Get Prepared for an Emergency

Will your family be prepared in the event of an emergency? Be it a man-made or a natural emergency, there are things you can do to be ready.

Mumps Return?

The state of Iowa has been experiencing a large outbreak of mumps that began in December 2005. As of April 19, 2006, 975 suspect, probable and confirmed cases have been reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health. Why should we in Buncombe County care?

Set the Table For Mother’s Day with Smoke Free Dining

“Serving Up Fresh Air” is a campaign designed to make it easier for customers to know where they can dine out and avoid second-hand smoke.

Are You Aging Successfully? Register by May 8

Find out at during Successful Aging IV -- a day filled with fun and informative workshops, entertainment and health screenings -- and special guest speaker, Susan Reinhardt!

Buncombe County Primary, Tuesday, May 2nd

There will be a county-wide primary election on Tuesday, May 2, 2006.

Spring Fling Book Sale at Pack Library

Stock up for summer reading at the Spring Fling Book Sale at Pack Memorial Library in Asheville!

12th Annual Anti-Cruelty Walk - April 29

Bring your dog, family, neighbors & friends to Asheville Humane Society's 12th Annual Anti-Cruelty Walk. This event was created to bring attention to animal abuse in our community and the link to domestic violence.

Pet Picture of the Week

Congratulations to Aaron McKinzie for the picture of his dog, Fred.

Recipe of the Week

Congratulations to Brenda Dupree for her quick and easy Low Fat Mandarin Orange Pie recipe.

April 24^th –30^th is National TV Turnoff Week. Join families from around the world in committing to unplug your TV this week. 

Plan fun activities for those times that you usually watch TV… read together or get a book on tape, take a walk to look at stars, do a jigsaw puzzle. Regardless of the activity, you’ll be more active than you are with the TV on. For more information on National TV Turnoff  Week go to http://www.healthybuncombe.org/.

If you are planning on joining the Senior Sightseers, don't forget that the deadline to register for the following three programs is April 28th.

• “Kiss Me Kate”
• “Don’t Dress for Dinner”
• “Leading Ladies” 

Call 250-4269 or email parksalive@buncombcounty.org to register.

There are a couple of steps you can take to help your Easter lilies last longer. As soon as the flowers open, remove the anthers (the yellow pollen sacks). This is easily done by closing your finger tips around them and pulling gently. This will not only help the flower last longer, but will prevent yellow pollen stains on the white petals as well as your table cloth. If possible, locate the plant in a cool location and out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist.

Easter lilies will sometimes survive a few years in the garden. If you are going to throw it away otherwise, it's worth a try. After danger of frost, plant them in a sunny spot. Next year they should bloom in early summer.

• Date: April 29 from 8:30 - 11:30am
• Location: Lake Julian
• Cost: $5 per child

There will be three age categories: 5 and under, 6—10 and 11—15. Prizes are awarded in each age category for longest fish, biggest fish, and most fish caught.

For more information, call 684-0376 or email parksalive@buncombecounty.org.