For the City Times

MARSHFIELD – On Nov. 17. from 9 am to 3 pm, four Marshfield and one Neillsville Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO) chapters will host the PEO Annual Boutique at the Holiday Inn, 750 S. Central Ave., Marshfield.  This time-honored event will feature a cookie-walk sale, craft sale, and a high-quality area artisans’ bazaar.

Upon entering the doors of the event, visitors will be surrounded by the scent of fresh pine.  That unmistakable holiday “air” is from the outstanding array of fresh greenery items from Tender Shoots Gardens and Greenhouse.

Near the Lindner’s greenery are the tables for the cookie walk.  The cookie sale begins at 10:30 a.m.

This year, the PEO is introducing the Woodburning and Fly Fishing Emporium of Christopher Nonn.  His art features fine handcrafted flies and unique wood-burning artwork.

Chris creates poppers as well as hand-tied trout, walleye, sauger, and crappie flies to attract elusive fish with flies that mimic the bugs and minnows found in Wisconsin lakes, rivers, and streams.  His durable casting jigs are made using raw materials from Wisconsin.

Chris learned the art of wood burning from an 86-year-old World War II veteran.  As his skill in this unique art grew, so has his collection of over 40 different wood-burning tips to create that “just right” line or shading.

P.E.O. supports women both through friendships and the bonds of sisterhood and through educational scholarships, grants, awards, loans, and the stewardship of Cottey College, to help women enhance their lives through learning.  The proceeds of the boutique are shared among the chapters for scholarships and community work.