At least two-thirds of all sponges tested contained some form of bacteria that could make a person sick. In fact, researchers found more bacteria in some kitchen sinks than in flushed toilets.Avoid the lines - vote early for the 2010 Primary Election through Saturday, May 1.
Early Voting Locations: (Map to Early Voting Locations)
Buncombe County Training Room 199 College Street, Asheville, NC 28801 Jupiter Fire Department 331 Jupiter Road, Weaverville, NC 28787 Parks, Rec. & Cultural Arts Dept. Bldg 70 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28805 Fairview Branch Library 11 Taylor Road, Fairview, NC 28730 Leicester Branch Library 1561 Alexander Road, Leicester, NC 28748 South Buncombe Branch Library
260 Overlook Road, Asheville, NC 28803 West Asheville Branch Library 942 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806 Black Mountain Branch Library 105 N. Dougherty Street, Blk. Mtn., NC 28711
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday hours April 24: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
May 1: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
For more information, call Buncombe County Election Services at 250-4200.
What comes to mind when you think of a clean kitchen? Shiny waxed floors? Gleaming stainless steel sinks? Spotless counters and neatly arranged cupboards? You can have all that and still have a filthy kitchen... the most unsanitary spot in the kitchen can be a sponge or dishrag. University of Arizona researchers tested sponges and dishrags collected from 1,000 kitchens in five major American cities. In some cities, one out of five sponges had salmonella bacteria, which can cause food poisoning, gastrointestinal inflammations, typhoid fever, and other maladies.
At least two-thirds of all sponges tested contained some form of bacteria that could make a person sick. In fact, researchers found more bacteria in some kitchen sinks than in flushed toilets.
What's in that sponge or rag? Five major causes of foodborne illness, like salmonella, E.coli, campylobacter, clostridium perfringens, and staphylococcus. (For more information about those foodborne illnesses, see Foodborne Illness-Causing Organisms in the U.S. - What You Need to Know.) More than 7 million Americans a year are hit with those bacteria, making them feel as if they've been struck with the flu or worse.
To combat the problem, researchers suggest first getting a new germ-resistant sponge, which they found dropped the amount of bacteria in a kitchen area by 99.9 percent.
You can also microwave your sponge. Researchers at the University of Florida found that two minutes of microwaving a damp sponge on full power killed or inactivated more than 99 percent of bacteria, viruses or parasites, as well as spores. "People often put their sponges and scrubbers in the dishwasher, but if they really want to decontaminate them and not just clean them, they should use the microwave," said Gabriel Bitton, a professor of environmental engineering who led the study. Before you zap your sponge in the microwave, remember this:
A truly "clean" kitchen – one that ensures safe food – relies on more than just looks, it depends on safe food practices. In the home, food safety concerns revolve around three main functions: food storage, food handling, and cooking.
For example, what is the temperature of your refrigerator at home? Is it 50° F? 40° F? A temperature of 40° F or less is important because it slows the growth of most bacteria. The temperature won't kill the bacteria, but it will keep them from multiplying, and the fewer there are, the less likely you are to get sick.
MedicineNet.com offers a quiz to see how well you’re doing in your kitchen. Can your kitchen pass the food safety test?
See how the Sheriff's Office is doing. The Comprehensive Annual Report is designed to give the taxpayers of Buncombe County an account of the services delivered to them by the Sheriff’s Office.
The report includes statistics such as number of calls for service, average response time, information on drug seizures, civil process, animal control, crime prevention and more.
See the 2009 Annual Report attached below.
Western North Carolina seems to be right in the middle of a huge local food movement - frankly, people are concerned about where their food comes from. 
One of the easier commodities to produce which has become very popular is locally raised eggs and chickens.
A growing number of citizens across the country are choosing to raise chickens on their farms or in their backyards. Lots of people raise them for eggs and meat that proponents say taste fresher. Others raise them for pest control, fertilizer and, as the economy continues to struggle, for a cost-saving source of protein.
Two WNC Agricultural Extension Agents from Buncombe County have developed a one-day workshop for folks interested in learning about small scale poultry production.
The Poultry Production Workshop will take place on May 10, 2010 from 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Mountain Horticulture Crops Research and Extension Center in Mills River, NC. The cost for the full-day workshop is $25 per person and includes lunch and resource materials.
The workshop will be packed with experts from across the country, including Jim Adkins from the International Center for Poultry and Extension Research Specialists from NC State University. Topics to be addressed include:
If you are thinking of incorporating poultry into your farm operation, looking to expand and improve your poultry business, or you're a backyard gardener looking to start raising poultry, then this workshop is for you. Spend the day with us and learn all you need to know. Space is limited, so the Poultry Production Workshop will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
For more information, contact Erin Bonito with the Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at (828)255-5522 or see the flyer attached below.
How can you tackle spring cleaning without using cleaners that may harm both your family and the environment? Follow these tips for easy, economical and green ways to freshen and clean your home this spring.
white vinegar - straight or mixed with water - is all you need to get floors clean. Use a sturdy mop, natural sponge or clean cloth to scrub, then mop up any excess. Vinegar and a stiff short bristled brush can also be used to clean grout. Source: thegreenguide.com
FurEver Friends is having a Special on adult cat adoptions through January 2. Adopt any adult cat (defined as a cat 1 year or older) for only $20 - this is less than half the normal adoption fee!
Come and look at all of the wonderful cats just waiting for homes. Some of them have been in the shelter or in foster homes for over a year.
Friday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) from 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Saturdays, November 27, December 4, 11, 18 & January 1 from 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Sundays, November 28, December 5, 12, 19, 26 & January 2 from 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Wednesdays from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Petco is located at 825 Brevard Road in Asheville (across from the Biltmore Square Mall).
All of the cats have been:
If you have any questions, call (828)-670-6723 or email fureverfriends@att.net.
Visit the FurEver Friends website to see some of the animals available for adoption.
Lots of herbs are easy to grow in the home garden, and it is so handy to have fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley and dill right outside the kitchen door.
Keep in mind that most herbs should be grown in full sun for best development of flavor and fragrance. Try to place them where they will receive at least 6 hours of sun each day. Well drained soil is important for most herbs, especially those originating in Mediterranean climate. When planting in clay soil, amend well with pine bark 
soil conditioner or small gravel to improve drainage.
Herb plants can easily be incorporated into landscape beds or the vegetable garden. Try planting sage, lavender, rosemary, fennel, dill or parsley into the flower garden. Creeping thymes may work well as edging plants or cascading over a wall. Golden creeping oregano makes a fine ground cover.
Of course, most herb plants can be grown in containers as well. Fragrant plants like scented geraniums, lemon verbena, lavender and rosemary are so nice around the patio where you can brush the leaves and release the fragrance.
A great inspiration to get started with herbs is to visit the annual Spring Herb Festival at the WNC Farmers’ Market. This year’s event will be April 30, May 1 and 2.
For more information, contact Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.
Join area seniors (55 to 95+) for friendly competition in a variety of events May 11-15. Senior Games 2010 will kick off with Opening Ceremonies and Dinner on Tuesday, May 11, presented by Humana. Events are scheduled for Thursday - Saturday, May 13-15, and include individual as well as partner events.
Artistic talent may opt for the Silver Arts Showcase, a competition of the arts held on Tuesday, May 18, in conjunction with the closing awards ceremony and potluck dinner.
Senior Games provides events for a variety of interests and athletic ability, including:
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billiards Track Events:
Field Events:
Cyclists:
Swimmers:
Bowling, Badminton or Tennis:
What is Silver Arts?
Silver Arts is a celebration of the creative expression of older adults in North Carolina and provides a showcase for the talent of artists in visual, heritage, literary, and performing arts. Categories for entering creative pieces or performances include:
Senior Games or Silver Arts entry fee is just $9 and covers all registrations, opening ceremonies, a t-shirt, and awards dinner. One note – golf and bowling require a separate activity fee, payable at the event.
Spectators, family and friends are always welcome at any of the competitions, at no cost! Guests of Senior Games athletes can also attend either the opening or closing dinner events for only $5 each. NEW for 2010 – is the “Buddy System.” First-time participants who are sponsored as a “buddy” of a seasoned participant, can enter Senior Games or Silver Arts for a reduced “buddy rate” of only $7 per person.
Join the fun this spring by entering the Senior Games or the Silver Arts Showcase! For more event information, contact Dee Black at (828) 350-2051 or dblack@ashevillenc.gov.
Do you help your mother with her medications? Have you spent your break time on the phone trying to contact your father’s doctor? Do you help a friend or relative with bills? These are signs that you are a caregiver and there is more you need to know.
On Thursday, May 6 from 6 - 7 p.m., Pat Hilgendorf will present a workshop to help you cope with being a caregiver.
Pat has worked in the area of caregiving for twenty years. She began as a caregiver for her own mother who had Alzheimer’s disease.
Pat developed an elder care resource and referral program for the 4,000 employees of the General Motors plant where she worked. The program turned into a nation-wide organization in 1996. Pat was active with the Alzheimer’s Association for twenty years, working the last few years in the Asheville office.
Join us for this informative workshop at the Administrative Offices of Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreations Services, located at 59 Woodfin Place in Asheville. The workshop is free.
For information or to register, please call Grace Young at 250-4265 or email her at grace.young@buncombecounty.org. Please register by Monday, May 3.
Save money, increase your health benefits and enjoy better tasting fruit by growing it yourself! Peggy Calenda, retired Master Gardener, will instruct you on the joys of planting and harvesting small fruit in your garden.
This educational and fun workshop will be on Monday, May 3, from 9 - 10 a.m. at the Administrative Offices of Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreations Services located at 59 Woodfin Place in Asheville. The workshop is FREE but you must sign up by Thursday, April 29.
For more information or to register, please call Grace Young at 250-4260 or email her at grace.young@buncombecounty.org.
This week we are featuring some Asheville Humane Society animals that need a loving home.
Watch BCTV 2's Pet Adoption PSA.
Please note: If you click on a link to one of the pets below and it doesn't show a picture and description, the pet is no longer available for adoption.
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Emmylou 2 months |
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Cat 4 years, 1 month |
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Dog 8 years |
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Bella |
If you are interested in adopting one these fabulous animals, or would like to look at any of the other wonderful animals that need homes, visit the Asheville Humane Society's website. Questions? Call the Asheville Humane Society at 828-253-6807.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Please select the “Recipe of the Week” icon in the sidebar of the eZine if you are interested in entering the contest. If your recipe is selected you will receive a prize!
You will frequently find Extension Master Gardeners staffing an "Ask a Gardener" information table at area events.
This year they will also be available to provide gardening information at the Asheville City Tailgate Market on the first Saturday each month, beginning May 1.
Here are some gardening events coming up:
For more information about any of these events, call Buncombe County Cooperative Extension at 255-5522.
As of May 1, anyone younger than 26 operating a vessel powered by a 10-horsepower or greater motor on public waterways must have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course or otherwise be in compliance with General Statute 75A-16.2. Visit the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission website for course availability or call (919) 707-0030.
Also, don't forget to check your vessel registration before hitting the water. Call 1-800-628-3773, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. or visit a wildlife service agent to renew your vessel registration.
Don't forget to check out the NC Boating checklist and the NC Vessel Operator's Guide for rules and regulations that will help keep you safe.
On April 29, 2010, Asheville will once again join 53 other cities across the country and in Canada for their 8th Annual Dining Out for Life® benefit, a 
fundraiser for the Western North Carolina AIDS Project (WNCAP).
This year, to entice you to enjoy all three of your daily meals out on the town, you can choose from over 90 different restaurants in Asheville, West Asheville, Black Mountain, Hendersonville, Saluda, Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Weaverville, and Woodfin.