3 minute read
Celebrating New Handi-Van
Celebrating New Handi-Van
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
The Grand Reveal and Ribbon Cutting Celebration of Vegreville Transportation Services Society (VTSS )'s new Handi-Van was presented on September 5 at the parking lot of the Senior Citizens Sunshine Club of Vegreville.
This was also an opportunity to meet the drivers of this van-Elsie Kisilevich and the new second driver-Tricia/Trish Bodnar.
Chair of VTSS Dwayne Hlady said they bought the van last summer in 2024, and it has been running and operating for about six months now in the spring and summer of 2025. VTSS felt they needed a new van because the other one got worn out, as it had over 3,000 kilometres on it. “Also, this one has a hydraulic lift while the other one just had a ramp.
So far, it has been going well.”
Bodnar shared that she was on the VTSS Board 20 years ago, and it is great to be involved again, where her heart is, in helping seniors. “It has been going great driving the new van, and the best part is seeing people you have not seen for years. “I had to do a trip for someone who was my elementary principal, whom I have not seen since I was at school. I also see my friends’ grandparents or parents. I grew up in Vegreville, but moved to Edmonton. Here, I see the circle of life, which I didn’t see when I moved to Edmonton.
The challenge is accommodating when everyone wants to be driven the same day at the same time, when they have to go in different directions to another side of the city,” Bodnar added.
Rose Hook expressed that Bodnar was a well-chosen person for the job because she is so friendly and easy to get along with.
Elsie Kisilevich said it is fun to drive the new van because she likes to help people and enjoys driving.
After this, Town Councillor and Board member Taneen Rudyk, brought greetings and expressed gratitude to all the sponsors and donors while mentioning that VTSS has been around for decades. Originally, VTSS was formed as a group under Vegreville and District Family and Community Support Services. It was established to provide affordable and accessible transportation for seniors and for people who needed a bit of extra assistance.
