Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL – The Alachua County Extension Office is pleased to announce the following Family & Consumer Sciences Programs for March 2012.  Dr. Brenda Williams, Family & Consumer Sciences Agent, is offering these programs.  All of these programs are held at the Extension Office (2800 NE 39th Avenue, Gainesville).

Before You Tie the Knot – March 12 & 19, 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 & Resolution, Financial Responsibility & 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.  Pre-register by March 8 by calling 352-337-6209.

Building Your Financial Future (A personal financial management program - for those filing bankruptcy only) – March 13, from 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. 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. Pre-register by March 6 by calling 352-955-2402.

Food Safety and Quality Program (ServSafe®) – March 14, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 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.

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.

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 accommodate should contact the Extension Office at least 10 working days prior to the event so that special consideration can be given to the request.