Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) members are gearing up for a busy fall filled with service projects, educational opportunities, and special events.

At the August 21 meeting, the group will host a yard sale fundraiser at the Union County Extension Office from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Proceeds will support community programs, educational outreach, and service projects throughout the year.

Chronic pain is widespread in the United States, particularly among military veterans, affecting between 40 to 70% of this population and serving as a leading cause of disability. Veterans experience chronic pain more often than civilians, with back pain being the most common. Up to 75% of older veterans report chronic pain.

Join us on Saturday, August 23 from 4–8 PM down Park Road at Luttrell Park Pavilion (On the hill behind Luttrell Elementary School) for a market filled with local goodness and community connection:

• Homegrown produce, herbs, flowers & eggs
• Homemade baked goods, jams, and local meats
• Handmade soaps, crafts, art, & decor
• Food trucks, sweet treats & cool drinks
• Local authors, child entrepreneurs & more
• Activities for kids and a welcoming, hometown vibe

Gather and enjoy as you support local farmers and makers!

The Union County Lions Volunteers will be in all county elementary schools to provide FREE vision testing for Pre-K students. Please be sure that your student is in school on the day the screening is performed.

Many vision problems, like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), and refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism), can develop in early childhood and may not be easily noticeable by parents or caregivers. Vision screening is recommended for children at ages 3, 4, and 5

The next regular workshop and meeting of the Union County Board of Education will be on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Union County High School. The workshop will begin at 6 p.m. with the meeting immediately to follow.

Most people associate butterflies with flowers, watching them tranquilly sipping nectar like royalty. However, you may also see butterflies hanging around less savory food.

Flight is energy expensive, and butterflies get most of the calories needed from sugars found in flower nectar. The best flowers produce nectar with a 20-25% sugar content and store it in chambers that can be easily penetrated by the butterflies’ proboscis, a sipping straw-like mouth part. Suitable blossoms also provide a good landing pad on which to feed, the favorites being asters, daisies, milkweeds, mustards, mints, peas, and vervains.

Union County 4-H is inviting local youth to kick off the new school year with a morning full of fun, food, and fellowship! The 4-H Back to School Brunch will be held Saturday, August 16th at 10 AM, hosted by the Union County 4-H Honor Club.

The event is open to all students in 4th–12th grade and will feature free food, games, and plenty of activities to get excited about the school year ahead. Youth are encouraged to wear their favorite school-appropriate pajamas and enjoy a make-your-own pancake station along with delicious brunch sides.

The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) organization will host a yard sale fundraiser on Thursday, August 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Union County Extension Office, located at 2721 Maynardville Highway, Maynardville, TN 37807.

The sale will feature a variety of donated household items, décor, books, and more—all priced to sell. Shoppers from the community are invited to stop by, browse, and find bargains while supporting a good cause.

Horace Maynard Middle School kicked off the 2025–2026 school year in true Hollywood style—rolling out the red carpet to welcome our students back! From the moment they arrived, the students were treated like the stars they are.

The Powell Pet Palooza will be held on September 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a fundraising event with proceeds going to local pet rescues. There will be local vendors and businesses present, refreshments and fun dog activities.