08.11.2023

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Sunrise 7:40 a.m. | Sunset 5:30 p.m.

Inside Asheville’s newest acupuncture clinic

Affordable Acupuncture of Asheville wants to make acupuncture accessible for everyone

Owners Sam and Megan in front of Affordable Acupuncture of Asheville

Sam and Megan are working to make acupuncture accessible. | Photo by AVLtoday

This week, Affordable Acupuncture of Asheville opened its doors at 5 Regent Park Blvd. Ste. 104, offering a safe space for all to make progress in their wellness journey.

Licensed acupuncturists and co-owners Sam Soemardi and Megan Smith are working to break down boundaries to healthcare and make acupuncture more accessible to the community. “I had a brief moment where I did private acupuncture, but my friends couldn’t afford it — because nobody I knew could afford it,” shared Sam.

The pair are aiming to change that with lower-cost sliding-scale treatments — initial visits range from $40 to $65, with additional visits costing $25 to $50. Folks are invited to pay what they can, with no questions asked. “We want to be a resource for the working class in Asheville,” says Megan, which is why the clinic also provides service workers with a special offer of one free treatment.

But the efforts to make acupuncture more accessible don’t stop there. Sam has also created the nonprofit Acupuncture Free Clinic of Asheville to provide no-cost and donation-based services to marginalized communities.

Take a look inside

Affordable acupuncture of AVL — Relax in a recliner during your session.
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Photo by AVLtoday

The clinic specializes in community acupuncture, with several reclining chairs in a shared open area. Each person is treated individually, but the layout provides a collective healing space and the chance for patients to self-regulate within community. And if you find yourself oh so relaxed, patients are welcome to take a cat nap during their 45-minute session in the chair.

On pins and needles waiting to schedule a session? The books are open for August, with Megan accepting appointments and walk-ins. Sam is currently seeing existing clients.

Events

Friday, Aug. 11

Movies in the Park | Friday, Aug. 11 | 8-10:30 p.m. | Pack Square Park, 80 Court Pl., Asheville | Free | Catch the last film of this summer series with a screening of “Little Giants.”
4th Annual One Act Play Festival | Friday, Aug. 11-Sunday, Aug. 13 | Times vary | The Magnetic Theatre, 375 Depot St., Asheville | $25 | An incredible lineup of local directors will present their short plays around the theme of home.

Saturday, Aug. 12

Cornhole Tournament | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 3-6 p.m. | Bear’s Smokehouse Asheville, 135 Coxe Ave., Asheville | $5 | Put your skills to the test at this tournament for all ages — donations benefit MANNA FoodBank.
Yoga in the Park for Homeward Bound of WNC | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 9-10 a.m. | Reuter Terrace in Pack Square Park, S. Market St., Asheville | Free | Bring your mat and water bottle for this donation-based class.
Artisan Fair | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | There There, 20 Artful Way, Asheville | Free | Browse a curated selection of goods, including pottery from Knook Ceramics, vintage clothing from Sure Please, art from Dorene Gorman, jewelry from Jules Vance, and flowers from Tiny Magic.

Sunday. Aug. 13

Better Thymes Brunch Pop-Up | Sunday, Aug. 13 | 12-4 p.m. | Botainst & Barrel Tasting Bar + Bottle Shop, 32 Broadway St. Ste. 110, Asheville | $5 deposit for reservation | Savor healthy, delicious, and sustainably conscious brunch dishes — vegan and non-vegan options available.
Crabs & Beer Feast | Sunday, Aug. 13 | 4-6:30 p.m. | Blue Ghost Brewing, 125 Underwood Rd., Fletcher | $17.25 | Enjoy all-you-can-eat blue crabs cooked on-site with craft beer to wash it down — tickets required.

Monday, Aug. 14

MashUp Mondays | Monday, Aug. 14 | 8-11 p.m. | One World Brewing - West Asheville, 520 Haywood Rd., Asheville | $10 | Get groovin’ to the JLloyd MashUp featuring new guests each week.

Events calendar here

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Drink

🍻 Cheers to 15 years of Clawhammer

An amber lager is held by two people cheersing in front of Highland Brewing.

Highland named the beer after Clawhammer Mountain, in an effort to bring awareness to conservation efforts of Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. | Photo provided by Highland Brewing

Clawhammer Oktoberfest, Highland Brewing’s seasonal lager release, is turning 15.

The beer, named after Clawhammer Mountain outside of Brevard, features a recipe consistent with traditional German-style Märzens. Highland’s version is smooth and toasty and pairs especially well with late summer campfires or crisp fall evenings.

Pro tip: Set the vibe with this curated playlist featuring Clawhammer-style banjo heard in traditional Appalachian music.

Clawhammer is a seasonal release, so…

Get sippin’ before it sells out

News Notes

Edu

Verner Center for Early Learning has recieved grant funding from Dogwood Health Trust to create the Verner Center for Resilience. The nonprofit’s new program will provide clinical and therapeutic services to early educators throughout Buncombe County. The group and individual therapy programming for teachers will begin in late October of 2024.

Community

Local nonprofit Bounty & Soul received a $25,000 grant from Bank of America to support the organization’s mission of providing access to fresh produce and wellness education. Learn how you can get involved in supporting Bounty & Soul’s goal of bridging the gap between food security and health.

Active

Gear up for Asheville on Bikes’ Summer Cycle, happening next Saturday, Aug. 19. The group is partnering with Riding in Color to provide an affinity program dedicated to BIPOC families. The Summer Cycle offers three routes and a pop-up bike park. Find the full schedule and details.

Outdoors

You’ve heard of goat yoga — but what about alpaca yoga? Winchester Creek Farm is now offering alpaca yoga classes on selected Thursday and Saturday mornings at 9 a.m. Book an Ashtanga Vinyasa, chair yoga, or gentle yoga class for $25.

Cause

Help the Asheville Museum of Science (AMOS) expand access to STEM education across WNC by attending its Under the Stars fundraiser. Join AMOS at the Highland Brewing Event Center on Thursday, Sept. 14 from 6 to 10 p.m. for an evening of science, dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. Find tickets.

Job

The North Carolina Local News Lab Fund is hiring an Associate Director to advance its mission of ensuring that “everyone in North Carolina can find, trust, and use high-quality news and information, delivered by providers that are reflective of and engaged with their communities.” Learn more and apply.

Eat

From seasonal catches to beloved regulars, there’s one word you’ll always find yourself saying at The Lobster Trap: yum. See drool-worthy photos of their latest menu items + make a reservation.*

Arts

Looking to get more creative or find a hobby you can share with others? John C. Campbell Folk School offers immersive, hands-on learning experiences for adults, with 800+ classes from blacksmithing to ceramics, gardening to woodworking, and more. Find a class by exploring your favorite subject.*

Edu

📚 Ready, set, read

Buncombe County Public Libraries introduces 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Program

All of this could be yours if your little one completes 1,000 books. | Photo by Megan Northcote

Have a budding bookworm on your hands? Children five years old and younger are invited to participate in Buncombe County Public Libraries’ 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.

Beginning tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 12, families can pick up a program booklet at any local library. Parents record the titles of books they read to their child — and once you reach 500 books, return the booklet to any Buncombe County Public Library location to receive a free canvas tote bag.

Once 1,000 books are read, make your way back to the library to be presented with your well-earned certificate of completion. Kiddos have until they start kindergarten to finish the program.

The program kicks off with a launch party at the East Asheville Public Library tomorrow, Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Show your excitement with games, crafts, puppets, and children’s band Big, Bang, Boom!. Ready, set, read.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Grace

From the editor

I’m wishing there was a similar reading program for adults at the Buncombe County Public Libraries because that tote bag would look great in my collection.

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