Penn State Extension highlights free and low‑cost webinars and virtual food‑safety training for Monroe County residents

Jennifer Mercero of Penn State Extension told commissioners about four upcoming webinars: a Nov. 19 webinar on data centers and water resources; a 10‑week "Your Money Matters" financial course beginning Nov. 10 that costs $10; a free program about adult strategies to prevent substance use among youth; and a free virtual event on healthy‑aging research (registration required). She directed residents to the Penn State Extension Monroe County Facebook page and extension.psu.edu for registration and details.

Nicole McGhehan, Penn State Extension educator for food safety and health and wellness, described a virtual food‑safety managers course the extension developed after the pandemic to train people to take the national ServSafe exam. McGhehan said the program was developed under a Science to Practice grant and is not designed only to "teach to the exam" but to educate about safe food practices. She said participants appreciated live instruction and interaction and that the virtual format increases accessibility.

McGhehan also outlined home‑food‑preservation classes (freezing, drying and canning), and a "cooking for crowds: a volunteer’s guide to food safety" class aimed at nonprofits that prepare food for the public. That class costs $75 per organization and includes a manual, thermometer and signage; multiple staff or volunteers from a single nonprofit may attend for the fee. McGhehan urged churches, fire halls and similar organizations to consider the training because outbreaks sometimes involve unregulated nonprofit food service.

Mercero and McGhehan provided county residents with local social‑media contacts for additional information.