Union County 4-H member Miranda Boucher recently attended the 2025 Eastern Region 4-H Fashion and Design Conference, held June 3-5 at the Edgewater Hotel in Gatlinburg. She was joined by Union County Family and Consumer Science Agent, Abigail Thomas, for the exciting three-day event.
The UC Family & Community Education (FCE) Club held its annual Spring Luncheon and Cultural Arts Contest in May at the Extension office. With the theme “Hats Off to FCE,” the meeting space was transformed into an elegant tea party setting, complete with beautiful spring decorations. Members arrived in their Sunday best—lovely dresses and charming hats adding a touch of tradition and fun to the occasion.
On April 29th, members of the Union County FCE traveled to Kingston, TN, for the Eastern Region FCE "Spring Into FCE" event, an annual gathering that brings together members from across the region for a day of learning, networking, and community building.
The event featured a variety of activities, including live Bluegrass and Gospel music, which set the tone for an enjoyable morning. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the Blossom and Bee Boutique, a fundraiser for FCE.
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.
Are you looking for a way to connect with others, learn valuable skills, and give back to your community? Family and Community Education (FCE) in Union County is the perfect place to do just that!
FCE is a statewide organization dedicated to strengthening individuals, families, and communities through education, leadership, and service. Members enjoy monthly meetings, hands-on workshops, guest speakers, and community outreach projects focused on topics like health and wellness, home and family management, financial literacy, and more.
The Union County Family and Community Education (FCE) group held their monthly meeting last month with a special trip to the Glenmore Mansion in Jefferson City. Known as one of the state's finest examples of Second Empire architectural style, the mansion, built in 1868, provided a fascinating historical backdrop for the gathering.
The September Family and Community Education (FCE) meeting took place at the Eastern Region FCE Fall Gathering, hosted by Campbell and Anderson Counties at the Lafollette Church of God in Lafollette, TN. Thank you to our hosts for organizing such a memorable event!
The gathering included the Regional Cultural Arts and Fashion Revue contests, where participants from various counties showcased their skills. Congratulations to the winners, who will advance to the State FCE Cultural Arts and Fashion Revue contests.
Cultural Arts Contest Results:
The Union County FCE (Family Community Education) Club, better known as the Big Ridge Homemakers Club, calculated their volunteer hours for the past year, where they gave back to the community. They will turn the hours in to the Eastern Region which they belong to thru the University of Tennessee Extension.
The Union County FCE Club took a wonderful trip to Cades Cove on July 18th, 2024! They started off the day with a cup of coffee from the Artistic Bean in Townsend and then made their way to the loop. As they drove around Cades Cove, they made some stops at the churches, cemeteries, and the Cable Mill area. They were able to see a bear, turkeys, and a deer! Then they enjoyed a picnic lunch, which was closely watched by a crow, who scoured the ground meticulously for any crumbs after they left!
The true spirit of the season is giving and doing for others with no expectation of return. The simple act of kindness can work magic on a person’s heart. Gifts are not always in the form of an item but more so in the love that it takes to make or volunteer to do something. Being oriented in service learning, this season UT Extension Union County groups are in a giving spirit.