Paula Lovegren is being honored for many years of work on the Black Butte School holiday wreath project. photo by Jennie Sharp
Paula Lovegren is being honored for many years of work on the Black Butte School holiday wreath project. photo by Jennie Sharp
For decades, Black Butte School families have been selling holiday wreaths to the Sisters Country community to support unique programs and opportunities for students in Camp Sherman.

This year, wreath sales will continue with minor changes to ensure safety during the coronavirus pandemic. Wreaths are only available for online purchase in two sizes (27-inch and 36-inch outside diameter) at www.bbswreaths.com.

Hollie Foster, a Camp Sherman resident said, “We buy several wreaths every year to support the students. The wreaths are beautifully made, fragrant, and long-lasting!”

Funds raised go to supporting the unique outdoor field programs at Black Butte School, as well as celebrations, school supplies, and arts programming. Some funds will be dedicated to a refurbished community playground planned for summer 2021.

In the spirit of the Camp Sherman Bazaar of years past, the Parent Teacher Organization is hosting an Outdoor Holiday Market on Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside Black Butte School. Folks will enjoy locally made crafts, a toasty fire, and warm drinks. Those who have purchased wreaths are strongly encouraged to pick up their wreath at the market. If not picked up at the market, wreaths will be hung on the bus barn for people to pick up at their convenience. Wreaths not picked up at the market could become damaged due to snow/ice.

One constant through many years of wreath sales has been the support of Paula Lovegren, a parent of three Black Butte School alumni. Since 1988, Lovegren has dedicated countless hours to creating gorgeous bows that adorn the wreaths. At that time, Paula worked at a floral shop specializing in making bows for corsages, and her mother-in-law, Ruth Lovegren, a Black Butte School Board member encouraged her to join the wreath effort. She has continued to share her unique skill for the 31 years since because the work connected her to the Camp Sherman community and gave needed support to the school.

“Black Butte School is special because no child can slip through the cracks,” she said.

In recent years, she made over 600 bows, estimating 20 hours of work each holiday season. This year, she is finally passing on this job to current families.

Black Butte School is honoring Paula by engraving her name (once again!) and years of service on the “in recognition of volunteer efforts” plaque that hangs in the Toni Foster Memorial Library at the school. She is also receiving a gift from the Parent Teacher Organization, which is forever grateful for all the time and effort she has spent supporting Black Butte School.