Buncombe County eGov Weekly eZine - Volume: 7 Issue: 27

July 4 - 11, 2011

Need a Job? Job Fair - July 5 & 6

Linamar Corporation is hosting a management job fair:

July 5 - Noon to 8 p.m.
July 6 - 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Haynes Building
A-B Tech Enka Campus
1459 Sand Hill Road

In preparation for launching the organization’s operations in the first quarter of 2012, Linamar’s local recruitment efforts will begin with management and professional positions for all functional departments. This includes plant management, accounting, engineering, maintenance, logistics and procurement, and health & safety, as well as information technology. The company plans to schedule a recruitment event dedicated to production and hourly staff in coming months.

Interested candidates are invited to attend the job fair and are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter to asheville.jobs@linamar.com.

For additional information about the Linamar Corporation, visit www.linamar.com.

The job fair is held in conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County, a public-private partnership committed to creating and retaining jobs.

*Linamar Corporation recently announced its newest precision machining facility in Asheville, with the creation of 400 jobs and an investment of $125 million. This investment signals the first U.S. manufacturing location for the leading global supplier of internal engine and driveline components.

Linamar will occupy the vacant Volvo Construction Equipment campus at Lake Julian, recently secured by Buncombe County to accommodate the company’s expansion plans. Linamar expects to be in operation by the first quarter of 2012, with renovation of the facility to begin immediately.

Founded as a one-man machine shop in a Canadian basement in 1964, Linamar has grown into a supplier for vehicle and mobile industrial equipment markets worldwide, with more than 12,700 employees and sales of $2.2 billion CAD in 2010. The organization includes 39 manufacturing facilities, five research and development centers, and 14 sales offices spanning 11 countries. Linamar’s operations are separated into four functions including Industrial, Commercial, and Energy (ICE), Manufacturing, Driveline Systems, and Skyjack. The new Asheville plant will focus on the ICE operations.

Buncombe County was selected following an exhaustive search of major southeastern markets, focused on skilled workforce availability, manufacturing specialization, and proximity to Linamar’s major accounts. The company required a community which could accommodate their continued plans of expansion in the North American marketplace.

Rain Barrels For Sale!

Since Cooperative Extension is getting a lot of calls from citizens asking about rain barrels, they are now offering them for sale.

The 80-gallon barrel from Rain Barrel USA (a North Carolina company) measures 37 inches high and 28 inches wide. It is made of 20% recycled high-density polypropylene.

The heavy concave lid channels water flow into the barrel. The screened entry blocks leaves, debris and insects; the dark green color discourages algae growth. The barrel has two overflow ports to move water away from your home, and it comes complete with fittings and installation instructions.

You can find more information on the barrel at Rain Barrel USA's website.

The barrel is $110 plus tax. You can pay with cash, or by check made payable to “Buncombe County.” 

To purchase a barrel (we have them in stock), come to the Buncombe County Center of NC Cooperative Extension, 94 Coxe Avenue, Asheville, NC 28801 (corner of Coxe and Hilliard) or call 828-255-5522.

Don’t Fall for Phony Debt Collectors

Dozens of North Carolinians are calling the State Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division to report calls from scammers posing as debt collectors.

Consumers describe these calls as harassing and intimidating. The scammers may call repeatedly, even contacting people at work, and often use phony names designed to sound like a law firm or government agency.

If you get calls demanding that you pay a debt that you don’t think you owe, remember:

• Never share your personal financial information with anyone you don’t know who contacts you.
• Check your credit reports for free at www.annualcreditreport.com or 1-877-322-8228 to spot any unauthorized credit cards or loans taken out in your name.
• Consider a free security freeze to block unauthorized use of your credit.
• If you get one of these calls after applying online for a credit card or loan, file a complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.IC3.gov.
• Legitimate debt collectors should be able to provide you with written proof of a debt. They are not allowed to use profanity or threaten you with violence or arrest, and they must follow rules about when and how they contact you.
• You can report complaints about debt collection scams as well as legitimate debt collectors to the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division. Call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or visit www.ncdoj.gov.

For more information, see the news release about this scam.

This message brought to you on behalf of North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper.

Nourish Your Blood Vessels with This Vitamin

Can you fend off heart problems just by popping a vitamin? Sounds too good to be true. But it isn't.

In a recent study, people who were D deficient had stiffer arteries and the cells that lined their arteries showed greater signs of dysfunction. But everything got better quickly – and their blood pressure improved, too! – once they got their D levels back to normal.

Vascular Investigations

When a person's levels of vitamin D are low, the cells lining their blood vessels tend to be less healthy. They have several jobs to do, including help arteries constrict and relax, help with blood clotting, and help control fluid levels in the blood.

When they aren't working correctly, one or more of these systems may slow down. But getting enough D may be insurance against that dysfunction. In another study, D-deficient young adults experienced great improvements in their previously impaired endothelial functioning after receiving monthly high-dose D supplements for 3 months. (Related: Find out the best food sources of vitamin D.)

Heart of Gold

You don't want to go overboard with D. But most people don't get enough. RealAge recommends 1,000 IU per day – or closer to 1,200 IU if you're over 60. It not only helps your body use calcium, but more and more research suggests D is a serious heart-helper. It's all thanks to D's ability to reduce oxidative stress – a physiological process thought to encourage aging and cell damage.

D also may help decrease levels of parathyroid hormones that damage blood vessels. And if you have high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, stroke, or heart disease, getting enough D may be a safeguard against some of the damage that comes with those conditions. (Related: Should you get your vitamin D levels tested? Find out here.)

Get the most from vitamin D supplements by taking them at this time of day.

Source: RealAge.com

References:

Summer Concert Series: Groovin' on Grovemont - July 12

The Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Community Council present the 9th annual Groovin' on Grovemont summer concert series in Grovemont Square adjacent to the Swannanoa Library. These free shows will be July 12, July 26, and August 9 and will begin at 6 p.m.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair and come enjoy these family-friendly evenings of great music! Concessions including hot dogs, pizza, home-baked goods and ice cream will be available for sale with proceeds benefiting the Friends of the Swannanoa Library and the Swannanoa Emergency Assistance Program.

Admission to Groovin' on Grovemont is free, but donations are always welcome. Individual and business sponsorship opportunities are still available.

Bonus feature: GIANT HALF PRICE BOOK SALE at the Swannanoa Library during each Groovin' concert. Thousands of great books at unbelievably low prices!

Concert Schedule:

• Tuesday, July 12 at 6 p.m.
  The Groovemont Players - Rock, soul, blues, country and beyond!
• Tuesday, July 26 at 6 p.m.
  Ahora Si - Latin/Cuban-style jazz
• Tuesday, August 9 at 6 p.m.
  Red June - Acoustic Americana/bluegrass/roots rock

For more information, call 250-6486 or email swannanoa.library@buncombecounty.org.

Garden Chores for July

Lawns:

• Recent wet weather has induced brown patch fungus disease to start developing in many lawns. The best steps to reduce the spread of the disease are to avoid mowing when the grass is wet, and do not irrigate. If the weather gets dry and the grass goes dormant, the disease will stop developing.
• Maintain the 3 inch mowing height, and in most cases leave clippings on the lawn. If you have brown patch you may want to use a bagging attachment to remove clippings for a while.

Ornamentals:

• Finish any pruning or fertilizing of shrubs before the end of the month.
• Don’t forget to water newly planted trees and shrubs – weekly if needed.
• Irises and daylilies are typically divided now. If you have several varieties of daylilies it is often helpful to
  divide while they still have some blooms if you want to keep the varieties separated.
• Some tree species bleed sap readily when pruned in winter – elms, maples, birches, dogwoods. That is not really harmful to the trees, but if you would rather not have the dripping sap, remove branches during the summer. 

Fruits:

• Early summer rain has produced perfect conditions for lots of black rot to develop on grapes, as well as brown rot on peaches and nectarines. At this point, if you have not been applying fungicide sprays on a regular basis, you probably already have problems. Products containing Captan are most effective.
• For best flavor, leave peaches on the tree until the background color changes from green to yellow.
• Prune blackberries and raspberries after harvest.

Vegetables:

• This is definitely the season for diseases in the vegetable garden – early blight and late blight on tomatoes, mildews on squash and cucumbers, rust on beans. The best way to prevent these diseases is to maintain weekly fungicide sprays. The most commonly used garden product is chlorothalonil (Bravo, Daconil, etc.). Organic gardeners may want to try Serenade, a new bacterial product. Copper or sulfur sprays are less effective, but offer a little help.
• Do not let basil plants flower, as it will change the flavor of the leaves. You can keep pinching out flowers, but the best approach is to “harvest” as soon as flowers start to form. Cut the stems back hard, right above a set of leaves low down on the branch. The stems will quickly resprout.
• Start planning for the fall garden. Brussels sprouts should be planted in July, most other cool season crops in August. You can start seeds in pots for plants such as broccoli, cabbage and collards.
• You can also still plant late crops of squash, bush beans or cucumbers. 

Other:

• Protect honeybees. If you must use an insecticide (even organic), spray late in the evening when few bees are active.
• Surplus produce can be donated to the Plant A Row For The Hungry collection at Manna Food Bank. Take fresh fruits and vegetables to Manna at 627 Swannanoa River Road, Monday - Friday between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.

For more information, view the following video produced by BCTV 2, hosted by Linda Blue, Extension Agent with Buncombe County Cooperative Extension.

Look Ahead to Fall: Cool Weather Gardening

On Tuesday, July 12 at 7 p.m., the Friends of the Weaverville Library will present “Look Ahead to Fall” for local gardeners.

Mary Reeves, a Master Gardener with Buncombe County Cooperative Extension Service, will discuss cool weather ornamentals and fall vegetables. Even though it is still summer, it’s time to start thinking about fall planting and what will work in your yard.

The program is free and open to the public. For additional information, please call the Weaverville Library at 250-6482 or email weaverville.library@buncombecounty.org.

Register for Swimming Lessons

Buncombe County Parks & Recreation Services is holding one more session of swim lessons this summer. Swim Lessons are available for anyone age 3 and older. Lessons are divided into 5 levels of swim experience, plus a preschool level for swimmers ages 3 and 4.

• Preschool and Level 1 is a water acclimation class for beginner swimmers.
• Level 2 teaches swimmers to float on their back and use their arms and legs.
• Level 3 swimmers learn the front crawl and backstroke.
• Level 4 and 5 lessons are taught in the deep end of the pool. Students improve upon what they have learned and begin to work on sidestroke and diving.

Registration for lessons begins on July 11 at noon for 2nd Session. Sign up at the pool you plan to attend. Lesson availability is first come, first served.

Second Session:

• July 18 - 28 – Registration begins on July 11 at noon. Classes will be Monday - Thursday at the following times:
  • 11 - 11:45 a.m.; Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5
  • 11 - 11:30 a.m.; Preschool Class for 3 & 4 year olds
  • 6 - 6:45 p.m.; Levels 1, 2 and 3 

The cost is $30 per person for a session of eight of classes. A $2 discount will be offered for families that have two or more family members enrolled. You must register and pay at the pool at which you will be attending.

Cane Creek Pool (Fairview/Arden)
Erwin Community Pool (Leicester)
Hominy Valley Park Pool (Candler)
North Buncombe Park Pool (Weaverville)
Owen Pool (Swannanoa/Black Mountain)

For more information, call Teri Gentile at 684-5072 or email her at teri.gentile@buncombecounty.org.

Sheriff's Office Auctioning Personal Property July 6

The Sheriff's Office will auction personal property on July 6, 2011.  See atached flyer for complete details.

Glass Painting Class - July 12

Do you have glassware that is just plain boring? Join us on Tuesday evening, July 12 for a Glass Painting Class. Turn ho-hum glassware into special occasion tableware or unique gifts that will be treasured for years.

The Glass Painting class will be held at the Interchange Building, 59 Woodfin Place from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The cost is $15 per person and includes all instruction and materials. Bring your supper with you and we will eat while we create. Please register and pay by Thursday, July 7.

For information or to register for this workshop, call Grace Young at 250-4265 or email her at grace.young@buncombecounty.org.

Sponsored by Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services.

Focus on Flowers: Going Green in the Garden - July 16

On Saturday, July 16, garden writer, lecturer and photographer Pam Beck is the keynote speaker, and will kick off the day with "Change How You Garden," with an eye toward common sense, sustainability and developing a deeper understanding of your garden. Beck says that "it is time to reevaluate your landscape and your relationship with it. Let's plan for sustainable urban landscapes that are maintainable, water wise, nature friendly, and food producing, and created with a holistic approach." This lecture, with slides, is filled with practical suggestions to apply to your own outdoor habitat.

Ms. Beck will be joined by such speakers as Randy Burroughs, Debbie Wood, and Linda Blue addressing such topics as "drought tolerant plants" and "common sense container garden displays." This year's agenda incorporates additional breakout sessions to allow for more specialized topics. Participants will receive handouts and resource information from all presentations.

This program is co-sponsored by the NC Cooperative Extension Service, the Buncombe County Master Gardeners and the North Carolina Arboretum Society. It will be held on Saturday, July 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Parking fee, lunch, and beverages are included in the program fee, which is $49 for NC Arboretum members and $55 for the general public. Register here.

Pets of the Week - Cute Canines & Kool Kitties

This week we are featuring some Asheville Humane Society animals that need a loving home.

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.

Stetson  Male Terrier, American Pit Bull/Mix 2 years

Glory Female  Domestic Shorthair/Mix 3 months

Luke Male Retriever, Labrador/Alaskan Husky 3 years

Miles Male Domestic Shorthair/Mix 3 years

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 828-761-2001.

Recipe of the Week - Blackened Salmon Sandwich

Ingredients:

• 1 pound salmon fillet, skinned and cut into 4 portions
• 2 teaspoons blackening or Cajun seasoning
• 1 small avocado, pitted
• 2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
• 4 crusty whole-wheat rolls, split and toasted
• 1 cup arugula
• 2 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion

Directions:

1. Oil grill rack, preheat grill to high.
2. Rub blackening (or Cajun) seasoning on both sides of salmon. Grill until cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
3. Mash together avocado and mayonnaise in a small bowl.
4. To assemble sandwiches, spread the avocado mixture on the bottom half of each roll. Top with the salmon, arugula, tomato and onion. 
    

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!

Did You Know?

Subscribe to the Mountain Gardener Newsletter

The Buncombe County Extension Office publishes a monthly newsletter for home lawn and garden enthusiasts. It contains climate data, helpful hints, timely articles and a list of garden tasks for each month, along with information on events sponsored by the Extension and by other local organizations.

You can download the latest issue at buncombe.ces.ncsu.edu - just click on "Newsletters" and then on "Mountain Gardener."

If you would like to receive the newsletter each month by email, please call 255-5522 or send an email with "SUBSCRIBE TO MOUNTAIN GARDENER" in the subject line to joyce.plemmons@buncombecounty.org.

Tag That Bag

Are you tired of trying to spot your black bag in a sea of black suitcases on the airport luggage carousel? Instead of picking up the paper tag at the bag check, get a recycled-content luggage tag that will be easy to spot and encourage others to think about recycling.

These tags are durable, so you won’t be scribbling your address at the last minute, either. You can find luggage tags made from old maps, tropical print fabric from old shirts, recycled tire tube rubber, used rice and feed bags, old bicycle chains, and more.

Ask about recycled luggage tags at your favorite gift store, look for them at craft fairs, or search online for “recycled luggage tags.”

Don't Forget the Free Air Show on July 9!

Join the Asheville-Buncombe Aeromodelers Flying Club at the Buncombe County Sports Park on July 9 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. for this FREE event.

The Club will put on an air show and display many of their models. Free flight and control line pilots are represented at this show.

Bring a lawn chair, pack a picnic lunch and prepare for a day of high-flying fun.

For information, call Jay Nelson at (828) 250-4260.

Don't Miss the Fireworks!

July 4: 

• Big Ivy Community Center (Barnardsville): Music, food (hot dogs & barbeque), & drinks. Fireworks begin at dark.
• Black Mountain/Montreat: Montreat will host a parade at 10:30 a.m. Black Mountain will have family fun & fireworks beginning at 7 p.m.
• Brevard: Morning 5K/10K Firecracker Run. Annual Fine Arts & Craft Showcase, Classic Automobile Show. Day-long musical entertainment. Fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
• Camp Rockmont (Black Mountain) 
• Hendersonville: Fabulous Fourth Celebration at Jackson Park starts at 2 p.m. with live music, food/craft vendors, SAWA Lumberjack Series Competition, car show, & fireworks at dark. Downtown parade begins at 11 a.m. on Main Street.
• Lake Julian Park: Fireworks begin at dark.
• McCormick Field: Fireworks during the Asheville Tourist Game.
• WNC Ag Center 

July 5:

• McCormick Field: Fireworks during the Asheville Tourist Game.