“Learn How to Win the Battle Against Cankerworms”

Jack McNeary will be speaking about cankerworms on October 2, 10:00 a.m. at NC Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Avenue-West, Concord, NC 28027. Jack owned a commercial arborist company in Charlotte for numerous years, and was involved with the major cankerworm infestations in Charlotte. Topics will include cankerworm biology, control measures, and proper banding techniques such as those taking place now in the City of Concord on North Union and McEachern Greenway. No cost/no registration required. For information, email djgoforth@cabarruscounty.us or call 704/920-3310.

“Download Your Free Successful Families Newsletter”

This issue, just released has information on: Retirement Planning After the Great Recession; As a Caregiver, Give Care to Yourself; A Quest for Truth in Health-Related Information; What’s In Season? Bell peppers. Written by team of NC Cooperative Extension family & consumer education agents to inform and educate families on issues that affect them and to provide ideas for helping improve their quality of life. To download a copy visit: http://cabarrus.ces.ncsu.edu/ , email pcouten@cabarruscounty.us or call 704/920-3310.

“Free Workshops for Landowners and Managers”

October 11 workshop held at Dennis Vineyards Winery, Albemarle, NC and November 2 workshop held at Johnston County Agriculture Center, Smithfield, NC. Offered by NC State University's Forestry & Environmental Outreach Program. Attendees will learn: What are non-native and invasive species, and why should you care?; Identification of specific problem species; The impacts of these plants on forest communities (ecologic, economic and cultural); How non-native species are introduced; What are the risks of the “Do Nothing” style of management?; Gain exposure to organized NNI stakeholder groups and efforts currently taking shape, or ongoing, in your region; Resources available to landowners and what steps you can take;How your neighbors and local professionals are dealing with NNI challenges. All workshop information including on-line registration form is available at: http://www.ncsu-feop.org/NNI/index.html . For questions, contact Susan_Moore@ncsu.edu or call 919/515-3184.

October 5: “The 2nd Annual Harvest Gala”

Piedmont Farmers’ Market is inviting patrons and friends to celebrate a successful 2012 season on Friday October 5, 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Old Cabarrus Creamery, 363 Church Street-North, Concord, NC 28025. Fabulous local cuisine lovingly prepared by Gina at Bocca Felice will be available with local musicians, Old Rusty Mandolin. Live and silent auctions. All proceeds go to benefit Piedmont Farmers Market. For ticket information call Lisa Wacheldorf, Market Manager at 704/425-5559, email lisa2@ctc.nett, call David Goforth at 704/920-3310 or email djgoforth@cabarruscounty.us .

October 4: “Cattleman’s Referendum”

The North Carolina Cattlemen’s Association (NCCA) will conduct voting on the NC Cattle Industry Assessment Referendum on October 4. Cabarrus County cattle owners who are at least 18 years of age must vote at NC Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Avenue-West, Concord, NC 28027, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. The referendum will assess all cattle sold and marketed in North Carolina one dollar per head for the purposes of advancing the cattle industry in the state. Money collected will be used to fund: youth programs, cattle research, education, promotion of North Carolina cattle and beef, and issues management. The North Carolina dairy industry will also benefit from the funds collected, as a portion of the income will be allocated to the same areas within the dairy sector. For more information contact Carl Pless. Jr., Extension Agent at 704/920-3310 or email cdpless@cabarruscounty.us .

"Get Plugged In to University Research!"

Obtain Cabarrus Extension’s Calendar of educational opportunities of research-based information on horticulture, agriculture, community development, family resources, consumer sciences and 4-H youth programs weekly via email by request to bhlewis@cabarruscounty.us to "Get-Plugged-In.” Call for more information on any of following program opportunities at 704/920-3310, 8-5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday or visit our website at: http://cabarrus.ces.ncsu.edu/ .

"Protect Cabarrus Farmland"

Cabarrus County Voluntary Agricultural District Ordinance and Enhanced Agricultural District Ordinance give interested farm, horticulture and forestry land owners additional choices they can use to protect their land-owner rights. Agricultural producers may be eligible for certain federal programs by applying to be a part of an Agricultural District. Contact Carl Pless, Jr., Extension Agent, at 704/920-3310 or cdpless@cabarruscounty.us .

"Improve Your Neighborhood"

Contact Minnie Mitchell, Extension Agent, to help work with your community to provide free resources and training for neighborhood-driven issues such as conflict resolutions, parliamentary procedure, officer development, public speaking and economic literacy at 704/920-3310 or mmitchell@cabarruscounty.us .

“Attend Interesting Programs Through ECA!”

The mission of Extension Community Association (ECA) is to strengthen families through education, leadership development, and community services. Cabarrus County has 9 active ECA clubs that meet once a month. For a list of club schedules, programs and meeting times, call Pam Outen, Extension Agent at 704/920-3310 or email pcouten@cabarruscounty.us .

“Decorating For the Holidays”

October 4, 11:30 a.m. and again at 7:00 p.m. Love Interiors will present free educational program open to public sponsored by Cabarrus Extension & Community Association. Refreshments served. Held at NC Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Avenue-West, Concord, NC 28027. Reservations are not required. For information, call 704/920-3310 or email pcouten@cabarruscounty.us .

“Lunchtime ECA Club Kickoff”

Tuesday, October 16, 12:00 Noon adults are invited to visit this new Extension and Community Association Club (ECA) as guest for lunch to learn about exciting opportunities of ECA. RSVP requested by Friday, October 12 by calling 704/920-3310. Held at NC Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Avenue-West, Concord, NC 28027. For information, call 704/920-3310 or email pcouten@cabarruscounty.us .

“Soil Analysis"

Free Soil Sampling kits/instructions for lawn, garden, field and landscaping areas available from N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Avenue-West, Concord, 28027. For further information call David Goforth, Extension Agent at 704/920-3310 or djgoforth@cabarruscounty.us .

“Veggies, Vegetation and Victory with Volunteers”

Public invited to visit Cabarrus Master Gardener Volunteer Association first Tuesday of each month, 9:30 a.m. N.C. Cooperative Extension-Cabarrus County Center, 715 Cabarrus Avenue-West, Concord, 28027 for monthly horticultural program, volunteer opportunities, plant/garden problem diagnosis and association meeting. For information, email djgoforth@cabarruscounty.us or call 704/920-3310.