Frugal Family: Learning How To Can, Yes, Can Save You Big Bucks

We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we're taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us stretch our dollars.

This column will be dedicated to giving you five great local deals each week that will help your family’s bottom line. Since we do the scouting for you, you can save time as well as money. You are a big part of this column.

Let us hear about the deals you've seen. Just add them to our comment box. Then come back each week and see what we've uncovered together.

Remember: You also can help military families overseas with your expired coupons through Coupon Mom's Military Coupon Program.

1. National Can-It-Forward Day on Saturday

Deal: Here is a website where you can learn how to can in easy steps. Even with our small garden, we have had our first successful crop of larger tomatoes. I invested in my first canning supply kit for about $30 at Target, and I have successfully canned about a dozen jars of tomatoes. 

Another excellent source for canning information can be found at the  in Dallas.

2. Get Paid for Metal, Help The Pantry 

Deal: Northwest Georgia Recycling will donate to The Pantry in Douglas County and pay you for your scrap metal. A "community food ministry," The Pantry gives away free food to anyone in need. No income documents or photo identification are needed to receive food. Hours are 9 a.m. to noon each Saturday for both distribution and donations.

A brief list of what Northwest Georgia Recycling accepts includes:

• Lawnmowers
• Car batteries
• Refrigerators
• Engines
• Transmissions
• Stoves
• Dishwashers
• Fencing
• Wiring
• Sinks
• Utensils
• Keys
• Old pipe
• Air conditioners
• Heavy machinery (forklifts, etc.)
• Automotive parts
• Lead
• Appliances
• Electric motors and more

To understand the payment rate:

• A 150-pound refrigerator is worth .10 per pound or $15.
• An old broken extension cord is worth $1.10 per pound.
• Old faucets are $1.60 per pound.

Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Northwest Georgia Recycling.

Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon, The Pantry.

Locations: Northwest Georgia Recycling, 8729 South Flat Rock Road, Douglasville.

The Pantry, 5960 Stewart Parkway in the Crossroads Church facility, Douglasville.

Contacts: 678-715-1114, Robert Cruz, Northwest Georgia Recycling.

770-217-0729, The Pantry.

3. Free Gospel Jam in Hiram

Deal: On the second Friday night of each month, a free Gospel Jam is held at Poplar Springs Baptist Church. This informal gathering of musicians, singers and listeners has been meeting for about 15 years. String instrument players (guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, Dobro, bass, autoharp, etc.) and singers gather to play hymns and Gospel tunes, stand around the piano and sing and enjoy food and fellowship. Usually, there are about 25 musicians from many churches. "Come give it a try, and help us make a joyful noise to the Lord," says Larry Holland, one of the organizers.

Hours: 7 to 10 p.m., Friday.

Location: Fellowship Hall, , 2056 Hiram Douglasville Highway, Hiram.

Contacts: Larry Holland, 770-843-2410, or email at WZ4N@att.net.

4. Free Hunter Education Classes Next Week

Deal: Free hunter education classes will be offered next week at nearby Sweetwater Creek State Park. Classes are taught by the Wildlife Resources Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources as a requirement before season hunting licenses may be purchased.

Sign up here. As of Tuesday, 26 places remained for the classes on Tuesday and Aug. 18 at . 

A hunter education course is not required to purchase an Apprentice License or a three-day Combo Hunting/Fishing License. Accepted are hunter education courses that are certified or mandated by any state wildlife agency or Canadian province. Also, hunter education is not required to hunt on one's own land or land of a parent or guardian. 

Besides the free classroom course, course options include a free CD-ROM course or three online courses (with varying fees). Students may request a copy of the free CD-ROM from any Game Management or Law Enforcement office.

Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday and Aug. 18.

Location: Visitor's Center, Sweetwater Creek State Park, 1750 Mount Vernon Road at end of Factory Shoals Road, Lithia Springs.

5. SouthernSavers.com Couponing Class Coming to Villa Rica

Deal: SouthernSavers.com is coming to Villa Rica in September. Learn how to use coupons to save hundreds of dollars a month on all of your grocery, household and personal care items. Basic and advanced topics will include:

• Gathering and organizing coupons. 
• Using online resources to find your own deals.
• Effectively using coupons—more than just clipping and using them.
• Detailed instructions for using coupons at drugstores.

Each participant will receive a detailed guidebook to keep. You can register online here.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Sept. 10.

Location: Midway Church, 3915 Carrollton Villa Rica Highway, Villa Rica.

Cost: $10 per person and payable at the door by either cash or check.