February 25, 2025

Preserving Century Farms in Cabarrus County

In Cabarrus County, farming isn’t just a job—it’s a legacy. For generations, farmers have formed the backbone of our community, nurturing the food on our tables and shaping the land we call home. But who is preserving their stories?

In the latest episode of Did Y’all Hear?, Cooperative Extension Livestock and Field Crops Agent Sarah Newman discusses the Century Farms project. She is on a mission to document and share the history of farms that have been in operation for more than 100 years. The episode also features two local farmers, Eddie Moose and Louis Suther, who are keeping their family traditions alive.

Be sure to download, like and share this episode. In case you missed it, we also sat down with other Cooperative Extension team members to talk about New Year's meal traditions. Listen here.

Listeners can learn more about the N.C. Cooperative Extension – Cabarrus Center and its programs by visiting cabarrus.ces.ncsu.edu or calling 704-920-3310. The Cabarrus County Extension Center is located at 715 Cabarrus Ave. W in Concord.

Supporting local agriculture helps sustain multigenerational farms and ensures fresh, high-quality food for the community.

Area farms and farm stores for fresh, locally grown goods:

• Barbee Farms (Concord) – Seasonal fruits, vegetables and plants
• Freedom Acres Farm store (Midland) – Pasture-raised meats, a variety of cheeses, breads and health and wellness products
• Green Leaf Farms (Concord) – Sustainable produce and farm-fresh products
• Barrier Farms (Mt. Pleasant) – A variety of meats, cheeses and homemade goods
• Porter Farms store (Concord) – Fresh produce, local honey and more
• The Farm at Dover Vineyards (Concord) – Produce, meats, canned items, bread and more
• Street Fare (Concord) – Seasonal produce, pasture-raised non-GMO eggs, gourmet mushrooms and more
• Queen City Tea (Kannapolis) – Medicinal plants, tea, honey and more

View more here

Save the date!

On April 17, Cabarrus County landowners are invited to a special workshop focused on transition planning and land conservation efforts. Enjoy dinner and expert insights on protecting your farm’s future.

Register today!

Annual Board of Commissioners Retreat

The Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners launched budget discussions for Fiscal Year 2025-26 during this year's annual retreat.

Over two days, commissioners heard from County departments, local school representatives and other organizations. The retreat provided an opportunity to review upcoming projects, assess building needs and discuss operational plans.

The full retreat was streamed live and is available for viewing.

Stay tuned for more budget updates, including two Gov 101 events where residents can engage with budget planners.

Next Work Session: March 10 at 5 p.m.

Government Center, Board of Commissioners' Chambers, 65 Church Street S, Concord, NC, 28025

Next Regular Meeting: March 17 at 6 p.m.

Government Center, Board of Commissioners' Chambers, 65 Church Street S, Concord, NC, 28025

BOC meetings are broadcast live on Channel 22 https://www.youtube.com/cabarruscounty and https://www.cabarruscounty.us/cabcotv.

5 Things to Know

☕ Coffee Talk | Join Mental Health America's storyteller Jim Love as he shares his mental health journey and resilience strategies. Free event, but space is limited. Register in advance. Formerly Coffee & Conversations.

When: Feb. 27, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Location: Flywheel, Community Room, 57 Union St. S, Concord

📍 Child Support moving | Cabarrus County Child Support Services will relocate to the Cabarrus County Government Center (65 Church St. S., Concord) on March 10, 2025. The move from the current office (1303 S. Cannon Blvd., Kannapolis) gives customers easier access to child support payments and streamlines business with the courthouse.

📌 Cabarrus Health Fair | The first of four Cabarrus Health Fairs will take place Friday, March 14, at 4855 Milestone Ave. in Kannapolis. The FREE event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature giveaways, food and clothing (while supplies last), children's books, health screenings and more. There will also be a clothing and food drive. For more information, call 704-920-1532.

🎀 Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Library & Active Living Center at Afton Ridge | Join us on March 11 at 5:30 p.m. for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the brand-new Library & Active Center at Afton Ridge. Be among the first to step inside this incredible space, combining free library and learning access with health and wellness opportunities—all under one roof! Stay after the ceremony for exclusive facility tours. This is a free event and open to all.

🥎 2025 Spring softball | Spring softball is returning to Frank Liske Park! Register today for the co-ed or men's league. A mandatory coaches meeting is set for March 11 and both leagues begin the week of March 17. For questions, contact Jonathan Poole at JDPoole@cabarruscounty.us or call 704-920-2702.

CTW Feature: Active Living & Wellness Expo

Join us for the Active Living & Wellness Expo! Formerly known as the Senior Health & Wellness Expo, this event has something for folks of all ages:

• Entertainment & exercise demos
• Free health screenings
• Informative displays & over 100 vendors
• Used medication drop-off
• FREE admission, parking and lunch!

Please call 704-920-3484 for more information.

Cooperative Extension Plant Sale | Online only now through this Friday, March 1



Pokemon Go Tour | Saturday, March 1 | Frank Liske Park | Free

Canvas & Coffee | Saturday, March 8 | 10 a.m. to noon | Mt. Pleasant Library

Burger Madness | March 1-31 | 20 local restaurants are participating

St. Patty's party | Saturday, March 8 | Frank Liske Park | $2

Community Free Clinic | Tuesday, March 18 | 10 a.m. to noon | Concord Library | Free

Active Living and Wellness Expo | Wednesday, March 19 | Cabarrus Arena | Free | Open to all

Senior Games | April 1 - May 31 | Register now through March 19

Save the date:

Spring Plant and Herb Festival - April 12 @ The Cabarrus Arena

Mt. Pleasant Literary Festival - April 24-26 @ Mt. Pleasant Library

View all Cabarrus County Library System events

View the Active Living and Parks Session Guide

Why I Work Here

Resources

FEMA Extends Application Deadline for North Carolinians Affected by Tropical Storm Helene

At the request of the state, Tropical Storm Helene survivors now have until March 8, 2025, to apply for assistance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Last year, Cabarrus County received an Individual Assistance Declaration from FEMA. Homeowners and renters who had uninsured losses or damages due to Helene are eligible to apply for disaster assistance.

There are several ways to apply:

1. Online at DisasterAssistance.gov
2. Via the FEMA App
3. Calling 800-621-3362

The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) is a federally-funded program that provides a one-time payment to help families pay their heating bills. Households may apply now through March 31.

Veterans Services resources

Access our full list of Cabarrus County resources

Recursos de la Comunidad

Get Connected

You are receiving this email because you subscribed to Cabarrus County's newsletter either by registering on the Cabarrus County website or in person at a local event. We hope you find the information helpful and will consider forwarding this newsletter to a friend.