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Sisters become neighbors in WeBuild Concord homes
FROM STAFF REPORTS
CONCORD — A home dedication ceremony in Concord last week celebrated more than new townhomes in the historic Logan neighborhood — it highlighted a shift in who is achieving homeownership locally.
Sisters Shaakira Mierez, 26, and Kristina Watson, 22, were recognized following the dedication of their neighboring homes in the Lincoln Street Townhomes development, a project led by nonprofit WeBuild Concord. Watson, at 22, is now the youngest homeowner in the organization's history.
Their milestone stands in contrast to national trends. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median age of a first-time homebuyer in 2025 was 40, while the median age of all buyers reached 59. By comparison, WeBuild Concord reports an average homeowner age of 32 this program year, with more than 57% of its buyers under 30.
For Mierez, the moment represents stability for her young family.
"I appreciate being able to create stability and generational wealth," she said. "It means a lot to my daughter and me to achieve homeownership at such a young age."
Her path to ownership came with unusual circumstances. Mierez gave birth to her daughter just two days before her scheduled closing. Attorneys with Bright Law-University completed the closing process while she was still in the hospital — a first for the organization.
Watson said homeownership at her age off ers a foundation for the future.
"Owning a home at a young age allows me to build roots in this community," she said. "It's taking a step toward building a future and a legacy for my family."
The sisters' homes are part of the Lincoln Street Townhomes, described as the largest community development project in more than 50 years in the Logan neighborhood. Leaders say the project reflects a broader effort to expand access to affordable housing while revitalizing a historic area.
WeBuild Concord CEO Dr. Patrick Graham said younger homeowners like Mierez and Watson represent the impact the organization hopes to make.
"Developing a legacy at this age is essential to economic mobility," Graham said. "The stories of people like Shaakira and Kristina are the fuel we need to change lives and provide opportunities."
As the ceremony concluded, the sisters stood outside their side-by-side homes — symbols, organizers said, of both personal achievement and a growing local trend that challenges national norms.
CELEBRATION
Lifesaving efforts, community impact are honored at annual meeting
FROM STAFF REPORTS
Outstanding service across the system was recognized at the
Rowan-Cabarrus YMCA annual meeting.
ROWAN-CABARRUS YMCA
ROWAN-CABARRUS YMCA
SALISBURY — A dramatic story of survival and a celebration of community service highlighted the Rowan-Cabarrus YMCA's annual meeting, where leaders emphasized the organization's mission of strengthening lives across the region.
Held March 25 at the J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, the gathering focused on service, leadership and the everyday impact of volunteers, staff and members.Organizers described the event as a reflection of how small acts of care and commitment can transform lives.
One of the most powerful moments came from YMCA member John Wagner, who recounted suffering cardiac arrest during a routine workout at Cannon YMCA West Cabarrus. Wagner told attendees he "died three times" that day before being revived by five lifeguards.
Those lifeguards, credited with acting quickly and effectively, were recognized for their response. YMCA President and CEO Jamie Morgan noted that similar lifesaving incidents have occurred across all six branches, underscoring the organization's emphasis on training and preparedness.
"This is always my favorite event of the year because of the people in this room and the lives being changed every day," Morgan said during the program.
Branch level awards
The meeting also honored volunteers and community leaders from across the YMCA's service area.
Branch-level award recipients included: Dr. Sue Patton (Saleeby-Fisher YMCA, East Rowan)
John Blanton (Cannon YMCA-Harrisburg)
Conard Haywood (Cannon YMCA-Kannapolis)
David Roberts (J. Fred Corriher Jr. YMCA, South Rowan)
Lee Ann Hopkins (Cannon YMCA West Cabarrus)
Scott Cressler (J.F. Hurley Family YMCA, Salisbury)
Distinguished service awards
Association-wide awards recognized broader contributions. Rick Robinson received the Sir George Williams Distinguished Service Award, while Tom Disseler was honored with the Chuck Barringer Distinguished Service Award.
Two longtime leaders, Gordon Hurley and Dr. Henry Duncan, were presented with Lifetime Achievement Awards. Hurley was recognized for more than 50 years of leadership and influence in Rowan County, while Duncan was honored for decades of service, including more than 30 years as a volunteer and his role as board chair in Kannapolis.
Throughout the event, speakers returned to a central theme: leadership is defined not by titles, but by service to others.
From lifeguards performing CPR to volunteers mentoring students, organizers said the stories shared during the luncheon illustrated the YMCA's broader mission — building stronger communities through everyday acts of care.
As the meeting concluded, board chair Britt Leatherman encouraged attendees to continue that work, leaving many with a renewed sense of purpose.
"What happened here was more than a meeting," organizers said. "It was a reflection of a community living out its calling to serve."
Concord Mills possible location for expansion
THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY
CATHERINE MUCCIGROSSO The Herald (Rock Hill, S.C.)
The Cheesecake Factory might come to an existing retail space in
the Concord Mills Mall
CITY OF CONCORD PHOTO
The Cheesecake Factory is expanding with plans for a third Charlotte-area store.
The popular California-based upscale casual restaurant chain filed a building review plan on March 30 for plans at Concord Mills mall.
"We are currently in discussions with (Concord Mills owner) Simon Properties regarding a location in Concord and look forward to signing our lease soon," Alethea Rowe, a spokeswoman for The Cheesecake Factory, told The Charlotte Observer on Wednesday.
The Cheesecake Factory features more than 250 menu items and more than 30 cheesecakes, according to the company.
The first store in the region debuted in 2002 at SouthPark mall at 4400 Sharon Road. The south Charlotte mall and Charlotte Premium Outlets in Steele Creek are also owned by Simon.
In 2023, a second area location debuted at Birkdale Village in Huntersville. The 9,500-square-foot store hired nearly 300 fulland part-time employees. The Cheesecake Factory's plans at Concord Mills
The Concord plan involves converting an existing tenant space from a retail store to a restaurant space, according to the filing submitted by mall operator Simon, based in Indianapolis. It was not immediately known where in the mall the restaurant would go.
It will be a full-service restaurant with a commercial kitchen, bar and bakery service counter, according to the filing. The plan also includes a new mall entry tower and a covered patio.
Simon off cials did not respond to a request for comment.
Concord Mills opened in 1999 with 1.4 million square feet. There are 190 stores that includes retail, restaurants and entertainment, including Sea Life Charlotte-Concord aquarium and AMC Theatres.
Recent store openings including Miss A beauty supply shop and Kids Jungle Playground, which hosts birthday parties and is place where kids can play, learn and excercise.
The mall also hosts other events, such as the LuminoCity Dino Safari, an immersive walk-thru experience opening May 6. The Cheesecake Factory and its brands are expanding
The company expects to open as many as 26 restaurants this year, including up to six The Cheesecake Factory restaurants, six to seven North Italia locations, six to seven Flower Child locations and as many as eight Fox Restaurant Concepts restaurants. The Cheesecake Factory's total sale revenue last year was $3.8 billion up from $3.6 billion in 2024, the company reported during its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 annual earnings call on Feb. 18.
The Cheesecake Factory Inc. operates 371 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada under brands including The Cheesecake Factory, North Italia, Flower Child and Fox Restaurant Concepts brand. The Cheesecake Factory also has restaurants in Greensboro, Raleigh, Durham and Greenville, S.C.
DSS hosting workshop for caregivers
Registration open for the Building Better Caregivers Class, beginning April 15
FROM STAFF REPORTS
CONCORD – As a part of the NC Family Caregiver Support Program, Cabarrus County Department of Social Services is hosting a free virtual workshop for caregivers beginning April 15.
The workshops are designed to support participants with the skills needed to provide for their care partners and themselves.
Caregiving can include running errands, shopping, preparing meals, transporting, managing personal finances, helping with personal hygiene and more.
The workshops aim to improve participants' health by teaching self-care methods and sharing tips on how to reduce stress. They will also discuss how to manage difficult behaviors from the care partner and planning for the future.
The workshops will also give tips on how to increase communication skills and how to find more information and resources.
One past participant noted that "it helps a caregiver think outside the box and teaches you how to take time for self-care in your busy schedule. You gain confidence and have a better understanding of the whole caregiving experience."
The course includes a free manual and start-up kit with snacks and goodies. Upon completion, participants will receive a certificate, parting gifts and the opportunity to earn prizes like gift baskets and community partner gifts.
The workshops are virtual and take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on April 15, 22, 29 and May 6, 16 and 20.
To register, call 704-9201400 and choose option 7.
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