Habitat for Humanity Clinton County celebrated another successful building season with a thanksgiving dinner honoring volunteers, organizations and partner families on Thursday, Nov. 14.
Currently, the group completed a home for Kathy Spangler this summer and is working on another for Bethany Curts. Spangler’s home is in Midland and Curts’ home is in Blanchester.
Frank Shaw was honored posthumously for his dedication to Habitat for Humanity. Shaw’s passing was a great loss to the organization as he designed house plans, was a master carpenter and could wire electric — but his most endearing quality was his kindness.
Shaw’s family, wife Carol Sue, daughter Pam, grand-daughter Jaime and son in-law Brian Lieurance attended the dinner. Brian accepted the award on behalf of the family.
Len Perkins, who has served as vice president for the Habitat board and raised funds for the organization, was recognized for his many years of service. Perkins will be retiring from the board this year.
Many local businesses were commended for their commitment to Habitat including restaurants and building vendors. Annual awards were bestowed on Charlie Martin, Energizer award, Beth Elam, Golden Hammer award and Mike Miller, volunteer of the year award.
The Golden Hammer award is special to those volunteers with building skills. It acknowledges these talents, combined with a sense of humor. The Golden Hammer award was given to Beth Elam, who is new to the building crew — she managed to find a hammer, nail apron and measuring tape and became a smiling member of the builders.
Volunteer of the Year is Mike Miller. Mike jumped in to support Habitat’s Restore business this summer when there were management changes. He and his wife visited other Restores to collect sales techniques for the local operations.
Charlie Martin was named Energizer of the Year. Charlie’s commitment to the organization and skills as a builder were recognized.
The group celebrated 25 years of home building in Clinton County, including 40 homes. 2019 marked the first home mortgage to be completed. Dick Neff, the first president of the group, continues to volunteer for Habitat.
The first years of the group were tough. There were many sacrifices ensuring that Habitat was financially solvent and while finding volunteers to carry on the responsibility of building good homes for deserving citizens in our community.
The group continues to seek new partner families who would like to build a home in Clinton County. Each partner family repays a no-interest loan and must add their own sweat equity to the home building project.
If interested, one should discuss this with Elizabeth Biggane, 937-725-8071.
Those who want to volunteer or give to Habitat, should contact the Habitat office at 937-655-9484.
