Fort Drum FAP promotes safety during Family Car Show

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Aug. 17, 2026) -- The Fort Drum Family Advocacy Program hosted the 5th annual Family Car Show on Aug. 14 outside the Exchange as part of the installation’s 101 Days of Summer safety campaign.

Along with a display of classic and modern cars and motorcycles, attendees could also tour a safety bus, courtesy of South Jefferson School, and the Alpine Express – Fort Drum’s free shuttle service.

With the school year soon approaching, organizers said this was a good opportunity for families to enjoy some time outside while picking up some safety tips and resources. Representatives from organizations such as Army Substance Abuse Program, Child Advocacy Center of Northern New York, the Exchange, and Exceptional Family Member Program were in attendance to meet with community members.

Kim Laverghetta, a registered nurse with the Fort Drum New Parent Support Program (NPSP), talked about car seat safety during the winter months. She said parents don’t realize that dressing a child in a puffy coat creates loose space under the harness straps, making them less safe during an accident.

“People are naturally more worried about keeping their baby warm when it’s negative 20 out,” she said. “So, they don’t realize how bundling them up can affect car seat safety.”

NPSP representatives suggested solutions, such as warming the vehicle before driving and then taking the child’s coat off before securing them in the seat. They also provided hands-on demonstrations similar to what they teach at the Baby Basics class.

“We love this kind of community outreach because we’re all about prevention and keeping children safe,” Laverghetta said. “Parents can always call us with questions they have, and we’re happy to help.”

The NPSP is located inside the Soldier and Family Readiness Center, Bldg. 10250, on 4th Armored Division Drive. For more information, call 315-772-4070 or 772-3571.

Christine Robinson, Fort Drum Plans, Analysis and Integration Office (PAIO) management and program analyst, rode into the Family Car Show on her motorcycle, which she parked alongside a row of two-wheelers. She joined Tiffinie Sadowski, Lewis County Community Development program specialist, to help promote the Alpine Express.

“This was an excellent venue to raise awareness for Fort Drum’s free transit service since it directly dealt with the families we serve,” Robinson said. “Partnering with Tiffanie, we engaged directly with families to demonstrate how to access the most up-to-date route schedules via the QR code, navigate the Transit App, and locate Alpine Express resources on MAPA.”

They invited community members to board the new bus, but Robinson said many people they met were already familiar with the Alpine Express. She said one mother recommended the shuttle service to her teenage daughter so she could shop at the PX, and a Soldier in a single-car household shared how it has become an invaluable asset for service members.

After nearly a year of service, the Alpine Express has accommodated roughly 5,200 community members, with monthly ridership increasing since a third bus and route was recently added.