WE REINVENTED THE BUSINESS TO
Michelle Davis, a sophomore at Clear Springs High School,
UTILIZE OUR SKILLS AND BE ABLE TO STILL PROVIDE FOR OUR FAMILIES. OF COURSE WE REMAINWILLING TO DO MASKS AS LONG AS NEEDED EVEN IF IT BECOMES A PERMANENT EXTENSION OF OUR BUSINESS.
Nicholas Davis, an eighth grader at Creekside Intermediate School, prints ear-relief straps for face masks.
initially made masks for her family, using design patterns she found online.
TERRI BOOSER, CO OWNER OF SUGAR & SPICE DRAPERY AND SHADES
PHOTO COURTESY SUGAR & SPICE DRAPERY AND SHADES
PHOTOS COURTESY CLEAR CREEK ISD
COMMUNITY
BY COLLEEN FERGUSON Residents come together around facemaskmaking
WHY SHOULD I WEAR A MASK?
Many coronavirus cases lack symptoms or develop symptoms later on in the diagnosis, so individuals might not know they have or are transmitting the disease.
“We reinvented the business to utilize our skills and be able to still provide for our families,” she said in a Facebook message. “Of course we remain willing to do masks as long as needed even if it becomes a perma- nent extension of our business.” After seeing increasing amounts of Facebook posts related to area mask shortages, Jane Sweeney decided to act as well. Initially, her goal was to make 100 masks. As of April 16, Sweeney said she and about 30 other workers have made well over 1,000. Sweeney owns Minuteman Press- Bay Area at 1040 Hercules Ave., Houston. People often drop masks o anonymously or even send them directly to medical facilities, so the number of mask-makers is likely higher than 30, Sweeney said. As Clear Creek ISD students enter their third calendar month of distance learning, two siblings are using some of their extra time in isolation to make masks and ear-relief straps. Michelle
Davis, a sophomore at Clear Springs High School, and Nicholas Davis, an eighth grader at Creekside Intermedi- ate School, are giving the free equip- ment to rst responders and hospital workers or selling them for $5 each, according to their mother, Maria Davis. Nicholas, who is interested in robot- ics and 3D printing, researched designs for mask ear-relief straps, which he prints himself. Michelle irons, pins and sews together the masks, which takes 10 to 15 minutes each, Maria said. So far, the two have made more than 60 masks and 150 straps. Nicholas donated around 30 straps to a Hous- ton-area re department in mid-April, Maria said. Michelle expressed pride in being able to help her neighbors. “It makes us feel very happy that we can help the people that help us because they risk their lives every day to keep our community safe and healthy,” she said in a district press release.
Bay Area residents of all ages are working to provide protective gear to essential workers, rst responders and community members amid the coronavirus pandemic. For Terri Booser, making, selling and donating masks is her family’s main source of income with her husband’s business on hold. Booser co-owns Sugar & Spice Drapery and Shades, which went from o ering customwin- dow treatment and soft furnishings to face mask production. The shop is aiming to help local businesses that are requiring employees to be masked, she said in a Facebook message. The business initially donated 300 masks, which were made with avail- able materials, but they improved the design to o er a better-quality item, Booser said. The shop’s team decided to invest in necessary mask-making supplies to ensure consistency and quality in the event of future supply shortages, she added.
DO
Cover your mouth and nose in public even if you are not experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or interacting with someone who is experiencing symptoms. Wash masks in hot water before the rst use and between uses. Replace masks when they get damp.
DON'T
Use surgical masks or N-95 respirators, as these critical supplies should be reserved for health care professionals. Ignore calls for social distancing of 6 feet between persons. Forget to wash hands frequently as well as before putting on a mask.
SOURCES: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, HARRIS COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH COMMUNITY IMPACT NEWSPAPER
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BAY AREA EDITION • MAY 2020
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