Expanding Monroe County Homemakers One Basket at a Time

The Basket Club is the newest Monroe County Homemakers club.  Although the club does not have a strong heritage in the community, it does have many excited participants each month! The club has grown since it officially became a homemaker’s club in the fall of 2022.  

Basket enthusiasts from across the region poured into Tompkinsville in the spring of 2023 for the “Spring Weave”.  Since that time, the club has grown at an astonishing rate.  With the growth in participants, also comes a more diverse group of weavers.  

Current trends in homemaker club membership leans toward the senior female population.  As the new agent, I presented myself with the task of helping recruit younger members.   With the help of the basket club, we are seeing that come to fruition.  The July weave had 26 participants.  Of those attending in July, 6 were 50 years of age and younger.  Not only is this club bringing in younger participants, but also men have decided to join.  For the past few months, men have attended the meetings.  Also, weaving can be easily completed with physical limitations so membership includes individuals in wheel chairs.  

Diversity and growth are not the only positives provided by the Basket Club.   Tompkinsville is also enjoying a positive economic impact.  Each month weavers come from surrounding counties.  These individuals spend money in Tompkinsville’s restaurants, stores, and locally owned shops.  Weavers have even discussed how they bring family members back to enjoy some of Tompkinsville’s restaurants throughout the month.  Also, they return to enjoy local attractions and shops they discovered during their time with the Basket Club.  

Plans to expand the basket club are already coming.  Club leadership is working with the current 4-H/FCS agent to enhance the experience of each weaver.  The club plans to create a new club focusing on beginner weavers.  The current club will cater to the more experienced and advanced weavers.  Club leadership is excited to move forward offering many opportunities for community exposure and personal growth for the participants.  

Monroe County Basket Club leadership, membership, and Monroe County Extension staff are all working together to enhance this club as well as the community.