Habitat for the Holidays -- New House in Madison

The East Central South Dakota chapter of Habitat for Humanity dedicated another house this morning. About 75 people crowded into this new, warm, sturdy little house on SE 3rd Street in Madison to say a couple prayers and watch local Habitat board president Scott Parsley and chapter executive director Barbara Johnson hand the keys to Susan Nordaune, who is officially moving into the house today with her son Brandon today. Pastors Terry Knudson and Daryl Schubert led the brief dedication service. Mrs. Madville Times made cider, coffee, and cookies; lots of folks brought groceries to help give the kitchen its first Christmas stocking.

Among those recognized for outstanding service during the building project was local contractor Shawn Miller, who by Parsley's estimate put in 350 hours on the house from the beginning of the project in July. Shawn showed great patience with the many volunteer laborers who joined him on the project, even when we managed to upend his big forklift. Also recognized was DSU's Tracy Fox, who coordinated the volunteers work teams, sent out calls and e-mails to round up workers, and arranged sustenance for workers.

Merry Christmas, Susan and Brandon. Shawn, put your feet up, take the holidays off to spend with Stephanie and the kids. Tracy, switch off the phone for a few days. And all you volunteers, from Madison and elsewhere, thanks for doing the real work of Christmas.