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Gov. Josh Stein declared March as Women’s History Month, honoring women across the state whose leadership, courage and innovations have shaped the social, economic and cultural fabric of North Carolina. Women throughout history have led movements to strengthen families, expand educational opportunities, increase civic participation, protect the environment and helped build safer, more prosperous communities.

There are many groups in Cherokee County that cater to the needs of local ladies, but one of the biggest and fastest-growing is Appalachian Lady Homesteaders. Formed just a few years ago as part of the National Ladies Homestead Gathering, the group quickly became the largest single chapter across the United States.
Since then, the group has launched out on its own and is fulfilling its purpose of “empowering women through homesteading.” Their mission is to, “Share knowledge. Build community. Grow friendships.”
The next local meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 12, at First Baptist Church, 517 Hiwassee St. in Murphy. The topic will be “Seed Starting and Growing a Herbal & Tea Garden.” All women are invited. Details: Visit the website myalh.org.
– Publisher David Brown