Murphy – A larger than expected group came out for the National Ladies Homestead Gathering on Thursday, with about 31 ladies in attendance despite the threat of stormy weather.
The purpose of the organization is “Empowering Women Through Homesteading.” Their mission is to share knowledge, build community and grow friendships.
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Their mission was achieved Thursday evening, as the women in attendance shared their ideas, their knowledge and laughed with one another. Everyone appeared to be enjoying the time spent out with other ladies of like interests.
With an uncertain and changing world, more women are desiring to become self-reliant. Women attending the meetings are encouraged to do and make things at home, as opposed to buying items in a store.
The evening’s topic was “Zero Waste: Repurpose Everything!” Demonstrations on how to reuse various items around the home was presented by Marion Bosch.
She spoke of how to reuse a plastic bottle cap, plastic bags, empty coffee containers and feedbags as well as empty Pringles cans, used aluminum foil and pool noodles. Bosch told the women how they can make paper bricks to use as fire starters instead of purchasing them.
Joanne Schart was in the group and is a regular attendee.
“It’s great to be with other gals and the stuff we’ve learned so far,” she said. “How to make tinctures and making our own household cleaners as well as other items. I think it’s a great group and I’ve learned a lot. The people are great.”
Tammi Smith is president of the organization.
“When I moved here from Georgia, there was nothing like this here,” she said. “I wanted to meet other women like me who had the same homesteading and self-reliance attitude, so I had an interest meeting to see if others were interested. I was blown away.”
Jeannine Rote is a VIP member. “I’m learning how to do a lot of stuff,” she said. “There’s always something new to learn and a lot of classes you can take. Coming here gets me out of the house and helps me work toward being a little more off the grid.”
There was a table set up with various items for VIP members to be able to swap. Some of the items included lip balms, dog treats and herbal cough syrup.
It was Katrina Becker’s first time at the gathering. With a smile, she said, “I’ve learned a lot, and I will definitely come back. It was a lot of fun, and there’s some really great ladies here who I’m interested in getting to know better.”
The gatherings are held from 6-8:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month. They are free to women ages 16 and older as well as nursing babies.
Smith said, to much laughter, “Several men asked why there was no group like this for them. They also indicated they would even dress like women if they could attend.”
However, it remains a ladies gathering. Membership in the National Ladies Homestead Gathering is $35 annually, which helps support the organization and offers VIP members more benefits.
The gathering topic for February will be seed starting methods. Future topics will include dairy goats, making cheese, garden pest control, solar energy, first aid and more.
Workshops will include soil blocking, bee school, basket making and foraging. There’s even a co-op Extension vegetable garden planning boot camp on the schedule.
For details, visit www.nlhg.org and select N.C. Cherokee as the local chapter. The next gathering will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, in the Ag Extension Education Room, 699 Connahetta St.