Chautauqua County American Legion Commander James Lemanski presents Chautauqua County Veterans Service Officer David Adams a check for $1,000.

In recognition of the help received by providing the transportation of the Chautauqua County American Legion Boys State Delegates to the State University at Morrisville, the American Legion has made a donation to the Chautauqua County Veterans Van Fund.

Commander Jim Lemanski, on behalf of the Chautauqua County Boys State program, made a $1,000 donation. The Veterans Van provides transportation for local veterans to and from medical facilities and other veteran-related functions. American Legion officials said when it becomes necessary to replace the Veterans Van, the replacement will be very expensive. The donation is the legion’s recognition that they are paying forward to help ensure tomorrows’ veterans will be treated as well as todays veterans are being treated. Any organization that wishes to help keep the bus available for future veterans’ activities can call Greg Carlson, Chautauqua County Veterans Services Agency director, at 661-8255 for more information.

Each year several American Legion Posts in Chautauqua County sponsor local high school juniors to attend the American Legion program Boys State. Boys State is a leadership program which exposes young men to the operation of government. The attendees will set up a mock 51st state patterned after New York state government. There will be 10 counties and three cities in each county. Mayors, county executives, state senators, governor and judges will be elected along with a state police force being appointed. The young men will discuss current issues and propose laws to rectify the problems they feel need attention.

Boys State is held each year the last week of June at SUNY Morrisville. For information about the Boys State Program, contact Steve Cybart at 720-4659.