Community advocates, volunteers & journalist to be honored at Historical Association of Lewiston's 'Jeopardy' fundraiser

Historical Association of Lewiston Press Release

Several distinguished citizens and business people, a television journalist, and the Niagara’s Choice Credit Union will be recognized this year at the Historical Association of Lewiston’s annual wine, beer and pizza “Jeopardy” event on Thursday, Sept. 11. The fundraiser will take place at Bella Rose Winery, 1243 Ridge Road, Lewiston, starting at 6:30 p.m.

The public is invited to attend this fun-filled evening. Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased by calling the Lewiston Museum 716-754-4214. Early reservations are strongly recommended. There will be a cash bar.

This year’s honorees include:

•JoAnn Fiegel will receive the Volunteer of the Year. She will be recognized for her exceptional work serving on the board of trustees, and countless hours she has devoted to the operation of the Lewiston Museum. 

•Niagara’s Choice Credit Union will receive the Business of the Year Award. It will be honored for longstanding support and sponsorship of the historical placemat series that has provided residents and visitors “bite-size” glimpses of our treasured past for two decades.

•Pete Gallivan, from WGRZ-TV Channel 2, will receive the Friend of History Award for creating the acclaimed TV series “Unknown Stories of Western New York,” which has highlighted and preserved Western New York’s amazing historical heritage.

•Michael Burke and Enrico Frosolone from Apple Granny, along with Chuck Barber and Ryan Harden from Syros, will receive the Bruce Sutherland Outstanding Contribution Award. They will be honored for hosting and distributing the historical placemats that have captivated and informed patrons from our area and travelers worldwide. Over 2 million placemats have been distributed.

The popular Lewiston “Jeopardy” event is fashioned after the “Jeopardy!” television show, with clues about Lewiston and Western New York. Both the audience and three competing teams will have an opportunity to provide answers in the form of a question. The teams make a generous donation to the Historical Association and Lewiston Museum to participate in this friendly battle of wits.

Mayor Anne Welch will lead Team A, which includes Deputy Mayor Vic Eydt and Village Historian Russ Piper. Lewiston native and retired businessman Curt Stuart will be sponsor and lead Team B, composed of Michael Vitch and real estate agent Lisa Lannon. Team C, led by proud Lewiston "river rat" Sandy Blackwell Yates, will include teammates Kathy Harold and historian Ken Slaugenhoupt.

Funds raised support the ongoing mission of the Historical Association and the Lewiston Museum.