Montereau Mask Makers are Making a Difference
Courtesy NANCY MOORE
Montereau Retirement Community
ARTFUL DESIGNERS: Enjoying their designing of masks at Montereau are, from left, Nancy Steiner, Diana Hepner and Marlys Dow.
Even before Tulsa passed the requirement for face coverings in public, the Montereau Retirement Community made this habit an everyday practice – in large part thanks to a group of impactful residents, dubbed the “Montereau Mask Makers,” who are working to ensure that everyone at Montereau does their part to stop the spread of this virus.
Pivoting in times of Covid has been an essential practice for businesses as well as organizations. One group that has pivoted during this time are the Knocker Knitters. This group typically knits breast forms for cancer patients. However, during quarantine and in the months following, the group has taken on a new focus – making masks.
The idea to make masks was born when Montereau resident, Nancy Stainer, learned about a need her niece’s friend had for masks. That friend is a nurse at Hillcrest Medical Center. Immediately, Stainer went to work filling that need. She initially made 25 and donated them to Hillcrest, which was able to give them to other first responders. Since then, the mask making has continued and grown. To date, the Montereau Mask Makers have created 1,900 masks for Montereau residents, employees and beyond.
Stainer’s heart for service was developed at a young age and has continued throughout her life. She is always looking to better the lives of others saying, “We are all in this together. The more we can do to keep everyone safe, the better.”
Call to Action: The Montereau Mask Makers are accepting donations of cotton fabric and interfacing. Persons interested in donating can contact Nancy Moore at nmoore@montereau.net.
About Montereau
Founded in 2003 by The William K. Warren Foundation, Montereau, located at 6800 S. Granite Ave. in Tulsa, was designed for Tulsa seniors to continue to live an active lifestyle that represents their values, spirit and style. The community has earned a reputation for raising the bar for Life Plan communities, formerly Continuing Care Retirement Communities. Montereau is a warm, welcoming community that takes pride in providing its residents a plan for the future, in a secure environment, along with a worry-free lifestyle.
