s innovative spirit from 1933 to 1957. BMC was a nexus of avant-garde activity, fostering innovation through collaboration and experiential learning. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition through Jan. 10, 2026. Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St Trolls: A Field Study
An interactive exhibition featuring twelve troll sculptures exploring human life, crafted from materials like fallen branches and wooden pallets. Gallery open daily, 8am. Exhibition through Feb.17.
NC Arboretum, 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way
Pyrography Art Class
This workshop will teach you the basic safety and techniques to begin your journey with pyrography. You will take home the woodburning tool provided to continue your pyrography journey.
TH (12/11), 4pm, Trackside Studios, 375 Depot St
Slow Art Friday
Experience how close looking can foster relaxation and connection.
FR (12/12), noon, Asheville Art Museum, 2 South Pack Square
Art Opening: The Power of Voice Group show featuring 25+ local artists inspired by the title’s theme, to include various media, styles, and interpretations. Light refreshments available and live music.
SA (12/13), 3pm, Flood Gallery, 802 Fairview Rd, Ste 1200
Makerspace
A drop-in art activity led by Museum staff.
SA (12/13), 1pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 South Pack Square
Public Tour: Featured Exhibition
A guided tour of the museum's current featured exhibition.
SA (12/13), 2pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 South Pack Square
Second Saturday Art Stroll
Monthly Second Saturday Art Stroll featuring live music, clay demonstrations, and refreshments.
SA (12/13), 11am, Odyssey Gallery of Ceramic Arts, 238 Clingman Ave
Public Tour: Discovering Art in Asheville Volunteer educators or Museum staff will lead an interactive tour exploring the Museum’s history and Collection.
SU (12/14), 3pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 South Pack Square
COMMUNITY MUSIC
Sonic Immersion
An invitation to simply be with what is in the moment, experiencing the impermanence of sounds as they emerge and subside.
FR (12/12), 6pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Avenue
Kellin Watson & Friends’ Holiday Special w/Aaron Price
A heartwarming throwback to the classic TV holiday variety shows of years past — the kind that made you want to cozy up by the fire and sing along.
SA (12/13), 7:30pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 West State Street
Blue Ridge Ringers:
An International Christmas
This concert series will include holiday selections from around the world with varied styles.
SU (12/14), 4pm, Lutheran Church of the Nativity, 2425 Hendersonville Rd
Smoky Mountain Brass Band Christmas Concert
Smoky Mountain Brass Band will be performing a set of delightful holiday tunes. This concert is free to attend, and donations will be gratefully accepted.
SU (12/14), 3pm, St. James Episcopal Church, 424 W State Street
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
Enamel a Silver Charm
Choose your charm shape and your favorite colors while you spend time in the studio making a sterling silver and enamel charm.
SA (12/13), 11am, Ignite Jewelry Studios, 84 Walnut St Unit A Rock Academy Students learn to perform a wide variety of musical styles and songs of various genres including blues, classic rock, hard rock, punk, surf, americana and more.
SU (12/14), 6pm, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Road
Crafting Your Business Plan: Business Description
A business plan is a key tool for making your business successful-- to identify where you excel, where you need to adjust, and where you need support. Register at avl.mx/f84.
TU (12/16), 10am, Online
Simply Charmed: Drop In Workshop
Choose from more than 60 styles of metal stamps and a variety of jewelers hammers to complete your charm. After a quick demo by the instructor you will have time to complete your masterpiece.
TU (12/16), 11am, Ignite Jewelry Studios, 84 Walnut St Unit A
Crafting Your Business Plan: Marketing In this session you will learn how strong marketing is critical to make your business thrive. Attendees will learn how to understand the market for your business—from your customer to your competition. Register at avl.mx/f86.
WE (12/17), 10am, Online
Crafting Your Business Plan: Financials
In this session, you will work on the operations and the important financial sections of the Business Plan. Learn why businesses borrow money, what lenders are looking for when reviewing your application, and the importance of having cash flow projections. Register at avl.mx/f85. TH (12/18), 10am, Online
Stamp a Copper Ornament
Come stamp a copper ornament, or earrings to your liking. Choose from more than 50 styles of metal stamps and a variety of jewelers hammers to complete your charm.
TH (12/18), 11am, Ignite Jewelry Studios, 84 Walnut St Unit A
LITERARY
Poetry Open Mic Asheville’s longest-running open mic, welcoming all forms of creative expression. Sign-up at 8 p.m. for a 5 or 10-minute spot.
WE (12/10, 12/17), 8:30pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave
Library Tour
A tour behind the scenes at the library, highlighting things you may or may not know and sharing tips for making the most of your library.
WE (12/10), 3:30pm, Transylvania County Library, Brevard, 212 South Gaston Street
Second Saturday Storytime & Craft
Join us for stories, songs, movement and more as we celebrate and promote early and emergent literacy!
SA (12/13), 11am, Transylvania County Library, Brevard, 212 South Gaston Street
Twas the Season: Stories of Holidays Past
Enjoy this gathering of stories of seasons and holidays past. Chuck Fink will host a cozy winter evening of stories with humor, pathos and joy.
SA (12/13), 7:30pm, Story Parlor, 227 Haywood Rd
Flooded Poetry Mondays
Poetry-specific open mic, starring you plus weekly featured readers, every Monday.
MO (12/15), 6:30pm, Flood Gallery, 802 Fairview Rd
Asheville StorySLAM: Family Matters
Prepare a five-minute story about the people you’re bound to by blood, marriage, or choice. Siblings, in-laws, step-relatives, or the chosen family who showed up when
it mattered most.
TH (12/18), 7:30pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave
Sandy Mush Monthly Bookclub
A monthly book club meeting at Sandy Mush Community Center.
TH (12/18), 2:30pm, Sandy Mush Community Center, 19 School Rd
World Affairs Book Club
Where passionate readers and engaged citizens delve into thought-provoking books.
TH (12/18), 10am, Transylvania County Library, Brevard, 212 South Gaston Stree
THEATER & FILM
Dashing Through the Snow
Four days before Christmas in Tinsel, Texas, a colorful parade of eccentric guests arrive at the Snowflake Inn and deck the halls with holiday hilarity.
TH (12/11), FR (12/12), 7:30pm, SA (12/13), SU (12/14), 2pm, Hendersonville Theatre, 229 S Washington St
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever
A hilarious, heartwarming holiday play where the unruly Herdman kids crash the annual Christmas pageant and turn chaos into unexpected Christmas magic.
FR (12/12), 7:30pm, SA (12/13), SU (12/14), 2pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 West State Street
The Wickhams: Christmas at Pemberley
A festive Pride and Prejudice sequel set downstairs at Pemberley, where Christmas preparations are upended by the unexpected, and very unwelcome, arrival of Mr. Wickham.
TH (12/11), SA (12/13) 7:30pm, SU (12/14), 5pm, Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon Street
Foreign Film Friday: Hour of the Wolf
When a couple are invited to a nearby castle for dinner, things start to go wrong with a vengeance, as a coven of sinister aristocrats hastens the artist’s psychological deterioration.
FR (12/12), 7pm, Flood Gallery, 802 Fairview Rd, Ste 1200 Reasonably Priced Babies: Naughty or Nice Show
The Reasonably Priced Babies are bringing the holiday cheer. Expect all the dreidels, cookies, carols, candles, coal and Krampus they can pack into 2 shows.
FR (12/12), 6:30pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 West State Street
The Nutcracker
The Asheville Ballet presents the full-length classical holiday tradition, featuring Clara’s magical journey to the Lands of Snow and Sweets with Tchaikovsky’s score. FR (12/12), 7:30pm, SA (12/13), 2:30pm, 7:30pm, SU (12/14), 2:30pm, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave
Tales of Chanukah
Storytellers share tales of Chanukah, celebrating the Festival of Lights with stories that warm hearts and uplift spirits. SU (12/14), 2pm, Black Mountain Center for the Arts, 225 West State Street
Ballet Conservatory of Asheville Presents:
The Nutcracker
A magically festive, full-length Nutcracker, featuring professional classical dancers and the Ballet Conservatory’s celebrated pre-professional company.
TH (12/18), FR (12/19), 4:30pm and 7:30pm, SA (12/20), 10am, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave
MEETINGS & PROGRAMS
Tails & Ales: Dog Friendly Community Hangout Bring your pup, grab a beer, and hang out with other local dog lovers.
WE (12/10, 12/17), 5pm, Hi-Wire RAD Beer Garden, 284 Lyman St
IBN Biz Lunch: Brevard/Pisgah Forest
A free business networking lunch event open to all, with no membership or attendance requirements. Optional food and drinks available for purchase.
APR’s 12 Days of Magic: Holiday Trivia Unwrap a new holiday surprise each day to celebrate the magic and wonder of the season.
FR (12/12), 2pm, Grove Street Community Center, 36 Grove S
Youth Gingerbread House Making
A sweet and festive afternoon where kids design and decorate holiday dream houses with colorful candies and icing.
FR (12/12), 5:30pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Dr
Simple Self-Defense
Learn self-defense using body mechanics to outsmart bigger attackers with leverage, balance, and movement.
SA (12/13), 1pm, Alliance Kinetics Martial Arts, 8 Glenn Willow Dr Unit 26 Magdalene Rose Circle of Sacred Connection
A sacred space for alchemical co-creation to unlock intentions for unity, empowerment, love, and transformation through the presence of Mary Magdalene.
SA (12/13), 2pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Avenue
Atheists of WNC
This little Atheist group invites anyone who doesn’t believe in religions to come chat with like-minded people. Find out more at avl.mx/f8c.
SU (12/14), 10am, EarthFare - Westgate, 66 Westgate Pkw
Coloring with 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 (12/14), 2pm, House of Black Cat Magic, 841 Haywood Rd.
Open Gym Climb
A limited number of staff will be on hand to belay climbers. Participants must attend and pass an APR climbing course or belay clinic to belay.
SU (12/14), 1:30pm, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Ave
APR’s 12 Days of Magic: Ornament Making Unwrap a new holiday surprise each day to celebrate the magic and wonder of the season.
MO (12/15), 2pm, Grove Street Community Center, 36 Grove S
APR’s 12 Days of Magic: Holiday Show & Tell Unwrap a new holiday surprise each day to celebrate the magic and wonder of the season.
TU (12/16), 2pm, Grove Street Community Center, 36 Grove S
Lunch N’ Learn: The Empowered Caregiver This program aims to help with communicating effectively and managing behaviors. Please make sure to register for free lunch.
TU (12/16), noon, AmeriHealth Caritas NC Wellness and Opportunity Center, 216 Asheland Ave
APR’s 12 Days of Magic: Cookie Exchange
Unwrap a new holiday surprise each day to celebrate the magic and wonder of the season.
WE (12/17), 2pm, Grove Street Community Center, 36 Grove S
APR’s 12 Days of Magic: Holiday
Minute to Win It
Unwrap a new holiday surprise each day to celebrate the magic and wonder of the season.
TH (12/18), 2pm, Grove Street Community Center, 36 Grove St
GAMES & CLUBS
Asheville Board Game Club Meetup
Play wide variety of games—strategy, party, cooperative, and more—and we’re always happy to teach, so no experience needed!
WE (12/10, 17), 5:30pm, Well Played Board Game Café, 162 Coxe Ave, 101
Homeschooler’s Hangout
Games help develop cognitive skills, includ-
ing decision-making, problem-solving, and logical analysis.
TH (12/11, 12/18), 11am, Well Played Board Game Café, 162 Coxe Ave, 101
Social Seniors
A social gathering for seniors to engage in various activities and connect with peers.
WE (12/10, /17), TH (12/11, 18), FR (12/12), MO (12/15), TU (12/16), 9am, Grove Street Community Center, 36 Grove S
Trivia Night w/King Trivia
Bring your friends, team sizes up to 6, and compete for exciting prizes.
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at festive Holiday Bingo.
SA (12/13), noon, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St
Adult Community Basketball
Come shoot some hoops or play a pick up game with friends.
SU (12/14), 1pm, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr.
Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Hooping Around Community Basketball
Come show your skills, play a pick-up game, and get a good sweat in.
SU (12/14), 1:15pm, Linwood Crump Shiloh Community Center, 121 Shiloh Rd
Southside After Praise
Featuring an afternoon of playing spades or dominoes.
SU (12/14), 1:30pm, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St
Weekly Sunday
Scrabble
If you like Wordle, Boggle, Words with Friends or Scrabble online, this club may be a good fit for you. All of the games are provided.
SU (12/14), 1:30pm, Stephens-Lee Rec Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Eda’s Pool Night Pool night, every Monday night with a $5 buy in. Must be signed up by 7 p.m.
MO (12/15), 6:30pm,
Eda’s Hideaway, 1098 New Stock Rd, Weaverville
Monday Night Music Video Bingo Come out for Monday Night Music Video Bingo with Jason.
MO (12/15), 6pm, Mills River Brewing Co., 336 Banner Farm Rd, Mills River
Magic: The Gathering at Well Played Whether you’ve been playing for years or are just starting your journey, this is your chance to battle, brew, and build community.
TU (12/16), 6pm, Well Played Board Game Café, 162 Coxe Ave, 101
KID-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS
Baby Story Time
A lively language enrichment story time designed for children ages 4 to 18 months.
Tiny Tykes Discovery Time: Winter Wonderland Foster imagination and develop social
and motor skills for toddlers with these sessions.
TU (12/16), 10am, Stephens-Lee Rec Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Toddler Discovery Time: Winter Wonderland
The gym turns into a winter playground of toys, craft and science stations, and holiday activities to inspire toddlers’ creativity and imagination.
TU (12/16), 10am, Stephens-Lee Rec Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Jingle Bell Toddler Party
Jingle bells, reindeer magic, and a snowball toss are part of the celebration in the magical Castle on the Hill packed with inflatables, toys, activity stations, and festive refreshments.
WE (12/17), 10am, Stephens-Lee Rec Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Paws & Pages Children can drop in to the kids area and read aloud to a furry pal! The Library uses volunteers and therapy dogs from the 5 Paws Therapy Group.
WE (12/17), 4pm, Transylvania County Library, Brevard, 212 South Gaston Street
LOCAL MARKETS
Christmas Bake & Craft Sale
A festive afternoon featuring local artists and makers including: Hand-thrown pottery, wire fire sculptures, fine art prints, jewelry, fresh baked goods and more.
SA (12/13), 11am, Rock Hill Missionary Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 486 Caribou Rd
Holly Jolly Christmas Market
Shoppers are invited to browse handcrafted treasures, seasonal treats, and one-ofa-kind gifts while enjoying live, local music in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the historic White Horse venue.
SA (12/13), 10am, White Horse Black Mountain, 105C Montreat Road
Winter Wonderland Pottery Market
Come shop local at Asheville’s newest community pottery stu-
Magical Offerings
dio and support Manna Food Bank. You’ll also be able to pop into Altamont Vintage for some special evening shopping.
SA (12/13), 3pm, AVL Clay Community Ceramics Studio, 4 Mulvaney St
Holiday Makers Market
Tis the season to shop local and drink beer.
Mark your calendars for our 2nd annual holiday market.
SU (12/14), 2pm, Leveller Brewing Co., 25 N Main St
Vegan Market
The best local vegan vendors serving up delicious treats for you while you meet people and listen to good music.
SU (12/14), 11am, Bridge & Tunnel Cafe at AB Tech, 10 Fernihurst Drive
Carolina Ground:
Holiday Market
This pop up will offer a rich of array of baked goods ranging from sourdough and Nordic rye breads, bagels and buckwheat brownies to gingerbread, chocolates, cookies, cheeses and more.
SU (12/14), 10am, Carolina Ground, 1237 Shipp St
WNC Farmers Market
This year-round market features locally grown produce, fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, plants, shops, arts and crafts, sourwood honey, and other farm fresh items.
Open daily, 8am. 570 Brevard Rd
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Dance the Night Away w/NAMI
A free and festive Holiday Dance Party with food, dancing, crafts, and plenty of holiday joy for an easygoing evening where our community can relax, connect, and have fun.
WE (12/10), 5pm, AmeriHealth Caritas NC Wellness and Opportunity Center, 216 Asheland Ave
Winterfest & Christmas Light Show Drive through an extravagant, 2-mile Christmas light show, synchronized to music.
WE (12/10, 17), TH (12/11, 18), FR (12/12), SA (12/13), SU (12/14), MO (12/15), TU
(12/16), 11am, Tryon International Equestrian Center, 25 International Blvd
Winter Lights Trolley Enjoy all that Biltmore Park Town Square has to offer, and take our Trolley to see the lights. FR (12/12), SA (12/13), 5:30pm, NC Arboretum, 20 Frederick Law Olmsted Way
7th Annual Jingle On Main Downtown Marshall will be aglow with live music, local art, Santa sightings, and plenty of holiday cheer. Enjoy an evening of festive fun, shopping, and small-town magic as music fills the restaurant.
FR (12/12), 4pm
Craft & Comfort: A Holiday Gathering
A festive evening that brings together the warmth of handmade goods, fresh loaves, and community spirit. Enjoy complimentary gift wrapping, a spread of local cheese and bread platters, and seasonal refreshments.
FR (12/12), 5pm, Center for Craft, 67 Broadway Gingerbread House Making Contest
Enjoy a fun-filled night of building where teams compete to create the best gingerbread house and win prizes.
FR (12/12), 6pm, Burton Street Community Center, 134 Burton St Holiday Luminaries
You’ll design and craft your own mini tabletop luminaries—each one a unique, handcrafted treasure made from recycled, upcycled, and specially chosen materials.
FR (12/12), 2pm, Red House Gallery & Studios, 101 Cherry St
International Nativity Display
This special event will feature the fourth annual display of 150 Nativities from the
around the world. Experience how different cultures celebrate Christ’s birth through unique nativities.
FR (12/12), 10am, First Baptist Church of Burnsville, 51 Townsquare
M.A.G.M.A Christmas Holiday Gem Show
Featuring 20 indoor vendors and numerous outdoor vendors with everything from affordable treasures to the finest gems and minerals in the Southeast.
FR (12/12), SA (12/13), 9am, SU (12/14), 10am, Land of Sky Shrine Club, 39 Spring Cove Road
The 5th Annual Winter Wonder Walk
Celebrate the magic of the season with an enchanting outdoor story experience where live theater meets a whimsical walk through the woods.
FR (12/12), SA (12/13), SU (12/14), 6pm, The Adventure Center of Asheville, 85 Expo Dr
Breakfast with Santa & Cookie Decorating
Enjoy a breakfast buffet, live holiday music, craft activities, and cookie decorating — plus a special visit from Santa himself. The bar will be serving hot chocolate, mulled wine, and eggnog for a cozy seasonal touch.
SA (12/13), 10am, The Horse Shoe Farm, 155 Horse Shoe Farm Dr Santa's Slama Jama Volleyball Tourney
Serve up your holiday spirit at Santa’s official volleyball tournament featuring intense, top-tier team action and the chance to win fabulous prizes. Costumes are encouraged.
SA (12/13), 10am, Tempie Avery Montford Community Center, 34 Pearson Dr Winter Woof-erland
Photos
Bring your pup for a special photo experi-
ence. Twinkling lights, winter props, and lots of tail wags make this the perfect way to capture seasonal memories.
SA (12/13), 1pm, Ginger's Revenge, 829 Riverside Dr 2025 Community Holiday Extravaganza
Celebrate the magic of the holidays and the joy of reading at Read 2 Succeed’s 4th Annual Holiday Community Extravaganza. It will feature a festive afternoon of play, laughter, music, and connection as families come together to explore stories, celebrate learning, and share in the warmth of community.
SU (12/14), noon, Arthur R. Edington Education and Career Center, 133 Livingston St
Christmas Cookie
Decorating Kids will have the chance to decorate and bring home house-made sugar and gingerbread cookies. $45 per child plus tax and gratuity.
SU (12/14), 1pm, Bargello, 7 Patton Ave
Mr. & Miss Yuletide Gay Pageant
This festive pageant embraces the spirit of the season with over-the-top costumes, cozy chaos, and drag performances that slay harder than sleigh bells. Expect holly, glitter, and maybe even a little krampus kink.
SU (12/14), 4pm, Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave
Candy Cane Flashlight Hunt
Search for candy canes and merry treasures in the dark. Bring your own flashlight or head-lamp.
TH (12/18), 5:30pm, Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Road
Third Thursday
An evening filled with music, tours, art making, special cocktails in
the rooftop café, and more.
TH (12/18), 5pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 South Pack Square VISUALS Solstice Celebration w/Rodent They create seasonal, take home rituals focused on pairing Asheville based music with VISUALS’ line of herbal wines. The Summer 2025 release pairs the music of Rodent with a Winter themed, completely non-alcoholic spiced grape seltzer.
TH (12/18), 7pm, Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave
BENEFITS
& VOLUNTEERING
Hip Hop for Housing 2.0
This special benefit show will be raising money for Beloved Asheville and will be featuring performances by DJ Jet, ResoNate, Hunter, Peter.The. Poet, Colston, No Lag Click and more.
TH (12/11), 8pm, Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave Holiday Craft Pop-up Fundraiser Featuring the work of 16+ local artists, this event will be a fundraiser for the Gaza Soup Kitchen and highlights affordable, giftable items that can only be found in Asheville. See p26 SA (12/13), SU (12/14), 11am, Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd Warren Haynes Presents: Christmas Jam by Day 2025 Come grab a festive beverage or two and enjoy this legendary holiday jam session with songwriters in the round. It will also benefit Asheville area Habitat for Humanity and Beloved Asheville. SA (12/13), 11am, Jack of the Wood pub, 95 Patton Ave
WELLNESS
Feast relief
BY ASHLEY ENGLISH
ashleyadamsenglish@gmail.com
Feasting season is upon us and will continue until we welcome in the new year. The parties, the side dishes, the little chocolate treats, the cocktails, the pies and cookies — the gravy! It’s a wonderful time of year, one I look forward to with delight.
My stomach, however, sometimes likes to move in a different direction during this period of excess and indulgence.
So, while I plan out my holiday meals and put a date in my calendar for my annual holiday cookie exchange, I also check in on my pantry and home apothecary. I want to ensure I have the necessary herbs and spices on hand to create the medley of herbal elixirs I turn to for moving through this festive stretch of days unified in mind and body.
My Happy Belly Tea combines spearmint, peppermint, fennel seed, tarragon and ginger. This blend includes a number of carminative (gas- and flatulence-relieving) herbs, resulting in a tea that cleanses the palate while aiding in digestion.
In my ginger shrub, you’ll find a beverage that gently calms a medley of tummy troubles, from nausea to trapped gas. A vinegar-based beverage, shrubs can be rendered out of countless fruits, herbs and spices. To drink, several tablespoons are topped off with still or sparkling water.
Lastly, my herbal digestive schnapps is the perfect after-dinner digestif, combining the licorice flavors of anise and fennel seeds with a bit of resiny juniper and citrusy coriander. This is the beverage to reach for when you’ve overindulged and need a simple sipper to return to stasis ASAP.
All of the herbs these three remedies call for can easily be found in the Asheville area. My favorite sources for gathering up culinary (and medicinal herbs!) include French Broad Food Co-op, The Herbiary and Earth Fare. So, enjoy all the flavors and temptations this holiday season offers, then, when the need arises, turn to these digestive helpers to ensure only happy memories persist!
Happy Belly Tea
Makes: ½ cup loose tea, 4 cups prepared
You will need:
• 3 tablespoons dried spearmint
• 3 tablespoons dried peppermint
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1 tablespoon dried tarragon
Make herbal tea, shrub and schnapps as helpful holiday digestifs
SOOTHING SIPS: Fennel, coriander, juniper and anise combined with spirits make an after-dinner schnapps that eases holiday overindulgence. Photo by Glenn English
• 4 cups boiling water for a full pot or 1 cup boiling water for an individual serving
• Honey and lemon wedges, to serve (optional)
To prepare:
Place all of the herbs in a mixing bowl. Stir with a spoon to combine. For a full teapot, place the tea blend in a ceramic or heatproof glass teapot or container. Pour 4 cups of boiling water over the herbs. Cover with a lid and steep for 15-20 minutes. For an individual cup, place 2 tablespoons of tea blend in a tea cup and add 1 cup of boiling water. Strain the tea through a fine-mesh sieve. Compost the solids. Alternatively, place the herbs in a mesh tea infuser. Serve as is, or with honey and lemon. If not using all of the tea blend right away, store it in an airtight container at room temperature out of direct sunlight. Use within three to four months.
Ginger shrub
Makes: 2 cups
You will need:
• 1 cup peeled, chopped fresh ginger
• 1½ cups apple cider vinegar
• ¾ cup sugar
• Water (either still or sparkling) to serve
To prepare:
Combine the ginger and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring just
to the boiling point. Remove from the heat and allow to cool for 15-20 minutes. Transfer the contents to a heatproof container (such as a Mason jar), cover with a lid, and steep at room temperature for 48 hours. Give the jar a few shakes each day as it infuses. Strain the infusion through a fine mesh sieve over a small saucepan. Compost the solids. Add the sugar to the ginger infusion. Bring to a boil, stirring until all of the sugar granules are dissolved. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for five minutes. Remove from the heat, allow to cool in the saucepan for about 15 minutes then transfer to a lidded container. Label and store in the refrigerator. Consume within six months.
To serve, place 1-2 tablespoons of shrub in an 8-10-ounce glass. Dilute with water (either still or sparkling), iced tea, sparkling fruit juice, lemonade or other beverage of your choice for a puckery drink.
Herbal digestive schnapps
Makes: One 750-milliliter bottle.
You will need:
• 4 teaspoons anise seeds
• 4 teaspoons fennel seeds
• 4 teaspoons juniper berries
• 2 teaspoons coriander seeds
• 750-milliliter bottle neutral vodka or Everclear
• One wide-mouth quart jar and lid
• One empty 750-milliliter bottle and lid
To prepare:
Begin by bruising the ingredients in a mortar and pestle. If you lack one, give them a quick blitz in a food processor or blender, only until the seeds’ protective outer barrier is cracked.
Transfer the prepared ingredients to the quart jar. Pour the spirits over them, then top with the lid. Give the jar a gentle shake to ensure all ingredients are fully submerged in the spirits.
Leave to infuse at room temperature out of direct sunlight for one week. Filter through a fine-mesh sieve lined with a paper towel or tight-weave cheesecloth/butter muslin placed atop a bowl.
Once filtered, use a funnel to transfer the schnapps to the empty 750-milliliter bottle. Alternately, divide among smaller bottles for gifting.
Store either at room temperature or in the freezer (my preference). To serve, add about a tablespoon to a shot glass and sip, or place into an 8-ounce glass and top with ice and sparkling or still water, or sparkling fruit juice. X
WITH CAYLA CLARK
BY CAYLA CLARK
caylaclark73@gmail.com
Dear readers,
Thanksgiving came and went — my third, if you can believe it, since coming on for “Best Medicine.” In 2023, we talked about frilly things such as leftovers, staying warm and romance. In 2024, we discussed turbidity casseroles. We’ll skip the turkey talk this year, in favor of other holiday-related things.
I’m very excited to introduce three of my good friends and comedy cohorts. First up is Derek Boskovich, one of Asheville’s best stand-up comedians. Derek is Russian and —
Derek: I’m not Russian.
Cayla: Quiet, Derek, you’re not allowed to interrupt the intro. Go drink some vodka in a fur hat.
Also joining me is the beautiful and talented Sarah Love, another one of Asheville’s most seasoned comics. Sarah has been touring all around the Southeast, gracing many dimly lit basement bars with her wit and charm. She even survived a recent trip to Myrtle Beach to our relief and astonishment.
And finally, Hagan Maurer, a fanciful fellow I met in a Misfit Improv class many moons ago (maybe in like, March). Welcome, funny friends!
Sarah: Excited to be here, seasoned like a rotisserie chicken.
Hagan: Me, too! Thanks for having me, a mere improv-er among stand-ups.
Derek: I’m not Russian.
Cayla: That’s enough out of you, comrade. Let us begin. As we all know, Christmas has been canceled this year. Not only is Santa stuck in HR-mandated sensitivity training (judging children globally raised ethical concerns), but Hallmark ran out of viable plot lines due to the male loneliness epidemic. A small-town bakery owner can’t fall in love with a big-city corporate lawyer if that bakery owner is leaving every text on “read” to binge stoicism podcasts. As it stands, we need a new holiday. What should we celebrate in lieu of Christmas ’25?
Derek: What about Local DJs Day? It could be the one day a year where
Santa’s stuck in sensitivity training
CHRISTMAS IS CANCELED: The holiday season is upon us. But instead of singing yuletide carols, local comedian Cayla Clark, top left, has invited fellow comedians, starting top right and going clockwise, Derek Boskovich, Sarah Love and Hagan Maurer to workshop concepts for new holidays this year.
Photo of Clark by Don Rex Bishop; all other photos courtesy of the comedians
Ashevilleans actually go to see their DJ friends spin records. Since there aren’t enough bars for all the DJs, we’d have to pair them off and let them play simultaneously. The bubblegrunge DJ and the hypnagogic-pop DJ would mash together in a beautiful and upbeat blend of nostalgia for aging millennials to mourn their squandered youth. Gothabilly DJs could share turntables with country-rap DJs and collaborate on new and innovative ways to disappoint their parents. And all of it would be mostly drowned out by the guy playing noisecore down the street.
Side note: My Montenegrin (not Russian) family celebrates Serb Christmas on Jan. 7. In Montenegro, the man of the house finds a suitable oak tree and cuts it into a long log to burn for Christmas. We could adapt this to Asheville by having people collect uprooted trees off the Blue Ridge Parkway. After that, the Montenegrins celebrate by shooting guns into the air and roasting a pig. I guess we’re not so different after all.
Sarah: If we’re canceling Christmas, we could just do one big winter roast. Friends and family gather together
and instead of spending hundreds on gifts, we spend our time crafting mean-spirited jokes about one another. It’s a healthy and festive way to air out grievances, all while laughing jolly like Santa Claus (at each other’s expense).
If your family is too big to roast everyone adequately, no problem! You could do it secret-Santa-style: Everyone pulls a name out of a hat and discreetly focuses all of their energy and emotional damage on that one person. Bonus points for digging up dirt!
Cayla: I love that idea, Sarah. Derek, you look like you’ve never smiled in a photo unless bribed with vatrushka.
Derek: Cayla … are you Russian?
Cayla: My ancestors are, yes.
Hagan: This holiday season, everyone must step outside, lock their doors and hand their keys over to Key Steve. Key Steve is a jolly old white guy who likes to break into people’s homes. But unlike Santa, he is sick and tired of crawling down chimneys, mucking up his knockoff Air Jordans. He wants an easy winter. So just hand over your keys, dagnabbit. (That’s his catch phrase.)
While you’re outside, breathe in the fresh air and get ready to face the dark, cold winter like the penguins do. They don’t get enough credit, penguins. They don’t need Christmas. Just a giant swarm of warm bodies huddled together. Doesn’t that sound nice?
Cayla: Even though Santa is stuck in sensitivity training, WNC is being gifted with the very thing we’ve all been praying for — two new Publix locations, one on New Leicester Highway and one in Mills River. Thank God. I will say, the Publix buffalo chicken dip is probably one of my favorite disgusting foods on the planet. Pop that sucker in the microwave for a minute and a half, and you’ve got yourself a bright orange mess of cheesy chicken goodness. In all seriousness, I think we’d benefit more from a new DMV than another grocery store. The DMV on Patton is literally the seventh layer of hell. In your opinion, what do we need more than two new grocery stores?
Sarah: We need Asheville Guitar Guy back. If you, esteemed reader, do not know who Guitar Guy is, he was a fixture of the community, a man who had a way of sparking joy in everyone that crossed his path. All along Patton Avenue he could be seen (and heard) doing rock vocals while performing air-guitar on a Guitar Hero Controller. He’s been interviewed by news outlets and canonized as a local legend, but now he’s gone. This is our heritage, and I think before we consider adding anything, we should launch an investigation into finding answers. Otherwise, Asheville will remain with a guitar-shaped hole in its heart.
Derek: A pubcycle for the rest of us. When I was younger, like any true Asheville local —
Sarah: You’re not a local.
Derek: I’m from just a couple hours east of here. But as I was saying, like any Asheville local, when I was younger, I enjoyed skulling 14 IPAs while getting my cardio on a screaming omnibus of flailing limbs. But I’m older now, and I don’t really drink anymore. We should forget about the beer drinking and emphasize the parts of the pubcycle that everyone loves, like the spirit of cooperation, the fun flashing lights and getting a calf workout by pedaling the least efficient bicycle ever made up and down the steep hills of the South Slope. Or, what about a Kava Barcycle? Wouldn’t it be nice to drink a half gallon of that mud water and lazily pedal 3 mph down South French Broad while your mouth goes numb?
Hagan: I want a real authentic dive cafe. I’m sick of all these bougie cafes trying to be all cute. I’m a failed writer desperately trying to write a novel that will never be finished. And I need to do it in public so everyone can watch me struggle. Then I’ll use that in my novel. And all these cute cafes with their cute little vibes just don’t cut it. These kava bars almost hit the right spot, but they’re just not quite there. I want to feel like a romantic poet from England waking up from a fever dream. I want a place where I can really feel like I’ll never finish anything. That’s what Asheville needs: more seedy
spots. It’s getting too nice in this town. ... That said, I’m excited for Costco coming here; that’s going to be really nice.
Cayla: I couldn’t agree more. I love consumerism. Something else that Asheville is desperate for is more opportunity for winter recreation. Asheville Yards is responding to that need by adding a Holiday Ice Rink & Winter Wonderland for the 2025-26 holiday season. The rink runs through Sunday, Jan. 19. I personally won’t be going because my last experience at an ice-skating rink was truly traumatic. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a blustery day in Darwin, Minn., (home to the world’s largest ball of twine), and everybody who was anybody was pirouetting at The Frosted Tip, the hottest rink in town. I was struggling with a bout of vertisnow (winter-themed vertigo). I fell to my knees for what felt like the thousandth time, and Pewter Nillywilly, the town narc, reached down to help me up. As I grabbed his hand to steady myself, someone yelled, “SAY YES!” They thought I had intentionally fallen to one knee in proposition. Proposition of marriage. Pewter and I got confused and ended up getting married later that year. That’s why I’m not legally married to the father of my child, Ryan. Anyway, will any of you be attending the skating rink this winter?
Hagan: I don’t think I can go to a skating rink anymore. Every time I do, I request Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby,” and they never play it. The worst part is, they laugh. They think it’s a joke. They look at me with their piercing DJ eyes and they say, “Good one.” But it’s not a joke. It’s real. And I can only skate while listening to it. As soon as I hear the words “Yo VIP — let’s kick it,” it makes me feel important. Like I can do it. So I sit there every year, on a bench, skates on, twiddling my thumbs for hours, until I watch the DJ take off his headphones and leave. I can’t
be hurt anymore. I have to protect my heart. Asheville Yards, if you’re reading this, please, let’s “collaborate and listen” to one another.
Derek: My wife and I have our own version of ice skating. It’s a winter tradition we call Butter Day. Once a year, we move all the furniture and rugs into her boyfriend’s office. (He goes to visit his family around the holidays.) Then we strap sticks of butter to our bare feet and slide around the newly exposed hardwood floors. As we slide, it melts, and it gets harder and harder to keep our footing. We’re falling, and we’re laughing, and we’re holding on to each other for dear life, and inevitably, it rekindles our love and commitment that dwindles over the course of the bitter winter. This special family moment means more to me than any common frozen water rink possibly could. Plus, we upcycle the butter by scraping the floors clean with a (clean!) dustpan and using it to make THCA brownies.
Cayla: Seems like this would’ve been a good answer to the holiday question.
Sarah: I won’t be going ice skating. I find modern-day skating a bit too manufactured for my taste. Maybe if it were simpler times, like in a Norman Rockwell painting, when ice skating was organic and non-GMO, I’d go. But today’s skating
is inside of a rink! Blehk! That just supports the ice-skating industrial complex.
Hagan: Down with big rink!
Sarah: Exactly. If I’m going to skate, it’s going to be free range and cage free. So instead, what I’ll be doing is waiting for the roads and sidewalks to freeze over and then Rollerblade on them. Dangerous? Sure. Fun? Maybe. Cool? Most definitely, broski. I find Rollerblades to be a true symbol of the people. Equipped with a backwards baseball cap, knockoff Oakleys and “Tubthumping (I Get Knocked Down)” by Chumbawamba playing as I pass by. I’ll take to the streets like a dangerous flailing symbol of hope. Will I fall? Of course, but I am WNC strong.
Cayla: You’re never gonna keep me down! Bonus round — what is sleet?
Hagan: A group of sluts, I think. A sleet.
Derek: Sleet doesn’t actually exist. It’s a lie invented by The Weather Channel because “wintry mix” didn’t sound scary enough.
Sarah: Derek, you should know this better than anyone that sleet DOES exist — it’s when your feet turn into slippery butterskates, like on Butter Day. X
A spirited holiday season
Cocktail recipes to make celebrations even more festive
BY AUDREY AND BILL KOPP
audreybill@liquornerds.com
Cocktails spark social interaction, and when it’s time to celebrate, responsibly consumed mixed drinks can add to the joyous atmosphere. With the holiday season upon us — and in the spirit of giving — it’s an ideal time to share some of our favorite spirituous concoctions. As you’ll see, some are a bit on the complicated and involved side, while others are straightforward, simple and quick. What they all share is flavor-forward character, and our personal endorsement, earned by extensive in-house testing. Happy Holidays!
AN INDULGENT TREAT
Eggnog is a traditional American holiday beverage. In Europe, its nearest equivalents are Advocaat from the Netherlands, and eierlikör, an egg liqueur in Germany that’s often combined with mulled wine to make eierpunsch, a staple of holiday markets across that country. Since neither of those is easily found in the United States — and because eggnog itself is such an indulgent treat — we’re suggesting eggnog for your holidays. And while you can buy it in a bottle or carton, homemade is always best.
Jazz great Charles Mingus famously had an eggnog concoction of his own; the backstory and recipe are featured in Mingus/Mingus: Two Memoirs, the biography by Janet Coleman and Al Young. Mingus’ high-octane version is reputed to pack enough punch (so to speak) to “put down an elephant,” so here we’re sharing our own more approachable recipe, adapted from the 1997 edition of Joy of Cooking. Note that this recipe calls for raw egg yolks, so make sure you understand the risks involved.
This recipe allegedly serves 20 but never goes that far at our place. Your mileage may vary.
• 8 large eggs
• ½ pound powdered sugar
• 3 cups spirits (your choice of cognac, dark rum, bourbon, rye, tequila etc.)
• 4 cups heavy cream
• Fresh nutmeg and/or cinnamon stick
• Separate the eggs into two bowls so you have one large bowl containing 6 yolks (save the remaining 2 yolks for another use, or discard) and another bowl with 8 egg whites. Cover and refrigerate the bowl with the whites.
• Beat the egg yolks until emulsified; slowly beat in the powdered sugar. When eggs and sugar are combined, slowly add in 1 cup of the spirit, slowly beating the mix all the while. Cover and let stand for one hour.
• To the yolks/sugar/spirits mixture, add remaining spirits and heavy cream, again beating constantly. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours.
• Beat egg whites until peaks are stiff (but not dry and overworked). Gently fold the egg white mixture into the bowl with the other ingredients.
• Sprinkle the eggnog with grated nutmeg and/or add a cinnamon stick; serve.
MAKE-AHEAD BATCH
This is another holiday favorite in our home, adapted from Ina Garten’s recipe from her 2013 “Thanksgiving Live” special on Food Network. It’s a makeahead batch recipe, giving you more time to spend with family and guests once they arrive.
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• Peels from one orange
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup cranberry juice cocktail
• ⅓ cup triple sec
• 1 750 milliliter bottle of vodka
• Two to five days ahead: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the first four ingredients. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer five minutes or until cranberries begin to pop. Remove from heat and let cool. Pour vodka into a large pitcher, add the cranberry mixture, cover and refrigerate.
• Day of celebration: Strain vodka mixture; discard orange zest, but save cranberries. Return liquid to the pitcher. Add cranberry juice cocktail and triple sec; stir.
• At serving time: Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add drink mixture and shake until the vessel is nearly too
EvErything in ModEration
cold to hold. Pour into cocktail glasses. Garnish with a few extra cranberries.
TRIED-AND-TRUE APPROACH
There are times when you’d like a nice cocktail, but you’re too busy to measure out a bunch of ingredients. The holidays often bring such times. With that in mind, we turn to a classic resource, Patrick Gavin Duffy’s The Standard Bartender’s Guide, first published in 1940. From that well-worn tome, here’s a favorite of ours that employs a tried-and-true approach: a 3-to-1ratio of two ingredients, both easily found at your local ABC store. Scale up or down as you like.
• 3 parts rye whiskey
• 1 part Benedictine
• Angostura bitters
• Combine the first two ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 2 drops of Angostura bitters per serving. Shake vigorously until condensation forms on the outside of the vessel. Strain into an ice-filled old-fashioned glass; garnish with an orange peel.
BEYOND COCKTAILS
The end-of-year holidays are truly the season for giving. This quick and simple recipe features an item you’re likely to have on hand this time of year: pearl onions. Do yourself (and your loved ones) a favor, and don’t serve all of those dimin-
utive alliums on the dinner table; set some aside to make these pickled cocktail onions. They’re a flavorful and essential garnish for the classic Gibson cocktail. Beyond cocktails, with their piquant snap, they also brighten up a charcuterie plate. This recipe is adapted from one appearing on New York Times Cooking.
Spice blend:
• ½ pound pearl onions, peeled (we use a festive mix of red and white)
• ½ tablespoon allspice berries
• 2 bay leaves, crushed
• 1 clove
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds
• 1 ½ tablespoons peppercorns
• 1 ½ tablespoons coriander seeds
• 1 ½ tablespoons mustard seeds
Brine:
• 2 cups vinegar (any vinegar will work)
• ¼ cup water
• ½ cup sugar
• 1 ½ tablespoons salt
• Mix the spice blend; measure out 1 tablespoon* and stir together with all brine ingredients in a pan over medium-high heat. The moment it boils, remove the pan from the heat source and let it cool. Pour onions and brine (with all the spices) into a sterilized jar. Cover, store at room temperature for two days and then serve, refrigerating whatever is left.
*Save the rest in an airtight container for use in future batches, and/or share with like-minded friends and loved ones. X
EGGNOG AND BEYOND: The holidays are the perfect time for cocktails that emphasize the festive element. From left, Cranberry Martini, Holiday Eggnog, Pickled Cocktail Onions, Monte Carlo, Gibson. Photo by Audrey and Bill Kopp
Nothing mad about it
Flashback to the hinterlands
BY CHRISTOPHER ARBOR
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 detour to other local fermenters, visit avl.mx/f83.
In all my favorite stories, there’s a scene before the crescendo when a wizened and weather-beaten old character murmurs something like, “Now, that’s a tale I never told.” They then proceed to reveal the mysteries of the past that dramatically inform the present. With that image in mind, lean closer, dear reader. Here’s a tale I never told …
This past summer, as our yearlong, Asheville-focused brewery crawl was in full swing, I had a hankering to explore further. So between our regular Wednesday visits to local breweries in July, I traveled beyond our standard borders and ventured north all by my lonesome to Mad Co. Brew House in Marshall.
I took the scenic route, following N.C. Highway 251 along the river — a road I’ve biked more than a few times. At the time, two bicyclists had recently been killed on the route, so the frailty of life weighed heavily on my mind and in my heart.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I arrived in Marshall. My college classmate Josh Copus had been popping up in local news as he and his community rebuilt the town after Tropical Storm Helene. I knew that the devastation had been immense. But witnessing a thing firsthand always hits differently.
When I arrived, downtown Marshall was in various stages of rebuilding. Some buildings were gutted to the studs;
others remained empty shells. But a few were surging back — fresh paint, new windows, the sound of construction.
Mad Co. Brew House was among this group.
Longtime readers know that I’m not the sharpest bulb in the shed, so it may come as no surprise that in the 20-some years since the brewery opened, I hadn’t given much thought to its name. It always looked to me like the brewery meant to be “Mad Cow” but couldn’t find a proper “W.” The far more sensible answer? It’s just a shortening of Madison County. Nothing mad about it.
Inside, the transformation was remarkable. Where 8 feet of floodwater had
destroyed everything back in September — brewing equipment, pizza oven, furniture, flooring, drywall — there was now a bright, clean taproom buzzing with life.
While I was solo, the place was so warm and inviting that I didn’t feel alone. I ordered beer and pizza and chatted with the bartender.
Later, I exchanged emails with Rhesa Edwards, who co-owns the brewery. “We wouldn’t be back if it weren’t for the Marshall community,” she wrote to me.
She explained how people had shown up in droves once the waters receded — construction crews, heavy-equipment operators, countless volunteers. “We’ve always known this place was special, but after the flood, that truth became even more clear,” Edwards wrote.
In the movies, the flashback often involves plot twists. The same is true now, but this plot twist is an inversion of the old cliché. As it turns out, none of it was a dream! All the hurt and all the healing, it’s all so overwhelmingly real and true. Palpable. Tactile.
So, let’s raise a glass to community, to care and to never forgetting what we’ve faced together. Cheers.
P.S.: Friends, we concluded our brewery tour, and I have just one final article to share. But you can still find us Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. We’ve just hunkered down at our old stomping ground, the recently reopened Wedge at Foundation. X
SOLO TRIP: Mad Co. Brew House bartender Erin Long serves up a cold one for writer Christopher Arbor during his solo visit to the town of Marshall. Photo by Christopher Arbor
Merry and bright
Holiday gift-giving ideas from the home kitchen
BY ASHLEY ENGLISH
When it comes to holiday gifting inspiration, look no farther than your own kitchen. Homemade edible gifts allow you to use the best-quality ingredients your budget permits, are less expensive than store-bought options and enable you to personalize your treats to suit your recipient’s preferences. Besides, a bit of do-it-yourself culinary elfing is oftentimes as good for the giver as it is the recipient! Read on for four of my top homemade holiday gifts from the kitchen.
Seasoned nuts
Makes: 4 cups
You will need:
• 4 cups nuts (use whole nuts — pecans, unblanched almonds, cashews, walnuts or a combination of nuts — in varying amounts)
• 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary*
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
• One large container or glass jar with lid
*Destem the rosemary leaves by running two fingers down each stem; discard or compost the stems, then finely mince the leaves.
To make:
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Set aside a large, rimmed baking sheet. Place all of the ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Stir to fully combine, ensuring all of the nuts are evenly covered with butter and seasonings. Transfer the mixture to the baking sheet and spread out evenly. Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes, flipping the nuts once halfway through cooking, until lightly browned and fragrant. Set aside to cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
Infused vinegar
Makes: 2 cups.
You will need:
• 2 cups white wine vinegar, Champagne vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• A large handful of fresh herbs of choice (tarragon, basil, rosemary, dill, mint, oregano and marjoram all work equally well)
• Optional flavorings: garlic cloves, dried peppers and whole spices such as peppercorns, mustard seeds, juniper berries or coriander seeds)
• One 2-cup (16-ounce) glass bottle and lid
To make:
• Place herbs of choice into a large glass jar or bottle. Add optional flavorings, if using. Top with vinegar of choice. Cover with a lid, give the bottle a good shake then store in a cool, dark place for three to four weeks. Strain the infusion through a fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth, finely woven muslin cloth or coffee filter. Using a funnel, pour the infused vinegar into a clean, sterilized bottle. Attach a lid and label. Use within one year.
Pistachio, apricot and fennel biscotti
Makes: 2 dozen
You will need:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• Pinch of sea salt
• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup roasted and salted pistachios, coarsely chopped*
• ½ cup dried apricots, chopped
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
*Feel free to play around with the nuts, fruits and flavorings. You can use almonds, cashews or macadamias instead of pistachios; dried figs, dried cranberries, dried cherries, dried blueberries or currants instead of apricots; and citrus zest, chocolate chunks, anise seeds or a pinch of ground spices instead of fennel seeds.
To make:
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats and set aside. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In another medium bowl, beat together the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy, about two to three minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and the beaters with a
spatula as necessary. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition, then scraping down the bowl. Beat in the vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture. Beat just until everything is fully combined, about 20-30 seconds. Add the pistachios, apricots and fennel seeds, and beat just until they are fully incorporated into the dough.
• Divide the dough in half. Place each half on a prepared baking sheet. Shape each piece of dough into a 3-inch-by 8-inch log. Bake for 30-35 minutes, just until the tops begin to crack and turn golden brown. Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Allow the logs to cool in the pan for 30 minutes.
• Transfer them to a cutting board and, using a serrated knife, cut on a diagonal into ½-inch-thick slices. Place the slices, cut side down, on the baking sheets. Return to the oven and bake an additional 15-20 minutes, until golden brown, flipping the slices over about halfway through the baking time. Remove the baking sheets from the oven. Allow the biscotti to cool in the pan for about five minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely. Store in an airtight, lidded container and consume ideally within one week.
Herbed citrus olives
Makes: 1½ cups.
You will need:
• 1½ cups green olives (pitted or not), rinsed and drained
• 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves*
• Finely grated zest of one orange
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• One 1½- to 2-cup capacity jar and lid *Remove the leaves from the stems by running two fingers down each stem. Discard or compost the stems.
To make:
• Place the olives, garlic, herbs and citrus zest in a glass jar. Pour the olive oil over the ingredients. Place a lid onto the jar. Give it a good shake. Put the jar into the refrigerator to marinate for 24 hours. Keep the olives chilled and consume within 2 weeks. For gifting purposes, these are best given to recipients located nearby, as they can be transferred from your refrigerator to theirs without much delay in refrigeration time. Best served at room temperature, so make sure to pass that information on to your recipients. X
TASTEFUL GIFTS: Herbed olives, biscotti, infused vinegars and more are easy and inexpensive to make for holiday giving. Photo by Glenn English
HOMEMADE LIVING
SMART BETS
by Edwin Arnaudin | earnaudin@mountainx.com
Asheville Senior Chorus Holiday Craft Pop-up
Under the leadership of music director and conductor Chuck Taft and accompanist Eric Fricke, the Asheville Senior Chorus meets weekly as part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNC Asheville. The group doesn’t require auditions — asking only that participants love singing — and its concerts feature a wide range of musical styles and periods.
The jolly ensemble’s final show of 2025, “Holiday Joy from Silent Night to Broadway Bright,” takes place Monday, Dec. 15, at 7 p.m., at the Reuter Center on UNCA’s campus. According to a press release, the event promises “a fun and joyful evening of beloved Christmas songs,
contemporary and traditional holiday music and classic carols.” Free to attend.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/f87. X
Magnolia & Johnson Electric Co.
& Johnson Electric Co. Photo courtesy of the artists
Over 12 years have elapsed since Jason Molina passed away, but his influence endures via newer artists who carry his artistic torch as well as in projects featuring his collaborators. That includes the Magnolia & Johnson Electric Co., which combines the talents of Will Johnson (a multi-instrumentalist in Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, who recorded a 2009 duo album with Molina) and the remaining mem-
bers of Molina’s band, Magnolia Electric Co.
On Friday, Dec. 12, at 8 p.m., at The Grey Eagle, this all-star ensemble will pay tribute to their work with their late colleague. And with the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam happening the following night, don’t be surprised if a high-profile Molina fan sits in with the band for a few songs. Tickets are $27. To learn more, visit avl.mx/f7u. X
Now in its sixth year, Firestorm Books’ annual holiday craft popup series continues to spotlight the work of local artists while offering affordable gifts found exclusively in Asheville. The 2025 edition takes place Saturday, Dec. 13, and Sunday, Dec. 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., outdoors but will be moved inside the bookstore in case of inclement weather.
Dec. 13 artists include Cardamom Bakery, Savim, & Friends, Earth to Hands, Fig Crochets, Miles Madonna, Ruckus Ceramics, The Crows’ Teeth, The Dicey Dungeon, WNC Mask Bloc and Woodberry Designs. Dec. 14 artists include Al’s Stained Glass, Finn and the Whale, GasStationVampire, HK Hotteok, Lucin Zac, Luzida.Art, Matilda’s Menagerie, Polycreative Collective, Shop.Tamango, Turned Worm Studios and VII Ceramics.
Participating artists have pledged to donate 25% of at least the first
$250 in sales made to the Gaza Soup Kitchen, a grassroots nongovernmental organization that feeds thousands daily in Gaza. Free to attend.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/f89. X
December Star Gazes
Thanks to clearer skies and decreased atmospheric turbulence, winter nights are often the best time of year for stargazing. In keeping with its twice-monthly viewings near the Last Quarter and New Moons, the Astronomy Club of Asheville invites the public to convene at the Grassland Mountain Observatory in Madison County for what should be some spectacular nights in the open air.
The gatherings take place Friday, Dec. 12, and Friday, Dec. 19. In
the event of inclement weather or poor viewing conditions, they will be delayed one day. Attendees are encouraged to dress warmly and arrive a little before sunset, which usually occurs around 5:20 p.m. The star gazes typically conclude threefour hours after sunset, and a temporary gate code, required for entry, will be provided on the club’s website on the day of the gathering by 4 p.m. Free to attend.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/f88. X
Asheville Senior Chorus.
Photo courtesy of the artists
Photo courtesy of Firestorm Books
Photo courtesy of the Astronomy Club of Asheville Magnolia
For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
12 BONES BREWING
TAPROOM
Trivia Night w/King Trivia, 7pm
EULOGY
HR w/The Human Rights Movement, Drowning Leo & Pleasently Wild (punk, reggae), 8pm
FLEETWOOD’S
The White Horse, Pharmacy & Socially Constricted (metal, punk), 9pm
The Cool Yule Club: Meschiya Lake’s Speakeasy Three (jazz), 9pm
THIRD ROOM
Josh Teed w/ Daggz (classical, electronic), 8:45pm
WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN
Josh Goforth, 7:30pm
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
185 KING STREET
Open Electric Jam w/ The King Street House Band, 5pm
ARCHETYPE
BREWING
The Highlands (jazz), 3:30pm
BURIAL SOUTH SLOPE
Mourning Mass, 2pm
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• Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia, 4pm
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RAD Cellar Comedy, 7pm
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La Sonora Carolina (Latin, salsa), 2pm
THE GREY EAGLE
• Country Brunch w/ Brody Hunt & the Handfulls, 11am
• The Secret Sisters (country-folk), 8pm
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HALL Shakedown Sunday's, 8pm
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Jessica Kirson (comedy), 8pm
WELL PLAYED
BOARD GAME CAFÉ
Sunday Morning Trivia Brunch, 10:30am
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15
185 KING STREET
Mountain Music
Mondays Acoustic Jam, 5:30pm
27 CLUB
Rock Star Karaoke w/ Grimm Morrison, 9pm
DIATRIBE BREWING
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WHITE HORSE BLACK MOUNTAIN
Local Live w/ Jay Brown & Guests Kelly Jane and Kevin Wayne, and Sally Jaye (singersongwriter), 7pm
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16
185 KING STREET
Madeline Dierauf & Friends w/Molly Johnson, Jackson Grimm & Zach Smith (bluegrass, country), 6:30pm ARCHETYPE
BREWING Trivia Tuesdays, 6:30pm
BURGER BAR
C U Next Tuesday Trivia, 9pm
DIATRIBE BREWING Irish Session, 3:30pm
ELUVIUM BREWING Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm
FLEETWOOD’S Country Westerns, Stephanie James, Claire Whall & Full Time Night Woman (country, rock), 9pm
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Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm
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BREWING WEST
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SHAKEY'S Booty Tuesday in The Office, 10pm
SOVEREIGN KAVA
Open Jam, 8pm
SWEETEN CREEK
BREWING
All Arts Open Mic!, 6pm
TAPROOM AT
THE BEAT CHURCH
DJ James Nasty (DJ), 6:45pm
THE GREY EAGLE
The 2025 Christmas Yarn Ball w/Cruz Contreras, 8pm
THE JOINT NEXT DOOR
The Brue (blues, pop, rock), 6pm
THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC
HALL
• Early Tuesday Jam, 7pm
• Uncle Lenny's Krazy Karaoke, 10pm
THIRD ROOM Open Decks, 8pm
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
12 BONES BREWING
TAPROOM Trivia Night w/King Trivia, 7pm
CORK & KEG
K.C. Jones & Daniel Coolik (jazz), 8pm
FLEETWOOD’S PSK Karaoke, 9pm
FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY
Saylor Brothers
Jamgrass Wednesdays, 6:30pm
GALACTIC PIZZA Trivia Night, 6:30pm
HI-WIRE BREWING -
BILTMORE VILLAGE
Weekly Trivia, 7pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Old-time Jam, 5pm
MILLS RIVER BREWING CO. Wednesday Night Karaoke, 6pm
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Wednesday Bluegrass Jam w/Finklestein Three, 6:30pm
PISGAH BREWING CO.
Bear Bones (Grateful Dead tribute), 6pm
SHAKEY'S SSIN w/DJ Ragga Massive, 10pm
SLY GROG LOUNGE
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SWEETEN CREEK BREWING Witty Wednesday Trivia w/Ellie, 6:30pm
TAPROOM AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.
Well-Crafted Music Series: Phil Barker w/ Evan Martin & Zach Smith (multi-genre), 6pm
THE GREY EAGLE
Dillon Fence (alt-rock, pop-rock), 8pm
THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC
HALL
Strictly Liquid (funk, jazz, rock), 9pm
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Open Mic Night, 6pm
VOWL BAR AT DSSOLVR Group Therapy w/ Neptune Spins, 9pm
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
185 KING STREET
The Pisgah Jazztet, 7pm
CROW & QUILL
Drayton & the Dreamboats (jazz), 8pm
DSSOLVR
Hot Couch Karaoke w/ DJ BridalPartiBucardi, 8pm
EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY
Bless Your Heart Trivia, 7pm
FITZ AND THE WOLFE
Prime Country w/ Braelyn (country), 5pm
FLOOD GALLERY
True Home Open Mic, 6pm
FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY
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GREEN MAN
BREWING Trivia Night, 7pm
HI-WIRE BREWINGBILTMORE VILLAGE Family Feud Style Trivia, 7pm
HI-WIRE SOUTH
SLOPE
South Slope’s Open Mic Night, 6pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Bluegrass Jam, 7pm ONE WORLD
BREWING WEST
Fee Fi PHaux Fish (Phis tribute), 8pm
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BREWING CO. Thursday Karaoke, 9:30pm
PISGAH BREWING CO.
Squawk (psych), 7pm
SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/DJ Franco Nino, 9pm
STATIC AGE LOFT Auto-Tune w/Who Gave This Bitch a Mic, 10pm
TAPROOM AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.
Clock Out, Rock Out: Dance Party for Early Birds, 6pm
THE JOINT NEXT DOOR Roots & Dore (Americana, blues), 7pm
THE ORANGE PEEL Thievery Corporation w/City Of The Sun (altrock, edm, jazz), 8pm
TWIN LEAF BREWERY Trivia Night, 6:30pm
FREEWILL ASTROLOGY BY
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Home is a building you live in. It’s also a metaphor for the inner world you carry within you. Is it an expansive and luminous place filled with windows that look out onto vast vistas? Or is it cramped, dark, and in disrepair, a psychic space where it’s hard to feel comfortable? Does it have a floor plan you love and made yourself? Or was it designed according to other people’s expectations? It may be neither of those extremes, of course. My hope is that this horoscope will prod you to renovate aspects of your soul’s architecture. The coming months will be an excellent time for this sacred work.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): During the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge in 1872, workers made an uncanny discovery: They could detect approaching storms by observing vibrations in the bridge's cables. The massive metal structure was an inadvertent meteorological instrument. I’m predicting that your intuition will operate with comparable sensitivity in the coming months, Taurus. You will have a striking capacity to notice subtle signals in your environment. What others regard as background noise will reveal rich clues to you. Hot tip: Be extra alert for nuanced professional opportunities and social realignments. Like the bridge workers, you will be attuned to early signs of changing conditions.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Sloths are so energy-efficient they can survive on 160 calories per day: the equivalent of an apple. They've mastered the art of thriving on minimal intake by moving deliberately and digesting thoroughly. Life is inviting you to learn from sloths, Gemini. The coming weeks will be a good time to take an inventory of your energy strategies. Are you burning fuel frantically, or are you extracting maximum nourishment from what you already possess? However you answer that question, I urge you to experiment with being more efficient—but without depriving yourself. Try measuring your productivity not by speed and flash but by the diligence of your extraction. Dig deep and be thorough. Your nervous system and bank account will thank you.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): The Danish concept of *arbejdsglæde* refers to the happiness and satisfaction derived from work. It’s the joy found in labor itself, not just in its financial rewards and prestige. It’s about exulting in the self-transformations you generate as you do your job. Now is an excellent time to claim this joy more than ever, Cancerian. Meditate with relish on all the character-building and soul-growth opportunities your work offers you and will continue to provide.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In the deep Pacific Ocean, fields of giant tube worms thrive in total darkness around hydrothermal vents, converting toxic chemicals into life-sustaining energy. These weirdly resilient creatures challenge our assumptions about which environments can support growth. I suspect your innovative approach to gathering resources in the coming months will display their adaptability. Situations that others find inhospitable or unmanageable will be intriguing opportunities for you. For best results, you should ruminate on how limitations could actually protect and nurture your development. You may discover that conventional sustenance isn't your only option.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the coming months, you’ll be asked to wield your Libran specialties more than ever. Your allies and inner circle will need you to provide wise counsel and lucid analysis. For everyone’s sake, I hope you balance compassion with clarity and generosity with discernment. Certain collaborations will need corrective measures but shouldn’t be abandoned. Your gift will lie in finding equilibrium that honors everyone’s dignity. When in doubt, ask: “What would restore harmony rather than merely appear polite?” True diplomacy is soulful, not superficial. Bonus: The equilibrium you achieve could resonate far beyond your immediate circle.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The Hubble Space Telescope is a school bus-sized space observatory orbiting 320 miles above the Earth. There, it observes the universe free from atmospheric distortion. Its instruments and detectors need to be recalibrated continuously. Daily monitors, weekly checks, and yearly updates keep the telescope's tech sharp as it ages. I believe it’s a good time for you Scorpios to do your own recalibrations. Subtle misalignments between your intentions and actions can now be corrected. Your basic vision and plans are sound; the adjustments required are minor. For best results, have maximum fun as you fine-tune your fundamentals.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Leonardo da Vinci painted his iconic *Mona Lisa* on a thin panel of poplar wood, which naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity. Over the centuries, this movement has caused a crack and measurable warping. One side of the classic opus is bending a bit more than the other. Let’s use this as a metaphor for you, Sagittarius. I suspect that a fine quality you are known for and proud of is changing shape. This should be liberating, not worrisome. If even the Mona Lisa can't remain static, why should you? I say: Let your masterwork age. Just manage the process with grace and generosity. The central beauty may be changing, but it's still beautiful.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Apoptosis” is a word referring to programmed cell death. It’s a process by which your aging, damaged, or obsolete cells deliberately destroy themselves for the benefit of your organism as a whole. This "cellular suicide" is carefully regulated and crucial for development, maintenance, and protection against diseases. About 50-70 billion cells die in you every day, sacrificing themselves so you can live better. Let’s use this healthy process as a psychospiritual metaphor. What aspects of your behavior and belief system need to die off right now so as to promote your total well-being?
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Which parts of your foundations are built to strengthen with age? Which are showing cracks? The coming months will be an excellent time to reinforce basic structures so they will serve you well into the future. Don't just patch problems. Rebuild and renovate using the very best ingredients. Your enduring legacy will depend on this work, so choose materials that strengthen as they mature rather than crumble. Nothing’s permanent in life, but some things are sturdier and more lasting than others.
HIGHLAND BREWING
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Lightning Round Trivia w/ Marty, 6pm
URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO. Wayward Trivia, 6:30pm
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): For a long time, scientists didn’t understand why humans have an organ called the appendix. Most thought it was useless. But it turns out that the appendix is more active than anyone knew. Among other functions, it’s a safe haven for beneficial gut bacteria. If a health crisis disrupts our microbiome, this unsung hero repopulates our intestines with the helpful microbes we need. What was once considered irrelevant is actually a backup drive. With that in mind as a metaphor, here's my question, Virgo: How many other parts of your world may be playing long games and performing unnoticed services that you haven't understood yet? Investigate that possibility!
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Along the Danube River in Europe, migrating storks return each spring to rebuild massive nests atop church steeples, roofs, and trees. New generations often reuse previous bases, adding additional twigs, grass, roots, and even human-made stuff like cloth and plastics. Some of these structures have lasted for centuries and weigh half a ton. Let's make this a prime metaphor for you in the coming months, Pisces. I see your role as an innovator who improves and enhances good traditions. You will bring your personal genius to established beauty and value. You will blend your futuristic vision with ancestral steadiness, bridging tomorrow with yesterday.
MARKETPLACE
Jennifer Rose Gerard
Jennifer Rose Gerard died unexpectedly at her home in Asheville, North Carolina on November 20, 2025. She was 45 years old. She grew up in Stowe, Vermont, graduated Stowe High School in 1998, attended Scherer Institute of Natural Healing in Santa Fe, New Mexico, received her B.A. in communications from University of North Carolina in Asheville, and com-
pleted aesthetician specialty training at Buncombe Community College. An accomplished body work and aesthetics professional, she was dedicated to creating beauty and peace in the lives of others. Her deep abiding love for animals led her to volunteer at the Asheville Humane Society, Animal Haven of Asheville, and to foster pets in her home.
She was committed to helping unhoused persons not only by delivering blankets, sleeping bags, sweaters and food but also by getting to know them personally through conversation.
She leaves behind countless friends in her beloved Asheville and other places. She is survived by her parents Sharon and Steve, her sister Melissa Volansky (Shap Smith Jr.), brother Andrew Volansky (Jennifer), and nieces/nephews Eli, Tucker, Mia, and Jaxson.
There will be a celebration of Jennifer’s life at the French Broad Brewery in Asheville on Sunday, December 14 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Animal Haven of Asheville at animalhavenofasheville. org or the Salvation Army Center of Hope at salvationarmyusa.org. X
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Wednesday, Dec. 17 • 5:30pm
A conversation with this author/creator of breathtaking words and art who will draw us into solstice imagination and wonder. An Evening with Jan Richardson
First Baptist Church of Asheville • 5 Oak St.
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PUBLIC SALE
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edited by Will Shortz
ACROSS
1 Tijuana setting, informally
5 Many C-suite degs.
9 Cry of resignation
14 Scads
15 Ethel Barrymore was a great one to Drew
16 Stage name for Milton Marx
17 Lead-in to call or taxi
18 Indigenous Canadians of Labrador
19 Like a chill wind
20 Dead ringers
23 Terminus of one BART line, in brief
24 Prop for a ball
25 Snagged
26 They may be betrayed by stammers and blushes
32 Tank top?
34 The “weird sisters” of “Macbeth,” e.g.
35 Guitar, slangily
36 The “weird sisters” of “Macbeth,” e.g.
37 Part of a drum kit
39 Perfect for a salad, say
40 Purple-colored banknote of Canada
41 Boatloads
42 Some natural 29-Down
43 Placeholders for favorite sites
47 1982 film inspired by Pong
48 Night school subj.
49 Vintage film channel
52 Someone comparable ... or what 20-, 26and 43-Across may be, in different senses
55 “Ave ___”
57 Magnanimous words at a bar 58 Setting of many Winter Olympics
59 Athletic shoe brand 60 Scotch order specification 61 Part of a scouting uniform 62 Blue Ribbon beer
Tailors 64 On the briny
1 Old poets 2 Hard to get to, in a way 3 LinkedIn link 4 Perched upon 5 Padded envelope 6 Thrill seeker’s line
7 Astronaut ___ Lee Fisher, the first mother to fly into space
8 Vehicle built for wheelies, flips and spins
9 Rock that’s hot, then cool 10 Idiosyncrasies
11 They cover all the bases 12 Jackanapes 13 Mess (with) 21 Make a
in a comedy club
Dinner order request on a first date,
Important course in business, law and medical school
