Briefs

Holiday Unity Celebration: This year, as a result of the recent national tragedies and general unease about the future, "A Gathering of Hope" has been selected as the theme for the fifth annual Holiday Unity Celebration, Friday, Dec. 14, from noon to 1:15 p.m. in the Founder's Room at Anabel Taylor Hall. This event brings the Cornell community together to celebrate its diversity during the year-end holiday season. Presenters from various ethnic, spiritual and religious traditions will share stories from their childhood and discuss how they have incorporated older traditions into their presen- day lives. In addition, they will share stories dealing with the theme of hope and how each tradition incorporates the concept of hope in its teachings and values. The program will be kicked off with a welcome to Cornell United Religious Work's new director, Kenneth Clarke. Michele Moody-Adams, director of Cornell's program on Ethics and Public Life and professor of philosophy, will serve as emcee. Among the presenters will be Mossaad Abdel-Ghany, research associate in the College of Veterinary Medicine, who will speak on the Muslim faith; Tenzin Gephel, a monk and Tibetan Buddhist chaplain with CURW; Rabbi Edward Rosenthal, executive director of Cornell Hillel; and Irma Almirall-Padamsee, director of student affairs and diversity for Campus Life. A sampling of various international cookies and treats will be served beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Free flu vaccine: Cornell is offering free flu vaccine to faculty and staff with a Cornell ID card. This is the first time the vaccine has been offered free. Students and guests may receive the vaccine for $10. There is still a lot of vaccine left. Health officials say it is better to be vaccinated before the holidays, but the vaccine can be given well into January and February. Call Gannett Health Services at 255-5155 for an appointment, or stop by Gannett between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays or between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Saturdays, and ask for a flu shot. This year, health officials say, they want to reach out and try to reduce the number of Cornell community members who become ill from influenza.