Celebrate Our Veterans

Traditions are important, and Marie Laskowsky, owner of The Carve Café, is working with veteran Rich Powell and other representatives of the American Legion James O. Carey Post 77 to create a new tradition of celebrating and honoring our veterans on Saturday, November 11th, with a delicious barbeque fundraiser. The event commences at 5:30 p.m. at the Post, located at 40 Summer St.
Steve Spector, lead vocal and founding member of the popular, versatile classic rock band Hot Acoustics, will perform live. Other local artists are stepping up to design tablescapes for ambiance; Boy Scouts will help serve; veterans will meet with guests, sharing stories and answering questions at individual tables; and guests will enjoy a delicious-sounding menu of St. Louis spare ribs (cooked low and slow), quarter chicken and pulled pork with homemade BBQ sauce, Settler’s beans, fresh Carve slaw and homemade apple crisp. Laskowsky works with local farmers whenever possible. The Legion will also offer a cash bar.
Individual tickets or tables of eight may be purchased online. One hundred percent of the proceeds raised will directly benefit the American Legion’s Post 77.
“Two of our company’s leading principles are giving back and creating opportunities for connections in the community,” Laskowsky stated. “This Veterans Day event combines both. I’m calling this our first annual Veterans Day BBQ Fundraiser because my husband, John, and I are committed to keeping this event going and growing in the years to come.”
Powell and Laskowsky enjoy working together on this event. Their passion is palpable.
Powell is a veteran who trained and served as a combat medic during the latter part of the Vietnam War. Originally a Pittsfield native, Powell has called Ashland home since 1983 and found a tight-knit, welcoming family within Post 77.
“When I joined, there was a need for a general manager to run the Legion Senior Baseball program for boys under 19,” Powell noted. “My love of baseball and my sports background came in handy. I’m proud to say I’ve been the general manager for 22 years.”
Last year, his team took first place in the Senior Sectional Championship and captured fourth in the State Championships. “Needless to say, the kids are already excited about training for next year,” Powell added.
The baseball program was originally supported by funding from the Post, however, after three years as general manager, Powell made the program self-sufficient. Monies are generated through the annual golf tournament he organizes, grant applications to the Town of Ashland for BAA (Boston Athletic Association) youth sports funding and team member fees.
Laskowsky is strongly committed to this event.
“Even as I started The Carve Café four years ago, I felt the need to contribute to the community,” Laskowsky added. “The vision for this event includes introducing residents of all ages to our local veterans, creating a celebratory experience, enjoying great food and making new friends. I can never repay veterans like Rich for their service, but I can help celebrate their commitment to securing our freedom.”
About Post 77
The American Legion James O. Carey Post 77 has been a landmark in Ashland for more than two decades and was named for 21-year-old James O’Neil Carey (1897-1918), the first soldier from Ashland who lost his life in the “war to end all wars,” World War I. Carey had been part of E Company, 6th Massachusetts Infantry of Framingham.
According to Post Commander Arthur O’Leary, the American Legion is not only a lobbying resource to keep veteran issues in the forefront, it is home to members of our current military who are transitioning back into society. The Legion sponsors children and youth programs and provides scholarships and financial aid to military families.
Post 77 also provides outlets for counseling, conducts blood drives twice annually with the American Red Cross, and opens their hall to Boy Scouts as a meeting place and for Eagle Scout ceremonies. The Legion’s senior and junior youth baseball teams teach leadership skills and the art of working together as a team with a common goal.
“The American Legion is more than a place that keeps history alive,” Laskowsky stated, “it’s a place that helps build our community’s future, and that’s why we’re involved. You cannot change the hearts of many all the time, but you can make an impact one at a time. We hope guests will walk away feeling good about being part of this celebration and have new-found respect and appreciation for our vets.”
To purchase tickets for the American Legion Veterans Day BBQ Fundraiser, visit thecarvecafe.com.