New Mountain Mobility Route in North Buncombe Area

Buncombe County Government is pleased to announce that Mountain Mobility has expanded public transportation bus services to the north Buncombe County area.

With the state of the economy lately, some would argue that we haven’t been experiencing just a “perfect storm,” but rather a “perfect tornado.”

The Haywood County Health Department and Mission Hospital report that four cases of the serious illness pertussis (whooping cough) have been confirmed in Haywood County.

If you’ve ever wanted greater bus frequency, Sunday service, longer hours of operation, or new routes – now is the time to make your voice heard.

The Irene Wortham Center has been chosen by Buncombe County as a Child Care Services provider.

Right now a lot of people are interested in growing their own food. So, not surprisingly, the Extension office has been receiving a lot of phone calls about blueberries.

Hear award-winning historian, playwright and author, Lynn Salsi as she regales us with songs, jokes, superstitions and customs of the NC mountain people.

April brings more than showers. There’s a trip planned to Helen, Georgia on April 8. Helen is a recreation of an Alpine Village complete with cobblestone streets and old-world towers.

Please consider giving a home to one of these wonderful pets! The shelter is okay, but I would love to have a home of my own!

Congratulations to Maurice Conditt for his Spinach and Pine Nut Salad recipe!

Frozen foods are a money saver and many (like fruits and vegetables) are packed with nutrients. Not to mention, they are convenient. But it's not always easy to know which are the healthiest to buy. Armed with these tips, you can eat smart by saving time, money and your waistline.

• Keep it simple. Stick with the basics - fruits and vegetables. Stock up on vegetables you can add to soups, lunches and dinners. Frozen fruits can be added to cereal or blended to make a quick breakfast smoothie. Add frozen berries to yogurt for a healthy dessert.
  
  
• Watch out for sauces. Sauces add extra calories and can pack on the pounds. They also can have hidden sodium and sugar. Choose frozen fruits and veggies without any added sauces or syrups.
  
  
• Choose lean protein. All you need are the basics for a quick week night meal. Chicken, fish, seafood and lean meats are all available in the freezer section and are great to have on hand for a fast dinner. Simply add vegetables and a side of brown rice or whole grain pasta.

Tuesday, March 31 -- 4pm
Pack Memorial Library
67 Haywood Street
250-4700

Storyteller and author Lynn Salsi tells stories about the rich culture and traditions of North Carolina. Students in grades 1-8 are invited to bring their best family or pet story idea and Lynn will give tips on how to create their own storytelling experience to share with others.

Lynn will bring her famous story quilt and students will learn how pictures can come to life through stories. Young writers will especially benefit from this experience which explores the power of ideas and creativity.

The deadline to order a rain barrel is March 27, 2009. If you wish to purchase one, please fill out the order form.

• 80 gallon barrel measures 37 inches high and 28 inches wide
• Made of 20% recycled high density polypropylene
• Heavy concave lid channels water flow into the barrel
• The screened entry blocks leaves, debris and insects.
• Dark green color discourages algae growth
• Two overflow ports to move water away from your home

If you have questions, contact Extension Master Gardeners of Buncombe County at 828-255-5522.