Keep Your Valuables Safe: Video Tip from Our Sheriff

Think you already know how to keep your valuables safe? Here are some tips you may not have heard...

Traveling Out of the Country? Protect Yourself!

Whatever your reason for taking a trip, it's important to be proactive, prepared, & protected when it comes to your health.

Blood Drive: TODAY!

Help others - donate blood on May 4 at Pack Memorial Library.

The Juice That Makes Exercise Easier

Think outside the sports-drink bottle when you're looking for a workout beverage.

Spotlight: Columbine

Columbine captures our attention because the flower structure is so intricate & unique.

Special Olympics Spring Games

Opening Ceremonies begin at 9:20 a.m. on May 5 with a Parade of Athletes & the lighting of the Olympic Torch at T.C. Roberson High School.

Trip to Historic Valdese Planned

Tour the Waldensian Museum & walk The Trail of Faith with us! Reg. by 5/3.

Pets of the Week - Dashing Dogs & Fine Felines

Check out these adorable cats & dogs looking for a home!

Recipe of the Week - Strawberry Spinach Salad

Congratulations to Jackson Glenn for his Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe!

The U.S. Postal Service has announced a new line of stamps exhorting customers to "go green" and put the proverbial stamp on sustainability.

The USPS has issued a series of 16 stamps, each suggesting small environmentally-friendly actions - including recycling and reusing shopping bags - in a ceremony which included a three-wheeled electric mail delivery vehicle dropping off indigenous trees "symbolic of USPS delivering a greener America," according to a press release announcing the stamps. Find out more.

Canning season will be here before we know it and it’s time to get prepared. You want to check your equipment to make sure it is ready for use. Buy new lids to replace the lids used last year.

Check your bands and jars to see that they are in good condition. And don't forget to check your gaskets and pressure gauges. Call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension to set up an appointment for checking the pressure gauge (255-5522).

Canning and Preserving Made Easy Class

To learn more about canning, or just to brush up on the newest information on food preservation from canning, to freezing, to drying, come to the Canning and Preserving Made Easy program on April 28 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. This program will be an introduction to canning, pickling, making jams and jellies, freezing, drying and storage.

Pre-registration is required, and a fee of $10 will cover costs for materials. Call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522 to register or for more information.

Get out and enjoy the beautiful weather at these garden events:

• April 29 - 30: Days in the Garden. Botanical Gardens at Asheville
  Friday, 1-6 p.m., plant sales
  Saturday, 8 a.m. - 3 p.m., plants, food, crafts, entertainment, guided walks.
  
  
• April 29 - May 1: Spring Herb Festival. WNC Farmers’ Market
  Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  Plants, herbal products, crafts, garden information, educational programs.
  
  
• May 14: Black Mountain Garden Show and Sale. Local vendors will offer plants and products. Master Gardeners will staff an "Ask A Gardener" information table, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

For more information, call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.