Alex was a Jamestown resident who lost his life earlier this year due to a heroin overdose.  His mother Kim Carlson is partnering with the Arena to present the event, entitled “Alex: Celebrate the Life, the Smile.” The event is intended to celebrate Alex Foulk’s 27^th birthday, which would have been Oct. 4.

The afternoon will raise awareness of substance abuse disorders and funds for the Alex Foulk Memorial Fund at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, which was established to raising funding for transitional housing for those recovering from drug addiction.

The doors open at 1 p.m. and two charity hockey games will take place at 2 and 3 p.m.  After the second game, at about 4 p.m., a red carpet ceremony will honor families who have lost loved ones to drugs or alcohol, as well as recognize those who are in recovery. Following the ceremony, popular local band TPT will perform and there will be open skating in the rink until 6:30 p.m.

Throughout the day there will also be representatives and informational materials from Chautauqua Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Council, Evergreen Health Services, HOPE Coalition, Mental Health Association in Chautauqua County, and more.

Tickets are $10, $5 for children ages 6-10, free under age five, $25 for a family of four or more.

JAMESTOWN – The Northwest Arena had an official ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday to officially recognize the new name of the facility.

Since first being built and completed in 2002, the arena has been known as the Jamestown Savings Bank Ice Arena. But the parent company of the bank – Northwest Bank – had recently made the decision to rebrand all local banks as Northwest Bank, dropping the “Jamestown Savings” title. As a result, the ice arena also had to drop the name and go with Northwest.

Signs with the new name have already been on the outside of the building since last month.

The vendor list and workshop schedule is now available for GROW Jamestown, presented by Mike’s Nursery. With more than 50 vendors and 15 workshops lined up by the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, the free community event offers fun for all ages.

“We have come a long way from our humble beginnings at the Renaissance Center in previous years,” said Edwin Rodriguez Jr., events and marketing associate for the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation. “We used to have 15-17 vendors. This is our fifth year and we have 54 total vendors. Our event is the only true garden and home show in the greater Jamestown area. No other event features home and garden education and hands-on activities the way we do.”

Vendors scheduled to attend include nurseries, contractors, landscape designers, craft vendors, food vendors, neighborhood clusters, and more.

Another key feature of the GROW Jamestown Garden Fair and Home Show is the educational workshops hosted by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program of Chautauqua County and countless other area professionals. The knowledge and experience of the presenters helps make the event special. This year’s workshops, 15 in total, focus on gardening and home improvement. Workshop topics for 2016 are as follows:

• Front Yard Design
• Energy Conservation In Your Home
• Raised Garden Bed Construction And Care
• Tree Selection And Planting
• Help With Your “Honey Do” List – Q&A With A Contractor
• Seed Starting and Vegetable Gardening
• “Deer In My Dahlias, Voles In My Turnips” – Prevent Wildlife Damage In Your Garden
• Home Improvement Through Weatherization – More Than Just Windows
• Ask-A-Master Gardener Panel Discussion
• Native Plants – Why Pre-Columbus Plants Are Good For Your Garden
• Saving The Harvest – Canning and Freezing Basics
• Gardening For Every Body – Tools And Techniques For All Abilities
• Rain Garden Design, Installation, And Maintenance
• Lead Safe Renovations In The Home
• Developing A Landscape And Planting Plan

“We have definitely taken our workshop topics to a new level from previous years,” said Mary Maxwell, neighborhood associate for the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation. “We had a lot of requests over the years. People wanted more information that pertained to the area in which we live. The Master Gardeners, event volunteers, and all of our other professionals involved have worked hard to make sure this year’s workshops are educational and fun.”

The GROW Jamestown Garden Fair and Home Show is presented by Mike’s Nursery. Owner Mike Krauth and his staff will be giving away free tomato seedlings to every show attendee while supplies last. Also, the first 1,000 people to the event will receive a free reusable grocery tote courtesy of Wegmans in Jamestown. The event is also graciously sponsored by Lakeshore Paving, Clark Patterson Lee Design Professionals, RSVP, Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program, The Resource Center, Rhoe B. Henderson Insurance Agency, Five Star Urgent Care, and Afloral.com.

For a complete list of vendors and a complete workshop schedule with times, visit the GROW Jamestown Garden Fair and Home Show online at www.growjamestown.com or check out the event’s Facebook page.

The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation is a public-private partnership supporting downtown and neighborhood revitalization through stakeholder engagement, innovation, and reinvestment in the greater Jamestown, New York, area.

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The 2016 Doors Open Jamestown event is scheduled for Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at varying locations across the city.

Doors Open Jamestown features free admission to greater Jamestown area attractions, raffle prizes at each location, restaurant specials, and more. The event is sponsored by Jamestown Up Close, Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, and Jamestown Community Chamber of Commerce with support from the participating attractions and merchants.

“Not everyone knows that the exhibits and features of our local attractions change quite regularly,” said Edwin Rodriguez Jr., events and marketing associate for Jamestown Up Close. “This event is for our area residents to get out and about with their friends and family to learn about some of the great features we have to offer here,” said Rodriguez.

Sixteen local attractions and nearly two dozen restaurants and retail stores partner together for this annual event to celebrate the region.

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute on Curtis St. in Jamestown is one of several organizations offering free admission on Sat., Jan. 16 as part of Doors Open Jamestown.

By visiting one or more of the participating attractions, guests have the opportunity to win gift baskets at each location. Those locations include:

• Busti Grist Mill
• Chautauqua Sports Hall of Fame
• Dykeman Young Gallery and Vintage Emporium
• Fenton History Center
• Infinity Visual and Performing Arts (Open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
• James Prendergast Library
• Audubon Nature Center
• Jamestown Gateway Train Station
• Jamestown Savings Bank Arena
• Lucile M. Wright Air Museum
• Lucille Ball Desi Arnaz Museum
• Lucille Ball Little Theater
• Martz Observatory (Frewsburg)
• Reg Lenna Center for the Arts
• Robert H. Jackson Center
• Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History

The former Fenton Mansion, home of the Fenton History Center in Jamestown NY.

“It’s great to see so many local residents learn something new about their hometown,” said Joni Blackman, executive director for the Fenton Historical Society. “This has turned into a festive day for Jamestown and the greater region. I have yet to hear a complaint, even when the weather is stormy,” said Blackman.

Area attractions aren’t the only ones who participate in Doors Open Jamestown. The event also encourages various restaurants, bars, and retail shops to work together to co-promote one another now and in the future.

“Doors Open Jamestown is a day to celebrate the wonderful amenities our community has here all year long,” said Frank Besse, co-owner of Brazil Craft Beer and Wine Lounge. “I think Brazil complements these amenities well with our unique selection of great beer and wine in a relaxing and characterful setting,” said Besse.

Participating restaurants and retail locations are encouraged to offer unique menu items and special pricing for the day.

For more information on Doors Open Jamestown or for a list of participating venues, restaurants, and stores, please visit www.DoorsOpenJamestown.com or call check out the event’s Facebook page.

The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation and Jamestown Up Close are organizations that support downtown and neighborhood revitalization in Jamestown, NY, by promoting reinvestment, stakeholder engagement, and innovation.

The annual Downtown Jamestown Holiday Parade attracts thousands of people each year. (Photo courtesy of jrconline.org)

JAMESTOWN – It appears the weather is going to be perfect for a parade… or at least as perfect as it can get in December.

Thousands of people are expected to be in downtown Jamestown tonight for the annual Downtown Jamestown Holiday Parade, with the forecast calling for cloudy skies but no precipitation with temperatures in the low to mid 30s.

The event is coordinated each year by the Downtown Jamestown Holiday Parade, who says the name of this year’s parade is the Tinseltown Christmas Parade and Holiday Celebration, with participants encouraged to incorporate famous holiday movies from throughout the years into their floats.

The Parade will be presented by The Resource Center and will feature pre-parade musical entertainment, a traditional tree lighting ceremony with Mayor Sam Teresi, the arrival of Santa Claus, and a fireworks display above the Spring Street parking ramp, sponsored by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

The parade starts at 6:30 and will begin on the Third Street Bridge and continue down Third Street to City Hall. Parade line up will begin at 5 pm on West Third Street between Hallock Street and Porter Avenue (Farm Fresh Plaza).

Other events scheduled for that weekend in partnership with the downtown holiday parade:

• An appearance by Santa at the Santa’s Family Workshop event at the Jamestown YMCA from 7 to 9 pm.
• The Southern Tier Xpress is hosting an Ugly Xmas Sweater game at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena at 8:30 pm.
• Toys for Tots toy drive, sponsored by The Resource Center with residents encouraged to drop off newly purchased toys at the TRC float in the parade.
• Also on Saturday, the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts will be showing Elf starring Will Farrell on Saturday, December 5, at 2:00 pm. The showing is sponsored by Jamestown Up Close.

For more information on parade activities, visit www.JamestownRenaissance.org or call 716-664-2477 ext 226.

Pictured from left: Steve Waterson, TRC Director of Public Relations, Selina Phillips, TRC Executive Assistant, Terri Johnson, TRC Director of Rehabilitation, Employment and Community Services, Greg Lindquist, Executive Director for the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, and Heather Brown, TRC Assistant Executive Director.

JAMESTOWN – The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation has announced the theme for this year’s downtown Jamestown holiday parade. The Tinseltown Christmas Parade and Holiday Celebration, presented by The Resource Center, will feature pre-parade musical entertainment, a traditional tree lighting ceremony with Mayor Sam Teresi, and a fireworks display above the Spring Street parking ramp. Applications to participate in the parade are now being accepted and are available for download online.

The Tinseltown Christmas Parade and Holiday Celebration will be held on Friday, December 4, beginning at 6:30 pm. The parade itself will begin on the Third Street Bridge and continue down Third Street to City Hall. Parade line up will begin at 5 pm on West Third Street between Hallock Street and Porter Avenue (Farm Fresh Plaza).

“We try to choose a parade theme that will appeal to everyone and will be easy for all ages to participate in,” said Edwin Rodriguez Jr., events and marketing associate for the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation. “We selected Tinseltown Christmas to make sure we include modern holiday classics along with the traditional films we all know and love. This year’s parade celebrates your favorite holiday movies, your way,” said Rodriguez. Participants are encouraged to choose any of their favorite holiday movies to reenact in the parade, from traditional films like Miracle on 34th Street and Christmas Story to modern classics like Frozen, Elf, and more.

“The Christmas Parade is a wonderful example of our community coming together, and it is our pleasure to support this event which reaches so many in the Jamestown area,” said Denise Jones, Executive Director for The Resource Center. “TRC encourages our staff, and the individuals we support in participating and giving back to our community, and the Holiday Parade pairs very nicely with our long-going support of the Toys for Tots program.  We appreciate the extensive amount of effort Jamestown Renaissance and many other community organizations and businesses invest in making our community a great place to live, work, and play,” said Jones.

Along with The Resource Center, the Tinseltown Christmas Parade and Holiday Celebration would not be possible without the following: Parade Fireworks sponsored by the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation; Official Transportation of Santa sponsored by Shults Auto Group; Official Grand Marshall Transportation sponsored by Elite Kreations Auto Detailing; Additional support for the event is provided by Southern Tier Xpress and the 38 libraries of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System.

Special thanks to the City of Jamestown, Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, Gebbie Foundation, Jamestown Up Close, and Jamestown YMCA.

Other events scheduled for that weekend in partnership with the downtown holiday parade:

• Santa will be ending his parade travels on Friday, December 4, at the Santa’s Family Workshop event hosted by the Jamestown YMCA from 7 to 9 pm. Santa’s Family Workshop includes holiday activities, food, and more.
• The Southern Tier Xpress hockey team is hosting an Ugly Xmas Sweater night at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena after the parade. Puck drop is at 8:30 pm. Wear your best ugly holiday sweater for a chance to win great prizes.
• Toys for Tots will be accepting applications on December 4 from 1 to 4 pm and December 5 from 9 am to noon at the Lillian Vitanza Ney Renaissance Center at 119-121 W. Third Street. All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements and bring identification for themselves and all children along with proof of household income.
• The Reg Lenna Center for the Arts will be showing Elf starring Will Farrell on Saturday, December 5, at 2:00 pm. The showing is sponsored by Jamestown Up Close.

For more information on Jamestown Renaissance Corporation special events or to sign up for the Tinseltown Christmas Parade and Holiday Celebration, please visit www.jamestownrenaissance.org to download the appropriate application or call 716-664-2477 ext 226.

Organizers with Jamestown Pride Society say the event is focused around educating the community and raising awareness of various causes and issues in the area, including racial diversity, the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination bill, and anti-bullying.

A free lunch will be provided from 1-5 p.m. and several vendors and representatives from various organizations will also be on hand.

For more information, visit JamestownPride.com.

The Jamestown Savings Bank Arena is announcing that the trio formerly known as the “nWo”- Scott Hall, Kevin Nash, and Sean Waltman– are coming to Jamestown for one night only on Thursday, Dec. 3.

Also signed for the event is WWE legend Honky Tonk Man, the gorgeous wrestling divas, and BTW Champion Flex Armstrong.

Tickets are priced between $19-$50 plus arena/ticketing fees. Tickets go on sale starting Thursday, Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. Call 716.484.2624 or visit www.jamestownarena.com for more information.

The event will feature the Jamestown Firefighters and Police Officers playing against the Lakeview Shock Facility Corrections Officers. It will be held at the Jamestown Savings Bank Arena.

There is no cost to attend the game, but each attendee is asked to purchase a $5 50/50 raffle ticket. Winner need not be present to win.

The event begins at 7:15 p.m. Saturday, August 29.