Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County is pleased to announce the following Family and Consumer Sciences Programs for October, 2013. These programs are being offered by Brenda C. Williams, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, at the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office (2800 NE 39 Avenue, Gainesville).

First Time Home Buyers Program –This series offers some resources that can help participants buy, maintain and keep a home. Upon completion of this program, participants will receive a certificate of attendance. The classes are on three consecutive Thursdays, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and cover the following:

Session 1 – Thursday, October 3

This session includes information on getting budgets and credit worthiness in line, determining how much house can be afforded, and understanding the responsibilities and costs of being a responsible homeowner.

 Session 2 – Thursday, October 10

This session includes understanding the sales contract, home inspections, and mortgage process, selecting homeowners’ insurance, warranties and the closing process.

 Session 3 – Thursday, October 17

This session includes a question and answer period and an opportunity to get valuable tips from those involved in the process of buying a home.

The cost for the entire series is $10.00 per individual or couple.

View the program flyer.

Please pre-register by September 27, by calling 352-337-6209 (voicemail), subject to cancellation if less than 5 people registered.

Before You Tie the Knot – October 7 & 8, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Before You Tie the Knot is a premarital preparation course.

Topics include: communication, conflict management and resolution, financial responsibility and spending plans, and children and parenting responsibilities.

Completion of this course is required to receive a $32.50 reduction of marriage license. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion and a copy for the Clerk of the Court.

There is no cost to attend this two evening class. 

View the program brochure.

Please pre-register no later than October 2, by calling 352-337-6209 (voicemail), subject to cancellation if less than 3 couples registered.

Food Safety and Quality Program (ServSafe®) – October 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

This program is dedicated to providing training which enables food managers and staff to offer Florida consumer’s food that is prepared in a clean and safe environment. For further information and to register, please visit Food Safety and Quality website, or call toll-free at 1-888-232-8723.

View the program brochure.

Healthy Cooking: Pressure Cooker Techniques – October 14, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This program teaches participants how to save time and money by utilizing the fast cooking method provided by pressure cooking. Demonstration of techniques and taste samples will be provided.  

Cost is $3.00 payable at the door. Participants must pre-register one week prior to class by calling 352-337-6209 (voice mail).

For more information about these programs, call 352-955-2402. Visit the Extension Office calendar for additional programs offered by the UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County.

An Equal Opportunity Institution. Extension Service, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Nick T. Place, Dean. Single copies of Extension publications (excluding 4-H and youth publications) are available free to Florida residents from county Extension offices. Information about alternate formats is available from IFAS Communications, University of Florida, PO Box 110810, Gainesville, FL 32611-0810.