Welcome New Commissioners

Buncombe County has two new Commissioners and a new Commission Chairman.

Make sure that you and your family stay safe throughout the holiday season with these tips from the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office.

Children and adults alike look forward to the glow of holiday lights – on the tree, around the house, or lining each roof ridge and gable outside.

If you've decided to purchase a cut tree this year, here are some tips that will help you select the best tree and keep it in good condition through the holidays.

Poinsettias are a beautiful sign of the holiday season. You can get the most out of your poinsettia by following a few simple rules.

The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate with family and loved ones, but it can be a stressful and dangerous time for your family pet.

Before you reach for the keys to head for the drive-thru, consider a quick and healthy home cooked meal.

Can you give a dog a home? Maybe a cat? How about a kitten? These animals need your help.

Congratulations to Mike O'Riley for his Oysters Parmesan recipe!

Saturday, December 13 -- 3pm
Weaverville Library
41 N. Main Street
250-6482

"Pastymes" the madrigal singing group will perform at the Weaverville Library on Saturday, December 13th at 3pm. Back by popular demand, this acappella octet will delight with a performance of holiday classics from the middle ages to modern pop! Sponsored by the Friends of the Weaverville Library.

We have to be especially careful with our pets around the Christmas holiday. There are lots of seemingly harmless items around the house that could hurt or even be fatal to your pet. Make sure to be extra careful with the following items:

• Holiday plants - Christmas rose, Holly, Lilies and Mistletoe are all toxic to dogs and cats.
• Ribbons - It may look adorable, but placing a ribbon around your pet’s neck may cause them to choke.
• Bubbling lights - Older forms of this attractive decoration may contain methylene chloride, which is a highly toxic chemical.
• Fire salts - Contain chemicals that could be harmful to pets.
• Angel hair (spun glass) - Can be irritating to eyes and skin, and could cause intestinal obstruction if eaten in large amounts.
• Christmas tree water - Stagnant tree water or water containing preservatives could result in stomach upset if ingested.
• Decoration hooks - Can cause blockage and/or trauma to gastrointestinal tract if swallowed.
• Styrofoam - Can cause your pets to choke if swallowed.
• Ornaments - These can look like toys to cats and dogs, but they can cause serious injury, especially if your pets break or swallow them.
• Tinsel - Can cause choking or internal trauma if swallowed.

Source: ASPCA.org

With holidays and a new year approaching, Buncombe County Cooperative Extension would like to remind you that they have Gardeners' Almanacs available for purchase. For each month, the almanacs provide a list of garden chores and some instructional material, a vegetable planting guide for Buncombe County and lots of valuable information.

For only $5, they make a great gift for a new gardener, a new neighbor, or a gift to yourself! Pick an almanac up at the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Office at 94 Coxe Avenue in downtown Asheville. For more information, call 255-5522.

Celebrate the season and show your friends and family you care about homeless animals by sending Asheville Humane Society holiday cards this year. For the first time, Asheville Humane Society is selling holiday cards to benefit the homeless animals in Buncombe County.

The whimsical, colorful designs capture the spirit of Asheville as seen through the eyes of well-known, local animal artist Angela Alexander, whose work can be viewed and purchased at downtown Asheville's Woolworth Walk. Angela graciously donated her time and talent to create these fun portraits of pets from our own community. Proceeds from the cards benefit the stray and homeless animals that arrive at the shelter doors each day. Each box holds 12 cards; 3 cards of 4 unique designs.

Ordering information