What's Happening with Land Use in Buncombe

In June of this year the Board of Commissioners asked the Planning Board to begin work on zoning maps for the County.

Holiday Light Show at Lake Julian

Enjoy the beautiful lights and help Special Olympics at the same time!

Top 10 Maintain, Don’t Gain Strategies for the Holiday Season

The holidays are upon us once again, and with so many opportunities to celebrate – along with busy schedules that often lead to less time spent being active – it’s no wonder that the average American is likely to find themselves a few pounds heavier come January.

The Annual Christmas Tree Hunt

Do you know what to look for in a Christmas Tree? Read on to find out.

Do You Have a Winter Car Safety Kit?

Winter is on its way, and it is time to make sure you are prepared by putting together a car safety kit.

Spotlight: Poinsettia

Do you know how to choose a healthy Poinsettia? How to keep it beautiful? Read on for some tips from Buncombe County Cooperative Extension.

Pet Picture of the Week

Congratulations to Kim Gillett of Asheville for the picture of her dogs, Annie Mae & Loosie Lou.

Recipe of the Week

Congratulations to Daisy Smith of Swannanoa for her Spiced Nuts recipe!

Can a snack that's 70 percent fat be good for you? Yes, if it's cashews.

Everyone's favorite nut improves baroreflex sensitivity. That's a fancy way of saying that when your blood pressure rises, cashews tell your heart to calm down, among other cardio benefits. So at upcoming holiday parties, don't feel guilty about picking all the cashews out of the mixed nuts -- you're just eating healthfully!

Definitely consider adding a can of cashews to your snack options. They are a source not only of heart-healthy good fats but also of magnesium, potassium, protein, fiber, and other nutritional goodies. Just keep in mind that, like all nuts, they're high in calories -- about 175 per quarter cup (a small fistful). So don't add them to your daily diet; substitute them for something you'd normally eat that has a similar number of calories. And when those sugary vending-machine goodies tempt you in the afternoon, reach for cashews instead. Keep a stash (unsalted, please) in your office. Afraid you'll eat the whole can? Divide it into small portions and munch one serving a day.

By the way, according to researchers, it was cashews specifically -- not nuts in general -- that had this baroreflex sensitivity effect, even though nuts, overall, now rate as health foods. Study participants got about 20 percent of their daily calories from cashews -- which is a lot. But the cardiovascular benefits of adding nuts to your diet can start with just a serving a day -- a modest handful.

Source: www.realage.com

Saturday, December 2 -- 10am
West Asheville Branch Library

Love to knit? Love to read? Come to the first meeting of the West Asheville Library's new book club for knitters and readers.

Call the Library at 251-4990 for more information.

Do you “brown-bag it”? If so, a lunch bag full of heavily packaged and heavily processed food may not be the best choice for your body or our environment.

Instead, pack a healthy lunch in reusable containers. Here are some tips:

• Choose a small canvas bag, lunch box, or insulated lunch tote.
• If you need to keep food cold, freeze water in a reused bottle to make an “ice pack.” (Be sure the bottle has been thoroughly cleaned and fill it about 3/4 full with water. Put the lid loosely onto the bottle and freeze it upright. Screw the lid on tight before putting your “ice pack” into your
  lunch bag.)
• Use your own washable, reusable containers, such as plastic containers that you previously purchased. Or, save and wash the tubs that hold sour cream, cream cheese, or butter.
• If you plan to heat something in a microwave, be sure to put it into a microwave-safe plastic or glass dish. The microwave is no place for your reused plastic containers—save them for the cold food!
• Pack healthy foods that don’t need a container, such as oranges, apples, plums, and bananas. 
• Pack foods you like in amounts that you will eat. 
• Put your drink in a refillable bottle or opt for a recyclable drink container. (Be sure to recycle it!)
• Don’t forget a cloth napkin and reusable flatware.

Source:  One Person's Trash: Your Guide to Reducing, Reusing and Recycling - Fall 2006 (PDF)

Saturday, December 2
10am-2pm
Leicester Library
683-8867

The Friends of Leicester Library will have a book sale featuring a limited amount of gently-used hardbacks that will be suitable for gift giving. During the sale, patrons will be treated to hot cider punch and holiday cookies to enjoy after they browse and select.