Murphy – The Ladies Homestead Gathering of Cherokee County came together on May 4 at First Baptist Church to teach and learn survival skills.
The monthly gatherings empower women through homesteading, as they share knowledge, build community and grow friendships. There were about 55 women at the gathering.
“It’s the fastest-growing chapter in the country,” chapter President Tammi Smith said.
One of the many topics discussed was map reading. When Smith asked how many women knew how to read a paper map, there were a number who did not.
Smith gave a brief lesson on how to recognize signs and symbols on a road map, as well as other important details, which would be vital if the GPS system was not available.
Marion Bosch showed the women how to make all types of small survival kits using Altoid tins. She showed the ladies several of her own personal kits, which included a sewing kit, one for personal essentials and one for first aid – all of which are easy to keep in a purse or the vehicle.
In the “Show & Tell” portion of the gathering, Amanda Abshier demonstrated how to make mayonnaise using a few spices, oil and an egg. She then passed out samples of the homemade condiment, which really did taste like store-bought mayo.
“What’s in your bag?” was the subject title discussion of two sisters, Emily and Abigail Hays. They showed the women how to make various survival bags.
They displayed several types of bags, including the everyday carry which is similar to a purse, a 72-hour bag with items you would need if stranded for that length of time and a bag containing such items as food, clothing, blankets, hand and foot warmers, medical kits, sleeping bag, flares as well as duct tape, a small handheld radio, water purification tablets, cookware and other necessary items for survival during longer periods of time away.
“I grew up with a father that was in the military, so that mindset has always been there. He grew up that way,” Abigail Hays said. “It’s important for everyone to have that in the back of their mind because problems aren’t limited to everyday life, there could be a weather emergency or things could go wrong governmentally.
“Who knows what could happen, so by just being prepared you could save your life or someone else’s. I hope to inspire other women to do so as well.”
Her bags were extensive and just an example, as each bag should be personalized with added items based on their own needs.
Attendees were encouraged to submit recipes for the National Ladies Homestead Gathering cookbook. One of the speakers was Rachelle Castellana, who showed how to make Kefir, a drink for gut health.
Sammi Crow attended the gathering for the first time.
“I learned how to make homemade mayo that’s good for you, without all the additives,” she said, “and how to properly put together a survival bag.”
The gatherings are held on the second Thursday of every month at First Baptist Church, 517 Hiwassee St. They are open to all women ages 16 and older, as well as nursing babies.
“We hear ladies say everyday that they’ve been looking for a group like this for a very long time, and we’re glad they’ve finally found it,” Smith said.
The next gathering will be at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 8. This meeting will be a VIP appreciation, and anyone becoming a VIP member by June 1 will also be celebrated with prizes.
For details, email cherokee.nc@nlhg.org. Subscribe to the free newsletter by visiting nlhg.org and selecting “NC Cherokee.”