Elena Dickson's interest in handwork began at the age of eight, and her mother, a skilled needlewoman, fostered her talent. When Elena married, her late husband's Greek mother introduced her to the art of making knotted lace, or dandella. In 1987 she began to teach this ancient skill to members of the South Australian Lace Guild. She has since taught classes and workshops throughout Australia as well as in the United States.
<p> Schaefer's story, as told here, appeals beyond the state's borders, showing how one seemingly ordinary man made a difference in attacking the most serious social and economic problems government faces -- no small lesson for an era of raging cynicism about politicians and their motives. -- Washington Post