Sisters Christian Academy hosts Sleigh Bells Boutique

Sisters Christian Academy held its first-ever Holiday Bazaar Saturday, December 6 on the academy grounds. Guests were welcomed into the Sleigh Bells Boutique with the sounds of music of the holiday season.

Tables were filled with handcrafted soaps, homemade foods, even homemade dog treats. Unique glass wear, painted gourds embellished with pine needles, handcrafted cards, and an old classic, Tupperware, were all laid out in beautiful array. Barbara Knight was there with her "Penny, the Mustang Pony" series of children's stories.

Children ran eagerly from table to table looking at toys, dreaming of Christmas presents. Children volunteers offered trays of cookies and popcorn. Forty-five vendors came to spread holiday cheer.

Young student Bryce Parrott manned a table of painted wooden snowmen. The second and third grade tables were set up to raise funds for the school's upcoming Zoo Snooze. In May they will spend the night at the Portland Zoo. The evening of the first day, after the zoo closes, the students will have the unique experience of accompanying zookeepers as they make their rounds feeding the animals.

The next day, after the elephants leave their cages, the students will hide the elephant's food and watch as they return and try to find their meal. Do elephants have a good sense of smell? Bryce certainly thinks so.

"With noses like that, they must be able to smell," he said.

The young students who manned the snowman table throughout the day were selling crafts made by peers. Each student in the two classes made three snowmen, one in each size.

Principal Peggy Miller greeted visitors as they arrived.

Parent volunteer Susan King and teacher Gwen Philipsen provided the brainstorm for this first-time event. Philipsen felt it would be a great way for parents, teachers, and students to join together to create items for sale.

Principal Miller talked about the importance of their school and its programs. She taught in much larger classrooms for many years.

"To know the students as individuals is the best way to help them. I put in the same amount of time with 10 students as I did with 28-30, but the time is more of a benefit for the kids," she said.

The academy teaches a full classical program including Latin, logic and grammar.

One parent commented, "SCA offers the most solid based education possible. Every child has his own identity. His education is based on his skills and his strengths. My child and his teacher have a relationship. He's not just a student."

Several quality artists displayed at this year's juried event. Diane Lofquist-Gavino and her husband Bud of DLG Designs showed off their work that captured the attention of owners of The Resort at the Mountain in Welches, Oregon. Their eight-foot-tall stained glass sidelights front each condominium. They brought sun catchers in eclectic designs with colors designed to capture the sun and reflect more images inside the home. Their custom glasswork includes scenes of rolling hills and blue clouded skies full of light.

As is often the case, the first year's business was slower than expected; nevertheless, they have hopes of holding the event next year.

To learn more about the academy's upcoming benefit dinner and auction being held on Saturday, February 7 at 5 p.m., call 549-4133.