Community News

These Rare Flowers Are in Bloom at Cane Creek Park!

Witness the mesmerizing beauty of the rare Schweinitz sunflower, nestled in the Andre Michaux Prairie Restoration Site at Cane Creek Park. Exclusive to the central Piedmont region of North & South Carolina, this federally protected flower blooms in September and October. Read the full story to learn more.

Jiffy Lube Is Teaming Up With Our Senior Nutrition Program This October

When you visit Jiffy Lube for an oil change or other car services, you can donate $1, $3, or $5 at checkout. Every donation helps our Senior Nutrition program feed local seniors at designated meal sites or by meal delivery.

Mark Your Calendar for Upcoming Events

South Piedmont’s Surgical Technology Program Will Host Open House Event on Oct. 19

South Piedmont Community College will host an open house for its new Surgical Technology program at 4:30 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 19, at the Old Charlotte Highway campus.  At the event, attendees will learn about the Surgical Technology career field and South Piedmont’s program. They will also be able to take part in hands-on activities and meet prospective employers. South Piedmont’s Surgical Technology program is a new offering for spring 2024. Surgical technologists are in high demand nationwide. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the field will grow by 6 percent, or about 7,700 jobs, through 2031.  Click here for more information.

Calling All Foodies!

Union County Cooperative Extension invites you to the second annual Harvest in the City event, happening Oct. 26-28. Participating local restaurants that shop from the Union County Farmers Market Food Hub will feature a "Harvest in the City" special, which features locally sourced ingredients from our farmers! Celebrate the bounty of the season and enter our "Shop Local" giveaway while dining at participating restaurants valued at more than $250. For more details, visit the Union County Local Foods website. 

Vaccinate your Fur Babies

Union County will host a low-cost Rabies Vaccine Clinic at Union County Human Services, 2330 Concord Ave., Monroe, on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Vaccinations are $10, cash only.
• Microchips will be available for a suggested $20 donation.

Operation Medicine Drop

All drugs can cause an overdose, including those prescribed by a doctor. Be sure to keep medications in a locked space and take regular inventory of your medication.  To safely dispose of unused medicines, visit any of these drop box locations or stop by Saturday, Oct. 28, at Forest Hill Church in Waxhaw for an Operation Medicine Drop event.

Sheriff's Office Salute to Veterans Event

All military veterans and active-duty service members are invited to the fourth annual Union County Sheriff's Office Salute to Veterans Ceremony and Luncheon on Friday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. A free Smoke Pit lunch will be provided for each veteran and one guest. Each veteran in attendance will receive several tokens of appreciation during the event and will also be eligible to receive one of several large ticket raffle items. View more details and get the link to register here.

Community Events

Autumn Treasures

Waxhaw will be hosting a two-day event called "Autumn Treasures" held annually during the second week in Oct. Come to downtown Waxhaw this weekend, Oct. 14-15, for some fun for the whole family featuring local crafters, musicians, food, kids activities, and more.

Indian Trail's Spooktacular

Indian Trail Parks and Recreation is hosting its annual Spooktacular event on Friday, Oct. 20. Come out to Chestnut Square Park from 6-9 p.m. for trunk or treat, free crafts, a costume contest, and more! For more information, visit Indian Trail's website.

Healthy Living

Shedding Light on Domestic Violence this October

October is a month dedicated to raising awareness about domestic violence.

Did you know that one in four families in Union County have been affected by domestic violence?

If you or someone you know needs assistance, contact Turning Point for resources and support. Need help now? Call the local 24/7 crisis line at 704-283-7233 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE).

Protect Your Hearing 

October is National Protect Your Hearing Month, which raises awareness on how to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss may be immediate or may be gradual over time and go unnoticed. The good thing about noise-induced hearing loss is that it is preventable. To prevent this type of hearing loss include:

• Avoid noisy places when possible.
• Turn down the volume when watching TV or listening to music.
• Use hearing protection such as earplugs or protective earmuffs.
• Ask your doctor for a hearing screening and how to protect your hearing.