Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The UF/IFAS Extension Alachua County Office is pleased to announce the following Family and Consumer Sciences Programs for March, 2014. 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).

Food Safety and Quality Program (ServSafe®) – March 4, 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.

Required Financial Management Class for those filing for bankruptcy – March 13, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

Attendees will learn 4 basic concepts that will aid in handling financial resources responsibly and building a financially secure future.  This program has been approved to issue certificates evidencing completion of a personal financial management instructional course in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. Attendees must bring a case number to class.

Topics include: Develop a Budget, Money Management Skills, Use Credit Responsibly, and Consumers Rights and Responsibilities.

Cost to attend this class is $10.00 (cash only) for course materials.

View the program brochure.   

Pre-register by March 6, by calling 352-955-2402.

Home Buyers Education Class – March 17, March 24, & March 31, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This series offers some resources that can help with buying, maintaining and keeping a home. Upon completion of this program, participants will receive a certificate of attendance. The classes are on three consecutive Mondays from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. and will cover the following:

Session 1 – Monday, March 17

Information on getting your budget 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 – Monday, March 24

Understanding the sales contract, home inspections, and mortgage process, selecting homeowners’ insurance, warranties and the closing process.

Session 3 – Monday, March 31

Question and answer time 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 prior to March 10, by calling 352-337-6209 (voicemail), subject to cancellation if less than 6 people registered.

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.