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| Volume 18, Issue 1 | Winter 2006 |
Farewell VaDonna Julian Brenda Schweitzer, DirectorBrookings Area Transit Authority Brookings, SD While it's been close to a year since giving up the wheel of Brookings Area Transit Authority in Brookings, SD, DTA remembers the dedication to public transportation that VaDonna Julian gave to Brookings County. VaDonna started her transportation career working for Inter-Lakes Community Action in 1980, serving nine counties at the end of her Inter-Lakes position. She was instrumental in developing several of the transportation projects in this area. Brookings County broke away from Inter-Lakes in 1984, beginning its stand-alone bus service, now known as Brookings Area Transit Authority, Inc., using two buses. This was a very big step, and the efforts have been extremely successful. VaDonna notes the major changes in transportation over the years have been the program development and promotion from all branches of governments, as well as going from a program serving the elderly and handicapped to one that serves everyone. VaDonna Julian retired in February of 2005, handing over the wheel BATA to Brenda Schweitzer, leaving 'big tires' to fill. Best wishes, VaDonna! New Van Delivered Larry Leonard, DirectorNutrition United Rolla, ND A 2006 Chevrolet Uplander/Entervan was delivered to Nutrition United on January 12. We will use this vehicle in our Rolette County transit service in north central North Dakota. It has been our continuing goal to improve the quality of life for our clients by offering pleasant, efficient services. The '06 van takes its place in a proud history of service by Nutrition United going back decades to our first vehicle, a 1973 Ford Van. The '73 was made possible by what was known in our area as the Golden Age Mini-Bus Project of the Senior Citizens Council. This small (for the time) van was among the first handicapped equipped vehicles of this type purchased in the state of North Dakota by an operation such as ours. Driving the new vehicle, or any new vehicle, is always a delight for the senses. Having driven both the 1973 and 2006 vehicles it is amazing how far we've come in the past 33 years in the areas of comfort, convenience, safety and economy. Kind of makes one wonder, what will vehicles be like 33 years from now? Happy motoring. 
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