Fall Litter Sweep -- September 20 - October 4

Help keep Buncombe County clean! Gather your favorite group of people and join in the 2008 "Pickitup!" Campaign.

Protect Yourself -- Shred Old Records For Free

If you've got stuff like old tax records or bank statement lying around, consider shredding them on September 20 for free.

Tissue Facts

Each year, Americans use about 50 pounds of tissue paper products, such as toilet paper, facial tissues, paper towels, paper napkins, and similar products.

Tips to Reduce Your Paper Use

Every year, we each use about 670 pounds of paper and paper products. That’s the equivalent of about one sheet every 12 minutes!

Women's Agenda

On Saturday, Sept. 20, 2008, women will have an opportunity to discuss and prioritize policy/legislative issues such as Access to Health Care, Pay Equity, and Economic Self Sufficiency.

Successful Seed Saving

If you collect seeds to save for next year, or even save leftover seeds from year to year, storing the seeds properly will improve your chances of success.

Kids Fishing Derby - September 27

Join in the fun and try to win a prize!

Active Aging and America on the Move Week

Be Active, start now and have fun during Active Aging and America on the Move Week, September 22-28. Experience a variety of FREE activities that benefit your health and well-being.

Pet Pictures of the Week - Give One of Us a Chance to be Your Best Friend!

Can you give a dog a home? Maybe a cat? How about a kitten? These animals need your help.

Recipe of the Week - Coconut Sour Cream Cake

Congratulations to Jeannie Morgan of Enka for her Coconut Sour Cream Cake recipe!

September 22-27 celebrates both Active Aging Month and America on the Move (see article above) and is a perfect time to gear up for an active fall. The weather begins to get cooler and it’s a great time to get moving!

The week starts with a Kick-off event hosted by the YMCA with a Walk through Downtown Asheville on the Eat Smart Move More walking routes. This is followed by lunch where a Health Topic is discussed, and other great incentives. The week ends with an evening hosted by Downtown on the Move that includes a stroll and music at Pritchard Park.

The YMCA of Asheville is also encouraging residents to join the STEPtember Challenge anytime between August 17th and September 30th. The challenge is six weeks long and participants will be encouraged to make small changes during this time. The program is free.

For information on the Active Aging events, see the article above or contact Rebecca Chaplin at 251-7438 or rebecca@landofsky.org. For information on the STEPtember challenge, contact the YMCA at 210-9622.

Join Buncombe County Government employees for "Christmas in September!" Let's remind the men and women that are serving our country that we appreciate them! You can drop off much needed items at your local library, in the Courthouse, or at the Board of Elections.  The troops will receive the goods before Christmas and it will give them a little taste of home.

Complete story

Do you know what is going on in YOUR county government? Find out on BCTV 2! The Buncombe County Government Channel -- BCTV is broadcast on Channel 2 on Charter Communication System.

Find out what the Commissioners are doing:

• County Commission meetings can be seen on BCTV on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 pm, Wednesdays at 3 pm, and Saturday and Sunday at 9 am following their meetings held the first and third Tuesday of each month.
• You can also see what is happening in the Town of Black Mountain. Their monthly Board of Alderman meetings are aired on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday following their meeting held the second Monday of the month.

There is something for everyone on BCTV - various other programming produced by BCTV includes:

• Exercise classes
• Monthly garden chores and home tips from Cooperative Extension
• Storytelling and various programs from the Library System
• "Eating Smart in Buncombe County"
• "Buncombe County Weekly”
• “Buncombe Life”
• “County Focus” and much, much more!

The information and programs on BCTV will provide you with an insight to the workings of County government and an opportunity to feel more involved in the decisions of your elected officials and the many departments that serve the citizens of Buncombe County.

Please visit BCTV often and let us know what you think. We welcome your comments and suggestions – you can email us at bctv@buncombecounty.org. Go to the BCTV page for the daily schedule and more information about the government channel.

In celebration of Child Passenger Safety Week, there will be Seat Checks at the following locations:

Saturday, September 20	Babies R US	1 to 4 p.m.
Monday, September 22	Leicester Fire Department	1 to 4 p.m.
Thursday, September 25	Toys R US	1 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, September 27	Sam's Club	11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

These checks are free and no reservations are required.  For more information, contact WNC Safe Kids at 213-5548 or the Buncombe County Health Center at 250-5059.

With the approval of the Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services Comprehensive Plan, the Buncombe County Greenways Commission was formed.

The Greenways Commission reports directly to the Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services Advisory Board and makes recommendations regarding greenway development and open space preservation within Buncombe County.

If you would be interested in serving or have questions or comments about the Greenways Commission please contact Jessica Stevermer at 250-4260 or download an application. The deadline to apply is September 22, 2008.