McLean County Association for Home and Community Education

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McLean County Association for Home and Community Education

Educational organization, presenting programs monthly at 6 different unit (club) meetings, September through June.June meetings vary per each unit.

This organization was organized in 1918 in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the University of Illinois Extension. Today McLean County HCE has about 160 members in 7 units who actively support the Extension mission of helping area residents put knowledge to work in all areas of life and work. Lessons are presented, demonstrations given and lifelong friendships gained through

the varied HCE activities. HCE has one primary purpose: "Helping members find a better way to a better life through education." The 103rd Annual Meeting of McLean County Association for Home and Community Education was held at the Chateau on July 13, 2021 with 67 attending. We heard an excellent program "Photography for Fun" given by Robin Bagwell. The installation of officers was led by IAHCE District 2 Director Rita Overacker with IAHCE president Angela Hicks assisting. A delicious lunch was served and members and guests were able to view the Fine Arts Fair entries brought. Eight entries were picked to go on to the states' (IAHCE) Annual Conference in Effingham, IL on March 15-17, 2022. Our theme for the coming HCE year is "Change is to Grow - Grow is to Become." This year there are many ongoing projects to include: Community Service Day, Read & Share, Soldier Projects, collections for the Fostering Dignity Foundation, Cultural Enrichment projects almost every month, bake sales throughout the county which earns money to support the HCE Scholarship Fund for 4-H, and to support of other 4-H activities and countless community service projects. Membership also allows many social activities and most importantly the many educational program presented approximately 8 months during the HCE year, September through May. The educational programs help members enhance their lives through these quality programs and experiences encouraging responsible leadership and service to the community.

05/25/2026

June Unit Meetings

Downs: Tues., June 2, 10:15 a.m.
Shopping at the gift shop followed by lunch at the Tea Room at the Depot, 301 N Main St, Mackinaw. Those wishing to carpool will meet at 9:20 a.m. at St Mary’s Church, 108 E. Washington St, Downs; Info: 309-825-4674.

Eastsiders: Fri., June 5, 11 a.m.
Lunch at Jack’s Café, 210 Sunset Dr #1600, LeRoy, IL; R.S.V.P. by June 1 to 309-287-8214.

Towanda: Mon., June 15, 11:30 a.m.
Lunch at Panera Bread, 208 Greenbrier Dr, Normal followed by volunteering at Midwest Food Bank, R.S.V.P. by June 11: 309-824-4797.

Night Owls: Wed., June 17, 4:30 p.m.
Tour American Giants Museum 100 SW Arch St, Atlanta, IL followed by dinner at Country-Aire Restaurant, 606 E South St, Atlanta, IL; R.S.V.P. by June 15: 309-310-1670.

04/06/2026

Shop Pawson

03/07/2026

Monthly Programs
Coming to a Unit Meeting NEAR YOU!

April 2026
Enjoying Gardening as We Age,
LLL –March 24, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Master Gardener

May 2026
Weathering the Storm
LLL – April 28, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
by Sara Attig, U of I, Family Life Educator

McLean County HCE MEMBERSHIP Activities
Visit a HCE unit meeting, workshop or class for wonderful lifelong learning.
For more information of HCE membership:

Paula Miller 309-824-0661
[email protected]

More info: Kathleen 309-824-2784, [email protected]
Becky Toohill 309-532-2125, [email protected]

LLL(Local Leader Lessons) are free & open to the public.
FB: Farm Bureau Auditorium, 2242 Westgate Dr, Bloomington

03/07/2026

FAMILY ISSUES/COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT

Bring different or same items each month to your unit meeting.

March – toilet paper.
April – 30 gallon or larger garbage bags
May – paper towels, or bleach
June – canned cat food or p**p bags
Also: store gift cards, Clorox wipes

Gina McDonald [email protected]
309–242–3801

03/07/2026

HCE scholarships
Deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Submit to McLean County Extension office

HCE will award scholarships for McLean County 4–H members who meet certain requirements. Contact the scholarship committee for full requirement information and application.

Contact LaVonne at 309–825–6558 or [email protected]

Committee:
- Robin Bagwell,
- Sandy McGhee
- LaVonne Cunningham:

03/07/2026

HCE community volunteer hours – CVH

Paula Miller, CVH chairman, would like your 2025 volunteer hours January through June and July through December. Thank you for all the volunteer work you do! Contact info: 309–824–0661. [email protected]

03/07/2026

2026 Month Minor Lessons about:
Carribean Islands/Dominican Republic

March- Topic: Economy/Agriculture
April- Topic: People & Demographics

03/05/2026

EXPERIENCE the MAGIC!

102nd IAHCE annual conference March 17- 19, 2026

Keller Convention Center, Effingham, IL
Thelma Keller convention center

Theme:
“experience the magic”.

02/24/2026

Address

Bloomington, IL
61704

Telephone

+13096638306

Website

http://www.mcleanhce.org/

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