Sign in

TonyInAsheville (He/Him)

@tonysarris.bsky.social
750 followers 258 following 5.8K posts

Humanist, mensch, husband-to-my-husband, father & friend. Love nature, architecture, travel, world history, books, food, wine & craft beer. So fortunate to live in beautiful Blue Ridge Mtns in cool, quirky Asheville, NC (AVL). Follow mostly ppl in AVL/NC.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Roy Cooper @roycoopernc.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
📍 Wilmington
49027
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Alas, all good cults must come to an end.
020
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Jamie Ager @jamie.agerforcongress.com · 27/09/2026
It’s been two years since Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina. While the damage was devastating, the way this community came together to rebuild has been even more powerful. It is still a long road ahead, but we're in it together. #NC11 #WNC #WesternNC #HurricaneHelene
0166
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Great food and music today at Asheville's 40th Annual Greek Festival. The pastries (made by a troop of γιαγιά's I think) are excellent and remind me of my own γιαγιά and megáli theía baking at the holidays. Opa!
Asheville's 40th Annual Greek FestivalLamb gyro, Spartan fries and chicken gyro at the 40th Annual Asheville Greek FestivalGreek pastries from the 40th Annual Asheville Greek Festival, from upper right clockwise baklava, melomakarona, kourambiede, kataifi, and amygdalota (center)
120
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
1st vegan/plant-based cooking class: lunch of Moroccan lentil soup, arugula topped with mujadara & Lebanese salata, baba ganoush with whole wheat pita & dessert of chocolate hummus on top of apple slices. Healthy can definitely be tasty!
Clockwise from upper left: Moroccan lentil soup, arugula topped with mujadara (brown rice, lentils, onions & spices) and Lebanese salata, baba ganoush with whole wheat pita bread and dessert of chocolate hummus on top of apple slices
070
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Rima I Anabtawi @rimaanabtawi.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Pour yourself a cup of ambition. It’s Dolly Parton Day! Across the world, communities are dedicating Friday to honoring the beloved country singer. The day is falling on Sept. 25, a wink at Parton’s hit song “9 to 5.” abcnews.com/Lifestyle/wi...
abcnews.com
It's officially Dolly Parton Day, with parades, pink lights and book drives
Communities worldwide are dedicating Friday to honoring Dolly Parton
04422
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
ICE and their MAGA supporters seems to revel in the cruelty. It's born of racism and xenophobia. They treat immigrants, whether undocumented or not, and especially PoC, as subhuman. This behavior is the worst of America. Nothing "great" about it at all.
030
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
It was Natalie all along?
000
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
1st visit today during Art in Autumn to the new Dry Ridge Gallery in Weaverville. It's like a tiny version of Asheville's Marquee (in the River Arts District). Some really nice art, displayed well, in a relatively compact space (former honey processing business). Includes a small bar & patio.
Dry Ridge Gallery in Weaverville NC (Asheville metro area). It's in a former honey processing business and fortunately they saved the bee mural on the outside of the building.
020
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
If you live in the Asheville NC area & love paw paws, Meadowsweet Creamery in Weaverville has -- for a brief period of time -- paw paw sorbet. It's a rich, creamy sorbet with plenty of fresh paw paw fruit. They sold out today during Art in Autumn but a new batch will be available ~Wed 9/23. So good!
Paw paw sorbet, available for a very limited time at Meadowsweet Creamery in Weaverville (Asheville) NC.
030
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Jamie Ager @jamie.agerforcongress.com · 18/09/2026
The government's job isn't to track private citizens. All across Western North Carolina, I keep hearing the same concern: people don't trust Flock & Axon cameras that watch their every move. We need real guardrails before this technology outpaces our constitutional rights. #WNC #NCpol #NC11
01811
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
If I recall correctly, Saudi Arabia & Crown Prince MBS in specific, don't have the greatest track record of friendly relationships with the media: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assassi...
en.wikipedia.org
Assassination of Jamal Khashoggi - Wikipedia
031
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Abdul El-Sayed @abdulelsayed.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Corporations are not people. Their money is not speech. They should not be able to buy politicians. End Citizens United.
495221305807
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
MAGA with their victimization complex views both the Canadians & Europeans as the US' "enemies", the same way they view Democrats & anyone with an education in the US as "elites". But none of those ppl caused their economic problems. It's oligarchs & greedy corps maximizing CEO bonuses over workers.
010
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Michael Warburton @michaelwarburton.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Cher’s outfit reveals on The Cher Show (1975) designed by BOB MACKIE — who passed away today at the age of 87.
18962121407
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Did the annual West Asheville Garden Stroll today. So nice of people to open up their gardens for others to experience and enjoy. I'm always amazed at what some ppl can do with little garden plots in WAVL, but also amazed sometimes at the surprisingly large "secret gardens" hidden from the street.
This beautiful garden wall, seen during the West Asheville Garden Stroll Sept 2026, was exposed when the owners relocated an old shed on the property. Loved the use of the mirror to make it seem like it was a real archway leading into another garden.A single-flowered dahlia that is lilac and white with a bright yellow center and drops of water on the petals, as seen during the West Asheville Garden Stroll Sept 2026. Striking bright pink, fuzzy-looking clusters of spiky castor bean seed pods growing above deep-burgundy, star-shaped leaves, as seen during the West Asheville Garden Stroll Sept 2026.
060
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani @mayor.nyc.gov · 11/09/2026
Today, I attended a memorial mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, led by Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks, in honor of those who died on 9/11.

25 years ago, we bore witness to unimaginable suffering. But New Yorkers met that moment with a spirit of love, sacrifice, and solidarity that guided us forward.

As we remember those we lost, let us continue to take refuge in one another. Let us recommit to the work of building a better city — one that is worthy of the legacy they left.
169147562603
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Today I remember Dan, Ron & David. I'll never forget them. I am so thankful they founded the LA Pop Luck Club. Without their friendship, support & strong parenting example, we might never have had the courage to adopt our son. May they rest forever in peace. www.911memorial.org/connect/blog...
911memorial.org
Honoring the Life of David Reed Gamboa Brandhorst | National September 11 Memorial & Museum
010
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
I not part of any organized religion anymore, but when I hear James Talarico giving a stump speech or being interviewed, I just want to shout, "Preach, James, preach"!
030
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
Some pics from the "Dahlia Lama Garden" at Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville NC (near Asheville). The dahlias are pretty much at their peak for the next couple of weeks (weather depending) and they are amazing!
Pink, red and white dahlia in the "Dahlia Lama Garden" at Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC (near Asheville)Half pink/half white dahlia in the "Dahlia Lama Garden" at Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC (near Asheville)Red and yellow dahlia that looks like a sunburst in the "Dahlia Lama Garden" at Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC (near Asheville)A stand of red and yellow dahlias in the "Dahlia Lama Garden" at Bullington Gardens in Hendersonville, NC (near Asheville)
020
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
You might be MAGA if... You had to drive 160 miles (using $4/gal gas) to have minor surgery because your rural hospital closed & it'll take you 6 months now to pay off the hospital bill. But you're happy that Great Leader is 100% focused on building a gold-plated ballroom & arch to honor himself.
000
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Asheville For All @ashevilleforall.org · 03/09/2026
Our endorsement rollout continues! Read all about our picks for Asheville City Council, and other endorsements we've made: ashevilleforall.org/2026-09-03-e...
Text reads: "Endorsement alert!" Below that are three profile photographs. The Asheville For All logo sits in the bottom corner.
001
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
You might be MAGA if... You're struggling to buy a pound of ground beef at Dollar General. But you think it's ok if the tRump family makes billions off cryptocurrency & insider trading in the stock market.
020
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Insightful article by one of Ukraine's leading English-language newspapers about the cost of the Ukraine war to Russia. Bessent & the G20 should have jointly decided if inviting Russia to the G20 mtg made sense in terms of convincing them the benefits of ending the war outweigh those by continuing.
010
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Dude managed to pretty much cover all the current tRump regime BS in one song. Who said protest songs were dead?
030
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Don't want to see the offensive and silly label Lake America on your Google Maps? Here's a simple fix: change you Region setting in Google Maps to Canada. Then the map will properly display the correct name of Lake Ontario (you may need to refresh the page/clear cache). Also shows Gulf of Mexico.
020
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Meanwhile, the US welcomes the G20 finance ministers to Asheville. Hopefully all of the other G20 countries are developed enough that they require measles vaccinations for their citizens. Fun fact: it's a preventable disease in modern times!
030
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Berlin's NYT reporter was credentialed for G20. Thank you Germany for helping to ensure freedom of the press (a right the US Constitution is supposed to provide). The Marshall Plan paid it forward & now Germany is helping the US as we descend down a dangerous rabbithole Germany knows only too well.
000
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
Time for everyone to go to the Google Maps location for Lake Ontario & use the Reviews button to tell them what bootlicking, spinless pieces of shit they are for changing the name to Lake America just because the Fat Bastard Orange King couldn't close a trade deal. www.google.com/maps/@43.270...
google.com
Google Maps
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
151
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Billy Ball @billyball.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Recently, I talked to the Asheville Watchdog about the right-wing site set up to impersonate Cardinal & Pine. (🔗 below) Don't be fooled if "Pine & Cardinal" pops up in your feed. We're us and they're, well, whatever the hell they are. avlwatchdog.org/pink-slime-j...
avlwatchdog.org
Pink-slime journalism comes to North Carolina’s Senate race • Asheville Watchdog
Let’s start with the term “pink-slime journalism,” political propaganda dressed up to look like local news. Now add the term “dark money,” secretive campaign donations from the ultrarich to politician...
077
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Few people are as beloved these days as Dolly was.
021
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
You can thank SCOTUS' Citizens United ruling for this. Unless Congress acts to undo Citizens United, our elections will continue to be corrupted by oligarchs & big corporations flooding them with misinformation funded by their dark money. PACs are not people. This is how democracy dies.
040
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
KimRoneyforAsheville @kimroney.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
On Tuesday, August 25th, I made the successful motion to cancel Asheville’s contract with Flock. This is a first, important step to protecting the Constitutional rights and safety of the people who live and work in Asheville. #deflock #noalprs #Asheville
282
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Ken Paxton in a nutshell: steals your money, while at the same time restricting what you can do with your own body, time and money.
010
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Welcoming Neighbors Network @welcomingneighbors.us · 25/08/2026
Asheville votes today on legalizing duplexes citywide and expanding ADUs. It's already a big year for housing in NC; this would make it even bigger. ⛰️🤩
citizen-times.com
Opinion: Hiding in plain sight: Duplexes and ADUs enrich neighborhoods for all
On Tuesday, August 25, Asheville City Council is poised to vote on two zoning amendments that would make it easier to create more housing options.
062
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
I swear I was not microdosing at the time, but I saw this little group of mushrooms and they looked to me like an aerial view of the huts in some African village.
Aerial view of huts in an African village.Mushrooms that look like an aerial view of huts in an African village.
040
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Robert Reich @rbreich.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
A recent survey found that 92% of U.S. adults have delayed or avoided medical care due to high costs. Meanwhile, a new study from Yale estimates that Medicare for All would save over 114,000 lives and $1 trillion a year. If this country was truly “pro-life,” we would have universal healthcare.
594153315153
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
Nice, well-marked hiking trails in Valdese Lake Park, an hour's drive east of Asheville. 4-6 miles of trails. Greenway & Red Trails both connect to the waterfall & historic grist mill nearer the town of Valdese, named for the Waldenses settlers from Italy's western Piedmont region who founded it.
Waldensian church in Valdese, NC, about an hour's drive east of Asheville.McGalliard Falls and grist mill in Valdese, NC, about an hour's drive east of Asheville.McGalliard Falls and grist mill water wheel in Valdese, NC, about an hour's drive east of Asheville.Historic grist mill in Valdese, NC, about an hour's drive east of Asheville.
040
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Very good article about hospital monopolies indicating prices go up while quality of care goes down. No surprise that HCA Mission Hospital in Asheville is cited as an example, and more importantly as a cautionary tale for other mergers under consideration. New hospitals opening in the area may help.
051
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Abdul El-Sayed @abdulelsayed.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
Does it ever feel like you're in a cage being watched? Well, you are. By Flock cameras, thanks to Mike Rogers.
315143554327
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
It's also available online, if y'all don't want to handle paper. mountainx.com/issues/best-... Part 1 is available now, with Part 2 coming next week.
mountainx.com
Best of WNC 2026 Awards, Part One – Mountain Xpress
020
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
The people of Asheville have spoken (loudly) & the City Council apparently heard the outcry -- especially the 3 members of the council & the mayor, who are up for re-election in Nov, but the other 2 members as well [Note: Kim Roney was previously the only Council Member opposing the Flock cameras].
261
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
We're pretty much all being Flocked, every day, everywhere we drive our cars. For no real reason, apart from the fact the technology exists & law enforcement thinks it'll somehow help them. Here's something that will help: use the funds instead to hire neighborhood police & pay them a living wage.
040
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
I think Pete is right that most Americans support the things he's talking about here. They could all be labeled either as progressive policies or simply "progress". It's democratic socialism as practiced in almost all the EU countries as well as Canada, Australia & New Zealand. The US is an outlier.
220
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Britt Lundgren @brittlundgren.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Watching @jamie.agerforcongress.com and his sons play bluegrass was adorable. Glad that I could attend today's campaign event and learn more about Ager's priorities of Helene recovery ✅, environmental protection✅, constituent service✅, and anti-corruption✅. I'm in! #ncpol #nc11
NC11 congressional candidate Jamie Ager and his sons with guitars, on a stage with campaign posters in the backdrop.
193
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
What a way to throw it back at the MAGAts who bend over backwards to play the xenophobic, Islamophobic "other" card (i.e., foreign, Muslim, dangerous) against Abdul El-Sayed. He was raised in a blended, interfaith family. But even if everyone in his family had immigrated & is Muslim, he's American!
131
Reposted by TonyInAsheville (He/Him)
Jamie Ager @jamie.agerforcongress.com · 10/08/2026
Washington is full of backroom deals, insider trading, and career politicians getting rich while working folks get squeezed. The people are sick of the constant corruption, and I refuse to stand by and watch it happen.
6208
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Each local Fox News affiliate apparently has their own Bluesky account & each one separately posts "national interest" stories like this one about Asheville, presumably so their biased propaganda gets the widest distribution possible. They sure do love to beat up on blue cities like Asheville!
130
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Visited Oak & Grist Distillery in Black Mountain, NC (near Asheville) yesterday to hear local artist Emeline Scales. Did a tasting flight of their spirits, had a couple great cocktails & enjoyed the music from their covered patio. Will be back in the fall when they swap in a couple peaty Scotches.
Local Asheville artist Emeline Scales performing at Oak & Grist Distillery in Black Mountain, NC, accompanied by her dad. She's got a great voice!Tasting flight at Oak & Grist Distillery in Black Mountain, NC near Asheville.Dutch-style genever gin from Oak & Grist Distillery in Black Mountain, NC near Asheville.Cocktails at Oak & Grist Distillery in Black Mountain, NC near Asheville.
120
TonyInAsheville (He/Him) @tonysarris.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
tRump doesn't own the White House. He's basically a tenant who has lodging provided as part of his employment. The American people own the White House. We're the landlords. The mgmt company we use for this high-end "rental property", Congress, did not approve this reno. www.pbs.org/newshour/pol...
pbs.org
Appeals court rules Trump can't build White House ballroom without congressional approval
Trump said in a post on social media that he would be appealing what he called an “unjust decision” to the U.S. Supreme Court.
030