You’ve probably heard of Drive $mart Wisconsin, but did you know about its UCC connection?
Founded in 2006 as the Milwaukee Hybrid and rebranded with the current name in 2011, the two-decade-old organization teaches safe and fuel-efficient driving skills that can be used in any gas or electric vehicle of whatever age. D$W also promotes sustainable means of transportation and alternative fuels.
The man behind it all is Bradlee Fons, a member of Hope UCC in Jackson with a passion for creation care. “As Christians, we’re supposed to be good stewards,” he said. “That affects how we drive and what we drive.”
In 2016, he adapted the basic curriculum to create a new program, Driving in God’s Garden, which places the message of D$W in the context of faith for individuals who believe they are called to be good stewards of Earth. Since then, the group has presented to scores of congregations and other organizations and has had a regular presence at the Annual Meeting of the Wisconsin Conference.
Bradlee grew up a Roman Catholic and retired after spending 50 years in the food-service industry, working on production and distribution. The family, which included his wife and son and D$W co-founder, Justin, belonged for a time to a Mennonite congregation in Waukesha before landing at Hope UCC.
The owner of three electric-hybrid vehicles, Bradlee understands that they’re not for everyone, at least right now. “People are turned off from electric vehicles for political or other reasons,” he said. Still, there are simple steps than any driver can take to make their ride safer and more efficient. A good place to start is by watching your speed. “Speed kills range and mpg,” he said. Learn more about smart driving.
“This is my passion,” he said. “I pray that God uses me as an instrument to teach people to drive better.”
Arrange for a presentation of Driving in God’s Garden at your church.