NDN at the Community Resource Fair in Fayette

NDN was proud to be featured in a recent Kennebec Journal article about the April 5th Community Resource Fair in Fayette. According to the article, “Sponsored by the Aging in Place and Age Friendly community initiatives of Fayette, Mount Vernon and Vienna, the fair aimed to connect residents of all ages with local and regional services. It featured dozens of organizations offering resources ranging from balance testing and handyman support to fire safety training, veterans benefits and transportation assistance.”

The article features a photo of NDN members in attendance at our table. From left to right, Penny Furness-Hodgkins (volunteer), Joe Austin (exec. director), Shelly Fitzgerald (president) and Allan Harville (volunteer/driver). Thanks to them and all our NDN volunteers and board members who help to get our message out.

Shelly Fitzgerald Named President of NDN

At the organization’s annual meeting in January, Neighbors Driving Neighbors (NDN) was proud to announce that board member Shelly Fitzgerald is its new President. 

Fitzgerald, a retired Family Nurse Practitioner, and one of the founding members of NDN, comes with many years of volunteer leadership and community involvement. A longtime resident of Rome, she is on the Maine Wesleyan Board of Education and volunteers for the Union Church of Belgrade Lakes. 

Former president, Harald Bredesen, whose tenure was January, 2022 to January, 2025, will continue to represent the nonprofit as Director at Large.

Additionally, NDN welcomed two new board members—Kelli Burnham of Fayette and Sandy Shute of Rome. The board of 10 plus two staff continue to invest their time and talent in keeping the nonprofit healthy and growing.

Executive Director Joe Austin shared, “It is very exciting to have Shelly accept this leadership role.  She brings experience from being with NDN since the beginning, not only as a founder, but also as a prolific volunteer driver. NDN is celebrating its 10th year in operation, and as we reflect on our past and transition to the future, Shelly brings a critical perspective and vision. In 2024, NDN provided 1,513 rides—more than in any previous year. With Shelly’s leadership and the energy she and new board members are bringing, Neighbors Driving Neighbors will continue to thrive, providing more rides to more people in 2025 and beyond.”

Celebrating Volunteer Drivers

On Sept. 12, NDN hosted a driver appreciation luncheon at the historic Viles House in Augusta. We welcomed more than fifteen drivers and guests who enjoyed a buffet of home cooked soups, salads and sandwiches, as well as a variety of homemade desserts, all provided by our dedicated board members.

All drivers were recognized for their contributions and some were highlighted for noteworthy milestones— including Steve Symonds, who has done 126 trips with 3,628 miles driven since 2022. As a token of our appreciation, drivers received gift cards to various establishments in the community.

Many drivers expressed similar positive sentiments about why they volunteer and had kind words about the riders they drive. Driver Rob True said, “They (riders) are very appreciative, and are amazed that we volunteer our time, cars and gas. It’s a wonderful service, and you meet really nice people.”

Honoring Our Founders

On August 3, Neighbors Driving Neighbors was very happy to honor its co-founders, Sandy Wright and Dr. Dan Onion, at a ceremony held at the Mt. Vernon Community Center. A bronze plaque, mounted on a granite stone and installed on the Community Center grounds, was dedicated to Sandy and Dan in recognition of their years of service to NDN and the community. The stone and plaque were made possible through contributions from NDN board members and donations from the community.

NDN President Harald Bredesen welcomed everyone to the ceremony. Guest of honor, Sandy Wright (pictured here), a longtime Mt. Vernon resident and president of the Mt. Vernon Community Partnership Corporation (CPC) for many years, was in attendance, along with members of the Wright and Onion families and many friends and community members. (Dan passed away in 2022, but he was there in spirit.)