Home and Community Education a Mainstay for 87 Years
For the City Times
Home and Community Education (HCE) is a non-profit organization that partners with the UW-Extension Family Living Programs.
It brings educational programming to members and communities. The program was previously known as “Homemakers” and has a rich 87 year history.
There are currently five clubs in Wood County and one of them may hold their meeting in a location near you. One of those clubs is 51 Homemakers of Nekoosa. The charter members chose that name because they were the 51st club to join the organization in 1950. HCE are 17 members strong and are proud of the tradition of community service and volunteerism.
Most recently they have embraced the Backpacks for Kids program and the Nekoosa School District’s fourth-grade white elephant sale. They contribute with both items needed and monetary donations.
HCE members also volunteer to read books to Head Start students in conjunction with the Wisconsin Bookworms® Project, as well as donate to Stock the Shelves and the American Red Cross. Funding comes from member donations, the Nekoosa Homecoming cookie sale and serving lunch at the Wakely Fall Harvest Festival.
In November, six members of HCE achieved Diamond Member status. Louise Egland, Ruth Arendt, Myrtle Teska, Irene Pavelec, Deanne Fessler and Delma Bertram were honored for 55+ years of membership at the HCE State Conference. These women are considered the pioneers of HCE and the organization is very proud of them and all they have contributed. They are our role models, teachers, mentors and friends.
Diamond status member Ruth Arendt. (Contributed Photo)
If you are interested in joining a local HCE club, call Sarah Siegel, Family Living Edcuator at 715-421-8437 or in Nekoosa, call Denise Mancl at 715-886-5727.
