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Courtney Smith, of Batavia, a student at Batavia High School, has been nominated to represent New York as a National Youth Correspondent to the 2013 Washington Journalism and Media Conference at George Mason University. It will be held July 7-12 in Fairfax, Va.

Courtney has been awarded the opportunity to join a select group of 250 students from across the country to participate in an intensive week-long study of journalism and media. Smith was chosen based on academic accomplishments and a demonstrated interest and excellence in journalism and media studies.

National Youth Correspondents participate in hands-on, experiential learning through decision-making simulations that challenge them to solve problems and explore the creative, practical, and ethical tensions inherent in journalism and media. The experiential portion of the program is complemented by speakers who are well-known leaders in the media community.

Presenters include prominent journalists, CEOs of major media outlets, researchers, and recent college graduates successfully entering the field. Last year's conference included Hoda Kotb, Chuck Todd, Brian Lamb and Neil Leifer.

With distinguished faculty, guest speakers, and direct access to elite D.C. practitioners, the Washington Journalism and Media Conference offers aspiring journalists an unparalleled experience.

Press release:

"Sew, what's happening" in the world of fashion?" Genesee Community College Fashion Design, Business and Computer Information Systems Professor Donna Ehrhart is bringing leading voices together to share insights with students and the community at a Fashion Tea on Friday, Feb. 8.

It takes place from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. in Room T119 at the Batavia campus. Tea and light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public, but advance reservations are required by Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Ehrhart has lined up a panel of diverse experts from around Western New York to talk about fashion trends and careers. The following guest speakers bring a wealth of expertise from a dynamic array different backgrounds and professions:

•    Jill Bates, of Jill Bates Fashion, a formalwear expert and "fashion physician," Rochester

•    Donald M. Brown, vice president of Charles Men's Shop, Batavia

•    Candace Cooper, a GCC student who has started her own clothing line "Can'de Couture"

•    Raul Siro Ferreira, owner of Each 1 Stitch 1 Fabric Store and Design Studio, Rochester

•    Kathy Healey, owner of Healey Wear, a sworn "fabri-holic" and designer of garments and window treatments, Greece

•    Kristine Iannazzi, CEO of Embrasse-Moi, a lingerie designer, Pittsford

•    Karen Schimpf, president of Sew On-Sew Forth, Depew

The event is specifically developed to give all the attendees, from the guest panelists, to students, and community members the chance to network, mingle and share ideas and information about fashion news, trends and opportunities.

Learning about GCC's new Fashion Design concentration and the upcoming annual GCC Fashion Show, entitled "Fashion Forward" is also part of the agenda.

"I want people to realize what a vibrant fashion community there is in Western New York," Ehrhart said. "This event will be an opportunity for students and the community-at-large to learn, share, and connect with the many outstanding resources we have in our region."

Those interested in attending the tea are asked to RSVP to Professor Donna Ehrhart by Tuesday, Feb. 5 at djehrhart@genesee.edu or 330-9877.

Press release:

Genesee Community College has finalized its four-part spring lecture series on the history of the Civil War. All are scheduled at 7 p.m. Wednesdays at the Batavia campus in Room T102. They are free and open to the public. Pre-registration for each lecture is encouraged by contacting The BEST Center at 345-6868

On Feb. 6 -- "Hanging Henry Wirz: Debating the Meaning of 'War Crimes' during the American Civil War" will be presented by Carole Emberton, assistant professor of History at the University of Buffalo.

Her presentation will explore how the concept of "war crimes" emerged in response to Wirz's trial as commandant of Andersonville Prison. The debate over Wirz's guilt as well as other atrocities committed during the war, including the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre and even the act of secession itself, reveal the anxiety produced by the war's immense devastation and the struggle to control its meaning for future generations. It also highlights the importance of mid-19th Century developments in international law pertaining to the rules of war and justice for those who violate them.

On March 13 -- Stephen McKinley Henderson will speak about "Story-Line Acting" and his experiences as an actor in both film and on stage. The audience will be particularly interested in his role as Abraham Lincoln's personal valet in the film "Lincoln," which was recently nominated for 12 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor.

Henderson is a professor of theater and dance at the University of Buffalo. He was nominated for the Tony Award in 2010 for his work on the Broadway production of "Fences" with Denzel Washington, and he has appeared in Steven Spielberg's "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close." He also appeared in the comedy "Tower Heist" and the HBO series "The Newsroom."

On April 3 -- A lecture titled "Myths and More at Gettysburg" with George McGaughey.

No Civil War battlefield is more famous (at least in the North) than Gettysburg. To many, it is sacred ground that warrants many visits and careful study, and like any other historical landscape, it is prone to myths and legends. In this talk, McGaughey will discuss the basis of those myths and the many discoveries he has made as a frequent visitor. His findings will surprise even the most knowledgeable Civil War buff.

On May 1 -- The Spring 2013 Lecture series in Batavia concludes with GCC Professor Garth Swanson presenting the "New York's Forgotten War -- The War of 1812 and the Making of the Empire State."

The War of 1812 remains a confusing and little remembered chapter in the history of the United States. New York, as a result of its extensive border with British-controlled Canada, was one of the primary fronts of the war and its residents experienced considerable hardship over the three years of the conflict. In addition, political divisions brought on by the war threatened to tear the state apart internally. Yet, New York quickly emerged from the war stronger and more economically vibrant than ever. In his talk, Professor Swanson will assess the role of New York in the conflict and evaluate the ways the war helped to create a modern New York State.

(In addition to the lecture series, a three-day Civil War encampment will take place at the Medina Campus Center from Friday, April 26 until Sunday, April 28. The encampment will include reenactors in authentic soldier costumes setting up Union and Confederate camps and many other events and reenactments throughout the weekend.)

For further information on the Civil War and the initiative at GCC, check out the Civil War blog at http://civilwaratgcc.wordpress.com/.

The University of Rhode Island is pleased to announce that Jessica A Henning, of Batavia, was named to the dean's list for Fall 2012.

To be included on the dean's list, students must have completed 12 or more credits during a semester for letter grades with at least a 3.30 quality-point average. Part-time students qualify with the accumulation of 12 credits with a 3.30 quality point average.

The University of Rhode Island is known regionally and worldwide for its innovative, big ideas, adaptive intelligence and breakthrough solutions to today's puzzling problems.

Do you know which animal has been here? Many different animals leave tracks in the snow. Come to the Richmond Memorial Library from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 23 to discover the animals in our area and the types of tracks they leave behind.

We'll play games, listen to a story, create a craft and enjoy a snack. This Animal Tracker Program is perfect for children in grades 2 - 4. Please register by calling 343-9550, ext. 4, or register online!

Nazareth College is proud to announce the following students have earned dean's list honors for the Fall 2012 semester:

Karisa Kobel, of Bergen, is a senior studying Health Sciences.

Lauryn Krebs, of Corfu, is a freshman studying International Studies & Modern Foreign Language.

Kathleen O'Donnell, of Batavia, is a freshman studying Biology & Toxicology.

Courtney Taylor, of Bergen, is a freshman studying Biology.

A student's grade-point average must be at least 3.5 or above, and they must complete 12 credit hours of graded work that semester in order to be included on the dean's list at Nazareth.

Founded in 1924, Nazareth College is located on a close-knit, suburban campus in the dynamic, metropolitan region of Rochester. It offers challenging academic programs in the liberal arts and sciences and professional programs in health and human services, education, and management.

Press release:

It’s time to make plans to attend the Step It Up in 2013 Winter Grazing Conference on Feb 27. Keynote Speaker Cliff Hawbaker will make two presentations “Green is Grass, a Journey of Our Farms and Grazing Experience Focusing on Grass” and “Business Planning for Graziers, Focusing on Where You Are and Where You Want to Go."

The conference will be held a BW’s Restaurant, 11070 Perry Road, Pavilion, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Hawbaker and his wife, Maggie, own and operate Hamilton Heights Dairy Farm and Emerald Valley Farm in South Central Pennsylvania. The certified organic dairies consist of 689 acres with an additional 140 acres rented land. There are 300 dairy cows and 50 head of replacement heifers. For several years their focus has been on intensive grazing management and other dairy-related issues including once-a-day milking.

Cliff has served on numerous farm related boards and committees. Presently he is the chairman of Pennsylvania Grazing/Forage Lands Conservation Coalition and past chairman of DPAC (Dairy Policy Action Coalition). His activities have included past president of Franklin County Farm Bureau, Franklin County Farmland Preservation and Franklin County Soil Conservation and AgChoice Farm Credit Board. He is also active in his local church, Chambersburg Mennonite, and The Gideons International.

Other topics to be addressed at the conference are:

• Managing the Soil to Manage the Pasture
• Planning for Drought: Alternative Water Sources
• Economics of Grazed vs. Stored Feed, Economic Analysis for Decision Making
• Pasture Plant Selection
• Need Updates? Modernizing Grazing Dairies

Presenting these topics will be: Bill Verbeten, forages specialist; Nancy Glazier, small farms specialist; John Hanchar, farm business management specialist from the Cornell Cooperative Extension North West New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team; and Beth Dahl, dairy modernization specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Harvest New York Program.

Registration includes handout materials and lunch. The cost of registration is $40 for the first person and $25 for each additional person from the same farm. A discount of $10 is available to Cornell Cooperative Extension enrollees for the first registrant who registers by Feb. 20.

To register please contact Cathy Wallace at 585-343-3040, ext. 138 or e-mail cfw6@cornell.edu <mailto:cfw6@cornell.edu>. A flier and registration form is available at www.nwnyteam.org Please register early space is limited.

The following local residents have been enrolled for Fall 2013 admission at Rochester Institute of Technology:

• Steven Cacner Jr., son of Heather Cacner, of Stafford, and Steven Cacner, of Oakfield, is in the Computer Engineering - BS program in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering and is a 2013 graduate of Le Roy Jr./Sr. High School. Steven has been awarded the RIT Innovation & Creativity Award.

• Erica Hickey, daughter of Rhonda and Brian Hickey, of Byron, is in the Journalism - BS program in RIT's College of Liberal Arts and is a 2013 graduate of Byron-Bergen High School.

Rochester Institute of Technology is internationally recognized for academic leadership in computing, engineering, imaging science, sustainability, and fine and applied arts, in addition to unparalleled support services for deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

RIT's cooperative education program is one of the oldest and largest in the nation.

Press release:

Genesee Community College is pleased to announce the dedication of the Library Instruction Room to the memory of Lynn E. Browne and members of the Browne Family. A dedication ceremony is planned at 4 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 8.

Refreshments will be provided for the event, which is free and open to the public. Interested attendees are asked to RSVP by calling the GCC Foundation office at 585-345-6809.

Lynn E. Browne was a native of Batavia and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Finance. After serving in the Army with distinction during World War II, he married Phyllis Shiekman and they settled in Philadelphia where he built a successful career in the garment industry, eventually owning one of the nation's leading button distribution companies. After his wife's death, Browne returned to his beloved hometown and immersed himself in serving the Batavia community.

Browne's service included 14 years as a member of the Genesee Community College Foundation Board of Directors (1996-2010), 12 of those as treasurer. He was instrumental in overseeing substantial growth in the foundation's assets, its endowment fund, and had an unwavering commitment to student housing at College Village.

In 2006, the Genesee Community College Foundation honored Browne as the first recipient of its Alpha Medal of Service, a prestigious honor now bestowed annually on one individual who has demonstrated extraordinary commitment and service to the college. Last May, college trustees designated the library classroom to his honor.

"Throughout all of Lynn's efforts and service to Genesee Community College and the foundation students were consistently a common denominator. He continuously focused on enabling the success of students by removing the barriers that might be in their way -- whether that was student housing, scholarships or other financial concerns," said Rick Ensman, director of Development and External Affairs.

"It is therefore, very appropriate to have a room in our college library dedicated to Lynn, and we are grateful to the Browne family for sharing his crystal Alpha Medal of Service Award for this unique space."

Vic's Pizza for Paws is going on today through midnight and on Saturday, Feb. 2 from 11 a.m. through midnight. A percentage of sales at the Main Street Pizza Company will go to the Genesee County Animal Shelter for spaying and neutering animals that are adopted.

The pizzeria is located at 206 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia. Phone is 343-0007.

St. Paul Lutheran School will hold its annual Benefit Auction on Saturday, Feb. 2. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the auctioneer begins at 4. It will be held in the school lunchroom (the church basement), located at 31 Washington Ave. in the City of Batavia.

The auction raises money to provide a Christian education for 3-year-old preschoolers through fifth-graders in our community. There's a fantastic selection of handmade items, crafts, theme baskets, gift certificates, vacation packages, novelties, and more.

A bake sale and concession stand will offer tasty supper options and homemade desserts. Bring your family and friends for a fun, night out – this is an event not to be missed!

To learn more about St. Paul Lutheran School, please view the school's Web site at www.stpaulbatavia.org/school