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
One of the things I’m most proud of as a California Casualty employee is the dedication that we have to serving our customers. It’s part of the culture here – the needs of our customers are at the top of the priority list. That’s why so many of our customers have been with us for a long time. I recently received a copy of a wonderful letter from Jeanne B. – who has been a customer for 50 years. It’s nice to know that our company was able to help her out during a rough time. (paraphrased for brevity and to remove personal info)
Dear California Casualty,
In February of 2011, shortly after my husband’s death, I was driving to a doctor’s appointment in San Francisco when an impatient driver sideswiped my car.
I immediately called California Casualty, and was lucky to have my call answered by Shelly Brown. She handled my claim with kindness and professionalism, recognizing immediately that I was very stressed due to my recent loss. My car was beautifully repaired by one of our recommended body shops and looks like new.
I want to commend Shelly for her prompt action on my behalf, even interceding with Enterprise when they told me there were no rental cars available for less than $27/day. I ended up not having to pay them any money at all.
We have had our house and car insurance with California Casualty for nearly 50 years. Thanks for being there when needed!
I’m proud to be part of a company that does the right thing and takes care of the customers that place their trust in us. Have you experienced great service with your insurance company? If not, why not give us a call and find out what it’s like to have an auto and home insurance company that is dedicated to standing behind you?
Today is Cinco de Mayo – and if you’ve followed us for very long, you know how much the CalCas staff loves food! Daphne (Customer Service) – shared a great Mexican Red Rice Recipe with us – and we’re passing it along to you!
Mexican Red Rice
(takes a little time to make, but, oh, so yummy!)
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 cup long-grain rice (not parboiled or converted)
1/2 pound (about 12 medium) ripe cherry tomatoes, pureed in food processor
2 tablespoons chopped jalapenos or you can use green chiles (depends on your heat preference!)
1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro leaves
Heat oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook for 2 minutes or until tender. Stir in rice, then add pureed tomatoes, jalapenos or chiles, chicken stock, and salt. Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 25 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro.
On Wednesday evening, a series of storms swept throughout the southern states, hitting Alabama especially hard. Authorities estimate that as many as 231 people have been killed in 6 states, making this one of the most devastating tornado outbreaks in the country’s history.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all who are affected by this devastation, as well as the first responders who are working around the clock to help victims and start the cleanup.
Here is some video from the local Tuscaloosa ABC Affiliate:
If you want to learn how to help or how to get prepared – here are some links we just received from FEMA:
Spring and summer are great times – especially for family BBQ’s and tailgating for your favorite baseball teams. I’m going to share my recipe for delicious somewhat-spicy wings you can do on the grill (no mess). It works great for any type of grilled chicken too!
– 1/4 cup of olive oil
– 2 tbl of garlic chili paste (you’ll find it in the Asian section)
– 2-6 tbl of your favorite hot sauce (depends on the heat you want)
– 1 tsp of chopped fresh garlic
– 2 tsp of molasses or honey
– a couple of splashes of fresh lime juice
– 1 tsp of lite soy sauce
Combine all ingredients together in a blender. Season your chicken with salt and pepper, then toss in the marinade. Let set for at least 6 hours, but overnight is even better. Then, fire up the grill and get to cooking! The molasses cuts the heat, and makes for a nice glaze.
If you try them and enjoy it – let me know here or on our Facebook Page!
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