I have lived in San Francisco since 1986 but have been splitting my time between there and Asheville, where my parents and two siblings live, for 20 years. I love the arts scene in Asheville, and there is so much to do outdoors! I am the co-founder the AIDS Memorial Quilt, which started on my back porch in 1987. (Younger people have no clue what this is, but a Google search should help...) I've been running AIDS or LGBT organizations my whole adult life and enjoy the community-building aspect of what I do. After 13 years, I recently stepped down as executive director of AIDS Emergency Fund and Breast Cancer Emergency Fund, two related non-profits that help low income people pay their basic living costs while disabled or going through surgery, chemo or radiation. Asheville has always been my escape space and un-stressing zone. I know it will be yours, too! Whether it’s a gallery opening, dinner with extended family, or just watching the Fall foliage, I know I can leave the rat race behind here.