Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Extension Office is pleased to announce the following Family & Consumer Sciences Programs, for January 2011. These programs are offered by Dr. Brenda Williams, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent. All of these programs are held at the Extension Office (2800 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville).

Building Your Financial Future (A personal financial management program - for those filing bankruptcy) – January 13, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
This program has been approved to issue certificates evidencing completion of a personal financial management instructional course in compliance with the Bankruptcy Code. You must bring your case number with you.

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

Cost to attend this class is $10.00 (cash only) for course materials. Pre-register by January 7, by calling 352-955-2402. For alternate class dates, or view the complete brochure, visit http://alachua.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar.shtml.

Food Safety and Quality Program (ServSafe®) – January 19, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.  
This program is dedicated to providing training which enables food managers and staff to offer Florida consumers food that is prepared in a clean and safe environment. For more information and to register, please visit http://foodsafety.ifas.ufl.edu, or call toll-free at 1-888-232-8723.

Before You Tie the Knot – January 24 & 31, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Before You Tie the Knot is a premarital preparation course.

Topics include: Communication, Conflict Management & Resolution, Financial Responsibility & Spending Plans, Children & 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. Pre-register by January 19 by calling 352-337-6209.

Equipping Your Financial Toolbox Series
There is no cost to attend these classes.  Pre-register one week in advance for one or all sessions by calling 352-337-6209.

Session One: Getting Financially Organized – January 11, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Topics include: Important Papers—what to keep, where and for how long. Preparing a household inventory and net worth statement. Building a spending plan. How and where to establish a family business center.

Session Two: Making Credit Work For You – January 18, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Topics include: Obtaining your free credit reports. Reading the fine print in credit offers. Improving your credit score and guarding against identity theft.

Session Three: Basic Estate Planning – February 1, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Topics include: Planning for health care issues including long-term care insurance and disability insurance. Getting your assets where you want them to go.

For more information about these programs call 352-955-2402. Visit http://alachua.ifas.ufl.edu/calendar.shtml for additional programs offered by the Extension Office.

All Extension Programs and Services are open to all without regard to race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin or handicap.  For persons requiring special accommodations, please contact the Extension office at (352) 955-2402 (voice) or TDD/TYY (352) 955-2406 or at the Alachua County Extension Service, 2800 NE 39^th Avenue, Gainesville, FL  32609.  Please contact the Extension Office at least five working days prior to the program so that proper consideration may be given to the request.