Morgan County Association of Home and Community Education marks milestone
Members of the Morgan County Association of Home and Community Education celebrated 90 years of serving the community as they experienced “The Magic of HCE” at their annual meeting on Thursday, June 18 at the Morgan County Extension Office.
On March 5, 1936, a meeting was held at the old Farm Bureau Hall in Jacksonville to begin organizing “Home Bureau” in Morgan County. By September 25, 1936, the group had 345 members in 21 units. In the early 1960s, the name was changed to the Morgan County Homemakers Extension Association, and then eventually to Morgan County Association for Home and Community Education. HCE enhances the lives of individuals and families through educational programs and experiences, encouraging responsible leadership and providing service to the community.
At the recent June 18 annual meeting, Aaron Dufelmeier welcomed everyone and shared memories of working with HCE over the years. During the business meeting, the group approved an updated version of their constitution.
Members with perfect attendance, 50-year+ members and volunteers were recognized. Members Linda Griffin, Leona Massey and Nancy Wynn were recognized for 60-years of membership.
Additionally, longtime members who died since the last annual meeting were remembered; they were Arlene Smith, Kay Sorrill and Linda Settles. Each of them was active in their local units and had served on the county board.
Karen Cahill, IAHCE District 2 Director, installed the new officers and gave an update on IAHCE. Newly elected officers are Martha Vaché (president and public relations), Charlotte Cave (1st vice president), Barbara Baptist (2nd vice president), Leona Massey (secretary), Mary Jo Sparrow (treasurer), Joyce Ginder (international) and Pat Pennell (family and community issues). Susan Dodsworth, Linda Griffin, Nancy Wynn, Jane Janes and Martha Vaché shared memories of former members and HCE activities.
Pat Pennell narrated a style show featuring fashions through the decades. Several members of the Franklin Unit shared some of their “historical” clothing and that of their family members. Following the meeting everyone enjoyed a finger food luncheon.
