Members of Saratoga Casino and Raceway’s Donations Committee present the Saratoga Springs Lions Club with a $5,000 check as premier sponsor of their annual Duathlon.
Pictured from left to right: Tom Engle, Media Specialist; Bill Gibeault, Saratoga Lions Duathlon Co-Chair; Jennie Jurkiewicz, Director of Food & Beverage; Joe Sporko, Saratoga Springs Lions Club President; Dave Carr, Jr., Saratoga Springs Lions Club Foundation President; Don Braim, Senior Vice President of Racing Operations; Cliff Van Wagner, Saratoga Springs Lions Club Member; Skip Carlson, Vice President of External Affairs and Signature Service; Mike Vild, General Manager; Colleen Carlson, Director of Sales.

Saratoga Casino and Raceway Named Premier Sponsor and Host Site of the 11th Annual Saratoga Lions Duathlon

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (April 16, 2015)- For the 4th year in a row, Saratoga Casino and Raceway has been named the premier sponsor and host site of the 11th Annual Saratoga Lions Duathlon, an event run by the Saratoga Springs Lions Club each May. The continued partnership was announced today as Saratoga Casino and Raceway presented the Saratoga Lions Club Foundation with $5,000 in support of the event and the charitable mission of the Lion’s Club.

The 2015 Saratoga Lions Duathlon will be held at 8 A.M. on Sunday, May 24 at Saratoga Casino and Raceway. Race participants will tackle a 5K run, followed by a 30K bike ride, and finishing with another 5K run. Participants can be individuals or teams of two or three people. Area businesses can also participate with a three-person team in the Corporate Challenge category. The Club Challenge returns again this year allowing any organized Club to compete for prizes. Participation from individual Club members will be tallied and prizes will be awarded to the top finishing Clubs.

“We are thrilled to host the Lion’s Club Duathlon for the fourth year in a row,” said Mike Vild, General Manager of Saratoga Casino and Raceway. “We’re delighted to provide our facilities and our support to help such a great community event grow year after year.”

“The Saratoga Lions Club could not successfully carry out our important mission to make a difference in people’s lives, without the generous support from the business community,” said Bill Gibeault, Co-Chair of this year’s event. “Saratoga Casino and Raceway has been extremely generous with its financial support as well as hosting the event at their property. We deeply value our relationship with them.”

100% of all proceeds support The Lions Mission, the majority of which goes directly back into the Saratoga Community.

Dave Carr, President of The Saratoga Lions Foundation, said bringing the race to the casino has resulted in very positive feedback. “The Saratoga Lions Club Duathlon has grown each year and part of that growth has come from the location and support provided by Saratoga Casino and Raceway. It has enabled us to design a better experience for both the athletes and their fans. Their partnership has been integral to our success and we look forward to another great year.”

Free shirts will be provided to the first 300 entrants and prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age category. The results will be computerized.

Pre-registration fees from April 2 through May 21 are $60 per individual, $90 per two-person team, and $114 per three-person team. On-site registration fees for Saturday prior to the race and on race-day are $65 per individual, $100 per two-person team and $129 per three-person team.

To register, visit www.saratogalions.com or call 518-527-8787.

Saratoga Casino and Raceway, located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY, features over 1,700 slots, electronic table games, Vapor, two full-service restaurants with buffets, a casual dining restaurant, three full-service bars, deli and a variety of guest services including valet parking and coat check. Operating hours for the gaming facility are 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. every day. Simulcast races can be viewed seven days a week and live harness racing runs March through mid-December. For a full racing schedule and additional information, please visit www.saratogacasino.com or call 800-727-2990. Must be 18 years of age or older to play video gaming machines or wager on horses. Please play responsibly.

The Saratoga Springs Lions Club Foundation, Inc. actively works to promote awareness of, and provide support for, the areas of sight and hearing conservation, diabetes and youth programs. For more information visit www.saratogalions.com.

Photo – From L to R:  Jim Flynn – Adirondack Trust Company and Saratoga Springs Lions Club Member, Philip Klein – Adirondack Trust Company and Saratoga Springs Lions Club Member, Matt Jones – Saratoga Springs Lions Club, Adirondack Trust Company Executive Vice President Charles V. Wait, Jr., Bill Gibeault – Saratoga Springs Lions Club, Andrew Wise – Adirondack Trust Company and Saratoga Springs Lions Club Member

“We couldn’t carry out our important mission to make a difference in people’s lives without the generous support of the business community.  The Adirondack Trust Company has been a friend of not only the Lions, but also to many of Saratoga’s non-profits for many decades.”

The Saratoga Springs Lions Club  would like to thank The Adirondack Trust Company for being a premier sponsor of The Saratoga Springs Lions Foundation’s 11th annual Duathlon to be held Sunday, May 24,2015.   A recent press release is below.

Adirondack Trust Company Becomes A Premier Sponsor Of The 11th Annual Saratoga Lions Duathlon

A Night At The Brewseum 2015 Promises to be Better Than Ever

Great events just don’t happen especially when it comes to fund raisers organized by the non-profit community.    It’s a difficult challenge and alot of hard work to stage an event that is memorable and  draws guests year after year.    The Saratoga Springs Lions Club,  Night at The Brewseum,  has become one of those memorable events.

A shout out for the following Lions Club Members who have been planning Brewseum 2015 since last years event.

Terri Belmonte, Sal Bonsangue, John McDonald, Joe Brady, Karen Foster, Peter Brown, Chuck Eafrato, Jon Foster, Lance Ingmire, Dan McGinnis, Dave Miller, Joe Murphy II, Dione Ramsdill, Kevin Ronayne and Lou Schneider.  

Great events and ultimately any non-profit’s success, also takes the generosity and help from the business community.  A big THANK YOU and shout out for the following businesses who are supporting Brewseum 2015.    

Breweries:

Druthers Brewing, Wolf Hollow Brewery, Paradox Brewery, ADK Pub & Brewery, Henry Street Tap Room, Blue Line Brewing Co., Davidson Bros. Brewery, Argyle Brewing Co., Steadfast Beer Co., McKenzie’s Cider, Olde Saratoga Brewing Co., Shmaltz Brewing Co., Common Roots Brewing Co., Brown’s Brewing Co., Chatham Brewery, Sundog Cider, City Steam Brewery

Wineries:

Adirondack Winery, Ledge Rock Hill Winery, Frederick Wildman & Sons, Amorici Vineyard

Restaurants:

Druthers, Merry Monk, Parting Glass, Omelette King, Maestros, Ripe Tomato

Others:

Soda/Water: Saratoga Eagle; Coffee: Death Wish Coffee

EVENT DETAILS

4th Annual Night at the Brewseum
Friday, March 27, 2015 from 6-9:30 pm
NYS Military Museum
61 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY

Tickets for our “4th Annual Night at the Brewseum” are now available online.   Tickets by clicking here,

Other locations:

• The gift shop at the New York State Military Museum
• Through the members of the Saratoga Springs Lions Club or Friends of the NYS Military Museum
•  At the door of the event.

You must be 21 or over to attend, ID required. Prices are as follows:

Pre-Sale: $40
At the Door: $45
Active Military w/ ID: $25 (sold at the door only)
Non-Drinker: $25 (sold at the door only)

 Free Memorabilia: Attendees will receive a souvenir pint glass to take home.

Visit The Saratoga Springs Lions Club Facebook Page for updates on the event.

The 11th Annual Saratoga Lions Duathlon, an event that raises funds for The Saratoga Springs Lions Club, will be held at Saratoga Casino and Raceway on Sunday, May 24, 2015 at 8AM. Saratoga Casino and Raceway and The Adirondack Trust Company are the Premier Sponsors of the event. The event has been a tremendous success in helping The Saratoga Springs Lions Club Foundation make significant contributions to major projects and initiatives related to sight & hearing, community projects and scholastic scholarships.

The race starts with a 5k run, followed by a 30k bike ride, and finishes with another 5k run. Participants can be individuals or teams of two or three people. Area businesses can also participate with a three-person team in the Corporate Challenge category.

The Club Challenge category is for members of any club (bike, running, triathlon, etc.). Participation from individual club members will be tallied and prizes will be awarded to the top finishing clubs.

Shirts will be available for the first 300 participants and prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers in each age category. The results will be chip-timed.

Early-bird registration fees are $55 per individual, $80 per two-person team, and $100 per three-person team until April 1, 2015. (Mail-in entries must be postmarked by that date). Pre-registration fees from April 2 through noon on May 21 are $60 per individual, $90 per two-person team, and $115 per three-person team. Onsite registration fees for Saturday prior to the race and on race-day are $65 per individual, $100 per two-person team and $130 per three-person team.

Register online for this year’s event here.

Dave Carr SR.

Hero: “A person, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities.”

I’m sure many of you would agree that the label  ‘hero’ is over used today to describe individuals.   This short article however is about the passing of a true hero in every sense of the word. (the definition above-Oxford Dictionary)

At 12:15 this past Thursday a special bell  rang at Lillian’s Restaurant in Saratoga Springs, signaling the start of The Saratoga Springs Lions Club weekly lunch meeting.

This week was very different noted Lion’s Club President Joe Sporko,  “Today marks the first time in 58 years that one of our beloved members is not with us.”

The Saratoga Springs Lions Club, The community of Saratoga Springs,  and all of humanity lost one of it’s heroes early Monday morning, with the passing of Dave Carr Sr., due to a long term illness.  Our good friend Dave was 83 years old.

His wife of 55 years, Rosemary D’Andrea Carr, died before him.  Dave is survived by his son David R. Carr Jr.(also a Lion) and daughter Diane Carr, five grandchildren, his sister Marcia Carr, and his companion, Nancy Morrissey.  I should also mention his two long time best friends and also Lions, Don Hall and Randy Martin.

Dave Carr Sr. had an unending list of great achievements, highlighted by being a founder of The Albany Lions Eye Institute and being the recipient of every possible award or honor given by Lions International.

He  demonstrated great courage battling through both his and his wife Rosemary ‘s long term illnesses.  Dave’s trademark big smile, positive attitude, and great sense of humor never waned.

Maybe, what stands out however,  is the character and noble qualities, that have guided the life journey of this very special person called: Big Dave,(by his grandchildren)  Sr., or “One of the Three Wise Men of Lions”.

Talk to those who have been fortunate to cross paths with Dave Carr Sr. and you will most likely hear the words mentor, inspiring,  the heart and soul of Lions, and yes… Hero.  I know that every Saratoga Lion would agree with me in stating that it has been a privilege and honor to have known the man called David R. Carr Sr.  We are all better because of him.

You will be missed greatly our friend and will live on in our hearts !

A Video Edited from THE DAVE CARR SR. STORY

PRODUCED BY STORY MAVERICKS