The home of Asheville FM, WSFM-LP 103.3
Tuesdays at 11am, Open Air is a weekly show co-produced by Asheville FM and local groups working to improve the lives of people living in the Asheville area. If your community group would like to produce an episode or series for broadcast, email [email protected]
Listen to previous episodes on our podcast: ashevillefm.org/podcast/open-air
Written By Kyle C.
Simona Rock visited the studio on Tuesday during Open Air’s “Life On Purpose” to share her experience with neurodiversity: its impact on her and the resources that have helped her understand the world. Simona is a holistic nurse focused on cardiac rehab and lifestyle medicine. In her work as a nurse – in addition to her role as educator, performer, and energy worker – Simona teaches mindfulness to help process this world around us. It was through this practice of mindfulness and meditation that she began thinking about the ways in her life she has always felt different.
Simona shared that her diagnosis of being on the Autism spectrum was a slow process that only resulted in a diagnosis about a year ago. She didn’t even consider her status on the spectrum until she began looking back on her childhood through the eyes of her nephews and TV personalities. She recalled her teachers showing concern for what she perceived as just being “quiet.” She remembered instances of feeling overwhelmed by the stimuli of her senses. Simona shared that her life story was one of discovery including through spirituality from Christianity to meditation always in an attempt to find identity. As she explored what in life can offer her comfort, Simona said that connection to the world was like “unlocking the puzzle of me.”
To hear Simona’s full interview and learn how to be an ally of the neurodivergent community or hear resources including Autism coaching click here.
By Malachi Mena
Mission nurses are talking of a potential strike due to staffing issues. Activists in the area are attempting to help these nurses by raising money in case of a strike.
On Open Air’s series, People’s Radio Hour, Rosemary Lord joined Jennifer Hampton to discuss the strike and how they’re working to support the Mission nurses union. Lord explained that as a longtime socialist, supporting workers is one of her key values. After Lord moved to Asheville, they heard about how Mission Hospital had changed after being purchased by the Hospital Corporation of America, which they described as a major issue for the community. It was really important to Lord to be a part of the effort that would help the nurses organize for a new contract.
Hampton went on to describe Lord as a “powerhouse of an organizer,” mentioning all their work with Asheville Food & Beverage United, the Asheville chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, and the canvassing efforts for the tourism taxes for affordable housing. Lord responded, claiming that the affordable housing issue and the Mission nurses issue seemed connected. They said, “It’s all about the fact that Asheville could easily be a place that works for working people. There’s enough money coming in here. There’s enough resources for everybody, but the problem is it’s not distributed in an equitable way.”
The two then went on to discuss why the nurses need a strike fund and Mission’s policies and regulations. For more on the topic, listen to the second half of this week’s episode of Open Air.
Check the Asheville for Nurses Linktree for information about how to donate to the strike fund, volunteer to canvass, and more.
Family-friendly fundraiser for the Mission Nurses Strike Fund at One World Brewing West.
Sunday, July 28, noon–4 p.m.
Featuring performances by Monster Wave and the Rich Nelson Band, speeches by nurses, and a raffle.
Community Picket at Mission Hospital.
Tuesday, August 6, gathering at 5:30, starting at 6
All community members (and their pets!) are welcome to join and show support for Mission nurses. Signs provided or make your own!
AFBU General Membership meeting
July 30, 7 p.m.
12 Baskets
Open to members, and new membership can be established at the meeting.
Private Housing Caucus Group Meeting
July 30 at 6 p.m.
Email Jen to find out more.
WNC Workers Assembly Organizing 101
August 1, 5:30 p.m.
West Asheville Park, 198 Vermont Ave.
Email Jen to register and learn more.
Contact Jen: [email protected]
Written by Jordan Lenoir
Please note descriptions of physical and sexual violence may be triggering for some listeners/readers.
In this fresh new episode of People’s Radio Hour on Open Air, host Jennifer Hampton is joined by Elizabeth Alvandi to discuss her recent feature in a Citizen Times article (published last Sunday) in which she discussed the violence in public housing communities and the lack of response from the Housing Authority or the Asheville Police Department.
Alvandi herself is a public housing resident, whom Hampton says has faced “some pretty harrowing instances of violence and assault, and if not for her incredible talent for documentation, there would likely have been no consequences for her attacker.” Alvandi asserts that “one of the reasons I am speaking up about my story is not necessarily because it’s so unique. I think what’s unique is that I am maybe a bit better positioned to speak out. I have experienced a bit of retaliation.” She goes on to say, “[The] Housing [Authority] should do more.” It is not only women who have experienced this violence, but men as well. Alvandi “believes this is something a lot of people have experienced.”
In this episode of Open Air, Alvandi also shares a traumatic event she experienced on September 20th, 2022, when she was violently assaulted outside her home in Deaverview. She shares that she had had a number of run-ins with her attacker, Jeremiah Jenkins, and instantly recognized him.
Alvandi then goes on to share that even though Jenkins was banned from the community, she and other residents still spotted him occasionally. She states, “I told my site manager that I had been threatened by this man… And instead of informing me that he’s on the ban list [and] he shouldn’t be here, she said, ‘Oh, that doesn’t sound like him,’ indicating she knew of him and thought he was better than that.”
Thank you, Elizabeth Alvandi, for sharing your story and spreading awareness about public housing violence.
For more on this topic, listen to the rest of this week’s Open Air episode.
Written by Malachi Mena
The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) was passed in 1990. Local disability educator and activist Priya Ray of DIYabled notes that many non-disabled individuals aren’t aware of the ADA and its policies, and makes an effort to raise awareness this Disability Pride month!
On Open Air’s series, This Crip Life, Priya Ray was joined by Vicki Young, a disabled law student to discuss and deep dive into the ADA. Ray began by defining it. She stated “the ADA prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government programs and services.”
Young went on to explain that there are 4 titles within the ADA. Title one is employment, title two is State and Local Governments, title three is Public Accommodations and Commercial Facilities, and title four is Telecommunication. Young stated that according to title one, employers cannot discriminate against a qualified disabled individual. She emphasized the word qualified, making it understood that if one lacks the merit or qualifications needed for a position, they are not guaranteed or entitled to such a position. Ray chimed in to point out that the ADA is in place to give disabled people equal rights, not an advantage.
Young mentioned that the ADA gives small businesses and religious institutions a pass on upholding these policies whilst encouraging these groups to do their best at providing equal treatment to disabled individuals. The two went on to discuss accessible housing, religious facilities and more regarding the policies of the ADA.
For more on this ADA conversation, check out this week’s episode of Open Air.
Additionally, local community sponsors are helping Asheville celebrate Disability Pride this July. Checkout diyabled.com for more on the events taking place throughout Asheville.
If your community group would like to add your community-focused event or volunteer opportunity to our monthly listing for January, email [email protected] with the date and time and a link to more information. For concerts and other cultural events, email [email protected].
12 Baskets Cafe
Share in the bounty of rescued food. Open to everyone.
Tuesdays & Fridays 11-1 pm, to-go meals & groceries
Mondays & Thursdays 11-1 pm, sit-down meals
More info: ashevillepovertyinitiative.org
Steady Collective Mobile Needle Exchange
Tuesdays 2:45-4 pm East AVL: 381 Swannanoa River Rd
Wednesdays 10 am-12:30 pm Downtown: 271 Haywood St
Thursdays 2-5 p.m. West AVL: 265 State St
More info: thesteadycollective.org
Youth Outright Galaxy Meetups on Discord
Galaxy Meetups are drop-in spaces for young queer & trans folks to be in community with one another. Prior to joining weekly programming, youth must complete an intake form.
Middle/High School (Ages 11-18), Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5-7 p.m.
Young Adults (Ages 18-24), Wednesdays 5-7 p.m.
Email [email protected] to receive the intake form and get connected to the Discord server.
Black Wall Street Sunday Brunch
All are welcome!
Sundays at 10:30 a.m.
Black Wall Street Building, 8 River Arts Place
More info & tickets: blackwallstreetavl.godaddysites.com
Black Wall Street AVL is also seeking nominations of Outstanding Elders for the Black Wall Street Legacy Award. The nomination period ends December 15.
BeLoved Asheville Toy Drive
Bring unwrapped toys to the donation center Tues-Sat between 11-1. Local organizations are invited to organize a toy drive, BeLoved will design flyers and provide collection boxes.
BeLoved Donation Center, 32 Old Charlotte Hwy
More info: @belovedasheville on Instagram
City of Asheville Youth Leadership Academy (CAYLA) Applications Open
Sophomores & juniors in high school are invited to apply for this paid internship program. The program takes place over the summer months and places the students in paid internships in the field of their choice. Upon completion of the program, students are awarded a $2,000 scholarship to go towards their college education. Applications are open until January 15, 2024.
For more information: ashevillenc.gov or contact Promise Boseman at [email protected]
Asheville Greenworks Weekly Nursery Workdays
First through third Tuesdays of each month, 10-12 p.m.
Prune, pot, water, label and otherwise care for the next generation of Asheville’s neighborhood trees.
Sand Hill Tree Nursery, 24 Apac Dr.
More information and register at ashevillegreenworks.org
Thurs, Dec 7, 5-7 p.m.
The Beacon Network Town Square
Beacon is a nonprofit social network mainly focused on local direct action and mutual aid efforts, especially those concerning social and environmental justice. Beacon offers regular publications and virtual communication tools to amplify community actions.
Great Wild Nowhere Bar, 122 Riverside Drive
More info: thebeaconnetwork.org
Thurs, Dec 7, 5:30 p.m.
Youth OUTright Public Comment on SB 49 AKA “Don’t Say Gay”
Youth OUTright invites the public to join them in making public comment on SB 49 at the Buncombe County School District Meeting.
175 Bingham Road
More info: @youth.outright on Instagram
Thurs, Dec 7, 10-11 a.m.
Understanding Homelessness-Causes & Local Landscape
The City of AVL’s Community & Economic Development Dept invites you to attend an upcoming 3-part community education series on understanding homelessness. This is part 1.
Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Avenue
More info & register: https://publicinput.com/r0686
Questions? Email: [email protected] or call 828-203-0892
Thurs, Dec 7, 6-9 p.m.
Just Economics Annual Celebration
An evening to celebrate the work of Just Economics and the community that supports it. Open to all, with drinks, dinner, games, prizes and live music.
Habitat for Humanity Event Space, 33 Meadow Rd
More info: justeconomicswnc.org
Sat, Dec 9, 1-5 p.m.
P.E.A.C.E. Team Family Day of Action & Remembrance
No Questions Asked Gun Buy Back, 1-3 p.m.
Family fun, food, and community healing.
3 Hunt Hill Place
More info: Contact Jacquelyn Lake at [email protected] or 828-318-7714
Sun, Dec 10, 12-2 p.m.
Ceasefire Postcard Writing
This postcard writing pop-up invites community members to connect and write to their congressional representatives to demand a ceasefire in Gaza.
Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd.
More info: firestorm.coop
Sun, Dec 10, 2-3 p.m.
Asheville Community Bail Fund Volunteer Orientation
This is an interest meeting for people who want to plug into the Asheville Community Bail Fund. The Fund helps post bail for people who are incarcerated in the Buncombe County Jail. We will explain how cash bail works, how the bail fund operates, and how you can get involved.
Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd.
More info: https://avlcommunitybail.carrd.co/
Mon, Dec 11, 10-11 a.m.
Understanding Solutions to Homelessness-Community Response, Present & Future
The City of AVL’s Community & Economic Development Dept invites you to attend an upcoming 3-part community education series on understanding homelessness. This is part 2.
Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Avenue
Pre-registration encouraged.
More info & register: https://publicinput.com/r0686
Questions? Email: [email protected] or call 828-203-0892
Tues, Dec 12, 1-3 p.m.
Asheville Poverty Initiative Technology Tuesday
Jensen from Asheville Digital Lifestyle will be providing tech support & teaching for computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.
12 Baskets Cafe, 610 Haywood Rd
More info: ashevillepovertyinitiative.org
Weds, Dec 13, 6-7 p.m.
Flames of Antifascist Resistance
An amulet making and candle lighting event for the seventh night of Hanukkah 5784 based on diasporic Jewish traditions. All welcome!
Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd.
More info: firestorm.coop
Weds, Dec 13, 4-6 p.m.
Youth OUTright HoliGAY Party
Queer & trans youth 11-18 are invited for games and food.
The Nerd Dungeon, 505 New Leicester Hwy
More info: @youth.outright on Instagram
RSVP: givebutter.com/holigay2023
Thurs, Dec 14, 6-8 p.m.
Asheville Tool Library Volunteer Training Night
If you can commit to at least 2 shifts per month for a few months, you are invited to the monthly volunteer meeting. Fill out an application ahead of time to get the handbook, and read the handbook before training night.
16 Smith Mill Rd
More info: ashevilletoollibrary.org
Sun, Dec 17, 1-3 p.m.
Asheville Prison Books Packaging Party
Asheville Prison Books (APB) is a volunteer-run collective which has distributed free reading material to people incarcerated in North and South Carolina since 1999. The group meets monthly on the 3rd Sundays of the month to package books and welcome new members.
Firestorm Books, 1022 Haywood Rd., confirm @avlprisonbooks on Instagram
More info: avlpb.org
Mon, Dec 18, 10-11 a.m.
Personal Response to Homelessness-How to partner with local agencies and take action
The City of AVL’s Community & Economic Development Dept invites you to attend an upcoming 3-part community education series on understanding homelessness. This is part 3.
Stephens-Lee Community Center, 30 George Washington Carver Avenue
More info & register: https://publicinput.com/r0686
Questions? Email: [email protected] or call 828-203-0892
Weds Dec 20, 5:30-10 p.m.
Black Wall Street Holiday Jam
Music, soul food, and networking event.
Black Wall Street Building, 8 River Arts Place
More info: @blackwallstreetavl on Instagram
Thurs, Dec 21, 1-2 p.m.
Just Economics Affordable Housing Working Group Meeting
The Affordable Housing Strategy Team is a monthly meeting of advocates for affordable housing in WNC meeting on zoom every 3rd Thursday of the month. To be added to the call, email [email protected]
More info: justeconomicswnc.org
Thurs, Dec 21, 2-3 p.m.
Blue Christmas Celebration at Trinity United Methodist Church
A longest night service addressing the difficulties of the holiday season. Join neighbors at noon for a sit down meal at 12 Baskets Cafe before the service.
587 Haywood Rd
Today we are learning about the peer support offered by Sunrise Community for Recovery & Wellness. Kevin Mahoney, founder, Training Educator and Peer Support Specialist, and Jodi Ford, Director of Development and Marketing, join Melanie in conversation about the benefits of peer support in our community. You can find more information about Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness at their website, sunriseinasheville.org or call the main number to talk to a Certified Peer Support Specialist: 828-552-3858
Sunrise Community holds outreach hours as follows:
Mondays
9-11 am at AHOPE, 19 N. Ann St.
11 am-1pm at 12 Baskets, 610 Haywood Rd.
Tuesdays
9 am-noon at at AHOPE
Wednesdays
10 am-1 pm at Haywood Street Congregation, 297 Haywood St.
Thursdays & Fridays
9-11 am at AHOPE
11 am-1PM at 12 Baskets
The first meeting of the Hearing Voices Network discussion group, for people with unusual sensory experiences, will be held today, Nov 8, at 3 p.m. at Amerihealth at 216 Asheland Ave.
Warm Hands Reaching Cold Hands will be held at New Belgium Asheville on Sunday, November 19 from 1-4 p.m. and will feature fun, games, drinks and fellowship with local organizations that are making a positive impact on homelessness and hunger in our community. Donations of hand warmers, socks, or non-perishables are encouraged!
The challenges of finding housing, transportation, living wage work opportunities, the impacts of the opioid epidemic, and limited access to healthcare across the region are familiar to many in the mountains of WNC. However, the negative impact of these social determinants of health (SDoH) has an even darker aspect that, for many, goes largely unseen and unspoken about: They correlate to our region’s risk level for human trafficking.
The US Department of State describes human trafficking as modern slavery, where traffickers’ use force, fraud, and/or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Frequently involving sexual violence, each instance of trafficking has severe impacts on the survivor, their community, and future generations’ health. Those who face challenges meeting basic survival or other needs have a higher risk of either actively turning to trafficking (either of themselves or others in their care), or being vulnerable to being drawn into trafficking by others, to meet those needs.
Education on trafficking is a key strategy for improving the health and wellbeing in our region. In this installment of the WNC HPI podcast, producer Andrew Rainey speaks with Rita Sneider-Cotter, the Executive Director of OurVOICE, about sexual violence and human trafficking in WNC, the intersection of SDoH and trafficking, and what’s being done in our region to address this critical issue.
In a special bonus hour of Open Air this Weds, Oct 25 at 1 p.m., we’re excited to be joined by artist Dennis McNett, who is in Asheville creating community art in support of the Foundation Skate Park. McNett’s annual HalloWolfbat event took place Saturday at the Orange Peel, with giant puppets battling in the crowd as metal bands thrashed on stage.
This week, McNett is hosting a series of mask-making workshops at New Belgium Brewery, culminating in a Halloween Procession on Saturday the 28th at the Foundation Skate Park.
Wolfbat Mask Making Workshop
Wed, Oct. 25th – Fri, Oct. 27th, 3-7pm
New Belgium Brewing Company Event Lawn
21 Craven Street, Asheville, NC
Email [email protected] to sign up
Wolfbat Wicked Walk
Sat, October 28th
Foundation Skate Park
DJ Salami Baby & Mask Painting from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Halloween Procession starting at 3:15 p.m.
Today on Open Air, we’ll hear from the WNC Health Policy Initiative podcast. Tune in live on Weds at noon or hear it in our archives for two weeks after broadcast!
School Meals as an Intervention for Food Insecurity in WNC
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies food insecurity as a “non-medical factor that influences health outcomes,” which is also known as a social determinant of health. From long-term impacts associated with “developmental, economic, social” factors, to diet-related illnesses such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes, food insecurity has an impact on health (as noted by the World Health Organization on their 2021 Malnutrition Factsheet).
In NC, following a 2022 submission to the NC Medical Journal, one in six children are food insecure, and seen in the USDA’s Food Access Research Atlas, over 1.6 million North Carolinians live in a food desert where healthy foods are not accessible. Since 2012, NC saw an increase in the number of food deserts.
For WNC in particular, the WNC Health Network (WNCHN) found that “the percent of adults in WNC consuming 5+ fruits and vegetables per day has decreased from 8% in 2015 to 5.6% in 2021” and “more than half of very low-income adults in WNC have experienced food insecurity in the past year.” Data collected by the WNCHN also shows that rates of cardiovascular disease and Type 2 Diabetes in WNC are consistently higher than the rest of NC and the country.
To improve health outcomes in our region associated with food insecurities, the NC Alliance for Health (NCAH) supports a Free School Meals for All program to work as a preventative strategy. In this installment of the HPI Podcast, Andrew Rainey speaks with Marianne Weant and Alecia Sanders of the NCAH about food insecurity, the School Meals for All Campaign, what we learned from implementing a similar program in NC during COVID, political challenges, and both state and local considerations for implementation. Check out the website at wnchealthpolicy.org for more installments of the HPI podcast and to learn more about public health issues in WNC.
Join us this Wednesday, September 27, for The Peoples’ Radio Hour: Housing & Wages in WNC
The Peoples’ Radio Hour is hosted by Jen Hampton, who heads up the Asheville Food and Beverage Union and works on tenants and housing at Just Economics. This week Jen is being joined by Homelessness Prevention Program Director at Pisgah Legal Services David Bartholomew and local union leader and cook Ariana Lingerfelt.
Jen and her guests want to hear from YOU. What are your questions about your rights as a renter in NC? Aside from the obvious issue of affordability, what is most concerning to you about housing? How about labor? What do you want to know about labor organizing and unions in NC? What have you heard about unions in NC that you’re not sure is true?
Email your questions to [email protected]
David Bartholomew is a native of Waynesville, NC and currently works as a Homelessness Prevention Program Director for Pisgah Legal Services. Before returning home to WNC, he practiced with the Georgia Legal Services Program and Atlanta Legal Aid. David’s work focuses on housing law, administrative law, and community economic development.
Ariana Lingerfelt is a leader in the local labor movement. She is a union leader, full time cook, UNCA student and member of the Asheville Food & Beverage Untied steering committee.
This week on Open Air, The WNC Health Policy Initiative shares a recent podcast installment on Maternal, Infant, and Child Health in the 18, primarily rural, western-most counties of the state. Listen in as Andrew Rainey speaks with the Region 1 Perinatal Champion, Katlyn Moss, about what’s working, what’s challenging, what opportunities could be taken, and what resources exist for Maternal, Infant, and Child Health in our region.
To see the transcript, links to resources, and learn more about public health issues in WNC, be sure to check out the website @ https://www.wnchealthpolicy.org/media
This week on Open Air, we have a conversation between Jess Speer, the Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator at Asheville FM and Sherree Lucas, Executive Director of Go Local Asheville. These nerds for community have a great time talking about the importance and value of supporting local businesses and the Go Local card program.
Asheville FM is proud to be a Go Local business partner, and we’re excited to take part in Love Asheville – Go Local Month by launching a new way of thanking our listener members for their recurring donations. Donations greater than $60 and all recurring donations of any amount will receive a Go Local card! Going forward, becoming a listener member with a recurring donation will get you a special kind of membership card–a Go Local Asheville card that gets you discounts all around town.
For more information about Go Local Asheville, visit: https://golocalasheville.com/
You can follow Go Local Asheville on all social media at @golocalasheville
The Go Local Asheville app is available for Android and iPhones and includes a searchable guide to participating businesses.
You can hear the last two weeks of the show on the Open Air show page, and older episodes on the Open Air podcast page. If you belong to a local organization that’s working to improve the lives of our neighbors here in Asheville and you’d like to work with us to produce a single episode or a series, contact the Open Air production team at [email protected]
Open Air airs every Wednesday at noon and features programming produced in partnership with local organizations working to improve the lives of people living in the Asheville area! This week, we’re taking some time to talk about what Asheville FM does in the community and the people who make it work! (For instance, the volunteers who are helping to produce Open Air!)
Next Wednesday, we’ll be celebrating Go Local Month, and on Feb 15th we’re excited to air a show coproduced with the Sunrise Coalition. The Racial Justice Coalition returns to the airwaves with another episode of Don’t Get Too Comfortable on Feb 22.
If you or an organization you work with to improve the lives of Asheville neighbors would like to get involved, send an email to [email protected]
Today we’re launching a new on-air program to help us reach out to more of our community groups and provide a platform for their work on the airwaves. We’re excited to announce Open Air will be airing every Wednesday at noon and will feature programming produced in partnership with local organizations working to improve the lives of people living in the Asheville area!
In the first episode, we’ll hear from the Racial Justice Coalition. It’s been really fun to conceptualize the series they had in mind, which they’ll use to launch a new podcast. RJC will produce a show once per month with us, and we can’t wait to learn about their work and hear from local artists, businesses, and organizers from Asheville’s Black community.
Open Air is intended not only to inform the community about work being done by local groups, but to help those groups develop broadcasting and audio production skills they can use going forward, and audio files they can use on their websites or to launch a podcast of their own! Open Air is produced by volunteers from the community as well and is a great way to learn audio production and radio skills.
If you or an organization you work with to improve the lives of Asheville neighbors would like to get involved, send an email to [email protected]