Open for Business: The Healing Quilt Project of the Ozarks

The Healing Quilt Project of the Ozarks moved from the home of Rick McCormack (right) to its new home in the Vandivort Center at 305 E. Walnut on Nov. 29. It operates out of two small office spaces one serves as founder and director McCormack's office, and the other is a workshop run by Michael Ardagno (left) for making quilts in memory of those who have died from a terminal illness, violent crime, by accident or AIDS. "Primarily, we make quilts. We give them to the terminally ill who are in hospice care that maybe don't have any family or are at the end of life," McCormack said. Hanging in the workshop is a quilt made in memory of Brad Murphy, fairgrounds employee who was killed in an explosion at the fairground last year. Panels can be loaned for public display or taken to schools for educational purposes, he said. "Right now we're trying to get $500 for the last part of our 501c(3)," McCormack said. Once the nonprofit designation is in place, McCormack plans on securing grants to fund continuing operations. Previously, McCormack worked for four years with "Open Hand," a San Francisco-based food program that fed people with HIV and AIDS, seniors and home-bound, critically ill people, he said. Workshop hours are 11 a.m.5 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The organization has no employees, McCormack said; there are about five volunteers.

Larry Snyder & Company and LS&C Development Services Inc. opened new offices Dec. 29 at 4820 N. Towne Centre Drive in Ozark. The 24-year-old, privately owned general contracting business began in Joplin and maintains an office there at 1823 E. 20th, according to Jewel Lackey, administrative assistant for the Ozark office. The firm employs about 30 out of both offices and handles commercial construction, primarily hotels, apartments and time-share facilities, she said. LS&C Development is the excavating unit of the business. Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Karen and Keith Miller Jan. 10 opened Slim and Tone, a women's fitness facility, at 3302 S. National Ave., Ste. C, in Kelly Plaza. Slim & Tone is a national franchise based in Philadelphia. Karen Miller said Slim and Tone offers 30-minute circuit workouts with cardio, strength training and free weights, and has certified athletic trainers on staff. The 1,900-square-foot facility has showers and changing rooms, she said. It is open 6:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday.