Click below for Massachusetts Dept. of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) list of resources that can support students and families while schools are closed. This list is not comprehensive, and the DESE does not endorse these products.
From owner Karen Jolin: “If you have the time & materials, there is a need for masks…I’ve been in contact with the Regional Emergency Management Team here in Berkshire County (representing 8 local communities) as well as a representative from BMC (Berkshire Medical Center)… Karen’s Quilting Corner, my store on rt. 7, is currently closed but there will be two plastic containers outside our front door for those who want to drop off any masks. We will get them to where they need to go.”
Personal Use Masks:
Here are some patterns that people are using for masks. These patterns are for “non-medical” or personal use and will be distributed to non-profit(food banks) and other agencies through the Regional Emergency Management Team. This will help to prevent the spreading of germs but cotton does not keep the virus from spreading.
Suggestions on materials:
Please use a high quality 100% cotton. Batiks have a tighter weave. Some people are suggesting flannel for the fabric close to the face. You can also use a lightweight interfacing between the layers. Please prewash fabric.
Local Drop Off points:
For local people, we are currently closed but will put a two plastic containers outside our front door for those who want to drop off any masks. We will get them to where they need to go.
You might also google other patterns and youtube videos. There are patterns for both adults and children:
https://www.sewcanshe.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
https://freesewing.org/blog/
PDF (printable)
https://courierpressblogs.com/
Medical Use Masks:
This is information from Berkshire Medical Center for masks that can be made to be used with the N95 filters (includes a tutorial)
Two drop points for these masks are at BMC and Berkshire Outfitters.
Please stay safe and healthy!
Your friends at Karen’s Quilting
From the W’town Council on Aging: If you’re driving over, use Mission Drive & circle around behind the church, stay in line, do not exit your car. Volunteers will ask for your list, completed packages will be left on the table for drive by pick up.
Walkers should go to the front of the line. At no time will anyone be allowed into the building!
The W’town Food Pantry is not able to accept any new volunteers at the moment. Thank you.
The MA Department of Public Health is also issuing a “stay-at-home” advisory, which will also be in effect until April 7, Baker said. “Everyone is advised to stay home and limit all unnecessary activities…The people of Massachusetts are meeting this challenge exactly the way we would expect — with determination, cool heads, and a selfless sense of community,” Baker said.
He said that while areas like public parks will remain open for exercise, there should be no touch football games or similar activities that involve close person-to-person contact.
Essential businesses include grocery stores, pharmacies, medical facilities and gas stations. He said the order closing non-essential businesses would primarily be enforced “at the local level.”
MG Superintendent Kim Grady steers families to the Instructional Continuity Learning Plan on wlschools.org
While schools are closed, Superintendent Kim Grady urges students & families to visit this link: “Digital Learning Resources for MGRSD Students & Families.”
