Family and Community Education (FCE) is a volunteer-based organization that empowers individuals and strengthens communities through research-based education, leadership development, and community action. As part of the Tennessee Association for Family and Community Education (TAFCE), members work together to build strong families and make our homes and communities better places to live, work, and grow.
Union County FCE is active in a variety of programs and service projects that support education, leadership, and civic engagement. Members meet monthly, with meetings led by elected officers and featuring guest speakers, engaging activities, and hands-on learning opportunities.
New members are always welcome! Join us for fun, fellowship, and opportunities to learn and serve. From workshops and camps to conferences and community projects, Union County FCE offers something for everyone.
For more information about joining, contact the Union County FCS Agent, Abigail Thomas, at 865-992-8038 or email her at athom237@utk.edu.
Join us at our next meeting!
We meet on the 3rd Thursday of every month starting at 10:00 am.
Our meetings take place at the Union County Extension Office (2721 Maynardville Hwy, Maynardville, TN. 37807).
Everyone is welcome—whether you’re a longtime member or just curious to learn more about what FCE is all about! Come enjoy fellowship, fun, and learning as we work together to strengthen families and our community.
For more information about joining, contact the Union County FCS Agent, Abigail Thomas, at 865-992-8038 or email her at athom237@utk.edu
Pictures from Union County FCE Meetings:
Upcoming Local FCE Events:
Spring Meetings
📅 Thursday, February 19
📍Union County Extension Office
For more information, contact Abigail Thomas at 865-992-8038 or athom237@utk.edu.
Annual Pie and Cake Contests Return for 2026 Heritage Festival
Calling All Bakers! Do you have the best pie or cake recipe in Union County? Prove it at the 2026 Union County Heritage Festival!
All pies and cakes must be completely homemade, and entries are open to all ages with no entry fee!
Drop off for pie and cake entries:
- Thursday, October 1 from 4–5 PM
- Friday, October 2 from 8–11 AM
at the Union County Extension Office (2721 Maynardville Hwy, Maynardville, TN 37807)
Whether you’re in it for the glory or just the fun, these contests are a sweet way to be part of the festival!
Proceeds from sold pies and cakes will benefit Union County FCE programs.
Questions? Contact Abigail Thomas at 865-992-8038 or athom237@utk.edu.
Regional & State FCE Events:
Have you ever wondered what our FCE club does outside of Union County?
If you would like to attend either of these upcoming events, contact the Union County FCS Agent to get the registration form to secure your spot. You can contact the FCS Agent, Abigail Thomas at 865-992-8038 or athom237@utk.edu
1PM EST Tuesday, April 21 through Dinner Wednesday, April 22 (2 Nights)
River Terrace Resort and Conference Center, a Westgate Property 240 River Road Gatlinburg
Rooms range from $80-$134/night plus 12.75% Tax
Parking is included with room rental.
Rate will be honored for 3 days before and 3 days after the event.
Link to Book Hotel Rooms: https://resort.to/TN-TAFCE-Spring-Regional-Meeting-RT
Booking Code: 69-707
Booking Code WILL NOT WORK on the Westgate reservation website, use the link above.
Registration Forms for classes, etc. will be available in early spring.
This event will combine both our normal Spring Event and Summer Leadership Day.
FUN, Learning, FUN, Creating, FUN, dry run for State Conference!!!
Still More FUN!!Coming Soon!
2026 Information
Coming Soon!
2026 Information
Coming Soon!
2026 Information
Coming Soon!
2026 TAFCE State Conference
Hosted by Eastern Region
“MOVING MOUNTAINS WITH FCE”
Sunday, November 15-Wednesday November 18 (3 Nights)
River Terrace Hotel and Conference Center, a Westgate Property 240 River Road Gatlinburg
Rooms range from $80-$134/night plus 12.75% Tax
Parking is included with room rental
Rate will be honored for 3 days before and 3 days after the event.
Link to Book Hotel Rooms: https://resort.to/TN-TAFCE-RT
Booking Code: 60-197
Booking Code WILL NOT WORK on the Westgate reservation website, use the link above.
Registration Packets will be available mid-summer.
Eastern Region Conference Committee still needs assistance from all FCE members in the Region. Contact ANY member of your board to find out how you can help!
Newsletters
Family & Community Education Club Pledge
Esteeming it a privilege to be a member of a Family & Community Education Club I will be loyal to it methods, carefully guard its reputation and strive to increase its influence.
Explanation of Our Emblem
The emblem is composed of three concentric circles, which typify the county, state, and the nation.
The Hearth Fire in the center symbolizes the home and expresses the sprit of the finer attributes of the home, such as fellowship, hospitality, comfort, peace and protection.
The Oak Leaf symbolizes the strength of the home, the lamp of knowledge, the wisdom with which a home must be created, and the wheat-productivity and the richness of family and community life. This is what we as homemakers endeavor to harvest.
Around these symbols are the words HOME, FAMILY, COMMUNITY with NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR FAMILY & COMMUNITY EDUCATION in the outer circle.
Statement of Purpose
The Family & Community Education Clubs, organized under the direction of the University of Tennessee are dedicated to the purpose of helping persons become better homemakers and community members. Home Economics activities are carried out through monthly Family Community Education Club meetings; special interest activities; workshops; mass media and individual contacts. All clubs, activities and events are open to everyone regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an Equal Opportunity Employer.