PARIS – Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced that sign-up for the Conservation Reserve Program is extended from May 30 to June 13. CRP is the nation’s largest private lands environmental improvement program. The program protects millions of acres of American topsoil from erosion, provides valuable wildlife habitat and safeguards America’s streams and other bodies of water. CRP participants voluntarily remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production by entering into long-term contracts for 10 to 15 years. In exchange, participants receive annual rental payments and a payment of up to 580 percent of the cost of establishing conservation practices. Producers may sign up at county Farm Service Agency offices across the nation. For more information, visit FSA’s Web site at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/dafp/cepd/default.htm

Scouts breakfast

RUMFORD – The Rumford Lodge of Elks No. 862 is sponsoring the annual Scouts Breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. Sunday, June 1. This is open to all area Boy and Girl scouts. There is no charge for breakfast. The menu will include pancakes, sausage, coffee, milk and juice. For more information contact Debi Briggs, youth activities chairman, at 364-2479.

‘Little Mermaid’

RUMFORD – The Rumford Public Library has announced that “The Little Mermaid” will be the Children’s Theatre presentation of this year’s Summer Fest. Participation in Children’s Theatre is free and open to all area children ages 5 to 15. Older teens interested in backstage work are also welcomed. Auditions will consist of acting warm-ups, group singing and dancing, and a discussion of production details and responsibilities, followed by individual line readings and solo auditions for those interested in major roles. Auditions for “The Little Mermaid” will be held at the Rumford Public Library at 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 3, with callbacks at 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 4. Afternoon and evening performances of the show are planned for Thursday, July 31, in the Rumford Town Hall auditorium. For more information, phone the Rumford Public Library at 364-3661.

New business contest

RUMFORD – A scrapbook, arts and crafts supply store opening in the fall is holding a contest to promote the new business. Scrapperdoodle will be located on Canal Street. Lem Cissel is offering a cash prize for local creativity in the form of a character drawing to be used on T-shirts, hats, letterheads, etc. The winner will receive $200.

Drawings should be sent to Scrapperdoodle, 77 Canal St., Rumford, ME 04276. The deadline for entries is Monday, June 9. People of all ages are encouraged to enter their drawings. Store manager Linda Couture will be the judge.