Flu shots arrive
The University’s allotment of flu shots has arrived. Those interested can get the vaccine on either the Gorham or Portland campus at University Health Services.
According to Nurse Practitioner Carri Nix Kivela, people at high risk of complications from the flu should get the vaccine. People with asthma and diabetes are at high risk, as well as individuals over the age of 55, said Nix Kivela.
Students with the University’s health care plan get the shots for $5, and faculty with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield get the vaccine free. Students, faculty, and staff with no insurance coverage can get the shots for $10.
The shots arrived on campus almost a month late, missing their expected shipment date of mid-October due to manufacturer shortages. However, Nix Kivela said that November is a better time of year to receive the vaccine.
“Now is a good time to get the flu shots because you need it to carry you through the flu season, which ends in February or March.”
ARAMARK’s latest special
ARAMARK introduced a new selection last week – the Roma Round, one of many specials USM’s dining provider will cycle in and out of its menu throughout the year.
The Roma Round consists of hand-rolled dough, “brushed with a pepper marinade – black pepper, asiago cheese, and ‘secret spices,'” said Andrew Hutchins, ARAMARK’s executive chef. The dough is then stuffed with a blend of ricotta and Parmesan cheeses, in addition to one of many fillings offered throughout the week.
The choices of fillings include sausage and bell pepper, chicken Parmesan, eggplant, and grilled chicken. Each version is $3.29.
The sale of the Roma Round is going fairly well, according to Hutchins, though it will be served only two more weeks. Each of ARAMARK’s rotating specials, known as Fast Tracks, lasts only three weeks.
However, said Hutchins, “If we find something does very well, we may consider running it longer.”
USM seeking volunteers for Habitat for Humanity
Andrea Thompson McCall, associate director of Community Service, is recruiting students to help Habitat for Humanity with the construction of a house in the Greater Portland area.
Habitat for Humanity recently started building the house and hopes to get the walls framed and a roof in place before winter weather arrives so work can continue inside throughout the winter.
McCall hopes to build a team of six to 10 people to volunteer on Fridays between now and the end of the year. No building or carpentry experience is needed, said McCall, because the site construction supervisor is an able instructor, willing to train volunteers on the project.
Habitat is a nonprofit organization that builds affordable housing for low-income families. Habitat provides affordable housing by selling them at no profit, by receiving donations toward the cost of the project, and by utilizing the homeowners’ and volunteers’ labor in building.