(LOWVILLE, N.Y.) – The Volunteer Transportation Center Foundation’s Annual Volunteer Transportation Center Jefferson-Lewis Golf Tournament, which marked its ninth year, has been deemed a huge success.

The tournament – hosted at Cedars Golf Course in Lowville Sept. 7 – saw 35 teams compete and raised $24,000 to help the VTC provide transportation to those in need in Jefferson and Lewis Counties.

“Despite the rainy weather we had that day and a drop in teams this year because of it, we were able to raise more money this year over last year, even though it was just a slight increase,” said Jeremiah S. Papineau, the nonprofit organization’s Director of Communications and Foundation Director. “That’s an incredible testament to how much the community supports the work of the Volunteer Transportation Center.”

“And how much people love golfing at Cedars,” Mr. Papineau added. “We always appreciate the great partnership we have with J.R. Chamberlain and his staff.”

The tournament, which followed a captain and crew format, saw a team led by Joe Anderson take first place in the A Flight with a score of 56, after matching cards. Following in second place was a team led by Todd LaRock with a 56 and, in third place, Luigi’s Pizza, a team led by Patrick Lindsay, with a 57.

In the B Flight, a team led by Cody Houppert took first place with a score of 55. Following in second place was a team led by Greg Millard with a 60, and, in third place, was Rob and the Misfits, a team led by Rob Smith, with a 64.

In the Co-Ed Flight, a team led by Margaret Sweredoski took first place with a score of 57. Following in second place, after matching cards, was a team led by Paul Denise with a 59 and, in third place, a team led by Glenn Bingham with a 59. 

This year’s tournament was underwritten by Excellus BlueCross Blue Shield, Watertown Savings Bank, Stewart’s Shops, and Advanced Business Systems, with Eagle Level sponsorship from the Kinney Drugs Foundation and OneDigital/Benefit Services Group. Additional sponsors included Albatross Level sponsor Service Plus Automotive; Eagle Level sponsors Atlantic Testing Laboratories, Chimera Integrations, Kinney Drugs Foundation, NFP, Northern Credit Union, OneDigital, Staie on the Seaway/Appraisals USA, The Bonadio Group, and Mr. Bruce Moser; Birdie Level sponsors Bonaparte Pharmacy, Carthage Savings and Loan, Fuller Insurance Agency and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7227; Par Level sponsors Ames Brothers Service Center, Chang’s Barber Shop, i2i Automotive Repair, Luigi’s Pizzeria, QubicaAMF and Viking Cives USA. A hole-in-one prize of a $500 gift card was provided by Price Chopper, which was not won. Additional support was provided by Emerald Greens Golf Course of Gouverneur.

Raffle prizes and other donations were provided by Adirondack Foothills, American Maple Museum, Auto Zone, Bonaparte Wine & Spirits, Cedar Hedge Farm, Cedars Golf Course, Colwell’s Farm Market, Curtis Furniture, Doyle’s Pub, Duffy’s Digs Jewelry, Dunkin’, Dutchman Auto, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Five Corners Greenhouse, Griff’s Redemption Center, Hair & There, Harrisville Hardware, Little Friends Veterinary Services, Lowville Farmers Co-Op, Naturally Lewis, O’Brien Dairy, Otis Technology, Pioneer Café, Sam’s Club, Sherwin Williams, Snow Ridge Ski Resort, Steak ‘N Brew, Steele’s Ace Home Center, The Village Inn, Tops Friendly Markets, Town Hall Theater, Tractor Supply, Tug Hill Artisan Roasters, Tug Hill Estate, Tunes 92.5/Intrepid Broadcasting, Tyro Automotive, Vinny’s Pizzeria, Walmart Supercenter, Watertown Daily Times, White’s Farm Supply, Mr. David Clute; Ms. Jeanne Fuller; Ms. Linda Jones and Ms. Nettie Mothersell.

The date for next year’s tournament is slated for Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, at Cedars Golf Course. Details will be forthcoming as the date approaches.

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 and beyond. Over the last 30 years, this essential non-profit organization has provided rides to health care appointments, food sources and other critical needs destinations for residents.

In 2023, volunteer drivers provided 25,314 charitable trips over 855,471 miles in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. Of those miles, 329,819 helped those in Jefferson County, 101,766 in Lewis County, and 423,886 in St. Lawrence County. That equated to approximately $427,736 in mileage reimbursement for our volunteers. That’s why the community’s help is so important.

The staff, boards 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 in Jefferson and Lewis Counties at 315-788-0422, in St. Lawrence County at 315-714-2034, or Western New York at 585-250-5030. Volunteers drive their own cars, set their own hours and receive mileage reimbursement but, more importantly, make a difference in the community. To learn more, visit www.volunteertransportationcenter.org.