Holiday Mini Market raises $1,375 for spouses' club Published Dec. 10, 2010 By Kelly Deichert Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Al -- For the third year, spouses turned the Officers' Club into a Christmas bazaar, selling crafts, jewelry, bags and more. The Maxwell-Gunter Officers' Spouses' Club hosted its annual Holiday Mini Market Dec. 1, featuring 25 artists and small businesses, all with a military affiliation. "The Maxwell-Gunter community came together to make this event the success that it was, and I couldn't be more appreciative or proud," said Michelle Parrish, event chair. Artists included Cyn Wilson, who specializes in stained glass, beadwork, glass pressing and ceramics. She raises miniature horses, which inspired her business's name, Rocking W Studio, she said. Ronna Bauman turned a game into jewelry. "The back of a domino is a blank canvas," she said. She and her daughters Hannah, 14, and Sommer, 11, decorated tiles using different motifs, including holidays, travel and colleges. Some feature monograms. Claire Morgan crocheted items for her Gigglestitches booth. Her clothing included children's mittens featuring Auburn University's Aubie the Tiger and Big Al from the University of Alabama. Students at the Air War College and Air Command Staff College showed off their culinary skills in their cookbooks. "Everything we make on the book goes to charity," said Beth Weaver from the AWC Spouses' Cookbook Committee. Proceeds help international students acclimate to life in the United States through language classes and cultural programs. In fact, international students' recipes are featured in both books. "The AWC Spouses' Cookbook is an ongoing tradition," said Keri Janoso, committee chair. "Everyone on the committee really spent a lot of time and effort making the book look so good." The market was an opportunity for the community to see what local artists create. "I'm here just to see the crafts," Treena Thompson said. The Maxwell-Gunter Officers' Spouses' Club also held a bake sale. "Our spouses prepared so many individually wrapped baked goods that we sent some holiday cheer throughout the base, including lucky members of the Security Forces and Medical Group," said Shannon Rossi, club president. The market raised $1,375, which goes to the club's operating costs, Mrs. Rossi said. The Maxwell-Gunter Officers' Spouses' Club offers educational, charitable and social events. "There is such a rich tradition of service to our community and to our members," Mrs. Rossi said. The club hosts 13 activity groups, including golf, book club, cooking and mah jongg. "We provide funds which support programs for children, the elderly, education, the arts, medical care, counseling, animals and countless other aspects of community development," Mrs. Rossi said of the charitable contributions. The club accepts membership year-round. Husbands and wives of officers (active-duty or retired) or civilians GS-7 or higher at Maxwell-Gunter are welcome to join. Contact Melinda Bargery, the membership and hospitality chair, at osc.membership@gmail.com for information.