The Coshocton County Beacon June 3, 2020 | Page 3

June 3, 2020 The Beacon • 3 Drive-through parade held to thank people who made masks By Jen Jones When the pandemic began, personal protective equipment quickly became nearly impossible to find. Mercantile on Main and Rose of Sharon Retreat reached out to local seamstresses, asking if they could make a few masks. The response has been amazing. “When it started, we didn’t care about how many. We just wanted to get masks made and out to the people who needed them. We couldn’t keep an accurate count,” Vickie Davis from the Rose of Sharon Retreat said. “People were dropping off completed masks, and they were being picked up right away. But I know that two different families made over 2,000 masks each. I’m sure that more than 10,000 masks were made and donated locally.” A drive-through parade was a way for them to thank the countless people who made masks for local agencies such as Coshocton County Board of DD, Coshocton Regional Medical Center, Interim Health, Echoing Hills, RHDD and the Senior Center. Submitted A drive-through parade was held to thank the countless people who made masks for local agencies such as the Coshocton County Board of DD, Coshocton Regional Medical Center, Interim Health, Echoing Hills, RHDD and the Senior Center. “Representatives from many of the agencies that were helped were here to applaud everyone who helped,” Davis said. “Some of them brought a small token, like candy, to pass out. We had to do the drivethrough to maintain social distancing.” Mercantile on Main and Rose of Sharon also had small thank you gifts to be handed out. Davis said she was amazed by the outpouring of help. “I know of families who made this a family project. Men were cutting out material or piecing masks together. It’s just amazing to me, and it is a huge testament to the people who live in Coshocton. When they see a need, they fill it. It’s just phenomenal how this happened,” she said. Davis said they started by putting the request for masks on their Facebook page, then reached out to The Beacon, WTNS Salute to CHS 2020 grads Jen Jones Lacey Richcreek, a senior at Coshocton High School, waves to the crowd as she participates in the CHS Senior Parade on May 22. The parade, led by sheriff’s deputies and a city fire truck, began at Coshocton High School and ended at Stewart Field. Crowds holding signs and balloons cheered for the seniors as they traveled through town. and other media outlooks. Once the word spread, masks were quickly dropped off. “We really wanted to help make sure those who really needed the masks had them, like shut-ins or senior citizens — people that really need our care and protection,” Davis said. Davis said masks are still being made. “Some are being dropped off at the hospital, and patients can choose one when they enter or leave the hospital. The hospital has plenty for its staff — these are for the patients,” she said. Davis appreciates everything the community has done to help. “Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough to say for all the community has done. We hope this parade shows how much we really appreciate this selfless group of people,” she said. CONGRATULATIONS TO SPENCER McCREA Spencer graduated May 9, 2020 from Kent State University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree - College of Communications and Information/Interpersonal Communications. While at Kent State Spencer was a Flashguide, Excel Mentor - promoted to Senior Excel Mentor, Senator for University College through Undergraduate Student Government, Internship with Career Exploration and Development, taught a Peer Leadership Training Course, Resident Assistant, University College Student Advisory Council, Conference Assistant, Dean’s List, Leadership Excellence Award - 2019, Residence Services Awards, and was employed by KSU all four years. Spencer was selected Student Leader of the month for March 2020 by the Center of Student Involvement, initiated and successfully implemented the approval of a graduation cord with the Dean of University College for Exploratory majors beginning with Spring 2020 commencement and continuing for the future. For the Fall of 2020, Spencer has received a Hall Director Assistantship from the University at Buffalo as he pursues his Masters Degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs Administration. So proud of all your accomplishments!! We love you!! BF-00481148 FAMILY FISH FRY Open to the Public Fri., June 12 • 6pm-7:30pm Adults $10 • Children $8 COSHOCTON ELKS 434 Chestnut St. • Coshocton Mama, “D”, Sissy, Jason, Sydney, Crosby, Caine, Kate, Austin and Katie, Pap and Debbie, Jennifer, Annie and Buddy BF-00481602