Don't wait in line to vote on the day of the election -- vote now by Absentee Ballot!
What is Absentee Voting?
Absentee voting allows registered voters to cast ballots by mail or in person prior to the day of election (One-Stop). If you are a registered voter in Buncombe County and are eligible to vote in the upcoming municipal elections, you may vote by absentee ballot for any reason.
For complete details and deadlines for absentee voting, see the Board of Elections website.
On September 13, 2005, The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University released its report, The Importance of Family Dinners II. CASA research has consistently shown that the more often teens have dinner with their families, the less likely they are to smoke, drink or use drugs. This year's report finds that, compared to teens who have five or more family dinners per week, teens who have fewer than three are:
Suggested Readings:
To request a hard copy of The Importance of Family Dinners II, or for more information, please contact Elizabeth L. Planet of The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) at Columbia University by calling 212-841-5300.
Buncombe County Cooperative Extension says that it doesn't matter whether your child is just starting kindergarten or entering the final year of high school, parents should be involved in their child's school.
It's a great way to show your child that you take an interest in his or her education, and it sends a positive message that you consider school a worthwhile cause. Studies have shown that when parents and families are involved at their child's school their children perform better. Parent involvement is proven to lead to:
If you want to get in involved you can begin by showing that you value education:
If your child is in middle or high school there may be volunteer needs outside of the classroom -- check with your child's school or PTA/PTO group. Many local schools have put in gardens or have plans for fixing up the grounds.
If you are too busy to volunteer, make sure that you ask your child what went on at school each day, such as who they hung out with at lunch or what kind of activities they were involved in. Make a point to notice their successes and achievements.
Want half-price books? How about free balloons, face painting for kids and storytelling? Get all of this and more at Weaverville Library's third Annual Friends Fall Festival!
The special half-price book sale will begin at 10am. Starting at 11am, there will be free balloons, face painting for kids and storytelling. Regional authors Vicki Lane and David Schulman will be on hand to discuss their works and sign books.
Also included will be live demonstrations by local artisans, refreshments and door prizes. Festivities will end at 3 pm. There is no admission charge and the public is invited.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Weaverville Library. For more information, call 645-3592.
Has it been that long already? Come celebrate the 8th anniversary of the opening of Enka-Candler Library on September 27 at 5pm!
Help us commemorate this important day -- there will be live music from Acoustic Swing, refreshments and drawings for door prizes. Admission is free and everyone is invited.
This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Enka-Candler Library. For more information, call 667-8153.
Did you know that Fall is an excellent time to plant trees and shrubs and many perennials? 
The key to healthy plantings is proper soil preparation and planting correctly. If you would like to learn more about how to prepare your plant and soil for the best possible results, just come to "Fall is for Planting" on September 27 at 6:30pm at the North Asheville Library.
This program is part of the "Fall Gardening: A Healthy Landscape" series presented by the North Asheville Library and the NC Cooperative Extension office. All programs in the series are free and the public is invited. Questions? Call 251-4991.
Congratulations to Vanessa Crouch of Asheville for her Microwave Chicken with Broccoli & Rice recipe!
Microwave Chicken with Broccoli & Rice
Ingredients:
Put ingredients in microwavable casserole dish that has a lid in the order listed above.
Cover, cook on high for 30 minutes, let stand for 5 minutes, enjoy!
Congratulations to Cyndi Williams for the picture of her dog, Sweetie!
Here is a picture of my Yorkshire terrier, Sweetie. She will wear her sunglasses as long as I am holding her – but if I put her down she slings them off!
She really is a sweet dog.
September 22 is the first day of Fall. According to The Old Farmer's Almanac (published since 1792 and well known for it's accurate weather predictions) our area should experience the following weather for the remainder of September and October of this year:
September
October
In April, Solid Waste sponsored a Mercury Thermometer Exchange Project. During the three-week collection period, 75 people exchanged thermometers and 357 people delivered thermometers and other items to the RiverLink offices. They dropped off all of these mercury-containing items:
Each resident who dropped off a thermometer or other mercury-containing device was given a free, digital thermometer.
Our goal was to get mercury fever thermometers out of homes where a broken thermometer can pollute indoor air and create health risks for residents.
Worksite Wellness Programs can benefit area businesses and improve the health and well being of employees. Free consultation is also available in establishing walking programs at area worksites.
For more information, call the Health Center at 250-5045.