UC Now News & Information - May 2023

MISSION

We are proudly promoting community growth with municipal services and programs utilizing community engagement, teamwork, innovation, best practices and effective and efficient public service.

VISION

We are making bold, visionary plans to push toward the future by providing enhanced safety, quality of life opportunities and a leading-edge economy

VALUES

We are a vibrant community comprised of passionate residents whose values are based on family, inclusion and partnership.

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE. WORK. PLAY.

The goal of Union City's Adopt-a-Spot Program is to create litter awareness and foster strong partnerships with our business and residential communities. We want to enhance civic pride, beautify the City, and eliminate litter and other pollutants to protect the water quality within our corridors. SCAN

As a community, we realize that what shapes our City is our residents and businesses. This initiative helps Keep UC Beautiful and supports current City ordinances regarding litter control while promoting, enhancing, and sustaining litter-free conditions. There are several ways to get involved. You can sign up for the Adopt-a-Spot initiative, participate in litter clean-up events, or help promote our awareness campaigns. By working together, we can ensure a cleaner, more sustainable Union City for generations to come.

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ARE YOU READY FOR THE SHIFT IN UNION CITY?

2023 STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS AT BENJAMIN BANNEKER HIGH SCHOOL

Earlier this spring, Tawanda Black (KISS 104.1 FM) hosted the City's EVENT OF THE YEAR, The State of the City Address. Mayor Vince R. Williams delivered his much-anticipated speech at Benjamin Banneker High School. His address themed "The Return of R3 – The Shift" highlighted the City's progress in 2022 and what lies on the horizon in 2023 to Reclaim, Renew, and Reimagine Union City.

Union City has experienced tremendous growth and progress. R3 future investments, such as our Greenway Trail, streetscapes, and turf recreational fields, are all signs of a growing and thriving City!

SCAN THE QR CODE TO VIEW THIS YEAR'S STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS!

IT'S TIME TO PLAY BALL IN UNION CITY

OPENING DAY PARADE RECOGNIZES CITY'S FIRST RESPONDERS

Parks and Recreation kicked off the 2023 Baseball and Softball season with their annual Opening Day Parade.

City streets were filled with excitement, colorful banners, and team spirit. Parade participants included our Parks and Recreation youth sports teams, the local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police, the UC Seniors Walking Club, family, and friends.

The teams celebrated this year's new season by holding a special ceremony honoring our first responders. Plaques of appreciation were presented to the Fire Department, led by Chief Joe Maddox, and the Police Department, led by Police Chief Cassandra Jones.

HONORING OUR MEN AND WOMEN IN BLUE

UNION CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT HOSTS PROMOTION CEREMONY

Earlier this spring, the Municipal Courtroom was filled with friends, relatives, and City staff to celebrate the achievements of leaders within the Police Department A special promotion ceremony was held to honor the following individuals.

Captain Roderick Pittman-Delancy

Lieutenant Jerome Turner, Jr.

Detective Sergeant Ronnie Allen

Detective Sergeant Ashely Davis

Detective Sergeant Leonard Romano

Chief Code Enforcement Officer Jonathan Speas

Congratulations to these #NEXTLEVEL leaders!

ENHANCING OUR INFRASTRUCTURE ONE PROJECT AT A TIME

#WORKINPROGRESS

Phase I of the Roosevelt Highway Streetscape Improvements from Dixie Lake Road to Stonewall Tell Road is in progress through December 15.

This phase will consist of sidewalk installation, drainage improvements, pedestrian lighting, street furniture, and additional landscape enhancements entering the City limits from Stonewall Tell Road to Cottage Grove Place. Traffic will be allowed and controlled throughout the project with one lane closure to make improvements to the shoulder.

UC FIRE DEPARTMENT OBTAINS EMS RECERTIFICATION

DEMONSTRATING NEXT LEVEL SERVICE IN TIMES OF MEDICAL EMERGENCIES

The Union City Fire Department works diligently to ensure first responders undergo training, educational workshops, and certification to serve the community effectively.

Under the supervision of Sergeant James Thompkins, the department has successfully obtained its EMS recertification. Obtaining recertification ensures fire personnel meets or exceeds the State of Georgia's guidelines when administering emergency medical services. This achievement demonstrates the fire department's dedication to community service.

CELEBRATING MOM WITH A SPLASH OF COLOR

PARKS AND RECREATION HOSTS MOTHER'S DAY PAINTING PARTY

Mother's Day is a celebration honoring the mother of the family or individual, as well as motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence of mothers in society. As such, Parks and Recreation hosted a special evening to celebrate moms in our community. They held their second annual Mother's Day Painting Party at The Gathering Place Community Center. The evening was filled with tasty refreshments, good music, and creative energy! Participants walked away with a masterpiece of their creation and a goody bag. Special thanks to Mosaic Moon for providing the painting supplies and excellent instruction!

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY MAKES DEBUT IN UNION CITY

FAMILY FUN WITH A SIDE OF GOOD EATS

Union City held its first-ever Food Truck Friday celebrating Georgia Cities Week. Not only were there tasty treats and good music, but attendees also had a chance to see a baseball game (or two). Be on the lookout, as additional food truck events will be coming to Union City!

UC KICKS OFF 2023 SPIN THE DISTRICT SEASON

RACERS AROUND SOUTHEAST REGION VISIT UNION CITY

Speed Week, a week-long line up of bicycle races, came to Union City for the first time in history for Spin the District's new twilight criterium!

The night races took place under the City's streetlights alongside a family-friendly disco-themed street festival with food, music, and fun activities. The challenging course with tight turns made for exciting spectating and cheer.

Spin the District will return to Union City later this fall for the Gran Fondo, a 30, 60, & 100-mile road ride, and 60 & 100ish mixed-surface travel options through scenic South Fulton, Coweta, and Carroll Counties.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN UNION CITY

RESIDENTS JOIN US FOR FUN, FREE ACTIVITIES

Exciting things are happening in #YourUnionCity - check out our list of upcoming activities! Bring the family and stay a while!

THURSDAY, JUNE 15 | 6:30PM-8PM

Indulge yourself in the beauty of art as the newest installment of "The Creative Exchange: Visual Stories of Local Artists" is now on display at The Gathering Place. Join us for the opening reception and celebrate the multitude of talent in and around Union City. Admission is free and open to the public.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17 | 6PM-10PM

Celebrate Juneteenth with Union City! This year marks the 2nd official Juneteenth holiday, and we are doing it right! Join us on June 17th at the Highway 29 Ballfields for an evening of family fun featuring music, dance, games, and food to commemorate this historic and important date.

FRIDAY, JUNE 23 | 11AM-2PM

Make your way to the Gathering Place with resumes in hand for our annual Job Fair! Meet employers who are eager and ready to hire! Featuring a partnership with UC Champions, The Beatty Team, and Music Greeks, Inc, this event promises to provide opportunities for all who attend.

UPCOMING EVENTS IN UNION CITY

JOIN US FOR FUN, FREE ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES

Exciting things are happening in #YourUnionCity - check out our list of upcoming activities! Bring the family and stay a while!

FRIDAY, JULY 14 | 6PM-10PM

A celebration of the best art, music, food, and culture Union City offers, Taste of SOFU is a community event highlighting exceptional local talent. This family-friendly event will take place at the Highway 29 Ballfields. Admission is free and open to the public.

SATURDAY, JULY 29 | 9AM-12PM

Bring your whole family to the Back 2 School Bash and Community Health Day at The Gathering Place Community Center! Grab a backpack stuffed with supplies, play a few games, eat delicious food, and get a free health resources from our Health Day partners! This fun event is free and open to all Union City residents!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 12 | 6PM-10PM

Celebrate Union City's birthday at our first-annual Light Up the Night Festival at the Highway 29 Ballfields. This funfilled evening for the family will include colorful light displays, food trucks, music, and more. Bring your lawn chair and stay a while.

CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENTS

WE ARE #UCPROUD

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR CERTIFIED PUBLIC MANAGERS

Councilmember Brian K. Jones and Director of Operations Cindy Givens recently obtained their Certified Public Manager (CPM) certification through The University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute of Government. This program is an accredited member of the National CPM® Consortium and is designed to improve the quality and efficiency of government agencies by developing the effectiveness and professionalism of managers.

Union City Employee Award of excellence

Allen Pierce (Public Services) was recognized as Union City's Employee of the Month for March. Mr. Pierce demonstrates strong leadership in Public Services and a willingness to help others. He often volunteers to assist with City events and shares knowledge and skills without hesitation.

Sergeant Jay Duhon (Fire Department) was recognized as Union City's Employee of the Month for April. Sgt. Duhon has taken on the leadership role in a fashion that promotes unity and a desire for his station crew to perform at the highest level.

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CHEF IT UP WITH BBQ CHICKEN KEBABS

Summer is almost here!! Kick off the summer grilling season with these delicious BBQ Chicken Kebabs. They’re sweet, savory, and tangy with a little tropical pineapple twist.

Number of servings: 5 (2 kebabs per person)

Ingredients

2 small red onions (or one large)

1 fresh pineapple

1 3 lbs Organic Chicken Breasts

2 Tbsp cooking oil, divided

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp sweet paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper

1/2 cup Burman's Original BBQ Sauce

2 green onions, sliced

Cooking Instructions

Cut the red onions into 1-inch squares. Place the red onion in a bowl, drizzle with 1 Tbsp cooking oil, and toss to coat.

Cut the pineapple into 1-inch cubes.

Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, then place the chicken pieces in a bowl. Drizzle 1 Tbsp cooking oil on top, then add the smoked paprika, sweet paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken until it is well coated in oil and spices.

Build your kebabs by adding pineapple, onion, and chicken to skewers, alternating as you go. The yield will vary depending on the length of the skewers and the size of the pieces. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium. Once hot, add the kebabs and cook for a few minutes on each side.

When the kebabs are almost cooked through, brush them on all sides with BBQ Sauce. Cook the chicken kebabs for a minute or two more on each side or until the chicken is cooked through and the BBQ sauce is slightly caramelized.

Sprinkle the sliced green onions over top just before serving.

Looking for more recipes ideas? Visit www.budgetbytes.com.