From left are Rotarian Jim Smith; Keith Martin, executive director of the Northwest Arena; John Kinder, program of TheZone; and Marion Beckerink, president of the Rotary Club of Jamestown.

Rotarian Jim Smith introduced Keith Martin, executive director of the Northwest Arena, to members of the Rotary Club of Jamestown.

An alumnus of Falconer Central School and Jamestown Community College, Martin spent more than 30 years working in higher education athletic administration and coaching at Eastern Connecticut State University and Jamestown Community College until retiring in 2018.  He also served in the private sector as director of the New England Sportsplex in Vernon, Conn., for seven years and now the non-for-profit sector as the executive director of Northwest Arena, a role he’s held since 2018. Keith also has served on the board of the Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame since 2012 and has spearheaded the annual Community Holiday Haul for St. Susan’s since its inception in 2013.

Smith also introduced John Kinder, program director of TheZone. Sports played a major role in Kinder’s upbringing and have helped shape his ever-evolving leadership style. During his time at Syracuse University as a member of the football program, Kinder realized his passion for youth and at that time began seeking out opportunities to invest in local communities as a mentor to kids. Kinder holds a BA in Communication from Syracuse University and an MA in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University. Kinder currently lives in Jamestown with his wife and two sons. Aside from his work at Northwest Arena, Kinder serves on the Chautauqua Striders Board of Directors, coaches high school football, and recently started up a focus group for adolescent boys called “Chop It Up.” The Chop It Up- Building Men program was created to serve as a safe-haven, social outlet, and positive learning environment for at-risk youth. Mentorship, community engagement, character development and life skills are all elements featured in these monthly meetings. Kinder said he is optimistic for the future of Northwest Arena and TheZone and looks forward to making an impact on the lives of others.

Martin spoke first and gave some history on the building of the twin pad arena to help grow the downtown Jamestown area and increase economic impact downtown. Martin joined the staff at the arena six years ago after a career in college athletics. He instituted ice bumper cars and the backyard curling activities to increase attendance and use of the arena for activities other than ice skating and ice hockey. The Arena Club was remodeled, and an atrium area was also added.

Since the addition and the increased activities, revenues have increased by 550% and the arena has now become a community center that is open 347 days a year. The recent 16-team ice hockey tourney had a $396,000 economic impact on the downtown area and the New York State Hockey championship had an economic impact of $280,000 for one weekend.

Martin Shared the podium with Kinder to discuss TheZone, which will occupy a 15,000 square foot area on the second floor to engage youth. TheZone has partnered with BOCES in a cooperative service education vendor program that is reimbursed by New York state.

The arena has already sponsored a Harrison Phillips Event fostering interaction between young athletes and a handicapped individual, who passed away shortly after this presentation. Next year Harrison Phillips, a current Minnesota Viking and former Buffalo Bill, will sponsor a Special Olympics program to further this interaction.

Martin informed Rotary Club members that TheZone just received two foundation grants and there is one more outstanding that will complete that level of financing of TheZone, leaving a shortfall of $175,000. A local husband and wife have stepped up to issue a challenge grant – they have donated $75,000 and pledged to match an additional $25,000 dollar for dollar. All donations are welcome no matter the amount.

As of today, all attractions for TheZone have been built and will be delivered and installed by the end of September.

Kinder also spoke to his activities with The Chop It Up – Building Men program and how our local youth are struggling. Chop It Up provides a safe space for at risk youth to flourish.

The gentlemen were honored with a donation to the Polio Fund of The Rotary Foundation in their name that will inoculate four children who will never know the scourge of polio in their lifetime.