'Jeopardy Beer and Pizza Night' fundraiser for HAL POSTPONED

UPDATE: The Historical Association of Lewiston announced the following on March 15:

LEWISTON JEOPARDY NIGHT POSTPONED

The "Lewiston Jeopardy" event scheduled for Saturday, March 28, has been postponed and will be rescheduled for a future date.

HAL President Ken Slaugenhoupt said, “As soon as we have a date we can reschedule, we’ll let everyone know. Meantime, we hope everyone takes the common sense precautions to help mitigate the spread of the virus."

••••••••••

It's Lewiston's epic battle of wits – part II.

The community's most knowledgeable, experienced and competitive citizens are once again squaring off to claim the coveted title of this year’s “Jeopardy Beer and Pizza Night” champions.

Four teams are sharpening their skills for the big showdown at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at the Brickyard Brewing Co., 436 Center St. The Historical Association of Lewiston and the BBC are teaming up to present this fundraiser – a contest of intellect and speed that will showcase local residents competing for prizes and bragging rights.

The actual contest is modeled after the “JEOPARDY!” show on television. Clues will be about Lewiston and Western New York, including history, local culture, and general regional knowledge. The audience will also get to participate with separate clues for a chance at cash prizes.

A press release explained, “The contestants come from diverse backgrounds and bring over 700 years of combined Lewiston experience to the event. They all are recognized for their love of Lewiston and their in-depth knowledge about the area's past and present. They have been involved in numerous civic endeavors and have proven their ‘street cred’ in working to make Lewiston one of the best small towns in America.”

The defending champion team, sponsored by Lund Leather, will showcase the talents of avowed "River rat" Sandy Blackwell Yates, former village trustee and retired Air Force Col. Bruce Sutherland, and The Sentinel’s own Joshua Maloni.

Team captain Yates said, "Last year we were the dark horse team, but we prevailed. Obviously, we have a target on our back this year, but we’ll do our best to earn the champion trophy again. Get those buzzers ready!"

Vying for the top spot will be Mayor Anne Welch’s team. Her colleague, Deputy Mayor Victor Eydt, and village historian Russ Piper will join her.

Welch said, "No, we haven’t studied, but that’s OK. I’m confident Lady Luck will smile upon us. It will be another great evening of friendly competition. We encourage everyone to come out and enjoy the fun."

Long-time businessman Curt Stuart of Stuart Sports on Center Street also will field a team, including lifelong residents Michael Vitch and Amy Salada.

Stuart commented, "Our strategy is to use pressure and stress to our advantage. When the other teams are sweating it out, we’ll calmly take control and show everyone what the power of positive thinking can do. May the most enthusiastic team win!"

Finally, Lewiston No. 1 Fire Company is a new entry this year and Peter Coppins and Pat Roemer, who have deep community roots, will join team captain Les Myers.

Myers said, "No, we aren’t prepared. But the other teams will find out soon enough that, when it comes to beer and pizza, no one can touch us!"

Everyone is reminded to put their answers in a form of a question. For example, a clue may be presented, “Built in 1824 and considered Lewiston’s crown jewel.” The correct response would be, “What's the Frontier House?” Another example would be, “It’s the designated route number for Ridge Road.” The correct response would be, “What’s 104?”

But knowledge is only part of the game. It’s also about which teams can hit their buzzers first. There will even be a final Jeopardy question where teams can bet it all! So strategy is also a big part of who will take home the championship trophy.

“Last year’s Jeopardy night exceeded everyone’s expectations, and this year promises to be bigger and better. It will be a spirited contest and we’re looking forward to great evening of laughs, surprises, some old-fashioned friendly rivalry, and learning more about our hometown,” said Ken Slaugenhoupt, volunteer president of HAL. “You can raise your hand to participate or just sit back and enjoy the show."

The "fun"draising event is open to the public and will be held in the upstairs banquet room at the BBC, which is equipped with an elevator. Reservations to the event can be purchased for a $30 donation per person. Call the Lewiston Museum at 754-4214 and charge a donation over the phone; or send a check payable to the Historical Association of Lewiston Inc. and mail it with your name(s), address, phone and email to: HAL, PO Box 43, Lewiston, NY 14092. Beer and pizza are included.

The press release stressed, “Make your reservations soon, because this will be a sell-out.”

A number of sponsors have lined up to support the fundraiser, which benefits the Lewiston Museum. This year’s sponsors include Krislyn Company (Rocco DelGrosso), Marla and Jeff Williams, Joe Dante from Edward Jones, Niagara Jet Adventures, Montante Group, Mark Cerrone Contracting, Lewiston VFW, UPS Store, Bin There Dump That, Orange Cat, Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, Legislator Rebecca Wydysh, Legislator Irene Myers, Ventry Insurance, Nucci Financial, Hardison Funeral Home, Brown & Company CPAs, Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, Lewiston Kiwanis, Collision Enterprises (Rob Morreale), Compu-Mail, Niagara County Community College, Faery's Nursery & Landscaping, Susan Geissler Studio, and Joe Grabka.

Additional sponsorships are welcomed. Those interested in attending the event, or participating as a sponsor, can call the Lewiston Museum at 754-4214.