Are You Prepared for a Disaster?

Being prepared prior to a disaster can save precious reaction time and stress once the disaster begins to unfold.

Learn More About the County DSS Budget

With over $336 million dollars in federal, state and county resources, few Buncombe County residents don't feel the impact of the Department of Social Services budget.

Maintain Your Central Air Conditioner

Remember, central air-conditioning units must have some basic maintenance done to them to keep them in good operating order.

Let's Go to the Fair!

Now is the time to start checking your garden for possible entries of fruits, vegetables and flowers for the Mountain State Fair.

Pet Food Drive Ends August 31!

Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales (and Kibble)! A pet food drive at your local library!

Advertise in "Buncombe Life"

On September 20, Buncombe County will publish the third edition of a new bi-annual publication called Buncombe Life.

Pet Picture of the Week

Congratulations to Marlisa Mills of Black Mountain for the picture of her dog, Strudel.

Recipe of the Week

Congratulations to Beth Warren of Candler for her Fruit Dip recipe!

Local schools do a good job in offering healthy choices; however there may be many reasons to pack your child’s lunch. Picky or slow eaters and children with special dietary needs may do better with a lunch from home. The challenge is how to pack something healthy that they will eat. Here are a few tips to get you off to a good start.

• The healthiest lunch is one you prepare yourself. Pre-packaged lunches are generally high in fat, sodium and sugar and don’t offer much nutritional value. Start with a simple list of basic options. Items like sandwiches, quesadillas, crackers with cheese and fruit or veggies with dip. Soup or beans and rice work well if you have a small thermos.
• Think of what else you need to add for a balanced lunch. Have you included a grain, fruits and vegetables, and a protein?
• Consider milk, 100% fruit juice, smoothies or water to drink. Avoid sugar added sodas or juice drinks.
• Lunch schedules often start early, so the meal needs to stay with them. In addition to the carbohydrates needed for energy, make sure to include some protein. Consider hummus or bean dips, cheese, peanut butter (if allowed) or lean meats.
• For younger children, keep it simple and portions small. If it’s too much or too fancy it may be overwhelming. Cut whole sandwiches in halves or quarters and include small containers of several items to choose from so it’s manageable.
• Have your child help. Kids are more likely to eat something they have chosen or helped pack.
• Remember to include an ice pack if the lunch needs to stay cool. A frozen juice box can work well.
• Remember to vary lunch choices. Even favorites become boring over time or some kids need encouragement to mix it up.

If you have favorite tips or recipes for school lunches, let us know by emailing it to terri.march@buncombecounty.org. If we publish it we’ll send you an insulated Eat Smart Move More lunch bag.

Volunteers are needed for coaching and fundraising events. Contact Dennis Toon, Local Coordinator at 684-5072.

Classes stand alone – you can take as many or as few as you would like.

Date:	Mondays from 3:45 – 4:30pm Sugar Plums (ages 3 – 5)
	Mondays from 4:30 - 5:30pm Bon Bons (grades K – 2nd)
	Mondays from 5:30 – 6:30pm Primas (grades 3rd – 5th)

• Location:  Zeugner Center (Skyland)
• Cost:  Registration fee $10 per child / Monthly class tuition $30
• Contact:  Dory Jones at 684-9201 or totontoes@isp.com.

Build self-confidence and increase creativity through dance in a non-competitive environment.

Classes stand alone - you can take as many or as few as you would like.

Contact: For more information or to register, call 828-277-4010.
Cost: Registration fee $15 per student / $35 family maximum; Monthly class tuition $45

Black Mountain Primary School - Thursdays 

• 2:45 – 3:45pm Ballet & Tap Combination Class (grades K & 1)
• 4 – 5pm Ballet & Tap Combination Class (grades 2 & 3)

Haw Creek Elementary School - Mondays 

• 2:45 – 3:45pm Ballet & Tap Combination Class (grades K – 2)
• 4 – 5pm Ballet & Tap Combination Class (grades 3 – 5)

Sand Hill-Venable Elementary School - Tuesdays

• 2:30 – 3:30pm Ballet & Tap Combination Class (grades K – 2)
• 3:45 – 4:45pm Ballet & Tap Combination Class (grades 3 – 5)

West Buncombe Elementary School - Wednesdays

• 2:45 – 3:45pm Ballet & Tap Combination Class (grades K – 2)
• 4 –5pm Ballet & Tap Combination Class (grades 3 – 5)

The Buncombe County Tax Office will put property tax bills in the mail on or before August 28. Citizens should receive their bills sometime during that week.

Payment is due on September 1, 2006 but bills don’t become past due until January 6, 2007. The Tax Office encourages and welcomes citizens to make partial payments on their tax bill but reminds citizens that their bill must be paid in full by January 5, 2007 to avoid accruing interest.

The Tax Office encourages anyone with a question about their bill to call the tax office at 250-4910 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays and to check the County’s website  for more information about payment options including: