to NEWS@MOUNTAINX.COM letters/commentary to LETTERS@MOUNTAINX.COM sustainability news to GREEN@MOUNTAINX.COM
a&e events and ideas to AE@MOUNTAINX.COM events can be submitted to CALENDAR@MOUNTAINX.COM
24
KIDS ISSUE, PART 2
What is the wildest, funniest or most important moment in the lives of local K-12 students? Find out in this week’s Kids Issue, Part 2, which is full of creative and engaging art, essays, poems and short fiction. Plus, check out our annual Summer Camp Guide, which includes information from 70-plus organizations hosting more than 250 camps. This week's cover features campers from Asheville Sun Soo Martial Arts.
PUBLISHER & EDITOR: Jeff Fobes
ASSISTANT PUBLISHER: Susan Hutchinson
MANAGING EDITOR: Thomas Calder
EDITOR: Gina Smith
OPINION EDITOR: Tracy Rose
STAFF REPORTERS: Thomas Calder, Brionna Dallara, Justin McGuire, Gina Smith
COMMUNITY CALENDAR & CLUBLAND: Braulio Pescador-Martinez
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS: Jon Elliston, Mindi Meltz Friedwald, Peter Gregutt, Rob Mikulak
REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Emily Klinger Antolic, Christopher Arbor, Edwin Arnaudin, Danielle Arostegui, Mark Barrett, Eric Brown, Cayla Clark, Molly Devane, Ashley English, Merin McDivitt, Mindi Meltz Friedwald, Troy Jackson, Bill Kopp, Chloe Leiberman, Anabel Shenk, Jessica Wakeman, Jamie Zane
PHOTOGRAPHER: Caleb Johnson
ADVERTISING, ART & DESIGN MANAGER: Susan Hutchinson
LEAD DESIGNER: Scott Southwick
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS: Tina Gaafary, Caleb Johnson, Olivia Urban
MARKETING ASSOCIATES: Sara Brecht, Dave Gayler
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES: Jeff Fobes, Mark Murphy, Scott Southwick
WEB: Brandon Tilley
BOOKKEEPER: Amie Fowler
OFFICE MANAGER: Mark Murphy
FRONT OFFICE: Phillip Brock
DISTRIBUTION: Susan Hutchinson, Dave Gayler
DISTRIBUTION DRIVERS: Cass Kunst, Cindy Kunst, Courtney Israel Nash, Joey Nash, Carl & Debbie Schweiger, Gary Selnick, Noah Tanner, Mark Woodyard
Word choice crashes argument
[Regarding “I Beg to Differ: Who or What Is Running Asheville?” March 4, Xpress:]
Well, I beg to differ with Carl Mumpower about his simile, “running a city from one angle of view is like flying an airplane with one wing.”
No, it ain’t. As former pilot in the Air Force, I know an airplane with one wing won’t fly at all, so I ain’t even gonna try. Not even gonna git in it! Unfortunately, his totally inept simile adversely affected my perception of the rest of his article. I know he’s not George Will, but surely he can do better than that!?
As an unaffiliated voter, I strive to consider both sides of an issue. As a member of Braver Angels, I appreciate a good, fair debate.
Bill Branyon won that one, Carl. Better luck next time.
— Fred Racey Asheville
Make a difference to a child in crisis
We live in a fabulous mountain community blessed with an abundance of natural beauty and lifestyle opportunities. Ours is also a giving community, and there are plenty of worthy causes to choose from. One of the least publicized and perhaps most misunderstood needs involves helping children, who through no fault of their own, end up in the social services system.
Once a child is placed in the custody of the Buncombe County Health and Human Services Department because of neglect or abuse, the court appoints a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) to work with that child and report directly to the court. It is an incredibly important role because, unlike anyone else in the system, the Guardian ad Litem is an unpaid volunteer with only one purpose: to objectively evaluate the situation and report to the court at regular intervals what is “in the best interest” of that child. There is no other agenda. The court values that input. The title of Guardian ad Litem may sound daunting, but there is no legal background needed. The volunteers
doing this work come from all walks of life and a variety of backgrounds, mostly not legal. The common element needed is simply a willingness to work with these kids and others involved in their lives, such as the biological parent(s), teachers, therapists, social workers, foster parents and others. The GAL assigned to these cases stays involved until the case is concluded, so in a very real sense can be the single most consistent adult in their lives, as therapists, social workers and even foster parents may change over time.
The Guardian ad Litem office in Buncombe County is a budgeted state function and has permanent staff to help train, supervise and generally support this work — but the lifeblood of the office is caring people volunteering from the community. There are just way too many cases for the office staff to manage the work without us. That is the sad reality. In good times and bad, these cases will continue to be filed because abuse and neglect of children are always out there. The good news is that the GAL volunteers can make a tremendous difference for these children to help get the services they need and, in some cases, encourage these young people to move forward in a positive direction despite awful circumstances. The kids are incredible. It is very gratifying work.
A thriving county needs more than economics
Much of the public conversation about the health of a community revolves around economics. We hear about development, tax revenue, job growth and rising property values. These factors matter, of course. A stable economy helps communities survive and grow. But if we measure the health of a community only by economic indicators, we risk overlooking something far more important.
A community is not simply an economy. It is a network of relationships, shared responsibilities and collective hopes.
One of the clearest signs of a healthy community is trust. When neighbors trust one another, cooperation becomes possible. People feel comfortable asking for help, offering support and working together to solve common problems. Without trust, even prosperous communities can feel divided and disconnected.
hardship are not forgotten and when mental health services are accessible to those who need them.
In a place like Buncombe County, the natural environment is also central to our well-being. The mountains, rivers and farmland surrounding us are more than beautiful scenery. They are part of our identity. Protecting these landscapes is not simply environmental policy; it is an act of stewardship for future generations.
Education plays an equally vital role. Schools and learning institutions shape citizens who can think critically, engage respectfully with different perspectives and participate thoughtfully in civic life. When communities invest in education, they invest in their own long-term vitality.
Ultimately, the healthiest communities are those that retain the ability to imagine their future together. When residents remain engaged — sharing ideas, participating in local discussions and working collaboratively to address challenges — hope becomes a powerful civic force.
Economic growth may build buildings, but community builds belonging.
If Buncombe County is to thrive in the years ahead, we must remember that prosperity alone is not enough. A truly healthy community is measured not only by what it produces but by how it lives — how it welcomes, how it cares and how it imagines a future that includes everyone.
— Terrence Threadwell Former Democratic candidate Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, District 2 Leicester
Literacy tutoring helps the volunteers, too
Word of the week antipelargy (n.) the reciprocal love of children to their parents
Just as last week’s word had a tie to the Kids Issue, Part 1 — so too does this week’s selection. X
I encourage you to give this one some serious thought: Become a Guardian ad Litem and make a difference for a child in real need. For more information about the program and how to get involved, please visit the GAL website at: [avl.mx/ffb]. You won’t regret getting involved. — Mike Robinson, GAL Fairview
Healthy communities also create spaces where people experience a genuine sense of belonging. Libraries, parks, farmers markets, community centers and local festivals are not luxuries. They are the places where the life of a community unfolds. They remind us that we are not simply individuals living next to one another but neighbors participating in a shared story.
Another measure of community health is how we care for the most vulnerable among us. A society reveals its character not by how it treats the powerful but by how it treats those who struggle. Communities flourish when veterans receive the support they deserve, when families facing
Literacy Together is a local nonprofit that provides free one-on-one English instruction for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and literacy tutoring for adults and youths who struggle with reading and writing. It provides a vital service to our community, but students in our community are not the only ones who benefit.
I have tutored ESOL for 18 years. Being a Literacy Together tutor has given me direction and purpose, and brings me great joy. Meeting people from many walks of life, different cultures and different countries is endlessly fascinating. I learn as much as I teach. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing understanding burst across a student’s face. Watching my students advance and improve their lives is inspiring. My student from Moldova, a mother of three, was able to trade her job at Chick-fil-A for a career in health care, starting as
CARTOON BY RANDY MOLTON
a phlebotomist. With her improved English, she plans to work her way through nursing school, making a better life for herself and her family.
Retired and disabled folks like me often have trouble finding occupation and purpose when no longer pursuing a career full time. If you want to make the most of your free time and can commit to a few hours each week working with a student, find out how you can make a difference by volunteering. You don’t have to speak a second language, have teaching experience or create your own curriculum. Training and materials are provided! Sign up for a one-hour online volunteer orientation at [avl.mx/ffd]. It’s the most rewarding volunteer job you can do!
— Anne Dachowski Asheville
Tell state about utility bill concerns
Recently, I’ve seen a lot of people in Western North Carolina raise concerns about rising utility bills. While some of this can be attributed to a cold winter, last year’s Senate Bill 266 and Duke Energy’s proposed carbon plan are about to cause even more pain for ratepayers.
Senate Bill 266 allows Duke to raise utility rates for “Construction Work in Progress (CWIP)” costs — meaning
that they can charge ratepayers for plants that are in construction and may never even be finished. This happened recently with a nuclear plant in South Carolina. It also shifts certain costs from commercial and industrial customers onto residential customers.
Meanwhile, Duke’s new Carolina Resources Plan delays coal retirements and calls for a massive expansion of risky natural gas investments, which will expose ratepayers to volatile fossil fuel prices and increase bills even more.
Duke is raising utility rates at a time where the people of WNC are struggling financially and still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Helene.
The N.C. Utilities Commission (NCUC) is currently accepting comments on the resource plan on its website (Docket Number: E-100 Sub 207) and is hosting public hearings across the state — including one in Asheville scheduled for Tuesday, March 17, at 7 p.m. at the Buncombe County Courthouse.
If you are concerned about rising bills, urge the NCUC to (1) limit the construction of new gas facilities, (2) push the retirement of coal plants forward, (3) expand renewable generation and storage and (4) support the development of distributed energy resources.
— Robert M. Campbell Asheville X
CARTOON BY BRENT BROWN
Young at heart
BY THOMAS CALDER
With the primary election behind them, the six finalists for Asheville City Council’s three open seats are gearing up for the November general election. As part of Xpress' ongoing coverage of the local race, and in conjunction with our 2026 Kids Issue series, we reached out to the candidates to learn their thoughts on local issues concerning young people.
As previously reported, this year’s results for the Council primary are as follows:
• Drew Ball (16.54%)
• Maggie Ullman (16.24%)
— incumbent
• Jeffrey Burroughs (7%)
• Keith Young (6.5%)
• Antanette Mosley (6.34%)
— incumbent
• Sheneika Smith (6.15%)
— incumbent
Below are responses from each candidate. The initial response is presented in alphabetical order; the second response is in reverse order; and the final response is based on where the candidate placed in the primary.
What is your personal connection to our local youths?
“I come from a big North Carolina family, with multiple generations living here in WNC. I’m proud to be a great uncle, literally! My mom and sister are public school educators. Many of my friends are also starting families, so my life is increasingly brightened by babies and little ones. In my role as a Buncombe County commissioner, I’ve worked closely with our schools and community partners to ensure access to quality education and affordable child care. I also serve on the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, supporting programs that keep young people out of the justice system and connected to opportunity.”
— Drew Ball
“As a kid, I fought to study the arts in Winston-Salem at the University of North Carolina School for the Arts, which provided mentors and a creative education that helped shape who I am today. Young people remain at the center of why I work so hard. I don’t want young queer and nonbinary kids to have to endure what I did. We continue to work twice as hard to create our own paths, if we aren’t pushed out of our homes. Growing up, I rarely saw nonbinary people or cre-
NEWS
City Council candidates discuss local issues impacting area youths
personal and public. Beyond my own family, I’ve worked in community leadership, public service and the arts, and I’ve seen how stability, mentorship and opportunity can change a child’s path. I’ve also seen how quickly hardship at home, displacement or lack of support can disrupt a young person’s future.”
— Keith Young
What do you see as the most urgent needs for Asheville’s schoolaged children?
“The most urgent need is stability. After Helene, far too many young people and families were pushed into housing insecurity, and children cannot thrive when home is uncertain. Families also need safe neighborhoods, reliable transportation, access to parks and community spaces, and strong after-school and youth development opportunities. When families are under pressure, children carry that burden. If we are serious about serving young people, we have to address housing, safety and opportunity together.”
— Keith Young
ative professionals in civic leadership, and I know firsthand how much that absence shapes what young people believe is possible for themselves.”
— Jeffrey Burroughs
“I grew up in Asheville, and young people have always been part of my life here. My mother was a teacher with Asheville City Schools for more than 30 years, and watching her work gave me a deep respect for teachers and the role education plays in shaping young lives. I’m also a proud godmother to several young people and have family here raising children today, which keeps me closely connected to the hopes and challenges families face. I also serve on the board of Asheville PEAK Academy, a public charter school serving students who benefit from additional support.”
— Antanette Mosley
“I have a long history of involvement with youth and teens. My first job was with the Hillcrest Enrichment Program under the leadership of John R. Hayes, where we helped develop stronger cultural and academic identities among youth. I also have decades of experience working in residential and classroom settings as a behavioral and mental health counselor, supporting
youth facing behavioral challenges and sexual deviance. Currently, I serve on the board of PEAK Academy, providing leadership and guidance in its outstanding work to close the achievement gap. Across each of these roles, I value the power of family engagement and strong, restorative relationships between youth and the adults who serve them.”
— Sheneika Smith
“As a parent of a middle schooler in our public schools, I experience Asheville through young people’s eyes every day. It’s mostly joyful — though my tween has introduced me to a new level of honesty about my clothing choices. I also create opportunities to hear directly from youth. Through mock City Council sessions with fourth graders and mentoring 10th grade civics students, I see how they think about their community. One class proposed a law creating a resource center with free shelter and food for people in need — a reminder that young people often see challenges with clarity and compassion.”
— Maggie Ullman
“I’m a father, and raising my children in this community shapes how I see Asheville’s future every day. My connection to young people is both
“Families most often talk about stability and opportunity. Housing affordability is central. When families must move frequently or leave the region, it disrupts kids’ education, friendships and support networks. Parents also emphasize safe places for kids — parks, greenways, recreation programs and affordable activities families can enjoy together. Opportunity matters, too. Young people should be able to grow up here and see a future for themselves, through first jobs, creative outlets and public spaces. Families remind me that not every child experiences Asheville equally. As we rebuild from Helene, restoring and improving parks is especially important for young people.”
— Maggie Ullman
“One of the most urgent needs I see for any school-aged child is a strong sense of identity, belonging and support both inside and outside the classroom. Young people thrive when they feel seen, valued and connected to their school community. I have always appreciated the message often shared by the late Rev. Jesse Jackson — ‘I am somebody’ — because it reminds young people that their lives, voices and potential matter, regardless of their current challenges and social condition. When students believe they belong and know that the adults around them
PICTURE DAY: Asheville City Council candidates share their thoughts — and childhood photos of themselves. The candidates are presented here in the order of votes received. Top row, starting left: Drew Ball (with his older brother Ben), Maggie Ullman and Jeffrey Burroughs. Bottom row, starting left: Keith Young, Antanette Mosley and Sheneika Smith. All photos courtesy of the candidates
are invested in their success, they are more likely to engage academically and grow with confidence. Strengthening those connections between students, families, schools and community helps ensure that every child feels the ‘village love’ and is encouraged to reach their fullest potential.”
— Sheneika Smith
“What I hear most often from families is the need for stability and support. Kids do best when they have stable housing, safe neighborhoods and caring adults who believe in them. Parents and educators also talk about the importance of after-school programs, mentorship and access to mental health resources. When young people have safe places to go, opportunities to explore their interests and adults who encourage them, they’re much more likely to thrive. Supporting families in these ways is one of the most important investments a community can make.”
— Antanette Mosley
“A concern I continue to hear from families is simply stability. Housing affordability, safe neighborhoods and strong community resources all affect a child’s ability to learn and grow. Young people also need access to arts, outdoor spaces and opportunities that
help them explore who they are and how they experience the world. I was a kid who relied heavily on public afterschool theater, art and music programs — programs that allowed my parents to work and gave me the foundational skills that have shaped my adult life. Asheville’s creative economy and natural environment can be powerful assets to support the development of our community’s kids if we protect and invest in them. When families feel secure and young people have places to learn, create and connect, our entire community benefits.”
— Jeffrey Burroughs
“Kids need a city that’s built for them, too. That means safe streets to walk and bike on, parks and playgrounds where they can play freely, and more family-friendly spaces beyond the adult tourism economy. We also face a real shortage of affordable, quality child care, which puts enormous strain on families across Western North Carolina, something I’ve worked to address as a county commissioner. Creating safer infrastructure, investing in parks and supporting working families are some of the most meaningful ways local government can improve daily life for kids.”
— Drew Ball
What role does City Council play in serving our city’s young people, and if elected, how would you work within that role to achieve results?
“The Asheville City Council has a responsibility to serve everyone, especially kids who aren’t old enough to be voters yet but will inherit the city we build today. The city serves kids through parks, recreation programs, initiatives like the Asheville Youth Leadership Academy and partnerships that provide summer camps and mentorship opportunities. Council needs to maintain focus on shaping the bigger picture: safe neighborhoods, stable housing and access to opportunities. If elected, I’ll work collaboratively to foster an Asheville that is safe, vibrant and financially strong so future generations inherit a healthy, thriving city.”
— Drew Ball
“While schools are run by the school board and funded by the state and county, city government still shapes many conditions young people grow up in — housing stability, neighborhood safety, transportation, and access to parks and recreation. Our role on Council is to ensure these systems work for families. That means strengthening public safety so every
neighborhood feels safe, supporting housing policies that help families stay in Asheville, and investing wisely in parks as we rebuild from Helene. It also means helping young people see their voices matter in local government and reminding us who we’re building Asheville for.”
— Maggie Ullman
“City Council does not govern schools, but it shapes the environment where young people grow up. Decisions about housing, transportation, parks, public safety and community spaces ripple through our neighborhoods, our families and our kids. Communities that support families build a broader base for school funding, and leaders who value public education matter for long-term community resilience. If elected, I will fight for policies that help families stay in Asheville, support safe and walkable neighborhoods, and
protect access to parks and creative spaces. Our city’s representatives have a responsibility to partner with schools, youth organizations and nonprofits investing in the young people who will define our future.”
— Jeffrey Burroughs
“City Council does not run the schools, but it absolutely shapes the conditions children live in. That includes housing affordability, safe infrastructure, parks, transit and the overall stability of family life. I have always believed government should be judged by whether it improves daily life. If elected, I would focus on policies that help families stay housed, invest in safer sidewalks and recreation spaces, and strengthen partnerships with youth-serving organizations so city government delivers real results for children and families.”
— Keith Young
Mayoral candidates weigh in
Along with three open seats for this year’s Asheville City Council race, Mayor Esther Manheimer is seeking reelection and is facing challenger and current Council member Kim Roney, who previously ran for mayor in 2022.
What is your personal connection to our local youths?
“I have deep connections to young people in our community through my years of public service and engagement, volunteering and being a part of the wider parent network in Asheville and Buncombe County. As mayor, I visit classrooms and have observed and funded vital youth programs, city internships and youth recreation programming. My husband and I are the parents of three sons, who grew up attending Asheville’s public schools. Through their experiences, school, sports teams, after-school activities and first jobs, I’ve had a front row seat to the opportunities and challenges facing local young people. Like many parents, I’ve navigated their academic pressures, mental health concerns and the question of whether our children can afford to build their futures here. This experience shapes my commitment to making Asheville a city where families feel supported and young people can thrive. Every parent wants the best for their child, and understanding that is my North Star in this work.”
— Esther Manheimer
“As a music educator for the past 20 [years] in Asheville, students I taught when they were in the first grade are
“City Council doesn’t run the schools, but our decisions shape the conditions children grow up in. Housing stability, safe neighborhoods, parks, transportation and youth programs all influence whether families can thrive here. In my work on City Council, I’ve focused on the fundamentals that support families, including neighborhood investments like improvements at Candace Pickens Memorial Park that create safe places for kids to gather and play. The city’s role is to strengthen those foundations and work alongside schools and community partners so Asheville’s young people can grow up safe, supported and able to imagine a future for themselves here.”
— Antanette Mosley
“City Council plays an important role in shaping the conditions that allow young people and their families to
thrive. While schools focus on education, the city helps create the environment around them: safe neighborhoods, accessible parks and recreation, and community spaces where young people can gather, learn and grow. Safety and quality of life are foundational for our children. When young people feel safe in their neighborhoods and see their community investing in their well-being, it strengthens their sense of belonging and opportunity. City leadership can support this by prioritizing safe neighborhoods, maintaining strong parks and recreation programs, supporting youth-centered community partnerships and ensuring that families have access to the resources that help children grow and succeed.”
— Sheneika Smith
This story was supported by the Fund for Investigative Reporting and Editing. X
adult voters now — they stay in touch about how city budgets, plans and policies impact their lives and their families. I also serve on the scholarship committee of the Asheville Music School board, connecting students with teachers, and I volunteer with Asheville City Schools.”
— Kim Roney
What do you see as the most urgent needs for Asheville’s schoolaged children?
“The affordability equation for families with children includes: housing they can afford, safe transportation options including reliable transit, access to fresh food, fair water rates and family-friendly, affordable activities for after school and weekends.
“As a caretaker of my siblings growing up in poverty, I’m familiar with food insecurity, housing insecurity and intimate partner violence. This informs my priorities: Asheville must focus on being a safe, affordable place to live and work, then it would also be a great place to visit.”
— Kim Roney
“Young people in Asheville need stability, opportunity and connection. Families consistently point to housing affordability, youth mental health supports, safe transportation and accessible enrichment opportunities outside the classroom. After-school and summer programs are especially important for working families and student success. Programs like the city-supported In Real Life after-school program
at Asheville Middle School, Parks & Recreation programming at recreation centers, youth sports leagues and summer camps provide safe spaces where kids can learn, build confidence and stay engaged. Expanding equitable access to these opportunities should remain a community priority.”
— Esther Manheimer
What role does the mayor play in serving our city’s young people, and how would you work within that role to achieve results?
“While the city does not operate the school system, the mayor and City Council play a vital supporting role through investments that shape young people’s daily lives. Asheville funds youth enrichment and workforce pathways, including the CAYLA program, which gives high school students paid
summer internships, job training and exposure to local employers. I would continue strengthening partnerships with schools, expand safe multimodal transportation routes and recreation access, and support programs that connect young people to careers and civic leadership so they can see and have a future for themselves in Asheville.”
— Esther Manheimer
“I currently work with youth advisers that have helped achieve results through advocacy around renewable energy to keep utility costs down, transit improvements like more frequent service to the Southside on the S4 route and support for community gardens to secure our food system and ensure access to fresh, healthy food. As mayor, I’m committed to a mayor’s youth council focused on participatory budgeting and data-driven solutions to reduce gun violence.”
— Kim Roney X
KID ISSUES: Mayor Esther Manheimer, left, will face current Asheville City Council member Kim Roney in this year's mayoral race. Childhood photos courtesy of the candidates
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA UTILITIES COMMISSION RALEIGH DOCKET NO. P-100, SUB 137E BEFORE THE NORTH CAROLINA UTILITIES COMMISSION
NOTICE OF AREA CODE RELIEF PLAN FOR 828 NPA NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that on November 24, 2025, the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA) filed with the North Carolina Utilities Commission (Commission) a recommendation made by representatives of the telecommunications industry to provide relief for the 828 area code in North Carolina. The Petition provides notification to the Commission that the 828 numbering plan area (NPA or area code) serving the western area of North Carolina, including the cities of Asheville, Boone, Hendersonville, Hickory, Lenoir, Morganton, Newton, and Waynesville, is projected to exhaust its central office (CO) codes (or NXX codes) by the third quarter of 2028 and is in need of relief. The NANPA notes that absent NPA relief, the supply of CO codes in the 828 NPA is projected to run out during the projected exhaust quarter. This has created a need to introduce another area code in the geographic area now covered by the 828 area code to ensure the availability of telephone numbers in the future.
Industry representatives have recommended an all-services overlay as the relief plan for the 828 area code. Under the recommended plan, a new area code would be assigned to cover or “overlay” the entire geographic area using the existing 828 area code boundary lines. This would result in two area codes for the same geographic area. When telephone numbers in the 828 area code run out, new residential and business telephone numbers for the area would be assigned from the new area code. Implementation of an all-services overlay requires mandatory 10-digit dialing for local calls, including calls within the same NPA.
Persons desiring to send written statements to the Commission on the Petition should submit their statement on or before March 31, 2026, and should include any information that those persons wish to be considered by the Commission in this matter. Interventions or statements should be addressed to the Chief Clerk, North Carolina Utilities Commission, 4325 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-4300. Statements may also be faxed to (919) 733-7300 or, preferably, submitted electronically on the Commission’s website as a Consumer Statement using this website address: APPENDIX A PAGE 2 OF 2 https://www. ncuc.gov/contactus.html. Consumer Statements should be filed in Docket No. P-100, Sub 137E.
The Public Staff of the Utilities Commission, through the Executive Director, is required by statute to represent the using and consuming public in proceedings before the Commission. Statements to the Executive Director should be addressed to:
Christopher J. Ayers Executive Director - Public Staff 4326 Mail Service Center Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-4300 Fax: (919) 733-9565
Battle of the badges
Mease to face Howell in Haywood County sheriff’s race in November
BY JUSTIN M c GUIRE
jmcguire@mountainx.com
Haywood County voters will choose a new sheriff in November.
Following a contentious race, challenger Mark Mease defeated incumbent Bill Wilke in the March 3 Republican primary, winning 57.8% of the vote and carrying 27 of the county’s 29 precincts. A 21-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, Mease will face Democrat Tyler Howell, a Waynesville police officer who had no primary opposition, in the Nov. 3 general election.
Mease served under the three sheriffs who preceded Wilke and left his job shortly after Wilke took office in 2022, The Smoky Mountain News reported. His primary campaign focused on restoring the office’s culture, improving responsiveness to the public and local law enforcement, and returning to what he called the collaborative, community-focused leadership style of former Sheriff Greg Christopher, who served from 2012–22.
Mease was critical of significant staff turnover in the Haywood County Sheriff's Office, particularly in early 2023. Public records obtained by The Mountaineer from the county Human Resources Department showed 57 full-time employees across all divisions — including law enforcement, detention and dispatch — left the Sheriff’s Office between December 2022 and this January. With 151 full-
time positions in the department, that amounts to an average annual turnover rate of about 12.6%.
Now, both candidates are outlining their visions for the Sheriff’s Office, emphasizing community engagement, staff support and public safety, as they prepare for the countywide election.
EXPERIENCE AND COMMUNITYFOCUSED LEADERSHIP
Mease, a lifelong Haywood County resident, brings more than two decades of law enforcement work to the race, including his current work as a narcotics investigator with the Cherokee Indian Police Department. He has trained extensively in narcotics investigations, community policing, clandestine drug lab operations and leadership development.
“I feel that my experience during the years that I worked at Haywood County Sheriff’s Office puts me in a position to begin day one leading the office in a positive direction,” he tells Xpress. “I worked in various positions that allow me to understand the job the deputies face on a daily basis. Also, as a lieutenant and captain, I can appreciate the stress and pressures that administration faces.”
Population growth is a key public safety challenge facing Haywood County, he says. With new housing developments spreading across the community, including areas now part
of nearby towns, his work with those municipalities will require him and the Sheriff’s Office to be more visible and accessible. He plans to spend more time in the community and be available to residents.
He lists his priorities as:
• Reestablishing a specialized multiagency narcotics enforcement unit to address drug trafficking systematically, including increased K-9 resources and collaboration with community health initiatives
• Creating a countywide emergency response team in coordination with law enforcement, fire departments, emergency medical services and search-and-rescue organizations
• Implementing transparent community policing practices, including citizen advisory councils, public performance metrics and regular community meetings
• Engaging youths through programs like the Sheriff’s Summer Camp and Explorer program, focusing on safety education and potential law enforcement careers
• Supporting neighborhood watch programs with dedicated staff, training and consistent communication channels
Mease says he would take time to observe and evaluate the changes made under Wilke before deciding which approaches to continue.
BUILDING TRUST
Howell, who joined the Waynesville Police Department in 2008 and has been a detective since 2023, says public engagement is central to his vision.
“Our biggest challenge is how far we’ve gotten from what we truly
know — how to listen,” he says. “The accountability, transparency and responsiveness of this office have been forgotten, and we’re going to get back to those basics. Discussions weigh far too heavily upon ‘D vs. R.’ This office is not politically motivated. It’s driven by resilience, compassion and commitment to one another.”
He highlights five priorities:
• Rebuilding trust between county residents and deputies
• Prioritizing mental health as it relates to crime reduction and community stability
• Reinforcing community engagement and visible, accessible law enforcement
• Supporting staff through wellness programs and training to ensure excellence in service
• Filling long-standing vacancies with individuals who reflect the office’s values and diversity.
Like Mease, Howell sees the Sheriff's Office’s turnover rate under Wilke as a significant issue to be addressed by the next sheriff. He envisions structural changes to enhance officer retention and professional development. His plan includes creating career tracks with education incentives, pay increases for completed training steps and clear opportunities for advancement. Deputies would be assigned to zones throughout the county, allowing them to build familiarity with residents and local issues.
“The community should be able to spot these deputies for miles — and should know who they are,” Howell says. “Deputies assigned to zones will be well-known and well-respected.”
This story was supported by the Fund for Investigative Reporting and Editing. X
Certified specialist in Graston techniques, cupping & deep tissue work for chronic
NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN: Republican Mark Mease, left, and Democrat Tyler Howell will face off in the Nov. 3 election for the job of Haywood County sheriff. Photos courtesy of the candidates
Home advantage
Continuum of Care receives $5M for initiative to address homelessness
BY JESSICA WAKEMAN
jwakeman@mountainx.com
The Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care (CoC) is one of 10 communities nationwide to receive a $5 million award to prevent homelessness for 1,000 households over the next three years. The award is part of the Californiabased nonprofit Destination: Home's program Right at Home.
The $5 million public-private partnership will enable the CoC — the planning body that directs the community’s homelessness response — to develop a system to keep people in housing when they are at risk of eviction. The partnership will be modeled after Destination: Home's 2017 program launch in Santa Clara County, Calif., which the nonprofit scaled nationwide in 2024, according to San Jose Spotlight.
“The results from Santa Clara County, where Right at Home first launched, are very encouraging — about 90% of participants are still housed after two years,” says Ben Williamson, chair of the CoC’s homelessness prevention work group and the executive director of Asheville Poverty Initiative. “We know it is far less expensive — and far less disruptive — to keep people in their homes than to try to rehouse them after they have already fallen into homelessness. The financial costs are significant, but the emotional toll on families and the broader community is just as real.”
GOOD TIMING
The CoC announced the news of the award at its Feb. 26 meeting, when the group also held a celebration for the two-year anniversary of its formalization in the community. (The CoC has nominally existed in Asheville and Buncombe County, but establishing a more formalized structure within the CoC was one of the recommendations by the National Alliance to End Homelessness presented to the community in January 2023.)
Emily Ball, manager of the city’s homeless strategy division, says the CoC learned about the Right at Home initiative after one of its partners did some work in Buncombe County following Tropical Storm Helene.
In March 2025, Right at Home conducted a site visit of the community, Ball notes. Representatives toured Swannanoa, met with the Swannanoa
PROACTIVE APPROACH: In this photo, an unhoused community member seeks assistance on Patton Avenue. "We know it is far less expensive — and far less disruptive — to keep people in their homes than to try to rehouse them after they have already fallen into homelessness," says Ben Williamson, chair of Asheville-Buncombe Continuum of Care's homelessness prevention work group. Photo by Cindy Kunst
Valley Christian Ministry and assessed the City of Asheville’s data-gathering capabilities. Ball also coordinated a lunch with homelessness service providers, emergency management, Mayor Esther Manheimer and thenCity Manager Debra Campbell
“I think they were looking to assess do we have the will, the reach for [the Right at Home program],” Ball explains. “And also, do we have the capacity to do that large-scale system planning and implementation.”
Ball says she and others in the homelessness services community have
always had the will. But “we have never had, as a community, the capacity to do that kind of large-scale implementation until the [formalization of the] CoC,” she notes. “So the timing was great.”
The CoC received a one-year planning grant in June from Right at Home, which allowed the city’s homeless strategy division to hire Sara Dickerson as project manager for the Right at Home initiative in September.
The timing was fortuitous. “Concurrently, the CoC board was in a strategic planning process last spring and adopted a three-year strategic plan
Buncombe housing struggles — by the numbers
The N.C. Housing Coalition, an advocacy organization for affordable housing, released its 2026 county profiles. Below are highlights from the results for Buncombe County:
• 29,560 out of 98,049 households, or 30%, are cost-burdened.
• 16,781, or 54%, of renters have difficulty affording their homes.
• 12,779, or 19%, of homeowners have difficulty affording their homes.
• Buncombe County is 29th in the state for evictions.
in June that includes a strategy on homelessness prevention,” Ball explains.
‘TRANSFORMATIONAL OPPORTUNITY’
Also in September, the CoC board appointed the homelessness prevention work group. As part of the requirement for the Right at Home award, the work group formulated a plan for how a homelessness prevention system could work in Buncombe County. It has been building out a plan for how a homelessness prevention system could work in our community, and they did so for consideration for Right at Home participation.
The homelessness prevention work group, which includes Dickerson, is currently completing an operations manual for how Right at Home will operate. Williamson says the manual leans heavily on what has worked in Santa Clara County, “but we’ve also been given the freedom to tailor the operations manual to tailor to the unique challenges” of Asheville and Buncombe County, noting that socioeconomics, demographics and political leanings are unique to each community. When the workgroup has completed a draft operations manual, they will submit it to the CoC board for approval. Williamson says the most exciting thing about the initiative is its flexibility. “Funds will be distributed through trusted local providers and paired with case management, housing stability plans and regular program review,” he says. “Assistance can cover rent or back rent, as well as other urgent needs such as car repairs, food, health care or child care — expenses that often push households into crisis.”
Williamson continues: “For Asheville, this represents a transformational opportunity. The impact of keeping even one household housed is significant; preventing homelessness for 1,000 households could change the trajectory of our community.” X
• 154 households faced a foreclosure this year.
• 3,053 households faced an eviction this year.
• $1,567 is the monthly fair market rent for a two-bedroom home.
• $30.13 is the hourly wage needed to afford a two-bedroom, fair-market rental.
• An annual income of $62,680 is needed to afford a two-bedroom, fair-market rent.
The complete findings are at avl.mx/fe6. X
Council approves rezoning for 269 housing units
Asheville City Council, at its March 10 meeting, unanimously approved two zoning changes that will add 269 housing units to the city.
The property at 383 N. Louisiana Ave. was rezoned from conditional to conditional-office, which allows more space for the proposed 89-unit affordable housing complex in West Asheville’s Emma community.
In a presentation to Council, Sam Starr-Baum, an urban planner with the city, noted that 100% of the units will be designated affordable at 80% area median income (AMI) or less, with some set as low as 30% AMI. Residents can check estimated monthly payments using the city’s local homeownership calculator at avl.mx/ff6.
“I love this project; this is the perfect antidisplacement project,” said Vice Mayor Antanette Mosley
During the public hearing, Andrea Golden, co-director of the neighborhood organization PODER Emma, commended the city’s staff for engaging with the neighborhood throughout the process and noted her neighbor’s initial apprehension of the project.
“We came to the conclusion that although we have sadness around a change to neighborhood character, we trust that we can create future land use tools to address that and that this is exactly the kind of housing that our neighborhood needs,” Golden said.
Other site improvements include offstreet parking, new sidewalks and amenities such as a playground and pavilion.
Meanwhile, the property at 230 Sardis Road in West Asheville was rezoned from industrial to residential expansion-conditional zoning. The location will be the future site of five-story complex
with 180 units. Other site improvements include new sidewalks along Sardis Road and Greymont Lane, a parking lot, playground, dog park and a pool and amenity area, said Will Palmquist, principal planner for the city, during his presentation ahead of Council’s vote.
The complex will share the site with Enplas Life Tech, a plastics manufacturing company.
Recovery progress report
Bridget Herring, Asheville’s recovery coordinator, presented an update about the city’s progress on Tropical Storm Helene-related projects.
Amid the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, which began Feb. 14, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) staff has paused permanent repairs in the city. FEMA is, however, still working on debris removal and emergency protective measures, Herring said.
“We’re not delaying any work at this time. We’re monitoring this situation closely and are hopeful that it’ll be resolved before it creates any undue impacts on our projects and our community,” Herring said.
There are currently 51 projects in the city that are funded through the FEMA public assistance program. To date, the city has received approximately $25 million in reimbursement through the program and is waiting to be refunded an additional $64 million for projects.
Herring also reported that the city has submitted over $400 million in infra-
Addressing the deficit
As Asheville City Council confronts an estimated $26.4 million budget deficit, Council members will consider changing fees for city services, such as street closures, parking and admission to the WNC Nature Center.
At Council’s March 10 budget meeting, Lindsay Spangler, the city’s budget manager, proposed fee increases that could cost the average household about $11 more on bimonthly bills, or about $67 annually.
During the presentation, Spangler noted that fees and charges were not increased last year in an effort to limit the financial impact on the community post-Tropical Storm Helene. The
REZONED: Sam Starr-Baum, an urban planner with the City of Asheville, spoke to Asheville City Council during its March 10 meeting about two developments in West Asheville. Screenshot courtesy of the City of Asheville’s YouTube channel
structure grants for the federal Hazard Mitigation Grant program, which funds recovery projects submitted by residents. Program funds are also used to buy out storm-damaged private properties.
So far, there have been 30 applications with three buyouts approved by the city, Herring said.
Additionally, Herring updated Council on the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery (CDBG–DR) program. According to her presentation, City Manager DK Wesley has reallocated $2.1 million in CDBG-DR funds for resiliency hubs. That reallocation will subsequently reduce budgets for recovery projects to Azalea Park (which will now receive $9 million in CDBG-DR
funds) and French Broad Riverfront Park (which will now receive $21.4 million in CDBG-DR funds).
Herring invited community members to participate in an online survey about resiliency hubs and to join a community listening session on Saturday, April 18. The public can also provide online feedback on both park projects through Monday, March 16, in addition to other pop-up events listed on the parks project page at avl.mx/feu.
Addressing gun violence
At the start of the meeting, Mayor Esther Manheimer read aloud a statement she issued with interim Asheville Police Chief Jackie Stepp. Since March 10, there have been two gun-related homicides and one shooting resulting in nine injuries.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, the victims grappling with trauma and all the members of our community who are feeling the pain and fear caused by the recent gun violence in Asheville,” Manheimer said. “Behind every one of those incidents is a person, a family and a neighborhood impacted. Our residents deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods and public spaces. And we must work together as a community, not just during a crisis, but through ongoing efforts to promote peace and safety for everyone.”
The Asheville Police Department is actively investigating these incidents, Manheimer said. In addition, the APD is collaborating with its federal, state and local partners, focusing on identifying and prosecuting repeat violent gun offenders. The APD has also increased police presence in areas where gun violence has occurred.
only major adjustment included last year was to continue the second year of a three-year water rate adjustment. The proposed fee adjustments presented at the meeting would add about $1.1 million to the city’s general fund. The estimated annual increase for households would include the following:
• Solid waste fees would increase by $4 bimonthly, or $24 annually
• Stormwater fees would increase by $1.08 bimonthly, or $6.48 annually
• Water fees would increase by $6.11 bimonthly, or $36.66 annually
Other proposed changes include a $2 admission increase to the WNC
Nature Center for city residents and a $3 increase for nonresidents. Spangler reported that those increases would generate an estimated $213,355 in additional revenue. She noted that increases are consistent with the center’s history of raising rates every five years, per industry standards.
Proposed street closure fees would add $40,000 to the general fund. The new fee structure would incentivize shorter and less disruptive closures. Currently, the city charges a flat amount based on the duration of a street closure, Spangler said. Under the new proposal, fees would reflect the complexity of closures, factoring in sidewalks, bike lanes and proximity to downtown. X
The public can share information anonymously by contacting APD at 828-252-1110, or send an anonymous tip using the TIP2APD smartphone application (search “Asheville PD” in your app store) or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.
In other news
• Council approved the APD’s application for up to $700,000 in federal grant money to support a new Crime Gun Intelligence Center.
• Council adopted a resolution authorizing the city manager to execute a contract of $606,638.39 with Global Public Safety LLC to provide upfit of police equipment and emergency lighting for up to 45 new Ford Police Interceptor SUVs for the APD. This story was supported by the Fund for Investigative Reporting and Editing.
— Brionna Dallara
X
Story time
MENtor program encourages men to share love of literature with youths
BY BRIONNA DALLARA
bdallara@mountainx.com
When Keith Gauger was growing up in the 1980s and ’90s, it was rare for him to see a man read aloud, let alone openly express the emotions that rise from a heartfelt novel or enlightening work of nonfiction.
As an adult, Gauger became the kind of role model his younger self had been missing — first as a teacher and now as the Enka-Candler youth services librarian.
In that role, he joins other library staff in facilitating the Reading MENtors program, which invites male community members to read aloud to children and lead an activity related to their professional or personal interests.
“Ultimately, we want kids to see everybody enjoying books and everybody enjoying learning,” Gauger says. After a hiatus, the MENtors program is returning to the library on Saturday, March 28, for monthly story times throughout the year.
A DECLINE IN READERSHIP
The program's relaunch comes at a crucial time.
In 2025, the National Literacy Trust (NLT) reported that 1-in-3 children and young people ages 8-18 said they enjoyed reading in their free time, representing a 36% decrease since NLT began tracking data in 2005. The drop in pleasure reading was especially steep among primary-age children and boys, particularly those between ages 11 and 16.
“Working in this field as a librarian, it's definitely predominantly women,” says Kate Spratt, the Enka-Candler Library manager. The same is true, she adds, for early educators and K-12 teachers. “We just decided we wanted to go out into the community and find men who would step up and defy stereotypes.”
Spratt, alongside Erin Parcels, Buncombe County library services manager, launched the MENtors program in 2024.
Having active male role models in children's lives can help break down gender biases and lead to greater gender equality and empowerment, Spratt says, referencing a 2016 report from the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
“If children are regularly exposed to images, actions, people and words that counter stereotypes — for example, through books, photographs, stories and role models — they are likely to modify and expand on narrow theories,” the report notes.
NEVER A DULL MOMENT
Since the program began, guests have ranged from fellow librarians to members of the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office to local business owners, such as Greg Garrison of The Hop Handcrafted Ice Cream.
Regardless of profession, all volunteers are welcome to participate, Pratt says.
Mentors are encouraged to engage with their youthful audience by sharing stories about themselves before reading aloud. In addition to stories, mentors lead an activity at the end of the session, showcasing their nonliterary talents and interests.
For Gauger’s read-aloud, which reflected his love for birding, the library partnered with the local animal rehabilitation center Wild for Life. The center brought Rosetta, a one-eyed eastern screech owl, to join the children at the event.
Other highlights, says Spratt, include Garrison’s lesson on breakdancing (his passion outside of ice cream) and Buncombe County Sheriff Deputy Trevor Fender’s affinity for camping, which led the library to transform part of its space into a forest filled with stuffed animals.
The program also forges new friendships, Gauger says, noting two families whose children have become best friends through the program.
“They met at Reading MENtors, and now they come to all our programs, and it’s really sweet to see. If one of the little girls is here and the other one comes in the door, they [gasp] and they just get really excited to see each other,” Gauger says.
In 2025, The N.C. Public Library Directors Association lauded the program at its annual conference, awarding it with the Outstanding Programming Award.
Pratt says the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Future goals, she adds, include expanding the program to other branches.
READING ROLE MODELS: One of the main goals of the Enka-Candler Library’s Reading MENtors program is to defy stereotypes, says library manager Kate Spratt, left, who works with youth services librarian Keith Gauger, right, to facilitate the program. Photo by Brionna
“I just think reading out loud is one of the most important things that kids can get, and adults love it too. ... I mean, we love audiobooks, and we love to hear stories, and I feel like that’s just sort of like a real need that we have as humans,” Pratt says.
For those interested in becoming a Reading MENtor or learning more about the program, email enka. library@buncombecounty.org. X
Dallara
Kid connection
Tips for engaging and inspiring young learners
MULTIGENRE: Šara Stranovsky, founder and director of Bilingual Birdies Asheville, teaches community classes, leads a family-friendly band and works passionately with kids of all ages in music, theater, dance and visual arts. Photo courtesy of Stranovsky
As part of this year’s Kids Issue series, we reached out to a number of local professionals who work with our region’s youths. Below are excerpts from these interviews. You can find full interviews with each individual at mountianx.com.
Take your kids outside
“One of the greatest concerns we have for youth is lack of unstructured outdoor time. That is, kids spend less time playing, exploring and socializing in green spaces than past generations. Many people are familiar with the well-documented benefits to health, academic performance and emotional regulation from time outside. New research highlights the importance of nature-based experiences to personal resilience and recovery from trauma.
“Our WNC communities have been through a lot. More outdoor time could help with many of the challenges kids face today. And we know almost anything can be taught outdoors. Parents can advocate safe, accessible green spaces
and plan family time around outdoor excursions. The Children and Nature Network is a great resource for more information and tips.”
— Rose Wall and Jen Knight, soil and water environmental educators with Buncombe County
Incorporate music and metaphors
“For young learners, I encourage people to repeat a melody that they know their kids love. It can be from a pop song or nursery rhyme or even an old jingle. Change the words to whatever activity you are doing for transitions. If you’re not supermelodically inclined, find your silliest sound effect that you can do with 100% gusto. Make it repeatable — a weird squeak, for example — and use it for things like cleaning up or an alarm. It can really signal a learning experience for a child and associate that moment with fun.
“Another thing that I have used in almost all ages as a teaching artist
across visual/theater/music arts in New York City schools is the rose/ thorn prompt. ‘My Rose is … (something good that happened). My Thorn is (something that was hard).’ I’ve used this prompt with so many variations; it is a great introduction to metaphor — simple enough to access for quiet talkers, open-ended enough to dig deeper after your child shares. You can even make it musical or visual.”
— Šara Stranovsky, founder of Bilingual Birdies Asheville
On the love of performance
“Whether it’s one of our orchestra showcase concerts, a chamber music performance at a community location or a side-by-side concert with the professionals in the Asheville Symphony Orchestra, the kids love to show their friends, family and the community all of the work they’ve done. Concerts provide an extra level of engagement since the focus is heightened as
the ensemble publicly presents the musical message they’ve spent weeks honing in rehearsal. Each individual’s contribution affects the sound, so everyone is doing their best to support the group’s performance.”
— Alexandra Dee, director of orchestral activities at the Hayes School of Music at Appalachian State University and the music director of the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra
Allow children to lead the way
“People of all ages are only good at learning what they’re excited about. There has to be a basket to fill. As a representative of the rhythmic arts, of course, I’m selling a popular topic. My job at pre-K is to paint a holistic picture and give love to all the different ways [kids] love music, poetry, singing and dance. With private students, my secret is simply asking what skill they imagine developing and then helping them do so in their way. I allow/require them to lead the way, but we travel through play.”
— Ryan Glass, teacher specializing in poetry, music and theater
Use what you got
“One of our favorite activities is called creature lab. We curate donated materials like broken jewelry, beads, yarn, fabric and lots of hot glue and make everything easily accessible. The only thing each child receives that is the same is a wooden circle or square to build on. From there, the creations are incredibly different and imaginative. What makes it so engaging is the freedom. There are no rules and no time limits. Kids can create whatever they like, and that open-ended space is where confidence and creativity really grow.”
— Amanda Wilde, founder and executive director of Remix It
Failure is part of the process
“At AMOS, we encourage learning through experience in an informal setting. Our goal is to use fun activities to help guide inquiry, collaboration and experimentation. We engage with a diversity of patrons, facilitating learning by sparking curiosity and allowing students to ask questions and solve challenges in their own ways. We
encourage students to see failure as progress. If something doesn’t work the first time, learners are encouraged to make a change and try again. Experimentation and persistence are key ingredients in achieving success.”
— Keyana Thomas, informal STEM educator at the Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS)
Listening is more powerful than fixing
“Children open up when they feel safe, not when they feel pressured. That often means slowing down, getting physically down to their level and offering your full presence. Put the phone away, soften your tone and follow their lead. Sometimes, sitting beside them while they play or drawing together creates more space for conversation than direct questioning.
“I also encourage parents to think about the level of stimulation children are experiencing today. Many children are overwhelmed by long school hours, busy schedules, screens and constant activity. When a child’s nervous system is overloaded, deep conversation becomes very difficult. Creating simple, predictable rhythms
at home, like quiet time, shared routines and moments of calm, often makes communication more natural.
“And finally, listening is more powerful than fixing. When adults show genuine curiosity and reflect back what they hear, children learn that their inner world matters. That sense of being understood is what builds trust over time.”
— Rachel Hinds, Guardian ad Litem
Embrace slang
“Listen to them. They are saying more ‘deep’ things than adults realize because adults don’t take the time to understand the words young people are using. Our kids are very smart and very in tune with their emotions, hopes and dreams; they have their own way of expression, and it’s up to the adults to take the time to understand. If you don’t understand slang, ask them to explain. Deep conversations rely on trust, and trust is built on being listened to and valued.”
— Josh Wells, United Way community school coordinator at Owen Middle School X
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Music Events & Venues
• Local Music Festival
• Indoor Music Venue
• Outdoor Music Venue
• Intimate Music Venue/ Listening Room Musicians & Bands
• Lyricist (Songwriter)
• Vocalist (Singer)
• Guitarist
• Bass Guitarist
• Percussionist-Drummer
• Keyboardist/Pianist
• All-Round Favorite Band
• Acoustic/Folk
• Americana/Country
• Blues
• Funk
• Jazz
• Old-Time/Bluegrass
• R&B/Soul
• Hip-Hop
• Rock
• Punk/Metal/Garage
• Traditional Appalachian Musician
• Local Busker/Street Group
• DJ (Nonradio)
Music Services
• Musical Instrument Repair Company
• Music-Related Nonprofit
• Recording Studio
Arts & Crafts
• Arts/Crafts Fair or Event
• Studio Stroll/Driving Tour
• Craft School or Place
to Learn a Craft
• Art Gallery
• Craft-Oriented Gallery
• Nonprofit (Not Music) That Serves the Arts
Artists, Crafters
• Fiber Artist
• Jewelry Artist/Designer
• Metal Artist or Blacksmith
• Glass Artist or Studio
• Woodworker
Ballot Categories 2026
This year’s Best of WNC ballot offers voters an opportunity to celebrate the local individuals, organizations and businesses that are helping define our region and how it evolves. You are invited to vote this April based on your local knowledge and passions. The online ballot covers hundreds of topics and issues. Don’t be daunted — just vote for the categories you care about and skip those you don’t. * = New Category
• Mural Artist
• Painter/Illustrator
• Potter/Ceramic Artist
• Portrait/Headshot Photographer
• Still Life/Nature Photographer
• Wedding/Event
Photographer
Film, Stage, Dance & Writing
• Movie Theater
• Local Filmmaker
• Theater Company
• Actor (any gender)
• Performance Dance Company
• Place to Take Dance Classes or Lessons
• Improv Group/Comedy Troupe or Series
• Local Comedy Show/ Night/Event
• Comedian
• Karaoke Night
• Trivia Night Emcee
• Drag Performer/Group
• Open-Mic-Night Venue
• Local Author
• Local Poet
• Local Literary Event
* Locally Written Book (author lives in WNC) Published in the Last 12 Months
DRINKS
Bars
• Bar That Best Represents the Spirit of Asheville
• Neighborhood BarDowntown (including South Slope)
• Neighborhood BarRiver Arts District
• Neighborhood Bar - South
• Neighborhood Bar - West
• Neighborhood Bar - North
• Neighborhood Bar - East
• Bartender
• Bar for Live Music
• Bar With a View
• Bar With Games
• Family-Friendly Bar or Brewery
• LGBTQ+ Friendly Bar
• Hotel Bar
• Dive Bar
• Sports Bar
• Upscale Bar
• Bar or Brewery That Gives Back to the Community
• Bar: Local Beer Selection (excluding breweries)
• Bar: Unusual Beer Selection (excluding breweries)
• Wine Bar Cocktails, Spirits & Wine
• Local Winery
• Wine Store
• Cocktails
• Distillery
• Bloody Mary
• Margarita Beer, Cider & Breweries
• Cidery
• Local Cider
• Local All-Round Brewery (for its beers)
• Brewery (for its taproom & atmosphere)
• "Creative, Experimental Brewery"
• Local Beer (Any Style)
• Local Dark Beer
• Local Lager
• Local Sour Beer
• Local IPA
• Seasonal Beer
• Brewmaster
• Favorite Local Beer Event
• Beer Store
Coffee, Tea & Healthy Drinks
• Coffeehouse for Its Vibe
• Establishment With the Best Coffee
• Barista
• Coffee Roaster
• Place to Drink Tea
• Bubble Tea
• Smoothies/Juices
• Mocktails or Nonalcoholic Options
• Local Nonalcoholic Drink or Soda
• CBD Drinks/Health Elixirs
• Kava Bar
EATS
• Restaurant That Best Represents the Spirit of Asheville
• Favorite Restaurant
Neighborhoods
• Restaurant in Downtown (including South Slope)
• Restaurant in the River Arts District
• Restaurant in West Asheville
• Restaurant in North Asheville
• Restaurant in East Asheville
• Restaurant in South Asheville Restaurant Type
• People-Watching Restaurant
• Restaurant With a View
• Outdoor Dining
• Romantic Dining
• Fine Dining/Upscale
• Catering Company
• Late-Night Eats
• Food Truck
• Quiet Restaurant
• New Restaurant (Opened in the Last 12 Months)
• Restaurant to Take Out-of-Towners to
• Green/SustainabilityFriendly Restaurant
• Kid-Friendly Restaurant
• Diner/Homestyle Restaurant Offerings
• Breakfast
• Brunch
• Lunch
• Quick Meal
• Restaurant Wine Selection
• Restaurant Cocktail Selection
• Pub Grub
• Takeout
• Bagels
• Best Value
• Best Service
• Barbecue
• Biscuits
• Burger
• Burrito
• French Fries
• Fried Chicken
• Healthiest Food
• Hot Bar/Buffet
• Hot Dogs
• Local-Food Emphasis
• Pasta
• Pizza
• Ramen
• Ribs
• Salad
• Sandwich Shop
• Seafood
• Special Diet Options (Gluten-Free, LactoseFree, etc.)
Voting officially begins April 1 and continues through April 30.
In how many categories must I vote in order for my ballot to be counted?
Each ballot must have votes for at least 30 categories to be counted. Why do voters have to vote for 30 categories? We want meaningful results from people who are invested in and knowledgeable about the Asheville/WNC area.
PERSONAL SERVICES
• Spa
• Local Body-Products Maker
Cosmetic
• Esthetician
• Eyebrow Shaping
• Hair Salon
* Hair Colorist
• Hairstylist
• Barbershop
• Barber
• Nail Salon
• Nail Technician
Tattoo & Piercing
• Tattoo Parlor/Studio
• Tattoo Artist
• Piercing Studio
PETS
• Veterinary Services
• Veterinarian Services
• Pet Kennel
• Pet Day Care Facility
• Grooming Service
• Trainer/Training Center
• Pet Sitting/Dog Walking Service
• Animal Shelter/Rescue Organization
Places & Shops
• Pet Supply Store
• Outdoor Place to Take Your Pet
• Pet-Friendly Bar or Brewery
PROFESSIONAL & HOME SERVICES
• Print Shop
• Cellphone Service Provider for the WNC Mountains
• Computer Repair
• Car Repair
• Place To Get Your Oil Changed
• Bike Repair
• Equipment Rental Services
• Green Builder
• Plumbing Company
• Electrical/Electrician Company
• Heating/Cooling Company
• Pest Control Service
• Moving Company
• Construction Firm (Design and/or Build)
• House Painters
• Roofing Company
• Alternative Energy Sales and Installation
• Handyperson
• Home Cleaning Service
• Dry Cleaner
How do I get a category added or changed? The categories are set for this year, but to suggest a change for next year, email: bestofwnc@ mountainx.com
How are the votes counted? Mountain Xpress tallies the votes by hand, taking great care to understand each voter’s intent. We reserve the right to reject any ballot with inappropriate responses.
VOTING STARTS APRIL 1ST
* Tailor/Alterations
Financial
• Accountant/CPA Firm
• Place to Have Your Taxes Prepared
• Financial Adviser
Legal
• Law Firm
• Real Estate Attorney
• Estate Planning Attorney
Home
• Real Estate Company
• Real Estate Agent
• Insurance Agent
SHOPPING
• Store That Best Represents the Spirit of Asheville
• Pawn Shop
• Mall-Style Market
• Florist/Plant Shop
• Bookstore - New
• Bookstore - Used
• Record/CD Store
• Musical Instrument Store
• Game Store
• Comics & Collectibles Store
• Gift Shop
• Head Shop
• "Adult Toys, Lingerie & Naughty Things Store"
• Bike Shop
• Automobile Tire Store
• Auto Dealer - New and/or Used Fashion
• Clothing: Dress-Up/Stylin'
• Clothing: Used or Vintage (for-profit store)
• Clothing: Used or Vintage (nonprofit store)
• Asheville-Style Clothes
• Shoe Store
• Jewelry Store Food
• All-Round Grocery Store
• Local Grocery Delivery or Curbside Pickup
• Budget-Friendly Grocery Store
• Health Food Store
• International/Specialty Food Store
• Convenience/Corner Store
• New Furniture Store
• Used Furniture Store (for-profit store)
• Used Furniture Store (nonprofit store)
• Antique Store
• Refurbished Or Upcycled Goods
• Picture Framer
UNIQUELY ASHEVILLE
• Neighborhood
• Street for a Stroll
• Local Asheville Attraction
• Place to Take Your Eccentric Friends
• Place to Pretend You're a Tourist
• Place to Connect With Nature Within or Near to Asheville
• Historic/Interesting Building
• Holiday EventSpring-Summer
• Holiday Event - Fall-Winter
• Local Hero
• Local Villain
• Local Politician
• Local Fundraising Event
• Bumper Sticker or Slogan About Asheville
• Thing Downtown Asheville Needs
• Thing West Asheville Needs
• Thing North Asheville Needs
• Thing South Asheville Needs
• Thing East Asheville Needs
• Thing the River Arts District Needs
• Project You'd Like to See Local Government Do
• Best Thing to Happen to Asheville in the Last 12 Months
• Worst Thing to Happen to Asheville in the Last 12 Months
• Biggest Threat to Asheville's Uniqueness
• Biggest Opportunity for Asheville's Uniqueness Hospitality
• Local City Tour
• Venue to Book for a Party or Event
• Place to Get Married
• Hotel
How do you prevent voter fraud? Ballots are examined for telltale signs of voter fraud or ballot stuffing. We disqualify all ballots that appear to be fraudulent.
I hope my business wins. How do I get voting promotional materials? Call us at 828-251-1333. We can provide you with printable and digital materials, or contact your sales representative for information.
• B&B or Small Boutique Hotel Nonprofits
• Nonprofit That Improves Asheville
• Nonprofit That Serves the Underprivileged
• Activist Group for Civic/ Political Action
WORK & BUSINESS
• Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Asheville
• Employment Sector to Work in
• Business That Gives Back to the Community
• Co-Op/Employeeowned Business
• Bank • Credit Union
• Bank/Financial Services for Small Business
• Support Organization for Entrepreneurs and New Businesses
REGIONAL
Questions for the following regions: Brevard Burnsville Hendersonville/ Flat Rock/Mills River Hot Springs Marshall/Mars Hill Swannanoa/ Black Mountain Cullowhee/Sylva Waynesville/Maggie Valley/Canton Weaverville/Woodfin
• Business That Best Represents the Spirit of Your Town
• Breakfast Restaurant
• Lunch Restaurant
• Dinner Restaurant
• Coffee & Sweets
• Local Bar/Brewery/ Watering Hole
• Music/Entertainment Venue
• Retail Store
• Art Gallery
• Cultural or Historical Landmark
• Cultural or Arts Event
• Local Place to Enjoy the Outdoors
• Local Cause to Support
• Best Thing to Happen to Your Town in the Last 12 Months
* New Business Opened in the Last 12 Months
MARCH. 18 - MARCH. 26, 2026
For a full list of community calendar guidelines, please visit mountainx.com/calendar. For questions about free listings, call 828-251-1333, opt. 4. For questions about paid calendar listings, please call 828-251-1333, opt. 1.
Online-only events
More info, page 58
WELLNESS
50+ Yoga
For individuals aged 50 and above, focusing on gentle movements and flexibility, taught by Barbara.
WE (3/18, 3/25), FR (3/20), MO (3/23), noon, Weaverville Yoga, 3-B Florida Avenue
Wellness Wednesdays:
Cue The Pub Run
A fun pub run that takes place every Wednesday, rain or shine. All ages and experience levels are welcome.
WE (3/18, 3/25), 6pm, Archetype Brewing, 265 Haywood Rd
Anahata Yoga
A heart-centered yoga practice focusing on the Anahata chakra, led by Barbara.
WE (3/18, 3/25), FR (3/20), SA (3/21), MO (3/23), 10:30am, Weaverville Yoga, 3-B Florida Avenue
Meditation for Community Healers
Inviting all who contribute to the wellbeing of our community, including psychotherapists, spiritual teachers, bodyworkers and more.
WE (3/18, 3/25), 10am, Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd, Black Mountain
Small Group Weightlifting Class
A small group resistance training session using barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells to develop strength and muscle. Learn proper technique while getting progressively stronger each week.
WE (3/18, 3/25), 1pm, Jungle Gym Asheville, 30 Davenport Rd
Tai Chi Fan
The Tai Chi Fan class includes a short Flying Rainbow Single Fan form, partner work, and Flying Rainbow Double Fan form.
WE (3/18, 3/25), 1pm, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave
Home Practice & Retreats w/David Dixon
David Dixon will provide practical techniques to develop your home practice: prerequisites, making time, and sticking
with it.
WE (3/18), 6:30pm, Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd
Tai Chi for Beginners In the Beginner Tai Chi class, the focus is on the Yang 10 and 24 forms as well as Qigong exercises for health.
TH (3/19, 26), 11:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave
Quantum Energy Healing & Transformation: Group Session w/Meg
A group session focusing on connecting in the quantum field to release limitations, clear trauma imprints, and embody more light.
TH (3/19), 7pm, The Well, 3 Louisiana Avenue
New Moon Yoga Nidra & Reiki in the Salt Cave
Within this space, a dream will be induced taking you into a state of consciousness that can bring about immense healing in your conscious, subconscious, and unconscious mind.
FR (3/20), 6pm, Asheville Salt Cave, 16 N Liberty St
Ring In Spring: Community Acupuncture & Sound Healing
This special 75-minute session weaves together the vibrational healing of a singing bowl sound bath with gentle community-style acupuncture to help you harmonize with the season of growth.
SA (3/21), 2pm, South Slope Acupuncture & Wellness, 261 Asheland Ave, Ste 102
Candlelight Flow Yoga
Unwind in our all-levels
Candlelight Flow Yoga class.
SU (3/22), 5pm, Happy Body Pilates, 25 Reed St., Suite 210
Doom Metal Yoga w/ Quantum Mystic Doom metal Yoga will be a slower paced yoga class connecting movements with the breath.
MO (3/23), 6:30pm, Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave
Yin Yang Qigong Together, we will balance the Yin and Yang within to effortlessly smooth out internal and external physical,
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
emotional and mental disharmonies.
MO (3/23), 10am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave
Kinēsa Mat Class
Kinēsa focuses on retraining the brain and calming the nervous system to release habitual patterns of posture, movement, and body mechanics.
TU (3/24), 8:30am, Happy Body Pilates, 25 Reed St., Suite 210
Qigong for Health and Resilience
A variety of simple yet powerful standing movements that can be as deep and challenging as you wish.
TU (3/24), 9am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave
Community Yoga w/ Carrie
A free hour of yoga, meditation and mindfulness with local yoga instructor.
WE (3/25), 10:30am, AmeriHealth Caritas NC Wellness and Opportunity Center, 216 Asheland Ave
SUPPORT GROUPS
AA for Early Birds Early AA meeting in the Library of The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness.
WE (3/18, 3/25), 7:30am, The Episcopal Church of St. John in the Wilderness, 1895 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock
Community Listening Circle
This free virtual listening circle offers a judgement-free, trauma-informed space to gather, reset and reflect-together. Register at avl.mx/f9u.
WE (3/18, 3/25), noon, Online
Carolina Resource Center for Eating Disorders Support Group
This support group is peer-led and facilitated by licensed therapists & dietitians specializing in eating disorders. Regiser at avl.mx/es6.
WE (3/18, 3/25), 6pm, Online
Staying Grounded in Shaky Times
It will explore a variety of spiritual practices including meditation, breath-work, meditative movement and more.
WE (3/18, 3/25), 2pm, AmeriHealth Caritas NC Wellness and Opportunity Center, 216 Asheland Ave
Reconnecting Through Hard Times
This quick but valuable, interactive training offers simple, powerful strategies to support others after a crisis.
Register at avl.mx/f9v.
TH (3/19, 26), noon, Online
ALL THE LAUGHS, NONE OF THE CLICHÉS: Alex McDonald Villarreal takes the stage at Hart Theatre on Friday, March 20, for Ethnically Ambiguous, an autobiographical work billed as a hilarious and heartfelt one-man show about growing up as Mexican American, navigating family and finding his place as an “ethnically ambiguous” actor. The production kicks off at 7:30 p.m. and runs through March. Photo courtesy of Hart Theatre
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.
Monthly meeting for mature women to discuss and study Celtic Spirituality.
TH (3/19), noon, First Congregational Church of Christ of Asheville, 20 Oak Street
Solutions Group Daily living sober meeting. For more information, visit avl.mx/f91.
SU (3/22), 12:30pm, Virtual, Online
Sunrise AA Meeting Daily virtual Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. For more information, visit avl.mx/f91.
SU (3/22), 7am, Virtual, Online
Families Anonymous Support group for those affected by someone else’s addiction. We support
each other with support of program.
TU (3/24), 6pm, Love & Respect, 350 Chadwick Ave Suite 300
The Men’s Nest
Make meaningful human connections to strengthen your social health, cultivate compassion, and learn to use your power to give and receive authentic support.
TU (3/24), 5:15pm, SeekHealing, 50 S. French Broad Ave
DANCE
Latin Night Wednesday w/DJ MTN VIBEZ
A Latin dance social featuring salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia, and reggaeton with dance lessons for all skill levels.
WE (3/18, 3/25), 8pm, One World Brewing West, 520 Haywood Rd
Nia Dance Class Nia brings the body, mind, emotions, and spirit to optimal health through music, movement, and self expression.
TH (3/19, 3/26), TU (3/24), 10:30am, Dragon Phoenix, 51 N Merrimon Ave
We Line Dance Instructor Brenda Mills leads an all-inclusive exercise class using line dancing to get your body moving.
TH (3/19, 3/26), 6:15pm, Stephens-Lee Rec Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave Jeff & Mayra Bachata & Dance Workshop
A sensual Bachata performance with Jeff and Mayra with fundamentals and advanced Bachata workshops. Following the workshops, DJ MTN VIBEZ will be playing the best hits bachata, salsa, cumbia ,merengue, etc.
FR (3/20), 8pm, Third Room, 46 Wall St
ART
Highwater: Ceramics from the Gail & Brian McCarthy Collection
Highwater features ceramics from the collection of Gail & Brian McCarthy, celebrating the 45-year legacy of Highwater Clays as a pillar of the ceramics community in WNC and beyond. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am.
Exhibition through April 26, 2026.
Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Women of the Pacific Northwest
This exhibition celebrates the voices, visions and material mastery of female artists working today, with roots from this rich and progressive region. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through May 17, 2026.
Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Stitching Stories Reimagined
This free traveling exhibit translates incarcerated women’s individual struggles into a symbol of resilience, healing, empathy, and advocacy. Gallery open daily, 9am. Exhibition through March 26. See p58
Black Mountain United Methodist Church, 101 Church St
Virginia Derryberry: Private Domain
Upstairs Artspace Gallery, 49 South Trade Street, Tryon
In a New Light: American Impressionism 1870–1940
This exhibition explores the ways in which local artists interpreted America’s rural, maritime and urban spaces and portrayed daily life using the Impressionist devices of capturing the moment with brisk brushstrokes, a vibrant palette, and atmospheric effects. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am. Exhibition through June 29, 2026. Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Dialogue: Lindenfeld & Lindenfeld
It features clay and mixed media work of Naomi Lindenfeld as she responded to a selection of her mother Lore’s innovative textiles. Gallery open Tuesday through Saturday, 11am. Exhibition
Featuring large-scale narrative figure paintings, the exhibition will explore themes of duality, transformation, and human complexity through imagery drawn from alchemy, mythology, and contemporary life. Gallery open Wednesday through Sunday, 12pm. Exhibition through April 10, 2026.
through May, 9.
Black Mountain College Museum & Arts Center, 120 College St
Curves Ahead: Contemporary Art Exhibition
Discover Curves Ahead, a contemporary craft exhibition showcasing regional artists whose work explores form, movement, and organic shape across multiple media. Gallery open daily, 10am. Exhibition through March, 22.
Focus Gallery at the Folk Art Center, Milepost 382 Blue Ridge Pkwy
Pink Dog Mardi Gras: Lovers, Sinners & Misfits
Twenty-eight artists present works encompassing a multi-faceted interpretation of the holiday: the European influence of masquerade, the exuberance of New Orleans' renowned parades, elaborate parties and unique Cajun and African American traditions. Gallery open Monday through Saturday, 10am, and Sunday, noon. Exhibition runs through March 28.
Pink Dog Creative, 348 Depot St
The 58th Juried Undergraduate Exhibition
This exhibition is an extraordinary opportunity for WCU undergraduate students to share their artwork with a larger public and to enhance their skills in presenting artwork in a professional gallery setting. Gallery open Tuesday through Friday, 10am. Exhibition through March, 20, 2026.
WCU Bardo Arts Center, 199 Centennial Dr
After Hours: Gears & Beers
Celebrate the opening of AMOS’ newest exhibit Gear Up: The Science of Bikes.
TH (3/19), 6pm, AMOS, 43 Patton Ave
Unrelenting: Cherokee People & the American Revolution
Featuring historic objects in conversation with works by contemporary Cherokee artists, Unrelenting delves into 250 years of Aniyvwiya innovation, adaptability, and resistance, centering Native voices, perspectives, and creativity. Gallery open daily, 9am. Exhibition through Dec. 30, 2026. Museum of the Cherokee People, 589 Tsali Blvd
Public Tour: Featured Exhibition
A guided tour of the museum’s current featured exhibition.
SA (3/21), 2pm, Asheville Art Museum, 2 S Pack Square
Paint & Sip: Monet & Chardonnay Monet and Chardonnay’s skilled instructors
will guide you through each step, helping you recreate this fun landscape of the Blue Ridge Parkway.
TU (3/24), 6pm, Hi-Wire BrewingBiltmore Village, 2A Huntsman Pl
COMMUNITY MUSIC
Men in Harmony Barbershop Singers in Concert
Enjoy and evening of great barbershop harmonies with this local men’s performing ensemble. A variety of old and new tunes in four parts: enriching lives through singing.
FR (3/20), 7pm, First Baptist Church of Weaverville, 63 N Main St
Trio Bohémo
Comprised of Matouš Pěruška (violin), Kristina Vocetková (cello), and Jan Vojtek (piano), Trio Bohémo has rapidly emerged as a major presence on the international chamber music stage.
FR (3/20), 7:30pm, Unitarian Universalist
Congregation of Asheville, 1 Edwin Place
John McCutcheon
Grammy-nominated master instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, storyteller, activist, and author—McCutcheon is folk music’s true Renaissance man.
SA (3/21), 8pm, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave
Masterworks 5: Nightingale
Isabel Leonard will showcase the many glittering facets of the human voice, bringing to life a curated selection of her signature roles and iconic works for voice: Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915, highlights from West Side Story, plus works by Georges Bizet, Manuel de Falla, and more.
SA (3/21), 2pm and 8pm, First Baptist Church of Asheville, 5 Oak St
ASYO w/Isabel Leonard
This extraordinary collaboration will showcase Gershwin and American music, giving our student musicians the rare opportunity to share the spotlight with an internationally acclaimed artist.
MO (3/23), 6:30pm, Asheville High School, 419 McDowell St
Swing Asheville Live w/Queen Bee & the Honeylovers Blues, swing and Latin band Queen Bee and the Honeylovers features dancer Whitney Moore and local lindy hop legend Michael Gamble. This swing Asheville event will also include a dance lesson
at 7pm. WE (3/25), 8pm, Bryson Gym at Warren Wilson College, 102 Upper College Rd
COMMUNITY WORKSHOPS
Building Brain-Healthy Habits
Learn how everyday habits that you build today can help you protect your memory and thinking as you get older, even reducing your risk of cognitive decline and possibly dementia.
TH (3/19), 3pm, Henderson County Public Library, 301 N Washington Street
The Art of Grief Workshop
An art workshop for processing grief through creation. Come for one day or all three.
FR (3/20), SA (3/21), SU (3/22), 6pm, Three Little Byrds Therapy, 19 Zillicoa St, Ste 3
Bird-Friendly Gardening w/Tom Tribble
Learn about the native plants and actions you can take to make your yard a haven for birds.
SA (3/21), 10am, Asheville Botanical Garden, 151 W.T. Weaver Blvd
Lucky Charm Craft Night: Make Your Own Good Luck Charms
An evening making good luck charms in the form of beaded keychains, car charms, bag charms, or hairclips.
SA (3/21), 5:30pm, Retro Coffee, 2619 Sweeten Creek Rd
Welcome to Gardening in WNC w/Ruth Gonzalez
This workshop will walk you through the seasons to a successful year-round garden/ landscape – and share all the tips & tricks you need to get off to a great start.
SA (3/21), 10am, Reems Creek Nursery, 76 Monticello Rd
Unity of The Blue Ridge Hosts Legal Observer Training w/ Civil Rights Attorney Alan S. Graf
Unity of The Blue Ridge invites community
members to step into informed, peaceful civic engagement at a powerful Legal Observer Training led by veteran civil rights attorney Alan Stuart Graf.
SU (3/22), 1pm, Unity of the Blue Ridge, 2041 Old Fanning Bridge Rd
What is Toastmasters? Asheville Toastmasters Club 436 invites you to come out for a public spring social where you can learn how to grow.
TU (3/24), 9:30am, PennyCup Coffee North, 857 Merrimon Avenue
Start Your Regenerative Mushroom Farm
A live, 90-minute, by-donation workshop designed to help you understand what it really takes to build a viable mushroom-based livelihood. Register at avl.mx/ffi.
WE (3/25), 6pm, Online
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 (3/18, 3/25), 8:30pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave
Celebrating Justin Townes Earle: ‘What Do You Do When You’re Lonesome’ Book Reading & Signing Bernstein will read excerpts from his book and chat with local writer/musician Jay Moye about Earle’s life and career, with a focus on the acclaimed singer/songwriter’s Asheville legacy.
WE (3/18), 6pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave
Asheville StorySLAM: Fumbles & Fouls
Prepare a five minute story about the moment you dropped the ball. Oops, I did it again or did I do thaaaat? Tryouts, rehearsals, interviews, or dates.
TH (3/19), 7:30pm, The Grey Eagle, 185 Clingman Ave
Prom Dress Express
• Eblen Charities | 23 Hamilton St.
• Saturday, March 21 | 9 am
Eblen Charities Prom Dress Express provides dresses and tuxedos for free for anyone in our community who may need extra help with getting attire for prom, a military ball or another special event.
Julie L. Reed Presents: Land, Language & Women, A Cherokee & American Educational History
Julie L. Reed will share her new book, Land, Language, and Women: A Cherokee and American Educational History, a sweeping Indigenous history of education across generations.
TH (3/19), 6pm, City Lights Bookstore, 3 E Jackson St
Midnight Draft Poetry
Open Mic
Open mic poetry followed by a special reading from two-time Pushcart Prize winner and author of nine collections of poetry, Claire Bateman.
TH (3/19), 6:30pm, The Argot Room, 717 Haywood Rd
World Affairs Book Club
Where passionate readers and engaged citizens delve into thought-provoking books.
TH (3/19), 10am, Transylvania County Library, Brevard, 212 S Gaston Street
Mae Miner Presents: Stories from the Nurse In Me and the Writer In Me to Tell. The book is divided
into 4 sections. Part 1, A Career in Nursing, is non-fiction and covers 59 years in the profession. Part 2 features four works of fiction about strong women over coming difficulties. Part 3 includes three essays and ten poems.
SA (3/21), 3pm, City Lights Bookstore, 3 E Jackson St
Flooded Poetry
Mondays
Poetry-specific open mic, starring you plus weekly featured readers, every Monday.
MO (3/23), 6:30pm, Flood Gallery, 802 Fairview Rd #1200
Black Experience Book Club
This community-centered series is designed to explore literature that centers the voices, histories, and futures of the African Diaspora.
TH (3/26), 6:30pm, YMI Cultural Center, 39 S Market Street
THEATER & FILM
Asheville Fringe Festival: Cybersyn Cybersyn sits within a tradition of interactive music systems and is constructed around a cybernetic approach
of listening, response, feedback, and interaction of human and computer agents.
TH (3/19), 7pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave
Longform Improv Jam
The Joyride team will facilitate warm-ups and exercises that put improvisers in the longform mindset. Then we’ll let you hit the stage and entertain us with improvised montages.
TH (3/19), 6:30pm, Enka-Candler Public Library, 1404 Sand Hill Rd
Spotlight Film Showcase: Impact Documentary Night
This month’s theme, Impact Documentary, showcases local short films created in collaboration with mission-driven nonprofits.
TH (3/19), 6pm, The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Road St. 10
Ethnically Ambiguous
This hilarious and heartfelt one-man show dives into his experience growing up Mexican American, navigating family expectations, and carving out a career as an “ethnically ambiguous” actor in the entertainment
industry.
FR (3/20), SA (3/21), 7:30pm, SU (3/22), 2pm, Hart Theatre, 250 Pigeon Street
Foreign Film Friday: The Girl w/the Dragon Tattoo Swedish thriller based on Stieg Larsson’s novel about disgraced journalist Mikael Blomkvist and genius hacker Lisbeth Salander who investigate the 40-yearold disappearance of Harriet Vanger from her wealthy, dysfunctional family.
The show explores time travel, artificial intelligence, and the strange idea that the future might already be influencing the present.
FR (3/20), SA (3/21), 9pm, Art Garden AVL, 98 N Lexington Avenue Private Lives
When former spouses Elyot and Amanda accidentally reunite on their honeymoons with new partners, their rekindled passion quickly spirals into chaos—setting off a witty and volatile battle of love, jealousy, and temptation.
FR (3/20), TH (3/26), 7:30pm, SA (3/21), SU (3/22), 3pm, Hendersonville Theatre, 229 S Washington St
Lydia Tewksbury: The Selkie
Explore the folkloric tale of the selkie in this small but mighty circus and dance show.
SA (3/21), 3pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave
Hidden Rivers Film Screening w/WREN Center
An hour-long documentary about our waterways, “Hidden Rivers” by Freshwaters Illustrated. The film has stunning footage that reveals the biodiverse worlds living within our streams and rivers.
SU (3/22), 5pm, The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Road St. 10
In the Castle of Eternal Sunset: A Module for Ten 0th Level Characters
A play that changes with each performance –based on the roll of the dice– In The Castle of Eternal Sunset follows two teenage boys as they play a game of Dungeons & Dragons on an autumn day in 2004.
SU (3/22), 6pm, Art Garden AVL, 98 N Lexington Avenue TheaterWorksUSA presents: Pete the Cat
Based on the popular book series by Kimberly and James Dean, this musical adaptation brings Pete’s laid-back, fun-loving spirit to life.
MO (3/23), 10am and 12pm, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave
Monday Movie Night
Every Monday is Movie Night at the 1st floor bar with free popcorn.
MO (3/23), 6pm, Green Man Brewing, 27 Buxton Ave
All Things Equal: The Life & Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
A witty, moving portrait of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, chronicling
her journey from Brooklyn valedictorian to Supreme Court icon.
WE (3/25), TH (3/26), 8pm, Wortham Center for the Performing Arts, 18 Biltmore Ave
SideHustle Live: The Comedy Game Show for Entrepreneurs
The interactive in-person game show where wild pitches are made up on the spot and the audience plays along and votes on the winners.
WE (3/25), 6:30pm, The Mule, 131 Sweeten Creek Road St. 10
Chiaroscuro: Fantasy & Realism
Chiaroscuro is a monthly dance variety show that elevates all forms of movement to a theatrical realm—where contrast is not a conflict, but a conversation. See p58
TH (3/26), 7:30pm, Third Room, 46 Wall St
MEETINGS & PROGRAMS
Social Seniors
A social gathering for seniors to engage in various activities and connect with peers.
Open Monday through Friday, 9am, Grove Street Community Center, 36 Grove S League of Women Voters 101
Come out and learn about what League of Women Voters Asheville -Buncombe County is doing to protect your voting rights and what you can do. Bring your lunch, but dessert and tea will be provided.
WE (3/18), 12:30pm, East Asheville Library, 3 Avon Road
Men’s Garden Club of Asheville: Conservation & Wildlife Habitats
Bobbie Pell, a trained naturalist with a degree in Outdoor Environmental Education, will discuss conservation and preservation with an emphasis on Wildlife Federation Habitat
garden certification.
WE (3/18), 12:30pm, East Asheville Library, 3 Avon Road
Harwood Cole Literary Lecture w/Vanessa Hua
For two decades, Hua has been writing about Asia and the diaspora, filing stories from China, Burma, Panama, South Korea, and Ecuador. In her lecture, she will read excerpts from her works and discuss her life as a writer.
TH (3/19), 5:30pm, Alfred G. Canon Lounge at Warren Wilson College, 14 Upper College Rd
The Mystics of the Rhineland w/Rob Fields
Part of Kanuga’s monthly Lunch & Learn series, “Mystics of the Rhineland” explores the visionaries whose teachings continue to shape Christian spirituality.
TH (3/19), 10am, Kanuga, 47 Kanuga Chapel Dr
Artist Residency Guest Lecture
In this free lecture for music lovers of all backgrounds, Dr. Dean Southern, voice professor and Dean at the Cleveland Institute of Music, traces the role of the voice through history as a solo instrument, in ensemble and operatic traditions, and in modern popular music.
FR (3/20), 3pm, Olli at UNC Asheville, 300 Campus View Rd
The Future of Tribal Sovereignty, Powered by the Past by Stacy Leeds
The 2026 James A. Cooper Memorial Lecture in Cherokee Studies is pleased to present ‘The Future of Tribal Sovereignty, Powered by the Past’ by Stacy Leeds (Cherokee Nation).
FR (3/20), 5pm, TJ Holland Education Room, Museum of the Cherokee People, 589 Tsali Blvd
Finding Those Treasured Family Photos: Outside of Your Family Learn where to look from outside your network, what to look for, and how to uncover unexpected treasures that bring your ancestors to life.
SA (3/21), 2pm, Old Buncombe County Genealogical Society, 128 Bingham Rd
Atheists of WNC
This little Atheist group invites anyone who doesn’t believe in religions to come chat with like-minded people. Find out more at avl.mx/f8c.
SU (3/22), 10am, EarthFare - Westgate, 66 Westgate Pkw
Sunday Celebration
An uplifting science of mind celebration.
SU (3/22), 11am, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science of Mind Way
Equanimity In A Changing World Equanimity is our ability to meet the present with increasing kindness and balance of mind. The evening will include meditation, dharma talk and discussion.
MO (3/23), 6:30pm, Quietude, 1130 Montreat Rd
Resilient Family Adventure
With nature-inspired activities, crafts, and stories suitable elementary age children, we’re bringing families together to celebrate the strength within us all.
TU (3/24), 3:30pm, Goodwill Training Center, 1616 Patton Ave Modern Forestry Revisited w/Ethan Tapper
Hear from keynote speaker Ethan Tapper, author of How to Love a Forest, and local forestry experts on the future of Appalachian forests.
TH (3/26), 5pm, Taproom At Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy #200
The Struggle Against Solitary Confinement
Three panelists will discuss the struggle against solitary confinement. Jules Lobel, the lead attorney on the Pelican Bay case; Jack Morris, one of his clients, who was in solitary for 40 years; and Dolores Canalas, long time activist against solitary confinement.
TH (3/26), 7pm, Canon Lounge in Gladfelter Student Center, 114 Upper College Rd, Rm 326
GAMES & CLUBS
Asheville Board Game Club Meetup
Play a wide variety of games—strategy, party, cooperative, and more—and we’re always happy to teach, so no experience needed.
WE (3/18, 3/25), 5:30pm, Well Played Board Game Café, 162 Coxe Ave, 101 Board Game Night Open, casual game night—come and go as you please. An assortment of board games available to play.
WE (3/18, 3/25), 5pm, Hi-Wire RAD Beer Garden, 284 Lyman St Homeschooler’s Hangout Games help develop cognitive skills, including decision-making, problem-solving, and logical analysis. In older adults, playing games has been shown to lower the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
TH (3/19, 3/26), 11am, Well Played Board Game Café, 162 Coxe Ave, 101
Dungeons & Drafts
Dungeons & Dragons
1-shot session run by a professional GM right next to the beautiful
copper stills. They supply the GM, the dice, the characters, and everything else needed to play.
SA (3/21), 3pm, Oak and Grist Distilling Co., 1556 Grovestone Rd
Southside After Praise After church, enjoy an afternoon playing spades or dominoes.
SU (3/22), 1:30pm, Dr. Wesley Grant Sr. Southside Community Center, 285 Livingston St Weekly Sunday Scrabble
If you like Wordle, Boggle, Words with Friends or Scrabble online, this club may be a good fit for you. All of the games are provided. SU (3/22), 1:30pm, Stephens-Lee Rec Center, 30 George Washington Carver Ave
Pool Night
Pool night, every Monday night with a $5 buy in. Must be signed up by 7 p.m.
MO (3/23), 6:30pm, Eda’s Hide-a-Way, 1098 New Stock Rd, Weaverville
Cribbage
Western North Carolina Cribbage Club meets every Monday. MO (3/23), 6pm, Waynesville American Legion, 171 Legion Dr
RAD Music Bingo
Bring your charged cell phone, listed to music, mark off squares until you get a bingo, win prizes.
MO (3/23), 7pm, Hi-Wire RAD Beer Garden, 284 Lyman St Magic: The Gathering Whether you’ve been playing for years or are just starting your journey, this is your chance to battle, brew, and build community.
TU (3/24), 6pm, Well Played Board Game Café, 162 Coxe Ave, 101
Game Night
An evening of cards and games such as dominoes and Rummikub.
TH (3/26), 7pm, First Congregational Church of Christ of Asheville, 20 Oak Street
KID-FRIENDLY PROGRAMS
Baby Story Time
A lively language enrichment story time designed for children ages 4 to 18 months.
Families with young children can enjoy Spring-themed picture book readings in the Vance house. There will also be fun crafts and free face-painting in the Visitor Center.
SA (3/21), 9am, Vance Birthplace State Historic Site, 911 Reems Creek Rd
LOCAL MARKETS
RAD Farmers Market
A year-round weekly market featuring local fruits vegetables, meats, bread, honey, eggs, pastries, flowers, crafts and more.
SNAP, Double SNAP, & Farmers Market
Prescriptions accepted here.
WE (3/18, 3/25), 3pm, New Belgium Brewing Asheville, 21 Craven St
Weaverville Tailgate Market
This market features a selection of fresh, locally grown produce, grass fed beef, pork, chicken, eggs, cheese, baked goods, artisan bread, eclectic handmade goodies, garden and landscaping plants.
WE (3/18, 3/25), 3pm, 60 Lake Shore Dr
Green Man Maker’s
Mart
A local vendors market featuring a rotating group of vendors selling handmade products and vintage resale. Owendale Pet Portraits will be here to paint your four legged friends.
SA (3/21), noon, Green Man Brewing, 27 Buxton Ave
Highland Market Series: Spring Market
Explore a curated selection of local vendors, artisans, makers, and upcyclers, all showcasing handcrafted goods, unique art, and one-of-a-kind finds.
SU (3/22), noon, Taproom At Highland Brewing Co., 12 Old Charlotte Hwy #200
Junk-O-Rama Vintage Market
Full bad, vintage clothes, jewelry, local art & more. SU (3/22), noon, Fleetwood’s, 496 Haywood Rd
WNC Farmers Market
This year-round market features locally grown produce, fruits and vegetables, mountain crafts, plants, shops, arts and crafts, sourwood honey, and other farm fresh items. Open daily, 8am. 570 Brevard Rd
FESTIVALS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Asheville Fringe Festival Opening Party
Sneak a peek at teaser performances from the amazing 2026 artists.
WE (3/18), 6pm, Sovereign Kava, 268 Biltmore Ave
Jameson Tasting
The guided tasting includes an educational tasting flight of Jameson Original Irish Whiskey, Jameson Black Barrel, and Jameson Triple Triple, along with a crafted cocktail made with Jameson Orange.
TH (3/19), 6pm, Wildwood Still at Moxy Asheville, 61 Biltmore Ave
New Dimensions Toastmasters Open House
Enjoy light speaking games, free pizza, and a friendly introduction to how Toastmasters builds confidence and communication skills.
TH (3/19), noon, Center for Spiritual Living Asheville, 2 Science of Mind Way
VISUALS Equinox Celebration w/Walker
Farrell
Ritual of Senses is a collaborative project of VISUALS Wine and Ceremony of Seasons Records with live performances by Walker Farrell, Tony Rolando, Sarah Louise, Feral Kin, and more.
TH (3/19), 7pm, Eulogy, 10 Buxton Ave
34th M.A.G.M.A Land of Sky Gem Show
This gem show will feature over 40 indoor and outdoor vendors with everything from affordable treasures to the finest gems and minerals in the USA and the world. Come shop for minerals, crystals and handcrafted jewelry.
FR (3/20), SA (3/21), 9am, SU (3/22), 10am, Land of Sky Shrine Club, 39 Spring Cove Road
Strength Over Stroke Conference
A day of learning about the resources in and around the Asheville area that can help someone after a stroke. There will be speakers there covering topics on mental health, financial planning, caregiver resource, vocational rehab, exercise and more.
Asheville Marathon & Half presented by New Belgium
The New Belgium Asheville Marathon & Half is back for its 14th year, taking runners through Asheville’s most scenic and iconic areas
SA (3/21), 7:30am, Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza
Prom Dress Express
Eblen Charities Prom Dress Express provides dresses and tuxedos for free for anyone in our community who may need extra help with getting attire for prom, a military ball or another special event. Attendees will be entered into a drawing for fun prizes.
SA (3/21), 9am, Eblen Charities, 23 Hamilton St
The Great Mother March
A co-created people’s movement for balance in honor of the Mother
Spirit & planetary harmony. The walk begins in Asheville on the Spring Equinox and ends in Washington, DC on Earth Day.
SA (3/21), 1pm, Pack Square Park, 80 Court Plaza
The New Belgium Asheville Marathon & Half
This USATF-certified course is a Boston Marathon qualifier and welcomes everyone—from first-timers to seasoned elites. It’s a race-day experience that blends community, challenge, and a true celebration of Asheville’s resilience and beauty.
SA (3/21), 7:30am, New Belgium Brewing Asheville, 21 Craven St
The WNC Build & Remodel Expo Attendees can explore home improvement ideas, compare products, meet local experts, and attend short educational talks throughout the weekend.
SA (3/21), 10am, SU (3/22), 11am, WNC Ag Center, 761 Boylston Highway
Spring High Tea Welcome spring with an unforgettable Easter High Tea experience that features an elegant afternoon of sweet and savory small bites served on charming vintage china.
SU (3/22), 10:30am, Ivory Road, 1854 Brevard Road
BENEFITS & VOLUNTEERING
Artist Residency
Benefit
Enjoy live music by Dinah’s Daydream, bespoke cocktails, a delicious strolling supper from Celine & Co., all while celebrating our Artist-in-Residence and the supporters who make this program possible. The Artist Residency Benefit Raffle winners will be drawn during the Artist Residency Benefit.
WE (3/18), 5:30pm, Ella Ashevile, 48 Broadway St
Brunk Auctions Valuation Day to Benefit Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity Specialists representing furniture, coins, jewelry, art, documents, decorative art, and more will be evaluating items, with proceeds supporting Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. For a nominal cost- which supports affordable housing efforts- you can learn more about your item(s) from experts and receive a verbal valuation.
FR (3/20), 9am, Brunk Auctions, 117 Tunnel Rd
Kids Issue2026
My wildest, funniest or most important moment
Welcome back for Part 2 of this year’s Kids Issue, our annual feature showcasing the creative talents of local K-12 students. This year, we asked kids and teens to submit art and writing around the theme of “My wildest, funniest or most important moment.” We received more than 400 entries from students around the region who attend area public, charter, private, parochial and home schools. These young artists and writers shared memorable moments like seeing Asheville’s mountains for the first time, holding a newborn sister, having a rainy day brightened by a purring cat and helping at a community center. Though space limitations prevent us from sharing all the work we received, we hope you enjoy the engaging collection of colorful art, poems, essays and short fiction on the following pages. And be sure to check out our summer camp guide, starting on page 25.
— Xpress Staff X
My funny moment
My funniest moment was when seltzer came out of my nose! So get ready to hear something crazy! Last year in 2025, I was at my Dad’s house, sitting at my dinner table. I was watching my brother, Dad and my Dad’s girlfriend play a game called Catan. To let you know, I was 8 at the time. Anyway, I ate some food and drank some of my seltzer, but just then my brother said something pretty funny. My whole family laughed.
But I was drinking seltzer at the time and it came out of my nose! I was very surprised. I didn’t even know what to say. But here’s the twist … the seltzer came out of my nose and went right back into the cup!
—
JoJo Plunkard, fourth grade, Rainbow Community School
Home
Those mountains might be the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.
A CRAZY BIKE RIDE: Cali Lyons, a fourth grader at Rainbow Community school, writes: “When I was 5, I got a bike. The bike was greenish, blueish, and it used to be my sister's. About a week or two after I got my bike, my mom found an empty parking lot that was never used on weekends. So, we went there on weekend days and practiced riding our bikes (me and my sis). As soon as I got on my bike, I knew it was going to be hard. But, as my mom always says, ‘You can do hard things!’ So, I tried and tried. Like I said, it was hard! And, I fell a lot. It was summer so it was really hot out, which is another reason I felt like giving up. But I didn’t, and I’m glad about that. I never gave up and now it is a skill I will have for the rest of my life.”
The dark blue mixed with the light pink of the sky is resplendent.
“Wow,” I say to myself. “It doesn’t even look real,” my brother exclaims, “But it all is,” my mom responds. Then she adds, “We are about 30 minutes out.” But I couldn’t hear her. I was too focused on the mesmerizing view, trying to savor it.
It was my very first time in Asheville, N.C. I had never even seen my new house yet. I was nervous because I didn’t know anybody. What if I didn’t like the town? What if I didn’t like the people? What if the people didn’t like me? So many thoughts going through my head: some good, some bad. I was really scared, but at the same time, I knew I could do it.
I was worrying so much, I didn’t stop to realize that I had already done this once before, from Florida to Tennessee. I took a deep breath and looked at the mountains one more time, and they helped me know everything would be alright. Turns out I fit in just fine, and since that moment, I have made tons of new friends. Now I think I want to live in Asheville for the rest of my life.
— Thomas W, sixth grade, Asheville Catholic School
Cardinal virtue
My wildest moment started a year ago. I was on a walk in the woods. Guess what I saw ... a red cardinal! It was so pretty I couldn’t take my eyes off it. It was so bright. When I moved to the right, the bird moved to the right, too. When I moved to the left, the bird moved to the left. Was the bird playing or something? My dad came over and scared him away.
— Cora Healy, second grade, The Learning Community
Realizations in retrospect
The most important moment in my life was difficult to determine. Because I’m only in high school, I don’t have a formative moment like getting married, seeing my first kid, or graduating. I realized that the moments I consider formative didn’t seem significant when they happened, but rather developed over time. These moments, which I will refer to, are
SUMMER CAMP GUIDE
SPRING CAMPS
ASHEVILLE ART MUSEUM — SPRING BREAK CAMP v r
Rising grades 3-5 • All gender April 6-10
$150/session
2 S. Pack Square, Asheville • avl.mx/eky
LEAF — GLOBAL ARTS (SPRING BREAK)
vx r
Rising grade 1 - Age
12 • All gender April 6-10
$300/session
19 Eagle St., Suite 120, Asheville 828-686-8742 • avl.mx/ff2
PUSH SKATE CAMP — SPRING BREAK m v r
Ages 5-15 • All gender April 6-9
$160/session
Asheville Skatepark, 50 N. Cherry St., Asheville • avl.mx/elt
Spring has just arrived, but summer is right around the corner. And this year, campers will have plenty of opportunities to explore the outdoors, take the stage for theater productions, work in STEAM labs or try their hands at a new craft.
With over 250 camp listings representing more than 70 organizations, your family is sure to find the perfect fit to keep your child active and engaged.
ASHEVILLE JUNIOR THEATER — HARRY POTTER WIZARDING TECH (ACTORS AND THEATER TECHIES) v r
Ages 8-16 • All gender July 6-10
$355/session
174 Bradley Branch Road, Asheville • avl.mx/em7
ASHEVILLE JUNIOR THEATER — IMPROV & SKETCH COMEDY v r
Ages 8-16
• All gender
June 29 - July 3
$355/session
174 Bradley Branch Road, Asheville • avl.mx/em7
ASHEVILLE JUNIOR THEATER — KPOP DEMON HUNTERS vx r
Ages 4-16
• All gender
June 15-19; Aug. 17-21
$355/session
174 Bradley Branch Road, Asheville • avl.mx/em7
ASHEVILLE JUNIOR THEATER — ROYAL KNIGHTS AND FAIRY LIGHTS x r
Ages 4-7 • All gender
July 20-24
$340/session
174 Bradley Branch Road, Asheville • avl.mx/em7
ASHEVILLE JUNIOR THEATER — STAY GOLD: INSPIRED BY THE OUTSIDERS x r
Ages 10-18 • All gender July 27-31
moments that I return to often in my daily life, and they have become meaningful and foundational to me.
The summer before freshman year in high school, I went on a mission trip to Guatemala with my youth group. To be honest, I didn’t go because I wanted to make a big, huge difference in the world; I went because I wanted to have fun with my friends. It shocked me when we arrived to be thrown into this chaotic tornado of information — places we needed to go, things I needed to be aware of. I emerged prepared to fight the battle, to “free” these people in any way that I could. I soon realized that that wasn’t what these Guatemalans needed. They didn’t need me to tell them what kind of lifestyle and society I think is better. Though it sounds simple, I had never thought that maybe this lifestyle that I believed was oppressive was not given to me, and so I shouldn’t assume what those who experience it want.
My most important moment isn’t one singular moment, but a collection of realizations that occurred throughout my life. I return to this particular realization often because this was one of the first moments that I understood that there is an entire
RETABLO: Hazel Martin, an eighth grader at Franklin School of Innovation, remembers an important moment in her life.
world out there, it’s all different, and having grace and understanding for others is paramount.
— Isla Johnson, 10th grade, A.C. Reynolds High School
My sister
When my baby sister was born, she had to stay in the hospital for several weeks because she was sick. I was not allowed to visit her in the NICU unit. It made me sad that she was sick and not home with us. Thankfully, she got better and came home, and now she is happy and healthy. I was so happy when I was finally able to meet her and hold her. I would like to be a NICU nurse or doctor someday. I want to help babies who are in the NICU. I would be good at that job because I understand what the families are going through.
— Addison Cassavaw, fifth grade, Isaac Dickson Elementary School
The rainy day
One of my important moments was when I was sitting on the couch on a rainy afternoon after school. I felt sad but I didn’t know why. Then, my 1-year-old cat came up to me and sat right beside me and started purring. I felt important for once in my life. Another important moment is when I first came to TLC. I was walking through the kindergartners’ door, and my friend Stella was so happy. I was scared because everyone was looking at me. But then, Stella pulled my arm and led me to my seat. Now,
I’m in the third grade and I am still best friends with her. Before I knew it, it was time for recess. Then, I met my friends Ella, Rory, and Allie. I have the best teachers, Ms. Madisen and Ms. Anna. They are the best teachers ever! Every kid and teacher is the best. Please pick TLC! — Charli Moore, third grade, The Learning Community
Life of a teen Black girl
I am 14 years old African American from Pennsylvania
RHEA RIPLEY: “My wildest moment was getting to see Rhea Ripley wrestle in person,” recalls Adeline Sebrell, seventh grade, ArtSpace Charter School.
$355/session
174 Bradley Branch Road, Asheville • avl.mx/em7
ASHEVILLE JUNIOR
THEATER — TRIPLE THREAT: ADVANCED PERFORMANCE INTENSIVE x r
Ages 12-18 • All gender
July 20-24
$355/session
174 Bradley Branch Road, Asheville • avl.mx/em7
ASHEVILLE JUNIOR
THEATER — WITCHES OF OZ: FOR GOOD (ACTORS AND THEATER TECHIES)
Ages 8-16 • All gender
June 22-26
$355/session
174 Bradley Branch Road, Asheville • avl.mx/em7
ASHEVILLE MATH — GAMES CAMP q r
Ages 11-15
• All gender
July 13 - July 17
$250/session
856 Sweeten Creek Road, Unit J, Asheville 828-367-3269 • avl.mx/ekx
ASHEVILLE MATH — WISE WIZARDS DUNGEONS & DRAGONS CAMP q r
Ages 13+ • All gender
July 20 - July 24
$300/session
856 Sweeten Creek Road, Unit J, Asheville 828-367-3269 • avl.mx/ekx
ASHEVILLE MATH — YOUNG MINDS MATH CAMP q r
Ages 9-12 • All gender
July 6 - July 10
$250/session
856 Sweeten Creek Road, Unit J, Asheville 828-367-3269 • avl.mx/ekx
ASHEVILLE MATH — YOUNG WARRIORS DUNGEONS & DRAGONS CAMP q r
Ages 9-12
• All gender July 20 - July 24
$300/session
856 Sweeten Creek Road, Unit J, Asheville 828-367-3269 • avl.mx/ekx
ASHEVILLE MOUNTAIN KITCHEN — ASIAN WEEK v r
Ages 9-14 • All gender
July 13-17
$460/session
332 E Sondley Drive, Asheville 917-566-5238 • avl.mx/c8u
ASHEVILLE MOUNTAIN KITCHEN — BAKING CAMP
Ages 9-14 • All gender
July 27-31; Aug. 17-21
$460/session
332 E Sondley Drive, Asheville 917-566-5238 • avl.mx/c8u
ASHEVILLE MOUNTAIN KITCHEN — CUISINES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
r
Ages 9-14 • All gender
June 22-25; July 6-10 and 20-24; Aug. 3-7
$460/session
332 E Sondley Drive, Asheville 917-566-5238 • avl.mx/c8u
ASHEVILLE MOUNTAIN KITCHEN — ITALIAN WEEK
v r
Ages 9-14 • All gender
June 29 - July 3; Aug. 10-14
$460/session
332 E Sondley Drive, Asheville 917-566-5238 • avl.mx/c8u
ASHEVILLE MOUNTAIN KITCHEN — MEDITERRANEAN WEEK
v r
Ages 9-14 • All gender
June 15-19
$460/session
332 E Sondley Drive, Asheville 917-566-5238 • avl.mx/c8u
ASHEVILLE PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY — BEETLEJUICE WORKSHOP AND MONSTER MASH- UP
v r
Rising grades 1-3 & 4-10 • All gender
June 22-26; June 29 - July 3; July 13-17
$375/session
55 Shiloh Road, Suite 4, Asheville 828-253-4000 • avl.mx/elv
ASHEVILLE PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY — DESCENDANTS WORKSHOP AND MINI VILLAINS ROTTEN TO THE CORE v r
Rising grades 1-3 & 4-10 • All gender
July 20-24; July 2731; Aug. 3-7
$375/session
55 Shiloh Road, Suite 4, Asheville 828-253-4000 • avl.mx/elv
ASHEVILLE PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY — THE GREATEST SHOW (MAN) v r
Rising grades 1-3 & 4-10 • All gender
June 15-19; July 6-10; Aug. 10-14
$375/session
55 Shiloh Road, Suite 4, Asheville 828-253-4000 • avl.mx/elv
ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS — ARTS / DRAMA-RAMA m p v r
Rising grades K-5 • All gender
July 27-31
$360/session
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville
828-505-4309 • avl.mx/det
ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS — DINOSAURS
m p v r
Rising grades K-5 • All gender June 22-26
$360/session
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • avl.mx/det
ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS — OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
m p v r
Rising grades K-5 • All gender June 8-12
$360/session
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville
828-505-4309 • avl.mx/det
ASHEVILLE SUN SOO
MARTIAL ARTS — PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES
m p v r
Rising grades K-5 • All gender July 20-24
I get adopted at 10 days old
Into a white family with two lesbian moms
A couple years later
I start preschool
My moms get divorced
I don’t know what’s happening
It feels like everyone else has a dad
Why not me, why don’t I have one
Why am I different, am I the only one
Three years later
I’m at the school my older brother is at
I have an African American teacher
I feel included
I am in 5th grade
My mom Kadee and her partner Gigi are married I’m wearing a red dress
Fast forward
I am in 5th grade
My stepmom Amy who is my mom Ashley’s partner Gives me a ring box so I can wrap it
When we get to the family Christmas It’s her last gift, I see her eyes light up
The next year they are married
At Looking Glass Falls
I’m wearing a black suit
I’m now 14 the only black girl in my school and family Doesn’t define who I am I’m still me.
— Josie Sloan-Westmoreland, eighth grade, The Learning Community
Never give up
Rain pouring on the wet soccer field and slick with light rain. The last game of the season and we’re losing 3-2. I usually get good playing time, but it was all the eighth graders’ last game, so I was on the bench. And there was 10 minutes left.
I get subbed in, and it’s our ball, and I’m playing up top. Our midfielder sees me making a run, he plays the ball on the slick ground to my feet in through on goal … and I tie the game up with a goal into the bottom right corner, crowd cheers. It’s 3-3, we still want to score one more 6 minutes left, I pass to our midfielder, the midfielder passes to the winger, and we score another goal, 4-3. And I get subbed off in the last minute i get cheered for because i helped start the momentum and the come back. And when we think we already finished the game off, we score yet one more. And after the game, I’m proud of myself and everyone else that we made a comeback.
— Alex Zlatovcen, seventh grade, North Buncombe Middle School
A loving community
I got in my gray van and felt relaxed as I sat on a leather seat. My mom got
I CAN DO HARD THINGS: Tyke Halvorson, a first grader at The Learning Community, explains: “My art shows the first time I rode a new bike. I felt proud of myself for trying something new. When people look at my art, I want them to feel happy and impressed. I want them to feel like they can do hard things, too.”
in the car with my sister. We went to Lady Gloria, which is a home for the unhoused.
As we pulled in, I saw the gray glow of the building. I hopped out of the car and walked over to my dad, who introduced me to his friend.
Me and my sister played on dirt, sand, and rock piles. I felt a drop of cold, wet rain on my forehead as it started to pour. I rushed to my mom and got under her coat. As more people spoke encouraging words, I went into the building and smelled fresh paint with a hint of sawdust as the last people spoke. All of us gathered on the first floor and signed the drywall with thank yous, names, and prayers.
As I walked to the car, I thought about how much my dad helps the
CONTINUES ON PAGE 30
BRIDAL VEIL FALLS: This humorous comic strip is by Rainbow Community School fifth grader Georgia Taylor.
$360/session
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • avl.mx/det
ASHEVILLE SUN
SOO MARTIAL ARTS — SHARK WEEK
m p v r
Rising grades K-5 • All gender
June 15-19
$360/session
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • avl.mx/det
ASHEVILLE SUN
SOO MARTIAL ARTS — SPACE CAMP
m p v r
Rising grades K-5 • All gender
July 13-17
$360/session
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • avl.mx/det
ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS — SUPER HEROES/VILLIANS
m p v r
Rising grades K-5 • All gender
July 6-10
$360/session
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • avl.mx/det
ASHEVILLE SUN SOO MARTIAL ARTS — SUPER SCIENCE
m p v r
Rising grades K-5 • All gender
Aug. 3-7
$360/session
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • avl.mx/det
ASHEVILLE SUN
SOO MARTIAL ARTS — WATER FUN
m p v r
Rising grades K-5 • All gender
Aug. 10-14
$360/session
800 Fairview Road, Suite D2, Asheville 828-505-4309 • avl.mx/det
BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE — BEATRIX POTTER BALLET
x v r
Ages 5-7 & 8-12
• All gender
July 27-31
$195/session
6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 828-255-5777 • avl.mx/el2
BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE — BROADWAY DANCE
x v r
Ages 5-7 & 8-12
• All gender
June 8-12
$195/session
6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 828-255-5777 • avl.mx/el2
BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE — COPPELIA & DOLLS WORKSHOP
x v r
Ages 5-7 & 8-12
• All gender
June 8-12
$195/session
6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 828-255-5777 • avl.mx/el2
BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE — LITTLE MERMAID BALLET x v r
Ages 5-7 & 8-12
• All gender
July 13-17
$195/session
6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 828-255-5777 • avl.mx/el2
BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE — MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM BALLET x v r
Ages 5-7 & 8-12
• All gender July 20-24
$195/session
6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 828-255-5777 • avl.mx/el2
BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE — PETITE INTENSIVE x v r
Ages 8-13 • All gender
July 20-24
$280/session
6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 828-255-5777 • avl.mx/el2
BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE — SUMMER INTENSIVE 2026 x v r
Ages 10-18 • All gender June 15 - July 10
$450-$475/week
6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville
828-255-5777 • avl.mx/el2
BALLET CONSERVATORY OF ASHEVILLE — SUMMER NUTCRACKER x v r
Ages 5-7 & 8-12
• All gender
Aug. 3-7
$195/session
6 E. Chestnut St., Asheville 828-255-5777 • avl.mx/el2
BILLY JONAS — CAMP BANGIN' & SANGIN'! FOR ADULTS v r
Over 30 Camps Earth Skills, Archery, Sports, Blacksmithing, Fantasy, Crafts, Boffing, Theater Pottery & More
community. I said in my head that I want to be just like my dad.
— Hartwell Combs, Fourth grade, The Learning Community School
Breaking my foot
So I had an extra bone in both feet. I played youth league basketball at
the time. So right after my game, I started sobbing. My foot was bloodshot red, and I told my mom, and I put a wet paper towel on it to make it cold. We went to urgent care, and we were there for two hours. I had to get X-rays, and we would wait in the room for the results.
The doctor came back and told me I fractured it. Then the doctor put
me in a splint, and I was on crutches, and I had to get an MRI. I got an MRI days later and had to have surgery. I had the surgery and was terrified. Then I realized my basketball season was over and I couldn’t play the rest of the season.
The bad part was my softball season that year. I couldn’t play since I had a cast and was on crutches, but I still went to watch my friends play. I remember going back to school that week after my surgery, and we went to our special.
After music, after my teacher went on, my friends were going to try to help me down the stairs. One friend was holding the back of my shirt, the other one was beside me holding my arm, and then one in front. As I went down one stair, I started leaning forward. The friend in front of me moved out of the way, and everybody let go of me, and I fell down the stairs and didn’t know how to just land on one foot, so I landed on both feet and got sent to the office. They called my mom, and my mom called our family friend, and they came and took me back home.
— Addie Morgan, seventh grade, North Buncombe Middle School
On Sunday
On Sunday, my mom was going downstairs. So me and my sister put pillows on her. And I sat on the pillows, then my sister sat on me. And I laughed so hard. And my mom fell off the couch in slow motion. But I was still on her. I could not stop laughing, and I hit my head on the carpet. But I was still laughing, and then my sister started laughing too! Then my mom was laughing and then my mom said, “Oh, I forgot I had to go downstairs.”
— Adeline Langlais, second grade, Rainbow Community School
BROTHERS FROM SEPARATE MOTHERS: “My art piece is about the day that I got my cats, Milo and Andy,” writes Harper Holt, sixth grade, Franklin School of Innovation. “They are really sweet and loving.”
An unexpected picnic guest
One day, my Mom, Dad and I decided to go on a picnic. While we were eating, my dog Luna barked and ran to a nearby tree. As I looked up at the tree, I noticed a baby cub sitting in the tree. Suddenly, a big mama bear started walking towards Luna. Luna ran towards the mama bear, and the bear started to run away. We decided to pack up the picnic food and leave. As we were walking to our car, the mama bear approached us and stood on its hind legs and growled at us. I was scared, and my parents told me to stand behind them. We slowly backed away from the bear, and we made it safely to our car. That was a family picnic I will never forget.
— Meera Clift, fifth grade, Isaac Dickson Elementary School
CONTINUES ON PAGE 32
HOOP DREAMS: “I really love basketball, so I made this artwork to celebrate the game,” writes Max Ward, sixth grade, Franklin School of Innovation.
CAMP KANUGA
— TRAILBLAZERSEXCURSION-STYLE 13-DAY
ADVENTURE CAMP
p v u ✈ t
Rising grades 1112 • All gender
June 14-26; June 28July 10; July 12-24
$2,995/session
Hendersonville
828-233-2840 • avl.mx/fef
CAMP KANUGA DAY
CAMP - SESSION A
p r
Rising grades 1-6
• All gender
June 8-12
$400/session
Hendersonville
828-233-2743 • avl.mx/fef
CAMP KANUGA DAY
CAMP - SESSION B
p r
Rising grades 1-6 • All gender
June 29 - July 3
$400/session
Hendersonville
828-233-2743 • avl.mx/fef
CAMP KANUGA DAY
CAMP - SESSION C
p r
Rising grades 1-6
• All gender
July 6-10
$400/session
Hendersonville
828-233-2743 • avl.mx/fef
CAMP KANUGA DAY
CAMP - SESSION D
p r
Rising grades 1-6 • All gender
July 13-17
$400/session
Hendersonville
828-233-2743 • avl.mx/fef
CAMP KANUGA DAY
CAMP - SESSION E
p r
Rising grades 1-6 • All gender
July 20-24
$400/session
Hendersonville
828-233-2743 • avl.mx/fef
CAMP TEKOA — DAY CAMP
p u r
Ages 6-11 • All gender
Seven weekly sessions
June 8 - July 31 (no camp July 27 - July 3)
$450/session
211 Thomas Road, Hendersonville
828-692-6516 • avl.mx/ela
CAMP TEKOA — OVERNIGHT CAMP p u t
Ages 7-17 • All gender
Eight one week sessions
June 7 - Aug. 1
$1,000/session
211 Thomas Road, Hendersonville
828-692-6516 • avl.mx/ela
CORYLACE COVE — CRAFT CAMP: COPPER, CLAY AND CARVING p v r
Ages 6-10 • All gender
July 27-31
$350/session 1311 Hamburg Road, Mars Hill
561-542-1469 • avl.mx/em2
CORYLACE COVE — CRAFT GUILD: METALSMITHING p v r
Ages 11-16 • All gender
July 20-24
$400/session 1311 Hamburg Road, Mars Hill
561-542-1469 • avl.mx/em2
CORYLACE COVE — CRITTERS OF THE CREEK p r
Ages 3-5 • All gender
July 27-31
$275/session
1311 Hamburg Road, Mars Hill
561-542-1469 • avl.mx/em2
CORYLACE COVE — WILD ONES FOREST CAMP p r
Ages 6-10 • All gender
June 15-19
$350/session
1311 Hamburg Road, Mars Hill
561-542-1469 • avl.mx/em2
EVERGREEN SUMMER CAMP — SUMMER ADVENTURES m p v r
Rising grades K-8 • All gender
June 22-26 and July 6-31, enroll by the week
$325/session
50 Bell Road, Asheville
828-298-2173 • avl.mx/elb
FIERCE FLIX — FILM CAMP v r
Ages 8-16 • All gender
June 22-26
$200/session
701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa • avl.mx/elc
FIRED UP LOUNGE — FIRED UP ART CAMP v r
Ages 6-12 • All gender
July 20-24
$245/session
26 Wall St., Asheville
828-253-8181 • avl.mx/4q3
FIRED UP LOUNGE — FIRED UP ART CAMP v r
Ages 6-12 • All gender
July 20-24
$245/session
26 Wall St., Asheville
828-253-8181 • avl.mx/4q3
FIREFLY VALLEY — POTTERY CAMP
r
Ages 5-16 • All gender
June 8 - Aug. 21 (M-F weekly sessions)
$550/session
25 Central Ave. W., Asheville
828-989-5259 • avl.mx/eld
FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — ACTING CAMP v r
Rising grades 3-5 • All gender
June 8-12
$205/session
2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock
828-606-0323 • avl.mx/de1
FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — ACTING CAMP v r
Rising grades K-2 • All gender
June 8-12
$205/session
2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock
828-606-0323 • avl.mx/de1
FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — ACTING CAMP v r
Rising grades 6-8 • All gender
July 20-24
$260/session
2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock
828-606-0323 • avl.mx/de1
FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — CONSERVATORY MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP v r
Rising grades 9-12
• All gender
July 27-31
$260/session
2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock
828-606-0323 • avl.mx/de1
Smacked in the face
My funniest moment was when I got smacked in the face by a tetherball. When I got smacked in the face by the tetherball, surprisingly, it did not hurt, but it was funny. My friend was there, and she was cracking up! We were both laughing for the rest of recess! When we got inside, we were still cracking up. Ms. Anna asked why, and we told her the whole story. It was so funny she also laughed. That was the funniest moment of my life!
— Wren Childress, third grade, The Learning Community
Spider
“Here we go!” I exclaimed gleefully, gripping tighter to my paddles. The smooth, sometimes choppy Tuckasegee River was rushing all around me as I went through the white water rapids. The white water slowly starts to fizzle out, and the tour guide yells for us to pull our canoes over at the upcoming sandy bank. I smile, thinking about how fun the rapids had just been. As more people from my group pull over, we are laughing and talking over each other about the joys of the previous rapids. Out of nowhere, my friend stops and stares at me. “Breezy,” she starts, “don’t move.” My smile slowly fades as the talking slows down and heads start turning toward me. “A huge spider just crawled in your helmet,” my friend stated wearily. I can feel the color drain from my face as I slowly unbuckle my helmet and ever
THAT’S FUNNY: Emma-Grace Payne, a fifth grader at Charles C. Bell Elementary School, recalls a memorable moment.
so carefully lift it off my head. I look down and see a black and orange spider the size of a golf ball frantically dancing around the slippery surface inside my helmet.
I immediately grip the straps and dunk the helmet in the water for a solid five seconds, wanting to be nowhere near the spider. I lift it back out of the water, and thankfully the spider is nowhere to be seen. I smile, relieved that my mini heart attack was over. “Phew,” I exclaimed with a sigh. “That was scary.”
My friend smiles, and we look for the tour guide’s next direction. The guide then told us it was time to keep moving along the river. “Here we
go again!” I exclaim, still somewhat shaken up by the spider incident. “Hopefully this time,” I say with a smile across my face, “there won’t be a spider in my helmet when we finish.”
— Breezy, eighth grade, Asheville Catholic School
My little sister!
I woke up thinking it was a normal day, but really it wasn’t. My dad said he had a surprise for me that day, so I was really excited. I went straight to my parents’ bed to say good morning, but when I looked up, my aunt and dad were there. My mom was missing! What was going on? I thought it was all a dream! I woke my dad up to see what was going on. He said that my mom was in the hospital because she was having a baby.
I was so excited and also really scared. I wouldn’t know how to act or take care of them, but I was excited because I was a bit lonely at my house. I thought my new sibling could be my best friend. I asked my dad when we were going to see my mom. He said a little after breakfast. We left the house feeling excited. My dad brought food for my mom.
I’d never had a sibling. Was I ready for one now? I walked slowly through the hospital while holding my dad’s hand, feeling timid. My hands were rubbing together over and over again. For what felt like hours, I waited in this room that smelled like an old house with rotten
FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — FOOTLOOSE CAMP: AN IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
Rising grades 6-12
• All gender
June 22-26
$275/session
2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock
828-606-0323 • avl.mx/de1
FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — MUSICAL MANIA CAMP v r
Rising grades 6-8 • All gender
June 15-19
$260/session
2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock
828-606-0323 • avl.mx/de1
FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP vx r
Rising grades 3-5 • All gender
July 6-10
$205/session
2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock
828-606-0323 • avl.mx/de1
FLAT ROCK PLAYHOUSE — MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP
Rising grades K-2 • All gender
July 13-17
$205/session
2661 Greenville Highway, Flat Rock
828-606-0323 • avl.mx/de1
FOREST FLOOR
WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — ARCHERY RANGE m p r
Ages 7-8 • All gender
June 9-13; July 14-18
$395/session
Learn to use bow & arrow, participate in mock hunts, and learn to move silently with natural camouflage. 315 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville
828-338-9787 • avl.mx/b9x
FOREST FLOOR
WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — BLACKSMITHING p v r
Ages 12-16 • All gender June 2-6; June 9-13; June 30 - July 4; July 14-18
$465/session
This next level teen class uses traditional anvil and forge techniques to craft a variety of useful
handmade items.
315 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville 828-338-9787 • avl.mx/b9x
FOREST FLOOR
WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — BRAMBLEHURST
SCHOOL OF BUSCHCRAFT & WIZARDRY p r
Ages 9-12 • All gender
June 2-6; June 16-20
$395/session
Campers attend our outdoor academy learning a variety survival skills and playing fun magical games.
315 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville 828-338-9787 • avl.mx/b9x
FOREST FLOOR
WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — CRAFTY CRITTERS
p v r
Ages 7-8 • All gender June 16-20; June 30 - July 4; Aug. 4-8
$395/session
Campers will work on a variety of fun craft projects from gathered
& natural materials.
315 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville 828-338-9787 • avl.mx/b9x
FOREST FLOOR
WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — FOREST NINJA m p r
Ages 9-12 • All gender June 9-13; June 30 - July 4; July 28 - Aug. 1
$395/session
Develop your forest awareness, move silently, with stalking & marital arts navigating a variety of fun challenges.
315 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville 828-338-9787 • avl.mx/b9x
FOREST FLOOR
WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — KNIFE MAKING p v r
Ages 12-16 • All gender
July 7-11; Aug. 11-15
$465/session
Craft a useful functional tool that can serve for generations using blacksmithing and metal shop techniques.
315 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville 828-338-9787 • avl.mx/b9x
FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — LEGEND OF THE GNOMES p v r
Ages 6-7 • All gender June 9-13; July 14-18
$395/session
Campers will create a gnome village in the forest building huts, foraging, cooking and sharing fantasy adventures.
315 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville 828-338-9787 • avl.mx/b9x
FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — MYSTERIOUS ANIMALS OF THE FOREST p r
Ages 6-7 • All gender
June 16-20; July 2125; Aug. 11-15
$395/session
Campers will search for and track animals, while playing fun animal themed games and crafting an animal persona.
315 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville 828-338-9787 • avl.mx/b9x
FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — NATURE’S KITCHEN: FIRECRAFT & COOKING p r
Ages 7-8 • All gender June 23-27; July 1418; Aug. 11-15
$395/session
This camp is focused on the fire making & safety, gathering wild edibles, water purification, and crafting meals.
315 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville 828-338-9787 • avl.mx/b9x
FOREST FLOOR WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — POTTERY p v r
Ages 10-13 • All gender June 23-27; July 2125; Aug. 4-8
$465/session
Learn the ancient art of shaping clay in this all levels class addressing throwing, hand-building, and surface decoration.
315 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville 828-338-9787 • avl.mx/b9x
Garden Camp!
food in it. Every minute, I became more impatient.
I was so eager to meet my new sister. I walked slowly into the room, wondering what was on the other side. It was then I saw my mom holding my little sister. Now it was my turn. My heart was pounding like a thousand elephants stomping through the Savannah. Ever since, my sister and I have been best friends. My life was different now because of my sister, and I loved it so much!
— Maggie Ciulla-Wax, sixth grade, The Learning Community
Fun trips
My wildest moment was at a museum in Norway. At first, all I saw were artifacts, pottery and things like that, still cool, but then I turned the corner into another room, and you won’t believe what I saw. No one would expect to see something like this. It was a human skeleton. Yeah, a skeleton! I’d never seen anything like it. How’s that for wild?!
ANIMAL PLANET: “My craziest moment is when my dog chased a bear,” recalls Milo Sylvester, second grade, The Learning Community.
Now, my most important moment was my first time at Disney World, when I went on Big Thunder Mountain, one of my favorite rides there. Roller coasters are the best because they are so thrilling and fun. The second time I went back, Big Thunder Mountain was closed for renovation. Hopefully, next time I go back it will be finished, and I will be able to ride one of my favorite Disney World rides.
My wildest moment was surprising; I never thought I’d see that in my life. While my most important moment was fun, the important part was that
I learned that I loved roller coasters that day. These were both really special moments because they were both fun. One was just so wild and crazy, and one was so thrilling. But both were new things. Those were my wildest and most important moments.
— Lorelai Beadles, fourth grade, Fairview Elementary School
All just a script
An important moment to me is when I participated in my first ever musical. I was in the first grade, sitting down on the wooden floor at
school. The directors were standing up, putting on an exciting performance for the announcement. I watched curiously, laughing with my friends at their comedic act. The words “Aladdin” exited their mouths, and my face instantly lit up. I was skyrocketed with excitement. I couldn’t wait to perform!
The day finally came for the cast to be released. All of the TLC students piled into a small classroom, Mr. Tom standing at the top of the class with a paper in hand. I listened impatiently, waiting for my name to be called. “Georgia, a townsperson!” Everyone clapped. I didn’t quite understand what being a townsperson meant, but I was just excited to participate.
Every morning for the next few months, all the first graders would go up to Eden Hall to learn choreography. We started learning “Arabian Nights” first. I still remember the moves. It was my first show — how could I forget! I woke up on March 14, just two weeks before opening night, preparing to go to school like any other kid would, when my parents broke the bad news. A pandemic had broken out. Immediately, I was worried about Aladdin. The show was canceled. My heart was shattered. This story is so important to me because performing is a huge part of my life, and it wouldn’t be if it wasn’t for my first show, Aladdin. It made me realize I wanted to pursue more musicals as I got older because of the carefree enjoyment I found through-
FOREST FLOOR
WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — RUN WILD! REIMAGINING SPORTS
m p r
Ages 9-13 • All gender
June 23-27; July 14-18; July 21-25; Aug. 4-8
$395/session
An inclusive and gender/age neutral camp that reimagines sports with athletic games including Gaga Ball.
315 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville
828-338-9787 • avl.mx/b9x
FOREST FLOOR
WILDERNESS PROGRAMS — SECRETS OF THE JEDI
m p r
Ages 9-12 • All gender
June 30 - July 4; July 7-11; Aug. 11-15
$395/session
Students will learn to deepen their connection with the nautral world at our fabled training center for physical skills and self confidence.
315 Old Haw Creek Road, Asheville 828-338-9787 • avl.mx/b9x
GIRLS ON THE RUN CAMP
m v r
Rising grades 3-5 • Girls
July 13-17
$250/session
222 Fern Way, Black Mountain 828-713-4290 • avl.mx/fen
GREEN RIVER PRESERVE — 2 WEEK OVERNIGHT CAMP
m p v t
Rising grades 2-6 • All gender
June 21 - July 2; July 26 - Aug. 6
$4,450/session
301 Green River Road, Cedar Mountain
828-698-8828 • avl.mx/ele
GREEN RIVER PRESERVE — ADVENTURE PLUS EXPEDITIONS LINVILLE GORGE ROCK CLIMBING
m p✈ t
Grades 10-12
July 7-17
$5,000/session
• All gender
301 Green River Road, Cedar Mountain
828-698-8828 • avl.mx/ele
GREEN RIVER PRESERVE — ADVENTURE PLUS EXPEDITIONS SMOKY MOUNTAINS
EXPLORATION
m p✈ t
Grades 10-12 • All gender
June 21 - July 2
$4,550/session
301 Green River Road, Cedar Mountain
828-698-8828 • avl.mx/ele
GREEN RIVER PRESERVE — ROOKIE CAMP
m p v t
Rising grades 1-5 • All gender
June 7-14
$1,500/session
301 Green River Road, Cedar Mountain 828-698-8828 • avl.mx/ele
Ages 3-12 • All gender June 6 - Aug. 14 (weekly; 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 1:30 - 5:30 p.m.)
$270/session
4 S. Tunnel Road, Unit 700, Asheville 828-417-7310 • avl.mx/ddx
KIDS PLAY GARDEN — JUNIOR EXPLOERS CLUB MAKERS STUDIO: CREATVE CRAFTERS p v r
Ages 5-12 • All gender Aug. 10-14
$330/session
4 S. Tunnel Road, Unit 700, Asheville 828-417-7310 • avl.mx/ddx
KIDS PLAY GARDEN — JUNIOR EXPLORERS
CLUB GARDEN GURUS: GREEN THUMB p v r
Ages 5-12 • All gender June 22 - June 26
$330/session
4 S. Tunnel Road, Unit 700, Asheville
828-417-7310 • avl.mx/ddx
KIDS PLAY GARDEN — JUNIOR EXPLORERS CLUB MINI MAKERS: ARTIST ON DUTY p v r
Ages 5-12 • All gender
July 13-17
$330/session
4 S. Tunnel Road, Unit 700, Asheville 828-417-7310 • avl.mx/ddx
KIDS PLAY GARDEN — JUNIOR EXPLORERS CLUB STEAM INNOVATOR LAB p v r
Ages 5-12 • All gender
July 6-10
$330/session
4 S. Tunnel Road, Unit 700, Asheville 828-417-7310 • avl.mx/ddx
LAKEVIEW PUTT AND PLAY — LAKEVIEW PUTT AND PLAY p v r
Ages 7-12 • All gender
July 6-10, 13-17, 20-24, 27-31. Aug. 3-7, 10-14.
GOOD DAY, SUNSHINE: Demi Hall, a seventh grader at Franklin School of Innovation, says summer is when she is happiest. “The sun brings out the peace within me.”
out the performing process. I learned how to perform and not worry about the downsides of the story, because it’s all just a script.
— Georgia Capps, seventh grade, The Learning Community
A surprise lunch date
One day I went to Boone to get lunch, then my dad told me the real reason we were there. He told me we were getting cats! Then we took a walk, then we went to the pet store and we got them. Then we went home, but the cats fell asleep in the car. When we got home, the cats were very light. My cat’s name is Ivy. The first time I opened their cage I noticed my dream was coming true! It felt very loving and it warmed my heart. Bobby is the boy. Ivy is the girl. Ivy is my cat. Bobby is my brother’s cat. It felt magical when I picked them up. I really love them.
— Eva Luna Schilling, second grade, Rainbow Community School
My cousin’s cat
Our story begins at my cousin’s house in Virginia.
My sister and I were visiting them in the fall and were staying in one of their rooms. Their house is wild! Five cats, two birds, two guinea pigs, two dogs, and a pen with chickens and ducks in the back.
RETABLO: “This is from the time a few years ago from when we had to move out of our house because we could no longer afford it and we couldn’t take care of my guinea pig in our new house,” say Jonah Isele, eighth grade, Franklin School of Innovation.
Two of the cats were black and very cute, but be warned! One night, my sister and I were going to sleep in the “stuffie room.” For those of you who don’t know, it is covered in stuffies, and there is a giant Pikachu looming over my head while I sleep.
The door was closed, the lights were out, and there was silence… Meow! My sister and I screamed.
I was worried that the Pikachu would fall and crush me, so I fell off the bed. We rushed to turn on the light, and there was one of the black cats just staring at us. We are not entirely sure how he got in when the door was closed, but I was scared of him for the rest of the trip.
— Max Proctor, fifth grade, Charles C. Bell Elementary School
CONTINUES ON PAGE 38
MY DOG: “My best moment was when I got my dog,” writes Stevie Combs, second grade, The Learning Community.
WEEK #1: June 15-19 WEEK #2: June 22-26 WEEK #3: June 29-July 3
• 9am-3pm
COFFEE CAT: Lucine Story Guekjian, a fourth grader at ArtSpace Community School, recalls the moment that make her laugh the hardest. “My picture is about my cat Pumpkin! He is very naughty and drinks my dad’s coffee. Then he went crazy and knocks down everything. It was so funny!!!”
The disaster that struck
Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, was the day Hurricane Helene hit Asheville and the surrounding areas. It was a day that changed many lives. I am 10 years old now, and I was 9 when the hurricane hit. Here is my story. It was 6 a.m., and it was raining hard. I was still asleep. My dad got up to make coffee. I heard a loud CRASH! A tree had hit my house!! It woke me up. I ran to my dad crying, and BOOM. A second tree landed on the roof. The wind was blowing hard, and the power lines were flying everywhere. I was looking outside, and the trees were shaking and swaying in the wind as the rain was pouring down. KABOOM! A large pine tree had hit my backyard.
After awhile, we decided to go somewhere. We climbed through mangled power lines. We sat in my dad’s truck in the bowling alley parking lot off Tunnel Road so no other trees would land on us. I was shook. A man walking told us that Tunnel Road was now a river. The phone lines went down, so we lost contact with my mom, who was in Fairview. It was scary.
Later that day, when the rain started to slow down, my dad and I were able to get past many downed trees, puddles, and power lines, and drove to my grandma’s.
When we got there, nobody had power or water. They had a gas stove, so we made ramen noodles. We spent a lot of time walking around the neighborhood and talking to people. My mom found us a couple days after. Eventually, we were able to get groceries. We missed school for a month.
Hurricane Helene was heartbreaking. So many people and animals lost their homes, and some lost their lives, but if there was something I learned, it is that when times are hard we can build a community with the people around us.
— Evangeline Hale-Yanes, fourth grade, ArtSpace Charter School
Ice cream incident
“Audrey! Out of the car, let’s go!” my mom exclaimed. I quickly unbuckled from the car and hopped out with excitement on the sunny summer day. My sister was already inside the ice cream shop. Inside, it was cool and refreshing. I looked around. There must have been every ice cream flavor anyone could ask for. I squirted the flavors of vanilla and salted caramel into the paper bowl without hesitation. The store had so many toppings to choose from, but I always got marshmallows and Oreos.
When Elena finally finished getting her ice cream, we sat down for a game of Battleship. “Ha! I sunk your battleship!” I cheered like I had won the lottery. “You are such a cheater!” Elena pouted. My eyes closed as I laughed. When I opened them to eat my ice cream, I saw a brown, tiny figure next to my spoon. I quickly felt all the blood rush away from my face, turning pale as a ghost.
“Hey, Mom,” I said with a lump in my throat, trying to cough it up.
“Yes, Audrey? What is it?”
“What is this in my ice cream?”
“Audrey, it is probably an Oreo crumb,” she replied.
“But there is an antenna on it,” I shot back.
“Oh my gosh, it could be a bug,” my mom responded. I scooted the bowl toward my mom, trying not to touch it. She glared at the ice cream.
“Audrey,” she said with a slight smile, “this is a dead cockroach.”
Time froze. Had I eaten any others? And how did it get in my ice cream?
GETTING INTO THE SWIM OF THINGS: Sophia Sharpe, a Rainbow Community School third grader, has great memories of seeing dolphins on a cruise.
“I’m informing the worker. Do not eat any more of your ice cream.” My face turned to disgust, staring at the bowl. When we left, we all agreed to never go to that ice cream shop again. — Audrey Willis, sixth grade, Asheville Catholic School
The wild water slide
A few years ago, I went on the wildest water slide of my life! First of all,
CONTINUES ON PAGE 40
CARNIVAL SEASON: Franklin School of Innovation sixth grader Cora Killian says: “My artwork is inspired by Mardi Gras. I used to live in New Orleans, so this was a very special time for me.
ODYSSEY COMMUNITY SCHOOL — INDIE ROCK BAND CAMP v r
PUSH SKATE CAMP — "EXPLORING THE ARTS WITHIN SKATEBOARDING"
FULL-DAY
m v r
Ages 5-15 • All gender
June 22-25; July 13-16
$400/session
Asheville Skatepark, 50 N. Cherry St., Asheville • avl.mx/elt
PUSH SKATE CAMP — SINGLE SATURDAY SESSION HALF-DAY
m v r
Ages 5-15 • All gender May 9
$65/session
Asheville Skatepark, 50 N. Cherry St., Asheville • avl.mx/elt
PUSH SKATE CAMP — WEEK-LONG SESSIONS HALF-DAY
m v r
Ages 5-15 • All gender June 15-18; July 20-23; Aug. 10-13, 17-20
$160/session
Asheville Skatepark, 50 N. Cherry St., Asheville • avl.mx/elt
RAINBOW COMMUNITY SCHOOL — EARTH ARTS, WOODWORKING, CREATIVE WRITING, ETC.!
p v r
Rising grades 4-8 • All gender Seven 1-week sessions;
Coca-Cola in Atlanta.
this is so WILD, you are going to love this story. So, I went down the steepest water slide in the world, for me at least. I lined up to go on the water slide. When my mom and I were waiting, we suddenly both realized it was soooo steep, and I mean STEEP. After a few people, it was our turn. We were sitting at the top of the slide. It looked so high. We were waiting for the lifeguard to speak, but before he was about to say “go,” I slipped, and instead of laying down, I sat up, and I literally could have died. Once I finished the slide, every-
body was so scared for me. I was so embarrassed.
When I got back to my hotel, I slept until 9:00 a.m. I hope to never go on that slide again. That was my wildest moment.
— Stella Resma, third grade, The Learning Community
The tube
My hands gripping the handles tight, While my feet hit the ice-cold water, giving me frostbite
In the spotlight
I was backstage of my first ever production (Shrek). The play was sold out! I was hyperventilating, queasy, panicked, scared and fidgety. I was about ready to faint. Then I got the cue to go on stage for my first dance. I walked on stage and… forgot all my worries! I started to do my dance, “Story of my Life,” and I felt right at home.I scanned the crowd for my family, and there they were! In the middle section, they looked so proud of me, but I was even prouder. I raised my hands for my final pose and smiled. WOW! I never thought I would make it through, but I did!! I exited the stage. I was so proud and happy, I could shout! I went to my dressing room and could not wait for my next scene! And now I still love theater, and just finished my second play with one more on the way!
— Lucy Felmet, fourth grade, ArtSpace Charter School
I look up at the water, and all I can see,
Are the huge choppy waves intimidating me.
I look to the side, no boats in sight, Except for our boat, which was starting to turn right
I watch my friends as we scream with fear,
As the tube flips up, and we fall off the rear.
My body splats, and it starts to sting,
But I come up to the surface with a face of glee
Hannah and Breezy, smile so wide, I’m eager to go on the next ride.
— Elly, eighth grade, Asheville Catholic School
Pop rocks
I have never liked days where the temperature is blazing, but this day was different — it was my 11th birthday!
It was a Sunday afternoon when my friends came over. The morning had just flown past me like a gust of wind. We all settled down and just goofed off for a bit until it was time to go to dinner. We immediately jumped into the car and started to pull out to the mall, and of course, we went to Mr. Tea’s, the sushi restaurant. We ate the food and walked around, going into shops and buying jewelry. When we got back, we went to my room to watch a movie. But enough of this boring chitchat — let me get to the good stuff.
CANINE COMFORT: “My favorite moment was when my dogs went right next to me like it was a hug,” says Bowman Lambeth, second grade, The Learning Community.
One thing that I had put in the goody bags was Pop Rocks, so after the movie, we all got out our goody bags, set up my iPad camera across the room, grabbed the Pop Rocks, and immediately ripped off the tops. I took a big whiff of the bag, and it smelled like heaven. Now, the thing is, one of my friends had never tried this specific type of candy — or anything like it — so the suspense was killing all of us.
COKE IS IT: Vivian Vaught, a fourth grader at Charles C. Bell Elementary School, fondly remembers a trip to the World of
THE ROLLER COASTER: “I felt brave because it was a really deep drop,” explains Jett Halvorson, fourth grade, The Learning Community.
$350/session 1220 Bee Tree Road, Swannanoa 828-686-3080 • avl.mx/ffj
THE LEARNING COMMUNITY — CAMP BEE TREE p v r
Rising grades K-5 • All gender
June 1-5, 6-10; July 20-24; Aug. 3-7
$350/session 1220 Bee Tree Road, Swannanoa 828-686-3080 • avl.mx/ffj
THE LEARNING COMMUNITY — DUNGEONS & DRAGONS AND OTHER ROLE PLAYING GAMES v r
Rising grades 5-8 • All gender
June 1-5, 6-10; July 20-24; Aug. 3-7
$350/session 1220 Bee Tree Road, Swannanoa 828-686-3080 • avl.mx/ffj
THE LEARNING COMMUNITY — JUNIOR ADVENTURE CAMP m p r
Rising grades 4-7 • All gender
July 6-10, 20-24
$550/session 1220 Bee Tree Road, Swannanoa 828-686-3080 • avl.mx/ffj
THE LEARNING COMMUNITY — MATILDA THEATER CAMP
r
Rising grades 3-6 • All gender
Aug. 3-7
$350/session 1220 Bee Tree Road, Swannanoa 828-686-3080 • avl.mx/ffj
THE LEARNING COMMUNITY — SENIOR ADVENTURE CAMP p✈ r t
Rising grades 7-9 • All gender
July 13-17, 27-31
$1,400/session 1220 Bee Tree Road, Swannanoa 828-686-3080 • avl.mx/ffj
THE LEARNING COMMUNITY — SUMMER ACADEMY p vq r
Rising grades 1-6 • All gender
July 13-17, 27-31
$350/session 1220 Bee Tree Road, Swannanoa 828-686-3080 • avl.mx/ffj
THE LEARNING COMMUNITY — THEATER WORKSHOP CAMP v r
Rising grades 5-9 • All gender June 29 - July 03
$350/session
1220 Bee Tree Road, Swannanoa 828-686-3080 • avl.mx/ffj THE LITTLE GYM — GYMNASTICS CAMPS m r
Ages 3-9 • All gender June 1 - Aug. 21
$220/session 10 Crispin Court, Suite 104, Asheville 828-747-2239 • avl.mx/dd1
THE MONTFORD MOPPETS — A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM v r
Grades 5-12 • All gender Rehearsal M-Th 9:00am1:00pm June 8-26. Performances June 27-28; July 3-6 at 5:00pm $375/session
92 Gay St., Asheville 828-719-8296 • avl.mx/fdq THE MONTFORD MOPPETS — HAMLET v r
Grades 5-12 • All gender Rehearsal M-Th 9:00am1:00pm July 13 - July 30. Performances July 31 -
“Ok, 1, 2, 3, GO!” I said with enthusiasm, almost screaming, and we dumped the bags into our mouths. It was dead silent until…
“OH MY GOD THEY’RE POPPING, THEY’RE POPPING IN MY MOUTH!” she screamed out loud with a slightly muffled tone. My friends and I immediately broke into laughter. Now, I don’t know about the others, but I was laughing so hard I could barely breathe, and I had sharp pains in my stomach.
After that, for a while, it was just complete chaos — laughing, screaming, just freaking out all around. At one point, one of my friends made a decision to pour the whole bag in her mouth without consulting us whatsoever. We all noticed and waited in silence to see her reaction, then…
“Ahhhhhhhhhhhh!” she screamed in terror. “It hurts!!” she screamed again. Now, I have experience with pouring a whole bag into my mouth, and it hurts so bad because it’s going straight down your throat.
After that, we were all laughing so hard and so loud, it was like there was no tomorrow. Then came the sugar rush …
—
Ramona Rosario, sixth grade, The Learning Community
MY FAMILY AS FLOWERS: “This is a symbol of my family, which is very important,” writes Ava Johnson, a fifth grader at The Learning Community.
Ryman stage
I will never forget the time that we went to the Ryman Auditorium with my mom as part of her birthday present. It was amazing! It felt like you could actually feel the rhythm in the air and hear the songs flowing through it. Those songs had been played by many musicians like Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, and Harry Styles.
At the Ryman, there is a balcony below that has about 12 rows of benches with two paths up to the stage. The stage itself stretches the length of the room with three semicircled steps up to the main stage. At that point in time, the main stage was roped off. I was standing on the balcony in the center, where there was a semi-circle. I had my hands on the railing, looking down at the stage, and I was just amazed that I was actually there!
Then my mom and I went down to the stage and got our pictures taken by a photographer who was there for that reason. My moment arrived, and then it was my turn. As I stood on that stage, I felt very amazed! As I stated earlier, it was amazing.
— Tessa McDonald, fourth grade, Rainbow Community School
The fox was pretty
Spring of 2015. As I sat outside on the warm spring afternoon, feeling the sun on my face and the fresh smell of flowers hanging in the breeze, I thought to myself, “It’s so beautiful out, the most perfect day of all the perfect days.” The crisp air indicated the start of spring, and the cherry blossoms were
blooming. I could hear the small creek running through my yard, and I realized how much I loved this house — not that I didn’t know before.
If anything was off, I didn’t notice it. After all, I was only two! I smiled at my beautiful goats, Nessie and Bussie. Maybe I was too happy to notice the white fluffy creature creeping through the forest, or maybe I was too young to care.
I laid down in the freshly cut grass, gazing up at the fluffy white clouds in the sky, feeling the coarse green grass in my fingers, when I heard the
CONTINUES ON PAGE 44
THE TOOTH: Greta Catherine Reeves, a fifth grader at Franklin School of Innovation, writes: “When I was younger, my older brother helped me pull my tooth.” Ouch!
Aug. 1; Aug. 7-9 at 5:00pm
$375/session
92 Gay St., Asheville
828-719-8296 • avl.mx/fdq
THE NEW CLASSICAL ACADEMY — COOKING CAMP
v r
Rising grades K-5 • All gender
June 15-19; July 6-10
$300/session
671 Sand Hill Rd., Asheville
828-225-1993 • avl.mx/ely
THE NEW CLASSICAL ACADEMY — MYTHOLOGY ADVENTURE
p v r
Rising grades K-5 • All gender
June 8-12
$300/session
671 Sand Hill Rd., Asheville 828-225-1993 • avl.mx/ely
THE NEW CLASSICAL ACADEMY — OUTDOOR ADVENTURE CAMP
p v r
Rising grades K-5 • All gender
June 22-26
$300/session
671 Sand Hill Rd., Asheville 828-225-1993 • avl.mx/ely
UNCA, Sam Millar Complex, Asheville 828-251-6991 • avl.mx/elq
UNC ASHEVILLE
PRE-COLLEGE — FILM SCORING & SOUND DESIGN q t
Ages 14-18 • All gender
June 21-26
$1,460/session
UNCA, Sam Millar Complex, Asheville 828-251-6991 • avl.mx/elq
UNC ASHEVILLE PRECOLLEGE — GREAT SMOKIES YOUNG WRITERS WORKSHOPS q t
Ages 14-18 • All gender
June 14-19; June 21-26
$1,470/session
UNCA, Sam Millar Complex, Asheville
828-251-6991 • avl.mx/elq
UNC ASHEVILLE PRECOLLEGE CAMPS — ARTS & SCIENCES p vq t
Ages 14-18 • All gender
June 14-19; June 21-26
$1,470/session
UNCA, Sam Millar Complex, Asheville
828-251-6991 • avl.mx/elq
WARREN WILSON YOUTH BASKETBALL CAMP m r
Ages 6-14 • All gender
June 22-26
$200/session
701 Warren Wilson Road, Swannanoa
828-771-3001 • avl.mx/ddg
WE ROCK THE SPECTRUM ASHEVILLE — SUMMER CAMP v r
Ages 2.5-7 • All gender
June 1 - Aug. 31
$54/session
63 Turtle Creek Drive, Asheville
828-505-7556 • avl.mx/ff4
WELL PLAYED BOARD GAME CAFÉ — CITY & CIVILIZATION BUILDING BOARD GAMES MORNING ADVENTURE q r
Rising grades 5-9
• All gender
July 27-31
$200/session
162 Coxe Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-412-5788 • avl.mx/fey
WELL PLAYED BOARD GAME CAFÉ — DETECTIVE & DEDUCTION BOARD GAMES MORNING ADVENTURE q r
Rising grades 5-9 • All gender
June 22-26
$200/session
162 Coxe Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-412-5788 • avl.mx/fey
WELL PLAYED BOARD GAME CAFÉ — DUNGEONS & DRAGONS MORNING ADVENTURE q r
Rising grades 5-9 • All gender
June 15-19, July 6-10, July 20-24, Aug 3-7
$200/session
162 Coxe Ave., Suite 101, Asheville 828-412-5788 • avl.mx/fey
WELL PLAYED BOARD GAME CAFÉ — NATURE & FANTASY BOARD GAMES MORNING ADVENTURE q r
Rising grades 5-9 • All gender
July 13-17
$200/session
162 Coxe Ave., Suite 101, Asheville
828-412-5788 • avl.mx/fey
WOODSON BRANCH
NATURE SCHOOL — EARTH, WATER, WIND & FIRE CAMP p v r
Ages 6-8 & 9-11 & 12-14 • All gender
June 8-12
$250/session
14555 US Hwy 25/70, Marshall
828-206-5296 • avl.mx/ffe
WOODSON BRANCH
NATURE SCHOOL — FARM TO TABLE CAMP p v r
Ages 6-8 & 9-12
• All gender
July 20-24
$250/session
14555 US Hwy 25/70, Marshall
828-206-5296 • avl.mx/ffe
TOGETHER: Maya Louise Patton, a fourth grader at ArtSpace Charter School, writes: “When I’m with them, my brother Freddy and my dog Mossy, it feels like we’re the only ones in the world.”
piercing “SQUACK” — the cluck that changed everything.
I quickly sat up, only to see an absolutely gorgeous white fox creeping under the old wooden gate and into the chicken coop. It happened fast—feathers everywhere, the cries from the chickens ringing in my ear. I doubt the goats cared, because really, did they ever?
I don’t know how long I was there, watching, but I could have sworn that only seconds later, the fox was gone. My parents—who must have also witnessed everything—were suddenly by my side. Three chickens, dead. I should have felt something; after all, I had just witnessed the assassination of three chickens.
But when my parents asked me how I felt, all I could think to say was: “The fox was pretty.”
— Sahana Sethi-Brown, seventh grade, The Learning Community
The Polar Express
A moment that was shocking was when my mom told me that we were going to the Polar Express and I got to have hot cocoa and cookies. And we went to the North Pole. I got to meet Santa who gave me a bell from his sleigh! And on the way back, I saw Mrs. Claus. After that, I roasted s’mores and went to the gift shop. Then I went to eat and went home.
— Micah DuBose, second grade, Rainbow Community School
Meditation
When I first learned about meditation, I could care less about it, but when my dad asked me to join him outside one night, it totally changed my perspective on it. It was very peaceful and relaxing. It’s kind of like sleeping and gets you in a zone that’s different. My dad meditates every night and every morning. He is always encouraging me to try it with him. He has motivated me to keep trying, and I will always remember this special moment
— Laela Krisel, fifth grade, The Learning Community
Day like no other
It was a day like no other. Well, actually, it was slightly different; that day it was actually sunny and rarely a cloud passed by. It was the rainy season in Mexico; I hadn’t seen a sunny day for weeks, and so I was outside with Elias, my little brother. We were on a hammock; he was on my lap, and I was singing him a lullaby, trying to get him to sleep. Suddenly, I felt a raindrop on my hand. I looked up and noticed the dark clouds that seemed to be forming out of absolutely nowhere. There was a loud thunderclap, and
CALL FOR PUFF: Franklin School of Innovation sixth
Wilson made an indelible memory at summer camp.
it sounded like the sky was splitting in two. And yet I thought it was just a little rain. I thought it would pass soon. None of those thoughts ended up being correct.
There was a sudden gust of wind. I gasped as I noticed the trees rocking violently back and forth. I was shivering so hard from the cold. And maybe also fear. Suddenly, right in front of us, there was lightning as clear as if someone had drawn it across the sky. Moments later, the sky crackled, and the loudest thunderclap I’ve ever heard echoed. I flinched, then closed my eyes. And then the rain was gone. The clouds were slowly moving away, the wind had stopped rocking the trees, the thunder had silenced. I relaxed a bit and was about to move. But then, there was a piercing noise and a bright flash of light that made my eyes close, and my heart skip a beat.
And silence. I looked at the concrete driveway several feet in front
of us. There was now a mark on the concrete. A mark caused by lightning. And then everything was calm. The sky was now a shockingly bright shade of blue. I couldn’t move, couldn’t think. Why? Because if I had moved a couple feet forward in those two seconds, I probably would’ve died.
— Jackie, eighth grade, Asheville Catholic School
Kayaking adventure
Once upon a time, we — and my dad and my dad’s friend — were on our kayaks and fishing. But then it started drizzling, yet we kept on kayaking. It was raining harder and harder, and then a Big Boom! It started thundering and lightning. I was scared. We were halfway finished,
CLOSE
grader Maddie
WOODSON BRANCH NATURE SCHOOL — OUTDOOR THEATER CAMP p v r
Ages 6-8 & 9-12
• All gender
July 6-10
$250/session 14555 US Hwy 25/70, Marshall 828-206-5296 • avl.mx/ffe
WOODSON BRANCH NATURE SCHOOL — STEAM MEETS NATURE CAMP p v r
Ages 6-8 & 9-12
• All gender
June 22-26
$250/session 14555 US Hwy 25/70, Marshall 828-206-5296 • avl.mx/ffe
WOODSON BRANCH NATURE SCHOOL — SURVIVAL CAMP p v r
Ages 6-8 & 9-12
• All gender July 13-17
$250/session 14555 US Hwy 25/70, Marshall
828-206-5296 • avl.mx/ffe
YMCA OF WNC — ADVENTURE CAMP p m r
Ages 9-11 & 1215 • All gender
June 15 - Aug. 14
$425/session Off-site, field trip-based camp for the true outdoor enthusiast. All campers must be able to pass a swim test and be ready to hike, swim, and explore the Blue Ridge Parkway. Financial Assistance is available.
5030 Watia Road, Bryson City 828-251-5910 • avl.mx/ffa
YMCA OF WNC — CAMP WATIA p v t
Ages 8-17 • All gender June 14 - Aug. 19 (weekly)
$905+/session
Campers unplug from devices in a safe and supportive camp environment, where they dive into adventure through activities like archery, canoeing, swimming,
paddleboarding, hiking, climbing wall challenges, arts and crafts, nature studies, low ropes, capture the flag, and campfires. Optional add-on adventures include horseback riding and whitewater rafting. Guided by caring counselors, campers build confidence, friendships, and unforgettable memories. Financial Assistance is available.
5030 Watia Road, Bryson City 828-209-9600 • avl.mx/ff7
YMCA OF WNC — CAMPERS IN LEADERSHIP TRAINING (BUNCOMBE)
p v r
Ages 12-15 • All gender June 15 - Aug. 14 (3week sessions)
$325-$425/session
Campers shadow counselors and learn from them as their mentors and guides. They can lead activities and projects, and even design curriculum. Financial Assistance is available.
5030 Watia Road, Bryson City 828-251-5910 • avl.mx/ff9
YMCA OF WNC — CAMPERS IN LEADERSHIP TRAINING (MCDOWELL)
p v r
Ages 12-15 • All gender June 15 - Aug. 14 (3week sessions)
$325-$425/session
Campers shadow counselors and learn from them as their mentors and guides. They can lead activities and projects, and even design curriculum. Financial Assistance is available.
5030 Watia Road, Bryson City 828-251-5910 • avl.mx/ff9
YMCA OF WNC — DISCOVERY CAMP (BUNCOMBE)
p v r
Rising grades 1-6 • All gender
June 15 - Aug. 19
$295/session
Campers participate in theme weeks, field trips, crafts, water play, sports and games, camp songs and dances, outdoor learning, and more. Camp includes a healthy breakfast snack and lunch daily. Financial Assistance is available.
5030 Watia Road, Bryson City 828-251-5910 • avl.mx/ff8
YMCA OF WNC — DISCOVERY CAMP (MCDOWELL)
p v r
Rising grades 1-6 • All gender
June 15 - Aug. 19
$225/session
Campers participate in theme weeks, field trips, crafts, water play, sports and games, camp songs and dances, outdoor learning, and more. Camp includes a healthy breakfast snack and lunch daily. Financial Assistance is available.
5030 Watia Road, Bryson City 828-251-5910 • avl.mx/ff8
ZANIAC STEM SUMMER CAMPS (ALL-DAY)
q r
Rising grades K-8 • All gender Twelve 1-week sessions; June 1 - Aug. 21
$499/session
1 Town Square Blvd., Suite 120, Asheville 828-575-0355 • avl.mx/fem
ZANIAC STEM SUMMER CAMPS (HALF-DAY AM OR PM)
q r
Rising grades K-8 • All gender
Twelve 1-week sessions; June 1 - Aug. 21
$299/session
1 Town Square Blvd., Suite 120, Asheville 828-575-0355 • avl.mx/fem
ZANIAC STEM SUMMER CAMPS AT UNC ASHEVILLE (ALL-DAY) q r
Rising grades K-8 • All gender Three 1-week sessions at UNC Asheville; June 22 - July 10
$499/session
1 Town Square Blvd., Suite 120, Asheville 828-575-0355 • avl.mx/fem
ZANIAC STEM SUMMER CAMPS AT UNC ASHEVILLE (HALFDAY AM OR PM) q r
Rising grades K-8 • All gender Three 1-week sessions at UNC Asheville; June 22 - July 10
$299/session 1 Town Square Blvd., Suite 120, Asheville 828-575-0355 • avl.mx/fem
CROATIA: Sophia Bourgeois-Reid, seventh grade, Franklin School of Innovation, says: “My piece is about some of my best memories spent in Croatia with my family.”
but then we came across a big river dam. So, we dragged our kayaks over the dam while it was raining. Twenty minutes later, we got over it and kept going. Then we finally made it to the dock and got into the car, soaking wet.
— Lennox McHarg, fifth grade, Mountain Sun Community School
A happy ending
Ten seconds after I invited my friend into my yard, disaster struck! It was a sunny Wednesday afternoon, and I invited over my friend, who I will
call Sam because he would like to be anonymous. Almost immediately after Sam came over, my dog, Reese, bit her right on the arm! Note that Reese was a mutt and rescue dog. She was also very overprotective. She always nipped at me when I came home from school. With zero tolerance for this bite, I was given the choice to either put down Reese or give her away. I decided to give Reese away, knowing she would live and maybe find a loving home somewhere.
Some fun facts about Reese: #1, she was the first dog I ever had; #2, she was about one and a half feet tall; #3, she would always be at my side when I needed her to be there. So, I sadly, reluctantly let Reese go to a new home.
Two years later, I found out we were getting a new dog named Owen. When we were going to get Owen on February 12th, 2022, I was practically jumping out of my seat with excitement. But when I met him, I thought Owen looked nothing like an Owen. A few days later, I was watching Encanto with Owen on my lap, and we were at the “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” part. I thought to myself, “Bruno’s a pretty good name. I like that.”
After finishing the movie, I asked my parents, “Hey, do you think Owen looks like a Bruno instead?” That’s how we got the name Bruno for our new dog. Bruno is still with us today. He is 3 years old. His birthday is Dec. 20. I think that Bruno filled in that little space in my life that was missing.
— Jaidin Hayes, sixth grade, Asheville Catholic School
SMART DOG? “My funniest moment was when we got my dog because we thought he was smart,” remembers Ryan Sommer-McPhail, a third grader at The Learning Community. “But the next day I saw him trying to get on the couch on the wrong side!”
Riding a bike
A few years ago, I was at the Greenway in Black Mountain, and I was just learning how to ride a bike. My parents had promised me ice cream if I could make it to the end. I was riding just fine, and I was almost there. But I made a sharp turn and fell into the river! My bike was stuck on a curb, and as for me, I was in the
river. After that, I was really scared to try again.
After a while, I decided to keep trying. Sometimes I fell off, but I kept trying again and again. I learned that just because of one bad experience, you can’t be afraid to keep trying. So if you find yourself in a bad situation, remember: never give up on your dreams.
— Nali Arfmann, fourth grade, ArtSpace Charter School
TITANIC ACHIEVEMENT: “I built a Lego Titanic model in 40 hours over two weeks,” writes Roan Cox, fourth grade, The Learning Community. “It has 10,000 pieces and weighs 35 pounds.”
WELLNESS
Classroom allies
BY LAURA LEAVITT
lauramleavitt@gmail.com
Finding the right child care or preschool program is a big challenge for many Western North Carolina families. At the same time, early care facilities frequently operate on very thin margins, requiring that every classroom spot be filled, with most tuition dollars going directly to paying staff.
The inherent pressures of this field and industrywide low pay rates have resulted in a tough landscape for early childhood education (ECE) providers. The N.C. Task Force on Child Care & Early Education’s 2025 interim report revealed that 60% of child care center directors and family child care facility owners and operators were experiencing a staffing shortage.
Judi Harvin, director of North Asheville Preschool, knows firsthand that offering both competitive teacher pay and affordability for families can be a real balancing act, even in a school with a strong community reputation and many committed long-term teaching staff members.
“A lot of the problems with recruiting are that we’re part-time, and it’s a part-time salary,” says Harvin. “A lot of the families here also need full-time care [long-term], so there’s turnover in the classrooms, and sometimes we’re not able to fill the classrooms.”
It is no wonder, then, that when children in ECE classrooms exhibit unsafe behaviors, like persistent biting or hitting, there’s a ripple effect in the already strained system. Parents need supportive counsel, teachers need tools, and the children need guidance and inclusion to continue learning.
In WNC, FIRSTwnc’s program, The Sunshine Project, is working to address these needs.
Sunshine Project promotes teacher retention while supporting young learners
HAPPY ENDINGS: Judi Harvin, director of North Asheville Preschool, is pictured reading to students. The Sunshine Project works to support child care centers and preschools like Harvin's, as well as young children and their families. Photo courtesy of North Asheville Preschool
PROVIDING SUPPORT
FIRSTwnc began 22 years ago, developing initially as a support and training center for families with children in special education. The nonprofit has since expanded to offer a range of services supporting people with disabilities and their families in WNC.
The Sunshine Project started within Buncombe County Health & Human Services before it moved to the FIRSTwnc organization. It’s funded through a grant from NC Smart Start, a statewide initiative that supports children ages 0-5 and their families.
local network of services that exist both in their organization and throughout Buncombe County.
“Every single situation is different,” says Berry. “We tailor to the family, and we do whatever we can to help connect them.”
MAKING AN IMPACT
Buncombe County is the only county in North Carolina at this time that offers a service of this nature, says Berry. In places without such programs, children with challenging behaviors may be asked to leave their child care facility or preschool, often causing substantial disruption for the children and their families if they cannot quickly find an alternative.
“It’s really hard because we want to do what’s best for the child, and we do try everything we possibly can to fix it, but sometimes we just don’t have the training or the facility,” says Harvin. She notes that, while she hasn't personally worked with the Sunshine Project specialists, North Asheville Preschool has received support from the program in the past.
“The original premise, which is very similar to what we do now, was to create a program to help support autistic children to stay in classrooms with their typically developing peers,” says Amanda Berry, director of child, youth and family development at FIRSTwnc.
The process begins when a child care center or family refers a child with challenging behaviors needing additional support in class to the Sunshine Project via its website. Berry notes that some, though not all, of these children are experiencing developmental delays or are autistic.
A Sunshine Project child care specialist then visits the child at school. “We come in to help provide teacher training and support where the teacher needs more consultation, coaching or modeling to help that child stay in the classroom,” says Berry.
Sunshine Project child care specialists observe in the classroom and customize their assistance to the context. Suggestions may include interventions such as visual schedules, choice charts, sensory aids and other classroom tools that may not have been tried before. Specialist may also inform parents and teachers about available resources. Some families may want support accessing services related to a child’s disability, and FIRSTwnc’s team is well positioned to share its knowledge of the
Expulsion is far more common in preschools than in grades K-12, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). In a 2023 policy statement, the AAP noted that expulsions from child care facilities or preschools impact as many as 300,000 children under age 5 per year.
According to The Sunshine Project’s data, 94% of children who received the program’s support remained in their child care facility or preschool, even if they’d been at risk of being asked to leave before the referral.
When Sunshine Project assistance prevents an expulsion, not only is the child able to stay in school or care, but the teacher is also better equipped for future instances of challenging behavior, says Corrie Hill Price, founder and creative director of Evolve Early Learning, a licensed preschool in West Asheville. Hill says she has seen how the Sunshine Project’s team approach contributes to the wider work toward teacher growth and retention.
“The Sunshine Project creates an important link between school, home and developmental services that kids need to thrive,” says Price.
“Working with the team has allowed my staff to better understand appropriate accommodations and supports,” she continues.” It’s these networks of care that truly make the long-term impact in both the professional capacity of teachers and the overall well-being of children.” X
ARTS & CULTURE
This ain’t Disney
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo offers a family-friendly soundtrack that aims to inspire
BY THOMAS CALDER
tcalder@mountainx.com
In retrospect, when it comes to his success in the music industry, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo — also known as Cactus — says he's glad he knew so little going into it.
“If I had known the odds I was up against, I don't know if I would have pursued it as a profession,” he says. “But having no plan B is what made me continue, even when I realized how crazy it was. Somehow it ended up working out pretty well.”
Specializing in family entertainment, Cactus is a Grammy Award-winning hiphop artist whose music has led him from his home in Asheville to stages across the world. He also leads Rhymes of Passage, a series of workshops and residencies, where students, fourth-12th grades, write and perform their own rhymes.
This summer, the artist will host 23 Skidoo's Rhyme Writing Summer Camp at the Odyssey Community School. The five-day sessions will run June 22-26 and July 20-24, and are intended for rising fourth to eighth graders. To learn more, visit avl.mx/fe2.
“I'm a high school dropout that paid for his daughter's college by writing songs,” Cactus says about his unconventional career and pathway to success. “Not too shabby.”
As part of Xpress‘ recurring feature
“The Playlist,” Cactus put together “Forever Young,” available on Spotify. The playlist features national and local acts. You can download it at avl.mx/fe4 and read more about Cactus' career and inspiration in the conversation below.
Xpress: What is the biggest misconception people have when they hear that you make music for kids?
ALL AGES: "Most people, even if they are avid music listeners, have a very limited idea of how deep and wide the family music world has become," says Secret Agent 23 Skidoo — also known as Cactus. "There’s a whole world of intelligent, well-crafted, funky songs that are made with the entire family in mind."
Photo by Mike Belleme
Cactus: Most people, even if they are avid music listeners, have a very limited idea of how deep and wide the family music world has become. While your average person has only heard mainstream Disney stuff or the unbearable, ear-curdling Kidz Bop, there’s a whole world of intelligent, well-crafted, funky songs that are made with the entire family in mind.
Independent family music goes all the way to Ella Jenkins, the “first lady of children’s music,” who was rocking as early as the 1950s. And by now, there’s hardly a genre that hasn’t been adapted as family music: death metal, new wave, psychedelia — pretty much everything.
All the artists on this playlist are independent, with no label or corporate overlords telling them what to do. Well, OK, I guess Barenaked Ladies are on a label, but still, that’s one of the weirdest songs on there.
Who were your favorite artists growing up, and how have they influenced your career?
What really got me into hip-hop was the Native Tongues, which is the larger group that includes Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul. I mean, I dug Beastie Boys, Public Enemy, NWA and other groups before that, but Native Tongues felt approachable in a different way, and they inspired me to start freestyling and writing. The grooves and lyrics are infectious. Later, P-Funk became a big influence as well, and after, we somewhat patterned my first band, GFE (Granola Funk Express), on their aesthetic, some of us got to freestyle over Flashlight with P-Funk at a sold-out House of Blues at Jazz Fest in NOLA. Dream come true! I think it's the funk flow of all of those bands that influenced what I do, as well as the lyrical storytelling and overall positive messages.
How did your career and focus on family-oriented entertainment begin?
For me, it all started with writing ”What It’s Like in the Stars.” My wife
and daughter went to the beach for a couple weeks, and I concocted a plan to surprise them when they got home. I challenged myself to write, illustrate and print a kids book for my daughter, Saki, who was 3 at the time, and to have it ready when they returned. She loved it, and I printed a few more for family and friends. They loved it and convinced me to print up a thousand copies to sell on tour with GFE. After selling most of those, it made sense to me to write a few songs for Saki a couple years later, and all that grew into Secret Agent 23 Skidoo. Also, watching Billy Jonas rock huge crowds at The Orange Peel didn’t hurt.
That’s a very sweet story. How old is your daughter now? And how has her development influenced the direction of your music and the topics you write about?
Saki, aka MC Fireworks, is now an amazing 24 years old. You could say that she has transcended the target age range for family music — till she has a kid, that is. But there's no hurry on that … you hear me, Saki?!
But on another note, she’s incredibly good at showing up on time, speaking without fear to new people or groups and articulating herself. She aces job interviews, and she’s great in social situations. And I’m not saying that touring the country [with me] as a vocalist onstage caused all that, but it sure didn’t hurt.
FOREVER YOUNG
In fact, watching her move in the world is part of the inspiration for the rhyme writing/rites of passage workshops and camps I teach, called Rhymes of Passage. I know that creation and performance are gateways to confidently expressing yourself in all areas of life, and I’ve found ways to transmit that knowledge.
What do you hope to inspire in kids (and parents) who listen to your music as well as this playlist?
I guess what I hope to inspire keeps evolving. Like it or not, modern life focuses a lot on identity. We are forced to think of ourselves as individuals, and then judge ourselves by unrealistic standards, and we end up anxious, sad and unsatisfied. It’s a losing game.
My hope is that my music, workshops and all the artistic ingredients I throw into the broth of life give people a reason to stop and appreciate the wild, weird, wonderful side of things. That kids can walk outside and see the clouds as the magical, metamorphing, nonstop show that they are, and that parents can see clouds like they did when they were a kid.
And that by connecting to the curious elements of life, they can find the perspective to see themselves and the whole world as a bizarre and beautiful, constantly evolving nonstop show. Curiosity and love can change everything. X
Courtesy of Cactus. Download the playlist on Spotify at avl.mx/fe4.
Thankful by FYÜTCH, Aura V, Kymberly Steward
Shadow by The Pop Ups, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Dreamers by Lard Dog & the Band of Shy
What a Wild Time by Barenaked Ladies
Dame Cinco by Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
Disco Snails by Vulfmon, Zachary Barker
Touch and Go by Billy Jonas Band
Feeling Good by Divi Roxx Kids, Divinity Roxx, FYÜTCH
Moonchild by Mista Cookie Jar
Highs & Lows by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, Divinity Roxx, Datrian Johnson
Four Leaved Clover by Gustafer Yellowgold
Count Your Rings by Molly Ledford, Billy Kelly
You Live in My Memories by Pierce Freelon, Nnenna Freelon
Honey by Jazzy Ash, Pam Rocker
Think About Your Troubles by Asylum Street Spankers
Talkin Trash by Q Brothers
It’s all relative Tommy Hays’ new novel probes the dynamics of a fictional Asheville family
BY TERRY ROBERTS
terryroberts0730@gmail.com
Asheville author Tommy Hays ’ last novel, What I Came to Tell You, was published 13 years ago. For those of us who treasure his fiction, this is a long time. But his new novel, The Marriage Bed — set to be released on Tuesday, March 24 — is well worth the wait.
When I met Hays recently to talk about The Marriage Bed, he described how he worked on several other projects during the intervening years but was always haunted by these characters in this setting and kept returning to them. Indeed, it proved to be the story that wouldn’t go away.
The Marriage Bed is a novel with an intense and detailed focus on the nature of family, explored through the lens of one particular family. The marriage bed of the title is that of Asa and Betsy Flowers, an Asheville couple living quite recognizable lives in Montford. They, along with their children, Sarah and Mitchell, and Mitchell’s girlfriend, Wendy, are the primary focus of the book.
Indeed, there is no major character who is not a member of the Flowers family. The kaleidoscope of their shifting relationships, as portrayed by Hays, is the stuff of powerful fiction. Significantly, this is a family under extreme pressure because Betsy, the mother, dies tragically in the first 60 pages, leaving the other family members to
deal with her loss — and with each other in the aftermath.
Asa Flowers is a poet who teaches creative writing at a small, local university. The book opens with his return home from work one Tuesday evening in October. As the night unfolds, his wife reveals something that shocks Asa to his core. She is engaged in a lesbian flirtation that she is determined to pursue.
Asa is understandably upset by this revelation and retreats to their garage apartment to spend the night. A violent storm blows in overnight, a tree falls on the house, and a tragic accident ensues, ending his wife’s life. This event sends shock waves resonating through the entire Flowers family.
LINCHPIN OF THE FAMILY
As the narrative unfolds, it becomes obvious that Betsy was the linchpin that held the family together. Things begin to fall apart, especially as the events surrounding her death come to light.
Fans of Hays’ fiction may recognize parts of this pattern. He has written before about how the death of an important family member affects others while simultaneously recasting all the other relationships within the group. In this case, Asa is left to deal with his own angst and resentment, without a way to reconcile with Betsy.
In particular, her death forces him to deal directly with his own children — Sarah and Mitchell —
FAMILY AFFAIR: In his latest novel, author Tommy Hays, pictured, examines the inner workings of a family in the wake of a tragedy. Montford and surrounding Asheville neighborhoods are the setting for much of the story. Images courtesy of the author
along with Mitchell’s girlfriend. Before her death, Betsy served as the go-between for Asa and the others, deftly managing their relations and keeping the peace. Her sudden absence doesn’t just leave him feeling abandoned; it also reveals his most basic character flaws, especially with regard to his children.
“It isn’t just the family that falls apart,” Hays explains. “Asa, at the very core of the family, falls to pieces as well.”
The Marriage Bed is an artfully crafted narrative constructed from these elements. It is told from the varied perspectives of all four remaining family members, including Mitchell’s girlfriend, who accompanies him home for the funeral. Only one of the 46 chapters is focused on a nonfamily member, and while Asa is clearly at the center of things, Sarah, Mitchell and Wendy all shed light on what is happening to them as individuals as well as to the others.
This narrative structure makes it painfully obvious that Betsy is missing from their lives just as she is missing from the chorus of voices telling the story. In this way, her absence is woven into the story itself.
This structure also allows us to see how Sarah’s and Mitchell’s own intimate relationships are related to Asa and Betsy’s marriage. Not only are they the offspring of their parents, but their love relationships are also a reflection of their parents’ “marriage bed.”
Mitchell’s girlfriend, Wendy, is unlike the Flowers family in important ways, but despite this, the poten-
tial for lasting intimacy is there. As a result, Asa must learn to appreciate her for who she is as an individual, not just as a set of political and social stereotypes.
Wendy, along with her healing effect on Mitchell, is an important element in this book because we, along with Asa, are asked to view her as a significant human being in her own right. Thanks to Hays’ artistry, her story is woven into that of the family, and her presence balances Betsy’s absence.
VOICES FROM THE PAST
Among the various perspectives on the events precipitated by Betsy’s death are eight chapters from the past. These flashbacks tell the story of the early years of Asa and Betsy’s courtship and marriage. They are rendered almost exclusively from Asa’s point of view and give us, as readers, important insight into the makeup of their marriage.
In a powerful way, they let us see what’s been lost with Betsy’s death. Not just an individual has died, but an entire history has come to an end as well. These chapters also serve to remind us that Betsy is a presence in every scene of the novel despite her death in the early chapters. Ultimately, however, this is Asa’s story. His is the central role, both past and present, and his voice is the primary voice. In the end, we are left with the question of whether he can recover from his wife’s death and, if so, what that recovery will look like.
There is one other important element in The Marriage Bed that will engage many local readers: Asheville itself plays a vitally important role in the novel. The small mountain city grounds all the primary action that occurs in the present. Montford and the surrounding neighborhoods are especially significant, and some readers will want to wander around Riverside Cemetery and other specific settings with the book in hand.
“Asheville structured everything for me,” Hays says, making it clear that the city is not just his home, but it is the home of his imagination.
Families are extraordinarily complex systems made up of often comic, sometimes tragic, human variables. They are our curse and our blessing. At the end of the novel’s acknowledgements, Hays thanks his own children for teaching him to be a father.
“They have led me to the central theme of my writing — what it means to be a family,” he writes. And so we have them to thank — along with the author himself — for this intense and compelling novel.
Asheville native Terry Roberts is the author of seven novels, including The Sky Club and In the Fullness of Time. He writes often about the people of Western North Carolina, their wit and wisdom. He lives outside Weaverville with his wife, Lynn. X
WHAT
Tommy Hays in conversation with writer Abigail DeWitt
WHERE
Virtually and in person at Malaprop's Bookstore/Café, 55 Haywood St. Free to attend, but RSVP is required at avl.mx/fee.
WHEN 6-7 p.m., Tuesday, March 24
From pickles to pie
BY ASHLEY ENGLISH
Carrots and kids are a natural pairing. From a young age, children are drawn to the root vegetable’s satisfying crunch and inherent sweetness. One of the first foods to emerge in Western North Carolina come springtime, carrots are an ideal crop to preserve and enjoy with children in myriad ways, both in and out of the kitchen.
Whether eaten raw, tucked with fresh orange slices and spices into a quick refrigerator pickle or even baked into a pie, carrots are highly adaptive to a wide range of uses, presentations and flavor pairings.
Once infused, the pickles offer a healthy, sweet and bright snack. The pie — my tribute to the Indian dessert, carrot halwa — marries carrots with classic Indian spices such as cardamom, ginger, cinnamon and black pepper. Encouraging children to participate in creating these two carrot-centric recipes allows them to learn invaluable kitchen skills. Knife work comes into play with the quick pickles, while the pie teaches how to separate and whisk egg yolks and whites, par-bake a pie crust, steam carrots and use a food processor or blender. With supervision and assurance, children (and their kitchen stewards) will acquire lifelong culinary knowledge while reaping delicious rewards — a big win for the spring season and far beyond!
CARROT AND ORANGE QUICK PICKLES
Makes: 2 pints
You will need:
• 1 cup water
• Remove the pan from the heat, cover with a lid and set aside for 10 minutes.
• Divide the carrot spears and orange slices evenly between the two pint jars. Pour the spiced brine evenly over the vegetables, taking care to ensure that one garlic clove goes into each jar along with the brine.
• Cover the jars with lids and place in the refrigerator. If using metal lids, place a square of wax or parchment paper over the top of the jar before affixing the lid and screw band (this step isn’t necessary if using plastic lids). Allow to infuse for at least 24 hours before serving, keeping in mind that the longer the pickles infuse, the more developed the brine’s flavor will become, and the more intensely it will then transfer to the vegetables.
• Store any unused portion in the refrigerator and use within one to two months.
CARROT PIE
Makes: One 9-inch pie.
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon pickling or kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 teaspoons fennel seeds
• 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon whole brown mustard seeds
• ¾ pound carrots, cut into 2-inch spears
• 1 orange, sliced into rounds, end pieces and seeds discarded
To make:
• Combine the water, vinegar, salt, sugar, garlic and spices in a medium saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer for five minutes.
You will need:
• 1 9-inch pie crust (either storebought or homemade)
• 1 pound carrots, scrubbed and ends removed
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• 3 eggs, separated
To make:
Prepare the crust
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Prick the bottom of the crust about six to seven times with the tines of
a fork. Place in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
• Line the piecrust with parchment and fill it with dried beans or pie weights. Bake 10-12 minutes.
• Remove the dried beans or pie weights and parchment. Cool the crust completely before filling.
• Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees F.
Prepare the filling
• Cut the prepped carrots into ¼-inch rounds. Steam them in a saucepan in 1 inch of water for five minutes, until slightly softened. Drain off the water in a colander, then purée the carrots in a blender or food processor until completely smooth.
• Add the sugar, milk, spices and salt to the carrots in the processor and purée until well combined. Pour the mixture into a medium-sized bowl.
• Whisk the egg yolks in a small bowl until blended. Using either a whisk or an electric mixer, beat the egg whites in a separate bowl until foamy.
• Whisk the beaten egg yolks into the carrot purée until well blended, then whisk in the beaten whites. This isn’t a soufflé, so don’t worry about being gentle with the whites when you incorporate them into the purée.
Assemble the pie
• Pour the carrot purée into the prepared crust.
• Set the pie pan on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in the 375 F oven for 40-45 minutes, until the filling is set. Cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.
*Variation: For a more traditionally spiced pie, omit the cardamom and black pepper, increase the cinnamon to 1 teaspoon and add ½ teaspoon each ground nutmeg and ground cloves. X
UNDERGROUND HIT: With their crunch and sweetness, carrots are a natural kid favorite. Fresh carrots are abundant this time of year at local farmers markets. Photo by Ashley English
Popping up
Palmar Latin Kitchen is set to debut in early April as an evening pop-up at Brü AVL Gastro Café at 5 Biltmore Ave.
Inspired by the flavors and spirit of South America, the dinner concept comes from Colombia-born chef Carlos Torres, who brings more than 20 years of experience leading restaurants in his native country as well as New York, Miami, Hawaii and Dallas.
According to a press release, the menu will include “ceviches and crudos inspired by Peru and Ecuador, freshly baked pandebonos, handcrafted empanadas and main dishes such as grilled steaks, crispy pork, whole fish and traditional roasted chicken shaped by the cooking traditions of Colombia, Argentina, Brazil and beyond.” Cocktail offerings, developed with neighboring Färmese speakeasy cocktail lounge, highlight tropical infusions, herbs and sugarcane.
Palmar will be open TuesdaySaturday, 5-10 p.m.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/fep.
Scotty returns
Bottles and cans of Highland Brewing Co.’s flagship Gaelic Amber Ale now feature a familiar face.
Scotty, the beloved Scotsman character who first appeared in Highland’s logo in 1994, is back following a hiatus that began in 2018 when the brewery rebranded. According to a press release, “fans never stopped requesting an appearance by the region’s first beer mascot.”
“Gaelic Ale’s new look brings Scotty back with all his original charm and our flagship’s classic flavor,” says CEO and President Leah Wong Ashburn. “It’s a nostalgic moment for us that honors our his-
tory and looks forward with a fresh take on Scotty’s role that is perfectly placed with Gaelic Ale.”
She continues, “Scotty’s legacy reflects a connection to people and place. He also reflects the optimism we’ve encountered time and time again throughout the recovery process. We can all raise a beer to that.”
To learn more, visit avl.mx/feq.
Black Bear BBQ adding indoor putt-putt golf
As Black Bear BBQ rebuilds after a fire that occurred just before Christmas, co-owner AJ Gregson announced that the revamped space at 800 Fairview Road will include a nine-hole indoor mini-golf course designed by Gregson and co-owner Autumn Pittman and built by local artist Gavin Gerundo Gregson says the restaurant will reopen Wednesday, March 25, with the course launching by mid April, depending on permitting. It will include six ADA-accessible holes with two water features, a tunnel, elevated platforms, blacklight art, motion-activated lights and more.
“It will be Blue Ridge Mountainsthemed with heavy emphasis on the Blue Ridge Parkway,” Gregson says. Among the featured parkway locations are Roaring Fork Falls, Frying Pan Tunnel, Looking Glass Falls and Grandfather Mountain.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/fer.
Mean Pies readies for next chapter
On March 4, Mean Pies Pizza ownership announced on social media that its “longer-than-expected residency at OWL Bakery has come to an end” as OWL makes room for its cake program. Mean Pies is considering different possibilities for its next step and noted that it “could not be more grateful or appreciative to [OWL] or to all of you.”
“In the interim, please know it has been such a pleasure serving y’all, and your kindness and support has meant the world to us,” the ownership team says. “Everyone should eat the pizza that they like. We hope to serve ours to you again someday soon.”
To learn more, visit avl.mx/fes.
SOUTH OF THE BORDER:
The Market Place joins Seafood Watch program
The Market Place Restaurant is now a member of the Seafood Watch Best Choice Restaurant Program. According to a press release, this new program “celebrates sustainable seafood and the restaurants that serve it. Participating restaurants commit to serving at least one green-rated, environmentally sustainable seafood dish on its menu, ensuring patrons’ meals help support a healthy ocean.”
The Best Choice mark on menus indicates that the seafood is rated green for environmental sustainability by Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch. The Market Place’s qualifying dishes include Sunburst Farms rainbow trout and Maine sea scallops.
“As a member of Seafood Watch’s Blue Ribbon Task Force of chefs, it’s important for us to promote healthy oceans and rivers for the future of our planet, as well as for delicious choices for our guests,” says William S. Dissen, executive chef and owner.
“We are excited to pilot this new program to get the word out about great seafood.”
To learn more, visit avl.mx/xmasjbx.
Colombia-born chef Carlos Torres is the mastermind behind Palmar Latin Kitchen. Photo courtesy of Torres
SMART BETS
by Edwin Arnaudin
Chiaroscuro
Derived from the Italian words for “light” and “dark,” chiaroscuro describes the strong contrast between light and shadow in art to create depth and drama — techniques used by such painters as Caravaggio and Rembrandt. Similarly, the new Asheville-based dance variety show Chiaroscuro incorporates two opposing themes for its monthly show, inviting the selected performers to interpret the concepts however they’d like.
Past shows have centered on “Light & Shadows” and “Attraction & Repulsion,” incorporating burlesque, drag, hip-hop, flow, belly dancing and freestyle traditions. On Thursday, March 26, at Third Room, the focus will be “Fantasy & Realism,” featuring Liba Ariel, Miss Vee Vixen and The Velvet Abomination Dark Heart and Calcutta host, with Miss T. Meaner serving as stage kitten
and music from vaudeville-style duo act
The Deviled Eggs.
The event begins at 8:30 p.m., and the postshow dance party lasts until 11 p.m.
Tickets are $15.57 in advance.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/feb. X
Stitching Stories Reimagined
Just before Mother’s Day 2021, the Handcrafted and Totally Special (H.A.T.S.) group at the minimum-security Canary Unit of the N.C. Corrections Institution for Women completed its 25-foot “Stitching Stories: A Prison Awareness Quilt.” Two years later, Arise Collective — a nonprofit that supports incarcerated women — received grants to re-create the quilt’s stories using a mosaic wall, an opposing mirror wall and a vinyl wrap, designing it for travel and permanent installation.
According to a press release, “each square in the mosaic reflects one
year of time served, highlighted with ribbons representing each woman’s struggles with addiction, domestic violence, sexual assault, mental health, COVID-19, children left behind and the death of a loved one.”
Since debuting in October at Benevolence Farm in Alamance County, the exhibition has been on display at spots across the state. In partnership with the Ministry of Hope WNC, it is currently at Black Mountain United Methodist Church, where it can be viewed daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. through Thursday, March 26. Free to attend.
To learn more, visit avl.mx/fec. X
Photo of Chiaroscuro performer Bluu Laguu by Athena Pantaze
Photo of Stitching Stories Reimagined courtesy of Arise Collective
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18
12 BONES BREWING
SMOKEHOUSE & BREWING
Trivia Night w/King Trivia, 7pm
EULOGY
Worry Club (alt-indie, Emo, pop), 8pm
FRENCH BROAD
RIVER BREWERY
Saylor Brothers Jamgrass Wednesdays, 6:30pm
GALACTIC PIZZA Trivia Night, 6:30pm
HI-WIRE BREWING -
BILTMORE VILLAGE
Weekly Trivia, 7pm
HOTEL EVE JAZZ
CLUB
Danny Iannucci Trio (jazz), 7pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Old-time Jam, 5pm PULP
Alla Prima, Proxima System, The Roosevelt Room & Lily of the Valley (garage-rock, indie), 8pm
SHAKEY'S
SSIN w/DJ Ragga
Massive, 10pm
SLY GROG LOUNGE
Weird Wednesday Open Jam, 8pm
TAPROOM AT HIGHLAND BREWING
CO.
Matt Smith’s WellCrafted Music Series w/ Sally Jaye, 6pm
CLUB Ben Colvin Quartet & Special Guest (funk, jazz, soul), 7pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Bluegrass Jam, 7pm
LEVELLER BREWING CO.
Traditional Irish Session, 6pm
OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.
• Kid Billy (roots, soul), 6pm
• Thursday Karaoke, 9:30pm
ONE WORLD BREWING WEST
Fee Fi Phaux Fish (phish tribute), 8pm
ONE WORLD BREWING
Tree People (funk, soul), 7pm
PLANT BAR
High Heels: Drag Show, 7pm
PISGAH BREWING CO.
Scenic Radio (Americana, funk, rock), 7pm
RIVER ARTS DISTRICT
BREWING CO.
Roots & Blues w/Peggy and Kelly, 7pm
SHAKEY'S Karaoke w/DJ Franco Nino, 9pm
STATIC AGE LOFT
Auto-tune Karaoke w/ Who Gave This B*tch a Mic, 10pm
STATIC AGE RECORDS
YAWNi, Rich Inner Life Love You So Much, Lokye, Bad Ties & Burlap Circus (experimental, hip-hop, pop), 8pm
THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL
Justin Heter Pan (psych, surf-rock), 9pm
THE ORANGE PEEL
Robert Earl Keen w/ Olivia Wolf (Americana, country), 8pm
TWIN LEAF BREWERY Trivia Night, 6:30pm
URBAN ORCHARD
CIDER CO.
Wayward Trivia, 6:30pm
VOWL BAR AT DSSOLVR
Hot Couch Karaoke w/ DJ BridalPartiBucardi, 8pm
WEAVERVILLE
COMMUNITY CENTER
The Candleers (Americana), 5pm
CLUBLAND
PIANO-LED JAZZ TRIO: On Thursday, March 26, The Dreamboats perform at Hotel Eve Jazz Club, starting at 7 p.m. The trio features longtime collaborators Taylor Pierson, Mattick Frick and Craig Kellberg playing a relaxed but adventurous take on piano jazz. Photo courtesy of Hotel Eve Jazz Club
• Dawson Edwards & Special Guests (country, folk, indie), 6pm
• Big Shrimp (funk, indie), 10pm
THIRD ROOM
Ivy Lab (drum & bass, electronic), 9pm
TRAILSIDE BREWING CO.
Don't Tell Comedy: Hendersonville, 8pm
SUNDAY, MARCH 22
185 KING STREET
Open Electric Jam w/ The King Street House Band, 5pm
BURIAL SOUTH SLOPE
Mourning Mass, 2pm
EDA'S HIDE-A-WAY
Open Mic Night, 6pm
FLEETWOOD’S Shop Talk, Die Spinns & The Scribblers (Garage, punk), 9pm FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY
Reggae Sunday w/ Chalwa (reggae), 3pm
GINGER'S REVENGE
Jazz Jam Sundays, 2:30pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
• Bluegrass Brunch w/ The Bluegrass Brunch Boys (bluegrass), noon
• Traditional Irish Music Session, 3:30pm
OKLAWAHA BREWING CO.
Steve Robinson (Americana, folk, pop), 3pm
ONE WORLD BREWING WEST
• Suns of Stars Sunday Residency (bluegrass), 2pm
• Drifting Roots (reggae, rock), 7pm
PISGAH BREWING CO.
Sunday Jam: Spiro & Friends, 6:30pm
SHAMROCK IRONS Trippin’ Up the Stairs (Celtic, Irish), 1pm
STATIC AGE RECORDS
Good Flying Birds, Touch Girl Apple Blossom & Tanner York (indie, pop), 8:45pm
TAPROOM AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO.
The Resonant Rogues (Appalachian, country, soul), 2pm
THE ORANGE PEEL Old Crow Medicine Show (country), 8pm
VOWL BAR AT DSSOLVR Freshen Up Open Mic Comedy, 7pm
MONDAY, MARCH 23
DIATRIBE BREWING Big Brain Trivia, 7pm
DIRTY JACK'S Traditional Old Time Jam, 5:30pm
HI-WIRE RAD BEER GARDEN
RAD Music Bingo, 7pm
ONE WORLD BREWING WEST
Mashup Mondays w/ JLloyd (funk, jazz, soul), 8pm
ONE WORLD BREWING
Open Mic Downtown, 7:30pm
STATIC AGE LOFT The Hot Seat w/C.J. Green & Cam (Comedy), 7pm
TAPROOM AT HIGHLAND BREWING CO. Trivia Night W/Two Bald Guys & A Mic, 6pm
TUESDAY, MARCH 24
185 KING STREET Madeline Dierauf & Isaac Hadden (folk), 6:30pm
ARCHETYPE
BREWING Trivia Tuesdays, 6:30pm
BURGER BAR C U Next Tuesday Trivia, 9pm
DIATRIBE BREWING Irish Session, 4pm
ELUVIUM BREWING Not Rocket Science Trivia, 6pm
FRENCH BROAD RIVER BREWERY
Robert’s Totally Rad Trivia, 7pm
HI-WIRE RAD BEER GARDEN RAD Weekly Trivia, 7pm
HI-WIRE SOUTH SLOPE Trivia Tuesdays w/ Not Rocket Science, 7pm MILLS RIVER BREWING CO. Tuesday Night Trivia, 6pm
OKLAWAHA BREWING CO. Team Trivia, 7pm
SHAKEY'S Booty Tuesday in The Office, 10pm
SOVEREIGN KAVA Open Jam, 8pm
SWEETEN CREEK BREWING All Arts Open Mic!, 6pm
THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL Uncle Lenny's Krazy Karaoke, 10pm THE ORANGE PEEL Drain w/No Pressure, Haywire & Secret World (hardcore, punk), 7pm THIRD ROOM Open Decks, 8pm TURGUA BREWING CO. Django Jazz Jam, 5:30pm WAGBAR Trivia Tuesdays, 6pm
FIRST KAVA BAR IN NORTH CAROLINA
MON Ping-Pong Tournament, 6pm TUE
OPEN JAM: 7:30pm Signup / 8pm Show WED POETRY OPEN MIC - NIGHT
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25
12 BONES BREWING
SMOKEHOUSE & BREWING
Trivia Night w/King Trivia, 7pm
27 CLUB
Bloodletting: Gothic Night & Dance Night (dark-wave, Industrial), 9pm
ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL
Dogs In A Pile w/ Natalie Brooke (jazz-funk, psych, rock), 8pm
FRENCH BROAD
RIVER BREWERY
Saylor Brothers Jamgrass Wednesdays, 6:30pm
GALACTIC PIZZA Trivia Night, 6:30pm
HI-WIRE BREWING -
BILTMORE VILLAGE
Weekly Trivia, 7pm
HOTEL EVE JAZZ CLUB
Steve LaSpina w/Bill Bares, Tim Fischer & Ryan Ptasnik (jazz), 7pm
JACK OF THE WOOD PUB
Old-time Jam, 5pm
SHAKEY'S
SSIN w/DJ Ragga Massive, 10pm
SLY GROG LOUNGE
Weird Wednesday Open Jam, 8pm
STATIC AGE LOFT Meter & Melody: Poetry Night, 7pm
STATIC AGE RECORDS
Sacred Heart Academy, Caelan and The Laurels & Tanner York (indie, pop), 8:45pm
TAPROOM AT HIGHLAND BREWING
CO.
Matt Smith’s WellCrafted Music Series w/ Stevie Tombstone, 6pm THE ODD
Terraoke Karaoke Takeover, 9pm
THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC
HALL
John Colby Elswick's Jam Review, 9pm
THE ORANGE PEEL
Mammoth w/10 years & James & the Cold Gun (alt-rock), 7pm
TURGUA BREWING CO.
Lightning Round Trivia w/Marty, 6pm
TWIN LEAF BREWERY
Open Mic Night, 6:30pm
VOWL BAR AT DSSOLVR
Group Therapy w/ Neptune Spins, 9pm
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
185 KING STREET
Seth & Sara (acoustic), 7pm
ASHEVILLE MUSIC
HALL
Dogs In A Pile w/ Natalie Brooke (jazz-funk, psych, rock), 8pm
Auto-tune Karaoke w/ Who Gave This B*tch a Mic, 10pm
THE GREY EAGLE
Anna Tivel w/Alexa Rose (Americana, folk), 8pm
THE ONE STOP AT ASHEVILLE MUSIC HALL
Seven Teller (post-punk, psych-rock), 9pm
THE ORANGE PEEL
The Slice of Life Comedy Asheville Spring Standup Contest, 7:30pm
TWIN LEAF BREWERY
Trivia Night, 6:30pm
URBAN ORCHARD CIDER CO.
Wayward Trivia, 6:30pm
VOWL BAR AT DSSOLVR
Hot Couch Karaoke w/DJ BridalPartiBucardi, 8pm
FREEWILL ASTROLOGY BY ROB BREZSNY
ARIES (March 21-April 19): In 1960, Aries primatologist Jane Goodall arrived in Tanzania to study the social and family lives of chimpanzees. Her intention was to engage in patient, long-term observation. In subsequent months, she saw the creatures using tools, a skill that scientists had previously believed only humans could do. She also found that "it isn't only human beings who have personality, who are capable of rational thought and emotions like joy and sorrow.” Her discoveries revolutionized our understanding of animal intelligence. I recommend her approach to you in the coming weeks, Aries. Your diligent, tenacious attention can supplant outmoded assumptions. Let the details and rhythms of what you’re studying reveal their deeper truths. Your affectionate watchfulness will change the story.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Ancient Romans had a household deity called Cardea, goddess of hinges and thresholds. She protected the pivot points, like the places where the inside meets the outside and where one state transforms into another. In the coming weeks, you Tauruses will benefit from befriending a similar deity. I hope you will pay eager attention to the metaphorical hinges in your world: the thresholds, portals, transitions, and in-between times. They may sometimes feel awkward because they lack the certainty you crave. But I guarantee that they are where the best magic congregates.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You are fluent in the art of fruitful contradiction. While others pursue one-dimensional consistency, you thrive on the fact that the truth is too wild and multifaceted to be captured in a single, simple story. You make spirited use of paradox and enjoy being enchanted by riddles. You can be both serious and playful, committed and curious, strong and receptive. In the coming weeks, Gemini, I hope you will express these superpowers to the max. The world doesn't need another person who separates everything into neat little categories. Your nimble intelligence and charming multiplicity are the gifts your allies need most.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): In traditional Japanese aesthetics, *wabi-sabi* celebrates imperfection, impermanence, and the soulfulness that comes with age. A weathered wooden gate may be considered more beautiful than a new one. Its surface has a silvery grain from years of exposure to rain and sun. Its hinges creak from long use by countless passersby. Let’s invoke this lovely concept as we ruminate on your life, Cancerian. In my astrological estimation, it’s important that in the coming months you don’t treat your incompleteness as a deficit requiring correction. Consider the possibility that your supposed blemishes may be among your most interesting features. The idiosyncratic aspects of your character are precisely what make you a source of vitality.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In medieval Japan, swordsmiths would undertake spiritual purifications before beginning work on a new blade: abstinence, ritual bathing, prayer, and fasting. They believed that the quality of their consciousness influenced the quality of their creation—that the blade would absorb the maker's mental and spiritual state. I bring this to your attention because you're in a phase when your inner condition will have extra potent effects on everything you build, develop, or initiate. My advice: Prepare yourself with impeccable care before launching new projects. Purify your motivations. Clarify your vision. The creations you will be generating could serve you well for a long time.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Master chess players don't necessarily calculate more moves ahead than amateurs. Their years of study enable them to perceive the developing trends in a single glance, bypassing complex analysis. What appears to be stellar intuition is actually compressed expertise. You're in a phase when you can make abundant use of this capacity, Virgo. Again and again,
your accumulated experience will crystallize into immediate knowing. So don’t second-guess your first assessments, OK? Trust the pattern recognition that you have cultivated through the years.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): The cosmic powers have granted you a triple-strength, extra-long, time-release dose of sweet, fresh certainty. During the grace period that’s beginning, you will be less tempted to indulge in doubt and indecision. A fountain of resolve will rise up in you whenever you need it. Though at first the lucid serenity you feel may seem odd, you could grow accustomed to it—so much so that you could permanently lose up to 20 percent of your chronic tendency to vacillate.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Crows can hold grudges against individual humans for years. But they also remember acts of kindness and bring gifts like shiny objects and buttons to those who've helped them. They're capable of both revenge and gratitude, and they never forget either. I suspect you're entering a period when you'll need to decide which of your crow-like qualities to emphasize, Scorpio. You have legitimate grievances worth remembering. You have also received gifts worth honoring. My counsel: Spend 20 percent of your emotional energy on remembering wrongs (enough to protect yourself) and 80 percent on remembering what has helped you thrive. Make gratitude your primary teacher, even as you stay wisely wary.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): More than any other zodiac sign, you Sagittarians can be both a discontented rebel and a sunny celebrant of life. You can see clearly what’s out of alignment and needs adjustment without surrendering your wry, amused tolerance. This double capacity will be especially useful to you in the coming days. You may not find many allies who share this aptitude, though, so you should lean on your own instincts and heed the following suggestions: Be joyfully defiant. Be a generous agitator and an open-hearted critic. Blessings will find their way to you as you subvert the stale status quo with creativity and kindness.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Your persistence and endurance are among your greatest gifts to the world. You’re committed to building useful structures that outlast transitory moods and trends. On behalf of all the other signs, I say THANK YOU!, dear Capricorn. You understand that real power comes from showing up consistently and doing unglamorous work, refraining from the temptation to score quick and superficial victories. May you always recognize that your pragmatism is a form of loving faith. Your cautionary care is rooted in generosity. Now here’s my plea: More than ever before, the rest of us need you to express these talents with full vigor.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): One of your power symbols right now is the place where two tributaries blend into a single river. A second is where your favorite tree enters the earth. Here are other images to excite your imagination and stimulate your creativity: the boundary between cloud and sky; the darkness where your friend’s shadow overlaps yours; and the time between when the sun sets and night falls. To sum up, Aquarius, I hope you will access extra inspiration in liminal areas. Seek the vibrant revelations that arise where one mystery coalesces with another.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Poet Mark Doty wrote, "The sea doesn't reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. We should lie as empty, open, and choiceless as a beach—waiting for gifts from the sea." This quote captures your Piscean genius when it’s working at its best. Others may exhaust themselves trying to force results, but you know that the best gifts often come to those who are patient, open, and relaxed. This is true right now more than ever before. I hope you will practice intense receptivity. Protect your permeability like the superpower it is. Be as supple and responsive as you dare.
MARKETPLACE
Want to advertise in Marketplace? 828-251-1333 advertise@mountainx.com • mountainx.com/classifieds
EMPLOYMENT SALES/ MARKETING
SALES ASSOCIATE Work for a local company that has covered the local scene for 30 years! Mountain Xpress newspaper is a supportive, team-oriented environment serving local readers and businesses. We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic advertising sales representative. Ideal candidates are personable, organized, motivated, and can present our company with confidence. Necessary skills include clear and professional communications (via phone, email, and in-person meetings), detailed record-keeping, and self motivation. Experience dealing with varied and challenging situations is helpful. The position’s responsibilities include account development and lead generation (including cold-calling), account management, assisting clients with marketing and branding strategies. If you are a high energy, positive, cooperative person looking to join an independent media organization, please send a resume and cover letter (no walk-ins, please) explaining why you are
a good fit for Mountain Xpress to: xpressjob@ mountainx.com. This is a noncommissioned position. There is potential for a performance-based annual bonus.
RETAIL
SALES ASSOCIATE/MERCHANDISER Wonderful women's clothing boutique with beautiful lines of clothing. Sales associate/ merchanidiser wanted for 1-2 days every week. Reply by email only with your name and contact info to grapevinencinc@gmail.com
XCHANGE
AUCTIONS
HOME IMPROVEMENT
AUCTION Saturday, March 28th @10am 201 S. Central Ave. Locust, NC Cabinet Sets, Doors, Tile, Hardwood, Bath Vanities, Windows, Lighting, Trim, Appliances, Composite Decking, Furniture, New Name Brand Tools. www. ClassicAuctions.com 704507-1449 NCAF5479. (NC Press)
SERVICES COMPUTER
ALL-AROUND WEB DEV FOR HIRE OR CONTRACT WordPress web developer solves website problems or consults on related matters.
If I can’t fix it, I can point you in the right direction. Send inquiries to hire@janine.fyi
HOME IMPROVEMENT
HANDY MAN
HANDY MAN 40 years experience in the trades, with every skill/tool imaginable for all trades with the exception of HVAC. No job too small. $35 an hour. Carl (828) 551-6000 electricblustudio@gmail.com
KITCHEN & BATH
GET A HIGH QUALITY, MODERN DESIGN BATH or shower transformation in as little as One Day. $0 Down, $0 Installation, $0 Payments for 12 months! Call: 1-877243-7050. (NC Press)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
BEHIND ON YOUR MORTGAGE PAYMENTS? Threatened with foreclosure? Denied a loan modification? Let us help! Call the Homeowner Relief Line to speak with a mortgage specialist 844-492-0883 (NC Press)
CONNECT TO THE BEST WIRELESS home internet with earthling. Enjoy speeds from 5G and 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-873-2215 (AAN CAN)
CONNECT TO THE BEST WIRELESS home internet with earthling. Enjoy speeds from 5G and 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-873-2215 (AAN CAN)
DENIED SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY? APPEAL! If you're 50+, filed SSD and denied, our attorneys can help. Win or Pay Nothing! Strong, recent work history needed. 877-553-0252 [Steppacher Law Offices LLC Principal Office: 224 Adams Ave Scranton PA 18503] (NC Press)
DONATE YOUR CAR TODAY Running or not. Support Patriotic Hearts for our Veterans and their Families! Free fast pickup. Max tax deduction. Se habla Español. Call now: 877-3173360 . (NC Press)
GET A BREAK ON YOUR TAXES! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind today at 1-855-8697055 today! (NC Press)
GET DISH SATELLITE TV + INTERNET! Free install, free HD-DVR upgrade, 80,000 on-demand movies, plus limited time up to $600 in gift cards. Call today! 1-877-920-7405 (NC Press)
GOT AN UNWANTED
CAR? Donate it to Patriotic Hearts. Fast free pick up. All 50 states. Patriotic Hearts’ programs help veterans find work or start their own business. Call 24/7: 1-833426-0086. (AAN CAN)
HOME BREAK-INS Take less than 60 seconds. Don't wait! Protect your family, your home, your assets now for as little as 70¢ a day! Call 1-833-881-2713 (AAN CAN)
NEED NEW WINDOWS?
Drafty rooms? Chipped or damaged frames? Need outside noise reduction? New, energy efficient windows may be the answer! Call for a consultation & FREE quote today. 1-833-890-1293 (AAN CAN)
PEST CONTROL Protect your home from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today!
1-833-406-6971. (AAN CAN)
PREPARE FOR POWER OUTAGES TODAY With a Generac Home Standby
Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-866-3810627 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. (AAN CAN)
REPLACE YOUR ROOF With the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from
Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited time offer – up to 50% off installation + additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders).
Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-855585-1815. (NC Press)
STOP OVERPAYING FOR AUTO INSURANCE A recent survey says that most Americans are overpaying for their car insurance. Let us show you how much you can save. Call now for a no obligation quote: 1-833399-1539. (AAN CAN)
WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & RESTORATION A small amount of water can lead to major damage in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! Call 24/7: 1-833-928-1861 Have zip code of service location ready when you call! (NC Press)
WE BUY HOUSES FOR CASH AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Call today for your fair cash offer: 1-919-925-6362. (NC Press)
WE BUY VINTAGE GUITARS
Looking for 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. These brands only! Call for a quote: 1-833-641-6624 (AAN CAN)
WE BUY VINTAGE GUITARS! Looking for 1920-1980 Gibson, Martin, Fender, Gretsch, Epiphone, Guild, Mosrite, Rickenbacker, Prairie State, D'Angelico, Stromberg. And Gibson Mandolins / Banjos. These brands only! Call for a quote: 1-833-641-6577. (NC Press)
Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees canceled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 888-9601781. (AAN CAN)
TRAVEL
TRAVEL
YMT VACATIONS Over 50 guided tours available. Affordable, social and stressfree travel designed for mature travelers. Our tours include accommodations, transportation, baggage handling, sightseeing, entrance fees, a professional Tour Director and select meals. For a limited time
SAVE $250 on all tours. Call YMT today. 1-866-314-6821 (AAN CAN)
MIND, BODY, SPIRIT
BODYWORK FOR FEET'S SAKE! Give the gift of healing. Carereflexology. com. 828-808-2956.
MARKETPLACE
HOME IMPROVEMENT
NO MORE CLEANING OUT GUTTERS. GUARANTEED!
LeafFilter is the most advanced gutter protection for your home, backed by a no-clog guarantee and lifetime transferable warranty. Call today 1-877-649-1190 to schedule a FREE inspection and no obligation estimate. Plus get 20% off! Seniors and military save an additional 10%. Restrictions apply, see representative for warranty and offer details. (NC Press)
ACROSS
1 Lewis Carroll’s “The ___ and the Carpenter”
7 Something you might leave at the front door when entering a house
11 “Yeah, right!”
15 Quantity
16 Words from someone who failed to understand
18 “Oh, for heaven’s sake!”
20 Show contempt for, in a way
21 Rain delay coverings
22 Poet’s dusk
23 Mystical stuff
26 “We don’t discriminate in this workplace,” in job ads
29 Newfoundland or Labrador retriever
31 Transcript fig.
34 Openly resists
36 “Then, window, let day in, and let ___ out”: Juliet
37 Smile broadly
38 Arduous routine
39 Get smart?
40 “Priscilla” director Coppola
41 How a German count might get started
42 Swampy land
43 Does the dishes?
44 Complete collection
45 Hoped-for prognosis for an election incumbent
47 Twisty curve
48 Spews out
50 Big name in nail polish
51 One-named singer with the 2017 platinum album “Melodrama”
53 Trap
57 1957 rock ’n’ roll classic suggested by this puzzle’s circled letters
