Students help flag project

The Sisters community will soon see an array of brand-new, artistically adorned pedestrian crossing flags waving from the six current locations on Cascade Avenue.

Under the direction and guidance of Nola Belding, a member of the Sisters Book Group who originated the flag project, Kit Stafford's Arts Discovery and Americana middle school students tackled the cutting and sewing of a new batch of individualized creations.

The flags are stationed at crosswalks, to be carried by pedestrians. They are designed to catch the eye and attention of drivers and increase safety for those crossing the busy highway through town.

The original project, undertaken by the "Bookies," was given a three-month trial by the Sisters City Council to see if flags would be used. The feedback from tourists and locals alike led the book group to ask for an extension and some funding from the city. Permission was granted to continue the project until the Cascade Avenue renovation gets underway next year. A person donated $100 for the flag

project.

The book group and city procured the supplies for making more flags to replace worn and missing flags. Stafford and her two classes agreed to share the time and production work and are now excited to see their finished art helping keep drivers and pedestrians safe.

One of Stafford's goals is to involve students in their community and develop a sense of awareness, caring and giving back. Such endeavors help build self-esteem and empower kids to know that they can make a difference. They embraced the chance to help others and will aid in modeling the importance of using the flags as well.

Belding noted that "The book group hopes that souvenir-seekers may hesitate to carry off or destroy the flags when they know students have worked so hard to produce them."