How To Prevent the Flu from Catching You

Yep, it's that time of year! Flu is here with a vengeance this year. Please take necessary precautions to avoid being caught by the nasty flu.

North Carolinians Challenged to Maintain Weight through Holidays

The holiday season is here! And while ‘tis the season to be jolly, for many people it is also a season of busy schedules, crowded stores, and yes – unhealthy eating habits.

Shopping Safe on the Internet

Shopping on the internet has become a multi-million dollar business. Most internet sales are safe, but as internet purchases have increased, so have incidents of online credit card fraud.

Holiday Giving Tree at Oakley Library

Please help provide new books for disadvantaged children in our community. Visit the Oakley/South Asheville Library, beginning November 14 and select a gift card.

Garden Chores for November

It may be getting cold outside, but there are still some garden chores that need to be done.

A Tale of Two Turkeys

The juicy turkey that will grace many dining room tables this Thanksgiving is not the bird some may imagine it to be.

The Organic Way: House Plant Pests

Many of us bring new plants into the house this time of year. But as lovely as our new plants may be, they sometimes bring along unwanted visitors in the form of insect infestations.

Pet Picture of the Week

Congratulations to Vickie Rogers of Leicester for the picture of her cat, Andy.

Recipe of the Week

Congratulations to Angela Conley of Arden for her Sweet Potatoes with Sugared Pecans recipe!

The Asheville Humane Society is holding a special spay/neuter event November 6 - 17. During the event, Buncombe County residents can get a cat spayed for $35 or neutered for $20.

• When: November 6 - 17
• Where: Humane Alliance Spay/Neuter Clinic (231 Haywood Street, Asheville, 252-2079)
• Cost: Special rate for Buncombe County residents -- Spays $35/ Neuters $20

Please contact Humane Alliance directly to schedule an appointment, as spaces are limited. Humane Alliance Contact Number:  (828) 252-2079

Department of Social Services Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) assists low income families with up to $300 per year to alleviate a heating crisis when outside temperatures are life threatening.

Program Pays for:

• Past due electric bills
• Past due gas bills
• Fuel Oil
• Kerosene
• Propane
• Wood
• Other heating needs

Eligibility Requirements:

• Family must include at least one U.S. Citizen or Eligible Alien.
• Household income and the value of their resources must fall below specified guidelines.
• Must have an eviction or shut off notice for assistance with electricity or natural gas.

Applications are taken at:

Eblen Charities
&
Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministries (ABCCM)

For more information, call the Department of Social Services at 250-5500.

Don't forget, you can still pre-register for this great class to be held on November 14 at 7pm. For complete details, see below:

Save on Your Utility Bills - You Can Do It!

FOR ANY PET:

• A major change in you pet's behavior. (Examples:  An active lizard is no longer vigorous; a vocal dog stops barking; a laid-back cat gets frenetic; a talkative bird loses his voice.)
• Drinks significantly more (or less) water
• Turns up his nose or beak at food he has always enjoyed
• Stool appears different (in color and/or consistency)
• Hides for more than a day and/or night
• Persistently throws up
• Breathes heavily while resting (and heat is not a factor)
• Has a significant change in his sleep habits
• A placid pet gets aggressive with a family member or pet
• Sheds excessively (or loses feathers)
• Has new lumps or a wound that isn't healing

FOR A DOG OR CAT:

• Has difficulty going up and/or down stairs
• Urinates frequently
• Has smellier breath
• Lacks stamina

FOR A CAT:

• Doesn't groom regularly; has an unkempt appearance
• Misses the litter box

FOR A BIRD:

• Doesn't preen as often; looks disheveled with puffed-up feathers
• Has stained feathers above the nostrils
• Has a slouched appearance
• Has a suddenly overgrown beak
• One eye (or both) is partially closed for extended periods

FOR A REPTILE:

• Excessively sheds skin