I've heard terrific things about Preserve and one couldn't ask for a more convenient location. Some other terrific resources for canning supplies and advice include New Seasons and area food co-ops, as well as Bi-Mart (yes, that scary-looking $5 membership store, www.bimart.com/locations.aspx) and Mirador at 2106 SE Division (www.miradorcommunitystore.com).

The library is full of terrific books as well, although I got started with little more than the "Ball Blue Book" available for less than $10 at Bi-Mart and most places where canning supplies are sold. Two other great books are the fourth 1992 edition of Janet Greene's "Putting Food By" and Katz & Fallon's "Wild Fermentation" (www.wildfermentation.com).

Tryon Life Community Farm also has some great workshops and educational presentations (tryonfarm.org) and there was a Vancouver woman featured in Food Day this past month who offers classes in Vancouver through www.sustainablebudget.com/

Dang, but I love Preserve's website, though. Just looking at their classes makes me wish I liked jam more! portlandpreserve.com/