Juniors from the dietitian education program will hold their annual chili sale tomorrow, October 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Buckham Hall A114. Your $5 purchase includes your choice of homemade beef or vegetarian chili, bottled water, a fresh roll, and an apple. Cookies will also be offered for an additional $1. Our chili sells fast so first come, first served! All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Food Bank of WNY. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch that will also support our hungry community members. Thank you for your support.

Juniors from the dietitian education program will hold their annual chili sale on Tuesday, October 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Buckham Hall A114. Your $5 purchase includes your choice of homemade beef or vegetarian chili, bottled water, a fresh roll, and an apple. Cookies will also be offered for an additional $1. Our chili sells fast so first come, first served! All proceeds from this event will be donated to the Food Bank of WNY. Don’t miss an opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch that will also support our hungry community members. We will accept advance orders (available for delivery or pickup) until Friday, October 21. Please e-mail klendenj01@mail.buffalostate.edu to be added to the advance order list.

Do you want to know an easy—and delicious—way to help the more than 3,000 Western New Yorkers who are living with HIV or AIDS and their families? It’s easy: eat at Campus House today, October 11, as part of the 14th annual Dining Out for Life event, presented by Buffalo State Hospitality and Tourism students. Enjoy an à la carte menu for lunch (11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.) or dinner (4:30–6:30 p.m.) with an array of culinary creations including steak and frites, pistachio chicken, jambalaya pasta, butternut squash risotto cake, and fall harvest ratatouille. Wine and creative cocktail specials will complement menu offerings.

Make your reservation today by phone at 878-3300 or by e-mail.

Many of you know that a group of students and I visited Borgne, Haiti, for a service-learning and study-abroad experience in May (more information to come). In our continued effort to support our neighbors in Borgne, and in the wake of the recent hurricane, we are asking for your help. The storm hit the community hard with mud slides and structural damage. Typhoid and cholera are expected to spike. Thus medicines and hospital supplies will be needed. Please donate directly through www.hopehaiti.org. In anticipation of your response, representatives of the Borgne community have expressed appreciation for our concern, and welcome prayers and support. Thank you so much.

Yanick Jenkins
Director, Educational Opportunity Program

Student Life, Equity and Campus Diversity, Weigel Health Promotions, and Planned Parenthood will staff information tables in the lobby of the Campbell Student Union today, October 11, during Bengal Pause in observance of National Coming Out Day. Ribbons and resources will be available all day until 5:00 p.m. Stop by to show your support and pick-up a ribbon, treats, resources.

More information about National Coming Out Day is available on the Human Rights Campaign website and on Student Life’s Tumblr page.

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The Newman Center at Buffalo State will host a Fruit-of-the-Vine Wine and Olive Oil Tasting fun-raiser featuring premium Finger Lake wines hand-crafted by Eagle Crest and O-Neh-Da Vineyards, Hemlock Lake, on Friday, October 21, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at 1219 Elmwood Avenue. The evening will also feature a tasting of olive oils and vinegars made by D’Avolio Olive Oils, Vinegars and More. Tickets are $10 and include wine, desserts, and finger foods. Come and relax in the company of friends. Must be 21 years or older to attend. For tickets, call Jeannie at 882-1080 or e-mail newmancenter@buffalostate.edu.

Thursday, October 6, is National Depression Screening Day, and the Counseling Center will have tables set up in the Student Union Plaza from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. to raise mental health awareness and to spread the word about our free, completely anonymous, and confidential online screenings.

Everyone experiences sadness, stress, and anxiety from time to time, but if you or a member of our community is feeling overwhelmed and depressed, it may be time to assess your emotional health. Depression is a treatable illness, and early detection is the key. Recognizing signs and seeking treatment lead to quicker recovery time and overall improved quality of life.

Brief screenings are the quickest way to determine if you should connect with a mental health professional. Anyone can take the free online screenings anytime. The Counseling Center website houses several online screening tools, so feel free to explore. 

The purpose of the online screening is to provide personalized feedback. Immediately following your questionnaire, you will see your results, recommendations, and resources.

If you are ever worried about someone having thoughts of suicide, there are 24-hour numbers to call: (800) 273-8255 (Suicide Prevention Lifeline) and (716) 834-3131 (Crisis Services).

A variety of resources are available if you are concerned about a student, yourself, or a loved one. Students can come to the Counseling Center, on the second floor of Weigel Health Center, for services. Other members of our community can call their own health-care providers or go to the Employee Assistance Program for a consultation and to get referrals for follow-up care.

It's not too late join the team or donate to support the Buffalo State Striders UUP team for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer on Saturday, October 15, at 10:00 a.m. at Canalside, 44 Prime Street, Buffalo, NY 14202. Join the team or donate today.

Registration opens at the NYSUT tent at 8:30 a.m. The team can walk together and have a great time. Special treats for those with pledges who walk on Saturday. See you soon and wear pink.

Please e-mail Ramona Santa Maria, associate professor of computer information systems, with questions:

Flu vaccines for faculty and staff members will be available today, October 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Butler Library 208. No appointment is necessary.

The following health insurance plans will be accepted: Blue Cross Blue Shield of WNY, Independent Health, Blue Choice, MVP, and Medicare Part B. Employees without a participating insurance plan will be charged $30 for the flu shot. The FluMist will not be available this year in accordance with CDC recommendations.

Participation and acceptance of any insurance is not a guarantee of benefits or payment in full. Co-payments or a deductible may apply. Please call your insurance provider’s member services department with questions regarding coverage. Empire Plan enrollees may obtain their flu shot from an Empire Plan participating pharmacy without a copay or at their doctor’s office (participating provider) for their usual co-pay should they wish to do so.

Please call Employee Benefits at 878-4821 or the member services department of your insurance company with questions regarding your health insurance coverage. The phone number should be on your insurance card.

Please join University Police officers for Coffee with a Cop on Friday, October 7, in the Campbell Student Union Retail Food Court. Coffee with a Cop brings police officers and the community members they serve together over coffee to discuss issues and learn more about each other. Attending Coffee with a Cop is an easy way for faculty, staff, and students to get to know the men and women of University Police who serve our campus community. This is a great opportunity to chat with UPD officers to ask any questions you may have. University Police at Buffalo State is partnering with Chartwells Dining Services to provide this community policing event. To learn more about this national project, please watch this video.