Monroe County Association for Home and Community Education - HCE

10/05/2026

This morning, several Monroe County HCE Board Members met infront of the Monroe County Commissioners, requesting them to acknowledge HCE Week. HCE Week is scheduled October 12-17, 2026. Thank you, Mr. George Green, for signing our Proclamation. Also pictured is Doug Garmer and Vicki Koeber.

Monroe County will be hosting its Cultural Arts Contest, on Wednesday, October 14th, at the Annex. There will also be a program provided, while judging takes place on entries.

HCE promotes educational programs throughout the year, either at the Annex or at local businesses. If you would like more information about HCE, feel free to message our page or reach out to an HCE member!

09/25/2026

This evening, members of HCE toured one of Columbia’s best-kept secret, Warm N Cozy Quilting!!

Did you know that they have BEAUTIFUL material for all holidays? Did you know that they can assist you with projects and/or color schemes?

Even if you’ve never used a sewing machine, they can assist (and even set you up to purchase one!).

Sadie and Jason provided a great presentation this evening, about what their store does, their classes and how some of their machinery works. Thank you, both!!

https://www.warmncozyquilting.com/

09/18/2026

Thank you for the donation of silent auction items from
HCE “Illinois Association of Home and
Community Education

08/07/2026

Have you wanted to can your home grown fruits and vegetables and didn’t know how?

Check out the class being offered on August 31st!

06/09/2026

June is Dairy Month and the New Hanover Unit celebrated in style with ice cream, during their meeting on Monday night! Janese and Arlene were the hosts this month, as well as providing the attendance prize. Arlene had a basket of milk related items, for attendance prizes and Janese gave a previous we HCE county lesson, “All About Strawberries” to the unit.

Thank you, ladies!!

05/25/2026

05/21/2026

Monroe County HCE held a program on "Taste & Learn Strawberries" given by Master Gardeners Lisa Dean & Rebekah Benson. The program was held at the Annex in Waterloo on May 13. There were 24 people and 2 presenters in attendance. After the program guests were treated to delicious Strawberry Desserts

04/28/2026

"Taste & Learn Strawberries" is a program hosted by Monroe County Home & Community Education (HCE). It will be given by Master Gardeners Lisa Dean & Rebekah Benson on Wednesday, May 13th at the Annex in Waterloo. It begins at 7:00 pm. Strawberry Desserts will be served. Please RSVP to (618) 939-3434 if planning to attend.

04/18/2026

Each year, HCE studies about a different country. This years country of study is the Dominican Republic. 🇩🇴

Today, Monroe County hosted its annual International Afternoon, in which the attendees learned about: 1) the reason many baseball players are from the Dominican Republic, 2) Salsa and Bachata dances by Almas Del Ritmo Dance Company dancers Carmen and Michael and 3) learned about a new instrument called a “hand pan”, given by Ken Bornert.

The HCE Board members also made food commonly eaten within the Dominican Republic.

Also during the event, our organization presented two scholarships to seniors, who are branching out to attend college this fall. Best of luck to both of them on their future endeavors!!!

Are in interested in what HCE does and other lessons, which are given? Feel free to reach out to any members and we can provide any information!

04/05/2026

Happy Easter!