Get "Prepared" with the Tourists!

Get your tickets now.

As you may have heard, the future of Asheville Transit Routes #28 (Black Mountain) & 54 (Weaverville) are uncertain at this time.

Buncombe County EMS Paramedics Max Boswell and Nathan Greene brought home top honors in the 2009 MedWAR Challenge.

Consumers should not to eat any varieties of prepackaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough due to the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7 (a bacterium that causes food borne illness).

Need a new job? Interested in planning your career? Seeking training?

At their meeting on June 16, the Board of Commissioners agreed not to begin the revaluation of property in 2010 as previously scheduled

North Carolina Transportation Secretary Eugene Conti visited the offices of Buncombe County Mountain Mobility.

Pack Square Park is making progress.

The 22nd Annual Red Cross Blood Drive is June 25 at Trinity Baptist Church.

Buncombe County Sheriff’s Investigators are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect who attempted to pass a counterfeit $100 bill.

Make sure your pet is up to date on its shots! Don't miss out on these low-cost shot clinics. Rabies shots are just $6!

During these difficult financial times a family may need to decide if they will vacation out of town or stay home and experience their local area.

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

Congratulations to Julia Mackenzie for her Broccoli Salad recipe!

Here's a snack that ought to stop you from, well, snacking: whole-grain bread dipped in olive oil.

That's because olive oil is rich in a special appetite-controlling kind of fat. Wow, a fat that may help with weight control! That's something to write home about.

Getting the Message

Olive oil contains oleic acid, a monounsaturated fat. Upon reaching the small intestine, oleic acid triggers the production of oleoylethanolamide (OEA), another fatty substance. OEA then finds its way to nerve endings that carry a hunger-curbing message to the brain. And that message is loud and clear: "Hey. Stop eating! You're full!!" Researchers are hoping that new appetite-suppressing drugs using OEA will be developed to reduce obesity.

Source: RealAge.com

• 67% of Americans believe that even in tough economic times, it is important to purchase products with environmental benefits.
• 51% are willing to pay more for these products.
• 77% agree that they can make a positive difference by purchasing products from environmentally responsible companies and are actively seeking information to verify green claims.
• 40% of consumers regularly buy environmentally friendly cleaning
  products.

Source: 2009 BBMG Conscious Consumer Report: Redefining Value
in a New Economy FAST FACTS

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.

The July/August '09 edition of Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services Newsletter is now available. Don't miss out on all the outdoor fun planned for the summer months!

Come Out and Play Newsletter - July/August '09