Are you interested in learning how to safely preserve food, or update and improve your skills? Then consider becoming a part of the Coos County Master Food Preservers by taking the annual training course beginning in April. Training covers 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 which begins April 12 and continues on three Saturdays: April 22, May 3 and May 31. Trainees must attend the four Saturday hands-on practicums, where they will practice their skills with veteran volunteers, and 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 “payback” 40 hours of volunteer service to the program in the year following their training will receive a $50 refund. Registration packets are available at the Extension Service. The deadline for application is Friday, April 4. To register, or for more information, call the Extension Service at 541-572-5263, ext. 249 or 299.
