Deb Soule, who grew up in Oxford County, is the founder of Avena Botanicals.

NORWAY – As part of Fare Share Co-op’s upcoming 25th anniversary celebration, herbalist Deb Soule will speak about “Coming Into Winter: Herbs for the Immune System” at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, in the Fare Share Commons, 447 Main St.

In addition to helping prepare people for the change in the seasons with knowledge of medicinal herb support, Soule will engage the audience in a wide-ranging conversation that will include visions for a shift in local and regional health care.

Soule, who grew up in South Paris, has been organically growing and using medicinal herbs for more than 25 years. In 1985, she founded Avena Botanicals Herbal Apothecary, and in 1996, she created the Avena Institute, a nonprofit herbal and healing arts center. Both organizations are based in her current home of West Rockport.

Avena Botanicals Medicinal Herb Gardens, containing more than 140 herbs, are open to the public throughout the summer and serve as the primary classroom for the institute’s herb classes. More information is at www.avenaherbs.com.

Soule is a full-time organic gardener, community herbalist, teacher and author of “A Woman’s Book of Herbs.”

The talk is open to the public. Participants will be asked to help support Fare Share Commons by making a small donation at the door. For more information, people can call Fare Share Market at 743-9044 or Zizi Vlaun at 539-9042.