Free Tax Assistance Started January 31

Taxes are complicated. Do you need help? Tax Assistance will continue through April 18.

County Schools Announce Makeup Days

Important Changes in the County Schools Calendar.

Preschoolers, We Love You!

Join us for a musical revue especially designed for preschoolers - with puppets, dancing & other lighthearted nonsense.

Update on Stray Cat with Rabies

Lessons learned about stray/wild animals & rabies...

Vitamin D: The “Sunshine” Vitamin

Vitamin D is important in helping our bodies absorb calcium & decreasing our chances for osteoporosis & fractures. Are you getting enough?

Frozen Pipe Prevention

The potential for frozen pipes increases dramatically when temperatures drop below freezing for several days (like the weather we're having lately).

Clean House - the Green Way

Here are some tips on how to clean without using cleaners that may harm both your family & the environment.

Ebook Publishing Workshop at the Black Mountain Library

Learn "How to Turn Your Book into an E-book & Get Published."

Pets of the Week - We Have a Cat for You!

Adopt any cat 1 year old or older through the end of January for only $35.

Recipe of the Week - Parrothead Salad

Congratulations to Asheleigh Hugg for her Parrothead Salad recipe!

Got a troubling diagnosis? Wondering what to do about it? This may clear it up:

How often does getting a second opinion change treatment substantially?

a.  In about 20 percent of all cases
b.  In about one-third of all cases
c.  In about 60 percent of all cases
d.  Very rarely

Answer...

The answer is B. In about one-third of all cases, a second opinion can change treatment substantially. This makes it all the more amazing that so few patients get second opinions. Some people may be concerned that they will alienate their current doctor if they call upon the professional opinions of another. These days, doctors expect you to get a second opinion for serious health concerns. They would certainly get a second opinion if they were sick. 

Let your doctor know you plan to do just that. While you are at it, ask your doctor what the odds are that his or her diagnosis is correct, as well as whom the best physicians in the business are for your condition.

Source:  realage.com 

Got an old bathroom or throw rug you are thinking of tossing? Don't do it! Recycle those old rugs by donating them to FurEver Friends Animal Rescue Network and Sanctuary.

Furever friends will throw them in the washing machine, clean them up, and use them as bedding in their animal cages.

If you have one or more rugs you can donate, you can drop them by Petco any Sunday between 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Petco is located at 825 Brevard Road in Asheville across from the Biltmore Square Mall. You can also call Steve Poplawski at 398-4943 or email him at fureverfriends@att.net.

With family members getting ill from the cold or flu, it is all the more reason to keep the house disinfected. Since product labeling can sometimes be confusing, an explanation between a disinfectant and a disinfectant cleaner or antibacterial cleaner may be necessary.

Disinfectants contain antimicrobial ingredients that kill germs if surfaces are free from heavy soil. Disinfectant or antibacterial cleaners contain ingredients for removing soil, as well as antimicrobial ingredients that kill germs. Also remember - household bleach disinfects when used according to label directions.

Questions? Call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.