AS WE APPROACH THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF THE JOPLIN TORNADO, we wanted to connect with some of our member dentists who have provided updates to the Focus since the tragic event occurred in May 2011. This includes an update from Dr. Benjie Rosenberg, who not only reopened his pediatric practice after total destruction, but also has the role of serving as Joplin City Councilman at this important time in the City’s history. We also asked a few questions to Drs. Stephen Menke and Ed McAllister, who rebuilt their practice in a new location and just hosted their open house this January. We thank these doctors for sharing their stories and experiences and continue to wish them well in the restoration process.
Joplin is well on its way J
by DR. BENJAMIN ROSENBERG
oplin is well on its way in the rebuilding process. I would estimate that we are 80 percent rebuilt or building. The new schools and Mercy Hospital are tak- ing shape, and road work is to begin this summer. We have seen many businesses return, along with increase in new businesses. Our dental community remains strong. The majority of the dentists affected by the tornado have rebuilt or relocated— very few are still working in their temporary loca- tions. We did lose one or two dentists to retirement. Personally, I rebuilt in my original location and have been working from my new office since May 2012.
The tornado has definitely heightened our awareness of the importance of storm shelters, and I would say that there is not a residential or commercial building that does not have some type of storm shelter in its building plan. In addition, I feel many of the builders and planners are looking for ways to reinforce structures making them more secure in general.
There were approximately 600 families that were displaced and went into FEMA housing; at last count, all but 30 or fewer have relo- cated. We expect everyone to be out of FEMA housing by June 1. Thankfully, the govern- ment has played a considerable role in our re- building, both on the federal and local levels.
30 focus | MAR/APR 2013 | ISSUE 2
AS A CITY COUNCILMAN, DR. ROSENBERG has been intimately involved with rebuilding the city of Joplin, but too, experienced his own rebuilding process as he re-established his pediatric practice in its same location. His practice’s recognizable dolphin mascot sustained the tornado with a few minor dings, and has since been restored and is in its place of prominence in front of his new building.
Grants have been received for housing and roads. Every day we see the landscape in Joplin changing. We are enjoying a construction boom, but we really could not have come this far without the volun- teers. Whether they were our friends and neighbors, from surrounding communities or faraway places, the man hours these individuals have given to our city is astound- ing. Our gratitude is im- measurable. The volunteers are continuing to help, but the focus has shifted from cleaning up to rebuilding single family homes. We expect numerous volun- teers over spring break and throughout the summer. We are still 1,200 water meters short of the total meters before the tornado.
Sadly, although our future is looking bright and there
is excitement in seeing families enjoying their new homes, we cannot forget these changes came with a heavy price. The dev- astation and loss of lives has taken its toll on many people, and while we are rebuilding, we are remembering. We are fortunate to have an excellent mental health community, ready to help. Many cannot move forward without the memory of that day haunting them and will need the additional help and support for a long time to come.
I am excited to see our community returning to normal. The city has hired and partnered with a master developer, who will assist in bringing in new businesses. The city has sev-
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