ServSafe Training for Food Handlers

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln will be teaching the ServSafe program on March 9 – 10, 2010 at the Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff, 4502 Avenue I. Registrations are due by March 1, 2010.  

Consumer concern about food safety is at an all time high. The ServSafe course provides up-to-date information on food microbiology, sanitary food handling and storage, personal health and hygiene, housekeeping, HACCP food safety program, pest control and safety procedures.  

ServSafe is considered the industry leader. Over 500 colleges and universities teach ServSafe to food service professionals across the county. This course is part of the National Restaurant Association Management Certification Program. Over 1 million managers and employees have been certified through ServSafe. 

For more information on how to register, contact the Box Butte Co. Extension Office, 415 Black Hills, Alliance, at 308-762-5616 or Jeannie Pittam at 402-472-3717.

 Numerous Complaints About Medicare Solicitations

Medicare beneficiaries should be aware of increased marketing of Medicare Advantage plans across Nebraska. These Advantage plans are often called Health Plans. Beneficiaries are receiving postcards in the mail stating they are not getting all their Medicare benefits and to return this card immediately to get the help they are missing. These cards do not tell the name of the insurance company soliciting their business.  See full News Release (PDF).

Dates Set for Panhandle Master Gardener Training Program

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension is offering the Master Gardener Training Program (PDF) to volunteers who have a desire to share their knowledge with others in the community. Anyone who is interested in plants and is willing to volunteer is encouraged to participate. The training sessions start in February.
 

Tai Chi Easy

Tai Chi is a gentle activity that helps posture, flexibility, circulation, improves balance, provides stress relief, boosts the immune system and helps with mental focus.

Classes will be on Tuesdays starting January 26 from 12:15 to 12:45 p.m. at the UNL Box Butte Co. Extension Office, 415 Black Hills Ave, Alliance. For more information and to register, please call 308-762-5616.
 

Small Steps to Health & Wealth

Take your first step to better health and wealth when you join the Small Steps Nebraska program. All that is needed is a computer with internet access and a phone. Visit the website smallsteps.unl.edu to find out how to participate in this 9 week program. Jeanne Murray, Extension Educator, will be facilitating a group at the UNL Box Butte Co. Extension Office, 415 Black Hills Ave., Alliance. Registrations are due Feb. 1. Call 308-762-5616 for more information. 

Extension Training Sessions in Alliance for Private Pesticide Applicators

Private pesticide applicators with licenses expiring in 2010, and anyone seeking first-time private applicator certification, should plan to attend upcoming training sessions in Alliance. All trainings will be held at the Box Butte County Extension Office. 

The dates are:
•  Friday January 22, 9:00 a.m. - noon
•  Friday January 29, 9:00 a.m. - noon
•  Thursday February 4, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Registration begins ½ hour prior to the training. There is a $30 fee payable at the door.  For more information, call Box Butte County Extension at 762-5616

After completing this training, licensed private pesticide applicators can buy and use restricted-use pesticides in their own farming operations after completing this training. About 7,900 private applicators statewide are eligible for recertification in 2010. They should have received a letter from the state ag department. Anyone who received a letter can bring it to the training, and will not need to fill out a registration form at the door.

Extension Minute 

Meeting the Challenge: Farming in Uncertain Times

With production costs on a roller-coaster ride and commodity prices fluctuating wildly, 2009 is shaping up as an especially challenging year for producers. This year, more than ever, farmers need to sharpen their pencils and have the best possible information at their disposal. This 10-part series of articles addresses the issues facing most western Nebraska farmers as they look to the 2009 growing season. The articles are written by Extension specialists and educators.  Meeting the Challenge: Farming in Uncertain Times. 

AgrAbility Helps Keep Farmers, Ranchers with Disabilities on the Farm

UNL Extension and Easter Seals Nebraska are partners in a program that helps farmers and ranchers with disabling injuries or other health-related conditions become independent enough to carry on and succeed at their profession. For more information, please see the High Plains Journal article on AgrAbility.

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