By Bonnie Adams, Managing Editor
Westborough Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9013 leaders ( l to r) Edward Donnelly, post commander, Denny Drewry, vice commander, and George Perry, quartermaster, stand in front of the post. (Photo/Bonnie Adams)
Westborough – With spring finally here, local golf enthusiasts are eager to hit the links. Now there’s an even better reason to get out the clubs – the chance to participate in a tournament to benefit Westborough’s veterans.
The town’s Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 9013 will be holding its second annual Golf Classic Saturday, May 4, at the Highfields Golf and Country Club in Grafton. The cost is $115 per golfer; that price will include 18 holes, cart, buffet after the tournament, and gifts. There will also be a silent auction as well as raffles. Monies raised will go to the VFW’s Building Fund.
The post’s organizers promise that everyone will have a great time. But more importantly, they will be contributing to a cause that will significantly benefit the town’s approximately 180 veterans and their families.
There is a definite sense of camaraderie and friendship when one walks into the VFW. Although they don’t have a kitchen on the premises, there is a bar and light snacks for purchase. Members also get together to watch big sporting events or play cards on occasion.
But the building, which is over 50 years old, and only 60 by 80 feet, is not equipped for the modern day. It is poorly insulated, which makes it chilly in winter and warm in the summer. The bathrooms are not handicapped-accessible, which is a deterrent for those members who use a wheelchair or walker.
It is the wish of the post’s officials that someday the town’s veterans will have a new building where not only where they can come to relax, but also where they can get necessary services.
The post’s Quartermaster George Perry, who is also the town’s veterans agent and director of Veterans Services, explained.
“This is a place where [veterans] can come and talk to someone who knows what they have been through and what they are still going through,” he said. “It’s important for them to know they are not alone.”
Many times, he added, veterans are anxious or reluctant to meet with social services representatives to discuss their issues. Having a familiar and comfortable place, with support from Perry and other leaders, can offer comfort, he said.
Denny Drewry, the post’s vice commander (as well as a Westborough selectman) said the VFW leaders were thrilled with the response of last year’s inaugural tournament. Having it on a Saturday this year, (as opposed to last year when it was held on a Monday) will hopefully attract additional players, he said.
“It’s really a great deal – for $115 you get to play 18 holes on a beautiful course and get a great meal,” he said. “It will be played ‘Florida Style,’ so it doesn’t matter how well or not that you play.”
Highfields’ management had been “terrific to work with,” he added.
The VFW officials are also requesting that local businesses consider donating either funds to sponsor a sign ($100) or pin flag ($150) for the tournament or a prize for the raffle.
For more information on playing in the tournament or to donate to the raffle, call 508-393-9711 to leave a voice message or call the VFW at 508-366-5196. Applications may also be picked up at the post.