Have you ever wanted to buy something online, but just aren't sure if you should? Extension is offering a unique workshop that may help you find the answer.

E-shopping: Tips, Tricks, and Transactions will make you aware of the advantages and disadvantages of shopping online as well as through catalogs. You'll learn how to safeguard your personal information and understand electronic payment options. Lois Smith, Consumer and Family Economics Educator with University of Illinois Extension will present the program.

She will provide several shopping tips and answer questions about purchasing items in non-traditional ways.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday, October 21^st at 10:00 a.m. in the Extension Building. Anyone is welcome to attend. Call 439-3178 to register.

Learning to Sew Can Help Save Money

Knowledge of basic sewing skills can help save on the cost of alterations and keep clothing items useable longer. Sewing also provides lots of satisfaction in having a completed project that you have done yourself.

Alice Hunt will be teaching the basics of using a sewing machine, learning to read patterns, choose fabrics, etc. Class participants will make potholders and gift bags to practice sewing skills. Anyone who has a project started and needs help in finishing it is welcome to bring it along. This class is just in time to help you with making a special Halloween costume or starting a fall quilt project.

This session is for adults and is set for Thursday, October 23^rd from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Extension Building. There is no fee, but please call by October 21^st to let us know you would like to enroll. You will need to bring a sewing machine or share one with a friend. If you have fabric or patterns, bring them as well. Basic sewing supplies, scissors, pins, seam ripper, and tape measure will also be needed. Call 439-3178 to register, and let us know if you need a reasonable accommodation to attend.

Family Issues Update Prepares For the 6^th Year

Going Green, Everything with Apples, Coping with Life's Challenges, and Foot Care Issues will be the featured topics at this year's program set for Tuesday, October 28^th in Benton from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. It will be held at the Freewill Baptist Church on Bond Street.

Ed Billingsley, Williamson County Extension Director, will share information on how to protect the environment as we carry out our everyday activities. Alice Hunt, Franklin/Williamson Family Consumer Science programs, will prepare some delicious apple recipes and tell you everything you ever wanted to know about the tasty fruit. Milly Kaiser, University of Illinois Extension Family Life Educator, will share coping skills and discuss dealing with depression and other life challenges. Dr. Stephen Ponton will discuss foot care and foot problems.

Refreshments will be available during registration at 8:30 a.m., and a recipe booklet of the items served will be available. A delicious lunch is planned, along with some noontime entertainment, and door prizes will be given. This will be an enjoyable day of learning helpful information that you won't want to miss.

The cost of the entire program and lunch is $13.00. Registration is needed by October 21^st at Franklin County Extension in Benton (618-439-3178) or Williamson County Extension in Marion (618-993-3304). Please let us know if you have questions or need a reasonable accommodation to attend. Family Issues Update is sponsored by University of Illinois Extension in Franklin and Williamson Counties as well as the Franklin County Homemakers Education Association and the Williamson County Association for Home and Community Education.