Briefs

Arecibo relief goal met: Thomas Hoebbel, vice chair of the Employee Assembly, has announced that the fund drive to help employees at the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico affected by Hurricane Georges has surpassed its goal of $10,000. "This was truly a campuswide effort and could not have been successful without the broad based support that we received," Hoebbel said. "Donations were received from all areas of campus, from dedicated staff and faculty through the chairman of the board of trustees." Donors included many individuals and also featured exceptional efforts from the College of Arts and Sciences and its dean, Facilities and Campus Services and the Office of the Vice Provost for Research.

Flu shots: If you can't afford to miss a week of work or classes this winter, it's not too late to get a flu shot. Flu vaccine is recommended for anyone who wants to reduce the risk of contracting influenza, as well as for individuals with chronic medical conditions (such as heart or lung disease, asthma or diabetes). Flu shots ($10) are available at Gannett Health Center: call 255-6954 to schedule an appointment.

Joan Fisher open house: There will be a Student Open House in honor of Joan Fisher, assistant director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, Monday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in 234 Day Hall. Fisher, who will be retiring Jan. 1, 1999, has been with the university for 11 years and has been instrumental in serving students with disabilities. All members of the community and especially students are welcome to stop by throughout the day. Refreshments will be available.

Weather calendar: The 1999 Ithaca Weather Calendar is available as a gift idea for the season at $8. The calendar supplies the average maximum and minimum temperatures, the record high and low temperatures and the year they occurred, moon phases, and the times of sunrise and sunset for each day. Climate statistics including temperature, degree days, precipitation, snowfall, and extremes for the last five years are featured along with photos. The calendars are available at 1123 Bradfield Hall, Cornell Orchards, Ithaca Agway, Cornell Campus Store, Ludgates or Logo's Emporium on the Commons. For further information, call Pam Vitale at 255-3034.

Holiday stress: Holidays can be a stressful time. Pressures, expectations, the loss of loved ones during the year -- all are experienced with more intensity during the holiday period. The most effective way of getting through these hard times is by talking about it. Suicide Prevention and Crisis Service Crisisline counselors will welcome your call anytime, day or night. Calls are free, confidential and anonymous. The Crisisline is 272-1616.