Like the commitment of Elizabeth Thompson, who may have said it best, “The really good teachers are the ones you remember; they stick with you all your life.” The Oakdale, California teacher is the most recent winner of a California Casualty $2,500 Academic Award. She added, “I teach because I want to make a difference in each child’s life. [Thanks to California Casualty] I can now do things that I couldn’t do before.”
Elizabeth, a second generation educator, is passionate about finding new ways to enrich and stimulate her students who have learning challenges.
We realize that all too often educators are the unsung heroes working hard to make sure our children excel. They give their time, encouragement, and frequently their own funds to make sure their students learn and achieve. Their reward is the satisfaction that they made a difference in a child’s life.
While we might remember a favorite teacher that motivated us, few of them get the public accolades they deserve. That’s why California Casualty has teamed up with the California Department of Education (CDE) as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2015 School Recognition Program that honors educators who inspire students to succeed, recognizes schools that continually show high achievement and celebrates the support staff that provides the backbone for quality education. California Casualty’s support makes possible the following California School Recognition Programs:
California Gold Ribbon Schools – honoring exemplary public schools which demonstrate significant gains in narrowing the achievement gap
Teacher of the Year – recognizing exemplary teachers and their contribution to quality education
Classified School Employee of the Year – highlighting those who symbolize the profession’s commitment to education
California Green Ribbon School Awards – recognizing schools that accomplish great things in the areas of sustainability and health
California Blue Ribbon Schools – celebrating schools that promote and support the improvement of education
With a relationship that spans more than 63 years, we understand that great teachers often need help to accomplish great things. They get support from fellow educators, encouraging leaders and schools that go outside the box with new ideas, new technology and thinking that allows instructors to do what they do best; stimulate young minds to reach to new heights.
California Casualty has a commitment to educators like Elizabeth. We do more than provide the CTA Auto and Home Insurance Program, we give back to the communities we serve in meaningful ways that have real impact on their lives. These include the $2,500 California Casualty Academic Award, that helps offset the money that educators spend of their own funds for classroom supplies and equipment; the California Casualty Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grants, given to public high schools in California that demonstrate the greatest need for their sporting programs; and the Impact Teen Drivers “Create Real Impact” contest, that awards students and schools that design the best interactive messages to prevent distracted and reckless driving – the number one killer of teens today.
Teachers and support staff do make a difference. They are committed to our children and that’s why the CDE’s School Recognition Program is so important, and why California Casualty is proud to be a sponsor.
For Educators, Peace Officers, Firefighters, and Nurses – people who make our communities better – taking time off work for the flu has more repercussions than it does for your average cubicle dweller. That’s why we wanted to share some tips on telling the difference between a cold and the flu, and how you can protect yourself.
As this season’s flu outbreak continues to spread, many are wondering if they actually have the flu, and how can they prevent it from spreading. Both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Web MD agree sometimes it’s hard to tell what is causing your cough, body aches and fever but here are some things to know:
Both colds and the flu are upper respiratory illnesses. A cold is milder and will ease in a few days. Flu symptoms are much more severe, can last up to 10 days and can result in serious health problems like pneumonia and hospitalization. How can someone differentiate between the two?
COLDS
Colds usually last a week.
They normally begin with a sore throat that diminishes in a day or two.
Fever is very uncommon with colds (except for younger children)
A cough usually develops by the fourth or fifth days.
FLU
Symptoms come on strongly and swiftly
Sore throat
Fever
Severe muscle aches and soreness
Congestion and coughs
Swine flu also is associated with vomiting and diarrhea
The best ways to prevent the flu is to:
Get a flu vaccination
Wash hands frequently
Avoid others who are sick, and stay home if you are feeling unwell
Get plenty of sleep and stay hydrated with water, teas and other non-caffeinated drinks
Ask your physician about antiviral drugs that can blunt flu symptoms if prescribed within the first 48 hours of your first symptoms.
One of the best resources about the flu can be found at www.flu.gov.
Francis is a full-time firefighter and part-time nurse at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia. Before serving in these life-saving capacities, Fran was a Paramedic. Firefighting runs in Fran’s family. His father was a retired Philadelphia Fire Department Captain who served for more than 30 years.
On July 4, 2012, Fran entered a smoke-filled home and heard a woman in distress on the 2nd floor. When Fran found her, she was trapped, panicked and out of breathe from breathing in too much smoke. In a split-second decision, Fran took a big breath, removed his tank and put it on the woman. Both got out safely, although Fran was hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Fran later met the woman he saved, and presented her with about $500 of his own overtime pay to help her and her family.
On April 9, Fran was injured in a warehouse fire. He was inspecting an adjacent building to the warehouse when the wall and roof began to fall. Fran was buried in the rubble but managed to dig himself out. Two of Fran’s Ladder 10 firefighter brothers, Lt. Robert Neary and Firefighter Daniel Sweeney, were killed in the fire and and Firefighter Patrick Nally sustained serious injuries. Fran was able to return to work 3 weeks later. Fran donated his Hero of the Month prize money to the Philadelphia Firefighters Local 22 Widow’s Fund and the assistance in healthcare fund at the Cancer Treatment Center of America .
Officer Mansfield started his career in law enforcement officer at the age of 25, and now has been serving his community for more than 37 years. Before retiring in 2012, he served with the North Salt Lake Police, Woods Cross Police, Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office, Adult Probation and Parole, the Midvale City Police, and Utah Transit Authority Police Department.
Colleagues and Family say that he is trustworthy, honest, sincere, and has always stood up for those in danger. In one particular case, Officer Mansfield stopped theft of arcade tokens used for boarding transit trains and his investigation led to eight arrests. Officer Mansfield has suffered multiple injuries in the line of duty, including a life-threatening gunshot to the leg.
He stays busy as a security officer and volunteer Chaplain at the local children’s hospital. He also serves as Chaplain of his local American Legion Post. Officer Mansfield is active in many community activities, also active in several cancer support groups, as he is a cancer survivor himself. He has received many awards, including a Purple Heart and the Medal of Valor for saving a fellow officer’s life.
Beth is a Registered Nurse working in the ambulatory surgery unit of an Illinois hospital. Beth was nominated by friend and fellow nurse, Terri, for her exceptional patient care and overall admirable attitude. After Terri first nominated Beth, the letters began to flood in. When all was said and done, we received more than 14 individual letters about Beth- more than any other Nominate a Hero candidate thus far-from patients, coworkers (Nurses and Doctors), and even the Mayor.
To highlight Beth and show you some of the reasons our audiences voted her our July Nominate a Hero winner, we have included some excerpts from her nomination letters here:
I have experienced firsthand… that she is an extremely caring and dedicated nurse always going above and beyond the call of duty in all aspects of her professions. Beth contributes significantly her knowledge and experience to nursing colleagues and other care givers and is well-respected by all members of the healthcare team. She is a great people person and shares laughter throughout the working day, all while maintaining a professional atmosphere and putting the patient first.
– Mayor Ezard, City of Jacksonville
Beth’s official title is “Registered Nurse” but to those who know her she is much more than that. She is a friend, a confidante, a staunch supporter of patient safety and an unyielding opponent of poor or apathetic care.
– Peter R., M.D.
Beth is a constant example of the positive attitude and upbeat personality we all aspire to display.
– S. Ford, R.N.
I am the nurse I am today because of her mentoring and role modeling… Beth’s ability to relate and communicate with patients and families had the biggest impact on me.
– Leanne W., Clinical Director and Manager
Rarely have I met someone of Beth’s caliber… Our deaf patients adore her because she interacts with them directly and treats them with respect… Beth’s sense of humor and experience put the patient at ease. Each patient feels like they are getting undivided attention. She is successful at all of her endeavors and a leader among her colleagues.
– Joan O., Colleague
Here is why her coworker, Terri, chose to nominate Beth in the first place:
For Educators, Peace Officers, Firefighters, and Nurses – people who make our communities better – taking time off work for the flu has more repercussions than it does for your average cubicle dweller. That’s why we wanted to share some tips on telling the difference between a cold and the flu, and how you can protect yourself.
Francis is a full-time firefighter and part-time nurse at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia. Before serving in these life-saving capacities, Fran was a Paramedic. Firefighting runs in Fran’s family. His father was a retired Philadelphia Fire Department Captain who served for more than 30 years.
He stays busy as a security officer and volunteer Chaplain at the local children’s hospital. He also serves as Chaplain of his local American Legion Post. Officer Mansfield is active in many community activities, also active in several cancer support groups, as he is a cancer survivor himself. He has received many awards, including a Purple Heart and the Medal of Valor for saving a fellow officer’s life.
Beth is a Registered Nurse working in the ambulatory surgery unit of an Illinois hospital. Beth was nominated by friend and fellow nurse, Terri, for her exceptional patient care and overall admirable attitude. After Terri first nominated Beth, the letters began to flood in. When all was said and done, we received more than 14 individual letters about Beth- more than any other Nominate a Hero candidate thus far-from patients, coworkers (Nurses and Doctors), and even the Mayor.