Maxwell family breaks ground

Sisters Habitat for Humanity volunteers will be twice as busy this spring on the 900 block of Cascade Avenue, constructing two new homes side by side. On Sunday, March 15, family and volunteers broke ground for the new home of Josh and Kristina Maxwell.

The Maxwells came to Sisters two years ago from Montana looking for a fresh start. They've had the love and support of Kristina's parents, who live here, to apply for a Habitat home, and all have been hard at work accumulating their sweat-equity hours. Josh has been working at the job site and Kristina, who works at US Bank, volunteers at the Thrift Store. She has fun and loves everything she does there.

Carol and Kevin Neary, and Judy Osborne have been the Maxwell's family partners who have been there and will continue to guide them through the process. Carol Neary said how thrilled she was for this hard-working and very enthusiastic young couple, "They are so deserving of this and so grateful for every little thing."

Former board president Kevin Neary welcomed the group and introduced Executive Director Sharlene Weed, who read an excerpt from "Theology of the Hammer" - which says that we are here to do more than talk and sing; we have to put it to work. The nail must be hit on the head again and again and again ... until a family moves in and it becomes a home built by love. In this theology, all agree on the imperative to serve, to house the world's poor, to eliminate poverty.

Construction Manager Shawn O'Hern said with favorable weather, he's going to have this house completed by the first week in August. He thanked all the volunteers including Chris Mayes, the architect, and the subcontractors who have been so kind, including Fred Astin, Cascade Bobcat, Hoyt's and Lutton's. And, he shouted, "Come on out and volunteer!"

Marie Clasen, volunteer and family services manager, announced she holds orientations for volunteers twice a month. Call 541-549-1740 for information.