Hurricane Sandy may not have made it to Jamestown, but I was still prepared.
Over the weekend I did some research on whether the hurricane that devastated much of the eastern seaboard would make any impact on Chautauqua County. And, it appeared that it was unlikely that the storm would hit the area very hard. There was some speculation that if the storm were to reach the Great Lakes it might cause some flooding and power loss, but for the most part it didn't appear that people here were too concerned. Regardless, I decided it would be best to prepare by stocking up on some necessities such as water, non-perishables, a hand-crank flashlight and radio, candles, matches, and plenty of warm clothes. While shopping for some of these things, it appeared that there were others making the same preparations. That was when I realized that even though Hurricane Sandy may not cause a ruckus here, it could still be an indication of what winter will be like. So, I felt it was better to be safe than sorry considering the supplies I purchased will last at least through the winter. That got me thinking more about winter, and how staying healthy during the cold season is just as important as preparing for a major storm.
Growing up in California didn't give me much exposure to snowy, cold weather. So, when I moved to New York as a student in college I had to learn to adjust to the season. I learned that balancing physical activity, a regulated sleep schedule, a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, and fun and entertaining recreation are important factors to staying healthy. I still haven't found as many outdoor activities to engage myself yet; that is an area where I definitely need to improve. But, I have found that sledding, hiking and snowboarding can be very fun. I've also found that winter is a great season to catch up on reading. So, I've stocked up quite a few books as well. I also tried to keep in mind fun things to do indoors that don't require power, such as board games and cards. The wintry season is also a great time to experiment with new recipes and means of preserving your own food. I've always found it quite fun to make jams, infused oils, sauces, soups and pickled vegetables in jars. Just make sure to follow proper canning procedures to ensure that bacteria and fungus don't contaminate the food.
Article Photos
Dusten Rader
Although I feel I still have much to learn about preparing for and staying healthy throughout winter, I also feel that there are many activities that the season greatly enhances. I have to admit, I do enjoy having four seasons now. Growing up in California pretty much only gave me exposure to weather that was either hot, or hotter. So, some variety really has made life more interesting.
If you're interested in what the CDC has to say about preparing for winter and other harsh weather visit www.cdc.gov/features/winterweather.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Art For Life Conference Starts Thursday: The event will feature presentations, a workshop, music and artwork focused on the therapeutic effects of creating and experiencing art.
An exhibit of Creations artwork and donated art titled "Strike A Pose" will begin at 4 p.m. on Friday in the Lillian V. Ney Renaissance Center. A silent auction of the work will be held from 4 until 6 p.m. At 6 p.m. a live auction of donated artwork will take place. Proceeds from both auctions will benefit Creations Art Program.
For more information on the conference, exhibition and auctions, visit www.artlifecon.com. The Lillian V. Ney Renaissance Center is located at 119-121 W. Third St. in Jamestown.
A Tribute To The '60s By The Fads Is Saturday: The Fads will perform a Tribute to the 1960s at The Struthers Library Theatre in Warren Pa. at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
The Fads perform a multi-media, theatrical, comical, interactive production featuring live music from all the middle 1960s greats such as The Dave Clark Five, The Monkees, Paul Revere and the Raiders, and more. From the video countdown that takes the audience back to 1965, until the final video fireworks display, audiences are taken back in time on a journey to where life was happy and innocent. Custom costuming from the mid-1960s adds to the visual appeal along with a high-energy light show. The featured music is upbeat, foot tapping and geared towards all ages. Enjoy such tunes as Tommy James' "Hanky Panky," Johnny Rivers' "Secret Agent Man," The Yard Birds' "For Your Love," and more.
Reserved seating is required. Tickets are available at the Struthers Library Theatre office, call 814-723-7231, or purchase online at www.strutherslibrarytheatre.com.
Marion Art Gallery To Host Works Of Buffalo Artist: The Cathy and Jesse Marion Art Gallery at SUNY Fredonia will host the exhibition "Invertebrates And Architecture: Works by Julian Montague," through Wednesday, Nov. 14.
Julian Montague is a photographer, designer and installation artist living and working in Buffalo. He earned a degree in media studies from Hampshire College. He has exhibited his work both nationally and internationally. His solo exhibitions in the Buffalo area have included "Insect Drawings" (2009) and "Other Orders" (2008) at the Albright-Knox Collector's Gallery, "Site Study: Scajaquada Creek" (2006) at the Burchfield Penney Arts Center, and "The Stray Shopping Cart: An Illustrated System of Identification" at Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center.
"Invertebrates And Architecture" features work from Julian Montague's ongoing project, "Secondary Occupants/Collected And Observed." According to art gallery director Tina Hastings, Montague uses a variety of artistic media to explore the relationship between animals and the built environment. At the center of the project is an unnamed fictional author/investigator who appears to be obsessed with the way that animals occupy architectural structures.
The exhibition is free and open to the public. The gallery hours are 2 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2 to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Exhibition Opens Nov. 2 In Center Gallery: An opening reception for "O Brother, Where Art Thou?: Works by Mikel and Dan Wintermantel" will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday in Center Gallery on Jamestown Community College's Cattaraugus County Campus in Olean.
The event, free and open to the public, is sponsored by JCC and the Cattaraugus County Arts Council. The exhibition is the first time the Wintermantel brothers have displayed individual works together. A selection of new collaborative paintings is also included in the show.
Mikel Wintermantel studied at the Rhode Island School of Design and locally with Cole Young. He is renowned for his luminous landscapes which are shown and collected internationally. His work can be viewed at www.mikelwintermantel.com. He is a Copley Master in the Copley Society of Art.
Dan Wintermantel's graphic design and illustrations have been published in national magazines and have received several ADDY awards. He has been a partner in Fabulous Shirtheads since 1980.
The Center Gallery is located on the second floor of JCC's College Center at 260 North Union St. in Olean. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday until 3 p.m. The exhibit runs through Dec. 13.
For more information call 338-1300 or visit weeksgallery.sunyjcc.edu.
The Struthers Library Theatre Presents The Erie Philharmonic On Nov. 11: The Erie Philharmonic is appearing in concert at Struthers Library Theatre on Sunday, Nov. 11, at 2 p.m.
The walls will resonate with music as the Erie Philharmonic presents Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" and Golijov's "Last Round." In addition, guest artist Jennifer Frautschi, violinist, will be featured during the R. Schumann Symphony No. 3 "Rhenish."
Osvaldo Golijov has emerged as one of this century's leading composers, fusing Bach-like invention with a compositional flair for the raw, uninhibited passions of Latin American music and dance. "Last Round" draws on the tango, with the strings of the orchestra divided into dueling dance bands.
Each of Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" is beloved for its immediate appeal. Based on sonnets about the extremes of the seasons of the year, this collection of four miniature violin concertos is famous for its unbridled energy.
The evening will be completed with the spirited Symphony No. 3 "Rhenish" by German romantic composer, Robert Schumann. Taking his cue from Beethoven's "Pastorale" Symphony, Schumann creates a symphonic homage to the lush, rolling landscape of Germany's Rhineland, complete with the flowing current of the river and sumptuous tones emerging from the Cologne Cathedral.
Tickets are available at the Struthers Library Theatre office. Call 814-723-7231 or purchase online at strutherslibrarytheatre.com. Call ahead to reserve handicapped seating and assisted listening devices.
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
"Madagascar 3" Screening: 7 p.m., 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St. in Fredonia.
Student Jam Session: 7 to 9 p.m., Infinity Cafe, 115 E. Third St. in Jamestown. Infinity students will showcase their work. Community members are also encouraged to play, but must keep all performances family-friendly.
Brian Hanna/Scott Horton Duo: 8 to11 p.m., Chautauqua Suites' Bellini Lounge in Mayville.
Saturday
Gary Allan: 7 p.m., Seneca Allegany Events Center, $35.
Smokehouse: 8 p.m. to midnight, Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron.
"Arbitrage" Screening: 8 p.m., 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St. in Fredonia.
Cindy "Love" Haight: 9 p.m. to midnight, Steener's Pub in Greenhurst.
Tuesday
"Arbitrage" Screening: 7:30 p.m., 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St. in Fredonia.