It’s Flu Shot Season Again

The CDC recently stated that there will be plenty of flu vaccine for anyone who would like to get a shot this year. This announcement came as welcome news to many in Buncombe County. However, the date the vaccine will be sent has not yet been confirmed.

Gigantic Book Sale at Pack Library

Love books and bargains? Mark your calendars for the annual Gigantic Book Sale at Pack Library in downtown Asheville.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

What is the best early warning system for Breast Cancer? A mammogram. Every year. Every woman age 40 and older.

Master Gardener Plant Clinic - October 14

Need help with gardening? The NCSU Master Gardeners Program offers plant clinics to assist the public in diagnosing and solving gardening questions.

New Story Times at the Library

This fall, Buncombe County libraries have added several new story times at library branches around Buncombe County.

October Garden Chores

These October garden chores will help keep your lawn and garden happy.

Railroad Safety Includes Hunters, Anglers & Outdoor Enthusiasts

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission joins with Operation Lifesaver, the nonprofit railroad safety organization, to remind those who enjoy outdoor recreation to stay off railroad tracks.

Saving On Your Utility Bills – You Can Do It!

Looking for ways to reduce your monthly utility bills? Let this free energy saving workshop show you how.

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 Jessica Palmer of Candler for the picture of her dog, Otis.

Recipe of the Week

Congratulations to Julie Marcus of Swannanoa for her Dippin' Ghosts recipe!

October is International Walk to School Month. This is the time to make an effort to increase your child’s physical activity. Many of us, even if we live close to our school, have gotten out of the practice of walking to school. With rising rates of overweight children it is important to work everyday physical activity into their lives. Walking to school is a great way to get our kids moving more. Try these ideas for increasing walking with your children.

• If your school has safe sidewalks leading onto the campus, walk your child into school.
• Join other families and create a walking school bus. Different parents can lead the “bus” each day.
• If you live too far to walk all the way into school, find a place close to school, park and walk the rest of the way into school. 
• You can also enjoy riding bikes or skateboarding into school. You need to check with your school personnel to make sure they okay storing bikes and skateboards.

As you make an effort to increase your child’s movement by walking more, you can also be a role model by increasing your walking.

• Shop or eat out at places that are within walking distance.
• Walk during your lunchtime. 
• You can even hold walking meetings. 
• Take a Sunday stroll after church. 
• Take advantage of our greenways and parks and go on family walks during the weekend. 
• During your kid’s soccer or football practice, walk while you wait to pick them up.

So make October your month for increasing walking and moving towards a healthier you and family!

On October 14th at 2pm we will have a special event to celebrate Halloween with local storyteller, Rosalyn Katz. She will be dressing up as a witch and telling ghost stories appropriate for the kids between 6 and 12 years old. Also, anyone who dresses up will win a special prize.

For more information, call the Enka-Candler Library at 667-8153.

The West Asheville History Project and the Save the Jarrett House Association present a lively evening of storytelling, music, and refreshments to celebrate West Asheville's historic T.C. Jarrett House. The house, at 46 Louisiana Avenue, was built in 1892 and is among the oldest in the community.

Join Elizabeth Jarrett Melton, co-author of Jarrett -- Pennsylvania to North Carolina and Beyond, other Jarrett family members, and West Asheville neighbors for history and stories about this landmark home and the family that built it.

For more information, call the West Asheville Library at 251-4990.

At bridges, tunnels, trestles, railroad rights-of-way, and railroad yards, you will see large NO TRESPASSING signs. This means YOU. If you attempt to hike on the tracks, a bridge, or a trestle or even walk near the tracks, you can be arrested and fined. But most of all it is dangerous because you never know when a train may be approaching.

October 13 is the Last Day to Register to Vote in the November 7th Elections.

Voters have until 5 p.m. on October 13th to register or update their voter registration records for the November 7th general election.

A person can register to vote or change their information by dropping by the Election Services’ Office, 189 College Street in downtown Asheville.

 If it is inconvenient to visit in person, please call Election Services at 828-250-4200 and an application can be mailed.

For more information visit Election Services.