Special Publications - Living Here - Living Here_People

POSTED: Sunday, Mar. 30, 2008

Susy Hymas, volunteer coordinator, WSU Whatcom County Extension

Name: Susy Hymas.

Age: 55.

Job: Volunteer coordinator, WSU Whatcom County Extension Master Food Preserver & Safety Advisor Program.

How long: Eight months.

Background: B.S. in environmental health and nutrition from Huxley College of the Environment at Western Washington University; Master Food Preserver certification through Ohio State University Extension.

"But the real passion for food preservation I acquired from my grandmother, who had an amazing garden."

Most frequent question: "I just canned (fill in the blank). Is it safe to eat?"

Most unusual question: "When I make pickles, can I wash the cucumbers in my washing machine?"

Tip: "Food preserving is fun and an excellent way to increase the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat, while saving money on food."