Media Release

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

Canning Workshops – March 14, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Demonstrations and tips on pressure canning, boiling water canning, making jams and jellies and pickling will be presented.

Cost to attend is $3.00 for materials/recipes. Pre-register by March 8 by calling 352-337-6209.

Getting Financially Organized – March 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Design your spending plan, Organize your important papers and Make credit work for you are some of the topics covered in this class. No cost. Call 352-337-6209 to preregister (required).

Building Your Financial Future (A personal financial management program - for those filing bankruptcy only) – March 17, 1 p.m. to 5 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. You must bring your case number with you.

Topics include: Develop Your 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. Pre-register by March 11 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®) –  March 16, 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 further 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 – March 21 & 28, 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, and 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 March 17 by calling 352-337-6209.

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.