Monroe County Association for Home and Community Education - HCE

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!

03/31/2026

State Scholarships are available. Deadline to apply is May 1, 2026.

Guidelines and Applications can be found at IAHCE.org

Scholarship Applications must be sent to the IAHCE
Board Secretary - Carla Meyer

03/27/2026

Many thanks to Natalie Kawalec, Executive Director of Monroe County House of Neighborly Service - Monroe County, Illinois, who came and spoke to our organization about HNS, at our “Desserts & Dialogue” event.

Natalie stated that HNS has been helping Monroe Countians since 2015. HNS works off of local community grants and donations, as well as funds from the thrift store, which is next door to the main office.

HNS can help in many ways: financial assistance, food, housing assistance and more.

The office is located at 217 W. Mill St, Waterloo and the phone number is 618-939-8900.

Thanks again, Natalie!!

03/24/2026

Congratulations Janice!
Janice Aubuchon, from the Monroe County New Hanover HCE unit, won Best of Show at the IAHCE (State) Conference in Effingham. Her entry was in the category of “Pieced by HCE Member & Quilted by Non-Member.

03/18/2026

DESSERTS & DIALOGUE

Guest Speaker - Natalie Kawalec
House of Neighborly Service Executive Director

Join us to learn more about how HNS helps support local families in need. Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Annex - 901 Illinois Ave, Waterloo, IL

Public is welcome – Please RSVP 618-939-3434

03/10/2026

Recently the Monroe County Mid-Day Unit enjoyed a festive St. Patrick’s Day ☘️ meeting hosted by Marlene Kolbe. She also gave an interesting and informative lesson on Minnesota Wild Rice.

The “E” in “HCE” stands for “education”. Every unit has a member provide a lesson at each meeting. Our units meet once a month. If you’re interested in HCE, feel feee to reach out to any member.