HR0935 100TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0935 LRB100 21340 ALS 37708 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are pleased to recognize the 100th anniversary of the McHenry County Home and Community Education (HCE) organization; and

WHEREAS, McHenry County formed its first homemakers group in April 1918 with a purpose of providing ongoing research-based educational programs; the organization's goal was to make available a delivery system that would allow members to share their knowledge to improve the quality of family life in McHenry County; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois organization was initially called the Woman's Home Improvement Association, but the name was changed to the Illinois Home Bureau Federation prior to its debut in July 1918; In 1962, the Home Bureau Federation was renamed the Illinois Homemakers Extension Association (HEA); in 1993, the name was changed to the Illinois Association for Family and Community Education; the current statewide name of the Illinois Association for Home and Community Education was adopted in 1995; while the official name changed many times over the last 100 years, the local organization has always been fondly known as the "McHenry County Homemakers"; and

WHEREAS, Upon its establishment, the 300 women members used the organization as an important source for raising the quality of life for themselves and their families and contributing to the community; and

WHEREAS, In 1924, the group assumed responsibility for organizing 4-H clubs and took part in the effort to ensure that every farm and small town in McHenry County had safe running water systems in their homes; the members were also active in the push to have electricity in both the home and the barn; and

WHEREAS, Members were involved in providing hot lunches in McHenry County schools, and actually cooked meals in some instances at approximately 250 rural schools; and

WHEREAS, They also provided yearly demonstrations on how to cull and maintain a healthy chicken flock and a venue to sell culled chickens for additional income; and

WHEREAS, The organization provided a social network, educational programs, an arena in which to practice public speaking, leadership development activities, a resource network, and activities to expand member knowledge of regional, state, national, and international awareness; and

WHEREAS, Today, the HCE is an educational and community service organization of approximately 100 members who work to promote social and economic well being in McHenry County homes and neighborhoods; members meet monthly, hold special events throughout the county's communities, participate in community and University of Illinois Extension events, provide other community service, attend conferences, and serve on local, regional, and state organization boards and committees; and

WHEREAS, Members promote the well being of the individual and family by bringing about a better understanding of the home, community, state, and nation; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate the McHenry County HCE on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of their organization; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the members of the McHenry County HCE as an expression of our appreciation and esteem.