What Is Human Services in Our County?

Ever wonder what Human Services does for citizens in our County? Who are these people?

Foster/Adopt Fall Festival

Have you ever thought of fostering or adopting a child? Come to this free workshop to find out what all is involved.

Twelve Tips for Better Email Etiquette

Do your emails make you look unprofessional? Here are some things to keep in mind regarding professional e-mail conduct...

Maintaining Healthy Trees

Are your trees healthy or hazardous? An unhealthy tree in the landscape may not only be unsightly, it can become a hazard.

Spotlight: Magic in the Garden

Add beauty to your garden with "magic" lilies.

Pet Picture of the Week - "I Need a Friend!"

This week we are featuring some animals available for adoption from FurEver Friends. Please consider making one of these animals your "FurEver" friend by giving it a loving home.

Recipe of the Week - Orange Witches' Brew Punch

Congratulations to Joe Turner of Weaverville for his Orange Witches' Brew Punch recipe!

With the change in the weather and the shorter days, it can be beneficial to find ways to be physically active at home. Sometimes our window of opportunity for being physically active becomes smaller with the chance that it may rain or the cooler temperatures that come with the shorter days. Our need for physical activity doesn’t change so we need to find ways to be active in less time. Try some of these ideas and see if you can’t keep yourself moving in shorter bursts of time.

• Take short walks in the neighborhood. Split your walk between the morning and the afternoon or evening to make sure you get in 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows you to use some daylight in the morning and evening.
• Rake the leaves – for some of us this may take all day and for others we may need to do some jumping in the leaves in order to get our 30 minutes. Just do what it takes to clean the leaves and get the activity you need. Make it a family activity. Kids love to jump and play in the leaves. They may even help with the raking.
• Do those fall gardening chores like planting the bulbs for the spring.
• Jump or play in the driveway or yard. Get a jump rope or just play ball. If the weather changes, your close to home.
• Use stretch bands or weights around the house. While talking on the phone or watching the game on TV. This is a way to build those muscles during the cooler months.
• Use your stairs to get a workout in when you can’t get to the gym. Going up and down the stairs will build endurance as well as strengthen those leg muscles.
• Get a start on the Holiday cleaning. Add some music and move more as you get ready for the holiday company.
• Remember to laugh and play. Laughter will work out those stomach muscles and everyone knows that when you make it fun you are more likely to keep up the activity.

For more tips on moving more at home go to www.heathybuncombe.org or see Twelve Easy Ways to Get Fit Around Your Home (PDF).

Don't forget the Halloween Blood Drive at Pack Library!

Had a flu shot?  No problem.  You can still donate!

Got blood? Come join our Halloween Red Cross blood drive at Pack Library on Wednesday, October 31 from 10am to 2:30pm. Food, fun, films and prizes should make your donation more pleasant, and remember; every pint of blood can save as many as three lives.

We have door prizes and our usual cantina of goodies to sweeten your day--plus, the first 75 volunteers and donors get a free Halloween-themed Red Cross t-shirt!

Questions? Call the Library at 250-4701 or the local American Red Cross at 258-3888.

Trick-or-Treaters, parents and homeowners need to follow these tips for a safe Halloween!

Halloween Safety Tips

• To make an all purpose cleaner mix together:  2 tablespoons ammonia, 2 tablespoons liquid detergent and 1 quart of water
• To clean mildew and other stains from grout:  mix ½ cup bleach and 1 cup of water. Let stand 5 minutes and rinse with clear water.
• For windows and mirrors: mix 3 tablespoons ammonia, 1 tablespoon white vinegar and ¾ cup water in a clean spray bottle.

For additional articles and workshop announcements during the month, check out Nancy Ostergaard's blog at  http://onhomefront.blogspot.com/ or call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.

How much do you know about the spookiest day of the year? Test your knowledge of Halloween traditions, superstitions, costumes, candy, and more!

Take this trivia quiz to find out!