The Union County FCE (Family Community Education) Club has gone through various names. It started in 1917 as the Home Demonstration Club, then to Homemakers Clubs. The University of Tennessee Extension Office that oversees the club decided to change the name to Family Community Education Club back in the 1990s. At one time there were 128 members and 28 clubs throughout Union County. There were clubs in almost every community. The last club to exist is one of the first, and that’s the Big Ridge club.

The club’s focus is on enhancing the quality of life for individuals, families and communities through education, leadership, and service. FCE provides opportunities for lifelong learning, personal development and community involvement. Members participate in workshops, volunteer projects and social events that promote knowledge in areas that interest them: health, finance, homemaking, crafting of various types, field trips and more.

The club belongs to the Eastern Region through the University of Tennessee Extension. There are three regions in the state. They have a spring event, a fall conference, and in November have a state convention. Each region takes turns sponsoring a state convention that lasts four days. The best way to describe the convention is a slumber party atmosphere, where you participate in what interests you, such as craft classes, bingo, shopping, shows, field trip excursions and much more. They have a themed banquet at the state convention each year voted on by the state FCE board.

The clubs in the Eastern Region have had a summer camp just like 4-H camps held at Clyde Austin 4-H Center in Greenville or Crossville 4-H camp. In the early years of Union County, camp was held at Big Ridge State Park.

Crafts have been a huge part of the clubs. Classes of various crafts from quilting to learning new skills such as oil painting, gardening skills, cooking skills and much more.

Competitions are held and if a member chooses to participate they can put their craft goods in local competition. If they win first or second place, they move onto the regional competition. If they win region, they move onto the state competition. Union County has had many first place state winners. The state competition is something to witness, as you get to see the very best of all crafts. The quilt competition is something to see.

Many of the club members assist the 4-H program by volunteering to be judges in public speaking competitions, poster and photo contests and everyone’s favorite—baking competitions. The 4-H program relies on volunteers to be judges for their contests.

The Union County FCE is under the direction of Extension Agent Abigail Thomas, BS, Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences, Gener, Eastern Illinois University, 2021.

If you’re looking for a new way to learn hands on, try visiting one of our monthly meetings. We meet the third Thursday at 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. We bring a covered dish and always eat a delicious meal. We meet at the UT Extension Office 2721 Maynardville Hwy. (behind Guided by Grace) or call Abbey Thomas at 865-992-8038 or email her at athom237@utk.edu