Lewis nominated to U.S. Naval Academy

Brendan Thomas Lewis, of Auburn, has been nominated by U.S. Rep. Michael A. Arcuri (D-Utica) to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

The son of Thomas and Jean Lewis, Brendan is a senior at Auburn High School who is involved in varsity hockey, varsity lacrosse, National Honor Society and community service projects.

Brendan is one of 23 students from the 24th Congressional District Arcuri nominated to compete for appointments to U.S. service academies.

Appointees to all service academies are chosen from nominations received by members of Congress throughout the country. Arcuri's Veterans Advisory Committee recommended the top candidates in the district for nomination. Final appointments are determined by the academies, selecting from a nationwide pool.

Snowmobile course to be offered Dec. 29

Deputy John Nedza of the Cayuga County Sheriff's Office will be hosting a snowmobile safety course open to the public at the Scipio Fire Department.

The course will start at 8 a.m. on Dec. 29 and will conclude at 4:30 p.m.

Preregistration is required by calling 364-7251. The course is free of charge,

Red Cross holding babysitting training

The Cayuga County Red Cross has scheduled babysitter's training on Dec. 26 and 27.

The two courses, held at the Red Cross, 11 State St., Auburn, are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at a cost of $40 per student.

Limited spots are available for the Thursday class.

The training, open to students ages 11 to 15 at the time of registration, will teach how to provide safe and responsible care for children, develop leadership and professional skills, earn money and gain knowledge of first aid.

Lunch, a babysitter's training manual and American Red Cross certification are included in the fee.

For more information and to register, contact the Cayuga County Red Cross at 252-9596.

Women's Fund invites applicants

The Women's Fund of Central New York is looking for grant applications from organizations that support programs that foster leadership, education and economic self-sufficiency in women and girls.

Tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations in Cayuga, Onondaga and Madison counties can apply. Requests should range from $100 to $12,500.

The application deadline is Jan. 25, 2008, with grant awards announced by April.

As part of the Central New York Community Foundation, the Women's Fund of Central New York was formed in 1998 as a permanent endowment to fund programs and projects that support, empower and recognized the advancement of women and girls in central New York.

- From staff reports