Jerry Strack, of course, and for a variety of reasons, including the fact that he has spent much of his life at Central Garage on Main Street. He has been a central figure and contributor in whatever association or task he has been involved with, including serving as a North Elba town board member for 23 years, and contributing a half century of involvement with the Lake Placid Lions Club.

At a recent Lake Placid Lions Club meeting, Jerry was honored by the entire membership that stood proudly by as King Lion Dan Wikoff presented him with a pin that represented 50 years of service to the Lions Club and community.

Throughout his tenure, Lion Jerry has been an active and loyal member of the Club participating in all the annual fundraising events including the radio auction, toboggan slide race and dinners at the American Legion Post 326. One of his favorite events that he has taken the lead role in has been the organization of the annual Christmas Party for children and families. Historically, Jerry recalls some previous Christmas parties took place at the former Majestic Restaurant on Main Street and Chalet on Mirror Lake Drive. The Christmas party now involves a free matinee donated by the Palace Theatre. Cases of apples and oranges are stacked by the exit and handed out at the close of the movie. Yes, candy and popcorn are available on the way in.

Easter is another of his favorite holidays, and Jerry makes certain to have cases of Lions Club chocolate Easter bunnies to pass around to members to purchase and/or sell to raise funds for the club. No escape for Lions on this one; buy or die!

Jerry was also thoroughly involved in bringing International Lions conventions to Lake Placid in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Nearly 5,000 Lions from around the nation took part. The conventions also included parades.

When asked what his favorite part of being a Lion has been, his response was simply that he “enjoyed trying to help people and the community.” Certainly, he has met that goal many times over. Lions are especially dedicated to sight problems and issues. Jerry was instrumental in arranging a C&I Dog for a needy citizen who was blind. The dog was trained by the Albany Lions Club and served the needy recipient for over 10 years.

Fondly, Jerry remembers how he became a Lion more than 50 years ago around 1968. When recruiting new members active Lions often pay for the potential candidate’s dinner. After three enjoyable dinners from his sponsor, he accepted. As we know — a businessman from day one.

Jerry was a native of Lake Placid and grew up on Colden Avenue with three brothers and five sisters. He graduated from Lake Placid High School, Class of 1957. He has been married to his wife Judi since 1963. She served the community at the Lake Placid hospital as a registered nurse for many years. They have two children, Jay and Missi. Jay is a constant fixture at Central Garage who seems to be there 24/7 and will do anything there except take a day off.

In 1959, Jerry and the late Ray Preston, went into business as partners involving a service station where the High Peaks Cyclery now stands. Jerry recalls that it was a tough go at first as they had few tools and no money even to purchase gas. Through assistance from a local friend, tools were loaned and they received their first load of fuel up front until they could repay.

The facility had two gas pumps and Jerry recalls that as they moved forward, they pumped one million gallons per year. This, of course, was in the days that attendants were responsible for pumping your gas and washing the windshield. Both individuals also were the shop mechanics.

In 1963, Jerry took a lease out and eventually bought Central Garage at its present location which has become a permanent fixture and prospered throughout the decades as a result of strong work ethics, good business practices and an excellent staff.

Congratulations, Lion Jerry, for your hard work, community devotion, and a job well done.

The Lions Club is always looking for new members. If interested, call Dan Wikoff at 518-523-7520.

(Jay Rand is a member of the Lake Placid Lions Club.)