The IRS announced that, effective July 1, 2011, the new standard mileage reimbursement rate will be 55.5 cents per mile. This is up from the standard mileage reimbursement rate of 51 cents per mile that went into effect January 1, 2011.

The Burchfield Penney Art Center is happy to recognize its 2011 Esprit de Corps and Millicent Heller Award recipients.

The Esprit de Corps Awards honor individuals and organizations for their commitment, outstanding leadership, and support of the Burchfield Penney. The 2011 recipients are Jan and Diane Williams (artist category); Carol Heckman (board member category); BlueCross BlueShield of Western New York (business category); the Charles E. Burchfield Foundation (foundation category); Louis P. Ciminelli (individual category); Joan and Peter Andrews (special recognition); Eden Interiors (special recognition); and the John R. Oishei Foundation (special recognition).

The Millicent Heller Award is given annually, in memory of volunteer Millicent Heller, to a volunteer (or volunteers) who embody Mrs. Heller's devotion to the museum. The 2011 recipient is Ann Whitcher with special recognition to Mary-Louise Clark and Judy Wynne.

The awardees were honored at a reception at the Burchfield Penney on June 16.

Due to the underground utility Improvement project, a planned water interruption for tie-ins below will begin next week. 

Tuesday, June 28, Wednesday, June 29, and Thursday, June 30, the water to Towers 3 and 4 will be shut off at 8:00 a.m. and turned back on at 8:00 p.m. each day for the contractor to complete their work.  Any questions, please call Bob Yankelunas at ext. 3291. 

The Donald Savage Theater and Communication Building will be closed for the day on Sunday, June 26, until 5:00 p.m. to accommodate loading and unloading of heavy equipment associated with the building's roofing project.  Any questions can be directed to Bob Yankelunas at ext. 3291.

For more information about this project, please visit www.buffalostate.edu/construction.

The Buffalo State Sustainability Council will present the highly-acclaimed PBS Nature episode, "Hummingbirds: Magic in the Air" on Tuesday, June 28, from noon to 1:00 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 210.  One of the smallest yet quickest endothermic (warm-blooded) creatures in the world, hummingbirds beat their wings up to 200 times per second and are the only birds able to hover, fly backwards, and even upside down. These tiny avian predators have also evolved some incredible adaptations allowing many unique sub-species to survive in their immediate surroundings. You will be treated to a view of hummingbirds as they have never been seen before from cameras able to capture over 500 images per second.  Welcome Summer and the return of the hummingbird with us!

A representative from ERS will be on campus Thursday, June 23, for a presentation on pre-retirement planning for members of the NYS Employees' Retirement System who are age 50 or older.  Topics to be covered include: Calculating Benefits, Determining Final Average Salary, Service Credit Rules, Estimates, What to Expect After Retirement, Cost of Living Adjustments, Death Benefits and Survivor Benefits.  The presentation will be held in E. H. Butler Library 210 from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.  There is still limited space available.  If you would like to attend, please contact Lisa Gemmati at ext. 4821 or colemall@buffalostate.edu

In preparation for the Caudell Hall rehabilitation project, an exterior building analysis will be performed with the use of a boom lift starting on Wednesday, June 22. Verification of existing interior conditions will also begin this week.  If  you have any questions, please call Debra Hurley at ext. 6035.

The Buffalo State Alumni Association is proud to continue its Wine Club: "Uncorking the Possibilities" event series. Come to our fourth event at JoJo Bistro & Wine Bar on Wednesday, July 20, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., for a unique tasting experience. The "Old World" themed menu is available below:

1st Course: Watermelon Soup
2nd Course: Pear Pomegranate Salad
3rd Course: Snapper Dish
4th Course: Elegant Strawberry Dessert

Register now! Space is limited.

Workshops for Introduction to Windows 7 and Word 2010 have been added to the training schedule. The schedule is viewable at http://bscintra.buffalostate.edu/registration.

Seating is limited. More of these workshops will be scheduled for July 2011.

For more information, contact Paul Reynolds at reynolap@buffalostate.edu or ext. 3361.

Human resource professionals say that 80 percent of the people who fail at their jobs do so for one reason—they don't relate well to other people. Powerful communication skills can make a positive difference in one's personal and professional success. This workshop, Wednesday, June 29, from noon to 2:00 p.m. in E. H. Butler Library 181, will explore how to be a better communicator. Participants will learn the skill of assertive communications to acquire trust and credibility, how to project a professional image through verbal and non-verbal communication practices, and how to be more effective by implementing applicable communication techniques. 

R.S.V.P. to http://bscintra.buffalostate.edu/registration/default.asp?cat=12&month=ALL&year=ALL by Monday, June 27. Lunch provided.