Top Stories for June 12, 2024

Fresh and organic vegetables at farmers market

Mecklenburg County provides this weekly rundown of top stories from the Board of County Commissioners meetings and the Public Information Department’s newsroom. The Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for June 18 at 6 p.m. The agenda will be available online and the meeting can be viewed on MeckTV.

1. A Way Forward: June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month and Public Health’s Office of Violence Prevention is taking part in events throughout the month in its work to grow the ecosystem of awareness and action to prevent community violence. 

  • June 15: Hoskins Celebration of Kings 
  • June 17: Carolina Violence Prevention Collaborative (CVPC) Community Chat Hour 
  • June 20: “The Way Forward” Strategic Plan Advisory group meeting 

The Office of Violence Prevention is in its second year of operation, approaching violence as a public health issue. That means identifying the root causes of the epidemic and using data, tools, and best practices to address those causes. 

2. Summer Harvest for Seniors: Eligible senior citizens have $50 worth of fresh fruits and veggies waiting for them to savor. Mecklenburg County is participating in the N.C. Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program, which provides vouchers for older adults to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and fresh cut herbs at certified farmers markets. Beginning this week, the vouchers are available for pick-up in Mecklenburg County at two farmers markets: North Meck Community Farmers Market and the Uptown Farmers Market. They can be redeemed at any certified farmers market in the state. 

3. Aging Fearlessly: June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month with the goal of building support for our seniors. Every year an estimated one in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. That’s why Mecklenburg County Services for Adults and the Age-Friendly Mecklenburg initiative work hard to look out for our senior citizens. Anyone who suspects abuse can call the 24-hour help line at 704-336-CARE (2273). On June 4, more than 150 residents turned out in Freedom Park to walk and wear purple, raising awareness of our elders and their caregivers. Watch a video from the walk for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. 

4. Celebrating Juneteenth: Mecklenburg County is celebrating Juneteenth across the community, a federal holiday on June 19 which commemorates the ending of slavery in the United States. 

  • Park and Recreation is hosting celebrations and educational events at Stevens Creek Nature Center, Northern Regional Recreation Center, and Tyvola Senior Center.
  • Residents are invited to a celebration at First Ward Park co-hosted by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg County chapter of the NAACP and Park and Recreation.
  • Charlotte Mecklenburg Library invites residents to join in celebrations, story times, and lessons in genealogy in celebration of Juneteenth and African American heritage. Check the library’s event listing. 

5. County Closed: Mecklenburg County offices and services will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 in observance of the Juneteenth holiday.