Effectively Erase Files from Your Computer

Unless you have taken the proper steps to make sure your hard drive, disk, or CD is erased, people may still be able to resurrect your files.

If so, consider joining the Mountain Regional Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). The MRC is a group of local volunteer medical and/or non-medical professionals who provide assistance to others in the event of a disaster.

Bring a blanket, lawn chair, frisbee, etc. and come enjoy these family-friendly evenings of great music!

As the weather gets warmer, we look for economical ways to cool our homes. Ceiling fans not only provide relief from the heat, but can also help save money and energy.

A single gallon of used motor oil is capable of contaminating 1 million gallons of fresh drinking water.

Along with the arrival of summertime and outdoor activities, comes the risk of an itchy case of poison ivy.

Blueberry bushes are a natural choice for an “edible landscape”.

Certain kinds of plants can cause a rash but others can be fatal. Learn more about the plants in your yard.

Can you give a dog a home? Or a cat? These animals need your help.

Congratulations to Joe Smith of Asheville for his Easy Raspberry Sorbet recipe!

June is National Great Outdoors Month! Try celebrating by enjoying our beautiful mountains.

In an hours drive or less you can be in Pisgah National Forest, Dupont State Forest, at Chimney Rock, Sliding Rock, or Lake Lure just to mention a few. Closer to home are Lake Powhatan, Lake Julian, the Nature Center, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Bent Creek, and the Arboretum. We have so many opportunities to get out there and relax, relate and relish our hometown offerings.

Take a short hike, enjoy a pleasant swim, or plan a camping trip to take advantage of the inexpensive, but luxurious outdoors. Gas prices are rising, but you don't have to plan a trip to Yellowstone National Park or even to Florida for your summer vacation. With so much in our own backyard, why not stay home? Linville Falls and Gorge offer many opportunities for natural pools and breathtaking scenery. You could even visit some of our oldest, untouched forest in Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest.

So grab your family and friends and create some lasting memories right close to your own hometown! See the links below for more information:

• Buncombe County Parks and Recreation
• Asheville Parks and Recreation
• National Park Service Events and Activities
• Linville Gorge and Falls information
• Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
• Dupont State Forest

For some gardeners blossom-end rot is a regular problem on tomatoes, and can affect peppers, squash and watermelons. If you have tested your soil and brought the pH and calcium levels up if needed, the problem is probably either irregular watering or the fertilizer being used.

Although some blossom-end rot is usually most severe during dry weather, fluctuating soil moisture can cause it as well. To avoid this, mulch the garden to retain moisture and water deeply when needed. Do not allow plants to wilt between waterings. Also avoid using high nitrogen fertilizer, especially ammonium nitrate. Use calcium nitrate or a more slowly released organic fertilizer instead.

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

Every parent knows that the amount of sleep children get affects their mood and behavior. Did you also know that sleep can also affect memories, learning abilities, and the risk of obesity?

Check out the current issue of The Daily Parent (PDF) - a newsletter for working parents brought to you by Buncombe County Child Care Services.

Sun Protection. The most rapidly increasing type of cancer is skin cancer. Before going out to the garden, remember to spread on a sun screen and put on a wide-brimmed hat.

Pesticide Safety. Read and follow label directions. It will tell you what plants the product can be used on, time to wait until harvest or reentering the area, mixing rate, safety equipment, storage, disposal, etc.

Lawn Mower Safety. Lawn mowers are among the most frequent causes of injury in the landscape. Walk over the lawn before mowing to check for hazards such as branches, rocks or toys. Keep children out of the area while mowing. Even mulching mowers can throw out rocks or other missiles. Wear sturdy shoes with good tread and long pants.

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

Buncombe County residents can get a ticket for recycling... an Asheville Tourists ticket. Watch this public service announcement (PSA) to find out more!

Recycling PSA