The experienced life: Celebrating Older Americans Month
Volume
23
/ Issue 43
Cover Design Credit:
Norn CutsonCover Photography Credit:
Emily Nichols
Xpress offers a number of stories in this issue in honor of Older Americans Month — including a look at oral history projects documenting the lives and wisdom of WNC’s elders, keys to successful aging, volunteer efforts, profiles, creative retirement and
more. On the cover: tai chi instructor Liz Ridley.
arts
Never too late to create
Lifelong learning is OLLI's primary goal. But its executive director, Catherine Frank, says the organization also aims to push back against ageism and the stereotypes it creates.New album features Asheville’s own Jewish folk music
The first of its kind, this album will be released on Sunday, May 21, at New Mountain.Smart bets: Moth Story Slam champions
The Moth Story Slam champion will visit Asheville along with two other champions—host Steve Shell and Alison Fields—at The Mothlight on Sunday, May 21.DJ Audio rolls out a multipart launch for ‘Shut It Down’
Originally from Roosevelt, N.Y., Conner moved to Asheville about four years ago. His parents and sister now live here, too, but “when I came in just to visit, I liked…Smart bets: The Life & Times of American Crow
The book launch, which will take place at Asheville BookWorks on Saturday, May 20, at 7 p.m., will also feature the Engaging Collage art show with work from Asheville-area artists.N.C. Stage Company produces Mindy Kaling’s ‘Matt & Ben’
Why are two women playing Matt Damon and Ben Affleck? Director Angie Flynn-McIver says cross-gender casting is the only way to rightfully perform Withers and Kaling’s script.Theater review: ‘Malverse’ explores race relations at The Magnetic Theatre
The show, onstage at The Magnetic Theatre through Saturday, June 3, deals with a white couple who’ve settled in a predominantly black neighborhood in hopes that, as the area gentrifies,…Smart bets: SERFA Conference
Showcases take place at the Montreat Conference Center Thursday-Saturday, May 18-20.Smart bets: Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe
Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe takes the stage at Salvage Station on Thursday, May 18.food
Beer Scout: Wicked Weed owners talk A-B InBev partnership
Amid industry and public backlash, the Asheville brewery says it remains committed to its employees and the community.Chapter two: Getting a late-life second start in Asheville’s food and beverage industries
Western North Carolina's booming restaurant and brewing scenes offer opportunities for jumping into semi-retirement or a phase-two career.Facts, fears and the future of food: Asheville talks about genetic engineering
Local scientists, farmers, food activists and professors discuss the pros and cons of GMOs.Small bites: Habitat Tavern and Commons hosts community potlucks
Bring a dish to Common Table, a monthly potluck at Habitat Tavern and Commons. Also, Green Man Brewing teams up with Verbena Cakes and Catering for a beer pairing dinner,…Conscious party: Tour de Fat
For its first year in Asheville, Tour de Fat will bring Third Eye Blind to the stage plus additional zany entertainment and a party atmosphere. The event takes place at…living
Upcoming workshop to focus on tools and equipment for the small farm
Learn about walk-behind tractors, a simpler, cheaper and surprisingly versatile alternative to full-sized farm tractors, at a special workshop presented by Living Web Farms in Mills River on May 27.…Profiles of active aging
Athlete defies age For 90-year-old track and field athlete Cory Hartbarger, the greatest competitor he has defeated in sports is age. “I’ve had a lot of health concerns [heart surgery,…Asheville author offers tips for creative retirement
Asheville author Suzanne Shaffer writes and speaks about strategies for creating a fulfilling life path in retirement. Shaffer shared some insights and tips on successful aging with Xpress.Advocates aid in chronic disease awareness
Nearly 20 percent of Buncombe County's population is over 65, and most of those have one or more chronic health conditions. Local agencies are stepping up efforts to prevent and…Keys to successful aging
Successful aging consists of a number of variables. Diet, exercise and socializing are key, but a local couple points to humor and attitude as equally important. The bottom line, says…movies
Screen scene: Local film news
Grail Moviehouse hosts multiple screenings of a women's mountain biking documentary, High Hampton Inn celebrates the Dirty Dancing remake and more.news
Muddy Water Watch app celebrates first anniversary
It’s been just over a year since the locally developed Muddy Water Watch app was launched, enlisting citizen watchdogs to help protect their communities’ waterways. Conceived by the environmental nonprofit…Dedicated elders help nourish their neighbors in Leicester
Supported by local churches and the Asheville-based MANNA FoodBank, the Leicester Community Welcome Table served almost 10,000 meals last year, delivered about 80 meals a week to shut-ins and generated…Oral history records heart and soul of mountain culture
Seeking to preserve the region’s history and traditional culture, local organizations and researchers are working to document the lives and wisdom of WNC’s elders, believing that this provides invaluable context…Asheville Council closes in on city budget
At its May 9 meeting, Asheville City Council grappled with the challenge of creating a city budget in a time of plenty. "Oddly," said Mayor Esther Manheimer, this year's budgeting…opinion
Letter: Oligarchy and its effect on us in NC
"This bill is written to help the rich and healthy young, but not the rest of us. This is oligarchy, which Trump and the Republicans want to force on us…Letter: Is this the best we can expect for our tax money?
"We in North Asheville also have problems with crumbling roadways and sidewalks with lack of repair."Letter: Environmental protest deserved coverage
"I know there is an element in our area which hopes to eliminate the voices of the people. Yet I would have thought the news media would acknowledge such a…Contrived substances
Asheville, NCLetter: Williams asking for more accountability in city government
"In addition to pushing to lower APD's racial disparity in police stops, Dee Williams on City Council will bring sanity to local politics and make racial and economic justice some…Letter: Thanks to Wicked Weed for positive community impact
"Why is it we celebrate tech startups that get acquired, yet shame a craft beer startup that gets acquired? Wicked Weed has been a tremendous steward to our community —…Letter: May 20 hearing presentation focuses on tinnitus
"There is no cure, but [ tinnitus] is increasingly well-understood in terms of what it is and what you can do to live with it, and for the most part…