First Sunday Storytime is Free at Audubon February 5

CHAUTAUQUA, N.Y.:--

The Suicide Prevention Alliance of Chautauqua County is pleased to announce the 14th annual Kick Cabin Fever (KCF) Indoor Triathlon will take place on Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 9 a.m. at Chautauqua Health and Fitness at Turner Community Center, 4840 W. Lake Rd. in Chautauqua, N.Y.

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

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

With ACNC storyteller Claire Certo in the lead, children will 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 Red-tailed Hawk.

Participation is limited to 15.

Although this is a free event, reservations are requested by Saturday, Feb - ruary 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 Hellbend- er 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 Center members.

To learn more about Audubon and its many programs, call (716) 5692345, find Audubon Community Nature Center on Facebook, or visit AudubonCNC.org.

Audubon Community Nature Center builds and nurtures connections between people and nature by providing positive outdoor experiences, opportunities to learn about and understand the natural world, and knowledge to act in environmentally responsible ways.

Carri Raynor, Coordinator of the Alliance said, “Chautauqua County experiences the beauty of all four seasons, but we know that the winter months can be challenging for some. We can feel isolated, stuck, down and even depressed, all normal feelings during this time, so we want to promote a healthy outlet for those who are battling the winter blues and hoping to feel better by participating in a fun activity.”

Cheryl Burns, a local triathlete began the indoor triathlon one year after her brother Marty Miller died by suicide following several years of struggling with depression.

Burns said, “The intent of this event is to get people moving during one of the toughest winter months in Chautauqua County. Kick Cabin Fever is more than a physical event. It is an opportunity to build and strengthen connections to our neighbors and community assets, so we have outlets to lean on when we are experiencing mental challenges.”

“We have seen this event grow each year and want to encourage everyone of all ages to experience this fun event,” said Raynor. “You do not have to be a seasoned athlete to compete. The three events; swim, bike, and run only last a total of 45 minutes, and you’ll find positive encouragement along the way. Get together with some friends and create a team or come try it solo. Either way, you will leave with new connections and hope.”

There are approximately 20 volunteers, including friends and family, that make sure the day is fun and runs smoothly for competitors. The cost is $35 per individual or $75 per a team of two or three people. All proceeds for the Kick Cabin Fever Indoor Triathlon stay in Chautauqua County for suicide prevention efforts.

The Alliance was formed when local professionals from the mental health and other health care fields saw a great need in the community for supports and education around suicide prevention. Over the past several years, The Alliance and its partner agencies have worked together to train local community members in suicide prevention and awareness. To learn more about the events they host and for more information, visit their website at preventsuicidechq.com.

If you would like to participate in this year’s event, register at https://forms. gle/8aT7ch52CFa5Ry3Z8.

For additional information, visit www.facebook. com/KickCabinFever.

Protecting Your Paint Job

Salt on the roads may make winter driving safer, but its corrosive effects can wreak havoc on your car. Follow these tips to protect your vehicle’s body against the elements all winter:

-Promptly remove any snow from your vehicle using a soft brush or non-abrasive foam snow removal broom.

-Wash your car regularly to remove salt and debris, and don’t overlook the undercarriage where road salt can accumulate and cause rust damage.

-Give your car a thorough wax coat before the first snow, and touch it up with a spray wax throughout the season. Protect your vehicle as frequently as possible with garage parking, or invest in a removable cover.

-Have any chips or scratches repaired before winter to prevent rust from taking hold and spreading. You might also consider applying a clear paint protection film to the areas of yourcar most vulnerable to new scratches or nicks.