Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Cooperative Extension Office is pleased to announce the following Family and Consumer Sciences Programs for September, 2012. These programs are being offered by Brenda C. Williams, Ed.D. Family and Consumer Sciences Agent at the Extension Office (2800 NE 39 Avenue, Gainesville).

Food Safety and Quality Program (ServSafe®) – September 5, 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 consumers’ food that is prepared in a clean and safe environment. For further information and to register, please visit the Food Safety and Quality website, or call toll-free at 1-888-232-8723.

Before You Tie the Knot - September 10 & 17, 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.

Get Financially Organized Series – Session run from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Important Papers – September 11

Topics include organizing important papers, what to keep, where and for how long and tips for record keeping for income tax.

Making Credit Work for You – September 18

Topics include: Obtaining your free credit reports. Reading the fine print in credit offers. Improving your credit score and guarding against identity theft. This class is especially recommended for young couples and college students.

Basic Estate Planning – September 25

Topics include: Wills, Living Wills and Surrogate Designation for Health Care. This session is especially encouraged for parents with minor aged children.

Home Food Preservation Workshop – September 24, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. and repeated again from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Basic information will be given on canning foods using the steam pressure canner or boiling-water canner. Directions and tips will also be included on making jams, jellies and pickles.

There is no cost for these workshops; however, printed materials will be available for $3.00 per set.

Pre-register at least 3 working days prior to the program by calling 352-337-6209.

For more information about these programs call 352-955-2402. Visit the Extension Office calendar for additional programs offered by the Extension Office.

The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) is an Equal Opportunity Institution authorized to provide research, educational information, and other services only to individuals and institutions that function with non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions, or affiliations.  IFAS is a cooperative of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Cooperative Extension Service, the University of Florida, the Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, and Boards of County Commissioners. 

Persons with disabilities needing special accommodations should contact the Extension Office at least 10 working days prior to the event so that special consideration can be given to the request.