It’s been two weeks since an F5 Tornado decimated a large portion of Joplin, MO – killing at least 142 people and causing widespread devastation. Much of the city still lies in ruin, but an army of volunteers is working side-by-side with area firefighters and police to help locate missing people and to begin the clean up and recovery efforts.
Out of this disaster stems a number of stories – some of which are inspiring, and some are heart wrenching.
Riverside Police Department
First – Riverside, MO Police Officer Jeff Taylor was quick to volunteer his assistance in the city – a 3 hour drive from his home. While helping, lightning struck the ground near him on May 23rd. Officials in Riverside announced today that he died from the injuries sustained in the lightning strike – making the ultimate sacrifice while helping others. Jeff was 31 years old.(read more)
Next – Dr. Kevin Kitka, an ER doctor at St. John’s Regional provided a dramatic and poignant account of that day – as his hospital was ripped apart by the twister and they struggled to care for patients and a large number of new critically injured patients. It’s a harrowing tale, and I encourage you to read it in its entirety, to try to paraphrase it here doesn’t do it justice. (read it here)
The crushed SUV
Lastly – one of the many heartwarming stories of everyday people doing what they can to help out. A personal friend of mine, Marty Fahncke took it upon himself to assist in the cleanup effort. The hero in his story though, is his 6-year old son – who happened to be in the right place at the right time to help retrieve an elderly woman’s medication from a crushed SUV. When they pried open the door, he was the only person who could fit – and he braved broken glass and sharp metal to help a woman he had just met. Read the entire story here.
On of my favorite summer foods is grilled zucchini and squash. It’s a great compliment to almost any meat, and it’s healthy and affordable. Try this delicious version and let me know what you think!
Ingredients
3 zucchini
3 tablespoons butter, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
Cut the zucchini in half crosswise, then slice each half into 3 slices lengthwise, making 6 slices per zucchini.
Mix the butter, garlic, and parsley in a bowl, and spread the mixture on both sides of each zucchini slice. Sprinkle one side of each slice with Parmesan cheese, and place the slices, cheese sides up, crosswise on the preheated grill to keep them from falling through.
Grill the zucchini until the cheese has melted and the slices are cooked through and show grill marks, about 8 minutes.
Memorial Day, for many people, means the start of the summer boating season. It also means a lot of people will be out on the water…many of them novices who may not have a good grounding in boating safety.
Here are some good tips from Treadlightly.org to help keep you safe on the water:
* Travel only in areas open to your type of boat.
* Carry a Coast Guard approved life vest (PFD) for each person on board.
* Always operate your boat at a safe speed.
* Always have a designated lookout to keep an eye out for other boaters, objects and swimmers.
*Never jump a wake. If crossing a wake, cross at low speeds and keep a close lookout for skiers and towables.
*Comply with all signs and respect barriers. This includes speed limits, no-wake zones and underwater obstructions, etc.
* Make every effort to always go boating with a partner.
* Make certain your trailer is in proper working order and that your lights work and your boat is secure on the trailer before you travel to your destination.
* When trailering your boat, balance your load including items stowed inside your boat.
*Don’t mix boating with alcohol or drugs.
Last evening, a massive tornado struck Joplin, MO – leaving at least 89 dead and many residents homeless. Between 25-30% of the city suffered significant damage, including a local hospital and school.
Officials are urging residents to stay at home if possible, and extensive search and rescue efforts are underway. Joplin officials ask that any first responders or medical professionals who are available join in their efforts.
Here is the info we’ve gathered so far – feel free to add in the comments or on our Facebook Page. We found quite a bit of this info here.
Red Cross Safe and Well page: Check to see if friends and family are safe and well. If you are a Joplin resident you can list yourself as safe and well on this site.
National Americorp Volunteers are setting up a national hotline for residents to call to check on loved ones. The number is (417) 659-5464 .
Online map with specific site related information for Joplin, MO tornado.
Other numbers to call — triage centers:
417-623-3254 (joplin memorial hall)
417-624-9320 (mcauley school)
417-347-6656 (freeman hospital)
Integris Baptist Health Center in Miami – 918-542-6611
This recipe is provided by one of our execs, Mike McCormick. He’s the resident fitness buff in our office, and shared a great recipe for healthy blueberry “muscle” muffins with us.
8 egg whites
1/2 cub oatmeal
1 scoop whey protein vanilla
1 cup blue berries
Add 8 egg whites to bowl
Stir in Oats and protein until mixed well
Add Blueberries and fold in gently
Spoon into greased Muffin Pan ( we prefer canola oil spray)
Bake at 350 degrees for 14-16 minutes
On of my favorite summer foods is grilled zucchini and squash. It’s a great compliment to almost any meat, and it’s healthy and affordable. Try this delicious version and let me know what you think!
Officials are urging residents to stay at home if possible, and extensive search and rescue efforts are underway. Joplin officials ask that any first responders or medical professionals who are available join in their efforts.
8 egg whites