Do You Know the Signs of Heat Stroke?

It is hot and humid outside, and we all have to be careful. This is the time to take extra precautions to avoid the dangers of heat exhaustion, stroke, and sunburn.

Don’t Leave Children or Animals in the Car!

On average, 36 children a year die nationwide after being left in a hot car (sometimes on relatively mild days with only 70 degree temperatures).

Buncombe Co. Outdoor Pools Now Open - Beat the Heat!

Beat the heat by taking a dip in one of Buncombe County Parks and Recreation's Pools!

Buncombe County Chautauqua 2008 - America: The Land

This ninth Buncombe County Chautauqua will feature five naturalists whose lives and words taught Americans to value this land.

Basic Home Maintenance – 5 session course

Want to learn how to do some basic repairs around the house? This course is for you!

Summer Library Fest 2008: Catch the Reading Bug with Doug Elliott

Kick off the Buncombe County Public Library’s summer reading program with us! This year, the Library Fest will feature storyteller and singer Doug Elliott.

Delight Your Appetite with a Cookbook!

Get some GREAT recipes and help the NC Conservation District Employee’s Association Benevolent and Scholarship Funds at the same time!

Reward Offered for the Mountain's Most Wanted

You could be eligible for a cash reward if you provide information that leads to an arrest! The following subjects are currently wanted by local authorities.

Pet Pictures of the Week - Have a Heart, Give a Home!

Please consider giving a home to one of these wonderful pets!

Recipe of the Week - Grilled Vegetable Kabobs

Congratulations to Lars Israel of Asheville for his Grilled Vegetable Kabobs recipe!

For many students across the state, June is a special month because school is out for the summer. But that can mean lots more opportunities for not-so-healthy foods.

From the ice cream truck to the concession stands at the local pool and ball park and snacking while watching mid-day cartoons, kids have the opportunity to consume many calorie-laden foods during the summer. Help your kids stay healthy and happy this summer by providing tips and ideas for healthy snacks.

For more information on healthy snacking, check out the Eat Smart North Carolina: Snacks and Drinks guide to choosing snacks and beverages.

We all need to be ready to take care of ourselves, our pets and loved ones for at least 72 hours in a time of disaster.  If you want to learn more about how to be prepared, make plans to attend the Disaster Preparedness Workshop.

• Monday, June 23
• 9 a.m. to 12 noon
• Land of Sky Regional Council at
• 339 New Leicester Highway Suite 140, Asheville, NC

The class will include a history of disasters in WNC; pet preparedness; special needs strategies and family emergency planning.

The workshop is free but registration is required.  Call LeeAnne Tucker at 251-6622 to register or learn more.

Many western North Carolina gardeners are interested in using native plants in the landscape. This is especially true if you are interested in supporting local wildlife populations. Increasing human populations have greatly reduced wildlife habitat. Native animals are best adapted to native plants for food and cover, so a well-planned landscape of native plants can help you attract more wildlife to your property.

Native plants can also be low maintenance, as long as you pay close attention to placing them in the right location. Match their needs for sun or shade, soil type and moisture. Visit NC State University's new website to help you select native plants. It also includes information on invasive exotic plants to avoid.

North Asheville Library has expanded its hours and is now open on Mondays. Here is their schedule:

Monday, Wednesday & Friday	10:00am - 6:00pm
Tuesday and Thursday	10:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday	10:00am - 5:00pm

They also offer the following Storytimes:

• Preschool Storytime - Wednesdays at 11:00am
• Toddler Time - Wednesdays at 10:00am

For more information, call the library at 250-4752.

June 1st marked the beginning of hurricane season in the United States. Individuals, communities, and businesses can find out more about avoiding or minimizing disaster by planning ahead for shortages and storm cleanup.

http://www.epa.gov/naturaldisasters/hurricanes/