Top Stories for March 13, 2024
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 met on Tuesday, March 12. The meeting’s agenda is available online and can be viewed at MeckTV. The Board’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19 at 6 p.m.
1. Women and Domestic Violence Priorities: The Board of County Commissioners is considering needs from across programs as it builds the FY2025 budget for Mecklenburg County. This week, Board members heard the priorities for women’s and domestic violence services. The Women’s Advisory Board recommends funding for financial literacy, respite care, programs to prevent trafficking, and behavioral health services. The Domestic Violence Advisory Board recommends support for shelters and housing, mental health services, and programming for healthy youth and teen relationships. Both Boards also recommend robust public awareness campaigns for existing resources.
2. Women Trailblazers: As Mecklenburg County commemorates Women’s History Month, we recognize some of the women whose leadership, strength, courage, and achievements shape our organization and our community. They have served—and continue to serve—across County programs and services, from public health to public safety to the highest levels of policymaking and leadership. Mecklenburg County’s Geospatial Information Services (GIS) has also created an interactive map of landmarks and locations that honor many of the women who have helped make our community a better place for everyone.
3. Creek Week: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Storm Water Services and its partners are hosting events March 16 - 23 to celebrate and appreciate the 3,000 miles of creeks in Mecklenburg County. There will be more than 15 educational and volunteer opportunities available for all ages. Volunteers will teach the community about our waterways and how to keep them clean and healthy. The week concludes with the Big Spring Clean on March 23 as hundreds of residents gather at creek locations for a cleanup event. Visit StormWater.CharMeck.org to learn more.
4. Get Shredded: It’s that time of year when many residents begin to sweat over their tax forms. But they don’t need to sweat about the safety of their private information. Now is a good time to think about shredding old documents. Mecklenburg County Solid Waste and Recycling offers free and secure paper shredding events. The first event this year is Saturday, March 16, 9 a.m. to noon, at Compost Central and Recycling Center. Residents can bring up to three banker boxes of materials and are asked to sign up in advance.
5. Holi: Festival of Colors: Park and Recreation will celebrate Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors, marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Holi originated in south Asia, with roots in Indian mythology, and has spread around the world. Residents are invited to the celebration which will include games, music, dancing, and gulal (colored powder traditionally used during Hindu celebrations). The Holi Festival of Colors will take place at Elon Recreation Center on Saturday, March 23 beginning at noon. Residents can purchase their tickets here.