(LOWVILLE, N.Y.) – The Volunteer Transportation Center Foundation’s Annual Volunteer Transportation Center Jefferson-Lewis Golf Tournament, which marked its 10th year, has been deemed a huge success.

        The tournament – hosted at Cedars Golf Course in Lowville Sept. 6 – saw a record 48 teams compete and raised a record $28,000 to help the VTC provide transportation to those in need in Jefferson and Lewis Counties.

        “This was our best year yet,” said Jeremiah S. Papineau, the nonprofit organization’s Director of Communications and Foundation Director. “Despite a slightly rainy forecast, all 48 teams that signed up showed up for a great day on the course to support the work of the Volunteer Transportation Center. We were blown away by the amount of support we received this year.”

        The tournament, which followed a captain and crew format, saw a team led by Todd LaRock take first place in the A Flight with a score of 55, after matching cards. Following in second place was a team led by Steve Cooley with a 55 and, in third place, a team led by Patrick Lindsay, with a 56.

        In the B Flight, Rob and the Misfits, a team led by Robert Smith, took first place with a score of 58. Following in second place was a team led by Dennis Seubert with a 59, and, in third place, was a team led by Greg Millard with a 59.

        In the Co-Ed Flight, after matching cards, a team led by Gina Cooley took first place with a score of 57. Following in second place, was a team led by Jeff Bush also with a 57 and, in third place, a team led by Justin Taylor with a 58.

        Mr. Papineau stated the tournament – which raises money for mileage reimbursement for VTC volunteer drivers to make trips happen for people in the community – was a success because of everyone involved.

        “It was everyone from the golfers to our sponsors to those who donated items for our raffles to the amazing people at Cedars. We can’t thank J.R. Chamberlain and his staff enough,” said Mr. Papineau.

        The tournament included a chicken barbecue dinner prepared by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7227 in Carthage, with assistance from VTC Regional Program Director Terra Thompson, who volunteered to make side dishes for the event. In addition, desserts were made and donated by Anita Henry.

        “We can’t thank the folks at the VFW enough or Terra and her band of volunteers,” said Mr. Papineau. “Each year, Anita makes and donates the desserts. She definitely makes this event even better because of her generosity.”

        Following the tournament, a drawing was held for a $1,000 American Airlines gift card generously donated by Watertown International Airport. Tickets were sold for the drawing throughout the year and the winning ticket was pulled, with the gift card going to R.J. Lewis.

        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 Atlantic Testing Laboratories and Service Plus Automotive; Eagle Level sponsors Carthage Area Hospital, Colello Air Technologies, Staie on the Seaway/Appraisals USA, The Bonadio Group, and Mr. Bruce Moser; Birdie Level sponsors Boondocks Restaurant and Bar, Carthage Savings and Loan, Fuller Insurance Agency and RBC Wealth Management; Par Level sponsors Bonaparte Pharmacy, Johnson Lumber LLC, Chang’s Barber Shop, Homes Realty of Northern New York, i2i Automotive Repair, Lewis County Health System, Omnia Advanced Materials, QubicaAMF, and Viking Cives USA. Hole-in-one prizes, which were not won, consisted of a $500 gift card provided by Price Chopper, $1,000 cash prize from Riverside Motors, and 2025 Ford Lightning pick-up truck. Additional support was provided by Emerald Greens Golf Course of Gouverneur.

        Raffle prizes and other donations were provided by Atlantic Testing Laboratories, Bear World, Blinky’s Liquors, Boondocks Restaurant and Bar, Cedar Hedge Farm, Cedars Golf Course, Colwell’s Farm Market , Crossroads Tavern, Crumbs. Bakeshop, Duffy’s Digs Jewelry, Dutchman Auto, Eddie’s Meat Market, Elm Diner, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Five Corners Greenhouse, Good Ol’ Wishy’s, Griff’s Redemption Center, Hair & There, Harrisville Hardware, Hill’s Hometown Car Wash, Kinney Drugs, Lewis Lanes, Little Friends Veterinary Services, Lloyd’s of Lowville, Lowville Farmers Co-Op, Marino’s Pizzeria, O’Brien Dairy, PB&J Café, Pioneer Café, Sam’s Club, Sherwin Williams, Snow Ridge Ski Resort, The Brick Oven Inn, The Cottage Inn, The Morning Ritual, The Mystic River Cafe, The Village Inn, Tops Friendly Markets, Town Hall Theater, Tractor Supply, Treat Yourself Nutrition , Treats and Tiques, Tug Hill Artisan Roasters, Tug Hill Estate, Tunes 92.5/Intrepid Broadcasting, Tyro Automotive, Up North Lumber Company, Vinny’s Pizzeria, Walmart Supercenter, Watertown Daily Times, Wine & Spirits at 130 Main, Ms. Jeannie Fuller, Ms. Laurie Gleason, Mr. Lloyd Hurlbut, Ms. Nettie Mothersell, Mr. Jeremiah Papineau, and Mr. Sam Purington. Additional support was provided by Sam’s Club and Monster Energy.

        The date for next year’s tournament is slated for Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026, 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 2024, volunteer drivers provided 25,478 charitable trips over 876,509 miles in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. Of those miles, 318,320 helped those in Jefferson County, 112,852 in Lewis County, and 445,337 in St. Lawrence County. That equated to approximately $438,255 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.

PHOTO CAPTION

Volunteer Transportation Center Executive Director Sam Purington addresses the crowd prior to the start of the 10th Annual Volunteer Transportation Center Jefferson-Lewis Golf Tournament at Cedars Golf Course in Lowville on Sept. 6. The tournament raised $28,000 for the VTC.