On the Street

OSHA impostor

Associated Industries of Missouri has received word that a man who identifies himself as Tom Lewis is posing as an inspector for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The impostor is calling employers and telling them that he works for OSHA through the Kansas City regional office. He asks for the names of employees, typically in the information technology department, and for a description of their job duties. If he's questioned, the individual tells the employer OSHA needs the information for a report that will be sent to the senior manager at the plant location. If questioned further, he becomes evasive. If a telephone number is requested, he provides the general number for the OSHA Regional Office. Employers who receive a suspicious call from OSHA should ask for proper identification. Also they should be aware that the type of information the impostor is requesting does not have to be provided over the telephone. Suspicious calls, or calls from this individual should be reported to OSHA's Kansas City Regional Office at 816-426-5861.

Homes of cans and faith

The holidays this year are extra-special for two local families who celebrated Thanksgiving and will celebrate Christmas in their own Habitat for Humanity homes. Both homes were dedicated Nov. 23 in the McAL subdivision, and both homes represent landmarks for Habitat for Humanity of Springfield. The Michelle Bowe family home "The House That Cans Built" is the first house built with money generated by the "Aluminum Cans Build Habitat for Humanity Homes" recycling program. The Dawn Southard family home is the first joint church-sponsored home for the local affiliate, and it is known as "The House of Faith."

Memory Walk totals

The Alzheimer's Association-Southwest Missouri Chapter announced that the proceeds from its annual Memory Walk Fundraiser were more than $110,000 in 2003, an all-time record for the chapter. More than 1,000 people participated in one of eight Memory Walks held in September or October in southwest Missouri. There are currently more than 4 million Americans with Alzheimer's disease and more than 20,000 people with the disease in southwest Missouri. Funds raised from Memory Walks help fund support programs and services for individuals with Alzheimer's and their families and caregivers.

Slice of Nice

Through Dec. 31, The Gardens Assisted Living and Parkmoor Independent Retirement Communities are collecting food and money to donate to The Kitchen, which prepares more than 1,000 meals per day. An anonymous donor family has pledged to match every dollar that is donated, up to $50,000. The Gardens Assisted Living is at 1302 W. Sunset, and Parkmoor is at 2730 S. Nettleton.