VTC’s Jefferson-Lewis Golf Tournament Raises $23,000

(LOWVILLE, N.Y.) – The Volunteer Transportation Center Foundation’s Annual Volunteer Transportation Center Jefferson-Lewis Golf Tournament, which marked its 11th year, has been deemed a success.

The tournament – hosted at Cedars Golf Course in Lowville Sept. 12 – saw 35 teams compete and raised $23,000 to help the VTC provide transportation to those in need in Jefferson and Lewis Counties.Though last year’s event consisted of 48 teams and raised about $5,000 more, Jeremiah S. Papineau, the nonprofit organization’s Director of Communications and Foundation Director, said he was pleased with the amount raised.

“This was still one of our better years for the tournament, even being down slightly in teams,” said Mr. Papineau. “This year had a few more events happening on the same date which I think affected participation but not by much. We still were able to raise quite a bit thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, participants and donors.”

The tournament, which followed a captain and crew format, saw a team led by Patrick Lindsay take first place in the A Flight with a score of 53. Following in second place was a team led by Todd LaRock with a 54.

In the B Flight, after matching cards, Hall Pass Tavern, a team led by Ken Phillips, took first place with a score of 61. Following in second place was a team led by Sam Purington also with a 61, and, in third place, was a team from Service Plus Automotive led by Lee Rimmer with a 62.

In the Co-Ed Flight, a team led by Nancy Henry took first place with a score of 58. Following in second place, was the Excellus BlueCross BlueShield team led by Derrick Howland with a 59 and, in third place, a team led by Cindy Intschert with a 61.

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. J.R. Chamberlain and his staff are awesome,” said Mr. Papineau.

The tournament included a chicken barbecue dinner prepared by members of the West Carthage Volunteer Fire Department, with additional food prepared by VTC Regional Program Director Terra Thompson. In addition, desserts were prepared and donated by Anita Henry.

“We can’t thank the folks at the West Carthage Volunteer Fire Department enough and Terra our volunteers for their help with the side dishes and serving,” said Mr. Papineau. “We also appreciate Anita for her generosity. Everyone comes together to make this event better every year.”

Following the tournament, a drawing was held for two tickets with JetBlue Airlines, generously donated by donated by JetBlue. Tickets were sold for the drawing throughout the year and the winning name was pulled, with Shane Denny being the recipient of the tickets.

“We truly appreciate our friends at JetBlue for their generous gift of tickets to help us raise even more funds for the VTC,” said Mr. Papineau.

The additional fundraiser brought in more than $1,000 for the VTC in addition to what was raised through the golf tournament.

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. Additional sponsors included Albatross Level sponsors Atlantic Testing Laboratories and Service Plus Automotive; Eagle Level sponsors AmeriCU Credit Union, Boondocks Restaurant and Bar, Chimera Integrations, Colello Air Technologies, Staie on the Seaway/Appraisals USA, The Bonadio Group and Mr. Bruce Moser; Birdie Level sponsors Carthage Savings and Loan and RBC Wealth Management; Par Level sponsors Ames Brothers Service Center, CEM Machine, Chang’s Barber Shop, Dental Office of Dr. Lynn Stacy, DDS, Homes Realty of Northern New York, i2i Automotive Repair, Johnson Lumber/Johnson Pine, and Lewis County Health System. Hole-in-one prizes, which were not won, consisted of a $10,000 cash prize donated by Steve Knight of Drive America and a $500 gift card provided by Price Chopper.

Raffle prizes and other donations were provided by 6 Krazy Katz Gluten Free Kafe, Adirondack Foothills, Atlantic Testing Laboratories, AmeriCU Credit Union, Bonaparte Pharmacy, Cedars Golf Course, Colwell’s Farm Market , Crumbs. Bakeshop, Curtis Furniture, Duffy’s Digs Jewelry, Dutchman Auto, Eddie’s Meat Market, Elm Diner, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Five Corners Greenhouse, Good Ol’ Wishy’s, Hair & There, Harrisville Hardware, Hill’s Hometown Car Wash, Jumpin’ Goat, Keystone Lumber & Building Supply, Kinney Drugs, Lewis Lanes, Lloyd’s of Lowville, Lowville Farmers Co-Op, Moving Mountains Café, O’Brien Dairy, O’Reilly Auto Parts, PB&J Café, Pioneer Café, Sherwin Williams, Snow Ridge Ski Resort, The Cottage Inn, The Mystic River Cafe, The Village Inn, Tops Friendly Markets, Tractor Supply, Treat Yourself Nutrition , Tug Hill Artisan Roasters, Tunes 92.5/Intrepid Broadcasting, Up North Lumber Company, Vinny’s Pizzeria, Walmart Supercenter, Watertown Daily Times, Ms. Kathy Birth, Ms. Jeannie Fuller, Ms. Laurie Gleason, Mr. Lloyd Hurlbut, Mr. Jeremiah Papineau, and Mr. Sam Purington. Additional support was provided by JRECK Subs and Monster Energy.

The date for next year’s tournament is slated for ++Saturday, Sept. 11, 2027++, 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 2025, volunteer drivers provided 25,533 charitable trips over 783,845 miles in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. Of those miles, 294,999 helped those in Jefferson County, 80,033 in Lewis County, and 408,813 in St. Lawrence County. That equated to approximately $391,923 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 and, in St. Lawrence County, at 315-714-2034. 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.