Save Money During the Back to School Sales Tax Holiday!

This year, the back to school sales tax holiday will be Friday, August 1st through Sunday, August 3rd.

Do You Play in the Water? Watch Out for the Disease of the Month - Cryptosporidiosis

Crypto is a common disease in the U.S. and around the world. There are several ways it is spread.

National Night Out - August 5

Join us for America's Night Out against crime!

Real-World Warnings Keep You Safe Online

Just as you take precautions to protect yourself in the real world, you need to take precautions to protect yourself online.

Is that Spider Poisonous?

Yes, poisonous spiders are out there. Do you know which spiders can hurt you?

Summertime, and the Living is Easy...

Who hasn't heard someone say “I’m bored”? Here are some ideas to beat boredom anytime of the year.

Teens Can Learn How to Invest in Their Future! Register by August 1

Come to this free event for youth ages 15-18 that focuses on teaching adolescents about life skills (budgeting, employment skills) in a fun setting.

Pet Pictures of the Week - Do You Have Room in Your Home for Me?

Can you give a dog a home? Or a cat? How about a kitten? These animals need your help - their time is running out.

Recipe of the Week - Summer Red Smoothie

Congratulations to Janice McKinney of Asheville for her Summer Red Smoothie recipe!

July is a great time to revisit our New Year’s Resolutions, especially those for eating smarter and moving more. Unfortunately, vacations can derail these resolutions. Vacations are meant for relaxation and rejuvenation. But that doesn’t mean your healthy eating and physical activity plan can’t go with you.
Fitting healthy foods and physical activity into vacation can seem impossible, especially when thinking about travel time in the car and all the meals you eat out. But follow these simple tips and you’ll see how easy a healthy vacation can be.

1. Choose activities that fit where you are. If you are at the beach, get up from the lounge chair and play in the water with your kids. Take a walk on the beach, rent a kayak and paddle around, or rent a bike and explore the area. If you are in the mountains, take a hike and enjoy the scenery. If your vacation is planned at an amusement park, wear a pedometer and track your steps throughout the day. Most people walk several miles during their day at the park.
   
   
2. Plan ahead for healthy snacks. Instead of buying ice cream at the beach vendor, pack some healthier snacks in a small cooler and carry it out to the beach with you. Whole wheat crackers and low-fat cheese, cut-up fruit and fresh veggies, even peanut butter sandwiches are all good options. If you are going somewhere that doesn’t allow you to bring in food, check before you go to see which vendors have the healthiest fare.
   
   
3. Choose wisely at restaurants. It is nearly impossible to avoid eating out while on vacation. But that doesn’t mean that you have to eat unhealthy foods. Look online for menus before you go so you can choose restaurants that have healthier options. If you want to splurge on one not-so-healthy meal while at your destination, go ahead. Just eat lighter for the rest of the day.
   
   
4. Take some breaks. If your vacation requires a long car ride, plan to take some longer breaks at rest stops along the way. Get out of the car and walk around for 15 minutes. You’ll get to stretch your legs, and if you do that twice, you’ll get in 30 minutes of activity for the day.

You can have the fun of your vacation and still keep up with your resolutions to eat smart and move more.

Canning season is just around the corner 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. Check your gaskets and pressure gauges, as well. If you would like to have you gauge tested, call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522 to set up an appointment.

GREAT day trips and workshops for all to enjoy - read the latest newsletters for Sightseers and Buncombe County Parks and Recreation. There is a variety of exciting programs for all ages.

To see a complete listing of Buncombe County Parks & Rec's current programs, see the Buncombe County Parks and Recreation Newsletter, or the Sightseers Workshops & Trips brochure. 

• Sightseers Brochure

For more information, call Buncombe County Parks and Recreation at 250-4260.

Recycle your CFL's (compact fluorescent light bulbs)! Now you can recycle them not only at your local fire department, but also at Home Depot.

At each Home Depot store, customers can simply bring in any expired, unbroken CFL bulbs, and give them to the store associate behind the returns desk. The bulbs will then be managed responsibly by an environmental management company who will coordinate CFL packaging, transportation and recycling to maximize safety and ensure environmental compliance.

Don't wait, register now and avoid the lines. For more information, contact County Election Services at 250-4200.

Don't forget, beginning in October you can vote early at any of the early voting locations that will be throughout the County. Make sure you are registered so you can take advantage of this early option.