Quad-Cities’ Mask Makers Stepping Up
In the face of a shortage of masks and a greater need than ever for people to have the face-coverings, a number of Quad-Citians have stepped up to help make homemade masks for everyday folks in the Quads. A lot of these masks have gone out to whomever has come forward to claim them, whether workers in essential industries from restaurant and grocery workers to delivery drivers, or just everyday citizens.
One of the first people I noticed making masks was Maria Dickmann, alderperson for the second ward in Davenport. Maria has made over 1,000 masks now, in a variety of styles and looks, always just leaving them on her front porch for anyone in need to pick up.
She’s taken some requests from folks, but mostly it’s just been completely anonymous, with Maria leaving the masks outside in a bag and people coming by her home in Northwest Davenport to pick them up. It’s really quite admirable, doing this great service for just about anyone, without any reciprocation or even usually thanks in return.
When people talk about politicians being public servants, very few live up to that oft-used moniker. Maria Dickmann is one person who does. You can hear her talking about her vocation in the latest episode of my podcast, QCUncut, here.
In addition to Maria, one of the other biggest mask makers has been a local theater, Quad City Music Guild, led by costume-makers Cathy Marsoun, Sarah Lounsberry, Angela Baker Stark and Nicole Manasco. The group started sewing a few weeks back and have hit over 800 masks at this point!
It’s some fantastic work and amazing altruism from the Quad-Cities community to pitch in and help during this difficult time!
