Briefs

Chemistry Fair at Pyramid: From a seaweed extract called alginate to the element calcium, learn how chemistry affects our everyday lives. Both materials will be among the host of subjects available for explanation and demonstration at the annual Chemistry Fair, in celebration of National Chemistry Week, at Pyramid Mall in Lansing, Saturday, Nov. 3. The event, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is being sponsored by the Cornell-Ithaca section of the American Chemical Society. All booths will be near the Ames entrance to the mall. Visitors to the Chemistry Fair will be able to take part in hands-on demonstrations by researchers and graduate students from Cornell and Ithaca College. Visitors will be able to explore the world of polymers, try their hand at beating a chemical clock or at finding out how colors are made and make an indigo tie-dye parachute. There will be handouts of free chemistry pencils, posters and magazines. For more information, contact Joy Swanson at 255-4408 or jes21@cornell.edu.

CUSLAR offers classes: The Committee on U.S.-Latin American Relations (CUSLAR) is offering ongoing Spanish and Portuguese classes for the community. Beginning Spanish meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Intermediate Spanish meets Mondays and Wednesdays, 5:30-7 p.m. on each day. The fee is $90 a month. Beginning Portuguese meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, and Intermediate Portuguese meets Mondays and Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m. on each day. The fee is $80 per month. Contact CUSLAR by phone at 255-7293 or by e-mail at cuslar@cornell.edu for more information or to register.

Cops, Kids & Toys drive: Tompkins County law enforcement agencies, including Cornell Police, have started their annual Cops, Kids & Toys program, which began in the early '80s to help families unable to provide holiday gifts for their children. The program continues with that same goal and has been able to help more families in Tompkins County over the years. With the help of the Alcoholism Council, Tompkins County Probation Department, Q Country, the Women's Bowling Association, the Restaurant and Tavern Owner's Association, several Cornell departments, area businesses and organizations and many individuals, Cops, Kids & Toys was able to provide toys for 1,375 children in 2000. Donations of unwrapped new toys or cash can be dropped off at any Tompkins County law enforcement agency by Dec. 18. Checks should be made out to "Cops, Kids & Toys." Toy donations may also be placed in Cops, Kids & Toys collection boxes located at participating area businesses. Parents or guardians in need of supplemental gifts for children in their custody can contact the Alcoholism Council at 274-6288. The cutoff date for signing up to receive gifts is Dec. 10. Toys will be delivered Dec. 19. For further information regarding the program, contact Cornell Police crime prevention officers George Sutfin or Rich Brewer at 255-7404 or e-mail: crime_prevention@cornell.edu.