Up Close & Personal Annual Hospice Poker Run By Nicholas Pircio Once again, the Village of Mayville will come alive with the sight and sound of riding lawn mowers, all for a good cause, at the annual Jack Carlson Memorial Lawn Mower Poker Run, on Saturday September 7th. All the action begins and ends at American Legion Post 493, located at 144 South Erie Street. The story begins when Jack Carlson drove his lawn mower around Mayville on Sundays, helping people. Tom Przepiora, who’s organizing this year’s event, says Carlson says, “If Jack knew you needed help, he’d mow your lawn.” He would then stop by the American Legion. Carlson inspired others at the Legion to start a poker run, using lawn mowers. Przepiora says, “The first year I think 65 people showed up, and Jack was there. We did a poker run, and all proceeds were going to go to Hospice.” Those who took part decided to continue the tradition the following year, after Jack Carlson passed away. The following year it was renamed the Jack Carlson Memorial Lawn Mower Poker Run for Hospice. The event has grown steadily since the first year. Last year, 114 people participated, and this year, year four, more are expected. And, “Every single nickel we make goes to Hospice (of Chautauqua County.) Everybody donates, it’s overwhelming.” Over the last three years, they’ve donated over $18,000 to Hospice. Przepiora is quick to give credit to others who have stepped up to volunteer their time. “We have numerous volunteers. You’ve never seen anything like this in your life. The fire police guard the roads for us. And we have eight stops this year.” Those stops include the House on the Hill, Watermark Restaurant, the Lakeview Hotel, the Boardwalk, Webb’s Restaurant, the VFW post in Mayville, Chautauqua Suites/ Bellini Lounge, and then back to the American Legion for stop number eight. There will be a ladies’ hats contest, just like the Kentucky Derby. There’s also a Chinese Auction and auction items, with prizes for the hats and the highest poker hand. The band Flash Jordan will be paying at the American Legion from 5-8 p.m. Food will be served at the Legion, included in the registration fee. DJ Felony will provide music at the Boardwalk, while Digital Extravaganza with Matt Terrell is the master of ceremonies, and will play music throughout the entire poker run route. “He plays country music and tractor songs, it’s an absolute hoot,” says Tom Przepiora. People are encouraged to visit the Jack Carlson Annual Lawn Mower run event on Facebook, or to stop by the American Legion post in Mayville.
Posted on: Thu, 05 Sep 2013 14:46:46 +0000
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