Are you interested in learning how to safely preserve food, or in updating or improving your food preservation skills? Then consider signing up for the Coos County Master Food Preserver training course which begins May 9 in Myrtle Point. This annual training will cover preservation techniques in drying, freezing, pickling, making jams/jellies and safely canning fruits, meats, fish and vegetables. A home-study course and four hands-on practicums make up the training. Training days will be held May 9 and 30th, and June 13 and 27. Trainees must attend the four Saturday hands-on practicums to practice their skills with veteran volunteers, plus complete the home-study coursework in the weeks between practicums. Each Saturday training will be held at the Coos County Extension Service, in Myrtle Point, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The course fee of $150 includes a comprehensive resource manual. Payment can be made by credit card. Trainees who volunteer 40 hours of volunteer service to the program in the year following their training will receive a $50 refund. The deadline for application is Friday, May 1. A registration packet is attached or may be accessed online at http://extension.oregonstate.edu/coos/2015-master-food-preservers-training You may also pick up a hard copy at the Extension Service in Myrtle Point, or we will happily mail one to you. For more information, call the Extension Service at 541-572-5263, ext. 25292 or 25299.