FABLab makes protective equipment. Plus, four more positive stories from Middle GA

During the coronavirus pandemic, Middle Georgia has witnessed several members of its community step up to help out in any way they can, and it is also nice to be reminded that good things are still happening in the community.

Organizations are making face shields and masks, and students are honored for their academic achievements.

Here is a list of the positive stories that have happened in Middle Georgia.

FABLab makes protective equipment for healthcare workers

Volunteers at the FireStarter FABLab, a community maker’s space at the Houston County Career Academy, are creating protective equipment for healthcare workers during the coronavirus outbreak, according to a news release.

They are making face shields, tension strips, “S” hooks and other equipment. In just one week, the team has produced more than 3,000 items, including 135 face shields, according to the release.

“We are committed to doing anything we can to help make a difference in the safety and comfort of our healthcare professionals. The monumental way they are fighting COVID-19 by caring for their patients is extraordinary and at their own personal sacrifice. We are pleased to provide this facility and play a small part in this community effort to support our nurses, doctors and other medical professionals who are on the front lines,” said Mark Scott, superintendent of schools for the Houston County School District.

478 SINGS United launches its first bracket

Mercer University Athletics, the United Way, Visit Macon and 100.9 The Creek are giving musicians the chance to compete for $2,500, record a track at Capricorn Studios and perform in the 2020 Ford Mercer Concert Series in the first-ever 478 SINGS United event, according to a Telegraph article.

The virtual singing competition will raise money for those impacted by COVID-19, and local bands and musicians will be able to compete in a virtual tournament.

“At a time when our lives have all been disrupted by this pandemic, we’ve all had to make a lot of adjustments to our normal daily lives,” George McCanless, president and CEO of United Way of Central Georgia, said in the release. “We hope the event inspires some fun and friendly competition, all while lifting spirits and raising funds for people who need help during this stressful time.”

The first round of voting ended April 23, but the competition has several more brackets. Visit its Facebook page to view the performers and choose who you want to vote for.

Robins Air Force Base helps in fight against coronavirus

Different groups within Robins Air Force Base are working to help produce masks to protect medical professionals as they are fighting the coronavirus outbreak.

Military spouses and their families are putting their sewing skills to work to create cloth face coverings, according to a news release.

One of the spouses, Brandy Seifert, said the 36 people who are producing masks are making around 875 per week. The group called the Robins Mask Makers have produced more than 5,000 masks, according to the release.

“Many spouses have stepped up and are using our sewing skills to protect not only our guys at home, but also our members on deployment.” said Heather Lawrence, a member of the group.

Robins’ Fabric and Foam Shop is working to produce masks for base workers as well while also continuing its mission to produce parachutes, cargo blankets and fabric components for aircraft, according to a news release.

Bobby Jones, first line supervisor for the Fabric and Foam Shop under the 402nd Commodities Maintenance Squadron’s Repair Flight, said the coronavirus outbreak has presented a new challenge for his shop, which is a part of the 572nd Commodities Maintenance Squadron with the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex at Robins Air Force Base.

“We had to figure out how to protect not only ourselves, but also how to protect Robins as a whole,” he said, in the release. “We have 10 people in our shop. About half of them are working on the masks while the others are focusing on our shop’s main mission.”

The shop has produced more than 500 masks since they started in mid-April.

“It amazes me how well our shop is performing under pressure and meeting the challenge of their mission on top of providing valuable personal protective equipment for Robins during this pandemic,” he said, in the release. “They’ve worked tirelessly to make sure the heart of our mission – the people – are taken care of while they are taking care of the warfighter.”

Middle Georgia State University professor named Governor’s Teaching Fellow

Andre Nicholson, associate professor of new media and communications at Middle Georgia State University, was selected as one of 18 faculty memebers chosen from across the state to be a 2020 Governor’s Teaching Fellow, according to a news release.

The program was established in 1995 by Zell Member to offer an opportunity for Georgia’s higher education faculty to develop important teaching skills and help faculty members stay up-to-date on current technologies that can assist them in teaching, according to the release.

Mercer faculty and students make outstanding achievements

Mercer University had several members of its faculty and student body get recognized for their academic achievements this week.

Here is a list of the awards and scholarships they received.

• Charlotte Thomas, a professor of philosophy, was named the recipient of the Joe and Jean Hendricks Excellence in Teaching Award which is usually presented at Mercer’s commencement ceremony in Macon. The award recognizes professors who exemplify extraordinary abilities to teach, mentor and lead their students, according to a news release.

• Vicki Luther, associate professor of education in Mercer’s Tift College of Education, was selected as a 2020 Governor’s Teaching Fellow, a program established by the late Zell Miller to provide Georgia’s higher education faculty the opportunity to develop important teaching skills, according to a news release.