Our Mission: North Carolina Cooperative Extension partners with communities to deliver education and technology that enrich the lives, land and economy of North Carolinians.
Cabarrus County 4-H
County Activity Day
On April 27th we hosted County Activity Day which youth presented 5-12 minutes presentation on topics they enjoy. These youth will then advance to District in Scotland County on June 18th. We look forward to all those who will represent Cabarrus County.
Cabarrus County 4-H Talent Show
The Cabarrus County 4-H Talent Show was held at the Davis Theatre on Thursday, April 4. Selected as the top two acts for the evening were Jack Crawford of R Brown McAllister Kids:Plus 4-H Club and Mila Fu of Odell Kids:Plus 4-H Club. Jack captivated the crowd by singing and playing the guitar to "Love Me." Mila's charm and personality shined while she playing the piano to "Intermezzo" and "Fundago." While being selected as the top two acts with Cabarrus County 4-H, Jack and Mila are invited to District competition which will be held on June 18 in Scotland County.
Kindhearted Kids Program
Cabarrus County Schools Kids: Plus 4-H afterschool sites are utilizing a 4-H afterschool kit that is helping children with their emotional wellbeing. The Kindhearted Kids Program is designed to teach ethics, values and formation of character through a hands-on curriculum, which involves a child's all-time favorite topic: animals. This program Incorporates the adoption of a stuffed dog or cat as a catalyst to teach the core value of kindness, respect, responsibility, empathy, and citizenship. This sparks children’s attention as they are captivated by their pet. Each pet has a special need and some of the special needs include diabetes, broken bones, blind, special diet, or emotional needs. The child takes care of their pet throughout the week making sure pets are provided with the best care possible. The children also keep a journal documenting special times with their pet.
Please contact 4-H Agent, Molly Kleman with any questions about Cabarrus County 4-H.
Cabarrus County Family and Consumer Sciences
ECA Achievement Brunch
The Program was held on April 6,2024 at the Cabarrus Rooms. “ECA...Big Hearts, Helping Hands” was the theme of the program. A “check” valued at $1,090,899.00 was presented to County Commissioner Liaison, Kenny Wortman, and Asst. County Manager Kelly Sifford. This represents the value of the documented 34,305 volunteer hours ECA members contributed to Cabarrus County!
Other highlights included the presentation of the Community Supporter of the Year to First Bank-Mt. Pleasant. The ECA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Janet Stancil. Debbie Mullis was recognized as the Member of the Year, Brenda Long received the ECA New Member of the Year Award, and Pat Wickliff was named President of the Year. Educational Travelers ECA Club was recognized for having the Newest Members, and Country Neighbors earned Club of the Year Honors.
The annual Cultural Arts Celebration was also held during this event. Seventeen Cabarrus Cultural Arts Winners will be on exhibit at the upcoming South Central ECA District Day May 15, 2024, in Harnett County.
Cabarrus County Emergency Services Tour
The Cabarrus County ECA Council and program participants "went on the road" for an educational community tour recently. They were the guests of Jimmy Lentz, Cabarrus County Emergency Services Director and his Staff for a tour and very informative program highlighting the services and history of Cabarrus Emergency Management . Members left very appreciative of the necessary service EMS provides Cabarrus County and appreciative of the new Cabarrus County facility.
Food Preservation
Food Preservation season is here and we are offering Dial Gauge Pressure Canner Testing by appointment. Two “Strawberries ,Freezing and Jam” hands on food preservation workshops have been offered, with “Basics of Home Canning” and “Tomatoes & Salsa Food Preservation” Classes coming later this spring.
Cabarrus County Horticulture
Spring and Herb Fest
We are thrilled to share with you the exciting news of Cabarrus County Extension Master Gardeners' remarkable presence at the recent Spring and Herb Fest. With our collective efforts, we made a significant impact and left a lasting impression on over 110 visitors at our booth. Our dedicated team of Extension Master Gardeners worked tirelessly to educate the public on various gardening topics, ranging from pollinators and companion plants to the art of growing tomatoes and collecting soil samples. Through engaging demonstrations and informative discussions, we aimed to empower our community with knowledge and skills to enhance their gardening endeavors. The Spring and Herb Fest proved to be a fantastic event, filled with enthusiasm, learning, and inspiration. We are proud to have played a role in fostering a deeper appreciation for gardening and environmental stewardship among attendees.
Earth Day
The Master Gardeners enthusiastically spoke with many children and Girl Scouts in an exciting endeavor at Concord Mills Mall to commemorate Earth Day. Together, they guided the young scouts in planting a diverse array of seeds within uniquely decorated pots that the girl scouts decorated. This dynamic partnership not only cultivated a sense of pride but also fostered a deeper appreciation for environmental stewardship. Through hands-on engagement and creative expression, participants were empowered to embrace the importance of sustainable practices, igniting a passion for green initiatives within the community.
Tomatoes for Wellness
The Greenhouse Committee orchestrated a remarkable feat by nurturing over 200 thriving tomato plants, distributed with enthusiasm to Cabarrus County employees during the Cabco Employee Wellness initiative. This event marked a pinnacle moment, where the Cabarrus County Extension Master Gardeners seized the opportunity to impart invaluable knowledge on tomato plant care to the eager participants. As mentors of green expertise, they illuminated the pathways to successful cultivation, fostering a sense of empowerment and environmental consciousness among the attendees. Through this collaborative endeavor, the joy of sharing the art and science of gardening reverberated, reaffirming the profound satisfaction derived from cultivating not just plants, but also a community of green enthusiasts. From seed to plant, it was amazing to see the tomatoes flourish in the greenhouse.
If you are interested in learning more about garden tours or joining Cabarrus County Master Gardeners email Payton Berry or call 704-920-3310.
Cabarrus County
EFNEP
Wrapped up classes at UNCC's Student Pantry last Friday. Looking forward to summer programming with Cabarrus County Boys and Girls Club and Kannapolis City Schools' Summer Wonders Program. Hoping to upcycle an obsolete athletic field located at the Boys and Girls Club into a flourishing community garden with the support of Steps to Health and Plants for Human Health Institute.