The University of Tennessee Extension, in partnership with the Union County Health Department, is bringing a valuable program to the community this August and September to help community members manage chronic health conditions.

The Living Well with Chronic Conditions Program is a free six-week series designed to help individuals with chronic illnesses—such as asthma, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, COPD, and others—build skills to take control of their health and improve their quality of life. Caregivers and family members are also encouraged to participate.

Union County 4-H’er Miranda Boucher recently attended the 2025 Eastern Region 4-H Fashion and Design Conference, held June 3–5 at the Edgewater Hotel in Gatlinburg, TN. She was joined by Union County Family and Consumer Science Agent, Abigail Thomas, for the exciting three-day event.

From June 24–26, youth from across East Tennessee gathered at Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greeneville, TN, for the 2025 Eastern Region 4-H Quilt Camp. This year’s theme, “Glamp and Stitch,” brought a touch of glamour and fun to the art of quilting during this unique three-day, two-night camp experience.

Union County 4-H members recently returned from an exciting and fun-filled week at Junior 4-H Camp, held June 9 to 13 at Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greeneville, Tennessee. Our campers spent the week learning, growing and making lasting memories with fellow 4-H members from across the region.

The UC Family & Community Education (FCE) Club held its annual Spring Luncheon and Cultural Arts Contest in May at the Extension office. With the theme “Hats Off to FCE,” the meeting space was transformed into an elegant tea party setting, complete with beautiful spring decorations. Members arrived in their Sunday best—lovely dresses and charming hats adding a touch of tradition and fun to the occasion.

On April 29th, members of the Union County FCE traveled to Kingston, TN, for the Eastern Region FCE "Spring Into FCE" event, an annual gathering that brings together members from across the region for a day of learning, networking, and community building.

The event featured a variety of activities, including live Bluegrass and Gospel music, which set the tone for an enjoyable morning. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the Blossom and Bee Boutique, a fundraiser for FCE.

In April, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Abigail Thomas and Union County 4-H Teen Leader Jaelyn Cummings partnered to bring the Healthy Me pilot program to Whitney Copeland’s kindergarten class at Big Ridge Elementary School. Over the course of six visits, students participated in engaging lessons designed to promote emotional wellness, social skills and mindfulness.

The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) Club invites members and guests to join them for their April meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, April 29th, at 9:00 AM at the Kingston Community Center. This special meeting will provide a great opportunity for fellowship, learning, and exploring a new location together.

The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) Club had a fantastic gathering for its March meeting, filled with learning, fellowship and fun!

To kick off our meeting, we played a St. Patrick’s Day-themed trivia game, which was a big hit! Congratulations to Lyndora Lyndsey for answering the most questions correctly!

March was National Nutrition Month, a time to focus on making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits. One of the best resources for balanced nutrition is MyPlate, an initiative by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that helps individuals and families build nutritious meals.