Help Us Help Our Troops!

Again this year, County employees will be collecting items for our troops in Iraq that will be sent to them for Christmas. We would like to invite you to join us and make it “Christmas in September.”

Buncombe County Board of Elections is pleased to announce the purchase and implementation of an Automated Information System.

A footprint is what we leave behind as we walk. A carbon footprint is the CO2 (carbon dioxide) we leave behind from our lifestyle.

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It can be caused by many things including viruses, chemicals, drugs, alcohol, inherited diseases, or a person’s own immune system.

Here are the garden chores you need to do in September!

The film for Saturday, September 6 will be "O' Brother, Where Art Thou?"

Any individual or group interested in conducting a registration drive is encouraged to attend.

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 Dianne Livingston of Leicester for her Tomato-Avocado Salsa recipe!

Eating four of these a week can cut your kidney-cancer risk in half. Hint: You need to peel it.

Yep, we're talking bananas. They're bursting with phenolic compounds that appear to thwart renal-cancer cells. And that's not all the monkey's favorite fruit brings to your body . . .

Phenols, Potassium, and More

Phenols -- plant-based substances linked to all sorts of health benefits, from cancer prevention to heart health -- aren't the only goodies that bananas have to offer. No doubt you already know about the super potassium stores in the yellow-skinned fruit (450 milligrams in one banana!). But they're also a good source of B vitamins like B6 and folate, plus calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C.

Bananas Everywhere

A fresh, whole banana makes a great snack. But why stop there with this versatile fruit?

• Skip the Frappuccino. Make this EatingWell smoothie instead: Blueberry-Banana Batido.
• For a healthy (and satisfying) snack, top rice cakes with bananas and natural peanut butter. Here's how it looks.
• Add flavor to fish or pork with a Banana-Orange Relish.
• Go ahead: Enjoy this delicious, guilt-free dessert: Cocoa-Nut Bananas.

Banana Hanger - Good or Bad?

Banana hangers aren't a gimmick. They protect against black spots and bruising from resting on hard surfaces. Definitely good!

Source: RealAge.com

This new weight management program gives you practical skills to lose or maintain your weight in a healthy way. Even if we are able to maintain our weight, we may still want to plan for eating healthier and keep moving more. The class will meet on Mondays, 12:00-1:00 pm, September 8 through December 22. Plan to attend all sessions or as many you can.

A $25 registration covers supplies, personal journal and magazine; pre-registration is required. For more information or to register, call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.

This year’s North Carolina Mountain State Fair runs September 5 through 14. Look for the Flower and Garden tent close to the Heritage Village. Be sure to stop in and visit the Master Gardeners’ information tables. Volunteers will be available to answer your gardening questions. (Fri.,Sat., & Sun.)

For more information, call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.

The Buncombe County Transfer Station, located at 190 Hominy Creek Road in Asheville, now accepts, at no charge to Buncombe County residents:

• Metal
• Aluminum
• Appliances
• Bicycles
• Water Heaters
• Old Grills
• Lawn Mowers, Etc.

The Transfer Station is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Questions? Call 250-6205.