Buffalo State members of United University Professions (UUP) are invited to register online in advance for the free annual UUP Fall Kickoff Barbecue on Friday, September 9, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Social Hall. Advance registration is required to attend the barbecue.

Enjoy delicious barbecued chicken or veggie burgers, salt potatoes, baked beans (vegetarian-based), coleslaw, tossed salad, corn on the cob, rolls and butter, beverages, and cake. Food is fresh from Chiavetta’s. Come and meet your UUP colleagues and enjoy quality back-to-school time together. Meet and greet state and chapter UUP leaders who will be attending the event.

This barbecue is a UUP members-only event. To verify membership status, examine your pay stub. The pay stub should say “UUP Member” on the lower right. If it says “UUP Agency Fee,” you are not a member. UUP membership carries many entitlements, including eligibility to vote on contracts and in local chapter elections, and eligibility for benefit programs in retirement. To check on membership status or to see if you are eligible to become a full UUP member in time for the barbecue, please contact chapter assistant Jean Yarwood before Wednesday, August 31. She may be reached Monday through Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at 878-5732. There is no additional cost for membership.

Please be sure to register online for the barbecue by Wednesday, August 31. The registration link has been provided to members via e-mail. Advance registration also makes registrants eligible for prizes.

Buffalo State employees are entitled to over 1,100 discounts at various local, regional, and national vendors through the "My Better Benefits" membership program. Employees can enjoy savings on such items as movie tickets, amusement parks, ski resorts, hotels, tours, Broadway and Vegas shows, and sporting events. The service is free. Sign up today and visit often; new products and discounts are constantly being added.

Please visit mybetterbenefits.org or plumbenefits.com and follow the instructions.

SUNY ID: SUNYBENEFITS
Company Code: SUNY518

Mass for the Feast of the Assumption will be celebrated Monday, August 15, at 12:05 p.m. in the Campbell Student Union Assembly Hall and at 6:00 p.m. in the Newman Center Chapel, 1219 Elmwood Avenue. We hope to see you there!

The Newman Center Catholic Campus Ministry at Buffalo State is a source of spiritual growth and development for Buffalo State students, faculty, and staff and an intentional community of family and friends. The Newman Center is located at 1219 Elmwood Avenue.

Barnes & Noble at Buffalo State is selling the newest installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts I and II, for $20.99—30 percent off the retail price. Stop by the bookstore today!

Paulette Pagano, secretary 1 in the Vice President for Finance and Management's Office, is retiring after 40 years of state service, the past eight with Buffalo State. The campus community is invited to stop by and wish her an enjoyable retirement on Wednesday, August 10, between noon and 3:00 p.m. in Cleveland Hall 205.

Come and celebrate Mass on the First Friday of each month at 8:00 a.m. in the Newman Center Chapel. We will gather for Mass and start the month with a renewed perspective. Stay for a cup of coffee afterward or take a cup to go. Join us Friday, August 5. All are welcome!

We are located at 1219 Elmwood Avenue, across the street from the Burchfield Penney Art Center.

Raffle summary and photos from the 2016 Professional Staff Caucus Corn Fest are now available on the PSC website. The list of raffle basket donors will be posted on the website next week. We thank them for their generosity!

Thanks to everyone who turned out for the annual Professional Staff Corn Fest on Wednesday, July 20. Because of the generosity of campus offices, local businesses, and individuals, we will be able to add substantially to our scholarship fund. Photos and details will be posted on the PSC website next week. Door prizes went to J. Rankin (printer); L. Mabry (Fitness Center package); K. McNeight (blanket); and S.M. Paige (50/50 - $200).

If you wanted a comfy black Buffalo State T-shirt but missed out, they are still available from Pam Voyer, stewardship and special projects officer, 878-3725. Thank you from the Corn Fest team!

Bengals Dare to Care Day is Saturday, September 17, and we need your help! Dare to Care Day takes place from 8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with 20–25 community service projects throughout the city of Buffalo. Each project needs a site coordinator to assist with logistics. Please consider signing up for this important but very simple job. 

Responsibilities include signing students into the project, greeting and communicating with the community partner on the day of the event, keeping volunteers motivated and safe, facilitating a reflection discussion after the project is complete, and being a point of contact with the VSLC throughout the morning. In return, site coordinators get to know a great group of community-minded students, meet incredible community members doing great work throughout the city, and receive a delicious lunch when they return.

Volunteers must be available for one of the following training dates:

• Tuesday, September 13, 12:15–1:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, September 14, 6:00–7:00 p.m.

Please complete the site coordinator registration form to let us know your interest. Questions can be directed to Aurora Schunk, VSLC assistant coordinator, 878-5811.

Thank you!

Beat the heat! If the thermometer reaches 85 degrees or higher this summer, stop over to the Barnes & Noble at Buffalo State Bookstore and enjoy 25 percent off iced grande beverages, ice cream, and fans! Relax and cool off in our comfortable caf.