Lowville American Legion to Host Event Saturday, July 11
(LOWVILLE, N.Y.) – American Legion Post 162, 5383 Dayan St., will host a chicken barbecue to benefit the Volunteer Transportation Center, Inc. (VTC) Saturday, July 11, beginning at 11 a.m.
The barbecue will offer 225 halves at $7 each. Orders will be payable by cash only and will be served until gone.
The Lowville American Legion regularly hosts chicken barbecues at the post as a way to give back to the community. This particular barbecue’s focus on benefiting the Volunteer Transportation Center was at the suggestion of post member and Vietnam War veteran James Griffin.
“It’s a good service for veterans, with veteran drivers, and the Legion and Legionnaires are always here to help out,” said Mr. Griffin.
“The veterans of this community immensely appreciate what the VTC does for us,” said Commander C. Lee Hinkleman.
Jeremiah S. Papineau, Foundation Director and Director of Communications for the VTC, said he was honored to be approached about the fundraiser.
“When James’ son, Jasyn, reached out to me letting me know what his dad wanted to do, I was extremely touched,” said Mr. Papineau. “We greatly appreciate it when people see the value of the services we provide to the community, including our veterans. Going the extra mile to raise money for the work we do is incredibly generous. We can’t thank James and the Legion enough.”
ABOUT THE AMERICAN LEGION AND LEGION POST 162
The American Legion was chartered and incorporated by Congress in 1919 as a patriotic veterans organization devoted to mutual helpfulness. It is the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, committed to mentoring youth and sponsorship of wholesome programs in our communities, advocating patriotism and honor, promoting strong national security, and continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans.
American Legion Post 162 in Lowville is one of the organization’s original charters, established on July 25, 1919.
The local post is led by Commander C. Lee Hinkleman, 1st Vice David Schulz, 2nd Vice Harold Engelhart, 3rd Vice William Washington, Adjutant Adam Smykla, Finance Susan Koch, Chaplin Elwin Woolschlager, Sargent at Arms Casimer Bigda, Member at Large Anthony Adsit, Member at Large David Egan, Judge Advocate Susan Koch, House Committee David Schulz, Auxiliary President Cathy Hinkleman, Sons Commander Terry Peters, American Legion Riders Commander Dave Stokes, AMVETS Commander Jim Henry, Bar Steward Gary Turck, Kitchen Chef Gilly Stoffle, and Museum Curator Amy Wolfe.
For more information about the American Legion or to inquire about membership, contact the Lowville post by phone at 315-376-3712, by email at legionpost162@gmail.com, or visit www.americanlegionfamily.org.
ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER TRANSPORTATION CENTER
The Volunteer Transportation Center, Inc. (VTC), established in 1991, drives thousands of miles each year assisting community members in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties. Over the last 20 years, this essential non-profit organization has provided rides to health care appointments, grocery shopping, and other destinations for residents.
In 2019, our volunteer drivers provided 30,356 charitable trips over 912,866 miles in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties, an increase in miles of 17.47% over 2018. Of those miles, 424,290 originated in Jefferson County, 141,190 in Lewis County, and 347,386 in St. Lawrence County.
The staff, Board of Directors and volunteer drivers look forward to a time when transportation to community activities and services is accessible to all North Country residents regardless of economic or specialized needs. But for now the mission drives on — striving to provide transportation to health, wellness and critical needs destinations utilizing volunteers and mobility management for anyone who has barriers to transportation.
For more information about how you can help the Volunteer Transportation Center, about its upcoming events, or to become a volunteer driver, contact the agency at 315-788-0422. To learn more, visit www.VolunteerTransportationCenter.org.