For more information on holiday safety, please go to www.cpsc.gov/sitemap.html. At the sitemap, choose "Find publications by topic," then "Holiday Safety."

More Tips . . . .

Tis' the season for thieves, burglars and pickpockets! With the spirit of giving in full swing, do not be lulled into giving these individuals targets. Crooks love this season because it is an opportune time for crime. Below are some personal security tips to assist you during this month.
If you're traveling . . .

• Get an automatic timer for your lights
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home and to park in your driveway from time to time
• Don't forget to have mail and newspaper deliveries stopped. If it piles up, it's a sure sign no one is at home.

If you're out for the evening . . .

• Turn on lights, a radio or a TV so it looks like someone is home
• Double check to make sure that all doors and windows are properly locked
• Don't display gifts where they can be seen from your windows

If you're shopping . . .

• Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you at all times
• Park in a well-lighted area, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash; pay with a credit card or checks whenever possible
• Deter pickpockets and purse snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put your wallet in your front pants pocket or inside a coat.

If a stranger comes to your door, beware!

Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts. It isn't uncommon for people to try and take advantage of others' generosity by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there's no charity involved. Donate to the charitable organizations you like and know, instead.

And, most importantly . . .

Please don't drink and drive. If you consume alcohol at a party, let someone else drive who hasn't consumed alcohol or take public transportation.

From Motorola

Academic Facilities Conference - Fall 2003

The Academic Facilities Conference was held the Thursday and Friday before World Workplace in Dallas. Although there were only about 18 attendees, the country was well-represented geographically with attendees from all regions of the United States as well as Washington D.C., and Toronto, Canada.

Thursday was spent at the Texas Christian University campus in Fort Worth. Larry Garrison, campus architect, graciously hosted the program. Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Dr. Mills, gave an enlightening and humorous account how today's student body relates to the facilities we build and maintain. In the afternoon we toured several of the buildings on campus - the Rec Sports Addition, Engineering Building, and a student housing facility.

At lunchtime the group held their business meeting. The spring program at Penn State was discussed. We also had a few visitors from IFMA in Houston -Jeff (membership) and Leslie (council resource manager).

Friday was spent at the campus of Southern Methodist University. The group spent the morning learning about the school's Capital Campaign, and the Facility Management program. Bill Baker of Raytheon spoke about team communications, benchmarking, and opportunities for sharing information within his company using his method of Six Sigma.

In the afternoon the group toured the Central Plant facility, as well as the Caruth and Junkins buildings and the grounds in general.

After a recap of the conference events, and a discussion on how to increase participation in the council conferences, the group adjourned.

Submitted by Robin Connolly

Sub Contractor Safety Equipment

It is imperative that ALL sub contractors abide by the same safety rules and regulations that you expect from your own employees.
Your safety rules and regulations are to be enforced at ALL TIMES!!! Not just when the safety person is on the job. They MUST be enforced at all times. On jobs where you have a General Contractor, hold them responsible for injuries to your subs employees as well as our own. If you are a Project Manager / Account Manager on a job site, it is your responsibility to make sure that all safety rules and regulations are being followed.

Submitted by J.R. Howard

A Touching Story from the 9-11 Tragedy

A man from Norfolk, VA called a local radio station to share this on Sept 11th, 2003. His Name was Robert Matthews. These are his words:

"A few weeks before Sept 11th, my wife and I found out we were going to have our first child. She planned a trip out to California to visit her sister. On our way to the airport, we prayed that God would grant my wife a safe trip and be with her. Shortly after I said 'amen' we both heard a loud pop and the car shook violently. we had blown out a tire. I replaced the tire as quickly as I could, but we still missed her flight.

Both very upset, we drove home. I received a call from my father who was retired FDNY. He asked what my wife's flight number was, but explained that we missed the flight. My father informed me that her flight was the one that crashed into the southern tower.

I was too shocked to speak. My father also had more news for me; he was going to help. 'This is not something I can just sit by for, I have to do something.'

I was concerned for his safety, of course, but more because he had never given his life to Christ. After a brief debate, I knew his mind was made up. Before he got off of the phone, he said, 'take good care of my grandchild.' Those were the last words I ever heard my father say; he died while helping in the rescue effort. My joy that my prayer of safety for my wife had been answered quickly became anger. Anger at God, at my father, and at myself. I had gone for nearly 2 years blaming God for taking my father away. My son would never know his grandfather, my father had never accepted Christ, and I never got to say goodbye.

Then something happened.

About 2 months ago, I was sitting at home with my wife and my son, when there was a knock on the door. I looked at my wife, but I could tell she wasn't expecting anyone. I opened the door to a couple with a small child.

The man looked at me and asked if my father's name was Jake Matthews. I told him it was. He quickly grabbed my hand and said, 'I never got the chance to meet your father, but it is an honor to meet his son.' He explained to me that his wife had worked in the World Trade Center and had been caught inside after the attack. She was pregnant and had been caught under debris.

He then explained that my father had been the one to find his wife and free her. My eyes welled up with tears as I thought of my father giving his life for people like this. He then said, 'there is something else you need to know.'

His wife then told me that as my father worked to free her, she talked to him and led him to Christ. I began sobbing at the news. Now I know that when I get to heaven, my father will be standing beside Jesus to welcome me, and that this family would be able to thank him themselves. "

When their baby boy was born, they named him Jacob Matthew in honor of the man who gave his life so mother and baby could live.

This story should help us to realize two things: First, that though it has been two years since the attacks, we should never let it become a mere tragic memory. And second, but most important, God is always in control. We may not see the reason behind things, and we may never know this side of heaven, but God is ALWAYS in control.

The Angel of Hospice 2003

Les Amis de Hospice Austin is offering a limited edition angel created by artist Judy Murphree of the finest white clay. Each year a new angel will be designed and offered for your collection or as the perfect gift for a wedding, new birth, remembrance or special friend. Les Amis de Hospice Austin is a voluntary organization that exists to raise community awareness of hospice services and provide financial support for Hospice Austin, the only non-profit hospice in Austin. For over 20 years, Hospice Austin has provided services to terminally ill patients and their families, helping to enhance their quality of life and allowing them to maintain their dignity as they cope with the dying process.

Angels of Hospice are beautifully presented in gift boxes and may be purchased for $25 from Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Rd. or Hospice Austin's Christopher House, 2820 E. MLK. For more information call 342-4700 or visit the website, www.hospiceaustin.org and click on the angel on the right side of the page.

Please pass this email on to anyone in your address book who may be interested in supporting Hospice Austin through the purchase of an angel.

Judy Secrest
Special Events Coordinator
Hospice Austin
Voice: (512) 342-4791
Fax: (512) 795-9053
judy@hospiceaustin.org

We encourage you to visit our website for all the scoop for the Austin chapter at: www.IFMA-Austin.org