Health Center Gearing Up for Flu Season

With local schools heading back to school, the County Health Center is gearing up for flu beginning with flu shots for K-5.

Unfortunately, scammers are using Cash for Clunkers to try to take advantage of people.

Although in many situations it may be appropriate to list email recipients in the To: or Cc: fields, sometimes using the BCC: field may be the most desirable option.

The Buncombe County Save A Life Campaign is reporting an increase in animals’ lives saved in the first six months of 2009.

Difficult as it may be, your monthly budget should include money for routine maintenance and repairs.

Attention local artisans, crafters and vendors reserve your space at the 4th annual Scarecrow Contest & Craft Show!

US Census data reveals how the face of America has changed since 1930.

Several common problems can cause vegetable plants to suddenly wilt. Often only one out of a number of plants in the same garden will be affected.

It is estimated that nearly one school-aged child in 13 has asthma. With the beginning of school and a new classroom environment, parents need to be aware of what potential triggers are in their child’s classroom.

Please consider giving a home to one of these wonderful pets! The shelter is okay, but I would love to have a home of my own!

Congratulations to Fannie Sprouse for her Southern Green Beans recipe!

The Asheville-Mountain Area Chapter of the American Red Cross reports that the local blood supply has dropped to critical levels. Call 800-GIVE-LIFE to find out how and where to donate immediately.

Blood Drives in August & Asheville Blood Center Hours

A community blood drive will also be held on September 4 from 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.  at Land-of-Sky Regional Council, 339 New Leicester Highway. A raffle will be held. Call LeeAnne Tucker at 251-7441 to schedule an appointment.

Family historians can now order genealogy microfilm from the Church of the Latter Day Saints through Buncombe County Public Libraries’ interlibrary loan system. This expands the service offered by the LDS church library in Arden, which has limited hours.

To order microfilm, visit the LDS website at www.familysearch.org to view their catalog. Determine the films you’d like to request then contact the Reference Department at Pack Memorial Library. There is an LDS library form that must be filled out, and prepayment of $5.50 per reel to the LDS Family History Library is required.

For more information, contact the Reference Department at 250-4741 or email pack.reference@buncombecounty.org.

It’s August already and that means it’s time for the kids to head back to school. This is a hectic time -- getting out of Summer mode and back to the daily schedules of getting the kids to school and still getting to work on time. That’s why it’s extra important that we all take a deep breath and slow down.

Remember that speed limits change in and around schools. Most school zones are very well marked with lines on the road and yellow caution signs to let us know to slow down and pay attention. Know where the schools are located in your community and be extra careful for children who may be walking or even riding bikes in that area.  You will be ticketed if you get caught speeding in a school zone.

Look out for school buses that are stopped. Lights can burn out and stop arms can quit working so pay close attention. Passing a stopped school bus is a crime - if you are convicted, you may lose your license and your insurance could go up.

Think Safe, Drive Safe.

Source:  Buncombe County Sheriff's Office

Are you an odd number on the even-numbered side of the street? In times of emergency, that could be dangerous.  Please call County Planning's Street Addressing division to see if you are using the correct address.

It is important that you have the correct number on your house; not only does it help people who are trying to find your house, but in case of an emergency, it will help 911 find you.  

Are your house numbers visible? Buncombe County Street Addressing recommends reflective numbers that are a minimum of three inches tall.  They should be located on your house or at the end of your driveway or better yet - both!

If you would like to make sure you are using the correct address, contact Buncombe County Street Addressing at 250-4845.

Nearly 10 million people in the US are victims of ID theft each year. In North Carolina, about 300,000 people are victimized annually. (FTC, 2003) North Carolina ranks 21st in the nation in terms of identity theft, and five North Carolina cities rank in the top 50 metropolitan areas for identity theft complaints: Thomasville-Lexington, Dunn, Salisbury, Goldsboro and Statesville-Mooresville. (FTC, 2008)

The identities of more than 1.6 million North Carolinians were put at greater risk of ID theft by the more than 300 security breaches reported to the Attorney General's Office since December 2005.

Bookends Used Book Store at Pack Library has a large selection of VHS tapes for $1 each. If you’re still using a VCR, we have what you’re looking for.
In addition, our popular BOGO sale – buy one, get one free – has been extended through the end of September. This sale includes videos and music. All paperback books and children’s books are still 5 for $1.

Bookends is located in Pack Library in downtown Asheville and is open during library hours. For more information, call 250-4700.