Scholarship Available for Graduating Seniors in 4-H Programs

Dunkirk, NY, February 22, 2023- The Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (NCCF) is accepting applications for the Terence J. Centner Agricultural and Environmental 4-H Scholarship. Terence (Terry) J. Centner established the fund at NCCF in honor of his parents, Harry E. and Mary Ellen Centner, and their dedication to the Chautauqua County 4-H program.

The Centners helped a generation of 4-H members enjoy many projects and activities. Jacob Lesch, a former member of 4-H and scholarship recipient, stated, "4-H has allowed me to be the best version of me I can be. I have gained a strong work ethic, responsibility, pride in my work, and other priceless skills that will serve me throughout college and my professional career."

The scholarship is awarded annually to a high school senior attending a 4-year college or university who has completed an outstanding agricultural or environmental 4-H project. Eligible seniors from Brocton, Dunkirk, Forestville, Fredonia, Ripley, Silver Creek, and Westfield are encouraged to apply. Applications may be obtained from the school guidance centers or at nccfoundation.

org/center-scholarship. Applicants must return their completed application to their school's counseling center by April 1, 2023.

For more information on this or other scholarships available through the NCCF, visit nccfoundation. org/scholarship-funds, or contact Scholarship Coordinator Michele Starwalt-Woods at scholarships@ nccfoundation.org or 716366-4892.

Since its incorporation in 1986, the NCCF has invested more than $20 million in northern Chautauqua County through strategic grantmaking, targeted scholarships, and leadership and community collaborations. The NCCF is a tax-exempt charitable organization inherently committed to enhancing the northern Chautauqua community and encouraging local philanthropy. As a nationally accredited community foundation, the NCCF has proven compliance with the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations, demonstrating integrity, equity, accountability, transparency, and effectiveness in meeting the needs of its community. For more information on the NCCF, visit www. nccfoundation.org or call 716-366-4892.

Jamestown, N.Y. – Audubon Community Nature Center’s (ACNC) next monthly First Sunday Storytime is March 5, 2023, 12:30 – 1 p.m.

Children’s books are powerful tools to connect children to nature and establish a strong foundation for their educational journey.

Led by ACNC storyteller

Claire Certo, children go on literary adventures with animals, through habitats and seasons, and discover new things with every page.

Doors open at 12:20 p.m. for ages 2 – 8 and their adults for this free, nature-based story time.

The building fully opens at 1:00 p.m. Participants are welcome to stay afterward and explore the Nature Center building.

Both the program and Sunday admission are free. Come for story time and stay to explore the indoor Nature Play Area, live animals, and exhibits. Then go outside to enjoy the outdoor Nature Play Area and visit Soren the Redtailed Hawk.

Participation is limited to 15.

Although this is a free event, reservations are requested by Saturday, March 5, 2023. To reserve your space, call the Nature Center during open hours at (716) 569-2345 or go to AudubonCNC.org and click through “Programs and Events.” Walk-ins are welcome if there is room.

Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown, N.Y., and Warren, Pa. You can visit the nearly 600-acre nature preserve, check in on the live birds of prey, and hike, snowshoe or cross country ski over five miles of trails dawn until dusk daily for free.

The three-story Nature Center building houses interactive displays, a collection of live animals including the Hellbender exhibit, and the Blue Heron Gift Shop. Visitors are welcome Mondays through

Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., and Sundays, 1 - 4:30 p.m.

Nature Center members and SNAP/EBT cardholders have free building admission daily. Building admission is also free every Sunday for non-Nature