On Saturday morning I broke my routine to head down to Lakewood Beach for a 2-mile run. Keep in mind that taking time to run on pavement isn't something that I normally do - I prefer softer footing such as grass or trails. The only time I like to hit the road is on a bike, and I do that quite often. Although, I haven't had as much time as I'd like to explore the city of Jamestown via two wheels yet. This is mostly because I also prefer to be surrounded by trees or fields while spinning. So, if you've got any suggestions on where I can get a healthy dose of nature while biking or jogging in the Jamestown area, I'd love to hear about them.
Oh, right, I didn't mention exactly why I decided to go for the 2-mile run. Well, I made a commitment to do it by signing up for the 25th annual YMCA Battle of the Businesses. The program pitted 32 businesses against each other in two divisions. The Post-Journal was in the small division with 16 other teams. Since I'm new to the area, this was my first year participating. Apparently, we've never done very well in the competition. And, halfway through last week it appeared that we weren't going to do very well this year either. On Thursday, we were tied for 14th place, and that didn't change until the weekend.
I think the statement, "work hard, play hard" fits the situation perfectly. During the week, we scrounged to get adequate participants for each event. However, when the weekend came around, we were ready to take the battle by storm. And, we managed to finish fifth place overall. According to many in the office, we've never done that well. Some of the highest scores we received were in events such as: 800-meter relay, eight-ball pool, women's mini-golf, 2-mile run or walk, sharpshooter and archery, and the Sur"Y"vor challenge. Our placement was even more surprising considering that we got zero points for pickle ball. However, it was possible to be disqualified from events, which basically resulted in a zero, and several teams received those.
Article Photos
Dusten Rader
So, good job everyone! Maybe we can use this momentum to place even higher next year. Even if we don't, the event is still quite fun. I also got to play laser tag and dodgeball. My coworkers got to play other fun stuff such as scrabble, golf, volleyball, paddling, bean bag toss and karaoke. All together it was a healthy-lifestyle promoting, cohesive-business building exercise that was mostly fun for everyone. Thanks Jamestown YMCA for putting the event together, and thank you BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York and Windstream Communications for being major sponsors. Until next year, stay safe, have fun and take care.
HIGHLIGHTS
Chautauqua Art Challenge Starts Monday: The Chautauqua Art Challenge is the ultimate unique art festival where 16 artists from around the world compete with each other in multi-media art forms. The art forms include: painting, clay, cardboard and fabric sculpture, ice carving, wood carving, and performance. Also enjoy the festival's beer and wine tasting and local arts and crafts vendors. There will be an open mic so bring your banjos. It's guaranteed to be fun for the whole family.
The even begins on Monday and runs through Saturday, Sept. 29. For $45 guests can stay for the whole week; including Friday and Saturday. The price also includes admission to the dinner theater. The daily admission fee is $5, and the dinner theater is $22.
For more information call the Appalachian Art Studio at 814-772-0400 or search for "Chautauqua Suites Hotel" on Facebook.
Country Music All-Star Tribute At Seneca Allegany Events Center Starts Wednesday: For five days this month, a show featuring seasoned impersonators direct from Las Vegas is coming to Salamanca from Sept. 26-30.
Country music fans will hear some of the best songs from Garth Brooks, Reba McIntire, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton and Shania Twain in one concert at Seneca Allegany Events Center for $20.
The 90-minute show includes performances of the very best hits from country music's best performers, with songs such as "Friends in Low Places," "9 to 5," "Georgia on My Mind" and many others. The performers look, sound and act like the stars, and are backed by a live band. The choreographed show also includes some storytelling, comedy and group performances.
Tickets are available at Seneca Casino box offices, Ticketmaster.com or by phone at 800-745-3000. Matinee shows at 1:30 p.m. take place on Wednesday, Sept. 26, Thursday, Sept. 27, and Sunday, Sept. 30. Evening shows at 7 p.m. take place on Friday, Sept. 28, and Saturday, Sept. 29.
To learn more about "A Country Music All-Star Tribute" visit LuxuryWorthSharing.com.
Folk in Fredonia Free-For-All Is Sunday: Fredonia folk music favorites Carmen and Dick Gilman invite their musician friends from throughout the state to join them on the 1891 Fredonia Opera House stage for an afternoon of great music, dance and a humorous story or two. There also are raffles, drawings for door prizes and loads of fun. The unofficial kickoff to the Folk in Fredonia Music Series, this event is great fun for the whole family. The event is sponsored by the Gilman family.
The event begins at 3 p.m. at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St. in Fredonia. Although admission to this event is free, tickets are required and may be reserved by calling the box office at 679-1891.
Night Lights Fall Music Festival Starts Friday: An autumn music and lightshow festival is scheduled for Friday and Saturday at 2361 Wait Corners Road in Panama. The event, curated by Buffalo alt-rockers Lazlo Hollyfeld, will feature two days of some of Western New York's top musical acts. The festival will take place at The Heron, a certified organic farm in Sherman, and also known as the home for 21 years of the Great Blue Heron Music Festival and the eco-tourism attraction Night Lights at The Heron.
For $40, tickets include music, camping, parking and the lights for both Friday and Saturday. The cost of camping and admission is $20 for Friday only and $30 for Saturday. Gates open at 3 p.m. on Friday.
The festival will be set in the middle of Night Lights at The Heron, an eco-tourism attraction that features a 1-mile walk at night through a forest transformed with creative and interactive lighting. Guests eventually follow the trail to a stage and cafe set in the middle of the woods, creating a remarkable and unique experience.
For more information, contact Doug Sitler at 984-7595 or visit heronnightlights.com.
HAPPENINGS
To include an upcoming show or event in this column, email drader@post-journal.com or call 487-1111 ext. 253 by Monday.
Tonight
Blue Grass Jam: 7 to 10 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron. Area bluegrass musicians are welcome to sit in and play.
Friday
Doc and Bill: 6 to 8 p.m., Corner Coffeehouse 54 W. Main St. in Frewsburg.
Brian Hanna: 6 to 9 p.m., Wine Cellar, 309 N. Main St. in Jamestown.
Cindy Love Haight: 8 to 11 p.m., Bellini's Lounge, Chautauqua Suites, 215 W. Lake Road (Route 394) in Mayville.
Ken Hardley And The Henways: 10 p.m., The Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown.
Saturday
Ken Hardley: 9 p.m. to midnight, Steener's Pub, 322 Route 430 in Greenhurst.
Money Shot: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron.
Grand Larceny Band: 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Regency Pub, Peek 'n Peak, 1405 Olde Road in Findley Lake.