Go Reusable - Get a Free "Green Bag!"

July 10, 2008 UPDATE: The only library that has any green bags left is Pack Memorial Library. All of the branch libraries have exhausted their supplies.

4th of July Fireworks at Lake Julian Park

Join us for this FREE celebration under a "Sky Set Afire" at Buncombe County's Lake Julian Park!

Safety Alert! Was Your Propane Cylinder Used to Make Crystal Meth?

Propane cylinders are being used in the manufacturing of Methamphetamines. This can weaken the brass valve on the tank and cause a dangerous situation.

Tick-Borne Disease

A bite from a tick can cause anything from a mild irritation to, in the case of some ticks, paralysis.

Healthy Tip - Safe Summertime Grilling

Here are a few things to remember so that you end up with a safe, tasty, grilled meal.

Nominate An Officer

The Asheville Buncombe Community Relations Council is looking for nominees.

It’s Not Just the Gas...It's the Food.

As painful as gas prices are right now, the rising food costs are worse because we spend so much of our budgets feeding ourselves (12.8% on average) and we only use 3.4% feeding our cars.

Garden Chores for July

Keep your garden beautiful! Remember these garden chores for July.

Swimming Lessons at Area Pools - Register TODAY

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Services will offer two sessions of swim lessons this summer.

Free Wireless Internet Available at all Buncombe County Public Libraries

Buncombe County Public Libraries now have free wireless internet service for library card holders.

Pet Picture of the Week - One of Us Could be Your "Perfect Pet!"

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

Recipe of the Week - Veggie Lasagna

Congratulations to Sue Sherren of Candler for her Veggie Lasagna recipe!

Surviving & Thriving on a Tight Budget presented by: On Track (formerly Consumer Credit Counseling Services)

• Date:  Tuesday, July 8 -- 11 am
• Cost:  Free
• Location:  Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Services, 49 Mt. Carmel Rd., Asheville NC.

This workshop is designed to help you get through hard times. Find out how to get control of your money back from all those outside forces! Figure out where all your money really goes and learn to set your priorities to minimize the damage before things spin out of control. Build a mini-emergency fund to start you on a better track, and then tackle the credit monster. Learn how to squeeze everything you can from the money you have with all of the money-saving tips you'll get in this class.

Plenty of time for questions and discussion. Contact Grace Young 250-4265 or email her at grace.young@buncombecounty.org for more information.

All Buncombe County Government Offices will be closed on July 4th for Independence Day.

Want to take your pet with you when traveling?

Your trip just got easier -- your questions can be answered at petswelcome.com. It's a great website that will tell you everything you want to know about planning a trip with your pet.

Local health departments in North Carolina are required to become accredited by the N.C. Local Health Department Accreditation Board. Accreditation status is awarded to health departments that meet or exceed standardized benchmarks reflecting successful program evaluation and operation. The accreditation program assures quality standards in administration, staff, facility and the board of health.

As of May 2008, Buncombe County Health Center is among 34 in the state to complete the accreditation process. Buncombe Health Center was one of the first six Health Departments in North Carolina originally accredited in 2004. It must be renewed every four years. North Carolina public health departments in all 100 counties will be accredited by 2013.

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