WHITEFIELD — The Knox-Lincoln Counties Extension Association will hold its annual open house on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 4 - 6 p.m., at Sheepscot General Store, 98 Townhouse Road, in Whitefield. 

Attendees will have an opportunity to meet staff and board members from University of Maine Cooperative Extension and learn about programs provided for communities in Knox and Lincoln counties, including the Maine Families program for new parents, 4-H youth development, home horticulture, sustainable agriculture and community resilience. 

A tour of the farm will be offered by Sheepscot General owner Ben Marcus, highlighting the crops grown there, and the non-chemical pest control and prevention methods the farm employs, particularly in its strawberry production. 

Pizza, live music and light snacks will be provided. Drinks and other goods will be available for purchase at the store. Free children's book for toddlers and preschoolers who attend. 

This event is free and registration is not required. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation, contact Pamela Doherty at pamela.doherty@maine.edu or 207.832.0343. 

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, University of Maine Cooperative Extension has supported UMaine's land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture, and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.