UC Horizon: Free Meals and Books For Kids | Help Conserve Water | Juneteenth Events

Union County Horizon

June 16, 2023

Community News

Union County Public Schools Offers Access to Books and Meals With Summer Programs

Union County Public Schools (UCPS) is bringing back two initiatives aimed at supporting the educational and nutritional needs of children in the community this summer. The UCPS Mobile Book Bus and the Free Summer Meals Program will provide valuable resources for children, ensuring their well-being during the summer break.

UCPS Mobile Book Bus

UCPS Book Bus

The UCPS Mobile Book Bus is set to roll out on June 19, bringing the joy of reading directly to elementary-aged children throughout the summer. This retrofitted bus will travel to various schools and community locations, offering students access to a wide selection of age-appropriate books at no cost to their families. Click here to view the Mobile Book Bus schedule

Free Summer Meals Program

summer meal program

UCPS will provide free lunch meals for children aged 18 and under. From June 19 to August 10, meals will be available from Monday through Thursday, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The program will be hosted at Monroe Middle School. View the flyer for details.

Conserve Water

Water Use Peaks in the Summer Heat

Next week marks the official start of the summer season, when many households use more water than any other time of the year. Kids are home from school, gardens and lawns need to be watered more, and many turn to water-based activities to beat the summer heat. This increase in water usage will have a direct impact on your water bill unless you make an effort to be a little more mindful of your water usage.

Here are a few easy steps to conserve water: 

  • Turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth.
  • Only run the washing machine and dishwasher when you have a full load.
  • Maintain or update your home’s plumbing system. Use a low-flow shower head and faucet aerators, and install a dual flush or low-flow toilet or put a conversion kit on your existing toilet. 
  • Don't wash your car at home. The typical "do it yourself" car wash uses about 100 gallons of water. Commercial car washes are much more efficient with water usage, plus you'll avoid washing pollutants and grease from your car into the ground near your home.  
  • Install a rain barrel for outdoor watering.

Union County practices water conservation year-round, which means that Union County Water customers must limit irrigation to a set schedule each week. Visit UnionConserves.com to learn more about irrigation restrictions. If you have an irrigation system, you can review best practices and helpful tips for using the right amount of water for your yard in our Homeowners’ Guide to Irrigation Systems

Community Events

African Folktales presented by Bright Star Theatre

From the desert lands of the Sahara to the plains of the Serengeti, celebrate the various folk tale traditions of the continent of Africa with the performers of the Bright Star Touring Theatre on Saturday, June 17, 2 p.m. at Lois Morgan Edwards Memorial Library in Marshville. This event is presented with support from the Alice Smith Marsh Charitable Trust. 

All Together Now Beatles Trivia

How well do you know the "Fab Four?" Join Union County Library for a fun night of Beatles Trivia to test your knowledge on Thursday, June 22, 7 p.m. at Southern Range Brewery in Monroe, and Friday, June 23, 7 p.m. at Sweet Union Brewing in Indian Trail.

Juneteenth Events

Indian Trail

Join Indian Trail’s annual Juneteenth celebration on Friday, June 16, from 6-9 p.m. at Crossing Paths Park. This year’s event will include music, poetry, art, dancing, food trucks, local vendors, and family-friendly activities. 


Marshville

The town's third annual Juneteenth Celebration will be held Saturday, June 17, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and will feature live music, food vendors, artwork, a kid's area and more. See more details in this flyer.


Waxhaw

Join Waxhaw’s second annual Juneteenth Celebration in the Downtown Waxhaw Community Corner Saturday, June 17, from noon to 4 p.m.

There will be food trucks, craft vendors, kid’s activities, drum circles, storytelling, live music, family-friendly activities and more! This event will be focused on education through dance, art, music, and food.


Monroe

Monroe Parks & Recreation will host a Juneteenth Celebration at Belk Tonawanda Park  Saturday, June 17, from 3-7 p.m. The family fun festival will include live music, food vendors and amusement rides.  

Healthy Living

World Elder Abuse Awareness

Each year we shine a light on an issue that impacts 1 in 10 Americans over the age of 60, who have experienced elder abuse. Last year alone, we received 375 reports of abuse, and our dedicated Union County team of social workers investigated 214 of those reports. Our vulnerable senior population and adults with disabilities need your support.

Lend a compassionate ear or perform a simple acts of kindness, like bringing in their trash or delivering a meal. Visit the Adult Services webpage to learn more about support services, and how to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a disabled adult. 

Help Deliver Meals to Seniors

Gather your friends and help serve the seniors of Union County by delivering meals. The time commitment can be as little as two hours with opportunities in Indian Trail, Mineral Springs, Marshville, and Monroe. If you are interested in volunteering, email SeniorNutrition@unioncountync.gov or call 704.292.2567.

Additional Volunteer Opportunities

Union County Government offers a variety of volunteer opportunities across several departments that enable you to use your skills and interests to help others and make a meaningful impact. Visit our volunteer opportunities page.