Volunteer Spotlights

Jim Prevo

Since 2021, Jim Prevo has been a steady, enthusiastic presence at The Fells, contributing to both the Crack Maintenance Team and IT. He began volunteering after meeting CMT Leader Dave MacDonald through a Lake Sunapee Protective Association project, where Dave quickly recognized his skills and can-do attitude.

Jim loves working with his hands, solving problems, and turning ideas into reality, making The Fells an ideal fit for his wide-ranging interests. He also values the camaraderie among volunteers. In retirement, he especially appreciates the friendships, shared purpose, and the satisfaction of working with others who enjoy building and fixing things as much as he does.

A favorite memory of Jim’s was installing the utilities to the new kiosk, which required precise conduit work and close coordination with Carrol Concrete. When an experienced equipment operator praised the team’s workmanship, it was a meaningful acknowledgment of their skill and teamwork.

Before retiring, Jim worked in IT and grew up helping in his father’s business, where he gained a broad set of practical trade skills, talents that now benefit The Fells daily. True to his Boy Scout roots, he lives by “Be Prepared,” and fellow volunteers know his truck is the go-to spot for any tool or fastener. Staff affectionately call him Inspector Gadget.

When asked what he’d say to anyone considering volunteering, Jim doesn’t hesitate: “If you have passion, skills, and enjoy working with great people, The Fells might be exactly where you belong.” His experience is a reminder that every volunteer adds something unique, and the time you give here makes a real difference.

Alicia Zanderigo

For the past three years, Alicia Zanderigo has been a vibrant and dedicated presence at The Fells. As Committee Chair for Christmas at The Fells Ladies Night and Co-Chair for Artists Weekend, she has played a key role in shaping two of the organization’s most beloved events.

Working alongside committee members Alesha Forget and Alysa Boan, fondly known as the “A Team,” Alicia has helped transform Ladies Night into a signature, sold out fundraiser. The evening has become known for its lively and welcoming atmosphere, complete with entertainment, great food, and exciting raffle prizes, all set against the backdrop of the beautifully decorated estate. Alicia’s energy, creativity, and sense of fun shine through in every detail she helps bring to life.

Alicia’s connection to The Fells is personal. She was married on the grounds, and after moving to Newbury, one of the first pieces of art her family purchased came from The Fells gallery. That experience sparked her interest in joining the Artists Weekend committee, and she continues to discover meaningful pieces there each year.

With a background in event production and a career in real estate with Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty, Alicia understands how essential volunteers are to the success of any nonprofit. She encourages anyone considering getting involved to take the leap, believing that every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Her story is a reminder that volunteering at The Fells is not only meaningful and rewarding but also a wonderful way to become part of something special.

Nick Scheu

If you’ve spent any time in the Rock Garden at The Fells, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Nick Scheu, a dedicated volunteer whose curiosity, generosity, and deep horticultural knowledge help keep this historic space thriving.

Nick has been volunteering for three years, following his tenure as Landscape Director, and today he serves both as a Rock Garden weeder and as Chair of the North American Rock Garden Society Fells Chapter. After a traditional business career, he shifted course and built a career of more than thirty years as a Garden Designer and Horticultural Advisor, running his own business. Though technically retired, he admits he has a hard time stepping away because he simply loves getting his hands in the soil.

His affinity for rock gardens and the remarkable plants that inhabit them is what drew him back to The Fells as a volunteer. What he enjoys most is the constant learning that unfolds with every visit, along with the joy of sharing that knowledge with fellow volunteers, summer interns, and curious visitors.

Nick encourages anyone considering volunteering to “come learn with us,” emphasizing that the commitment is completely flexible and that beginners and experts work side by side on a wide range of tasks.

And if you’re wondering about his favorite plant at The Fells, he’ll happily tell you: Paeonia obovata, the Woodland Peony.

Gay Sabin

For the past four years, Gay Sabin has brought warmth, energy, and genuine joy to The Fells. She has worn many hats during her time with us including room monitor for Christmas at The Fells, Main House greeter, Santa’s Breakfast server, and a reliable helping hand whenever clerical support is needed.

Gay first became involved after attending Christmas at The Fells with friends and chatting with volunteers in her neighborhood. What began as simple curiosity quickly grew into a true passion. As she puts it, “Every experience I’ve had at the estate has been memorable, really.”

Throughout the season, Gay serves as a Sunday Greeter, welcoming visitors from across the country and around the world. Connecting with guests and sharing her knowledge of the John Hay Estate and making their visit enjoyable is what she loves most about her role.

Her advice for anyone considering volunteering is simple and heartfelt: “Take a tour around the estate and see what inspires you. Attend events. Talk with other volunteers.”

If Gay’s story sparks something in you, we’d be delighted to welcome you into our volunteer community. There’s a place for everyone at The Fells.

Ashley Kelton (right)

When Ashley Kelton volunteered at Ladies Night during Christmas at The Fells for the first time this year, she felt the magic of the place almost instantly. Encouraged by a friend who described the event as something truly special, Ashley decided to get involved. As the owner of Pic Perfect Photo Booth, she quickly saw a natural opportunity to lend her talents. Bringing her photo booth to Ladies Night allowed her not only to capture joyful moments but also to add a playful, energetic element to the celebration.

Although this was her first time volunteering, the experience made such a lasting impression that Ashley wanted to take on a larger role. Inspired by the warm, positive atmosphere and the connections she formed with guests and fellow volunteers, she eagerly joined the Ladies Night Committee for the coming year. She’s excited to help shape next year’s event and to bring even more creativity and enthusiasm to the celebration.

What stood out most to Ashley were the interactions she had with guests. Each shared laugh, playful photo booth pose, and friendly conversation reminded her of how powerful and fulfilling community engagement can be. She describes Ladies Night as “infectious and magical,” and she is excited to now be part of the team that plans the event.

Ashley encourages anyone considering volunteering at The Fells to dive in wholeheartedly. She found the environment welcoming and supportive, an experience where volunteers immediately feel appreciated. For her, knowing she helped create special memories for others made the night especially rewarding, and she hopes others will discover that same sense of purpose.

Along with running her photo booth business, Ashley is a local dental hygienist and a devoted mother to her two young children, Avery (4½) and Sawyer (2). One of her favorite memories of The Fells comes from visiting during the holidays with her daughter and nieces, when the children were delighted by a whimsical “fake bubble bath” display in one of the historic bathrooms, a moment filled with laughter and wonder.

Volunteers like Ashley make The Fells a warm, welcoming, and joyful place for everyone who visits. Her enthusiasm, creativity, and generosity truly embody the spirit of community, and we are thrilled to have her as part of the team.

Susan Rogers (right)

For the past six years, Susan has been a driving force behind the beauty and upkeep of The Fells. As a dedicated member of our Crack Maintenance Team who meets every Tuesday morning from April to October, she brings her talent, energy, and love of painting to every project she touches.

From refreshing the veranda furniture to transforming rooms in the Main House, Susan’s brushstrokes can be found across the property. One of her most meaningful contributions was partnering with other volunteers to renovate the intern wing. Over several months, she painted four bedrooms, a hallway, sitting room, and bathroom including walls, windows, ceilings, and even floors. Thanks to her hard work, the space now welcomes four summer interns each year.

When asked what she enjoys most about volunteering, Susan shared that nothing beats the feeling of accomplishment after completing a project. And what would she tell someone thinking about joining our volunteer community?

“It’s a fabulous group of people to work with. We work hard and play hard!”

We’re so grateful for Susan’s dedication, craftsmanship, and spirit. Volunteers like her make The Fells shine, quite literally.

If you’ve been thinking about getting involved, consider this is your moment to jump in. There’s a place for you here, and we’d love to welcome you into our community.