Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) members enjoyed a full month of activities in September, beginning with FCE Day at the Tennessee Valley Fair on Tuesday, September 9, in Knoxville.

Members listened to two inspiring presentations. The first was from Susan Conner, FCS Agent in Hawkins County, who shared about her flower farm and gave helpful tips on growing and arranging fresh flowers. The second speaker was Larsen Jay, CEO and founder of Random Acts of Flowers, a Knoxville-based nonprofit that repurposes donated flowers into bouquets delivered to hospitals, nursing homes, and care facilities. Jay shared his powerful personal story of surviving a near-fatal accident and how the gift of flowers during his recovery sparked the idea for Random Acts of Flowers.

After the program, members toured exhibits at the fair and enjoyed lunch together at Louis’ in Knoxville.

The group also traveled to the Sullivan County Extension Office on Monday, September 15, for the Eastern Region FCE Fall Conference. With the theme “It’s Harvest Time in FCE,” the day featured fellowship, good food, educational sessions, and contests including Cultural Arts and Fashion Revue. Union County FCE members had a wonderful time connecting with other FCE clubs from across the region.

Union County FCE extends an open invitation to community members who may be interested in learning more about membership and opportunities for involvement. For details, contact Abigail Thomas, Union County FCS Agent, at 865-992-8038 or athom237@utk.edu
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