Daniel Prince
Council pledges support for pageant contestant, backpack drive, and more
At Tuesday’s meeting, Union City Council pledged its support to several causes and events. Miss Union County Fair Teen Madyson Gregory shared her platform and all the community events she has participated in. She is planning a family fun day sometime in the future, and she is raising money for that. Her platform is called “Madyson’s Bridge”, and it is all about building a support system for children in single-parent homes. She wants to raise awareness of the risks those children face and to help them realize there are people in their lives that can be support systems. Council voted to support Gregory with $500 from the general fund.
Investigator Kristin Spencer with the Union County Sheriff’s Office presented about the third-annual backpack giveaway that will happen this summer on July 28, just before school starts. They are hoping to have it in the Greater Union Church parking lot once again. She said last year, they gave out 550 bags, along with hot dogs, chips, and drinks, and a number of kid-friendly vendors had some things they gave away, as well. She said she hopes the event will grow each year, and she said she hopes to raise $5000 to help support the event. She requested $1000 from city council and said she would be approaching Union County Council with the same request. Council unanimously voted to support the program, with the money coming from royalties from the water and sewer warranty program.
City Council also unanimously voted to pay for city employees to attend and eat at USC Union’s annual Spring Fling event, set for April 19 this year. The event is open to the public and brings in several food trucks and other fun activities. Ninja Nation is bringing an obstacle course this year. Attendees can get food from one of the food trucks for $12, and there will be an ice cream vendor on hand, as well, selling ice cream for $3. Anita Whitney with USC Union said they will be inviting county employees to come, as well.
Finally, council unanimously voted to sponsor ReGenesis Health Care’s 20th Anniversary Kickoff event. They voted on a $500 sponsorship.