Local Woman Makes Masks For COVID-19 Struggles
By Doug La Rocque
Bea Masterson has enjoyed working in her craft room for about as long as she can recall, and spends a lot of her time there now that she is retired. In early March, when the coronavirus first started to be felt in New York State, she, like all of us, heard Governor Andrew Cuomo lamenting the lack of personal protective equipment, including masks and face shields. Her first thought – I can help with this. She already had boxes and boxes of material to use, the result of years of picking through yard sales.
She found the pattern, ordered the elastic, and was soon in the business of making masks for nursing homes, children, and just about anybody who needs them for their own protection and those health care workers on the front line.
So far she has sent out 227 masks, with much more in production. She has also crafted 43 face shields and is looking into making gowns as well.
Our heartfelt thanks to Bea, and all those who are helping to keep us safe during this pandemic,the likes of which we have not seen in more than one hundred years.