Fun-filled 'Lewiston Jeopardy' raises funds for HAL

If you know the first names of the Waldrans – Lewiston's famous squatters who lived with their dalmatians where Artpark is today – then maybe you should join in next year’s “Lewiston Jeopardy”?

The Historical Association of Lewiston held its annual pizza, wings and beer fundraising event Thursday at the Bella Rose Vineyard & Winery on Ridge Road. As always, four teams of local history experts (well, maybe three; sorry, Team Peter Coppins) competed for bragging rights and gradually larger trophies.

This year’s winning threesome was captained by Mayor Anne Welch and included Deputy Mayor Vic Eydt and village Historian Russ Piper. Going into the final round, team No. 1 had an insurmountable 17-8 lead. That didn’t stop the squad from risking a whopping 7 points on the last question, which was successfully answered with “Who are Barney and Eleanor?”

“Lewiston Jeopardy” also included a prize raffle, auction and 50-50 cash splits. Prizes included artwork, historical books, a statue that was once a part of the Apple Granny design, and dinner with legendary comedian Dick Smothers.

“Lewiston Jeopardy” at the Bella Rose Vineyard & Winery.

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In between rounds, audience members were afforded an opportunity to answer questions – a right answer earned a raffle ticket, while an incorrect guess resulted in a “penalty” $5 donation.

Leandra Collesano, Lee Simonson and Lisa Ohanessian.

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Community advocate Lee Simonson returned as “Lewiston Jeopardy” host and gamemaster. He was joined by buzzer boss Leandra Collesano and tally totaler Lisa Ohanessian.

Team No. 2, comprised of Coppins, Bill McEvoy and Jeff Streb, took home a consolation pizza.

Team No. 3, which was in second place much of the night, included Curt Stuart, Michael Vitch and Lisa Lannon.

Team No. 4 was captained by three-time champion Sandy Blackwell Yates. She was joined by Kathy Harold and Lloyd Draper.

DiMino Lewiston Tops owner Anthony DiMino with Historical Association of Lewiston and Lewiston Museum President Bryan Plunkett.

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Anthony DiMino of DiMino’s Lewiston Tops was presented the Business of the Year Award and was recognized for enhancing the Tuscarora Heroes Monument with professional landscaping services – in addition to his generous and longstanding support for community events and organizations.

Plunkett with members of the Lewiston Garden Club.

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Lewiston Garden Club members were given the Bruce Sutherland Outstanding Contribution Award. Club volunteers were celebrated for their work in maintaining the gardens at the Lewiston Museum and for promoting and beautifying Lewiston for the past 97 years.

Ken Slaugenhoupt and Plunkett.

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Ken Slaugenhoupt earned the Volunteer of the Year and was lauded for his exceptional leadership and dedication to the Historical Association and Lewiston Museum.

Joshua Maloni and Plunkett.

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Journalist Joshua Maloni was named the Friend of History Award-winner for his extensive, multiyear coverage of Frontier House news, and his significant efforts to chronicle and preserve local history in the Niagara County Tribune/Sentinel.

Funds raised at “Lewiston Jeopardy” support the ongoing mission of the Historical Association of Lewiston and the Lewiston Museum. For more information, visit https://historiclewiston.org or call 716-754-4214.

Some of the “Lewiston Jeopardy” raffle prizes.

Bella Rose Vineyard & Winery swag.