Witness an intersection of science and beauty. Please join us on Tuesday, November 8, to learn more about the formation of snowflakes and to view the beautiful snowflake photography of W. A. Bentley and Tom Niziol. Niziol, a modern-day Bentley, is the meteorologist-in-charge at the Buffalo office of  the National Weather Service. He will lead the presentation, showing many of his own photographs and providing photography tips. We will meet in Classroom Building A209 from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. (Bengal Pause). Frozen refreshments will be served. Sponsored by the Geography and Planning Department, the Meteorology Club, and the Arthur W. Gielow Meteorology Fund.

The Communication Department and the campus Public Relations Student Society of America chapter will present a "Public Relations and the Arts" panel discussion on Thursday, November 3, from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 210. The program is part of Buffalo State's Year of the Arts celebration.

Panelists will include Jeffrey Marsha, director of operations, Performing Arts Center, Buffalo State College; Edward Healy, director of communications, Buffalo Niagara Convention & Visitors Bureau; David Wedekindt, director of marketing, University at Buffalo Center for the Arts; Lisa Grisanti, director of marketing and public relations, Shea's Performing Arts Center; and Susan Clements, coordinator of community relations, Castellani Art Museum, Niagara University. Deborah Silverman, associate professor of communication, will serve as moderator. The panelists will discuss their job responsibilities, career paths, and funding for the arts.

The program is free and open to all Buffalo State students, faculty, and staff.

Ghosts and witches and creatures of fright,
Don't miss the call of Halloween night.
Come one, come all, in the threads of the season;
If you miss this bash, 'tis an act of treason.
Be in Bengal Hall to meet your fate;
Wear your wildest costume
And don't be late!

Halloween-Themed Dinner
Location: Bengal Hall 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Cost: Meal swipe or $11.99 door price
Costume contest begins at 6:00 p.m.
Costume contest is open to Buffalo State students, faculty, and staff

The coordinated program in dietetics will host its annual chili sale on Tuesday, November 1, during Bengal Pause (12:15–1:30 p.m.) outside Caudell Hall 118. For $5, you'll get a bowl of chili, bread, a cookie, and a bottle of water. Choose from vegetarian or beef chili. All profits from the event will be donated to the Food Bank of Western New York. Hope to see you on Tuesday.

Please call the Dietetics and Nutrition Department at ext. 5913 if you have any questions. Thank you for your support.

Please note: The All Saints' Day Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 1, at 12:05 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 208. The previous message stated Monday, November 1, as the Mass date, which is incorrect. Thank you.

In celebration of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 2011 conference in Buffalo, the Burchfield Penney presents an exhibition of watercolors by Buffalo State distinguished alumna Rita Argen Auerbach, '54, '74, featuring some of Buffalo’s most beloved landmarks. The exhibition is on view in the lobby of M&T Bank at One Fountain Plaza in downtown Buffalo through Saturday, December 10.

For more on Auerbach’s work and career, visit www.ritaauerbachpaintings.com.

The Grant Allocation Committee (GAC) is requesting proposals from individuals, departments, and student clubs and organizations for funding of programs, speakers, and events to take place during the 2011–2012 academic year.

The deadline for submitting applications under this funding cycle is Friday, November 18, for spring 2012 program proposals.

An application for funding and complete details of requirements may be found online. New this year, in an effort to cut costs and in line with our efforts to go green, all proposals must be submitted electronically at studentaffairs@buffalostate.edu.

Questions about the GAC may be addressed to Daniel Vélez, assistant to the vice president for student affairs, Cleveland Hall 519, ext. 5550.

Today is the last day to purchase tickets for the Burchfield Penney's Venice Vacation Raffle. The prize will be drawn tonight, October 28, at the museum's 2011 Art Auction and Gala (you need not be present to win). One lucky couple will enjoy a rare opportunity to experience Venetian culture, tour wineries, and explore the scenic beauty of Italy.*

The trip will take place February 15–21, 2012. Tickets are $50 each. A limited number will be sold.

The trip includes

• round-trip airfare for two from Buffalo to Venice;
• deluxe accommodations in Soave and Treviso;
• tours of multiple wineries and vineyards;
• exceptional dining, plus a free day in Venice.

More information is available at www.BPGala.org or www.bpgala.org/2011/files/Italy_Trip_2012.pdf.

For more information or to buy tickets, contact Allie Brady, ext. 3227.

*courtesy of the Premier Group

Dating violence and stalking are prevalent on many campuses across the country. Yet responding to and educating on these crimes produces challenges for those in campus law enforcement and student affairs, and for other university faculty and staff. Webinar participants will gain a better understanding of these issues on campus from this dynamic webinar presented by Security On Campus Inc. (SOC) and Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment (PAVE), as well as tools to create a safer, more responsive campus environment. Presenters will explain how changes in the law will affect campuses. The webinar will include information on tangible, cost-effective resources for education programs, the Campus Sexual Violence Elimination Act (Campus SaVE Act), and how behavior-intervention teams can be used in these cases.

This webinar will be held on Wednesday, November 9, from 1:00 to 2:15 in Bulger Communication Center 120. The webinar is sponsored by the Violence Intervention and Victim Advocacy Office. For more information, please contact Liz McGough, ext. 4029.

The 12th annual Faculty and Staff Research and Creativity Fall Forum is today! All faculty, staff, and students are invited to attend the poster presentations between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Houston Gym. Provost Ponton will offer remarks at 12:30 p.m. A buffet lunch is provided. An advance copy of the program is available on the Research Foundation's website.