We are breaking from tradition. Many of you who are reading this will remember the Extension Annual Meeting held each year at this time. This year, the Butler County Extension Association will host an open house at the extension office facility in Building 10 on the grounds of Sunnyview Home.

The open house has been scheduled for 3 to 7 p.m. Feb. 22. The public is invited to attend. Extension educators and staff will have program displays around the meeting room and will be on hand to discuss 2005 program accomplishments, as well as plans for 2006. Copies of our 2005 annual report will be available to further outline the variety of programs offered this past year.

For many, Penn State Extension is associated with agriculture. For others, the 4-H program is the key to recognition. In reality, these program areas are only a part of the total system and the opportunities provided to the citizens of Butler County and Pennsylvania.

Penn State Extension is an educational network that gives people in each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties access to Penn State's resources and expertise. It is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state and county governments.

Through the county-based partnership, Penn State extension educators, faculty and local volunteers work together to share unbiased, research-based information with local residents. While many programs are offered in counties across the state, the focus on local issues and concerns permits flexibility and provides an opportunity for extension educators to address specific needs unique to our community.

Penn State Extension helps individuals, families, businesses, and communities throughout Pennsylvania with information and a broad range of education programs designed to:

Support productive, profitable, and competitive businesses and a strong agriculture and food system

Strengthen families, children, youth and the elderly

Build caring, safe, and healthy communities

Ensure the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania's natural resources

Enable people to better understand and deal with complex public issues.

The extension network is one part of Penn State Outreach and Cooperative Extension, which also includes Continuing Education, Distance Education/World Campus, and Public Broadcasting.

Please plan to stop by to see some of the changes that have been made to the front office, enjoy some light refreshments and learn more about extension programs in Butler County. We are hopeful that this change in format will provide an opportunity for more of our extension supporters to visit with staff and we are also hopeful that individuals who are interested in learning about what extension has to offer will take advantage of the opportunity to visit the office and meet our extension educators.

For more information, contact the Butler County Extension Office at 724-287-4761.