One-Stop Voting Begins October 19

Buncombe County Board of Elections will operate ten One-Stop voting locations for the November 7 General Election, starting October 19.

Change in Flu Clinic Dates

Dates for the upcoming flu shot clinics have changed.

Keep Your Family Safe From Lead Poisoning

Program Cancelled

Introduction to the Master Gardener Program

This class will help you decide if you want to become a Master Gardener.

It’s Your Choice... Health Care Decisions

Everything you ever wanted to know about health care decisions but didn’t know whom to ask.

Spay or Neuter Your Cat, Cheap!

The Asheville Humane Society is holding a special spay/neuter event October 16 - 27. During the event, Buncombe County residents can get a cat spayed for $35 or neutered for $20.

Transfer Station to Close for Repairs

The Buncombe County Transfer Station will be closed for repairs the week of October 16-21.

Pet Picture of the Week

Congratulations to Kate Guzy of Arden for the picture of her dogs, Oscar and Layla.

Recipe of the Week

Congratulations to Crystal Moore of Arden for her Pumpkin Punch/Punch Bowl recipe!

It is that time of year when the children in the neighborhood are deciding on costumes and adults are planning what to get to give out. With the growing rates of overweight children and adults, Halloween can be a time to encourage healthy habits that fight gaining weight.

Set a few guidelines for your children. Encourage your child to take only 1-2 pieces at each house. Choose smaller trick or treat containers, larger treat bags encourage children to take more candy. And limit the amount of sugary treats your child can eat on Halloween and the following days.

When shopping …select healthier treats and non-candy items. These items are a little different than the usual fare and children really love them. Look for inexpensive non-candy treats in the Halloween party section of the store.

• Try pre-packaged small snack bags of pretzels, graham crackers, breakfast or granola bars and animal crackers.
• If you know the families of the children who arrive at your door, you can give homemade snack bags of popcorn, cereal mixes or other non-sweet treats or fresh fruit.
• Stickers, whistles or small plastic spiders are usually a big hit.
• Give small toys such as balls, cars, novelty barrettes and bracelets.
• Pencils, erasers and pens with decorations on them are also a fun Halloween Treat.

For other ideas for healthy Halloween treats and non-food treats see below. Have some fun and dress up yourself. Kids love to see adults enjoying the fun of Halloween.

Healthy Halloween Treats  (PDF)

According to National Safety Council statistics, more people die in collisions with trains than in commercial airline crashes.

Last chance to get a bargain -- this weekend!

• Friday, October 20 from 10-6pm
• Saturday, October 21 from 10-5pm Half Price Sale
• Sunday, October 22 from 2-5pm 10¢ per item

All proceeds from the sale will benefit Buncombe County Libraries. For more information, call 250-4700.

Saturday, October 21 from 9am - 1pm there will be a rabies shot clinic at Enka Middle School. Fall is here, and it's a good time to be thinking about protecting your pets from rabies and other harmful illnesses.

Rabies shots and microchips will be available at this clinic. A rabies vaccination for your cat or dog will cost $5 per animal. For the three year rabies vaccine, the owner must show written proof of the current one year vaccination. Microchips for dogs or cats over 2 months cost $20. All animals must be restrained or in a carrier. 

Proceeds from the shot clinic help underwrite expansion of existing programs and services for the Asheville Humane Society animal shelter. For more information call 236-3885.

Directions:  Take I-40 West, then take US 19/23 west (exit 44). Turn right at the 3rd stoplight (just past WestRidge Shopping Center) onto Asbury Road. The school is about a half-mile on right.